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Macey Malloy Mysteries with a Chick-Lit Twist #1
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist
Anthropologist Olivia West is determined to find her missing best friend. As children, she and Emma Martin wandered into Heaven’s Bottom, an isolated Kentucky community cut off by the Ohio River and mountainous terrain. The two women share strange memories of the traumatic experience. Emma is convinced they witnessed a blood sacrifice and moon magic, surrounded by zombies. As a scientist, Olivia believes there’s a logical explanation.
Detective Steven Lewis pursues his own investigation of the mysterious town. His wife, a social worker, fought her way into the Bottom to investigate suspected child abuse. She didn’t make it out alive. Haunted by grief and regret, Steven is obsessed with finding her killer. He’s convinced the murderer is hiding in the wild forest, camouflaged by the swirling mist.
Olivia and Steven enter into an uneasy partnership to find Emma and solve his wife’s brutal murder. They contact Sheriff Noah McCracken, who holds the local law enforcement role that’s been passed down through his family for centuries. Like his ancestors, the sheriff ignores the chilling events in Heaven’s Bottom.
Can Olivia and Steven convince Noah to “release the McCracken” in time to save their lives?
SPECIAL BONUS: As a reader appreciation gift, “The Hand of Karma” mystery/horror short story is included FREE at the end of the book.
Detective Steven Lewis pursues his own investigation of the mysterious town. His wife, a social worker, fought her way into the Bottom to investigate suspected child abuse. She didn’t make it out alive. Haunted by grief and regret, Steven is obsessed with finding her killer. He’s convinced the murderer is hiding in the wild forest, camouflaged by the swirling mist.
Olivia and Steven enter into an uneasy partnership to find Emma and solve his wife’s brutal murder. They contact Sheriff Noah McCracken, who holds the local law enforcement role that’s been passed down through his family for centuries. Like his ancestors, the sheriff ignores the chilling events in Heaven’s Bottom.
Can Olivia and Steven convince Noah to “release the McCracken” in time to save their lives?
SPECIAL BONUS: As a reader appreciation gift, “The Hand of Karma” mystery/horror short story is included FREE at the end of the book.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2013
About the author
Jada Ryker
38 books51 followersKINDLE SCOUT WINNER Jada Ryker snagged the Kindle Press publishing contract for her book, Take the Body and Run, through Amazon’s Kindle Scout program. The book is a “goofy thriller” about a hunted woman hiding behind a dead friend’s identity, a handsome lawman, a death doctor with fart machine-will travel, and a cranky cat with a nose for crime.
Jada is the author of Dog Days of Karma, the first Carr-Maah Consulting mystery/paranormal novel; A Pink Zombie, with a Mist, a Shaken, Not Stirred, mystery/horror adventure; and Murder Takes a Dare, the first book in the Takes a Dare mystery series. The books combine humor and murder in a total package of entertaining and fun southern adventures. At the same time, Jada sketches in addiction/recovery issues and childhood angst with a deft and compassionate touch.
Jada spent the first twenty-odd years of her life in rural Kentucky, many of those years without electricity or running water. In her writings, Jada draws upon her early years of deprivation.
She now lives in central Kentucky with her wonderful husband and their cat, rescued from the animal shelter. In her day job, Jada works in higher education. She holds a masters degree in public administration.
Jada's mystery adventures are available on Amazon in electronic and paperback formats.
Macey Malloy Mysteries with a Chick-Lit Twist:
Prequel: Two Tickets to Paradise (FREE in Winter Solstice, an anthology by Kindle Press authors)
Take the Body and Run
Take a Walk on the Dead Side
Short Story (takes place after Book Two): "What the Cat Dragged In" (FREE in Vernal Equinox, an anthology by Kindle Press authors)
Novelette (takes place after "What the Cat Dragged In"): Cat Scratch Fever
Kirbie Stone Mysteries:
Die and the Family Stone
The Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Series:
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist
Gimlet and Other Stories: The collected short stories run the gamut from mystery to horror to science fiction.
The Takes a Dare Series:
Murder Takes a Dare
Mayhem Takes a Dare
Arson Takes a Dare
The Carr - Maah Consulting Agency Series:
Dog Days of Karma
Equi Knocks of Karma
Soul Stice of Karma (expected release 2017)
Jada loves feedback from readers, both one-on-one and through customer reviews on Amazon.com. Connect with Jada to share your thoughts about her books by emailing her at jada_ryker@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at JadaRyker.com.
Jada is the author of Dog Days of Karma, the first Carr-Maah Consulting mystery/paranormal novel; A Pink Zombie, with a Mist, a Shaken, Not Stirred, mystery/horror adventure; and Murder Takes a Dare, the first book in the Takes a Dare mystery series. The books combine humor and murder in a total package of entertaining and fun southern adventures. At the same time, Jada sketches in addiction/recovery issues and childhood angst with a deft and compassionate touch.
Jada spent the first twenty-odd years of her life in rural Kentucky, many of those years without electricity or running water. In her writings, Jada draws upon her early years of deprivation.
She now lives in central Kentucky with her wonderful husband and their cat, rescued from the animal shelter. In her day job, Jada works in higher education. She holds a masters degree in public administration.
