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Ozarks Mysteries #1
The Code of the Hills
To uncover the truth, she'll have to break the code of the hills …
In the Missouri Ozarks, some things aren't talked about … even abuse. But prosecutor Elsie Arnold is determined to change that.
When she is assigned to prosecute a high-profile incest case in which a father is accused of abusing his three young daughters, Elsie is ready to become the Ozarks' avenging angel.
But as Elsie sinks her teeth into the case, everything begins to turn sour. The star witness goes missing; the girls refuse to talk about their father, who terrorizes the courtroom from the moment he enters; and Elsie begins to suspect that their tough-as-nails mother has ulterior motives. To make matters worse, Elsie receives gruesome threats from local extremists, warning her to mind her own business.
While Elsie swears not to let a sex offender walk, she realizes the odds—and maybe the town—are against her, and her life begins to crumble. But amidst all of the conflict, the safety of three young girls hangs in the balance ...
A powerful debut, with the haunting atmosphere of Winter's Bone and the page-turning suspense of Alafair Burke's thrillers.
In the Missouri Ozarks, some things aren't talked about … even abuse. But prosecutor Elsie Arnold is determined to change that.
When she is assigned to prosecute a high-profile incest case in which a father is accused of abusing his three young daughters, Elsie is ready to become the Ozarks' avenging angel.
But as Elsie sinks her teeth into the case, everything begins to turn sour. The star witness goes missing; the girls refuse to talk about their father, who terrorizes the courtroom from the moment he enters; and Elsie begins to suspect that their tough-as-nails mother has ulterior motives. To make matters worse, Elsie receives gruesome threats from local extremists, warning her to mind her own business.
While Elsie swears not to let a sex offender walk, she realizes the odds—and maybe the town—are against her, and her life begins to crumble. But amidst all of the conflict, the safety of three young girls hangs in the balance ...
A powerful debut, with the haunting atmosphere of Winter's Bone and the page-turning suspense of Alafair Burke's thrillers.
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
363 people are currently reading
1059 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
May 22, 2024
After enjoying a number of collaborative efforts in which Nancy Allen was involved, I hoped to get a better feel for the author by exploring her own work. Allen has a great style for legal thrillers, which shines through with this series debut. She provides some strong themes as the reader finds themselves in the middle of the Missouri Ozarks, where the rules do not follow the mainstream. A young lawyer, a chilling crime, and a court case that puts all in perspective. Nancy Allen dazzles in this piece, where the reader is treated to the darkest of the dark!
The Missouri Ozarks are not always run on the same plain as other parts of the country, especially when it comes to the law. While the rural environ has secrets, some are more powerful than others. Young prosecutor Elsie Arnold is ready to pull the curtain back and reveal all the hidden truths, especially when they involve children. Elise is assigned to prosecute the case of a father who is accused of incest on his three girls, where the community is less than eager to share what they known. Trying not only to follow the law, but also to help those in the most need, Elsie will have to serve as the Ozark’s avenging angel , as best she can.
While the case appears to have some legs, Elise soon learns that it has more pitfalls that she could like. The star witness disappears into thin air, leaving the case to balance precariously. Then the girls stop cooperating, citing that their father was not being as violent as some might think. Finally, the girls’ mother seems less than interested in prosecuting while pushing her own motives. Elsie cannot make heads or tails of it, but will have to convince the court to lead the way as she tries to present the case.
Things get worse when a local extremist group seeks to protect the accused and bully Elise into leaving the case alone. Elsie cannot mind her business and let a sexual offender walk, but she also realises that the odds are stacked against her in a community where secrets are best left locked away. All the while, Elsie discovers that she cannot let three girls become victims and simply have the assaults swept under the rug because that’s what is done with too much regularity. Elise will have to fight with all she has, setting the tone and making sure justice does not turn the other cheek. Allen dazzles and keeps the reader in the driver’s seat throughout.
While my experience around Nancy Allen has solely been in a collaborative effort, taking the time to read her solo work has been quite intriguing. Allen has a firm handle on the legal thriller genre and has created a great series debut with this novel. The narrative delves deeply, not only into law, but also the seemingly backwards nature of the Ozarks. The reader can follow the details and get a sense as to how troubling things can become. While the topic is quite disturbing, Allen handled it in a professional manner, without glossing over things. The characters are quite well placed and developed, keeping the reader connected to the larger story. This adds another level to the story, which I hope continues throughout the series.
Plot points prove useful in this story, as the surprises are never-ending. Allen is able not only to advance the story with them, but the twists keep the reader on edge throughout the reading journey. Dealing with some highly controversial subject matter, the questionable nature of the story takes on a life of its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the surprises found throughout, at times left in shock. I am eager to see how the next book in the series plays out!
Kudos Madam Allen, for this chilling story that is sure to make waves.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Missouri Ozarks are not always run on the same plain as other parts of the country, especially when it comes to the law. While the rural environ has secrets, some are more powerful than others. Young prosecutor Elsie Arnold is ready to pull the curtain back and reveal all the hidden truths, especially when they involve children. Elise is assigned to prosecute the case of a father who is accused of incest on his three girls, where the community is less than eager to share what they known. Trying not only to follow the law, but also to help those in the most need, Elsie will have to serve as the Ozark’s avenging angel , as best she can.
While the case appears to have some legs, Elise soon learns that it has more pitfalls that she could like. The star witness disappears into thin air, leaving the case to balance precariously. Then the girls stop cooperating, citing that their father was not being as violent as some might think. Finally, the girls’ mother seems less than interested in prosecuting while pushing her own motives. Elsie cannot make heads or tails of it, but will have to convince the court to lead the way as she tries to present the case.
Things get worse when a local extremist group seeks to protect the accused and bully Elise into leaving the case alone. Elsie cannot mind her business and let a sexual offender walk, but she also realises that the odds are stacked against her in a community where secrets are best left locked away. All the while, Elsie discovers that she cannot let three girls become victims and simply have the assaults swept under the rug because that’s what is done with too much regularity. Elise will have to fight with all she has, setting the tone and making sure justice does not turn the other cheek. Allen dazzles and keeps the reader in the driver’s seat throughout.
While my experience around Nancy Allen has solely been in a collaborative effort, taking the time to read her solo work has been quite intriguing. Allen has a firm handle on the legal thriller genre and has created a great series debut with this novel. The narrative delves deeply, not only into law, but also the seemingly backwards nature of the Ozarks. The reader can follow the details and get a sense as to how troubling things can become. While the topic is quite disturbing, Allen handled it in a professional manner, without glossing over things. The characters are quite well placed and developed, keeping the reader connected to the larger story. This adds another level to the story, which I hope continues throughout the series.
