What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Sarah Alt #1
Out of the Blues
“A fresh, gritty debut. Boyce unveils one of the best new series characters in ages. . . A book that combines fast-paced suspense with moving insights.”—#1 New York Times-bestselling author Lisa Gardner
From an author with more than thirty years’ experience in the Atlanta Police Department comes a riveting procedural debut introducing an unforgettable heroine.
On her first day as a newly minted homicide detective, Sarah “Salt” Alt is given the cold-case murder of a blues musician whose death was originally ruled an accidental drug overdose. Now new evidence has come to light that he may have been given a hot dose intentionally. And this evidence comes from a convicted felon hoping to trade his knowledge for shortened prison time . . . a man who Salt herself put behind bars.
In a search that will take her into the depths of Atlanta’s buried wounds—among the city’s homeless, its politically powerful churches, commerce and industry, and the police department itself—Salt probes her way toward the truth in a case that has more at stake than she ever could have imagined. At once a vivid procedural and a penetrating examination of what it means to be cop, Out of the Blues is a remarkable crime debut.
From an author with more than thirty years’ experience in the Atlanta Police Department comes a riveting procedural debut introducing an unforgettable heroine.
On her first day as a newly minted homicide detective, Sarah “Salt” Alt is given the cold-case murder of a blues musician whose death was originally ruled an accidental drug overdose. Now new evidence has come to light that he may have been given a hot dose intentionally. And this evidence comes from a convicted felon hoping to trade his knowledge for shortened prison time . . . a man who Salt herself put behind bars.
In a search that will take her into the depths of Atlanta’s buried wounds—among the city’s homeless, its politically powerful churches, commerce and industry, and the police department itself—Salt probes her way toward the truth in a case that has more at stake than she ever could have imagined. At once a vivid procedural and a penetrating examination of what it means to be cop, Out of the Blues is a remarkable crime debut.
Audible Audio
First published February 23, 2016
56 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
About the author
Trudy Nan Boyce
3 books71 followersTrudy Nan Boyce had a more-than-thirty-year career as a police officer for the City of Atlanta. She served as a beat cop, homicide detective, senior hostage negotiator, and lieutenant. Boyce retired from the police department in 2008 and still lives in Atlanta. Boyce also has a Ph.D. in community counseling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
![Profile Image for Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1712357414i%2F6658001._UY200_CR4%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 10, 2025
Audiobook - 10:45 hours - Narrator: Rebecca Lowman
5.0 out of 5.0 Stars - Again!
09 August, 2025
A kick-arse but not in-your-face policewoman makes detective after 10 years on patrol in downtown Atlanta, GA. An excellent re-listen, made better because it is six years since my first hearing of this audiobook and I remembered little about it😄🤩!
I loved this book, but it is neither a "hard-boiled", nor a "soft-boiled" novel, and it may not be for all lovers of police procedurals. Based on her extensive personal experience, author Trudy Nan Boyce has given us a unique perspective of the professional and individual difficulties faced by police in real life.
23 February, 2019
"Out of the Blues" is an excellent police procedural, confidently written and eminently readable. Upon reading some background on the author, Trudy Nan Boyce, it is not surprising that she has written her crime debut in such a competent manner.
Trudy Nan Boyce received her Ph.D. in community counselling before becoming a police officer for the City of Atlanta. During her more-than-thirty-year career she served as a beat cop, homicide detective, senior hostage negotiator, and lieutenant. Boyce retired from the police department in 2008 and still lives in Atlanta. (Penguin Random House).
Her writing style, which is spare but not sparse, equally economical and informative, is somewhat reminiscent of the style of an early James Lee Burke, one of my all-time favourite crime writers. I highly recommend “Out of the Blues” to lovers of similar crime novels. I am already half-way through "Old Bones", #2 of the Sarah Alt ('Salt') trilogy.
I have identified 910 books as "Read" since I joined Goodreads in 2010, a lot of them being 'paper' books I had actually read in the many years leading up to 2010. Of the 910 "Read" books, I have given 5 Stars to only 28 of them, including “Out of the Blues”.
5.0 out of 5.0 Stars - Again!
09 August, 2025
A kick-arse but not in-your-face policewoman makes detective after 10 years on patrol in downtown Atlanta, GA. An excellent re-listen, made better because it is six years since my first hearing of this audiobook and I remembered little about it😄🤩!
I loved this book, but it is neither a "hard-boiled", nor a "soft-boiled" novel, and it may not be for all lovers of police procedurals. Based on her extensive personal experience, author Trudy Nan Boyce has given us a unique perspective of the professional and individual difficulties faced by police in real life.
23 February, 2019
"Out of the Blues" is an excellent police procedural, confidently written and eminently readable. Upon reading some background on the author, Trudy Nan Boyce, it is not surprising that she has written her crime debut in such a competent manner.
Trudy Nan Boyce received her Ph.D. in community counselling before becoming a police officer for the City of Atlanta. During her more-than-thirty-year career she served as a beat cop, homicide detective, senior hostage negotiator, and lieutenant. Boyce retired from the police department in 2008 and still lives in Atlanta. (Penguin Random House).
Her writing style, which is spare but not sparse, equally economical and informative, is somewhat reminiscent of the style of an early James Lee Burke, one of my all-time favourite crime writers. I highly recommend “Out of the Blues” to lovers of similar crime novels. I am already half-way through "Old Bones", #2 of the Sarah Alt ('Salt') trilogy.