Jada's mystery adventures are available on Amazon in electronic and paperback formats.
Macey Malloy Mysteries with a Chick-Lit Twist:
Prequel: Two Tickets to Paradise (FREE in Winter Solstice, an anthology by Kindle Press authors)
Take the Body and Run
Take a Walk on the Dead Side
Short Story (takes place after Book Two): "What the Cat Dragged In" (FREE in Vernal Equinox, an anthology by Kindle Press authors)
Novelette (takes place after "What the Cat Dragged In"): Cat Scratch Fever
Kirbie Stone Mysteries:
Die and the Family Stone
The Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Series:
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist
Gimlet and Other Stories: The collected short stories run the gamut from mystery to horror to science fiction.
The Takes a Dare Series:
Murder Takes a Dare
Mayhem Takes a Dare
Arson Takes a Dare
The Carr - Maah Consulting Agency Series:
Dog Days of Karma
Equi Knocks of Karma
Soul Stice of Karma (expected release 2017)
Jada loves feedback from readers, both one-on-one and through customer reviews on Amazon.com. Connect with Jada to share your thoughts about her books by emailing her at jada_ryker@yahoo.com or by visiting her website at JadaRyker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 18, 2015
Multiple Mysteries and Fascinating Characters
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Story
Jada Ryker (Reviewed by John B. Rosenman)
This novel hits the floor running. In the very first sentence, Molly Courte cries out, “Gunshots! There’s a shooter in the building!” Her outburst disrupts Dr. Olivia West’s class and ignites a twisty, tangled plot featuring stalkers, attempted murder, incipient romance, a dollop or five of the creepy supernatural, and above all, the question of whether or not there are actually zombies in Heaven’s Bottom, “a remote area in rural Kentucky.” At least two women have disappeared in this dark region, and Olivia West, her soon-to-be boyfriend Detective Steven Lewis, and a likable group of oddball characters are thrown together to investigate and solve matters.
Two things I really like are this group and the humor with which they are portrayed. The characters are sharply individualized, and Ryker takes the time to develop them fully so you care about what happens to them. I get a kick out of the aging, nosy busybody who is a cougar pursuing a younger man, and the young man himself who acts like an excited child about zombies and is capable of hacking into anything, starting with your e-mail.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist is indeed a Mystery/Horror Story. On second thought, make that Mysteries. There is more than one here, and they all come with surprises. Just when you think they’ve all been solved, another Reveal smacks you. We read fiction largely to find out what happens next, and this suspenseful novel excels in doing just that.
This novel comes with a bonus free story, “The Hand of Karma,” and it’s terrific. When she was a child, Jada Ryker got lost at a county fair. Her experience was the impetus for this tale, which begins with the heroine meeting the funeral director in a funeral home. I won’t tell you more, but the horror is delicious.
October 4, 2017
I didn’t want to scare you so bad you wouldn’t stop in, so lets have some fun.
A ragtag band of characters are thrown together by chance. determined to solve, not one, but two mysteries. Who took EMMA and who killed Steven’s wife?
The gang physically resembles the Scooby Doo gang – Molly is Velma, the brainy one and is shot in a school incident, Ashdon is Shaggy, the cowardly and hungry one, Steven is Fred and Olivia is Daphne. Olivia is on a school teacher suspension of sorts.
The characters are what I keep coming back to. The neighbor lady is a trip.
We have a stalker, a murderer, a missing person, and even a mystery machine.
The story is told in a comical and humorous way, but it is not all laughs and giggles.
Pink Zombie With a Mist contains some serious and sad issues, yet I found myself laughing at the dialogue and the characters antics. They fumble their way through solving mysteries and become a tight knit group. The zombies…we will find the answer to that too, but it won’t be easy.
Jada Ryker kept me on pins and needles, wondering and worrying.
fundinmental
A ragtag band of characters are thrown together by chance. determined to solve, not one, but two mysteries. Who took EMMA and who killed Steven’s wife?
The gang physically resembles the Scooby Doo gang – Molly is Velma, the brainy one and is shot in a school incident, Ashdon is Shaggy, the cowardly and hungry one, Steven is Fred and Olivia is Daphne. Olivia is on a school teacher suspension of sorts.
The characters are what I keep coming back to. The neighbor lady is a trip.
We have a stalker, a murderer, a missing person, and even a mystery machine.
The story is told in a comical and humorous way, but it is not all laughs and giggles.
Pink Zombie With a Mist contains some serious and sad issues, yet I found myself laughing at the dialogue and the characters antics. They fumble their way through solving mysteries and become a tight knit group. The zombies…we will find the answer to that too, but it won’t be easy.
Jada Ryker kept me on pins and needles, wondering and worrying.
fundinmental
July 11, 2024
Zombies don’t wear pink
Olivia is a professor at a local college and things go awry the minute one of her students is harassed by another. In the meantime we meet a bunch of characters that rival the nearest Star Wars movie. We have a detective, Steve, that thinks that Olivia is a drug dealer; a student, Molly, who was shot in a supposed school shooting and left the hospital on her own; another student, Ashdon, who was arrested by the local Sheriff, Noah, due to trespassing; a woman, Juneau, whose husband was having an affair with Molly; and an eccentric neighbor, Dr. Zephyr, who knows all of Olivia’s coming and goings. All these characters make this book laughable and rather weird. But the story is generally funny in all the right places and very convoluted at the same time.