Plot points prove useful in this story, as the surprises are never-ending. Allen is able not only to advance the story with them, but the twists keep the reader on edge throughout the reading journey. Dealing with some highly controversial subject matter, the questionable nature of the story takes on a life of its own. I thoroughly enjoyed the surprises found throughout, at times left in shock. I am eager to see how the next book in the series plays out!
Kudos Madam Allen, for this chilling story that is sure to make waves.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
July 14, 2014
Readable but annoying. The main character was so dumb and self destructive that I could not stand it. She was a binge drinker, shallow and clueless in her choice of men, and criminally neglectful of her responsibilities as a prosecutor. I hate books where the woman protagonist is flaky and self-destructive. Not to mention weight obsessed with no indication that she had to be. The case itself held my interest but the contrivances of the author to make it a contest instead of a slam dunk were so obvious one could hear the gears squeaking. And the other characters were, on the whole, lightly sketched caricatures of real people. The author may have some talent but needs a great deal of honing. And as a former Public Defender, I have to say that given the mishandling of the case by the prosecutor, I might have won the case despite it being obvious that the dad was guilty.
January 10, 2015
This is the first book in a series that is set in the Ozarks, and features a woman who is a prosecutor, absorbed in cases where domestic violence and child sexual abuse are the norm. While I did not always like this central character, I think she was probably fairly realistically drawn. And many aspects of the story ring true. I did like the author's inclusion of incidents that illustrated that these issues happen across economic classes, and are not just problems among the poor. I am planning to read the next in the series.
January 14, 2025
I didn't really love this book at the start. I hate incest cases. (I suppose no one does, except the pedophiles and the sick abusers.) It felt exploitative just to get a scandalous trial as the basis of the story. But as Elsie's character started taking shape, I started getting into it, and I started liking her more and more.
I don't know much about the Ozarks (I watched the Netflix series, but I assumed that was only a convenient location setting). The way it's written, it almost feels as un-urban as the depictions of the Appalachian people. I have no idea if they (from either mountain range) are as "backward" and insular as presented. I think such people are all over the US, including in the cities, and vice versa. But that's the backdrop. I'd love to know from someone from the Ozarks how accurately it's been written and what else there is that hasn't been written.
I've decided to keep going with the series. The first book is always a little bit wobbly (I think), just to get the characters and their backstories established. I already hate her boss, and I can see some of the conflicts set up for long term and repeated confrontations. I love her mom. And I think I like Else enough to root for her. She's a bit of a mess. I guess that's what makes her a character worth fighting for, and when she stupidly screws up, I have to find a way to forgive her, and she has to find a way to make up for it, which she does. Let's see where this series goes. I am optimistic.
Good enough to keep going onto the second in the series, but if the second doesn't meet at least the good-enough standard, I will stop there.
I don't know much about the Ozarks (I watched the Netflix series, but I assumed that was only a convenient location setting). The way it's written, it almost feels as un-urban as the depictions of the Appalachian people. I have no idea if they (from either mountain range) are as "backward" and insular as presented. I think such people are all over the US, including in the cities, and vice versa. But that's the backdrop. I'd love to know from someone from the Ozarks how accurately it's been written and what else there is that hasn't been written.
I've decided to keep going with the series. The first book is always a little bit wobbly (I think), just to get the characters and their backstories established. I already hate her boss, and I can see some of the conflicts set up for long term and repeated confrontations. I love her mom. And I think I like Else enough to root for her. She's a bit of a mess. I guess that's what makes her a character worth fighting for, and when she stupidly screws up, I have to find a way to forgive her, and she has to find a way to make up for it, which she does. Let's see where this series goes. I am optimistic.
Good enough to keep going onto the second in the series, but if the second doesn't meet at least the good-enough standard, I will stop there.
April 3, 2014
In order to bring the truth to light, Elsie Arnold will have to break a very special, deeply ingrained, and well-protected code.
Up in the Ozarks, in the state of Missouri, there are certain subjects that are taboo; subjects that aren’t to be discussed in mixed company. One of those is abuse. But Prosecutor Elsie Arnold is determined to change these rules whether she finds herself in a mess full of trouble, or not.
A case appears in which a father is accused of abusing his three young daughters. Assigned to prosecute this high-profile incest case, Elsie is ready and willing to become the girls’ angel of mercy, determined to try the case to the fullest extent of the law. But the more she tries for justice, the darker things become.
Elsie finds herself in the company of some very unfriendly folk who are above the law; they believe the facts of the case should not be bandied about town, and they are willing to do anything to stop it from happening.
Suddenly, the star witness for the prosecution goes missing; the victims then refuse to talk about their father, who scares the entire courtroom from the very minute he enters. Elsie also begins to suspect that the mother of the girls is not what she appeared to be, and to top it all off, some seriously gruesome threats are aimed her way.
Trying very hard not to let a sex offender off on a technicality, Elsie realizes the odds are very much against her, along with the entire town. But the safety of the three girls whose very existence hangs in the balance causes Elsie to continue the fight.
Difficult subject matter, the plot, characters and dialogue are beyond riveting. Nancy Allen does a wonderful job of offering the requisite thrills and chills, but also adds a nugget of hope for the many people in the world who are hurting, letting them know that the ‘good and brave’ still exist.
(Amy Lignor For Suspense)
Up in the Ozarks, in the state of Missouri, there are certain subjects that are taboo; subjects that aren’t to be discussed in mixed company. One of those is abuse. But Prosecutor Elsie Arnold is determined to change these rules whether she finds herself in a mess full of trouble, or not.
A case appears in which a father is accused of abusing his three young daughters. Assigned to prosecute this high-profile incest case, Elsie is ready and willing to become the girls’ angel of mercy, determined to try the case to the fullest extent of the law. But the more she tries for justice, the darker things become.
Elsie finds herself in the company of some very unfriendly folk who are above the law; they believe the facts of the case should not be bandied about town, and they are willing to do anything to stop it from happening.
Suddenly, the star witness for the prosecution goes missing; the victims then refuse to talk about their father, who scares the entire courtroom from the very minute he enters. Elsie also begins to suspect that the mother of the girls is not what she appeared to be, and to top it all off, some seriously gruesome threats are aimed her way.
Trying very hard not to let a sex offender off on a technicality, Elsie realizes the odds are very much against her, along with the entire town. But the safety of the three girls whose very existence hangs in the balance causes Elsie to continue the fight.
Difficult subject matter, the plot, characters and dialogue are beyond riveting. Nancy Allen does a wonderful job of offering the requisite thrills and chills, but also adds a nugget of hope for the many people in the world who are hurting, letting them know that the ‘good and brave’ still exist.
(Amy Lignor For Suspense)
October 23, 2014
Excellent courtroom drama and social commentary on a tragic problem that is as old as the hills.
