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New Orleans #1
Hot Blooded
SHE HAS FORGOTTEN THE KILLER ... BUT THE KILLER WILL NEVER FORGET HER
A prostitute lies strangled in a seedy French Quarter hotel. Popular late-night radio host Dr. Samantha Leeds receives a threatening phone call. Who would think to link the two? But when the ominous caller persists, along with a mysterious female claiming to be a woman from her past - a woman who's been dead for years - she turns to the police for help. Detective Rick Bentz is convinced that a serial killer is prowling the streets. New Orleans is beginning to be afraid ...468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
3458 people are currently reading
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About the author
Lisa Jackson
274 books9,802 followersLisa Jackson is the number-one New York Times bestselling author of over ninety-five novels, including the Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya Series, the Pescoli and Alvarez Series, the Savannah series, and numerous stand alone novels. She also is the co-author of One Last Breath, Last Girl Standing, and the Colony Series, written with her sister and bestselling author Nancy Bush, as well as the collaborative novels Sinister and Ominous, written with Nancy Bush and Rosalind Noonan. There are over thirty million copies of her novels in print and her writing has been translated into twenty languages.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
Before she became a nationally bestselling author, she was a mother struggling to keep food on the table by writing novels, hoping against hope that someone would pay her for them. Today, neck deep in murder, her books appear on The New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly national bestseller lists.
With dozens of bestsellers to her name, Lisa Jackson is a master of taking readers to the edge of sanity—and back—in novels that buzz with dangerous secrets and deadly passions. She continues to be fascinated by the minds and motives of both her killers and their pursuers—the personal, the professional, and the downright twisted. As she builds the puzzle of relationships, actions, clues, lies, and personal histories that haunt her protagonists, she must also confront the fear and terror faced by her victims and the harsh and enduring truth that, in the real world, terror and madness touch far too many lives and families.
Visit http://www.LisaJackson.com where you can find a Media Kit with photos and more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 785 reviews
January 27, 2019
2.5 Stars
I don't know. I expected more from this author.
The story dragged, some parts of the story didn't make sense, the characters were underdeveloped, the writing wasn't polished enough.
Bit it wasn't a total disaster. It was still readable. It's just that, at times reading it felt more like chore than fun.
I don't know. I expected more from this author.
The story dragged, some parts of the story didn't make sense, the characters were underdeveloped, the writing wasn't polished enough.
Bit it wasn't a total disaster. It was still readable. It's just that, at times reading it felt more like chore than fun.
March 5, 2026
For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com
Hot Blooded is the first book in Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans suspense series, and it wastes absolutely no time getting dark. A woman is murdered in the French Quarter… and soon after, a man calling himself “Father John” phones into a late-night radio show to confess. 😬
Our main character, Dr. Samantha Leeds, is a radio psychologist whose program, Midnight Confessions, suddenly becomes connected to a string of ritualistic killings. As the body count rises, Samantha’s own past begins to surface, along with complicated relationships, a suspicious new neighbor, and mounting danger.
This book starts strong and has a creepy premise, but it can feel repetitive, and Samantha—despite being very smart on paper—makes some truly questionable choices. Still, the atmosphere is tense, the pace is fast, and it was entertaining enough to make me curious about the rest of the series. ⭐⭐⭐
Hot Blooded is the first book in Lisa Jackson’s New Orleans suspense series, and it wastes absolutely no time getting dark. A woman is murdered in the French Quarter… and soon after, a man calling himself “Father John” phones into a late-night radio show to confess. 😬
Our main character, Dr. Samantha Leeds, is a radio psychologist whose program, Midnight Confessions, suddenly becomes connected to a string of ritualistic killings. As the body count rises, Samantha’s own past begins to surface, along with complicated relationships, a suspicious new neighbor, and mounting danger.
This book starts strong and has a creepy premise, but it can feel repetitive, and Samantha—despite being very smart on paper—makes some truly questionable choices. Still, the atmosphere is tense, the pace is fast, and it was entertaining enough to make me curious about the rest of the series. ⭐⭐⭐
April 21, 2021
Dr. Samantha Leeds is a psychologist and a radio talk show host in New Orleans. She returns to the city after a disastrous vacation with her ex-boyfriend only to find troubling and ominous messages on her answering machine. During her Midnight Confessions show that night, she receives a call in from the same voice, “John,” and she has serious reason for concern. Meanwhile, Detective Rick Bentz, who’s assigned to Samantha’s case, is also teamed with Detective Reuben Montoya on a disturbing murder of a young prostitute that has some ominous elements. When another similar murder happens, they must face the possibility that they’re chasing a serial killer, one who may be tied to Samantha’s caller.
As if the calls from John weren’t bad enough, Samantha also receives a call from someone who resurrects a horrible incident from her radio days in Houston. I couldn’t help but think the two were related but had no imagination for how. Her new neighbor, Ty Wheeler, inserts himself in the mystery and becomes close to her, adding further intrigue. I wasn’t sure what to make of him. Everything about the calls, the murders and the setting just felt creepy and that feeling remained throughout the story. Even Samantha’s house, located in an adjacent parish, was old and slightly sinister despite its lakeside site.
I listened to the story and the narrator delivered a good performance, handling lots of dubious characters. There were quite a few potential suspects but the heart of the mystery was understanding why Samantha was the focus and the motivation of the killer. That kept me engaged as the layers lifted very slowly towards the ultimate revelations. I couldn’t have guessed the outcome but some of the clues were there, just not enough. The romance, however, was the weakness for me as I found it hard to connect with Ty and Samantha. The mystery overwhelmed everything, which isn’t a bad thing. The series focus going forward will be on Detectives Bentz and Montoya who were introduced here but not well developed. However, I learned enough to be interested in discovering more about these two. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
As if the calls from John weren’t bad enough, Samantha also receives a call from someone who resurrects a horrible incident from her radio days in Houston. I couldn’t help but think the two were related but had no imagination for how. Her new neighbor, Ty Wheeler, inserts himself in the mystery and becomes close to her, adding further intrigue. I wasn’t sure what to make of him. Everything about the calls, the murders and the setting just felt creepy and that feeling remained throughout the story. Even Samantha’s house, located in an adjacent parish, was old and slightly sinister despite its lakeside site.