Olivia is a professor at a local college and things go awry the minute one of her students is harassed by another. In the meantime we meet a bunch of characters that rival the nearest Star Wars movie. We have a detective, Steve, that thinks that Olivia is a drug dealer; a student, Molly, who was shot in a supposed school shooting and left the hospital on her own; another student, Ashdon, who was arrested by the local Sheriff, Noah, due to trespassing; a woman, Juneau, whose husband was having an affair with Molly; and an eccentric neighbor, Dr. Zephyr, who knows all of Olivia’s coming and goings. All these characters make this book laughable and rather weird. But the story is generally funny in all the right places and very convoluted at the same time.
October 31, 2017
For some reason, when I started reading this book, I was expecting a paranormal romance. Halfway into the book, a suspected blood sacrifice appears. So I had to stop. I don't like horror, though I don't mind a horror background. When I finally looked up the synopsis, it said "a horror/mystery novel". I totally didn't see that. So I wouldn't finish this book. It was OK to read in the beginning, though. It wasn't too scary.
March 21, 2019
Crazy and Wildly Entertaining
A professor set up to take the fall, a detective bent on finding his wife's murderer, a woman trying to escape her husband, a non "eco terrorist," and a nosey lady in pink neighbor scrambled together with other outrageous characters makes a crazy, wildly, interesting story. Its a ride!
A professor set up to take the fall, a detective bent on finding his wife's murderer, a woman trying to escape her husband, a non "eco terrorist," and a nosey lady in pink neighbor scrambled together with other outrageous characters makes a crazy, wildly, interesting story. Its a ride!
October 2, 2019
Didn't work for me
I read all of it but it just didn't come together for me. i feel totally blah about the experience. Maybe I'm not the right reader.
I read all of it but it just didn't come together for me. i feel totally blah about the experience. Maybe I'm not the right reader.
May 26, 2015
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist (Book 1 of the Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror series)
by Jada Ryker
Although I hadn't read any of this author's works before, she does have several other published novels, and that shows in her writing and in the professional editing/proofreading seen in this novel. Despite the silly name, it is really quite a good mystery/thriller story.
The main character in the story is Dr. Olivia West, a professor at a small college in Kentucky. She hails from Marleysburg, a small community just on the border of an isolated, cult-like community called Heaven's Bottom, located on a peninsula bounded on three sides by the Ohio River and one by mountains. She grew up hearing lots of rumors about the residents of that community, and after she and a friend narrowly escaped Heaven's Bottom with their lives, she was determined never to return.
A series of unrelated incidents, starting with a school shooting in which one of her students is injured, puts together a rag-tag team, all determined to get to the bottom of unsolved mysteries that seem to have the Heaven's Bottom community at the core. Is there magic at work on the peninsula? Are there Zombies roaming the area? Something is amiss, and this group can't stop until they find out what it is.
The writing moves smoothly throughout the novel. A good number of characters are introduced, but not so many the reader can't keep track of who is who -- although I will admit, when one character is discovered to not be who she claims to be, I did have trouble picking up on her real name once she starts to be referred to by that name for the remainder of the book. I had to keep reminding myself of who she was in the early part of the story, which is vastly different from the persona in the last part of the story. But, the characterizations are relatively good, although Dr. West's college students seem more like escapees from "High School Musical" than college students, and Dr. West herself seemed very passive-aggressive. She needs some therapy, I think! The novel is filled with a mix of non-tech/high tech references, many many references to Velma, Fred, Daphne, the Mystery Machine, and, of course, Shaggy and Scooby. Interesting twists and turns.
I did notice one thing that I had to look up. In the book is a mention that there hadn't been a mountain lion sighting in Kentucky since the Civil War. I didn't think that was true. However, while there were several unconfirmed sightings, especially since the turn of this century, there has only been one confirmed sighting (if you can call bringing in the dead body of the animal a "sighting"), but that wasn't until December of 2014. This book bears a copyright of September 2014, so, technically, the statement was correct. But, looking it up was an interesting sidelight!
So, while I can't say the novel was my favorite read of all time, I can certainly say that it was pleasantly surprising, an easy and fun read, and that I will consider buying more in the series if and when a second book is published.
by Jada Ryker
Although I hadn't read any of this author's works before, she does have several other published novels, and that shows in her writing and in the professional editing/proofreading seen in this novel. Despite the silly name, it is really quite a good mystery/thriller story.
The main character in the story is Dr. Olivia West, a professor at a small college in Kentucky. She hails from Marleysburg, a small community just on the border of an isolated, cult-like community called Heaven's Bottom, located on a peninsula bounded on three sides by the Ohio River and one by mountains. She grew up hearing lots of rumors about the residents of that community, and after she and a friend narrowly escaped Heaven's Bottom with their lives, she was determined never to return.