This legal thriller is a nail biter and if anything can go wrong for Elsie Arnold, it does, both personally and professionally. Nancy Allen's story vibrates with a prosecutor's frustration over criminals who have all the rights and victims who have none. But more than this, this Ozark Mystery is a microcosmic depiction of a tragic problem that goes beyond the Ozarks. Sexual abuse is a power issue, and Ms. Allen graphically portrays the factors that enable this crime: The closed network of family silence, inbred religious thinking, intimidation and shame, exploitation, and physical domination. The characters of Madeline and Donita exemplify two opposite ends of the spectrum of the dominated who strive for power in equally despicable ways. This is not a comfortable read. It is disturbing, but necessary to break the code of the hills--silence. Ms. Allen is a voice for all victims, and that is truly what a prosecutor should be.
This legal thriller is a nail biter and if anything can go wrong for Elsie Arnold, it does, both personally and professionally. Nancy Allen's story vibrates with a prosecutor's frustration over criminals who have all the rights and victims who have none. But more than this, this Ozark Mystery is a microcosmic depiction of a tragic problem that goes beyond the Ozarks. Sexual abuse is a power issue, and Ms. Allen graphically portrays the factors that enable this crime: The closed network of family silence, inbred religious thinking, intimidation and shame, exploitation, and physical domination. The characters of Madeline and Donita exemplify two opposite ends of the spectrum of the dominated who strive for power in equally despicable ways. This is not a comfortable read. It is disturbing, but necessary to break the code of the hills--silence. Ms. Allen is a voice for all victims, and that is truly what a prosecutor should be.
April 15, 2014
This was a very fast paced read that kept me riveted. I could not hardly put this book down. The writing was superb, I actually felt like I was in the court room, and on witness interrogations with Elsie. Elsie is a very strong character, who sometimes doesn't make the best decisions, but she is tenacious. She not only had to fight to win this case she had a couple of other battles to fight also. I can't wait to read more work by this author, as this was my first Nancy Allen book, but it won't be my last. Great job, Nancy!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
December 19, 2016
Interesting story.
Sad story, but this happens behind the close doors. Help for families and children are very limited, because of the cuts Washington puts on these agencies.
Assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold is hard work good attorney, but not only she works with incompetent female boss, she is not comfortable in her skin. Hopefully one day she will learn to judge people not what they look like outside, but what's in their hearts. Good read, but for me it was very depressing.
Sad story, but this happens behind the close doors. Help for families and children are very limited, because of the cuts Washington puts on these agencies.
Assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold is hard work good attorney, but not only she works with incompetent female boss, she is not comfortable in her skin. Hopefully one day she will learn to judge people not what they look like outside, but what's in their hearts. Good read, but for me it was very depressing.
July 20, 2014
I think the book was well-written. I was uncomfortable with the subject matter. This book could be adapted into a movie with good results, similar to the book Gone Girl.
April 11, 2014
Words to describe the reading experience: chilling, hair raising, deeply troubling, and frightening.
The Characters in Allen's debut novel were as authentic as any I have read about in the past. Elsie Arnold was a strong woman who dealt with the abuse of others and yet was subjected to abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, a local cop. Elsie could be tough in a courtroom and yet she had a soft side as well, a desperate desire to protect the innocent children subjected to sexual abuse. The Taney case she was assigned to put her way over her head as far as comfort goes, but Elsie was tenacious and not about to give up. I liked that when she felt overwhelmed there was safety and peace at the home of her parents and she had a strong working relationship with Ashlock, another cop on the force. He was a true straight arrow and truly sought justice for Elsie's victims of abuse.
Allen wrote with purpose and a well plotted story. She was clearly familiar with the lingo of the hills people and wrote their story convincingly. Truly a disgusting and distasteful topic, child sexual abuse and any type of abuse is prevalent in today's society. The point is , as Elsie so sagely put it in her closing remarks, do we protect our children or don't we? Do we punish the offender or don't we? What stance as a community do we take? What message will we send?
This was a very easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It is thought provoking and haunting.
I almost saw this as a call to arms or action. Abuse has touched all of our lives starting with the daily news and ending on some of our very door steps.
The Characters in Allen's debut novel were as authentic as any I have read about in the past. Elsie Arnold was a strong woman who dealt with the abuse of others and yet was subjected to abuse at the hands of her boyfriend, a local cop. Elsie could be tough in a courtroom and yet she had a soft side as well, a desperate desire to protect the innocent children subjected to sexual abuse. The Taney case she was assigned to put her way over her head as far as comfort goes, but Elsie was tenacious and not about to give up. I liked that when she felt overwhelmed there was safety and peace at the home of her parents and she had a strong working relationship with Ashlock, another cop on the force. He was a true straight arrow and truly sought justice for Elsie's victims of abuse.
Allen wrote with purpose and a well plotted story. She was clearly familiar with the lingo of the hills people and wrote their story convincingly. Truly a disgusting and distasteful topic, child sexual abuse and any type of abuse is prevalent in today's society. The point is , as Elsie so sagely put it in her closing remarks, do we protect our children or don't we? Do we punish the offender or don't we? What stance as a community do we take? What message will we send?
This was a very easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. It is thought provoking and haunting.
I almost saw this as a call to arms or action. Abuse has touched all of our lives starting with the daily news and ending on some of our very door steps.
May 12, 2014
In her debut novel, The Code Of The Hills, author Nancy Allen draws upon her professional legal experience to weave a riveting legal thriller that captivates the reader's attention from the very beginning. Set in the small town of Barton, Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks, the reader follows Prosecutor Elsie Arnold as she aggressively pursues and brings to trial a high-profile incest case against a man who allegedly sexually abuses his three young daughters.
The author easily draws the reader into the small town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. As Elsie prepares to bring the case of the State of Missouri v. Kris Taney to trial, her investigation in the Taney family reveals a sinister code of silence, that puts her in danger for her own safety.
The Code Of The Hills is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, and enough suspenseful twists and turns, and richly descriptive courtroom drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her difficult journey, she is determined to uncover the secrets and lies within the Taney family in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The author easily draws the reader into the small town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. As Elsie prepares to bring the case of the State of Missouri v. Kris Taney to trial, her investigation in the Taney family reveals a sinister code of silence, that puts her in danger for her own safety.
The Code Of The Hills is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, and enough suspenseful twists and turns, and richly descriptive courtroom drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her difficult journey, she is determined to uncover the secrets and lies within the Taney family in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 9, 2015
This is the second time I am trying to write a review. It is very hard...words aren't enough.
I should have never liked this book. The subject matter is extremely distasteful,and I have to admit that I did not find the characters likeable. At least not at first.