I have identified 910 books as "Read" since I joined Goodreads in 2010, a lot of them being 'paper' books I had actually read in the many years leading up to 2010. Of the 910 "Read" books, I have given 5 Stars to only 28 of them, including “Out of the Blues”.
March 4, 2017
This is a very good crime novel.
As a police procedural, it is an exceptional book. The book involves newly appointed homicide detective Sarah Alt investigating what first appears to be a cold case drug overdose, that quickly turns into a much deeper and darker tale.
The novel is written by a retired police officer and leaves the reader anxiously awaiting her future novels.
One thing I enjoyed about the novel is how well done it was while avoiding that feeling of a "cookie cutter" like assemblage of a novel. While reading the novel, I never had the experience of the flow of the novel being predictable because that is just how procedurals are supposed to be. And because it was written by a former police officer, the typical errors that non-police officers make when writing novels were non-existent. On top of that, in too many other novels involving complex linkage, the story becomes implausible and far reaching, while the plot of this novel was delivered in a very believable way.
Boyce also added layers and textures of life throughout the novel, similarly as to how James Lee Burke does in his writing. Her description of flowers, plants and trees in Atlanta, as well as food and casual conversations between characters, added to the feel of the novel.
While reading this novel, though, I did have two main issues. The first was the lack of police officer gallows humor. Boyce is very sparse in her usage of gallows humor. While it is possible a writer can be gratuitous in the usage of gallows humor, thus rendering it impotent, too little of it, to me, can have a similarly impact.
The other issue dealt the main character missing obvious cues to danger ahead, when through her development, we are led to believe she is an exceptional police officer. These were probably just ways to move the story forward, however, when reading the novel it did not bode well during these times when in my mind I'm hearing the robot from Lost In Space chanting, "Danger, Will Robinson."
Still, this was an exceptional police novel and highly recommended.
As a police procedural, it is an exceptional book. The book involves newly appointed homicide detective Sarah Alt investigating what first appears to be a cold case drug overdose, that quickly turns into a much deeper and darker tale.
The novel is written by a retired police officer and leaves the reader anxiously awaiting her future novels.
One thing I enjoyed about the novel is how well done it was while avoiding that feeling of a "cookie cutter" like assemblage of a novel. While reading the novel, I never had the experience of the flow of the novel being predictable because that is just how procedurals are supposed to be. And because it was written by a former police officer, the typical errors that non-police officers make when writing novels were non-existent. On top of that, in too many other novels involving complex linkage, the story becomes implausible and far reaching, while the plot of this novel was delivered in a very believable way.
Boyce also added layers and textures of life throughout the novel, similarly as to how James Lee Burke does in his writing. Her description of flowers, plants and trees in Atlanta, as well as food and casual conversations between characters, added to the feel of the novel.
While reading this novel, though, I did have two main issues. The first was the lack of police officer gallows humor. Boyce is very sparse in her usage of gallows humor. While it is possible a writer can be gratuitous in the usage of gallows humor, thus rendering it impotent, too little of it, to me, can have a similarly impact.
The other issue dealt the main character missing obvious cues to danger ahead, when through her development, we are led to believe she is an exceptional police officer. These were probably just ways to move the story forward, however, when reading the novel it did not bode well during these times when in my mind I'm hearing the robot from Lost In Space chanting, "Danger, Will Robinson."
Still, this was an exceptional police novel and highly recommended.
February 29, 2016
I fell in love with Sandy Salt aka "Alt"! I sure hope this is the start of a new series. I loved everything about this novel. The characters were so believable, the way the guys treated her until she had proved herself in the male-dominated homicide division. She knew the detectives from working on patrol and was a very capable officer and they knew that but she still had to prove that she belonged in "coveted" homicide division.
Her first day in Homicide the Sgt. shows her to a desk, without a PC and then hands her a 10-year-old cold case to work on. Typical fare for a newly minted female detective, Ms. Boyce really hits home on that one.
I also loved the way she incorporated the rich historical facts of Atlanta and it's racial history into the novel as well. Not to mention the Blues, did I already state how much I loved this novel.
This was a great debut novel for Ms. Boyce and I hope it does become a series, I would love to find out what else she has in store for "Alt".
If you like a no-nonsense true police procedural, think of a female Ed McBain with a twist then you'll love this novel as much as I did.
I would like to thank GP Putman and Netgalley for providing me with an e-galley of this novel for my honest review.
Her first day in Homicide the Sgt. shows her to a desk, without a PC and then hands her a 10-year-old cold case to work on. Typical fare for a newly minted female detective, Ms. Boyce really hits home on that one.
I also loved the way she incorporated the rich historical facts of Atlanta and it's racial history into the novel as well. Not to mention the Blues, did I already state how much I loved this novel.
This was a great debut novel for Ms. Boyce and I hope it does become a series, I would love to find out what else she has in store for "Alt".
If you like a no-nonsense true police procedural, think of a female Ed McBain with a twist then you'll love this novel as much as I did.
I would like to thank GP Putman and Netgalley for providing me with an e-galley of this novel for my honest review.
February 12, 2016
No good deed goes unpunished
Sarah Alt, known as ‘Salt’ has just been made detective in the homicide team of Atlanta’s police department. On her first day she manages to track down and arrest the murderer of a small child, all by her own efforts. Unsurprisingly rather than receiving plaudits from her male colleagues and her immediate boss, Sergeant (don’t call me Sarge!!) Huff she is given a ten year old cold case to investigate without even being allocated a partner.