A series of unrelated incidents, starting with a school shooting in which one of her students is injured, puts together a rag-tag team, all determined to get to the bottom of unsolved mysteries that seem to have the Heaven's Bottom community at the core. Is there magic at work on the peninsula? Are there Zombies roaming the area? Something is amiss, and this group can't stop until they find out what it is.
The writing moves smoothly throughout the novel. A good number of characters are introduced, but not so many the reader can't keep track of who is who -- although I will admit, when one character is discovered to not be who she claims to be, I did have trouble picking up on her real name once she starts to be referred to by that name for the remainder of the book. I had to keep reminding myself of who she was in the early part of the story, which is vastly different from the persona in the last part of the story. But, the characterizations are relatively good, although Dr. West's college students seem more like escapees from "High School Musical" than college students, and Dr. West herself seemed very passive-aggressive. She needs some therapy, I think! The novel is filled with a mix of non-tech/high tech references, many many references to Velma, Fred, Daphne, the Mystery Machine, and, of course, Shaggy and Scooby. Interesting twists and turns.
I did notice one thing that I had to look up. In the book is a mention that there hadn't been a mountain lion sighting in Kentucky since the Civil War. I didn't think that was true. However, while there were several unconfirmed sightings, especially since the turn of this century, there has only been one confirmed sighting (if you can call bringing in the dead body of the animal a "sighting"), but that wasn't until December of 2014. This book bears a copyright of September 2014, so, technically, the statement was correct. But, looking it up was an interesting sidelight!
So, while I can't say the novel was my favorite read of all time, I can certainly say that it was pleasantly surprising, an easy and fun read, and that I will consider buying more in the series if and when a second book is published.
August 30, 2015
A catchy title and a catchy cover made me take a second look at this work by Jada Ryker. I read the blurb and decided to give it a try.
Synopsis (from the author): Anthropologist Olivia West is determined to find her missing best friend. As children, she and Emma Martin wandered into Heaven’s Bottom, an isolated Kentucky community cut off by the Ohio River and mountainous terrain. The two women share strange memories of the traumatic experience. Emma is convinced they witnessed a blood sacrifice and moon magic, surrounded by zombies. As a scientist, Olivia believes there’s a logical explanation.
Detective Steven Lewis pursues his own investigation of the mysterious town. A social worker, his wife fought her way into The Bottom to investigate suspected child abuse. She didn’t make it out alive. Haunted by grief and regret, Steven is obsessed with finding her killer. He’s convinced the murderer is hiding in the wild forest, camouflaged by the swirling mist.
Olivia and Steven enter into an uneasy partnership to find Emma and solve his wife’s brutal murder. They contact Sheriff Noah McCracken, who holds the local law enforcement role that’s been passed down through his family for centuries. Like his ancestors, the sheriff ignores the chilling events in Heaven’s Bottom.
Can Olivia and Steven convince Noah to “release the McCracken” in time to save their lives?
What I liked: The mystery of Heaven’s Bottom drew me in right away. The idea of zombies and a mysterious religious sect is a great storyline. Olivia West is a believable character, and the politics of the college seemed very real. The requisite computer nerd was satisfyingly annoying, and the search for Olivia’s friend Emma was a great baseline for the story. Add to it the romance elements between Olivia and Steven (the police detective), and you have all the elements. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
What I didn’t like: The premise that people could just disappear in a relatively small place was difficult for me to follow. Likewise, the shooting on campus just didn’t seem believable to me. Some of the supporting characters were on the stereotypical side, too.
Overall impression: Despite the things I didn’t like, I enjoyed the book - a lot. I thought the writing itself was good, the characters mostly likeable, and the story interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little zombie with a mist!!
My rating: 4 Stars!!
Synopsis (from the author): Anthropologist Olivia West is determined to find her missing best friend. As children, she and Emma Martin wandered into Heaven’s Bottom, an isolated Kentucky community cut off by the Ohio River and mountainous terrain. The two women share strange memories of the traumatic experience. Emma is convinced they witnessed a blood sacrifice and moon magic, surrounded by zombies. As a scientist, Olivia believes there’s a logical explanation.
Detective Steven Lewis pursues his own investigation of the mysterious town. A social worker, his wife fought her way into The Bottom to investigate suspected child abuse. She didn’t make it out alive. Haunted by grief and regret, Steven is obsessed with finding her killer. He’s convinced the murderer is hiding in the wild forest, camouflaged by the swirling mist.
Olivia and Steven enter into an uneasy partnership to find Emma and solve his wife’s brutal murder. They contact Sheriff Noah McCracken, who holds the local law enforcement role that’s been passed down through his family for centuries. Like his ancestors, the sheriff ignores the chilling events in Heaven’s Bottom.
Can Olivia and Steven convince Noah to “release the McCracken” in time to save their lives?
What I liked: The mystery of Heaven’s Bottom drew me in right away. The idea of zombies and a mysterious religious sect is a great storyline. Olivia West is a believable character, and the politics of the college seemed very real. The requisite computer nerd was satisfyingly annoying, and the search for Olivia’s friend Emma was a great baseline for the story. Add to it the romance elements between Olivia and Steven (the police detective), and you have all the elements. Overall, a very enjoyable read!