But I did like this book. Nancy Allen has written a very memorable, wonderfully absorbing story that I could not stop reading . I do not think I ever felt so may emotions (Repluse, disdain, sorrow, horror, hope, nervousness, longing, hate and yearning) reading a mystery. I could see, hear, feel and smell the characters.
I learned to appreciate the heroine Elsie and was rooting for her before I was even half way through narrative. I realized that her choices were only part of the person she was and her heart was in the right place--that she was someone to have on your side.
Nancy Allen has written a book that I do not think I could forget. I will go so far to say this was probably the best written book I have ever read, and with all the fantastic books out there, this is saying a lot.
I should have never liked this book. The subject matter is extremely distasteful,and I have to admit that I did not find the characters likeable. At least not at first.
But I did like this book. Nancy Allen has written a very memorable, wonderfully absorbing story that I could not stop reading . I do not think I ever felt so may emotions (Repluse, disdain, sorrow, horror, hope, nervousness, longing, hate and yearning) reading a mystery. I could see, hear, feel and smell the characters.
I learned to appreciate the heroine Elsie and was rooting for her before I was even half way through narrative. I realized that her choices were only part of the person she was and her heart was in the right place--that she was someone to have on your side.
Nancy Allen has written a book that I do not think I could forget. I will go so far to say this was probably the best written book I have ever read, and with all the fantastic books out there, this is saying a lot.
June 12, 2017
This is the first book in a series and first books are always a little hard for me...getting to know new people, new places, deciding who I like, who I trust. Keeping that all in mind and the fact that I listened to it on audio book, I found it "Meh". The premise of the story was really good. The Taney's were complex and realistic. My problem came with Elsie. She frequently acts like a bratty teenager. This woman faces murders and pedophiles in court but when harangued into going to church with her parents she sulks like a 13 year old and calls her mom fat.
I also expected a more involved plot but thats my own fault. The plot as is was good. It just seemed weird that this domestic abuse case would come up and at the same time Noah's behavior seems to take a drastic change. I expected him to be part of the Earthly Fathers. Also the police officer that was giving her grief about being a party girl. That seems highly unprofessional. So I thought he was also part of the group. Speaking of unprofessional, though, no one as inept as Madeline could possible keep such a high profile job!
I plan to start the next book tomorrow. I'm hoping that the experiences from the first book have helped Elsie to mature a bit.
I also expected a more involved plot but thats my own fault. The plot as is was good. It just seemed weird that this domestic abuse case would come up and at the same time Noah's behavior seems to take a drastic change. I expected him to be part of the Earthly Fathers. Also the police officer that was giving her grief about being a party girl. That seems highly unprofessional. So I thought he was also part of the group. Speaking of unprofessional, though, no one as inept as Madeline could possible keep such a high profile job!
I plan to start the next book tomorrow. I'm hoping that the experiences from the first book have helped Elsie to mature a bit.
January 24, 2025
I had previously read some of this author's work when she had teamed up with James Patterson. Despite some flaws I quite enjoyed the book so I thought I would give her standalone books I go. I quite liked this book but it comes with a hefty price. In Australia the John Grisham novels on Kindle sell for $13 AUD so it's quite unbelievable that Nancy Allen's publishers are charging somewhere between $24 and $33. I picked this one up quite cheaply at $16. And I still think it's well overpriced. I just hope some of the money goes towards editing her next book because, while it is not disastrous, there was some sloppy grammar and editing. Putting that to the side I loved the courtroom drama that Ms Allen was able to bring to life. But just a word of warning for those who might be alarmed or affected by paedophilia and domestic violence you may want to stay clear. All in all a good book in and when the price comes down on Kindle I will read some more of her work.
February 16, 2015
Elsie Arnold is a prosecutor in Southern Missouri. Her latest assignment is a high-profile case in which a father is accused of abusing and molesting his daughters. This case could either help Elsie build a name for herself or kill her career at the same time an undeniably vile man remains free.
The appalling incidents of domestic violence and incest related in this novel aren’t easy to read. Unfortunately, what makes it so hard to get through some of these descriptions is that they are so realistic and unfortunately, believable. The author has credibility since she was Assistant Missouri Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor in Southern Missouri. Although this is a fictional story, the facts and statistics Allen gives on domestic violence are all too real.
There are some lighter moments in the book to help balance out the darker subject matter of the book. Elsie gets into crazy situations. Not all of them are funny, but I did chuckle at some of her harmless escapades. Elsie is not a perfect character and in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like her. She is obviously intelligent and great at her job, but makes some really poor choices in her personal life. Anyone who gets drunk and acts foolishly with co-workers and colleagues over the weekend is going to be the fodder for Monday morning gossip, especially a woman in a visible job in a small Midwestern town. However, the fact that Elsie is flawed makes her a believable, three-dimensional character. As the story progresses, Elsie begins learning from her mistakes. She proves herself worthy of the reader’s respect as she learns to stand up for herself as well as the young abuse victims in the case, and by the end of the story, I could honestly say that I liked Elsie.
“Code of the Hills” is tense, suspenseful, and fast-moving. I like the southern Missouri setting and the combination of investigation and courtroom scenes. The second book in the series is coming out soon and I can’t wait to read it. Although this book is set in the Ozarks instead of New York City, fans of Linda Fairstein will enjoy the story and won’t find the more graphic scenes too disturbing.
The appalling incidents of domestic violence and incest related in this novel aren’t easy to read. Unfortunately, what makes it so hard to get through some of these descriptions is that they are so realistic and unfortunately, believable. The author has credibility since she was Assistant Missouri Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor in Southern Missouri. Although this is a fictional story, the facts and statistics Allen gives on domestic violence are all too real.
There are some lighter moments in the book to help balance out the darker subject matter of the book. Elsie gets into crazy situations. Not all of them are funny, but I did chuckle at some of her harmless escapades. Elsie is not a perfect character and in the beginning, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like her. She is obviously intelligent and great at her job, but makes some really poor choices in her personal life. Anyone who gets drunk and acts foolishly with co-workers and colleagues over the weekend is going to be the fodder for Monday morning gossip, especially a woman in a visible job in a small Midwestern town. However, the fact that Elsie is flawed makes her a believable, three-dimensional character. As the story progresses, Elsie begins learning from her mistakes. She proves herself worthy of the reader’s respect as she learns to stand up for herself as well as the young abuse victims in the case, and by the end of the story, I could honestly say that I liked Elsie.
“Code of the Hills” is tense, suspenseful, and fast-moving. I like the southern Missouri setting and the combination of investigation and courtroom scenes. The second book in the series is coming out soon and I can’t wait to read it. Although this book is set in the Ozarks instead of New York City, fans of Linda Fairstein will enjoy the story and won’t find the more graphic scenes too disturbing.