But our girl is not to be discouraged (not much anyway) and is determined to find out whether the Blues musician, Michael Anderson died from a self-administered drug overdose which was the conclusion at the time, or whether new evidence would change the verdict to murder. The new evidence comes from the deeply unpleasant Curtis Dwayne Stone who Salt put away a year ago and who tried to kill her, resulting in a serious wound to her head. Her first action is to interview Stone in prison!
The case takes her back to ‘The Homes’, the gang controlled projects where she served as a patrol officer. In addition it overlaps with a case being investigated by her boyfriend, Wills, who also works in homicide.
The premise of this book is promising and the story develops with plenty of twists and turns within the police cases, and also in Salt’s private life and personal history. There is love, close friendship, a tragedy in her past and her dog, Wonder who has a close relationship with Will’s two female Rottweilers. There are quirky characters aplenty, not least Homicide’s receptionist the colourful Rosie who is unashamedly trans-gender and who, being largely shunned by the macho male detectives, takes Salt under her wing.
The main problem for me with this book, and it might be a fault of the Kindle version, but the absence of inverted speech commas, replaced with hyphens and pause symbols, made it difficult to follow not only the speech, but also in parts the story itself.
It is a complicated plot with much to commend it, but for me, the type-setting just made it an irritating exercise to read.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Sarah Alt, known as ‘Salt’ has just been made detective in the homicide team of Atlanta’s police department. On her first day she manages to track down and arrest the murderer of a small child, all by her own efforts. Unsurprisingly rather than receiving plaudits from her male colleagues and her immediate boss, Sergeant (don’t call me Sarge!!) Huff she is given a ten year old cold case to investigate without even being allocated a partner.
But our girl is not to be discouraged (not much anyway) and is determined to find out whether the Blues musician, Michael Anderson died from a self-administered drug overdose which was the conclusion at the time, or whether new evidence would change the verdict to murder. The new evidence comes from the deeply unpleasant Curtis Dwayne Stone who Salt put away a year ago and who tried to kill her, resulting in a serious wound to her head. Her first action is to interview Stone in prison!
The case takes her back to ‘The Homes’, the gang controlled projects where she served as a patrol officer. In addition it overlaps with a case being investigated by her boyfriend, Wills, who also works in homicide.
The premise of this book is promising and the story develops with plenty of twists and turns within the police cases, and also in Salt’s private life and personal history. There is love, close friendship, a tragedy in her past and her dog, Wonder who has a close relationship with Will’s two female Rottweilers. There are quirky characters aplenty, not least Homicide’s receptionist the colourful Rosie who is unashamedly trans-gender and who, being largely shunned by the macho male detectives, takes Salt under her wing.
The main problem for me with this book, and it might be a fault of the Kindle version, but the absence of inverted speech commas, replaced with hyphens and pause symbols, made it difficult to follow not only the speech, but also in parts the story itself.
It is a complicated plot with much to commend it, but for me, the type-setting just made it an irritating exercise to read.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
March 3, 2016
Out of the Blues by Trudy Nan Boyce is the first book in a new series. Sarah Alt (goes by Salt) has just made detective and has been assigned the Homicide Unit. Her sergeant gives her a ten-year-old case (cold case) as her first assignment. It is the death of Michael Anderson, a jazz musician, whose death was ruled accidental (due to drugs). They received new information from a man in prison (who Salt arrested) and now they are looking at the case again. Salt starts by talking to the parents and other people who knew and dealt with Mike. Will she find out the case was murder? Can Salt manage to stay out of trouble while solving the case (avoid getting shot or hurt)?
Out of the Blues is written how the various character’s talk. It makes it difficult to read and understand (they all seem to have poor grammar). It makes it difficult to read and understand (they all seem to have poor grammar). The book has no flow (it is awkwardly written). This is the first book in a new series, but it is written like a book in the middle of a series (makes it confusing). The blurb made it sound like a good book with an enjoyable mystery. I was extremely disappointed. I was never able to get into this story and I did not like the characters. I gave Out of the Blues 1 out of 5 stars. I was frustrated by this book and really did not want to finish it. Out of the Blues was just not my type of book.
I received a complimentary copy of Out of the Blues from NetGalley and First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
Out of the Blues is written how the various character’s talk. It makes it difficult to read and understand (they all seem to have poor grammar). It makes it difficult to read and understand (they all seem to have poor grammar). The book has no flow (it is awkwardly written). This is the first book in a new series, but it is written like a book in the middle of a series (makes it confusing). The blurb made it sound like a good book with an enjoyable mystery. I was extremely disappointed. I was never able to get into this story and I did not like the characters. I gave Out of the Blues 1 out of 5 stars. I was frustrated by this book and really did not want to finish it. Out of the Blues was just not my type of book.
I received a complimentary copy of Out of the Blues from NetGalley and First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2017
Sarah Alt is promoted to detective in the Atlanta, Georgia Homicide Department. Her former officer uniform name tag read S. Alt, thus she carries over the nickname Salt. She had a good partner nicknamed Pepper who also advanced but to the another department. The first part of the book establishes her relationship with Pepper, boyfriend Will, the Homicide Department staff and memories of her suicidal father. Oh yes, there is a dog, "Wonder Dog" and a bunch of sheep.
Good start as far as I was concerned.