I listened to the story and the narrator delivered a good performance, handling lots of dubious characters. There were quite a few potential suspects but the heart of the mystery was understanding why Samantha was the focus and the motivation of the killer. That kept me engaged as the layers lifted very slowly towards the ultimate revelations. I couldn’t have guessed the outcome but some of the clues were there, just not enough. The romance, however, was the weakness for me as I found it hard to connect with Ty and Samantha. The mystery overwhelmed everything, which isn’t a bad thing. The series focus going forward will be on Detectives Bentz and Montoya who were introduced here but not well developed. However, I learned enough to be interested in discovering more about these two. 3.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
November 29, 2015
I was given a few books by Lisa Jackson by a friend and initially thought they were romance novels as I had read a few of her Silhouette novels before.
I started reading HOT BLOODED, the 1st book in the New Orleans Series that feature Detectives Bentz and Montoya….i love the two characters….so different and so interesting. . I read the book in one go….i was unable to put it down until I finished reading the last page.
The story is set in New Orleans……perfect city for the story about Dr Samantha Leeds, a psychologist who hosts a radio talk show. She begins getting calls at work and at home by a man calling himself ‘’John” who says he knows her and she must repent for her sins.
Girls being murdered, a mysterious handsome neighbor, steamy romance, twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.
A great read. I definitely wanted to read the next book in this series
I started reading HOT BLOODED, the 1st book in the New Orleans Series that feature Detectives Bentz and Montoya….i love the two characters….so different and so interesting. . I read the book in one go….i was unable to put it down until I finished reading the last page.
The story is set in New Orleans……perfect city for the story about Dr Samantha Leeds, a psychologist who hosts a radio talk show. She begins getting calls at work and at home by a man calling himself ‘’John” who says he knows her and she must repent for her sins.
Girls being murdered, a mysterious handsome neighbor, steamy romance, twists and turns keep you guessing until the end.
A great read. I definitely wanted to read the next book in this series
March 25, 2010
In one word, "eh". That's what this book was for me. It wasn't bad, and it wasn't that great. It was just "okay".
The characters weren't that well developed. I didn't really connect with them or "like" them that much. Probably the character I liked most was Detective Bentz.
What I really disliked was whenever the book would switch to the murderer's viewpoint. It just seemed...I don't know...childish? That's not quite it. It just wasn't believable to me. I was left with the feeling that the author was just writing this character based on a bunch of stereotypes from other thriller/killer stories. That's not what I'm looking for with a book like this. I want a character that makes me shiver and hide under the covers. This didn't do it for me. The character was too simplistic, with no real depth, and I found myself kind of bored with him.
And to make matters worse, the ending just sort of fizzled for me and seemed kind of unrealistic.
So, "eh". Maybe I'll give the second book in the series a try and see what I think about that. My one likable character Detective Bentz makes a reappearance in Cold Blooded, and I would like to give author Lisa Jackson another try or two.
The characters weren't that well developed. I didn't really connect with them or "like" them that much. Probably the character I liked most was Detective Bentz.
What I really disliked was whenever the book would switch to the murderer's viewpoint. It just seemed...I don't know...childish? That's not quite it. It just wasn't believable to me. I was left with the feeling that the author was just writing this character based on a bunch of stereotypes from other thriller/killer stories. That's not what I'm looking for with a book like this. I want a character that makes me shiver and hide under the covers. This didn't do it for me. The character was too simplistic, with no real depth, and I found myself kind of bored with him.
And to make matters worse, the ending just sort of fizzled for me and seemed kind of unrealistic.
So, "eh". Maybe I'll give the second book in the series a try and see what I think about that. My one likable character Detective Bentz makes a reappearance in Cold Blooded, and I would like to give author Lisa Jackson another try or two.
April 9, 2010
Not a bad murder-mystery plot, but I had it figured out pretty early on. This book is rife with typos, which just ruins it when you run across a word that isn't even supposed to be in the sentence! A lot of unnecessary re-explanations going on; yeah, I got it when you mentioned it the first time just a page ago! Have some respect for your readers, please.
October 13, 2023
I decided to read this because (1) it’s the first book in a mystery series, my favorite light-reading genre, (2) it’s set in New Orleans, one of my favorite cities, and (3) it was free through Amazon Prime Reading.
Although the suspense/thriller and mystery/detective genres often overlap, I’d say this one leans much more toward the former than the latter. And in this first half of the book especially, I felt at times like I was actually reading a Harlequin romance novel, not at all my cup of tea. I guess that given the title, Hot Blooded, I should have been prepared.
I was hoping it would be more of a detective story, with more crime-solving scenes featuring detectives Bentz and Montoya, the ostensible main characters in the series. Instead, much more of the story was devoted to the point of view of Dr. Samantha Leeds, the radio psychologist who was being terrorized. Unfortunately, I didn’t find myself caring all that much for her or about her.
She was allegedly being targeted because of an event in her past, but it never quite made sense to me why she was being targeted or, when she realized the reason, why she seemed to think there was some justification for it. The book was fairly suspenseful, but it didn’t really grab me.
Although the suspense/thriller and mystery/detective genres often overlap, I’d say this one leans much more toward the former than the latter. And in this first half of the book especially, I felt at times like I was actually reading a Harlequin romance novel, not at all my cup of tea. I guess that given the title, Hot Blooded, I should have been prepared.
I was hoping it would be more of a detective story, with more crime-solving scenes featuring detectives Bentz and Montoya, the ostensible main characters in the series. Instead, much more of the story was devoted to the point of view of Dr. Samantha Leeds, the radio psychologist who was being terrorized. Unfortunately, I didn’t find myself caring all that much for her or about her.
She was allegedly being targeted because of an event in her past, but it never quite made sense to me why she was being targeted or, when she realized the reason, why she seemed to think there was some justification for it. The book was fairly suspenseful, but it didn’t really grab me.