October 8, 2015
I don't recall where I saw a reference to this book, but I thank that person anyway. This is a riveting look at the legal and social aspects of family violence and sexual abuse. I applaud the author for her debut book, and I look forward to reading her next volume.
The fact that Nancy Allen writes somewhat flawed protagonists is a plus; one feels that real life is touched somehow.
The fact that Nancy Allen writes somewhat flawed protagonists is a plus; one feels that real life is touched somehow.
June 15, 2017
I'm a sucker for books set in the Ozarks. Southern Gothic is my favorite lit, and the Ozarks is home. Given the fact that in Southern Gothic and regional type settings, the location is as much a character, if not more, than people in the book, I really didn't care for how the location is completely made up. Making up the city for a story with strong civic government story elements makes sense, but not the county. You nearly negate the role the Ozarks plays as a character by making up which part it takes place in beyond "the southwest," (as different counties' culture differ greatly) and you alienate readers from that region. I also noticed two different Yiddish words used by characters supposedly from the deep Ozarks, which stuck out like a sore thumb, especially chutzpah. Sorry, but people in the Ozarks by and large do not know that word. I know that as a fact when my dad tried to use that word in Sunday school and when I did at work. Lastly, the narrator for the audiobook horribly mispronouncing Monett was just too much. I did enjoy the story though. I wasn't quite sure how the case was going to end up until the very end.
May 30, 2018
A startling new voice in crime fiction. I was in turns angry, sad, scared, furious, confused — all good emotions in crime fiction. The plot, the enmity, the fragility of heroines and the rot and evil that can come with the abuse of poverty, religion and family. Child sexual abuse, including father/daughter abuse, hurts to read about and hurts more to know it actually exists. Anger and fury and a sense of helplessness carry the reader through the entire book.
March 20, 2018
I picked this up on a whim. I am so glad that I did. It doesn't shy away from hard topics. It describes some sexual abuse so be forewarned if that is a trigger for you. I liked that it didn't sugar coat anything. Incest is brutal and rips families apart, and I'm glad Nancy Allen didn't flinch when it came to portraying this ugly truth.
November 21, 2024
"He was every cowgirl's wet dream," and "He licked me like ice cream."
Insert eye roll. I couldn't finish it.
Insert eye roll. I couldn't finish it.
March 18, 2021
Review originally published at https://libgirlbooks.com/2021/03/18/t...
*Trigger Warning: This book review contains talk of very difficult subject matters that might be upsetting for some readers. I’m also going to say some potentially controversial things about religion, so reader beware.*
If ever there were a person qualified to write a legal thriller, it’s Nancy Allen. Ms. Allen is a former Assistant Missouri Attorney General and assistant prosecutor out of Greene County, Missouri, which is the exact location in which I sit while writing this review. She currently teaches law at Missouri State University, my alma mater, and uses her expertise and knowledge of the legal profession to write incredibly compelling legal thrillers. You can find her on the web at http://www.nancyallenbooks.com/. The Code of the Hills is the first novel in the Ozarks Mysteries series. The series follows assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold as she navigates the frustrating and sometimes stifling environment of the legal field in a small deeply conservative and religious community. She sometimes finds herself taking on cases that not many would want to tackle.
“As a prosecutor who had handled many of these cases, she knew that a strict code of silence generally accompanied a family history of abuse. And something must have happened to crack it. She knew all too well the ways in which terrible wrongs could be hidden from the world.”
– Nancy Allen, Code of the Hills
Synopsis
In Code of the Hills, Elsie is tasked with prosecuting a particularly difficult child rape and incest case involving a father and his three daughters. In rural McCown County, a fictional county in Missouri that Allen has created for her series, people don’t discuss matters such as abuse or neglect, and they especially don’t discuss incest. Members of the police department and the prosecutor’s office, however, know that such evils roil and seethe beneath the surface of the idyllic facade of this small community. Beautiful rural countryside hides an awful truth. Poverty and drug use are rampant, and mothers often can’t or won’t protect their children from the men in the home preying on them, as interfering could get them hurt or killed. Because you really can’t protect you’re children if you’re dead. Elsie is tasked with proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that one such father should be put behind bars for the sake of his family’s safety. But as she’s seen in past cases, this is often easier said than done. Elsie will uncover an even uglier side of her town as her very own life is threatened by the supporters of the assailant, people who will stop at nothing to silence women like Elsie. After all, the Bible says a woman shall remain silent in the presence of a man, and there’s nothing more threatening to these people than a woman in a pantsuit with an opinion and a degree to back it up.
Review
I’ll begin by saying that it’s really obvious that Nancy Allen knows her stuff. Working for the Court system for over 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of court records from abuse and neglect and child molestation cases, and this book is not wrong. But the saddest reality is that the people tasked with interfering in these cases, from social workers to attorneys, can only do so much and can only do so within the confines of the law. We see Elsie struggle to hold her composure in the rodent and cockroach infested home of a mute little girl, trying desperately to reach her, realizing that even after the father is removed from the home there is still so much standing in the way of this little girl ever having a normal life. Elsie relies on the testimony of two older girls, girls whose years of abuse have already caused irreparable damage. Even when child welfare agencies get involved, it’s often a long and agonizing process that only does further damage to the children.
The real foe, however, for Elsie, is not the defendant. It’s the raging patriarchal prejudice that dictates the decisions made by many members of the community, event those at the top. This book presents us with religious folk, members of what I would call a cult, who sit self righteously in their pews on Sundays and then commit evil and threatening deeds on behalf of a child molester simply because, in their estimation, fathers have inalienable rights as heads of household. These people use threats and coercion to protect the evil and vile criminals in society under the guise of “family values.” There’s a part of me that wants desperately to believe people like this don’t really exist, but I’ve also heard enough crazy ramblings over the past several years to know that OF COURSE THEY DO.
This book also highlights the inherent institutional sexism that even to this day slithers its way through the legal community, ensuring that women have to be twice as good at their jobs as their male counterparts to even be considered for the kind of upper level positions men have enjoyed for years. And many times these positions of power weren’t gained with merit but with political posturing. That good ole’ boys club card is good for a lot more than just entry to the country club for a round of golf. That being said, it’s not just men that enjoy the spoils of political posturing, as evidenced by Elsie’s horrible boss, the wife of some powerhouse businessman and political donor who’d racked up a few favors with higher-ups, ensuring his wife’s appointment despite the fact she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing. That’s all just a very small taste of what’s in this book. And it’s a big, infuriating mess of WTF. And it will piss you off because there’s so much fact interspersed amongst the fiction.