Her first day on the job she single-handedly tracts down a child molester/murderer. Our heroine! Her boss assigns Salt to a cold case that she can work alone. Then the book grinds to a halt. Well, not a halt, just a quagmire. We now are introduced to several new characters from the drug scene, homeless community, blues musicians and one of those showy preachers who run a mega church. Very confusing! Salt seems to be prone to being beaten-up or shot at. I would suggest she stay home with the sheep, but then they would probably turn on her and hoof her into another hospital stay.
I stuck with it and found the end to be better written than the middle. I doubt if I will follow this series.
Good start as far as I was concerned.
Her first day on the job she single-handedly tracts down a child molester/murderer. Our heroine! Her boss assigns Salt to a cold case that she can work alone. Then the book grinds to a halt. Well, not a halt, just a quagmire. We now are introduced to several new characters from the drug scene, homeless community, blues musicians and one of those showy preachers who run a mega church. Very confusing! Salt seems to be prone to being beaten-up or shot at. I would suggest she stay home with the sheep, but then they would probably turn on her and hoof her into another hospital stay.
I stuck with it and found the end to be better written than the middle. I doubt if I will follow this series.
July 30, 2018
Atlanta homicide detective Sarah Alt (Salt) and this new series are the real deal.
Trudy Nan Boyce, a 30-year Atlanta police officer, writes with the detail, color and street vignettes that only come from true experiences. It's as clear a new voice as Joseph Wambaugh first brought to police novels years ago.
Salt is the daughter of a policeman, who committed suicide on her tenth birthday. She wears his old coat and battles his ghosts of depression as she continues to live on the old family sheep farm with her dog, Wonder.
This was a true find during a recent visit to McKay's Used Books. I love finding new series that I otherwise would have never encountered. Having devoured the first book and ordered the next two, I am ready to jump headlong into the story of Salt.
It's a great read with compelling characters and clever plotting. Keep them coming!!!
Trudy Nan Boyce, a 30-year Atlanta police officer, writes with the detail, color and street vignettes that only come from true experiences. It's as clear a new voice as Joseph Wambaugh first brought to police novels years ago.
Salt is the daughter of a policeman, who committed suicide on her tenth birthday. She wears his old coat and battles his ghosts of depression as she continues to live on the old family sheep farm with her dog, Wonder.
This was a true find during a recent visit to McKay's Used Books. I love finding new series that I otherwise would have never encountered. Having devoured the first book and ordered the next two, I am ready to jump headlong into the story of Salt.
It's a great read with compelling characters and clever plotting. Keep them coming!!!
December 29, 2015
This is a book that I just could not get into. There is too much referencing of the past, but this is the first book that this author has written. The main character is a new detective who is given a cold case that has implications with her past. I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review of this book. I hate giving bad reviews, but I just couldn't get into this book. There is too much clutter of the past, that is not explained fast enough to get into the story and while I was almost 50 pages in, I still didn't get the gist of the story.
December 18, 2015
'Out of the Blue' is Trudy Nan Boyce's debut novel in the Sarah "Salt" Alt series. Despite her near-death at the hands of a killer, Alt can't stop herself from searching for the truth, no matter how dangerous it is. Maybe that's why she prefers to work alone--no partner to endanger. Though her first assignment as a newly-minted detective should be safe--it's a cold case determined to be suicide--she quickly becomes enmeshed in Atlanta's underbelly of homeless, power brokers, and soul-searching Blue's music in an investigation that turns out to be anything but safe for Salt and those around her.
While the story may not be new--gritty novice detective gives her all to expose injustice--Boyce's approach certainly is. First, because of the author's experience as an Atlanta detective, her characterization of Salt--as Lisa Gardner says--makes her if not the best new series character in ages, close to it. Sarah Alt is well-developed in her backstory, dialogue, and actions as a gritty, strong-minded, self-sacrificing detective, always aware of minute details and subconsciously able to connect them to find answers. Besides her cleverness, she has fascinating traits--like she has a dojo in her home, talks to a dog in her dreams, keeps sheep in her backyard (with a sheepdog to herd them), and carries cigarettes to give to anyone she might interview. This quote is pretty typical of what you'll find in the story:
"The bureaucrats are plentiful there and all knee-deep in pissed-off."
And second, readers can't fail but be pulled into the tantalizing world of the earthy musicians who play for their soul, not money. Mostly, that's because of Boyce's voice. She authentically adopts the rhythm and atmosphere of the Blues' music that drives her story. Every bit of action is blended with descriptions of Blues, the musicians, and the world they inhabit. It doesn't take long--fifty pages maybe?--to feel drench in that world, part of their struggles, and understanding of whatever might motivate their decisions.
Overall, a fascinating read, especially if you like Blues. Then, it's a page-turner.
While the story may not be new--gritty novice detective gives her all to expose injustice--Boyce's approach certainly is. First, because of the author's experience as an Atlanta detective, her characterization of Salt--as Lisa Gardner says--makes her if not the best new series character in ages, close to it. Sarah Alt is well-developed in her backstory, dialogue, and actions as a gritty, strong-minded, self-sacrificing detective, always aware of minute details and subconsciously able to connect them to find answers. Besides her cleverness, she has fascinating traits--like she has a dojo in her home, talks to a dog in her dreams, keeps sheep in her backyard (with a sheepdog to herd them), and carries cigarettes to give to anyone she might interview. This quote is pretty typical of what you'll find in the story:
"The bureaucrats are plentiful there and all knee-deep in pissed-off."