February 19, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. However, the main character did things that someone being stalked should never do. Why???? It irritated me that an strong, intelligent woman would do so many dumb things. The murder-mystery plot was believable, but the culprit became rather obvious. However, there were a couple of twists to the story that kept it interesting.
So....decent story, intriguing plot, and interesting characters, but the main character did too many dumb things. This is the first novel in this series and there were some unfinished items that could show up in the next book. Overall, it was a good, but not great book.
So....decent story, intriguing plot, and interesting characters, but the main character did too many dumb things. This is the first novel in this series and there were some unfinished items that could show up in the next book. Overall, it was a good, but not great book.
April 9, 2021
Thoughts on my second reading of this book: My original review still stands. My opinion of the martyr heroine is the same. The romance still has problems, but I liked the hero a lot. I really liked the ending - no baddie reveal until very end.
Two things I hate the most in romance and romantic-suspense are the TSTL heroine and the martyr. We have a martyr here in this book. Sam is a psychologist with an late evening advise talk show in New Orleans. She has also picked up a nutcase caller/stalker calling himself 'John'. John is one sick dude and blames Sam for something and wants her to repent.
Ty is new neighbor to Sam and a whole lot more. The plot is slow to give up its secrets and I really like that, but it makes writing a review difficult. Ty has an interest in Sam that predates her job in New Orleans and he is on a mission of some sort. Problem for him is that dang sexual attraction thing. Both he and Sam feel it. As John ratchets up his threats, Ty starts acting as Sam's protector, something she absolutely doesn't want. After all she is an independent woman who can take care of herself, ect.
All this is circling back to the time Sam spent in Houston, her first on-air job. A 16 year old pregnant girl committed suicide 9 years ago after failing to take any of the advise Sam offered. Sam still blames herself for it (martyr).
Two things I hate the most in romance and romantic-suspense are the TSTL heroine and the martyr. We have a martyr here in this book. Sam is a psychologist with an late evening advise talk show in New Orleans. She has also picked up a nutcase caller/stalker calling himself 'John'. John is one sick dude and blames Sam for something and wants her to repent.
Ty is new neighbor to Sam and a whole lot more. The plot is slow to give up its secrets and I really like that, but it makes writing a review difficult. Ty has an interest in Sam that predates her job in New Orleans and he is on a mission of some sort. Problem for him is that dang sexual attraction thing. Both he and Sam feel it. As John ratchets up his threats, Ty starts acting as Sam's protector, something she absolutely doesn't want. After all she is an independent woman who can take care of herself, ect.
All this is circling back to the time Sam spent in Houston, her first on-air job. A 16 year old pregnant girl committed suicide 9 years ago after failing to take any of the advise Sam offered. Sam still blames herself for it (martyr).
January 1, 2015
A bit juvenile—the story lacked the level of tension that I would expect in a thriller.
I found the characters to be slightly weak, not fully developed, not fully articulate. Not much about them made me find them to be likable or worth caring about; as a reader, I just went through the motions with them.
The dialogue felt far too often contrived and out of place while emotions were sometimes ratcheted to ridiculous degrees like bad actors in a weak play. At the same time, there were times when one would expect a strong reaction and nothing but mild worry or a small trace of fear would be portrayed.
The love angle between the two protagonists left me wanting. She accepted his excuses too easily and he fell for her way too fast. The chemistry was lukewarm and I didn’t really believe in their “love” for one another by the end.
Overall, it’s a story to pass the time with if you’re bored and cannot find something else you want to read, but it was overly long with plot twists that would just not let up and only helped in dragging things out.
I found the characters to be slightly weak, not fully developed, not fully articulate. Not much about them made me find them to be likable or worth caring about; as a reader, I just went through the motions with them.
The dialogue felt far too often contrived and out of place while emotions were sometimes ratcheted to ridiculous degrees like bad actors in a weak play. At the same time, there were times when one would expect a strong reaction and nothing but mild worry or a small trace of fear would be portrayed.
The love angle between the two protagonists left me wanting. She accepted his excuses too easily and he fell for her way too fast. The chemistry was lukewarm and I didn’t really believe in their “love” for one another by the end.
Overall, it’s a story to pass the time with if you’re bored and cannot find something else you want to read, but it was overly long with plot twists that would just not let up and only helped in dragging things out.
April 14, 2011
Fantastic read in my book. Loved the whole mystery aspect, which is what it was mainly focused on. It was one of those with some really good twists, that I didn't have figured out at all at the end. Two suspects were vying for the spot of psychopath at the end and the twist with it was absolutely not seen until it was revealed.
The romance aspect was great as well, not played up as much as the mystery angle, but still good. Although I have some beef with the main characters ability to forgive so easily, especially with her being a psychologist and all.
My favorite character would have to be Melanie, though she was a side character. I just loved the different aspects to her personality. They were absolutely stunning. To be able to hold so much of yourself and your life back from the people around you, those considered friends and co-workers, just amazes me. I would say she was definitely a multi-faceted character.
All in all, great read! Would definitely recommend to friends and plan on reading more from this author!
The romance aspect was great as well, not played up as much as the mystery angle, but still good. Although I have some beef with the main characters ability to forgive so easily, especially with her being a psychologist and all.
My favorite character would have to be Melanie, though she was a side character. I just loved the different aspects to her personality. They were absolutely stunning. To be able to hold so much of yourself and your life back from the people around you, those considered friends and co-workers, just amazes me. I would say she was definitely a multi-faceted character.
All in all, great read! Would definitely recommend to friends and plan on reading more from this author!
August 9, 2022
I had many issues with this book. So, so many. There wasn't anything really compelling me to read on, and I had to force myself to do so.
Top three:
1. Too many undeveloped characters. There were a lot of subplots going on here that were never developed. Inconsistent characters as well. One minute they were one way and in their next appearance, they were different. And because they weren't developed, I couldn't keep them in a row.
2. We are told that Sam is highly intelligent, and then shown her being an idiot time and time again. It was insufferable. She wanted to play with the serial killer, as long as her life wasn't in jeopardy. I can't think of a single instance that she did something understandable.
