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The Greektown Stories #1
The Greeks of Beaubien Street
Warning: this novel contains a graphic depiction of rape.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is the first book in The Greektown Trilogy.
The Princess of Greektown continues the story.
Nestled below the skyline of Detroit you'll find Greektown, a few short blocks of colorful bliss, warm people and Greek food. In spite of growing up immersed in the safety of her family and their rich culture, Jill Zannos doesn't fit in. A Detroit homicide detective, she manages to keep one foot planted firmly in the traditions started by her grandparents, while the other navigates
the most devastated neighborhoods in the city she can't help but love. She is a no nonsense workaholic with no girlfriends, an odd boyfriend who refuses to grow up, and an uncanny intuition, inherited from her mystic grandmother that acts as her secret weapon to crime solving success. Her story winds around tales of her family and their secret laden history, while she investigates the most despicable murder of her career.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is a modern tale of a family grounded in old world, sometimes archaic, tradition as they seek acceptance in American society. They could be any nationality, but they are Greek.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is the first book in The Greektown Trilogy.
The Princess of Greektown continues the story.
Nestled below the skyline of Detroit you'll find Greektown, a few short blocks of colorful bliss, warm people and Greek food. In spite of growing up immersed in the safety of her family and their rich culture, Jill Zannos doesn't fit in. A Detroit homicide detective, she manages to keep one foot planted firmly in the traditions started by her grandparents, while the other navigates
the most devastated neighborhoods in the city she can't help but love. She is a no nonsense workaholic with no girlfriends, an odd boyfriend who refuses to grow up, and an uncanny intuition, inherited from her mystic grandmother that acts as her secret weapon to crime solving success. Her story winds around tales of her family and their secret laden history, while she investigates the most despicable murder of her career.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is a modern tale of a family grounded in old world, sometimes archaic, tradition as they seek acceptance in American society. They could be any nationality, but they are Greek.
370 pages, ebook
First published August 30, 2012
557 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Jenkins
259 books364 followersSuzanne Jenkins lives at the west Michigan lakeshore. She is the author of Pam of Babylon and the series; Don’t You Forget About Me,Dream Lover, Prayers for the Dying, Family Dynamics and The Tao of Pam. The Greeks of Beaubien Street,and The Princess of Greektown from the Greektown Stories, Alice's Summertime Adventure, The Savant of Chelsea and Someone Like You.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 18, 2012
Detroit detective Jill Zannos finds herself assigned to a disturbing murder investigation that unfolds throughout this novel. Jill's close Greek family and their secrets unfold as well. Gus Zannos, Jill's father, owns a Greek market known for it's homemade specialties. Every morning, Jill visits her Dad's establishment for coffee and breakfast and Gus has a bagged lunch ready for his daughter to take to work. Jill's mother, Christina, died when Jill was eight years old so Jill's bond with her father is very strong. Jill's brother Christopher is mentally challenged and has been institutionalized since his infancy. Christina Zannos perished in a motor vehicle accident on her way home after visiting her son.
Gretchen Parker, a 26 year old beauty still living at home with her parents, is the murder victim in this story. She had gone out on a date Friday evening with her boyfriend Mike and did not return home at her 11:00 pm curfew. Jacob Parker, a retired police officer, called in a missing person report and began searching for his daughter. Marianne Parker joined her husband in the search, hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst. Gretchen had never broken curfew--where could she possibly be? Gretchen's nude body was found in an alley behind a hotel on Monday. She had been sexually assaulted and then shot to death.
Jill and her partner, Albert Wong begin their investigation. Interviews are held with the victim's parents, boyfriend, and co-workers. Employees of the hotel near where the body was dumped are also interviewed. Jill possesses a psychic intuition that serves as an extra sensory power during crime investigations. She has a very bad feeling about this victim and the circumstances leading to her brutal murder.
Family secrets abound and come to light from the victim's murder investigation, as well as Jill Zannos' extended Greek family. Jill's long-term relationship with her boyfriend Alex is another facet to this story, but for now, the captivating murder investigation will keep the pages turning, as well as the Zannos family drama. I anxiously await the sequel!
Gretchen Parker, a 26 year old beauty still living at home with her parents, is the murder victim in this story. She had gone out on a date Friday evening with her boyfriend Mike and did not return home at her 11:00 pm curfew. Jacob Parker, a retired police officer, called in a missing person report and began searching for his daughter. Marianne Parker joined her husband in the search, hoping for the best, yet fearing the worst. Gretchen had never broken curfew--where could she possibly be? Gretchen's nude body was found in an alley behind a hotel on Monday. She had been sexually assaulted and then shot to death.
Jill and her partner, Albert Wong begin their investigation. Interviews are held with the victim's parents, boyfriend, and co-workers. Employees of the hotel near where the body was dumped are also interviewed. Jill possesses a psychic intuition that serves as an extra sensory power during crime investigations. She has a very bad feeling about this victim and the circumstances leading to her brutal murder.