And second, readers can't fail but be pulled into the tantalizing world of the earthy musicians who play for their soul, not money. Mostly, that's because of Boyce's voice. She authentically adopts the rhythm and atmosphere of the Blues' music that drives her story. Every bit of action is blended with descriptions of Blues, the musicians, and the world they inhabit. It doesn't take long--fifty pages maybe?--to feel drench in that world, part of their struggles, and understanding of whatever might motivate their decisions.
Overall, a fascinating read, especially if you like Blues. Then, it's a page-turner.
May 4, 2017
No disrespect intended to those who liked this book, but my rating is probably more of a 2.5, because this book was a tremendous disappointment. Based on her name (Sarah Alt), I was expecting a character who was edgy or interesting or, you know, "alt." No way. Sarah is your cookie cutter good looking blond, nice to all, with a perfect dog and a perfect boyfriend (who also has perfect dogs) living in a perfect house with a perfect dojo setup. She is, of course, a perfect cop. She isn't interesting at all - the author tries to make her distinctive, by having her father kill himself on her 10th birthday, by having been shot at in events prior to this book (leaving a scar on her head) , but those are things that happen to her, and aren't even really developed in terms of her character. The book is absolutely stuffed with filler, histories of this, histories of that, descriptions of this and that, which are not even remotely necessary to the plot. Speaking of plot - I'm not one to try to puzzle things out, but the eventual culprit could not have been more obvious. Bad guys are really bad, good guys are really good. I was (I think) generous in my rating because I recognize that this is the author's first book. Her background as a police officer and knowledge of situations and procedures just isn't enough to substitute for plot and character development. I admit that after the first hundred pages I started to skim, but I didn't miss a thing.
February 25, 2016
Do you like D.D. Warren, Amelia Sachs and Stephanie Plum? Then you’re sure to like Sarah Alt, better known to her colleagues in the Atlanta Police Department as “Salt.”
Trudy Nan Boyce has created a truly original female detective who is tough on the job, but extremely vulnerable – and a bit damaged – and totally likable.
Boyce, a veteran police officer herself, delves into all the juicy details of the crimes Salt is investigating during the first days after her promotion to detective in the homicide unit, and her description of the different neighborhoods and settings in and around Atlanta is stellar.
Just as Salt is getting settled in as a homicide detective, she’s put on a case that had been considered an accidental overdose by a blues singer. Now they have evidence that it may have been murder.
As Salt gets closer to the truth, she also learns that this crime could be tied to others.
The supporting characters are just as interesting and well-drawn as Salt. You’ll love Rosie the receptionist, but I won’t say why. Sergeant – “Don’t call me ‘Sarge’”—Huff is quirky and funny. And Wonder, Salt’s dog, is so cute!
After you read “Out of the Blues,” I’m sure you’ll put Trudy Nan Boyce on your must-read list, too.
Trudy Nan Boyce has created a truly original female detective who is tough on the job, but extremely vulnerable – and a bit damaged – and totally likable.
Boyce, a veteran police officer herself, delves into all the juicy details of the crimes Salt is investigating during the first days after her promotion to detective in the homicide unit, and her description of the different neighborhoods and settings in and around Atlanta is stellar.
Just as Salt is getting settled in as a homicide detective, she’s put on a case that had been considered an accidental overdose by a blues singer. Now they have evidence that it may have been murder.
As Salt gets closer to the truth, she also learns that this crime could be tied to others.
The supporting characters are just as interesting and well-drawn as Salt. You’ll love Rosie the receptionist, but I won’t say why. Sergeant – “Don’t call me ‘Sarge’”—Huff is quirky and funny. And Wonder, Salt’s dog, is so cute!
After you read “Out of the Blues,” I’m sure you’ll put Trudy Nan Boyce on your must-read list, too.
January 3, 2016
My first impression of this book...
I thought that this book would be exciting and introduce me to a new character. I also wondered if perhaps this book would be the beginning of a new series!
What was going through my head as I read this book...
There were tons of key things to think about and process in this book. Salt...key character and new detective...was extremely likable, memorable and fascinating. I was enthralled with her devotion to finding out what happened to a victim named Mike. Especially since there were so many other things going on at the same time and everyone was convinced that Mike's death was a suicide.
My most memorable characters/situations...
I loved Salt and Will and Wonder...Salt's dog. I loved her at home life as much as I loved her life as a dogged detective.
My thoughts upon completing this book...
I enjoyed this book. The characters and situations were interesting and involved.
My thoughts for potential readers...
Readers who enjoy a great mystery...with twists and turns...should enjoy this new character and hopefully the beginning of a new series.
April 15, 2016
This is an awesome police procedural. It may be a debut novel, but Trudy Nan Boyce brings a lot of experience to her story. This is a novel filled with the beauty and quirks of the city of Atlanta, the joys and sorrows of living in the south in this day and age, and a good look into the birth of the blues. I love the looks into the underground in Atlanta, the trips into the dark areas of the city, and the dogs. This is a good book about some good dogs.
The mystery is, as they often are, today, obvious. by the middle of the book everyone knows where the guilt lies, but there are many blocks in the way of solving the problem and bringing the guilty to justice. These folks find a way to do that without betraying their faith in the law. This is an author I will add to my watch list.
The mystery is, as they often are, today, obvious. by the middle of the book everyone knows where the guilt lies, but there are many blocks in the way of solving the problem and bringing the guilty to justice. These folks find a way to do that without betraying their faith in the law. This is an author I will add to my watch list.
April 25, 2016
I received this book as part of a book club from the Poisoned Pen. As a debut novel Trudy Nan Boyce did a great job. A police procedural with like able characters and a good story line. Her previous experience with the Atlanta PD is obvious in this novel. Highly recommended and looking for more from this new author.