3. Wasted words. A lot of repetition going on. It dragged and bored me to TEARS.
If I were you I would skip this. The only reason I skimmed the final three quarters was to find out who the killer was. Color me unsurprised. Hence, the two stars.
Top three:
1. Too many undeveloped characters. There were a lot of subplots going on here that were never developed. Inconsistent characters as well. One minute they were one way and in their next appearance, they were different. And because they weren't developed, I couldn't keep them in a row.
2. We are told that Sam is highly intelligent, and then shown her being an idiot time and time again. It was insufferable. She wanted to play with the serial killer, as long as her life wasn't in jeopardy. I can't think of a single instance that she did something understandable.
3. Wasted words. A lot of repetition going on. It dragged and bored me to TEARS.
If I were you I would skip this. The only reason I skimmed the final three quarters was to find out who the killer was. Color me unsurprised. Hence, the two stars.
November 9, 2021
I'm so excited that I started reading the ''New Orleans series'' by Lisa Jackson.
Enjoyed every minute of this book because this is the genre I love the most. There was more romance thrown in for my taste, it would have been maybe better without it, but the suspense and mystery part was the focus and it was edgy, creepy and dangerous and kept me wanting to read more. The villain was evil and psycho. I was sucked in quickly into the story.
I love Lisa Jackson's writing. I think that, because this is one of her first hits, she became more skilled in writing through the years, but this novel is still her classic.
The ending promises that this evil, will continue in the second book. Spooky.
Enjoyed every minute of this book because this is the genre I love the most. There was more romance thrown in for my taste, it would have been maybe better without it, but the suspense and mystery part was the focus and it was edgy, creepy and dangerous and kept me wanting to read more. The villain was evil and psycho. I was sucked in quickly into the story.
I love Lisa Jackson's writing. I think that, because this is one of her first hits, she became more skilled in writing through the years, but this novel is still her classic.
The ending promises that this evil, will continue in the second book. Spooky.
October 18, 2010
Lisa Jackson does a great job of spinning a mystery that keeps you guessing... enough characters to throw several red herrings into the mix and twists so that you can't really guess the whole story... This one is about a Psychologist that has a Radio show format to help people... that is until a psycho dredges up something from her past that she would have much preferred was left buried. And who is that handsome strnager that moved in up the road - is he connected or is he the one... guess only time will tell!
I have had several of Lisa Jackson's books on my bookshelf for a while now... I guess other books/authors looked like better reads at the time. But I am really glad I got into her New Orleans series... 1) I like reoccurring characters 2) I love a good mystery that I can't easily predict 3) I like her style of writing - very fast reads 4) although they are deemed romantic mysteries, I like that they are light on the romance and heavy on the mystery... do people hook up, yeah sure... but the more interesting part is the mystery which says a lot 5) New Orleans is somewhere I hope to visit someday - not that these give you ALOT of flavor... it is enough for me that they are set there...
Her characters are likeable... I am attached to Montoya and Bentz who are the lead detectives through the series. I am interested in what happens to them and what twists are thrown their way... Great book... hard to put down... I am already halfway through the sister book Cold Blooded! Can't wait to see how that one ends!
I have had several of Lisa Jackson's books on my bookshelf for a while now... I guess other books/authors looked like better reads at the time. But I am really glad I got into her New Orleans series... 1) I like reoccurring characters 2) I love a good mystery that I can't easily predict 3) I like her style of writing - very fast reads 4) although they are deemed romantic mysteries, I like that they are light on the romance and heavy on the mystery... do people hook up, yeah sure... but the more interesting part is the mystery which says a lot 5) New Orleans is somewhere I hope to visit someday - not that these give you ALOT of flavor... it is enough for me that they are set there...
Her characters are likeable... I am attached to Montoya and Bentz who are the lead detectives through the series. I am interested in what happens to them and what twists are thrown their way... Great book... hard to put down... I am already halfway through the sister book Cold Blooded! Can't wait to see how that one ends!
April 27, 2014
This novel is the first one in a series. In this one, Dr. Samantha Leeds is a radio show psychiatrist who is being tormented by a killer. The tormentor has ties with an incident that happened years ago with Samantha and her radio show in a different city.
This book was so frustrating. I liked the premise and the author incorporated many characters that could be the killer. It had all the elements for a good murder mystery book. The problem was the execution. The first problem was the protagonist. I just did not like her. I did not care for her thoughts or actions. For someone who studied the human mind, her thoughts and actions did not fit her character. Another flaw I had with this book was this book relied heavily on coincidence and in my eyes lost its credibility.
This novel is not the best murder mystery book and a disappointment because this book could have been so much better.
This book was so frustrating. I liked the premise and the author incorporated many characters that could be the killer. It had all the elements for a good murder mystery book. The problem was the execution. The first problem was the protagonist. I just did not like her. I did not care for her thoughts or actions. For someone who studied the human mind, her thoughts and actions did not fit her character. Another flaw I had with this book was this book relied heavily on coincidence and in my eyes lost its credibility.
This novel is not the best murder mystery book and a disappointment because this book could have been so much better.
June 22, 2019
Doctor Sam ist aus dem Urlaub zurück und frisch getrennt. Zu Hause wartet eine Nachricht auf sie: "Für deine Sünden sollst du büßen". Und das war nur die Erste von vielen. Auch bei ihrer Sendung im Radio meldet sich ihr Stalker immer wieder. Schnell ist klar, dass es einen Zusammenhang zu der Mordserie gibt, die die Detectives Bentz und Montoya und ganz New Orleans auf Trab hält. Aber auch zu einem jungen Mädchen. dem die Psychologin nicht helfen konnte. Der Racheengel gibt ihr die Schuld an den Morden und ist in ihrer Nähe.
Und dann ist da ihr Nachbar Ty. Nachdem sie die Hoffnung schon aufgegeben hatte, lässt sie sich auf ihn ein. Aber er ist nicht zufällig in ihr Leben getreten.