Let’s talk about Elsie for a moment. On the one hand, I really like the fact that Elsie is actually believable, relatable, and quite flawed. When I say quite flawed, I mean she’s the kind of woman I want to take by the shoulders and shake while yelling, “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU????” But, the thing is, I KNOW what’s wrong with Elsie. Because I feel like a lot of us women who were raised in communities like Elsie’s in Southwest Missouri and similar locales can completely understand what it’s like. Here we are looking at other women in other situations saying, “I could never be like that.” We see the woman being abused by her husband and say, “how can she put up with that?” Or maybe, “why doesn’t she just leave?” But then how many of us have ever been in a room with one of those cock-sure masters of the universe who were born on a pedestal and found ourselves flustered and cowering? Or even merely just disrespected and ignored at a car dealership or a bank or wherever else you encounter the “men are the heads of the household” mentality. How many of us have disappointed ourselves by giving in and just letting things go in these situations, not standing up to the old man who tells us all our problems will be fixed if we’d just find a husband? In Elsie we see a woman who originally believes herself to be strong, confident, and very unlike the women she often encounters in her profession. But everything that happens to her challenges that notion. It opens her mind to the notion of sisterhood and understanding that as women, we’re all fighting somewhat the same battle. And, often, that battle is with those elements of ourselves that echo the sentiments we’ve always been fed that maybe, just maybe, we can’t really measure up. The challenge is how to arm ourselves against the vicious attacks that aren’t necessarily physical but are still just as damaging. Unfortunately, we carry damage from the toxic things we’ve been fed in childhood and find ourselves tasked with retraining our brains. My favorite thing about Elsie, ultimately, was that I saw a lot of growth in her. I won’t lie, though, the journey was a bit tough to bear and I didn’t always like her. Then again, I don’t always like myself either.
This whole story was tough to bear. Perhaps it hit a bit close to home. I mean, it literally is home. It’s a birds-eye view into all the things I hate about the community in which I live. The religious zealotry that dictates decisions and has permanently altered political ideals, cherry picking the most atrocious things from the Bible to excuse their prejudices. I’m not trying to make this a critique of religion, of course. I don’t find these opinions I’m discussing to actually be biblically based, but a pure bastardization of the original principals. It’s mostly driven by fear instead of by faith, and that’s where communities go astray, and that’s why rational people find themselves leaving organized religion in droves. Can you blame them?
Needless to say, this book is a challenge. It’s emotionally challenging, it’s heavy, and it drains you of just a little bit of hope for humanity with each page. Ultimately I think the journey was worth it, and these are definitely topics that need to be discussed. I’m not one to put down something just because the message is a little irksome. If it’s important, it needs to be said, and I need to absorb it and carry it with me into the future. I realize I wound up making this review a bit long without really talking much about the substance or the writing. Overall, I can tell that Ms. Allen has a lot of experience in the legal field. Very much of the narration deals with procedural legalese, though it was easily digestible and I didn’t feel like the story got lost in all that, so well done. It was good but not necessarily masterful writing. Sometimes I felt like I needed a break, because it’s full of such awful negative stuff. Then again, that’s what an authentic story is: depressing and soul-sucking descent into humanity’s abyss. Overall rating, 3 1/2 stars.
*Trigger Warning: This book review contains talk of very difficult subject matters that might be upsetting for some readers. I’m also going to say some potentially controversial things about religion, so reader beware.*
If ever there were a person qualified to write a legal thriller, it’s Nancy Allen. Ms. Allen is a former Assistant Missouri Attorney General and assistant prosecutor out of Greene County, Missouri, which is the exact location in which I sit while writing this review. She currently teaches law at Missouri State University, my alma mater, and uses her expertise and knowledge of the legal profession to write incredibly compelling legal thrillers. You can find her on the web at http://www.nancyallenbooks.com/. The Code of the Hills is the first novel in the Ozarks Mysteries series. The series follows assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold as she navigates the frustrating and sometimes stifling environment of the legal field in a small deeply conservative and religious community. She sometimes finds herself taking on cases that not many would want to tackle.
“As a prosecutor who had handled many of these cases, she knew that a strict code of silence generally accompanied a family history of abuse. And something must have happened to crack it. She knew all too well the ways in which terrible wrongs could be hidden from the world.”
– Nancy Allen, Code of the Hills
Synopsis
In Code of the Hills, Elsie is tasked with prosecuting a particularly difficult child rape and incest case involving a father and his three daughters. In rural McCown County, a fictional county in Missouri that Allen has created for her series, people don’t discuss matters such as abuse or neglect, and they especially don’t discuss incest. Members of the police department and the prosecutor’s office, however, know that such evils roil and seethe beneath the surface of the idyllic facade of this small community. Beautiful rural countryside hides an awful truth. Poverty and drug use are rampant, and mothers often can’t or won’t protect their children from the men in the home preying on them, as interfering could get them hurt or killed. Because you really can’t protect you’re children if you’re dead. Elsie is tasked with proving, beyond a reasonable doubt, that one such father should be put behind bars for the sake of his family’s safety. But as she’s seen in past cases, this is often easier said than done. Elsie will uncover an even uglier side of her town as her very own life is threatened by the supporters of the assailant, people who will stop at nothing to silence women like Elsie. After all, the Bible says a woman shall remain silent in the presence of a man, and there’s nothing more threatening to these people than a woman in a pantsuit with an opinion and a degree to back it up.
Review
I’ll begin by saying that it’s really obvious that Nancy Allen knows her stuff. Working for the Court system for over 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of court records from abuse and neglect and child molestation cases, and this book is not wrong. But the saddest reality is that the people tasked with interfering in these cases, from social workers to attorneys, can only do so much and can only do so within the confines of the law. We see Elsie struggle to hold her composure in the rodent and cockroach infested home of a mute little girl, trying desperately to reach her, realizing that even after the father is removed from the home there is still so much standing in the way of this little girl ever having a normal life. Elsie relies on the testimony of two older girls, girls whose years of abuse have already caused irreparable damage. Even when child welfare agencies get involved, it’s often a long and agonizing process that only does further damage to the children.
The real foe, however, for Elsie, is not the defendant. It’s the raging patriarchal prejudice that dictates the decisions made by many members of the community, event those at the top. This book presents us with religious folk, members of what I would call a cult, who sit self righteously in their pews on Sundays and then commit evil and threatening deeds on behalf of a child molester simply because, in their estimation, fathers have inalienable rights as heads of household. These people use threats and coercion to protect the evil and vile criminals in society under the guise of “family values.” There’s a part of me that wants desperately to believe people like this don’t really exist, but I’ve also heard enough crazy ramblings over the past several years to know that OF COURSE THEY DO.