November 8, 2018
Pretty good! A little slow for my taste and a tad dull but nothing to keep me from checking out more from this author. I mostly liked the part I hated; I love when authors do that to me. I wanted to reach into the book and change a few things, actually, just the one thing...oh well. I'll get over it.
May 11, 2019
This book is much more gritty than I normally would have wanted to read, but the main character is a strong woman with a passion for helping people. I was hooked on her thinking process and remained interested throughout the problematic (for me) parts.
What I liked, beyond the complicated main character of Sarah Alt, called Salt by all her co-workers, were the historical references about the city of Atlanta where this story takes place. The author addresses social issues such as homelessness, mental illness and racial division. Her characters are varied in a way that gives a wider range of insight than most novels of this type and include a receptionist transitioning from male to female, women in authoritative positions, and people who have lived rougher than most of us could conceive. This story entwines the past and present using blues music as as a thread woven throughout. I have to say, this is also a dog-centric book. Dogs, both real and imagined are another thread in the weaving.
What I had a problem with at times was not being able to quite follow the speaking voices of some of the characters, and I had to reread to get the gist. This is my own inexperience, though, with inner city jargon. But I also had to struggle with whose voice was speaking at times, not knowing which character in the room was in quotes. More rereading and I'll admit that most of the time it was Salt, so I should have just learned that eventually, but it still was a drawback.
This is the first crime novel by Trudy Nan Boyce, who had more than 30 years in law enforcement with the city of Atlanta. The over arching message it relayed to me is how life's circumstances help create and define us. From Salt through the whole gamut of players in this novel, Boyce beautifully portrays emotions through actions and voices, as if she must know her characters from birth. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
What I liked, beyond the complicated main character of Sarah Alt, called Salt by all her co-workers, were the historical references about the city of Atlanta where this story takes place. The author addresses social issues such as homelessness, mental illness and racial division. Her characters are varied in a way that gives a wider range of insight than most novels of this type and include a receptionist transitioning from male to female, women in authoritative positions, and people who have lived rougher than most of us could conceive. This story entwines the past and present using blues music as as a thread woven throughout. I have to say, this is also a dog-centric book. Dogs, both real and imagined are another thread in the weaving.
What I had a problem with at times was not being able to quite follow the speaking voices of some of the characters, and I had to reread to get the gist. This is my own inexperience, though, with inner city jargon. But I also had to struggle with whose voice was speaking at times, not knowing which character in the room was in quotes. More rereading and I'll admit that most of the time it was Salt, so I should have just learned that eventually, but it still was a drawback.
This is the first crime novel by Trudy Nan Boyce, who had more than 30 years in law enforcement with the city of Atlanta. The over arching message it relayed to me is how life's circumstances help create and define us. From Salt through the whole gamut of players in this novel, Boyce beautifully portrays emotions through actions and voices, as if she must know her characters from birth. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.
April 4, 2018
Set in Atlanta, this novel features newly promoted detective Sarah Alt. Salt, as she is called by most everyone, is assigned a "cold case" as her first case as a detective; she is to look into the unsolved murder of a blues singer. Salt herself is very knowledgeable of the blues, and is well known among Atlanta's old blues singers. There is a lot of Salt's personal life woven into this story, her border collie, her home outside Atlanta, her romance with a fellow officer, her past relationship with her deceased father. There is also a look into police corruption, and Atlanta's homeless population. This was a great start to a series, with well developed characters, and a compelling story.
November 11, 2018
Sarah Alt, nicknamed Salt, has been promoted to detective in the Atlanta police department. Before she even has a chance to get her feet on the ground she's brought into a ten-year-old closed case when new information becomes available. The case brings her into the places she served when in uniform and in touch with the blues musicians who were involved in that earlier case. The author spent more than thirty years in the Atlanta PD, so the ring of truth is there, as well as a compelling command of the English language.
March 1, 2019
This book got better as it went on. How delightful! More frequently I have found the opposite. I’ve often said “well, it started out good but got bogged down and I almost didn’t finish it”. It’s unusual and surprising to be able to say that a book improved as one got further into the story.
Almost a five star read for me. I could feel the author’s Atlanta - its smells, sounds, tension and sweltering urban decay - and I grew to like most of her carefully crafted characters. In keeping with the overall quality of the author’s writing, character development was strong but remained natural and served as support to the steadily developing plot. Well done! I hope there’s a next one soon.
Almost a five star read for me. I could feel the author’s Atlanta - its smells, sounds, tension and sweltering urban decay - and I grew to like most of her carefully crafted characters. In keeping with the overall quality of the author’s writing, character development was strong but remained natural and served as support to the steadily developing plot. Well done! I hope there’s a next one soon.
June 20, 2017
Maybe 3.5 an interesting background of Atlanta and history. some southern mystery. the police woman, as well researched, clearly, as she is, is again the damaged but amazing star. don't get me wrong, she is likable alright, but... The mystery was good, and there were no all good or all evil characters.
the audio version was terrible. while the narrator was ok when talking as S.Alt, she was terrible with the very rich and lively dialect, the street talk and the various guys. the production should have splurged for at least one more voice, a male, African American.
the audio version was terrible. while the narrator was ok when talking as S.Alt, she was terrible with the very rich and lively dialect, the street talk and the various guys. the production should have splurged for at least one more voice, a male, African American.