Ich bin zwiegespalten. Die Idee und der Plot sind gut, die Story ist interessant und birgt viele kleine Twists. Insgesamt ist es atmosphärisch und spannend. Aber es hat auch viele Längen, die durch viele unnötige Wiederholungen entstehen. Man hätte die ganze Geschichte komprimieren können. Aber mir hat gefallen, dass der Romance Teil keinen zu großen Teil des Ganzen einnimmt und es in erster Linie ein Thriller ist.
Viele der Figuren sind gut entwickelt, vor allem Melanie war spannend, auch wenn sie kaum Tiefe haben.
Ich habe etwas gebraucht bis ich drin war und war etwas verwirrt, dass Doctor Sam, die oft nicht nachvollziehbar war, die Hauptfigur ist und nicht
die beiden Ermittler, mit denen die Serie weitergehen soll. Trotzdem ist vor allem Bentz interessant und insgesamt war es gut genug, dass ich den nächsten Teil lesen möchte.
Und dann ist da ihr Nachbar Ty. Nachdem sie die Hoffnung schon aufgegeben hatte, lässt sie sich auf ihn ein. Aber er ist nicht zufällig in ihr Leben getreten.
Ich bin zwiegespalten. Die Idee und der Plot sind gut, die Story ist interessant und birgt viele kleine Twists. Insgesamt ist es atmosphärisch und spannend. Aber es hat auch viele Längen, die durch viele unnötige Wiederholungen entstehen. Man hätte die ganze Geschichte komprimieren können. Aber mir hat gefallen, dass der Romance Teil keinen zu großen Teil des Ganzen einnimmt und es in erster Linie ein Thriller ist.
Viele der Figuren sind gut entwickelt, vor allem Melanie war spannend, auch wenn sie kaum Tiefe haben.
Ich habe etwas gebraucht bis ich drin war und war etwas verwirrt, dass Doctor Sam, die oft nicht nachvollziehbar war, die Hauptfigur ist und nicht
die beiden Ermittler, mit denen die Serie weitergehen soll. Trotzdem ist vor allem Bentz interessant und insgesamt war es gut genug, dass ich den nächsten Teil lesen möchte.
April 3, 2021
Psychologist Dr. Samantha Leeds hosts a late night radio talk show called Midnight Confessions. Still haunted by the death of a caller in Houston that committed suicide, Sam is now being threatened by someone named John, who tells her that he wants her to repent her sins. Several suspects include handsome writer Ty who recently moved into a house just down the beach from Sam's. As she and Ty get closer, Detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya connect "John" to the deaths of at least two women and begin to sort through the possible suspects. They have suspicions about Ty and tell Sam to stay away from him because they believe he is hiding something.
Hot Blooded provides the basic plot and suspects in this serial killer thriller. It is interesting that Bentz and Montoya aren't the main characters of this story even though this book is the first of a series in which they star. Nothing new or Earth shattering is evident in this story, but it does have some nice twists and keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. The setting of New Orleans is evident, but the Creole atmosphere is lacking. Some authors are able to permeate their stories with this atmosphere. Hopefully, New Orleans will be a bigger part of other books in this series. Overall, this is a good beginning to the New Orleans series - 3 1/2 stars.
Hot Blooded provides the basic plot and suspects in this serial killer thriller. It is interesting that Bentz and Montoya aren't the main characters of this story even though this book is the first of a series in which they star. Nothing new or Earth shattering is evident in this story, but it does have some nice twists and keeps the reader guessing throughout the book. The setting of New Orleans is evident, but the Creole atmosphere is lacking. Some authors are able to permeate their stories with this atmosphere. Hopefully, New Orleans will be a bigger part of other books in this series. Overall, this is a good beginning to the New Orleans series - 3 1/2 stars.
July 20, 2020
"Dr. Samantha Leeds hosts her own late-night radio talk-show on WSLJ. One day she receives a menacing phone call at her home, while miles away, a prostitute is strangled to death. Seemingly unrelated, nobody connects the two events until more murders occur under similar circumstances. Dr. Sam soon realizes that someone from her past is stalking towards her, armed with a rosary and a deep-seeded hatred. Sam must rely on her wits, and a friendship with her mysterious new neighbor, Ty Wheeler, if she wants to escape the killer’s wrath. Filled with sensational suspense, Hot Blooded is a sizzling departure from the usual romance novel. Alyssa Bresnahan’s steamy narration takes listeners deep into the murky Bayou swamps and the terrifying secrets within."
February 9, 2018
Samantha Leeds, a psychologist and radio personality known as Sam, is recovering from a trip gone wrong with her ex when she starts getting creepy phone calls and threats from a killer, Father John. He insists that she's a former prostitute who needs to atone for her sins, and he's working his way up to making her his final victim. As his attacks escalate, someone starts haunting her as the voice of a teenager who is believed to have committed suicide after contacting Sam for help. Then she becomes involved with her hot and mysterious new neighbor, Ty Wheeler, who knows a lot more about her than he lets on and he's hiding something big. Sam's head is spinning as she starts to point fingers, unsure who to trust, as Father John gets closer and more violent.
Told in rotating perspectives, we see the story unfold from several different viewpoints, including Father John himself. Sadly, the only character that is well developed is Sam. We barely touch the surface on majority of the characters, including the detectives that return in future installments of this series. I also don't understand why John was so obsessed with Sam and her nonexistent past as a prostitute. I thought he was targeting prostitutes because Sam had been one herself deep in her past, but that's not the case. There are just some things that are a part of the mystery aspect that just don't make sense once I reached the end of the book.
The romance plot was okay. We just didn't learn enough about Ty, and what we did learn, made it seem unrealistic once the romance was in full swing. Although, Sam does have a habit of choosing all the wrong men, so I suppose it does make sense for her. I was mostly put off by the romance aspect because of the mystery plot. One minute, John was raping a murdering someone, and Sam was either being romanced or having sex in the next. I was distressed by John's chapters, so my brain was just not computing the romance.