This book also highlights the inherent institutional sexism that even to this day slithers its way through the legal community, ensuring that women have to be twice as good at their jobs as their male counterparts to even be considered for the kind of upper level positions men have enjoyed for years. And many times these positions of power weren’t gained with merit but with political posturing. That good ole’ boys club card is good for a lot more than just entry to the country club for a round of golf. That being said, it’s not just men that enjoy the spoils of political posturing, as evidenced by Elsie’s horrible boss, the wife of some powerhouse businessman and political donor who’d racked up a few favors with higher-ups, ensuring his wife’s appointment despite the fact she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing. That’s all just a very small taste of what’s in this book. And it’s a big, infuriating mess of WTF. And it will piss you off because there’s so much fact interspersed amongst the fiction.
Let’s talk about Elsie for a moment. On the one hand, I really like the fact that Elsie is actually believable, relatable, and quite flawed. When I say quite flawed, I mean she’s the kind of woman I want to take by the shoulders and shake while yelling, “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU????” But, the thing is, I KNOW what’s wrong with Elsie. Because I feel like a lot of us women who were raised in communities like Elsie’s in Southwest Missouri and similar locales can completely understand what it’s like. Here we are looking at other women in other situations saying, “I could never be like that.” We see the woman being abused by her husband and say, “how can she put up with that?” Or maybe, “why doesn’t she just leave?” But then how many of us have ever been in a room with one of those cock-sure masters of the universe who were born on a pedestal and found ourselves flustered and cowering? Or even merely just disrespected and ignored at a car dealership or a bank or wherever else you encounter the “men are the heads of the household” mentality. How many of us have disappointed ourselves by giving in and just letting things go in these situations, not standing up to the old man who tells us all our problems will be fixed if we’d just find a husband? In Elsie we see a woman who originally believes herself to be strong, confident, and very unlike the women she often encounters in her profession. But everything that happens to her challenges that notion. It opens her mind to the notion of sisterhood and understanding that as women, we’re all fighting somewhat the same battle. And, often, that battle is with those elements of ourselves that echo the sentiments we’ve always been fed that maybe, just maybe, we can’t really measure up. The challenge is how to arm ourselves against the vicious attacks that aren’t necessarily physical but are still just as damaging. Unfortunately, we carry damage from the toxic things we’ve been fed in childhood and find ourselves tasked with retraining our brains. My favorite thing about Elsie, ultimately, was that I saw a lot of growth in her. I won’t lie, though, the journey was a bit tough to bear and I didn’t always like her. Then again, I don’t always like myself either.
This whole story was tough to bear. Perhaps it hit a bit close to home. I mean, it literally is home. It’s a birds-eye view into all the things I hate about the community in which I live. The religious zealotry that dictates decisions and has permanently altered political ideals, cherry picking the most atrocious things from the Bible to excuse their prejudices. I’m not trying to make this a critique of religion, of course. I don’t find these opinions I’m discussing to actually be biblically based, but a pure bastardization of the original principals. It’s mostly driven by fear instead of by faith, and that’s where communities go astray, and that’s why rational people find themselves leaving organized religion in droves. Can you blame them?
Needless to say, this book is a challenge. It’s emotionally challenging, it’s heavy, and it drains you of just a little bit of hope for humanity with each page. Ultimately I think the journey was worth it, and these are definitely topics that need to be discussed. I’m not one to put down something just because the message is a little irksome. If it’s important, it needs to be said, and I need to absorb it and carry it with me into the future. I realize I wound up making this review a bit long without really talking much about the substance or the writing. Overall, I can tell that Ms. Allen has a lot of experience in the legal field. Very much of the narration deals with procedural legalese, though it was easily digestible and I didn’t feel like the story got lost in all that, so well done. It was good but not necessarily masterful writing. Sometimes I felt like I needed a break, because it’s full of such awful negative stuff. Then again, that’s what an authentic story is: depressing and soul-sucking descent into humanity’s abyss. Overall rating, 3 1/2 stars.
December 27, 2015
Gripping, fast paced, believable tale set in the Missouri Ozarks. Nancy Allen, former Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor, spins a story that delves deep into the more sinister aspects of the region. I began this book Christmas afternoon and finished it the afternoon after - that's how well it drew me in and kept me reading. The subject matter is difficult, but I've never shied away from reading, or writing, difficult subject matter. The language is coarse, for the most part, but in reading this book, you have to remember, it's written about largely uneducated people, people without hope, without redemption, people who scramble and scratch to survive every day.
Elsie Arnold, Assistant Prosecutor, is pulled into a high-profile incest case involving a man and his three daughters. As she finds herself more and more embroiled in the case, she forges relationships with the three young victims, as well as their mother. The case is difficult to develop, however, and Elsie finds her star witness disappears, she's being threatened by an unknown entity, and even her job is on the line. But, Elsie is determined not to let her three young victims down.
Great pacing, great ending. I recommend this book and I'm looking forward to reading Ms. Allen's next book, A Killing at the Creek, also set in the Missouri Ozarks.
Elsie Arnold, Assistant Prosecutor, is pulled into a high-profile incest case involving a man and his three daughters. As she finds herself more and more embroiled in the case, she forges relationships with the three young victims, as well as their mother. The case is difficult to develop, however, and Elsie finds her star witness disappears, she's being threatened by an unknown entity, and even her job is on the line. But, Elsie is determined not to let her three young victims down.
Great pacing, great ending. I recommend this book and I'm looking forward to reading Ms. Allen's next book, A Killing at the Creek, also set in the Missouri Ozarks.
March 29, 2019
I basically devoured this book and while there were many times I wanted to scream at the main character, Elsie, I am getting ready to start on Ozarks Mystery #2. I think I wanted to scream at her because I am from the Ozarks - born in Missouri and lived the first 33 years of my life in the Ozarks - Arkansas and Missouri. I know these folks and although I have no law degree so I don't relate to Elsie in that area, I've been as foolish about men, drinking escapades and not always following my head/instincts just like she is. In spite of all her flaws, which only make her human, I wanted her to win and was on the edge of my seat waiting to see whether she would or not. And I just wanted to slap the smugness off those "good old boy" faces as they tried to trip her up or put her in her place. Sexual abuse and spousal abuse is tough material to read about, but it's out there and in the Ozarks because it's a rule that you shouldn't bring these skeletons out of the family closet, it's more prevalent than folks will admit to. Hats off to Nancy Allen for being brave enough to take tough subject matter and base a good mystery novel on it!
August 29, 2014
A difficult subject, handled nicely.
This book takes on the subjects of incest, child abuse, domestic violence, and (among other things), ingrained social prejudices. While the book sometimes moves slowly, it is probably realistic in that regard. The wheels of justice probably move much more slowly than in this book! In regard to the overall interactions of the people involved, there are few surprises. By and large, things move logically.
It was a lovely book, despite the rather dark subject matter. Through the entire story, a love story is unfolding, but so understated that until it almost hits you in the face at the end.