July 7, 2018
After putting in her time as a beat cop in one of Atlanta’s worst neighborhoods Sarah Alt (Salt) is promoted to homicide detective. She is assigned to a cold case, the death of a blues musician, that was filed as an accidental overdose. New information is received and Salt is soon in the thick of things including attempts on her life.
The underbelly of Atlanta and the old time blues men make a. Interesting setting. I found the characters believable and really enjoyed the story.
The underbelly of Atlanta and the old time blues men make a. Interesting setting. I found the characters believable and really enjoyed the story.
November 23, 2018
Good mystery, although for me a depressing subject (urban blight- drugs, violence, prostitution, homelessness, poverty). On the plus side, there were dogs.
Read
July 21, 2017Just couldn't make myself finish. I don't know why.
April 17, 2016
Fortunately for "Salt," a police detective investigating the death of a blues musician, she is a bigtime blues fan and already knows the major players and venues in the Atlanta blues scene. She’s also smart and has a knack for finessing the truth out of suspects and witnesses.
Unfortunately, the homicide unit assigns no partner to Salt. She’s on her own even though it’s her first case. This is dangerous because the case involves a criminal, drug-dealing, pimping syndicate. The investigation also involves links to powerful men in Atlanta, including the pastor of a big church and a fellow police officer who is an unofficial gatekeeper for cops working part-time jobs for extra money. Salt is strong, but she is also vulnerable and has to work diligently and carefully to overcome these obstacles.
Salt is also the only woman on her shift. This causes some awkwardness and necessitates some heroics to prove herself. But the gender roles in the book are handled with a fairly light touch—not nearly as heavy-handed as Karin Slaughter’s Cop Town, which also focused on women in the Atlanta police department, but 40 years earlier. Out of the Blues is much less focused on cultural commentary than Cop Town. Those looking for a more straightforward police procedural in Atlanta without all the social baggage will prefer this book.
One weakness of Out of the Blues is the dialogue. The characters use long words, speak in long sentences, and have very long conversations without major payoffs. Nevertheless, Salt is engaging and the story is strong enough to carry the reader’s interest to the tidy ending.
Unfortunately, the homicide unit assigns no partner to Salt. She’s on her own even though it’s her first case. This is dangerous because the case involves a criminal, drug-dealing, pimping syndicate. The investigation also involves links to powerful men in Atlanta, including the pastor of a big church and a fellow police officer who is an unofficial gatekeeper for cops working part-time jobs for extra money. Salt is strong, but she is also vulnerable and has to work diligently and carefully to overcome these obstacles.
Salt is also the only woman on her shift. This causes some awkwardness and necessitates some heroics to prove herself. But the gender roles in the book are handled with a fairly light touch—not nearly as heavy-handed as Karin Slaughter’s Cop Town, which also focused on women in the Atlanta police department, but 40 years earlier. Out of the Blues is much less focused on cultural commentary than Cop Town. Those looking for a more straightforward police procedural in Atlanta without all the social baggage will prefer this book.
One weakness of Out of the Blues is the dialogue. The characters use long words, speak in long sentences, and have very long conversations without major payoffs. Nevertheless, Salt is engaging and the story is strong enough to carry the reader’s interest to the tidy ending.
November 28, 2015
Combining crime and the blues makes for a great launching point for this new series.
Most authors have a clear, natural strength, and for me Trudy Nan Boyce shines with setting. I don't mean that she simply paints us a portrait of a particular area, though she does that well. More importantly, Boyce makes sure we feel what it's like to live there. The roots and rhythm of the setting feels like a fully developed character in its own right, essential to the heart of the story.
The plot moves at a good pace. The investigation is a smaller aspect of a larger journey. The author touches upon some compelling topics, such as homelessness, the political power of church officials, and the history of slavery in the south. The author handles this well, showing us the uncomfortable truth without interfering with the natural flow of the story.
The stumbling point, for me, came with character development. I liked Alt's character, but I felt I didn't really know her. It was as if I'd jumped into the middle of a series with her character, rather than starting fresh. Her interactions with friends was often playful and fun, if not a little superficial, but I had no honest sense of her feelings for her boyfriend. I wanted more of a connection with her character.
This book does offer a memorable experience, and certainly makes me see Atlanta through a different viewpoint.
*I was provided with a free copy by the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
Most authors have a clear, natural strength, and for me Trudy Nan Boyce shines with setting. I don't mean that she simply paints us a portrait of a particular area, though she does that well. More importantly, Boyce makes sure we feel what it's like to live there. The roots and rhythm of the setting feels like a fully developed character in its own right, essential to the heart of the story.
The plot moves at a good pace. The investigation is a smaller aspect of a larger journey. The author touches upon some compelling topics, such as homelessness, the political power of church officials, and the history of slavery in the south. The author handles this well, showing us the uncomfortable truth without interfering with the natural flow of the story.
The stumbling point, for me, came with character development. I liked Alt's character, but I felt I didn't really know her. It was as if I'd jumped into the middle of a series with her character, rather than starting fresh. Her interactions with friends was often playful and fun, if not a little superficial, but I had no honest sense of her feelings for her boyfriend. I wanted more of a connection with her character.
This book does offer a memorable experience, and certainly makes me see Atlanta through a different viewpoint.