What I didn’t like: The premise that people could just disappear in a relatively small place was difficult for me to follow. Likewise, the shooting on campus just didn’t seem believable to me. Some of the supporting characters were on the stereotypical side, too.
Overall impression: Despite the things I didn’t like, I enjoyed the book - a lot. I thought the writing itself was good, the characters mostly likeable, and the story interesting. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little zombie with a mist!!
My rating: 4 Stars!!
April 12, 2015
During a routine day at the college she teaches at, Dr. Olivia West’s classroom is suddenly disrupted by gunshots and one of her students, Molly, is wounded. Detective Steven Lewis is assigned to the shooting, and during his investigation of Olivia, we learn that her best friend Emma Martin has been missing for several months. Both Olivia and Emma are from the area known as Heaven’s Bottom, where the Detective’s wife was murdered several years ago. There are several sub-plots in this story, but the main one is Heaven’s Bottom. What is really going on in this secluded, protected island?
Ms. Ryker writes with a wide range of fun, crazy characters. How she keeps them separate in her mind I’ll never know. Each character is well-written and unique unto themselves. The problem with so many in a cast, it’s easy to lose track of who is whom.
The plot takes you all over the place from Olivia’s zany foster parents to a chemical plant, and of course the final showdown with the Reverend March. The story was told well, my only issues and the reason I’m downgrading my review to 4 feathers, is I thought some of the plot wasn’t as developed as it could have been. Some parts just didn’t mesh that well, like Dante suddenly having paranormal powers that were never discussed anywhere else. I also thought Ashdon and Molly acted more like high school kids than college students. The author also has a penchant for describing a person or an event during dialogue, which could’ve been better served as narration.
If you’re looking for the standard zombie book, this isn’t it. But if you want something quirky and different, you’ll enjoy this book. I give it my 4 feathers
Ms. Ryker writes with a wide range of fun, crazy characters. How she keeps them separate in her mind I’ll never know. Each character is well-written and unique unto themselves. The problem with so many in a cast, it’s easy to lose track of who is whom.
The plot takes you all over the place from Olivia’s zany foster parents to a chemical plant, and of course the final showdown with the Reverend March. The story was told well, my only issues and the reason I’m downgrading my review to 4 feathers, is I thought some of the plot wasn’t as developed as it could have been. Some parts just didn’t mesh that well, like Dante suddenly having paranormal powers that were never discussed anywhere else. I also thought Ashdon and Molly acted more like high school kids than college students. The author also has a penchant for describing a person or an event during dialogue, which could’ve been better served as narration.
If you’re looking for the standard zombie book, this isn’t it. But if you want something quirky and different, you’ll enjoy this book. I give it my 4 feathers
April 17, 2015
“The theory is the wear pink because it is disarming. It’s difficult to see people as a threat if they’re moseying around the city like tourists dressing in Candy Land colors.”
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, the first book in the Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Series gets off to a freaky but fabulous start. Author Jada Ryker writes with finesse and originality. Mystery and horror filled with fun and priceless comedic moments.
I enjoyed the unusual escape this book provided. Fast pace, gripping and filled with intrigue and suspense. Such an entertaining escape I was excited to take.
This book is as fun and as gripping as it’s title. I don’t want to give the story away but I have to say it is so worth the time. I never knew where this was all going to lead and I loved the twists and turns that kept coming. Very good writing! The author possess a great gift and this was a great introduction to her work.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken is a quirky unusual detective story that is both clever and razor sharp. I didn’t want to put it down so I didn’t. I read through the night. I yawned from fatigue but I stayed glued to this book. Highly recommend, if you dare.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, the first book in the Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Series gets off to a freaky but fabulous start. Author Jada Ryker writes with finesse and originality. Mystery and horror filled with fun and priceless comedic moments.
I enjoyed the unusual escape this book provided. Fast pace, gripping and filled with intrigue and suspense. Such an entertaining escape I was excited to take.
This book is as fun and as gripping as it’s title. I don’t want to give the story away but I have to say it is so worth the time. I never knew where this was all going to lead and I loved the twists and turns that kept coming. Very good writing! The author possess a great gift and this was a great introduction to her work.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken is a quirky unusual detective story that is both clever and razor sharp. I didn’t want to put it down so I didn’t. I read through the night. I yawned from fatigue but I stayed glued to this book. Highly recommend, if you dare.
May 9, 2015
Dr. Olivia West is a lovely character that you empathize with immediately. The book starts with a bang on page one and the thrill never stops. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres and so is horror and this book has a bit of both. The little town of Heaven's Bottom isn't as pleasant as it sounds. It is filled with intrigue and mystery and the author takes you back to things that have happened in this town. People have disappeared, strange happenings, unexplained events, it has it all. And when you just think you've got to the heart of the story, there's an unexpected new twist.
I love the wonderful way that Jada Ryker has written her characters. You can actually get into their heads and see the wheels turning. The chemistry between Olivia and Detective Stevens is well written, adding another angle to the story. Will they find out what happened to Olivia's childhood friend? Will they discover where Detective Steven's wife disappeared to? Will the duo and their gang of mismatched but thoroughly entertaining friends solve the mystery of Heaven's Bottom? You have to get this book and find out. Brilliantly written and thoroughly engaging.