The title of this book sounds like it's a romantic thriller, but don't let the title fool you. It's a thriller with a romance plot, so if you're looking for a romantic thriller, this might not be the story for you. That said, the mystery aspect of the novel is great. I was convinced that a particular character was Father John for majority of the book and it totally wasn't them. In fact, I didn't even figure out who Father John was until almost the end of the book. All in all, it's not a bad book. I was just put off by the romance in combination with the mystery plot, and I wish the characters were better developed.
Told in rotating perspectives, we see the story unfold from several different viewpoints, including Father John himself. Sadly, the only character that is well developed is Sam. We barely touch the surface on majority of the characters, including the detectives that return in future installments of this series. I also don't understand why John was so obsessed with Sam and her nonexistent past as a prostitute. I thought he was targeting prostitutes because Sam had been one herself deep in her past, but that's not the case. There are just some things that are a part of the mystery aspect that just don't make sense once I reached the end of the book.
The romance plot was okay. We just didn't learn enough about Ty, and what we did learn, made it seem unrealistic once the romance was in full swing. Although, Sam does have a habit of choosing all the wrong men, so I suppose it does make sense for her. I was mostly put off by the romance aspect because of the mystery plot. One minute, John was raping a murdering someone, and Sam was either being romanced or having sex in the next. I was distressed by John's chapters, so my brain was just not computing the romance.
The title of this book sounds like it's a romantic thriller, but don't let the title fool you. It's a thriller with a romance plot, so if you're looking for a romantic thriller, this might not be the story for you. That said, the mystery aspect of the novel is great. I was convinced that a particular character was Father John for majority of the book and it totally wasn't them. In fact, I didn't even figure out who Father John was until almost the end of the book. All in all, it's not a bad book. I was just put off by the romance in combination with the mystery plot, and I wish the characters were better developed.
July 12, 2014
I'll tell you upfront that this is the first in a series and admittedly, though I absolutely loved this book, I haven't gotten to the others yet. I will. I will because I'm a fan of Lisa Jackson and I actually stumbled onto her by accident. I won another of her books in a gift basket and I really liked it, so when I saw this on sale for $4 in a clearance bin, I grabbed it up. Which turned out to be a win because it was a good book.
So we have Sam, who is a talk show psychologist who has clearly angered someone at some point becuase she has a nut job calling her all of the time and confessing to things that are blamed on Sam. Enter hunky Detective Rick who is on the hunt for the serial killer murdering New Orlean's prostitutes. The great thing about this author is that she can weave a good romance while simultaneously maintaining a great suspense. She gives us lots of characters, all of which could be out perpetrator, and she keeps you guessing. And unlike some other novels, I didn't hate Sam. I felt like she was pretty believable for a character and there were a few times where I honestly thought she wasn't going to make it and that would be what carried us over into book two.
I highly recommend this one if you like your suspense novels to have a little romance. And even if you like your romance to have a little suspense, you're going to like this one too.
So we have Sam, who is a talk show psychologist who has clearly angered someone at some point becuase she has a nut job calling her all of the time and confessing to things that are blamed on Sam. Enter hunky Detective Rick who is on the hunt for the serial killer murdering New Orlean's prostitutes. The great thing about this author is that she can weave a good romance while simultaneously maintaining a great suspense. She gives us lots of characters, all of which could be out perpetrator, and she keeps you guessing. And unlike some other novels, I didn't hate Sam. I felt like she was pretty believable for a character and there were a few times where I honestly thought she wasn't going to make it and that would be what carried us over into book two.
I highly recommend this one if you like your suspense novels to have a little romance. And even if you like your romance to have a little suspense, you're going to like this one too.
September 11, 2014
I am impressed!!
This one was just as good as the least one (Without Mercy) I was kinda surprised to see a few names and words that she uses in her writing.(the victims names Edie, is used in a few books, and some of the expressions she puts in her books. But that could just be a Down-Home/Southren thing.)
At 465 pages it also went by surprisingly fast! The plot and storyline was fast paced, fun, and thrilling. I am very happy I gave Mrs. Jackson another chance, because these few books have been terrific!! I read in the "author notes" that this book has a sequel Cold Blooded. I am very interested in getting it and staring it soon. But I also heard she has a series with the detective in the book.(which one I do not know. Bently or Montoya)
But if you as looking for a fast paced, thrilling, mysterious twist ending. Then these are for you!
I had stated before that I was iffy on reading Lisa Jackson because that one book but these past 2 and the tie in from Without Mercy, have shown me that this lady has the secrets to a great writing!!
This is so not a short story that leaves you with more questions then answers. An "aww man 100 pages what's happening I need more"
This one was just as good as the least one (Without Mercy) I was kinda surprised to see a few names and words that she uses in her writing.(the victims names Edie, is used in a few books, and some of the expressions she puts in her books. But that could just be a Down-Home/Southren thing.)
At 465 pages it also went by surprisingly fast! The plot and storyline was fast paced, fun, and thrilling. I am very happy I gave Mrs. Jackson another chance, because these few books have been terrific!! I read in the "author notes" that this book has a sequel Cold Blooded. I am very interested in getting it and staring it soon. But I also heard she has a series with the detective in the book.(which one I do not know. Bently or Montoya)
But if you as looking for a fast paced, thrilling, mysterious twist ending. Then these are for you!
I had stated before that I was iffy on reading Lisa Jackson because that one book but these past 2 and the tie in from Without Mercy, have shown me that this lady has the secrets to a great writing!!
This is so not a short story that leaves you with more questions then answers. An "aww man 100 pages what's happening I need more"
June 10, 2011
I gave up on this series after two books. (Should have stopped with one!)
According to this author, New Orleans is always crawling with serial killers who have some kind of axe to grind with the Catholic Church. Their chosen victims are all feisty, smart, beautiful, confident women. A bevvy of ruggedly handsome men with salt-and-pepper hair are always waiting to help the feisty, smart beautiful victims. (Funny, I don't remember seeing George Clooney look-alikes on every corner when I visited New Orleans. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places....)
It a few words, this series is one big sensationalist gumbo with slimy okra.