Family secrets abound and come to light from the victim's murder investigation, as well as Jill Zannos' extended Greek family. Jill's long-term relationship with her boyfriend Alex is another facet to this story, but for now, the captivating murder investigation will keep the pages turning, as well as the Zannos family drama. I anxiously await the sequel!
July 25, 2012
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is impossible to place in any specific genre. It's a mystery, but definitely not a cozy, much more dark. It's a cop procedural. It's a family drama. It even just ever so slightly touches on chick-lit because of the strong female protagonist and her psychic abilities, but then, not really. Do I sound a little confused? Maybe I am when it comes to a label for this book, but I am NOT confused about how good a read it is.
This book is great. It's great in the kept-me-up-until-2:00AM way. It's great in the I-didn't-want-to-read-too-fast-because-then-it'd-be-finished way. It's great in the wow-I-sure-hope-this-is-going-to-be-a-series way.
The central character is Detective Jill Zannos of the Detroit Police Homicide Division. Jill is investigating the brutal rape and murder of a beautiful young suburbanite whose body was dumped in a downtown Detroit alley. The reader meets Jill's family, boyfriend, and colleagues and gets a glimpse into the life of old Greektown, all the while the plot is moving toward a horrific conclusion. As the rapist and killer are revealed (SPOILER--no, they're not the same person), most readers will be thinking, "Oh, please no, it just can't be!"
Suzanne Jenkins' style is to write from a compelling third person omniscient point of view which allows us to creep into the minds of all the characters. I'm just not sure we want to. But I am sure we'll all want the next book.
This book is great. It's great in the kept-me-up-until-2:00AM way. It's great in the I-didn't-want-to-read-too-fast-because-then-it'd-be-finished way. It's great in the wow-I-sure-hope-this-is-going-to-be-a-series way.
The central character is Detective Jill Zannos of the Detroit Police Homicide Division. Jill is investigating the brutal rape and murder of a beautiful young suburbanite whose body was dumped in a downtown Detroit alley. The reader meets Jill's family, boyfriend, and colleagues and gets a glimpse into the life of old Greektown, all the while the plot is moving toward a horrific conclusion. As the rapist and killer are revealed (SPOILER--no, they're not the same person), most readers will be thinking, "Oh, please no, it just can't be!"
Suzanne Jenkins' style is to write from a compelling third person omniscient point of view which allows us to creep into the minds of all the characters. I'm just not sure we want to. But I am sure we'll all want the next book.
July 15, 2012
First off let me send Suzanne Jenkins a huge (HUG) for letting me read an advanced copy! I loved this book from the moment I started the first chapter. This book is different than Pam of Babylon's series and I think even better. I loved the main Character Detective Jill Zannos and I really enjoyed a look into Jill's family history as the story is laid out. Suzanne did her home work :)
Without giving too much away or any spoilers, The crime has a twist that I wasn't expecting, very much a shocker and I loved it! It is a bit explicit on the crime it's self and where it takes you but AGAIN as with the Pam of Babylon series, if you can't handle reality then the book may not be for you. This book is about real life and the crimes people commit against each other. I worked law enforcement for 6 years and for every time I hear a person say "Oh I want work like they do on CSI!" Yeah think again because if you can't handle reading about it, you are not going to make the cut to be a CSI. Lot's of secrets to uncover in this book--best part of a book is wanting to know why right?!
I can't wait for the next book in the series. One word "BRAVO!"
Without giving too much away or any spoilers, The crime has a twist that I wasn't expecting, very much a shocker and I loved it! It is a bit explicit on the crime it's self and where it takes you but AGAIN as with the Pam of Babylon series, if you can't handle reality then the book may not be for you. This book is about real life and the crimes people commit against each other. I worked law enforcement for 6 years and for every time I hear a person say "Oh I want work like they do on CSI!" Yeah think again because if you can't handle reading about it, you are not going to make the cut to be a CSI. Lot's of secrets to uncover in this book--best part of a book is wanting to know why right?!
I can't wait for the next book in the series. One word "BRAVO!"
February 5, 2013
I can't say enough good things about Suzanne Jenkins', The Greeks of Beaubien Street. This book is an adorable look into a multi-generational Greek-American family based in Detroit, specifically, Greek town, centered around the main character, Jill, a city homicide detective. My favorite theme in this book is the locality. Jenkins does an amazing job describing the culture, area, and characters that convince the readers they could drive to the streets and buildings referenced throughout the story and knock on a door only to find Jill's beloved father, Gus, greeting them with a warm sandwich to replenish them after their long drive. I believe anyone reading this book will come away with a sense of the Detroit area that includes local pride, history, and depth.
While this book is a detective story that includes a well-written murder investigation, more-so it is an investigation into the life of a dedicated local woman with strong roots to the community and even stronger ties to her large, deeply cultural family. I enjoyed Jill's volley between work and family. At times she uses work as an escape from the rigors of her family traditions that demand her to be a proper Greek girl who seeks marriage and children, while, at others, she breaks from work responsibilities to eat with her father surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells of childhood in his food shop and reminisce about days and times gone by.