I love the wonderful way that Jada Ryker has written her characters. You can actually get into their heads and see the wheels turning. The chemistry between Olivia and Detective Stevens is well written, adding another angle to the story. Will they find out what happened to Olivia's childhood friend? Will they discover where Detective Steven's wife disappeared to? Will the duo and their gang of mismatched but thoroughly entertaining friends solve the mystery of Heaven's Bottom? You have to get this book and find out. Brilliantly written and thoroughly engaging.
March 21, 2016
“A Pink Zombie” is a fun, thrilling ride that will keep you turning pages from the first chapter to the very end. Not your usual ‘zombie’ story, it casts great, refreshing characters that move the story forward with their witty dialogues and fearlessly throwing themselves in the thick of the action.
Olivia, a college professor, never thought that a school shooting and her best friend’s disappearance will bond her with people she had nothing in common with, at first sight. And yet Olivia, Steven – the detective in charge of the investigation, Ashdon – a computer genius and ‘an eco-terrorist,’ and even old neighbors and guests from the past all come together to finally investigate the mystery behind the suspicious ‘zombies,’ a chemical plant and the man in charge of the mysterious community in Heaven’s Bottom, the place where Olivia came from.
This action-packed thriller is a true fun ride, with brilliant, multi-dimensional characters and fast-moving plot. A highly entertaining read!
Olivia, a college professor, never thought that a school shooting and her best friend’s disappearance will bond her with people she had nothing in common with, at first sight. And yet Olivia, Steven – the detective in charge of the investigation, Ashdon – a computer genius and ‘an eco-terrorist,’ and even old neighbors and guests from the past all come together to finally investigate the mystery behind the suspicious ‘zombies,’ a chemical plant and the man in charge of the mysterious community in Heaven’s Bottom, the place where Olivia came from.
This action-packed thriller is a true fun ride, with brilliant, multi-dimensional characters and fast-moving plot. A highly entertaining read!
March 21, 2016
“A Pink Zombie” is a fun, thrilling ride that will keep you turning pages from the first chapter to the very end. Not your usual ‘zombie’ story, it casts great, refreshing characters that move the story forward with their witty dialogues and fearlessly throwing themselves in the thick of the action.
Olivia, a college professor, never thought that a school shooting and her best friend’s disappearance will bond her with people she had nothing in common with, at first sight. And yet Olivia, Steven – the detective in charge of the investigation, Ashdon – a computer genius and ‘an eco-terrorist,’ and even old neighbors and guests from the past all come together to finally investigate the mystery behind the suspicious ‘zombies,’ a chemical plant and the man in charge of the mysterious community in Heaven’s Bottom, the place where Olivia came from.
This action-packed thriller is a true fun ride, with brilliant, multi-dimensional characters and fast-moving plot. A highly entertaining read!
Olivia, a college professor, never thought that a school shooting and her best friend’s disappearance will bond her with people she had nothing in common with, at first sight. And yet Olivia, Steven – the detective in charge of the investigation, Ashdon – a computer genius and ‘an eco-terrorist,’ and even old neighbors and guests from the past all come together to finally investigate the mystery behind the suspicious ‘zombies,’ a chemical plant and the man in charge of the mysterious community in Heaven’s Bottom, the place where Olivia came from.
This action-packed thriller is a true fun ride, with brilliant, multi-dimensional characters and fast-moving plot. A highly entertaining read!
February 17, 2015
"A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Story (Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Series Book 1)" by Jada Ryker is another well written and original story by this very talented writer. I've read her other work and loved it. When Amazon sent me the release note I was over the moon. Intriguied by the title I put it on top of my review pile.
The story is complex with several layered issues - past and present. The main character 'Miss' Olivia West is a great narrative voice and for me made the story worth reading all by itself. The chemistry between Olivia and Detective Steven is well done and adds another layer of interest to the murder / horror plot.
Ryker has a knack for keeping the pace and the suspense and the story going effortlessly. I found myself immersed in the book and although I am not a massive fan of horror, this turned into a compulsive reading.
Very enjoyable.
The story is complex with several layered issues - past and present. The main character 'Miss' Olivia West is a great narrative voice and for me made the story worth reading all by itself. The chemistry between Olivia and Detective Steven is well done and adds another layer of interest to the murder / horror plot.
Ryker has a knack for keeping the pace and the suspense and the story going effortlessly. I found myself immersed in the book and although I am not a massive fan of horror, this turned into a compulsive reading.
Very enjoyable.
August 25, 2015
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery/Horror Story has been receiving a mixture of reviews and I have no idea why. Yes, Jada Ryker's book isn't your typical Zombie story. It is so much more, it has a plot, sub-plots, mystery and humour. What's NOT to like about it?
The Main Character Dr Olivia West is well developed, as is all the characters the reader meets. She is believable and we get to know what makes her tick early on. I tried to predict her thoughts and dialogue before they happened - not correctly because it's a mystery book too. Ryker has taken time with her characters, this is to be expected as it is the first in the the series.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery ticks all the boxes for me and I look forward to reading more from this author.