According to this author, New Orleans is always crawling with serial killers who have some kind of axe to grind with the Catholic Church. Their chosen victims are all feisty, smart, beautiful, confident women. A bevvy of ruggedly handsome men with salt-and-pepper hair are always waiting to help the feisty, smart beautiful victims. (Funny, I don't remember seeing George Clooney look-alikes on every corner when I visited New Orleans. Maybe I wasn't looking in the right places....)
It a few words, this series is one big sensationalist gumbo with slimy okra.
March 28, 2019
This was a psychological thriller crossed with a mills and boon/Barbara Cartland novel. By page 200 the police investigation took up about 6 pages whilst the sexual exploits of 'Dr Sam' were described in great detail. Dr Sam was a long-legged red haired siren with flashing green eyes, whilst her near new neighbour just happened to be a tall, dark and handsome stranger who exudes sexual danger. Come on, as an avid reader of thrillers this did not hit the mark and could definitely have been cut by at least 100 pages.
May 11, 2025
Setting: New Orleans, USA; modern day.
This is the first book in a crime series introducing New Orleans homicide detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya.
Psychologist Samantha Leeds hosts a regular phone-in show at a local radio station to discuss listeners' personal problems called Midnight Confessions with Doctor Sam. She has only recently returned to the airwaves after an incident during her previous stint at a Houston radio station when a young girl, Annie Segers, who asked her for help was later found dead, allegedly having committed suicide - and her parents blamed 'Doctor Sam' for not helping her.
But now it appears that Sam has attracted the attention of a caller called John who blames her for the death of Annie Segers and taunts her with phone calls and letters. But John is also planning revenge against Sam but, in the meantime, is targeting local prostitutes, making them dress like Sam and wear a wig to replicate her red hair before murdering them.
As Sam and the police try to work out who from Sam's past is behind the persona of John, Sam also meets and falls for her new neighbour, Ty Russell - another person who has an ulterior motive for getting close to Sam....
I found this one difficult to get into initially and didn't feel much of a bond with the characters at the start. But the storyline was intriguing enough to keep me reading and I enjoyed it more as the story progressed, right up to its cliffhanger ending. I also liked the chemistry between the two police officers so am looking forward to more from this crime-fighting duo - 8/10.
This is the first book in a crime series introducing New Orleans homicide detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya.
Psychologist Samantha Leeds hosts a regular phone-in show at a local radio station to discuss listeners' personal problems called Midnight Confessions with Doctor Sam. She has only recently returned to the airwaves after an incident during her previous stint at a Houston radio station when a young girl, Annie Segers, who asked her for help was later found dead, allegedly having committed suicide - and her parents blamed 'Doctor Sam' for not helping her.
But now it appears that Sam has attracted the attention of a caller called John who blames her for the death of Annie Segers and taunts her with phone calls and letters. But John is also planning revenge against Sam but, in the meantime, is targeting local prostitutes, making them dress like Sam and wear a wig to replicate her red hair before murdering them.
As Sam and the police try to work out who from Sam's past is behind the persona of John, Sam also meets and falls for her new neighbour, Ty Russell - another person who has an ulterior motive for getting close to Sam....
I found this one difficult to get into initially and didn't feel much of a bond with the characters at the start. But the storyline was intriguing enough to keep me reading and I enjoyed it more as the story progressed, right up to its cliffhanger ending. I also liked the chemistry between the two police officers so am looking forward to more from this crime-fighting duo - 8/10.
March 3, 2022
Another great mystery by Lisa Jackson, but then again she is a favorite, automatic read for me. This one did however move a little slow at the beginning but then it really picks up. You have to be sure to read Cold Blooded right after this because the 2 go together from what I understand and believe because it does end on a pretty significant cliffhanger.
Again, I love the author's character building in this book. I have to say that Dr. Sam is probably my favorite character. I also thought I had it figured out as to who the bad guy was and I stuck by that all the way up until the bad guy was revealed and even then I still thought there was some trickery going on and still thought I had the right guy. LOL
There were 2 pretty detailed "sexy times" in this book that I could have really done without, but I managed my way through it. If not for that and the slower start it could have been a 5 star read.
Great Read and I look forward to the rest of the series.
Again, I love the author's character building in this book. I have to say that Dr. Sam is probably my favorite character. I also thought I had it figured out as to who the bad guy was and I stuck by that all the way up until the bad guy was revealed and even then I still thought there was some trickery going on and still thought I had the right guy. LOL
There were 2 pretty detailed "sexy times" in this book that I could have really done without, but I managed my way through it. If not for that and the slower start it could have been a 5 star read.
Great Read and I look forward to the rest of the series.
December 23, 2017
3,5 / 5 Sterne
Ich fand das Buch super schnell zu lesen. Die Story ist interessant und gut geschrieben ist es auch. Ich wusste bis zum Schluss eigentlich nicht wer dahinter steckt. Es ist nicht unbedingt "blutig" oder "gruselig" aber ich mochte es. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Bücher! :)
Ich fand das Buch super schnell zu lesen. Die Story ist interessant und gut geschrieben ist es auch. Ich wusste bis zum Schluss eigentlich nicht wer dahinter steckt. Es ist nicht unbedingt "blutig" oder "gruselig" aber ich mochte es. Ich freue mich schon auf die nächsten Bücher! :)
April 20, 2021
3.5 stars
Z - Secondary Character - Ryan Zimmerman
Z - Secondary Character - Ryan Zimmerman
August 7, 2023
Lazy writing and non-existent editing are the ruin of many novels-this one is crammed with examples of that problem.
The story itself wasn't bad, but this subpar author couldn't handle her own thoughts, and certainly didn't have the talent to create a solid base to work with. She used the laziest, sophomoric methods to squash what could've been quite entertaining.
Unrealistic can work, if an author is skilled enough to make the reader almost forget certain things couldn't, or were wildly unlikely, to happen. This one just ran with anything that came to mind-and none of it worked. That the crime which had occurred in a home years before wasn't solved makes NO sense; that the police didn't put it all together when later crimes began occurring is nonsensical (hint: blood type is mentioned 100x, but was ignored when it mattered, bc the author was too lazy, and too disrespectful of readers, to craft anything from it but hope we'd forgotten... "nothing to see here..." -ugh).