Jill's character offers many delightful sides, but one in particular grabs at a different sense, the psychic one. As Jill investigates her murder case, she reveals a certain prescience into the life of the victim and those involved in the case surrounding the victim. While her gift is not specific nor controllable, Jill does use it to guide her investigations with an insight an precision her peers cannot match. Her reputation as a just detective has granted her a level of elasticity in using this sense with the other investigators along with her superiors in the police department. Her family also accepts her career choice and recognizes her need to practice her gift while giving back to the community and culture that has embraced her people with a totality and ferocity that only Detroiters can manage.
I think this book is a great read for adult and mature teen readers who enjoy a book with interchangeable story lines, heart-warming characters and imaginative settings. I look forward to reading more from Suzanne Jenkins and give The Greeks of Beaubien Street.
Nikki M
free book given for a free review. Come check out juliesbookreview.blogspot.com were book lovers come together and find new stories to love
While this book is a detective story that includes a well-written murder investigation, more-so it is an investigation into the life of a dedicated local woman with strong roots to the community and even stronger ties to her large, deeply cultural family. I enjoyed Jill's volley between work and family. At times she uses work as an escape from the rigors of her family traditions that demand her to be a proper Greek girl who seeks marriage and children, while, at others, she breaks from work responsibilities to eat with her father surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells of childhood in his food shop and reminisce about days and times gone by.
Jill's character offers many delightful sides, but one in particular grabs at a different sense, the psychic one. As Jill investigates her murder case, she reveals a certain prescience into the life of the victim and those involved in the case surrounding the victim. While her gift is not specific nor controllable, Jill does use it to guide her investigations with an insight an precision her peers cannot match. Her reputation as a just detective has granted her a level of elasticity in using this sense with the other investigators along with her superiors in the police department. Her family also accepts her career choice and recognizes her need to practice her gift while giving back to the community and culture that has embraced her people with a totality and ferocity that only Detroiters can manage.
I think this book is a great read for adult and mature teen readers who enjoy a book with interchangeable story lines, heart-warming characters and imaginative settings. I look forward to reading more from Suzanne Jenkins and give The Greeks of Beaubien Street.
Nikki M
free book given for a free review. Come check out juliesbookreview.blogspot.com were book lovers come together and find new stories to love
February 14, 2013
I finished this book quite quickly wanting to find out the who done its. Also what is going on in this close knit Greek family!
Jill Zannos is a Police Detective with an additional gift, she has gifted intuition! She is also in a long term relationship with an rather odd boyfriend. You wonder if there is any future for them?
Now Jill's Dad can come and live with me...how he loves his daughter. The food he makes her...he cooks her breakfast and dinner every day. All I can say is YUM!! We also become deeply involved with her Greek roots...who likes who and who doesn't. While we are learning about her family we are also with her as she goes about her job.
Her new case is very disturbing...a beautiful 26 year old woman is found murdered. Her family is also very distraught, as one might expect. Eyes seem to focus on her boyfriend....and then take another turn. No can never ever imagine what this girl has faced.
There has to be another book in this story...please. I need to know more. When we leave this book, things are looking pretty bleak in the Zannos family, and Jill needs a R & R from her job.
Ms Jenkins has written a compelling read, and if you enjoy mysteries, this one is going to keep your interest up!
I received this book from the Author, and Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Jill Zannos is a Police Detective with an additional gift, she has gifted intuition! She is also in a long term relationship with an rather odd boyfriend. You wonder if there is any future for them?
Now Jill's Dad can come and live with me...how he loves his daughter. The food he makes her...he cooks her breakfast and dinner every day. All I can say is YUM!! We also become deeply involved with her Greek roots...who likes who and who doesn't. While we are learning about her family we are also with her as she goes about her job.
Her new case is very disturbing...a beautiful 26 year old woman is found murdered. Her family is also very distraught, as one might expect. Eyes seem to focus on her boyfriend....and then take another turn. No can never ever imagine what this girl has faced.
There has to be another book in this story...please. I need to know more. When we leave this book, things are looking pretty bleak in the Zannos family, and Jill needs a R & R from her job.
Ms Jenkins has written a compelling read, and if you enjoy mysteries, this one is going to keep your interest up!
I received this book from the Author, and Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
May 5, 2013
This book was an unexpected pleasure...with the emphasis on unexpected. Don't be fooled by the colorful chick-lit looking cover, half of this book's plot revolves around a murder, and the graphic description of what happened to the victim before she was killed took even me aback. Because WHOA she went there. This is definitely not a neat-and-tidy murder mystery.
The other half of the plot involves the close-knit (kinda) Zannos family, holdouts in Greektown. Completely aside from the Greek family aspect, this part of the book reminded me a little of Middlesex, with each branch of the family getting their own spotlight for a bit, letting us peek behind the curtains of their supposedly-perfect lives. Unfortunately since almost every family's story it wasn't really a big surprise when
I always enjoy reading books set in/around Detroit, and although I nabbed this one for free on Amazon, I'll definitely pay to read the sequel.