The Main Character Dr Olivia West is well developed, as is all the characters the reader meets. She is believable and we get to know what makes her tick early on. I tried to predict her thoughts and dialogue before they happened - not correctly because it's a mystery book too. Ryker has taken time with her characters, this is to be expected as it is the first in the the series.
A Pink Zombie, with a Mist: A Shaken, Not Stirred, Mystery ticks all the boxes for me and I look forward to reading more from this author.
May 12, 2015
Unique Zombie Story.
I would describe this unique novel as quirky, fun, scary, multi-layered, and well-written. Don’t read this expecting the standard zombie fare. There is a murder mystery, compelling characters, and plot twists.
Rather than rehash the plot, I will quote one of my favorite passages. Enjoy and definitely get this book!
“A spoiled rich girl disrupts my class and Campus Security is on its way. A fragile young woman with a secret past leaves in tears. Now, I have a possible National Collegiate Athletic Association violation to report, since I’m pretty sure the NCAA does not allow expensive gifts from coaches. Olivia started to rub her forehead to ease her headache. She let her hand drop. I can’t show that spoiled brat Anna Flutington-Cook any signs of weakness.”
I would describe this unique novel as quirky, fun, scary, multi-layered, and well-written. Don’t read this expecting the standard zombie fare. There is a murder mystery, compelling characters, and plot twists.
Rather than rehash the plot, I will quote one of my favorite passages. Enjoy and definitely get this book!
“A spoiled rich girl disrupts my class and Campus Security is on its way. A fragile young woman with a secret past leaves in tears. Now, I have a possible National Collegiate Athletic Association violation to report, since I’m pretty sure the NCAA does not allow expensive gifts from coaches. Olivia started to rub her forehead to ease her headache. She let her hand drop. I can’t show that spoiled brat Anna Flutington-Cook any signs of weakness.”
April 9, 2016
What a charming story about Zombies and other TBD elements!
I enjoyed this tale very much. It was held mystery, suspense, and a dab of romance while maintaining humor. It was a quick, easy read that I found very entertaining. I loved the running "gags" in it, particularly the Scooby Doo references. I enjoyed the characters and thought the concept the author used for the zombies was brilliant. I like how the author melded the various views people hold about the world and themselves along with the concepts of science, faith, and magic.
If you are looking for a fun story to read - here's the book you want!
In addition to the main story, the short story was also very intriguing. I found it fascinating and I'm glad the author included it.
I enjoyed this tale very much. It was held mystery, suspense, and a dab of romance while maintaining humor. It was a quick, easy read that I found very entertaining. I loved the running "gags" in it, particularly the Scooby Doo references. I enjoyed the characters and thought the concept the author used for the zombies was brilliant. I like how the author melded the various views people hold about the world and themselves along with the concepts of science, faith, and magic.
If you are looking for a fun story to read - here's the book you want!
In addition to the main story, the short story was also very intriguing. I found it fascinating and I'm glad the author included it.
April 19, 2015
Ms. Ryker's enjoyable page-turner is filled with snappy dialog and memorable characters, who delight with current social commentary. As if those ingredients aren't enough for a terrific novel, Ms. Ryker deftly lays out the story with surprising twists and turns that are nicely braided by the end. Laugh-out-loud comedy is interspersed with danger and suspense, as well as a good dose of magic, as Dr. Olivia West and her friends solve a mystery in the backcountry of Kentucky. I highly recommend this novel!
May 31, 2015
This was a nice surprise and definitely an entertaining read. I had no idea what to expect, so I was curious. It was a suspenseful mystery and as soon as the story started, it captured my attention. The author kept the story moving forward with the dialogues and the characters were nicely developed. There were definitely some unexpected surprises in this story.
I enjoyed the author's writing. Ms. Ryker does a great job developing the plot and keeps it intriguing. Also, some of the characters and scenes were quite funny. If you're looking for a light, entertaining read, give this one a try.
I enjoyed the author's writing. Ms. Ryker does a great job developing the plot and keeps it intriguing. Also, some of the characters and scenes were quite funny. If you're looking for a light, entertaining read, give this one a try.
December 31, 2015
Horror with Humor
I really enjoyed this book. At first, I wasn't really sure why the story starts the way it does, but I quickly learn the method to it all. I absolutely love all the quirky characters, especially Ashdon. The interplay between him, Molly, Steven, and Olivia had me cracking up several times. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The best line I have ever read is in this book. "Release the McCracken." Simply funny. This book has a little bit of everything for everyone. Humor, mystery/horror, romance, and a touch of magic. I read it in one sitting.
I really enjoyed this book. At first, I wasn't really sure why the story starts the way it does, but I quickly learn the method to it all. I absolutely love all the quirky characters, especially Ashdon. The interplay between him, Molly, Steven, and Olivia had me cracking up several times. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The best line I have ever read is in this book. "Release the McCracken." Simply funny. This book has a little bit of everything for everyone. Humor, mystery/horror, romance, and a touch of magic. I read it in one sitting.