The book covers some rather dark material. As such, it may not appeal to everyone, and should be avoided by some. The author's knowledge of the justice system, and some of the problems that arise in the pursuit of justice, make sure that is almost too realistic.
This book takes on the subjects of incest, child abuse, domestic violence, and (among other things), ingrained social prejudices. While the book sometimes moves slowly, it is probably realistic in that regard. The wheels of justice probably move much more slowly than in this book! In regard to the overall interactions of the people involved, there are few surprises. By and large, things move logically.
It was a lovely book, despite the rather dark subject matter. Through the entire story, a love story is unfolding, but so understated that until it almost hits you in the face at the end.
The book covers some rather dark material. As such, it may not appeal to everyone, and should be avoided by some. The author's knowledge of the justice system, and some of the problems that arise in the pursuit of justice, make sure that is almost too realistic.
April 8, 2016
The Code of the Hills: An Ozarks Mystery
This is a S tunningly Thrilling story. You don't often get a chance to read anything on this subject. It's very important to know that there are people who actually fight these predators. From articles in national and local newspapers and TV broadcasts You are aware of the facts that these criminal acts are VERY PREVALENT IN TODAYS WORLD. AND AS DESPICABLE AS THE CRIMES ARE THE ARE GROWING DAILY... SADLY AS THIS STORY POINTS OUT THE ABUSE THAT GOES ALONG WITH THE PORNOGRAPHY AND , CRIMES OF INCEST ARE NOT AS DOCUMENTED AS THE PHYSICAL ABUSE THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT. NO BODY REGARDLESS OF THEIR STATIONS IN THE COMUNITY ARE SAFE FROM IT. THIS IS A STORY..BUT IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL WRITTEN , AND WE HAVE MUCH TO LEARN FROM IT.. VERY GRAPHIC IT ISN'T ALWAYS PLEASANT SO I RECOMMEND IT FOR ages16 and older. And maybe for younger even so they might see that they are NOT ALONE...AND IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT. I RECOMMEND.
This is a S tunningly Thrilling story. You don't often get a chance to read anything on this subject. It's very important to know that there are people who actually fight these predators. From articles in national and local newspapers and TV broadcasts You are aware of the facts that these criminal acts are VERY PREVALENT IN TODAYS WORLD. AND AS DESPICABLE AS THE CRIMES ARE THE ARE GROWING DAILY... SADLY AS THIS STORY POINTS OUT THE ABUSE THAT GOES ALONG WITH THE PORNOGRAPHY AND , CRIMES OF INCEST ARE NOT AS DOCUMENTED AS THE PHYSICAL ABUSE THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT. NO BODY REGARDLESS OF THEIR STATIONS IN THE COMUNITY ARE SAFE FROM IT. THIS IS A STORY..BUT IT IS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL WRITTEN , AND WE HAVE MUCH TO LEARN FROM IT.. VERY GRAPHIC IT ISN'T ALWAYS PLEASANT SO I RECOMMEND IT FOR ages16 and older. And maybe for younger even so they might see that they are NOT ALONE...AND IT'S NOT THEIR FAULT. I RECOMMEND.
December 12, 2014
The Code of the Hills is the kind of novel you want on an airplane--it'll hold your attention, without a doubt, with its Grisham-type pacing and convincing courtroom drama details. I found the central mystery satisfying, if a little grim, and I loved it that the main character, Elsie, who is prosecuting the case, gets involved in such a personal way with the victims--and has so many flaws. In mystery novels, it's often true that the main sleuth is flawed, a loner, a drinker, a bit of a wild card--that's why we love these rebels who fight for justice--and it's refreshing to find a female character who holds her own with the men. The only thing lacking here is a bit more attention to setting, since the Ozarks is also such a unique place to set a book. That would have pushed it to five stars for me. But I will look for more books by Nancy Allen.
July 18, 2016
Riveting. Powerful. I could not put it down. The Code of the Hills brings the subject of incest and abuse to the forefront. Somethings are never talked about. In this book, they are being talked about.
Elsie Arnold is a prosecutor with no shortage of faults. And it is her faults that make her human. Make her feel. Make her want what is right. While trying to follow the rules.
Author Nancy Allen is a brilliant storyteller. This is a riveting and suspenseful tale. Elsie cannot fail in her mission. Young lives are dependent on her success. Your heart will race and you won't be able to put this book down until you've finished.
Highly recommend The Code of the Hills. Nancy Allen is a great new voice. I'm looking forward to her next novel already.
Elsie Arnold is a prosecutor with no shortage of faults. And it is her faults that make her human. Make her feel. Make her want what is right. While trying to follow the rules.
Author Nancy Allen is a brilliant storyteller. This is a riveting and suspenseful tale. Elsie cannot fail in her mission. Young lives are dependent on her success. Your heart will race and you won't be able to put this book down until you've finished.
Highly recommend The Code of the Hills. Nancy Allen is a great new voice. I'm looking forward to her next novel already.
April 21, 2014
The Code of the Hills by Nancy Allen is a terrific read. I couldn't put it down. The plot is very fast paced and rich with exciting court room scenes that are authentic. The characters are well developed. As a fellow faller and Sonic enthusiast, I identified with the protagonist Elsie Arnold. Though flawed, she is incredibly likable and was an easy character to root for. Allen also skillfully crafted sinister characters like Donita Taney. Perhaps my favorite aspect of the book was how Allen juxtaposed Donita's and Elsie's love lives showing abuse can happen to anyone. I really loved this book and look forward to reading more books by Nancy Allen.
March 13, 2021
This is one of those books that makes me wish I could give a 3.5. I liked it overall but I think I was supposed to like the main character more than I did. At times I wanted to scream at her to ask more questions, or to stop asking questions or to just be honest with herself about her personal life. She frustrated me but at the same time I’m interested in reading more of this series to see what happens with her.
3/12/21
On my second reading of this book I liked Elsie a bit more & hated Josh Nixon less. Still not enough to up my rating though. Coming from a social work background, Al & Roy were both red flags the second their names & connection to the family were introduced.
3/12/21
On my second reading of this book I liked Elsie a bit more & hated Josh Nixon less. Still not enough to up my rating though. Coming from a social work background, Al & Roy were both red flags the second their names & connection to the family were introduced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2014
Elsie is an Ozarks prosecutor who longs to seek justice for the victims. Now the Taney child abuse case has been dumped on her by her boss. As more and more evidence unfolds, what will be revealed?
A complex and winding mystery guides the plot narrative with hints of romance, action, violence, and intrigue.
Characters are varied, typically caring, authentic, and develop as the story progresses.
Overall, a thrilling read.
A complex and winding mystery guides the plot narrative with hints of romance, action, violence, and intrigue.
Characters are varied, typically caring, authentic, and develop as the story progresses.
Overall, a thrilling read.
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