The other half of the plot involves the close-knit (kinda) Zannos family, holdouts in Greektown. Completely aside from the Greek family aspect, this part of the book reminded me a little of Middlesex, with each branch of the family getting their own spotlight for a bit, letting us peek behind the curtains of their supposedly-perfect lives. Unfortunately since almost every family's story it wasn't really a big surprise when
I always enjoy reading books set in/around Detroit, and although I nabbed this one for free on Amazon, I'll definitely pay to read the sequel.
March 7, 2013
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is part murder mystery and part family drama. Jill Zannos is a police officer who with her partner Albert investigates the murder of a young girl. As the investigation progresses we find that there is some really strange family dynamics going on in the murdered girls family.
We also get to meet the large Zannos family and learn a bit about the Greek culture. Definitely a character driven story about how vulnerable people can be and the secrets that are kept within a family. The book held my attention throughout and the author did a great job with all the characters and their individual stories. I hope to read more by this author.
We also get to meet the large Zannos family and learn a bit about the Greek culture. Definitely a character driven story about how vulnerable people can be and the secrets that are kept within a family. The book held my attention throughout and the author did a great job with all the characters and their individual stories. I hope to read more by this author.
July 20, 2012
I have read the Pam of Babylon books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I didn't exactly know what to expect with The Greeks of Beaubien Street. All I can say is WOW! The characters are so believeable, the story-line fantastic, and I couldn't put the book down! It was a page turner from the start to the finish. First, a whodunit for a heinous crime. But deeper, the twists and turns of the Zannos family of Beaubien Street. It was a glimpse into the private (and somewhat dysfunctional) lives that could really be anyone's family. Now I will patiently wait for the next one...
October 15, 2018
The Greeks of Beaubien Street - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The eponymous street houses Gus Zannos' grocery store, where his Detroit detective daughter Jill still comes for breakfast every day. Her career is going well and she has an added edge in solving crimes - the enhanced intuition passed through the generations of her dysfunctional family.
Then a gruesome rape and murder sets her working life balance awry and then another death comes close to home.
Book one of the Detroit Detectives Series, The Greeks of Beaubien Street covers a multitude of genres, not least of which is the Zannos family saga. The murders take second place; although providing a focus from the start they seem to fade into the background a little as family secrets come to the fore.
Definitely for an 18+ readership due to gritty adult themes, this new literary pathway will only enhance the fabulous Suzanne Jenkins' repertoire as a great modern author. Visit Greektown today!
The eponymous street houses Gus Zannos' grocery store, where his Detroit detective daughter Jill still comes for breakfast every day. Her career is going well and she has an added edge in solving crimes - the enhanced intuition passed through the generations of her dysfunctional family.
Then a gruesome rape and murder sets her working life balance awry and then another death comes close to home.
Book one of the Detroit Detectives Series, The Greeks of Beaubien Street covers a multitude of genres, not least of which is the Zannos family saga. The murders take second place; although providing a focus from the start they seem to fade into the background a little as family secrets come to the fore.
Definitely for an 18+ readership due to gritty adult themes, this new literary pathway will only enhance the fabulous Suzanne Jenkins' repertoire as a great modern author. Visit Greektown today!
February 15, 2013
Just when I thought author Suzanne Jenkins couldn't top her awesome Pam of Babylon series, she comes back strong with a new gritty no-nonsense murder mystery suspense thriller of a series called The Greektown Trilogy that will curl her readers' toes! In the first book of the series, The Greeks of Beaubien Street, the author introduces her readers to Detroit homicide detective Jill Zannos and her beloved Greek family who live in the Detroit neighborhood of Greektown. The story alternates between a disturbing rape/murder investigation of a retired police officer's twenty-six year old daughter; and tales of the Zannos family's Greek traditions and secrets that abound in the Greektown neighborhood of Beaubien Street.
This riveting and graphic whodunit and glimpse into the Zannos family history is a gripping page turner that will captivate the reader's attention. Full of dramatic and suspenseful twists and turns, the reader will be kept guessing what will happen next in both the murder investigation and the Zannos family drama as the story unfolds. Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves a tale that allows the reader to get a glimpse into the minds of each of the intriguing cast of characters. There isn't enough words to describe the creepiness of some of the characters, believe me when I say that the author sure does know how to create a fascinating cast of characters, who leap off the pages with their intriguing dialogues and interactions. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the richly detailed description of the setting in this book. The author's personal familiarity of growing up in a Greek household in the suburbs of Detroit allows her to transport the readers to the Greektown neighborhood and Beaubien Street where the Zannos family resides. I loved her description of the tight knit Greek community and their cultural traditions. I could close my eyes and visualize the neighborhood sights and sounds, especially Jill's father Gus' grocery store, their family home, and the Detroit streets that Jill cruises in her line of duty.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is a compelling first book in The Greektown Trilogy series. This multi-layered tale of a gritty murder investigation and intriguing Zannos family drama will captivate you from beginning, while leaving you with a cliff hanger of an ending and wanting more ... only to make you wait for the continuation of the story in the second book in the series, The Princess of Greektown, which will be published in the Summer of 2013. Kudos Suzanne, you got me hooked on another one of your series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
This riveting and graphic whodunit and glimpse into the Zannos family history is a gripping page turner that will captivate the reader's attention. Full of dramatic and suspenseful twists and turns, the reader will be kept guessing what will happen next in both the murder investigation and the Zannos family drama as the story unfolds. Written in the third person narrative, the author weaves a tale that allows the reader to get a glimpse into the minds of each of the intriguing cast of characters. There isn't enough words to describe the creepiness of some of the characters, believe me when I say that the author sure does know how to create a fascinating cast of characters, who leap off the pages with their intriguing dialogues and interactions. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the richly detailed description of the setting in this book. The author's personal familiarity of growing up in a Greek household in the suburbs of Detroit allows her to transport the readers to the Greektown neighborhood and Beaubien Street where the Zannos family resides. I loved her description of the tight knit Greek community and their cultural traditions. I could close my eyes and visualize the neighborhood sights and sounds, especially Jill's father Gus' grocery store, their family home, and the Detroit streets that Jill cruises in her line of duty.
The Greeks of Beaubien Street is a compelling first book in The Greektown Trilogy series. This multi-layered tale of a gritty murder investigation and intriguing Zannos family drama will captivate you from beginning, while leaving you with a cliff hanger of an ending and wanting more ... only to make you wait for the continuation of the story in the second book in the series, The Princess of Greektown, which will be published in the Summer of 2013. Kudos Suzanne, you got me hooked on another one of your series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Pump Up Your Book! Virtual Book Publicity Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 18, 2013
Another book to fall in love with....WELL DONE SUZANNE!!!!!
Driving right in with a murder...what a way to start off!
I enjoyed how as you read you got to learn all about Jill Zannos and her fabulous family. She is very interesting. From how she grew up to how she manages her crime solving skills.
The whole story how it goes back and forth between the murder case and Jill's family make's this book one hard read to put down. On one hand you want to see how and why that poor girl met her end and then on the other you want to hear more about the family.
It all has some crazy twists...but of course NO ONE'S family is perfect.
Case in point, the Parkers...Wholly Boogers!!!
Talk about one messed up, out of wacked, totally insane family!!!
You'd think Jill's family stories would balance them out....but heck I wasn't even foreseeing Dana's demise!!!
After reading this you feel like you are apart of the Greeks of Beaubien Street....You're one of the huge family.
PS~ Gus can come cook for me any day :0)
Driving right in with a murder...what a way to start off!
I enjoyed how as you read you got to learn all about Jill Zannos and her fabulous family. She is very interesting. From how she grew up to how she manages her crime solving skills.
The whole story how it goes back and forth between the murder case and Jill's family make's this book one hard read to put down. On one hand you want to see how and why that poor girl met her end and then on the other you want to hear more about the family.
It all has some crazy twists...but of course NO ONE'S family is perfect.
Case in point, the Parkers...Wholly Boogers!!!
Talk about one messed up, out of wacked, totally insane family!!!
You'd think Jill's family stories would balance them out....but heck I wasn't even foreseeing Dana's demise!!!
After reading this you feel like you are apart of the Greeks of Beaubien Street....You're one of the huge family.
PS~ Gus can come cook for me any day :0)
May 14, 2013
I'm not saying this book was bad, but it was not a favorite of mine. There were two stories going on, one.... a somewhat mystery that was solved very quickly and the other... family matters that were up and down, neither of which was very interesting. The lead (Jill) was likable, I think it could have been a very good book if the writer put a bit more thought into it.
I would give another book by the writer a another shot.
I would give another book by the writer a another shot.
July 26, 2018
This was described as a mystery, but I would classify it more as a family saga. It follows one Greek family in Detroit and includes multiple generations. The family was very familiar to me as my heritage is Sicilian, and some of my ancestors may have been Greek. It was an enjoyable summer read, a little difficult at times because of the type of crime that the heroine is investigating, but I'm looking forward to reading the next book to learn what happens next to the family members.
December 6, 2020
Detroit, MI. Detroit City Hospital. Detective Jill Zannos (Alex’s GF, Homicide, Drexel U MS CJ, minor; biology) went to see Dr. Sam Wasserman (ME, pathologist) & Alex (ME asst.).
The corpse had been ID as Gretchen Parker (26, bank teller) from Dearborn, MI.
Jacob Parker (husband/father) & Marianne Parker (wife/mother) were asked to come ID their daughters’ corpse.
Gretchen had a date with Michael “Mike” Ahmed (Lebanese, Ford Motor Co. engineer).
Pictures of Gretchen were being distributed around the neighborhoods.
Detective Albert Wong (Detroit PD Homicide) & Patrolman Aaron Barry (Dearborn PD) went to interview Michael.
Detective Riley Franklin joined with the other 2.
What bad news did Gus Zannos (52, husband/Papou, Greek, Gus’s Greek Grocery owner, Wharton U; MS) receive?