March 20, 2016
Starting with a bang (literally) and soon building up a head of steam to the point of edge of the seat suspense, this a thrilling read. Olivia and Emma shared a childhood experience at a place called Bottoms End and along with a host of other interesting and diverse characters must return to find out what's been going on there all this time. From Sheriff Noah McCracken to Detective Steven Lewis, all the characters were unique and well developed. Along with the mystery (which I didn't solve), I loved the humor in the book (release the McCracken!) which made for an entertaining read.
April 27, 2016
This is the first book which I have read from this author, therefore, I was not sure what to expect as I am not a fan of “zombie” books at all. I was pleasantly surprised as this book is totally different.
The author writes this book in such a way, that the inner working of the mind of the main characters Olivia, Steven and Ashdom as well as the characters from the past, are explained in detail as they all work together to investigate the mysterious zombie’s.
This book has loads of humour, suspense and a fast moving plot. An entertaining read.
The author writes this book in such a way, that the inner working of the mind of the main characters Olivia, Steven and Ashdom as well as the characters from the past, are explained in detail as they all work together to investigate the mysterious zombie’s.
This book has loads of humour, suspense and a fast moving plot. An entertaining read.
April 27, 2016
This is the first book which I have read from this author, therefore, I was not sure what to expect as I am not a fan of “zombie” books at all. I was pleasantly surprised as this book is totally different.
The author writes this book in such a way, that the inner working of the mind of the main characters Olivia, Steven and Ashdom as well as the characters from the past, are explained in detail as they all work together to investigate the mysterious zombie’s.
This book has loads of humour, suspense and a fast moving plot. An entertaining read.
The author writes this book in such a way, that the inner working of the mind of the main characters Olivia, Steven and Ashdom as well as the characters from the past, are explained in detail as they all work together to investigate the mysterious zombie’s.
This book has loads of humour, suspense and a fast moving plot. An entertaining read.
May 8, 2015
Jada Ryker has again assembled a cast of quirky characters in a fast-paced mystery filled with plenty of plot twists, humor and witty dialogue. Her distinctive style and voice propels the reader from a page one until the very the end of the story.
Olivia is a smart heroine with a heartbreaking backstory that made me cheer her on until the case was resolved.
I look forward to reading more from Jada Ryker!
Olivia is a smart heroine with a heartbreaking backstory that made me cheer her on until the case was resolved.
I look forward to reading more from Jada Ryker!
December 23, 2015
Well it was free book so I can't really complain. Quick read but the story seriously lacked development. I wasn't able to really fall in love with any of the characters bc they weren't flushed out enough. And the stalker storyline when it gets resolved is so dumb that you can't ignore it. I would read more from this author if it was free but even the short story at the end wasn't enough to make ever want to pay for anything from this author.
May 10, 2016
Ugh
Definitely not what I expected. I never give up on a book but really wish I had. Ridiculous to think that law enforcement turns the other cheek and let's people get away with crime. Also, is this supposed to be a book about magic or just jacked up society? I'm obviously too cynical and couldn't stand the book no matter which way my thought process on The Bottoms went. Don't waste your time!
Definitely not what I expected. I never give up on a book but really wish I had. Ridiculous to think that law enforcement turns the other cheek and let's people get away with crime. Also, is this supposed to be a book about magic or just jacked up society? I'm obviously too cynical and couldn't stand the book no matter which way my thought process on The Bottoms went. Don't waste your time!
May 25, 2015
What a cute, campy story, about a woman who is looking for her missing best friend. She will do whatever it takes to find her, even return to her home which is on the outskirts of Heavens Bottom, KY, her own version of hell.
I read the story in an afternoon, even though I loved the Scoobie-Doo mystery format and the playoff on the characters. Great long weekend read.
I read the story in an afternoon, even though I loved the Scoobie-Doo mystery format and the playoff on the characters. Great long weekend read.
September 11, 2015
Higher education politics, romance, isolated society, religious zealotry, eco warriors, drug dealers, and law enforcers
Well-written drama/ mystery/horror about a college professor and the drama that surrounds her. Lots of well developed characters that surrounds her as she searches for her best friend who disappeared. Adult readers due to content.
Well-written drama/ mystery/horror about a college professor and the drama that surrounds her. Lots of well developed characters that surrounds her as she searches for her best friend who disappeared. Adult readers due to content.
March 21, 2016
Highly Recommend
What a fun and intriguing book! There were so many parts of the story that made me laugh out loud. The perfect mix of adventure, thrills, horror, and mystery. Kudos to the author for writing something unique and different from anything I have read before. I can't wait to check out more of her work.
What a fun and intriguing book! There were so many parts of the story that made me laugh out loud. The perfect mix of adventure, thrills, horror, and mystery. Kudos to the author for writing something unique and different from anything I have read before. I can't wait to check out more of her work.
May 16, 2015
Fun! Quirky Mystery
This was a fun, quirky mystery. It is a very quick read. I got it as a freebie, and really wasn't sure what to expect. The characters were likable and the story was a great mix of humor and mystery.
This was a fun, quirky mystery. It is a very quick read. I got it as a freebie, and really wasn't sure what to expect. The characters were likable and the story was a great mix of humor and mystery.
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