I can't decide what was most indicative of what a piece of garbage this book was: the repetition and overuse of words, which made the audio stumble, and hurt my ears (one example, tho not exact wording: "She'd done worse things than wear another woman's things..."). Pathetic.
Running a close second, if not a tie for the worst junk writing techniques used heavily in this one: use and abuse of completely-unnecessary-to-the-book descriptions and mentions of arousal, body parts, and shoving eroticism where it didn't need to be, or didn't fit at all. If I heard "sexy" or "breast" one more freaking time, I was going to throw my phone off a wall--but I just laughed at myself for having chosen another junk book. She even described the killer's voice, even as he was committing heinous crimes, as "sexy-" what the hell?
There were more than a few Chapters about sexual encounters -especially those didn't have anything to do with the depraved killer (although even those were eye-rolling and overdone) that could've been cut by 2/3--or omitted entirely. Using SO much time to describe sex--and then referring to that encounter or others again...and again...through the portal of "I can't fill this with anything useful or interesting, so I'll hope my readers want to hear AGAIN how he brushed over her nipples 3 days ago...does anyone really enjoy this crap, especially when a reader is expecting suspense & thrills, not low-level eroticism?
Another phrase/word I didn't want to ever hear again, tho not sexual in itself, was "as hell--" used so frequently (& improperly, of course), I almost remembered how to cross myself after not having done so in many years. Every little thing was "hot as hell," "sexy as hell," etc. So many words, tho this one was the best/worst example, were peppered in so often you'd think she was making commission per use...
Laziest writer I've had the displeasure of reading in a while...not long enough tho. Wish there was a better way to vet this trash...
The story itself wasn't bad, but this subpar author couldn't handle her own thoughts, and certainly didn't have the talent to create a solid base to work with. She used the laziest, sophomoric methods to squash what could've been quite entertaining.
Unrealistic can work, if an author is skilled enough to make the reader almost forget certain things couldn't, or were wildly unlikely, to happen. This one just ran with anything that came to mind-and none of it worked. That the crime which had occurred in a home years before wasn't solved makes NO sense; that the police didn't put it all together when later crimes began occurring is nonsensical (hint: blood type is mentioned 100x, but was ignored when it mattered, bc the author was too lazy, and too disrespectful of readers, to craft anything from it but hope we'd forgotten... "nothing to see here..." -ugh).
I can't decide what was most indicative of what a piece of garbage this book was: the repetition and overuse of words, which made the audio stumble, and hurt my ears (one example, tho not exact wording: "She'd done worse things than wear another woman's things..."). Pathetic.
Running a close second, if not a tie for the worst junk writing techniques used heavily in this one: use and abuse of completely-unnecessary-to-the-book descriptions and mentions of arousal, body parts, and shoving eroticism where it didn't need to be, or didn't fit at all. If I heard "sexy" or "breast" one more freaking time, I was going to throw my phone off a wall--but I just laughed at myself for having chosen another junk book. She even described the killer's voice, even as he was committing heinous crimes, as "sexy-" what the hell?
There were more than a few Chapters about sexual encounters -especially those didn't have anything to do with the depraved killer (although even those were eye-rolling and overdone) that could've been cut by 2/3--or omitted entirely. Using SO much time to describe sex--and then referring to that encounter or others again...and again...through the portal of "I can't fill this with anything useful or interesting, so I'll hope my readers want to hear AGAIN how he brushed over her nipples 3 days ago...does anyone really enjoy this crap, especially when a reader is expecting suspense & thrills, not low-level eroticism?
Another phrase/word I didn't want to ever hear again, tho not sexual in itself, was "as hell--" used so frequently (& improperly, of course), I almost remembered how to cross myself after not having done so in many years. Every little thing was "hot as hell," "sexy as hell," etc. So many words, tho this one was the best/worst example, were peppered in so often you'd think she was making commission per use...
Laziest writer I've had the displeasure of reading in a while...not long enough tho. Wish there was a better way to vet this trash...
May 12, 2021
Hot Blooded
4 Stars
Radio psychologist, Samantha Leeds, becomes the target of a malicious stalker who uses a traumatic experience for her past to torment her on air. Detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya have the hands full investigating a possible serial killer with religious undertones, and soon come to realize the similarities between Sam's case and the murders. Can the killer be stopped before he makes Sam his final victim?
Some of the elements in this book are reminiscent of Leslie Tentler's Midnight Caller, such as the radio host subject to stalking, a connection to a serial killer, and a romance with an investigator. Nevertheless, there are sufficient differences between the storylines to make each book unique.
Jackson's book is more of a thriller with romantic elements than a romantic suspense novel. While the romance is satisfying overall, it does require some suspension of disbelief to accept that . That said, the serial killer/stalker plot is intense with many spine-tingling moments and an exciting climax and resolution.
In sum, this is a good beginning to the series, but readers expecting a more traditional mix of romance and suspense may be disappointed. The next couple of books focus on the two detectives and they both sound very promising.
4 Stars
Radio psychologist, Samantha Leeds, becomes the target of a malicious stalker who uses a traumatic experience for her past to torment her on air. Detectives Rick Bentz and Reuben Montoya have the hands full investigating a possible serial killer with religious undertones, and soon come to realize the similarities between Sam's case and the murders. Can the killer be stopped before he makes Sam his final victim?
Some of the elements in this book are reminiscent of Leslie Tentler's Midnight Caller, such as the radio host subject to stalking, a connection to a serial killer, and a romance with an investigator. Nevertheless, there are sufficient differences between the storylines to make each book unique.
Jackson's book is more of a thriller with romantic elements than a romantic suspense novel. While the romance is satisfying overall, it does require some suspension of disbelief to accept that . That said, the serial killer/stalker plot is intense with many spine-tingling moments and an exciting climax and resolution.
In sum, this is a good beginning to the series, but readers expecting a more traditional mix of romance and suspense may be disappointed. The next couple of books focus on the two detectives and they both sound very promising.
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