The Dr. Peterson told Christina “Christy” Zannos & Gus it was a baby boy.
He was having trouble breathing & was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.
Christopher’s Zannos intestines had grown outside the skeletal bones & that would require an additional operation.
A blood test was taken. Gus knew it was Nick’s but decided to stay in the marriage.
Albert Wong Marianne Parker Jacob Parker, Roger,
Marianne Parker was having a bad night in the jail cell.
Gretchen (daughter) had an affair with her dad.
What did the letter say to Nick from Christy?
Gretchen Parker’s funeral was held, the eulogy was read, followed by the burial & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the family.
how did Jill approach Trooper Fredrick Cooper?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (illicit heterosexual relationships, incest) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family Greek drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Greek family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC. book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
The corpse had been ID as Gretchen Parker (26, bank teller) from Dearborn, MI.
Jacob Parker (husband/father) & Marianne Parker (wife/mother) were asked to come ID their daughters’ corpse.
Gretchen had a date with Michael “Mike” Ahmed (Lebanese, Ford Motor Co. engineer).
Pictures of Gretchen were being distributed around the neighborhoods.
Detective Albert Wong (Detroit PD Homicide) & Patrolman Aaron Barry (Dearborn PD) went to interview Michael.
Detective Riley Franklin joined with the other 2.
What bad news did Gus Zannos (52, husband/Papou, Greek, Gus’s Greek Grocery owner, Wharton U; MS) receive?
The Dr. Peterson told Christina “Christy” Zannos & Gus it was a baby boy.
He was having trouble breathing & was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome.
Christopher’s Zannos intestines had grown outside the skeletal bones & that would require an additional operation.
A blood test was taken. Gus knew it was Nick’s but decided to stay in the marriage.
Albert Wong Marianne Parker Jacob Parker, Roger,
Marianne Parker was having a bad night in the jail cell.
Gretchen (daughter) had an affair with her dad.
What did the letter say to Nick from Christy?
Gretchen Parker’s funeral was held, the eulogy was read, followed by the burial & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the family.
how did Jill approach Trooper Fredrick Cooper?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (illicit heterosexual relationships, incest) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written family Greek drama book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great Greek family drama movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC. book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 5, 2018
“The Greeks of Beaubien Street” is the first book in the Detroit Detective Series, by Suzanne Jenkins. It is heavy on characters, with both multiple plot twists and multiple plots. The background for the story is Greektown in Detroit. The story is filled with Greek culture, food, and family relationships and expectations.
The primary reason that I picked the book up was because it was advertised as mystery. The protagonist is Jill Zannos, a full blooded Greek who has family living in Greektown. She is a Detroit homicide detective, who really doesn’t fit in anywhere. Her boyfriend of many years is a Polish man by the name of Alex, who is an autopsy assistant.
Jill and her partner Albert Wong are investigating the murder of a twenty-six year old women who is found nude, in an ally-way. From the beginning, nothing is as it seems. For instance, the body has been carefully washed off, and the hair combed.
Jill has inherited a strong intuitive ability from her grandmother, which her partner respects, but does not share. As their investigation progresses, we learn a great deal about Jill and her private life, and Albert and his private life. This part of the book brings in a human touch – a bit of reality in an unreal world.
For those that are looking for a mystery, you might want to pass on this book. The mystery takes a back seat to the Greek community and traditions. I did, however, like the fact that there was a lot of chatter about preparing Greek food. This cannot be regarded as a cozy mystery, because of the inclusion of topics that are essentially “R” rated. There are too many characters, and too much attention paid to minor characters. The book ended suddenly, leaving a fairly big mess behind. I will not be reading future books in this series.
The primary reason that I picked the book up was because it was advertised as mystery. The protagonist is Jill Zannos, a full blooded Greek who has family living in Greektown. She is a Detroit homicide detective, who really doesn’t fit in anywhere. Her boyfriend of many years is a Polish man by the name of Alex, who is an autopsy assistant.
Jill and her partner Albert Wong are investigating the murder of a twenty-six year old women who is found nude, in an ally-way. From the beginning, nothing is as it seems. For instance, the body has been carefully washed off, and the hair combed.
Jill has inherited a strong intuitive ability from her grandmother, which her partner respects, but does not share. As their investigation progresses, we learn a great deal about Jill and her private life, and Albert and his private life. This part of the book brings in a human touch – a bit of reality in an unreal world.
For those that are looking for a mystery, you might want to pass on this book. The mystery takes a back seat to the Greek community and traditions. I did, however, like the fact that there was a lot of chatter about preparing Greek food. This cannot be regarded as a cozy mystery, because of the inclusion of topics that are essentially “R” rated. There are too many characters, and too much attention paid to minor characters. The book ended suddenly, leaving a fairly big mess behind. I will not be reading future books in this series.
July 13, 2019
As the title suggests, this novel is the first in the series featuring intrepid detective Jill Zannos of the Detroit Police. The book is actually two stories weaved together skillfully into one: The first is about the shocking murder of a young woman, Gretchen Parker, and the second revolves around the personal and family life of Jill herself. Both stories keep the reader interested right through to the end. Jenkins and I both grew up in the Detroit area, so I definitely enjoyed the references to places I remember well. One suspects that the scenes involving Zannos’s family and Greektown echo the author’s own life story, given that she comes from a Greektown family herself. All in all, I can strongly recommend this book. Jenkins has published 60 novels in all, so there are many for the reader to enjoy!
October 19, 2025
This is the first book in the Greektown Stories series by Suzanne Jenkins. Jill Zannos is a homicide detective with the Detroit Police Department. While solving crimes by day, she’s deeply entwined in her Greek-American family’s traditions and secrets by night. Jill investigates a case of a young woman murdered with her partner Albert Wong. Jill has flashbacks about her family’s past including her father’s mysterious disappearance and her mother’s mental illness. Jill struggles to balance her duty as a cop with her role in a tight-knit, traditional Greek family. Long-buried truths surface, forcing Jill to confront painful memories. There’s a slow-burn romance that adds emotional depth to the gritty crime narrative. This story is a gripping blend of mystery, family drama, and romance set in Detroit.
November 12, 2025
This is the first book in the Greektown Stories series by Suzanne Jenkins. Jill Zannos is a homicide detective with the Detroit Police Department. While solving crimes by day, she’s deeply entwined in her Greek-American family’s traditions and secrets by night. Jill investigates a case of a young woman murdered with her partner Albert Wong. Jill has flashbacks about her family’s past including her father’s mysterious disappearance and her mother’s mental illness. Jill struggles to balance her duty as a cop with her role in a tight-knit, traditional Greek family. Long-buried truths surface, forcing Jill to confront painful memories. There’s a slow-burn romance that adds emotional depth to the gritty crime narrative. This story is a gripping blend of mystery, family drama, and romance set in Detroit.
March 2, 2023
A different story than what I expected ...
... but definitely not in a bad way.
Jill Zannos is Greek, and together with her family, lives in the heart of Greektown, Detroit, just steps away from the precinct where she builds her investigations. Hers is a big, boisterous Greek family, with its fair share of secrets.
And while Jill uncover the secrets behind the brutal murder of a young woman, she finds that her family's secrets [unrelated to the murder] are starting to uncover themselves as well.
Vibrant characters, convoluted plotlines, with injections of quirky humour, all weave together into a great beginning to another binge-worthy series. I'm looking forward to reading more from Jenkins!
... but definitely not in a bad way.
Jill Zannos is Greek, and together with her family, lives in the heart of Greektown, Detroit, just steps away from the precinct where she builds her investigations. Hers is a big, boisterous Greek family, with its fair share of secrets.
And while Jill uncover the secrets behind the brutal murder of a young woman, she finds that her family's secrets [unrelated to the murder] are starting to uncover themselves as well.
Vibrant characters, convoluted plotlines, with injections of quirky humour, all weave together into a great beginning to another binge-worthy series. I'm looking forward to reading more from Jenkins!
March 12, 2023
Greentown Stories, Book 1, EBK-M, Kindle, @ 2011, Read 3/10/23. Fiction, Mystery, Murder, Greek Heritage, Detroit's Greektown.
A single, Greek workaholic Homicide Detective, Jill Zannos, works the case of a 26 YO virgin , brutally raped and murdered, found in an alley in Detroit, but was not murdered there. I give this a hesitant 3☆'s= Good. I really enjoyed the 1st 3/4's of the story. It was easy to read, contained lots of places I personally know, being raised in the suburbs. I even enjoyed the ethnic vibes, the family dynamics, and the bit of the side romance, but the interactions between the Greek aunts and uncles were unrealistic, uncalled for, detracted from the story, and could have been deleted. Had that been the case, this book would have gotten a 4☆ review!
A single, Greek workaholic Homicide Detective, Jill Zannos, works the case of a 26 YO virgin , brutally raped and murdered, found in an alley in Detroit, but was not murdered there. I give this a hesitant 3☆'s= Good. I really enjoyed the 1st 3/4's of the story. It was easy to read, contained lots of places I personally know, being raised in the suburbs. I even enjoyed the ethnic vibes, the family dynamics, and the bit of the side romance, but the interactions between the Greek aunts and uncles were unrealistic, uncalled for, detracted from the story, and could have been deleted. Had that been the case, this book would have gotten a 4☆ review!
April 20, 2024
The title says it all. This book is about "The Greeks of Beaubien Street". Bring your ancestry charts with you and fill them out while the author describes the family relationships, the culture of this part of Greektown and the connections of this extended family to everyone else. You will learn they have trials and tribulations, they have secrets. Lots of family to learn about.
There is an alternate but smaller storyline that there is a murder to be solved. Our protagonist is caught up in both storylines and must walk between them as she lives her life. You will feel the police detective work as she helps to resolve this case.
In the end the family and the murder case are left with hanging questions, perhaps best left for the reader to ponder.
There is an alternate but smaller storyline that there is a murder to be solved. Our protagonist is caught up in both storylines and must walk between them as she lives her life. You will feel the police detective work as she helps to resolve this case.
In the end the family and the murder case are left with hanging questions, perhaps best left for the reader to ponder.
April 9, 2023
Although this is classed as a crime novel, there seems to be a focus on family drama instead of the actual murder which was quite distracting.
Detective Jill Zannos is of Greek descent. There are some elements of her culture where divorce and cheating are frowned upon yet it seemed to happen or bought up at family gatherings A LOT.
However, at the start of the novel she is called to a grisly murder of a young girl. The crime is throughout the novel, as we jump back and forth between what’s happening in the Zannos family and the murder. I didn’t see the twist happen about who did it and this was one the reasons I kept reading.
There were some elements of the story I didn’t like, like the suggestion that Jill has “powers” and can sense things about the victim.
It was a good book and I did enjoy it I just think I would have preferred it if the main focus was on the murder, even though it was good to find out more about the main characters family.
3/5 stars.
Detective Jill Zannos is of Greek descent. There are some elements of her culture where divorce and cheating are frowned upon yet it seemed to happen or bought up at family gatherings A LOT.
However, at the start of the novel she is called to a grisly murder of a young girl. The crime is throughout the novel, as we jump back and forth between what’s happening in the Zannos family and the murder. I didn’t see the twist happen about who did it and this was one the reasons I kept reading.
There were some elements of the story I didn’t like, like the suggestion that Jill has “powers” and can sense things about the victim.
It was a good book and I did enjoy it I just think I would have preferred it if the main focus was on the murder, even though it was good to find out more about the main characters family.
3/5 stars.
January 10, 2022
How many plots are there?
What is this story about? Is it a family drama? Is it a naive young woman and her pervert father and weird mother?
There was way too much unnecessary profanity. I was offended by the use of God's name and using Jesus Christ as profanity.
There were too many unrelated scenarios going on. In my opinion, it would have been much better to focus on one scenario and eliminate the profanity.
What is this story about? Is it a family drama? Is it a naive young woman and her pervert father and weird mother?
There was way too much unnecessary profanity. I was offended by the use of God's name and using Jesus Christ as profanity.
There were too many unrelated scenarios going on. In my opinion, it would have been much better to focus on one scenario and eliminate the profanity.
December 2, 2023
This book confused me. Was it about a woman detective solving a murder or about her family? Also, if you're not familiar with the Metro Detroit area, all the towns, cities and even streets she throws out are meaningless. Then it just ends. I'm not sure what the plot was, the murder was almost a side story. I believe the only reason I picked the book because it was set in Detroit. The cover also doesn't seem to have anything to do with the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2020
Jill the Detective
Jill has been assigned along with her partner Albert to investigate a murder of a beautiful young woman Gertrude Parker. What they discover makes even these seasoned detectives stomach turn. Then throw in what is happening in their private lives and Suzanne Jenkins has a wonderful story that makes you not want to miss a word!
Jill has been assigned along with her partner Albert to investigate a murder of a beautiful young woman Gertrude Parker. What they discover makes even these seasoned detectives stomach turn. Then throw in what is happening in their private lives and Suzanne Jenkins has a wonderful story that makes you not want to miss a word!
July 4, 2020
Extremely enjoyable
Loved getting to know, this large cast of characters. A great big extended family with all the intrigue and drama doled out in bits and pieces. Relationships are complex but X-Ray helps sort it out if confused.
Hum, should I order the next in the series or the prequel?
Loved getting to know, this large cast of characters. A great big extended family with all the intrigue and drama doled out in bits and pieces. Relationships are complex but X-Ray helps sort it out if confused.
Hum, should I order the next in the series or the prequel?
July 29, 2021
Good!!
Liked everything about this. The writing, the characters, the story and even the ending. It's a series so it continues.... Got the next book, $.99, to read and the rest are $.99 as well. I don't know yet if I will continue with the rest yet. I hope the next one is as entertaining as this one.
Liked everything about this. The writing, the characters, the story and even the ending. It's a series so it continues.... Got the next book, $.99, to read and the rest are $.99 as well. I don't know yet if I will continue with the rest yet. I hope the next one is as entertaining as this one.
June 14, 2017
I'm not sure what genre this book falls into. It's definitely a mystery but there's enough backstory for any family saga. Apparently that bothers some readers but I like it. So much of what goes on in our personal lives affects how we do our jobs and certainly Jill had more of her share of issues.
August 22, 2018
Maybe 3.5. I was confused as to whether this was a detective novel or a family saga. Rather a lot of characters to keep track of. Enjoyed reading about the greek background. I alrasdy have book 2 in the series so I will see where it's going.
September 4, 2019
Fantastic
This book introduced reader to Zannos family and Greek life, tradition, secrets heartaches and life in Greektown. Get to see Jill work as a talented police detective. Will continue following this author
This book introduced reader to Zannos family and Greek life, tradition, secrets heartaches and life in Greektown. Get to see Jill work as a talented police detective. Will continue following this author
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