*I was provided with a free copy by the publisher, via Amazon Vine, in exchange for my honest review.*
January 11, 2016
I went into this police procedural expecting good characters and a twisty fast-paced plot – in short, your average mystery/thriller. This book defied my expectations, and ultimately, that’s what I loved about it. It wasn’t the protagonist, Detective Sarah Alt (AKA Salt), or even the cold case of a dead bluesman she works that hooked me. It was the incredibly vivid backdrop. The book is just a beautiful portrait of Atlanta. I loved learning about the city, its history and its inhabitants, its iconic locations.
OUT OF THE BLUES is, for the first third, pretty leisurely, and I don't mean that in a bad way. One clue leads to another, but it’s character-centered, not high-octane adventure. The pace picks up considerably in the second half, but the book never loses its focus on people over events. Overall, the novel felt like a somewhat more realistic portrayal of what it means to be a Homicide detective, all the little steps one takes as she follows a case, worries about fellow cops, and struggles to keep her job from impinging upon her personal life. Boyce has many lovely descriptive passages and well-crafted sentences that transcend what one might expect from the genre.
If you love a strong setting, want a more literary, lyrical quality in your police procedurals, and appreciate a book that grapples with some real issues that police departments face, then give this one a try. It’s not like the others, and I think that’s a good thing.
OUT OF THE BLUES is, for the first third, pretty leisurely, and I don't mean that in a bad way. One clue leads to another, but it’s character-centered, not high-octane adventure. The pace picks up considerably in the second half, but the book never loses its focus on people over events. Overall, the novel felt like a somewhat more realistic portrayal of what it means to be a Homicide detective, all the little steps one takes as she follows a case, worries about fellow cops, and struggles to keep her job from impinging upon her personal life. Boyce has many lovely descriptive passages and well-crafted sentences that transcend what one might expect from the genre.
If you love a strong setting, want a more literary, lyrical quality in your police procedurals, and appreciate a book that grapples with some real issues that police departments face, then give this one a try. It’s not like the others, and I think that’s a good thing.
March 27, 2016
An excellent debut police procedural by a woman who retired from the Atlanta police force. Boyce got her PhD in community counseling before she was a beat cop, homicide detective, hostage negotiator, lieutenant. All that experience is in the book. Sarah Alt, day one in the Homicide unit, gets no partner and a 10 year old cold case. Before her coat is hung up, she's nabbed by Hamm to double for an absent partner, and she's out of the office to a fresh murder scene with no radio. I like everything in this book: Salt (someone read her badge S. Alt that way) is competent without being super human or dopey. The scrapes she gets into are real world, not plot devices. We get to follow Salt to blues clubs, her family home where Wonder tends the sheep and Salt works her morning aikido in the converted dojo upstairs. And back on the cold case in Atlanta that's alive with megachurches, history, tension, mental illness, music, drugs, poverty and the angels who work the recesses and beltlines of a big city in the south. Boyce writes from a deep heart for Atlanta, and an abiding compassion for her people. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
February 4, 2016
Due to this being an advanced copy and the fact there were hash marks everywhere and no paragraphs, it was a little difficult for me to get into this and read it. I had to keep going back and seeing who was saying what, etc.
However, I do believe that this was a good story. I really liked the main characters and felt that they were honest, good people. Believe me, there were a lot of bad guys in this story that were acting good, but they were not good. I also felt like I was there. The author did a good job with the descriptions especially with the homeless people and in talking about the trip they took to round them up. I could really picture being along those tracks with the garbage and the stench. There were other times that I really felt I was there also.
I especially liked the ending when you think the really bad guys are going to get away with it.
Huge thanks to Penguin Putnam for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I was definitely entertained and enjoyed reading this book.
However, I do believe that this was a good story. I really liked the main characters and felt that they were honest, good people. Believe me, there were a lot of bad guys in this story that were acting good, but they were not good. I also felt like I was there. The author did a good job with the descriptions especially with the homeless people and in talking about the trip they took to round them up. I could really picture being along those tracks with the garbage and the stench. There were other times that I really felt I was there also.
I especially liked the ending when you think the really bad guys are going to get away with it.
Huge thanks to Penguin Putnam for approving my request and to Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review. I was definitely entertained and enjoyed reading this book.
March 31, 2016
LOVED this book. The MC is a female homicide detective in Atlanta, the victim is a blues musician, and the book is full of slow and steady detection in a world of inner city Atlanta hard knocks, blues clubs, and the occasional respite in the Atlanta countryside. It is not quite as intense as the James Lee Burke Dave Robicheaux series, but it evokes that same feeling of place, and also reminds me a small bit of the Smokey Dalton series by Kris Nelscott. Sarah “Salt” Alt is given a cold case on her first day in Homicide after having been a beat cop for 10 years. The death of a blues musician takes her into the blues clubs and joints of Atlanta, and brings up old memories of her deceased cop father.
February 6, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley and Putman's Sons Publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest and open review.
This is Trudy Nan Boyce's debut novel. It is a police-procedural story about Sara Alt aka Salt, a newly appointed detective.
I really liked Salt. She's a fiesty, strong-willed woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly.
I love books set in America as I enjoy learning about the different regions. Ms Boyce either knows Atlanta well or had done a lot of research. It made me want to jump on a plane and visit.
I will look forward to reading more books in this series.
This is Trudy Nan Boyce's debut novel. It is a police-procedural story about Sara Alt aka Salt, a newly appointed detective.
I really liked Salt. She's a fiesty, strong-willed woman who doesn't suffer fools gladly.
I love books set in America as I enjoy learning about the different regions. Ms Boyce either knows Atlanta well or had done a lot of research. It made me want to jump on a plane and visit.
I will look forward to reading more books in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews