The Bloody Shoe Affair: A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer's daughter

by Joy York

A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer’s daughter In this mystery set in 1968, Christi, a shy and awkward teenager, never expected to get sucked into helping her cousin, Lily, the “double-dare-you” daughter of the county jailer, try to solve the grizzliest murder the town of Roselyn, Mississippi, had ever seen. Then again, Christi had been entangled in her misadventures before. So a whirlwind week of spying, lying, crawling through tunnels and sneaking into the jail should have come as no surprise to Christi. Lily, a vivacious prankster, loves adventure. It’s not hard to find when you live in a house connected to the jail. Christi, a city girl, is self-conscious and afraid of everything. Still, she’s drawn to the excitement and adventure that Lily always seems to provide. Christi arrives for a visit in time to help her cousin discover what happened the night Lily observed a county deputy drop a pair of women’s bloody shoes from a bag. After a chance meeting with the accused, they learn new information that sheds doubt on his guilt. Seeking justice, Lily sets a plan in motion that takes them on an adventure of risk and surprising twists. They not only discover unexpected truths about the case, but about themselves as well.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2015

About the author

Joy York grew up in Alabama but has spent much of her adult life in the Midwest, currently living with her husband in Indiana. Inspired by a family legacy of oral storytelling, she began creating stories and adventures for her son when he was growing up. With encouragement from family and friends, she began to write them down. Her first book, The Bloody Shoe Affair: A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer’s daughter (The Jailer's Daughter Mysteries Book 1), a YA mystery, was published in 2015. Genuine Deceit, an adult suspense novel, is her second book. Protective Instinct: A Thriller was recently published. The Moonshine Murders (The Jailer's Daughter Mysteries Book 2) will be released March 25, 2024. For more information, visit www.joyyork.com.

Reviews

[K.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mysteries and adventure, so when I spotted Joy York's novel The Bloody Shoe Affair, I was intrigued and happy I purchased it. This is such a fun read. It is full of humor and characters that make for a great read.
Christi is excited to visit her aunt and Uncle Bill, a country jailer. The family lives in a brownstone home adjacent to the jail, which in itself could prove challenging for anyone. Christi can't wait to see her cousin Lilly: "Lilly is either fearless or fool-hardy; I'm not sure which. She loves to do two things: scare the crap out of me and flirt with danger. She knows I'm a wimp, and she seems to make it her mission to keep- me in a constant state of terror. I haven't figured out for sure if she tries to get us into trouble or trouble just follows her..."
That is an accurate account of Lilly who loves to flirt with danger and doesn't seem to think what the repercussions might be. I loved her character, and I loved Christi and how she grows up before your eyes.
York did a super job of catching the early years of childhood, the fears, the infatuations, and the day-to-day struggles kids walk through. Though this is a young adult book, it is for anyone. I especially loved the humor: "You can wear one of my bras?" she offered.
"It might fit my knees." I was still in a stretch-as-you-grow bra, and so far it hadn't stretched."
Living on a farm, I found myself laughing when I read some of Lilly's shenanigans: "Now Lilly, don't you go stirring up my chickens. The last time you were here, you got them so upset that they wouldn't lay eggs for a week."
"I won't Mama Lou. I promise," Lily said.
"I got up and followed her out of the dining room, through the kitchen, onto the back porch, and down the steps to the back yard... I sat next to her.
"What did you do to the chickens?"
"Just a little experiment. When Les and I were here on the Fourth of July, we had a bunch of sparklers Daddy Joe gave us. We wondered what the chickens would do if we threw a sparkler in the chicken coop. It didn't go well...chickens, feathers, straw, poop, all went flyin'."
I would highly recommend this book for any age. If you love adventure, suspense, and humor, you will love this book the same as me. A five-star home run!

[Nina Romano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of The Bloody shoe Affair by Joy York

For me, this book was a charming and reminiscent walk down memory lane. As an adult reading The Bloody Shoe Affair by author Joy York, was an absolute pleasure. I was totally immersed in the story of times gone by brought into vivid view through the eyes of the teenage narrator Christi and her super-exuberant and high-spirited cousin, Lily. Their antics and high jinks are precious!

I bought the book to give to my granddaughter, who is thirteen, but I read it because I wanted to make sure it didn’t contain gratuitous sex or violence. This novel is a little treasure map that takes the reader down south in the year 1968. The language, clothes, fashions, food, setting and characters all add up to make this a complete and enjoyable voyage to the past. I can’t wait for my granddaughter’s reaction to it.

[Wendy Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Glowing Gem of a Book!

“The Bloody Shoe Affair” is the second book I have read by the author Joy York. I had wanted to read this book for some time and finally had time to curl up with a mystery.

This absolute gem of a book took me by surprise. It was a fantastic read and drew me in so quickly. The book was a surprise because it was more than a mystery—it is a memoir of sorts in that book was inspired by the author’s experiences with her cousin, a jailor’s daughter.

This mystery embraces family and the adventures of two 14-year-old cousins, Lily and Christi, in a small quiet southern Mississippi town in the late 1960s. The writing is beautiful, with great dialogue and attention to detail. “The Bloody Shoe Affair” is brimming with suspense, daring, laughter, comradery, and just plain realness.

On the one hand, “The Bloody Shoe Affair” could be described as a modern-day Nancy Drew mystery or a perfect mystery for tweens or YA. On the other hand, reading this mystery as an adult, I can attest that the book is also perfect for adults. The book brought me back to subtle memories of being 14 and those beautiful nuances with family and friends at a time when one doesn’t have independence yet but is finding the first hints of adulthood.

Christi is an introverted, shy city kid who has come to stay for a week in a rural small town with her family to help prepare and celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of the matriarch and patriarch of the whole family. Christi opts to stay with her favorite cousin, Lily, rather than stay 20 minutes away with her family. Lily is the opposite of Christi in that Lily is extroverted, daring, full of antics, and at one with her rural surroundings. What ensues is a deepening of a beautiful friendship and many adventures as the two figure out the mystery of the bloody shoe.

I hope the author writes a sequel to this book. Lily and Christi, and their crime-sleuthing adventures, are so much fun to read about and to be a part of their adventures. Superb Book!

[M.A. Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 1968, The Bloody Shoe Affair is a captivating read set in small town, Roselyn. Missouri. I found the two cousins Christi and Lily to be relatable to when I was growing up. Shy, 14-year-old Christi goes to stay with her prankster cousin, Lily, who is also 14 and the jailer’s daughter. Lily tells Christi she saw a deputy remove a couple of plastic garbage bags and a brown paper shopping bag with bloody shoes in it from the boot of a car. So begins the adventure that Christi gets drawn into with Lily. The two girls are polls apart but soon become inseparable, working together to find the evidence key to look at the evidence. The risks and stakes get higher as the plot twists and turns. They talk to Bart Peoples, the suspected murderer and find out more information, but they soon find out he hasn’t divulged everything. Two types of blood are left at the murder scene. The Bloody Shoe Affair is filled with mystery and intrigue and will have you turning pages to find out if Bart really is the murderer or if it is someone else.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Christi travels with her family to attend the upcoming anniversary party for her grandparents, she is filled with a bit of angst. She'll be staying with her adventurous cousin, Lily in the days before the celebration. Lily's bent on learning the details behind a secretive mystery that has swept the dark halls of the jailhouse next-door. As the jailer's daughter, she's determined to find out what really happened when a man is arrested for killing his wife.

As the two cousins uncover the clues behind the crime, not all is what it seems. Secret liaisons and deceptions run deep. Christi, Lily and their friends are determined to find out the truth, but will their sleuthing come to a deadly end when they get too close to the ne'er-do-wells?

Author York weaves an exciting whodunnit that I found hard to put down. It's a perfect read for youngsters (of all ages) who love unravelling a baffling set of events, shady suspects, and clues at every turn. The cousins are charming and come into their own as they uncover the details behind the grisly mystery. Their bravado and intuitive skills are to be admired, and the whimsy of their friendships and hint of young romance (tasteful at all times) is charming and will bring a smile to your face. For fans of Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden mysteries, this is a must read!

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in The Jailer's Daughter Mysteries series, The Bloody Shoe Affair introduces readers to two fiery and witty amateur sleuths, Christi and Lily. Set in the summer of 1968, Christi comes to town to visit her family for her grandparents’ upcoming 50th anniversary. Rather than staying at the farm, she is stuck staying with her older cousin Lily in town. Not only is Lily known for troublemaking, but her house is attached to the jailhouse, and it scares Christi to no end. Rather than talk about The Beatles and the hottest new fashions, Lily drags Christi into an active murder case; the most gruesome crime to ever take place in Roselyn, Mississippi. A pregnant woman is murdered, and her husband stands accused. But something seems off to the two teenagers. Against her better judgement, Christi finds she is enjoying playing detective and she really does want to poke around and solve the crime. Laugh out loud funny, thrilling and unique; The Bloody Shoe Affair promises to be the start of a great mystery series that will appeal to both adults and teens. To make it even more interesting, this series is written by Joy York, a local author hailing from Greenwood.

[Bibiana Krall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York is a nostalgic, small-town mystery that delights with every page!

Have you ever wondered what life is like in the Deep South? Join Christi and Lilly on an adventure as they solve a mystery, someone falls in love for the first time and realistic, Southern characters abound.

From country to city life, you will feel like you are walking with two junior sleuths determined to dig through the twisty secrets of a small-town.

The old saying 'curiosity killed the cat' shadowed these intrepid teens as they continue to push the envelope after a brutal murder happens and everyone feels sure they've found the culprit.

Lilly has incredible instincts and refuses to sit still. Her mind is always working, thinking, and scheming. She has a tendency to poke her nose in dangerous, adult business that could get her in a heap of trouble with her parents and possibly, dead.

Christi is the perfect character to accompany her extroverted cousin, as she's well aware that not playing by the rules may hold dire circumstances. She's the quintessential girl-next-door who adores her friends and family, is a little bit shy and never pushy, only falling off the rails when under the direct influence of her extra-bossy, albeit good-hearted cousin.

I grew up reading Nancy Drew Books and am one hundred percent sure that these amateur sleuths would have welcomed Nancy to join in on their after-dark shenanigans. The conclusion at the end when the truth is revealed had me clapping for their courage and tenacity to see things through to the end.

Don't get me started on the delicious details about comfort food in the South like: cornbread, fried chicken, banana pudding and cobbler. Southern to a T! This is a must read for lovers of mystery, young and old alike.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York is a brilliant YA adventurous story of two teenagers who dare to venture into dangerous avenues of investigating a double murder, as Lily believes an innocent man has been imprisoned. A first person account, with exciting details and teen talk; teen tone never wanes throughout the book, and that adds an extra charm to the carefully crafted dialogues, interspersed with a dash of humor despite a serious theme. Lily’s crazy idea of stuffing marshmallows in Christy’s bra and Troy asking if any of them were wearing perfume that smells like marshmallows cracked me up!

Joy’s characters are crafted with immense dexterity. It is the inquisitive nature of Lily that draws her reticent cousin, Christy into her daredevil plans of sneaking into the basement to locate the old jail cell and talk to the potential murderer. She believes in taking risks, possesses an amazing skill of cooking up stories at the spur of the moment, and has an incredible convincing power to impress people. An incorrigible liar, intrepid and obdurate, Lily exudes enviable confidence, which inspires Christy who nurses doubts at each step and is scared that if they are caught, she might have to spend the rest of her summer in reform school.

The strength of this book is connected with its characters. You would love them despite their irrational feats of lying and spying. It captures the true behavior of youngsters. An enjoyable read!

[Ivy Logan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by a true story The Bloody Shoe Affair is a tale reminiscent of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and The Famous Five and other stories in a similar vein. A mystery solving team is born when cousins Lilly and Christie unite. The girls are as different and chalk and cheese. Lilly is the daredevil, tumbling headlong into trouble and the more reluctant Christie follows her, albeit at a more sedate pace, asking all the right questions.
By hook or by crook the girls have a nose for smelling the mystery just round the corner and bang and the next thing you know they are right in the middle of it.
A man has been arrested for the murder of his wife and baby and people are dying to lynch him. But something is not right. Everything has fallen into place too seamlessly. Could the man be innocent and a victim himself? In their quest to find answers the girls run rampage over the rules and regulations of the jail when Lilly's jailer father presides.
The story hooks you as does the narration. This one is a definite must read for all lovers of mystery. An additional bonus all the lovely, mouth watering meals mentioned through out the book, which has the same effect on the reader that the delicious meals in Enid Blyton's books did. You want to be there with Lilly and Christie.

[Mae Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a YA detective novel that adults will enjoy, too. Lily is the jailer’s daughter, Christi her cousin. Whereas Lily is bold and outgoing, Christi has always been more introspective, lacking in confidence. When a 50th wedding anniversary brings these two cousins together for a week over the summer, Lily pulls Christi into an adventure to prove the innocence of a man accused of murdering his wife.

As the story progresses and the two girls do their own investigating, stumbling onto more and more clues that point to the man’s innocence, Christi becomes more deeply ensnared, going from reluctant follower to eager participant. Among the girls adventures there is also the blush of first love for Christi, as she falls for a cute boy named Troy. As an adult, it was fun looking back at memories of that awkward and blossoming stage of life. I found the characters interesting and developed, and the setting (the late 60s) a fresh change of pace. As someone who loved Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys growing up, I found the concept of this novel charming and well-presented. An enjoyable read.

[Joe Congel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Joy York transports us back to the late sixties in this wonderful mystery that combines a YA fiction coming of age story with a fun, lighthearted whodunnit cozy. The Bloody Shoe Affair was the author’s first book, but you would never suspect that as the story flows easily across the pages. Told through the eyes of fourteen-year-old Christi, we are treated to all the anxiety and pressures a young teenage girl, who happens to be the middle child between two brothers, can and will place upon herself.

Christi and family are on their way to her grandparent’s farm to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with the whole family - aunts, uncles, cousins - who they don't see often since they live furthest away. The almost three-hour drive out to the country immediately creates problems for Christi, giving us a peek into her anxiety driven pain. Let’s just say that being squeezed in between her two brothers, a hundred-degree temperature, hot plastic car seats, and shorts does not mix during August in the deep south.

Given the choice, she foregoes staying at the farm for the week in favor of spending time with her fourteen-year-old cousin, Lily, who lives in town. A much harder decision than one might think because Lily lives in the county jail and is always getting herself and Christi wrapped up in some sort of adventure that usually ends up getting them in trouble. Well, actually Lily lives in a big house attached to the jail. Her father is the county jailer in the small town of Roselyn, Mississippi. But Christi can’t help but be drawn to her cousin’s sense of fearless adventure. She secretly admires Lily’s fearlessness, even though most of those adventures in the past did not bode well for Christi. When Lily let’s her in on what she has planned for them this time, Christi questions her decision to stay with her cousin. But she is soon sucked into the mystery of a double homicide case that might send the wrong man to jail. Although the girl’s parents would ground them for life if they knew what their daughters were up to, they begin their own investigation looking for clues they hope will help Lily’s daddy find the true killer.

This is a well-written story that has all the elements of a good mystery. There is adventure, tension, good old fashion crime solving, and touches of humor sprinkled throughout where needed. I am not a teenager, nor do I read many YA stories, but I enjoyed this book very much. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and a lot of the scenes between the teenage girls and boys really resonated with me.

If you’re looking for a book that provides adventure and a mystery you can get lost in while putting a smile on your face, The Bloody Shoe Affair would be the perfect choice… no matter how far past your teenage years you may be. :)

[Eve Koguce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two teenage girls in rural Mississippi set out on the adventure of finding out who has committed the most horrendous crime. Well, one of them is determined to uncover the truth, dragging the other one – often reluctant to follow, especially down to the basement of the old prison dungeon, at night – after her.

“The Bloody Shoe Affair” by Joy York introduces to the reader Lily and Christi, two fourteen-year-old cousins who couldn’t be more different. Lily is ‘I-get-what-I-want-from-everyone’ person. She pulls shy Christi into her misdemeanours, and usually gets away with them while Christi often ends up in an awkward situation. And yet, when Lily spills out the mysterious event she has just witnessed the moment Christi arrives for a visit, not letting her cousin have even a glass of water, let alone a proper lunch, Christi can’t resist the allure of unravelling the grim secret.

In this book, the fleur of the American South is mixed with the county jail’s routine, but the girls’ coming-of-age angst about love and boys with a murder investigation. I was totally captivated.

Lily lives in a jail. Not in a cell obviously, but since her father is a county jailer, her family resides in a house adjacent to the prison. The connection between the buildings is really intimate. You can get to the jail part simply by walking through Lily’s living room. Proper precaution measures are put in place of course, yet even a thick metal door is a feeble comfort if behind it people who committed crimes are permanently housed.

I won’t tell more not to spoil you the pleasure. The only thing I’ll say is that when Christi imagined this trip to Roselyn, Mississippi, to attend the 50th wedding anniversary of her grandparents, she wasn’t expecting what whirlwind of events – dangerous ones too! – she would be pulled in. Well, traipsing around the old prison dungeons used in the old times for who knows what hideous purposes isn’t something one plans to do in summer, right?

Not an ardent fan of books with teenage protagonists or murder mysteries, I was pulled into the story in “The Bloody Shoe Affair” and it was hard to put the book down. The unique and refreshing setting, with a list of delicious dishes typical for the region thrown in here and there, and the unfolding investigation where I couldn’t guess whodunit until the very last pages turned this book into a real bookish treat for me. I highly recommend it to genre lovers and those who aren’t into coming-of-age or murder mystery stories alike. I’m looking forward to reading book two of the series.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Joy York expertly combines 1968, small-town southern Mississippi, and two cousins sharing a summer vacation. Lily, daughter to the sheriff, and Christi, her visiting cousin are of comparable age. Lily lives above the jail. She’s cultivated a nosey nature with a record of taking her imagination to the highest levels. Christi is a little less affluent as well as risk-averse yet admires Lily’s spunk.

The story moves forward with fun dialogue, rising suspense, and unexpected twists and turns. Lily and Christi are young teens with eyes on the boys, a thirst for adventure, and pushing the boundaries set by loving, protective parents. You get a sense early on of the history between these girls and the possibilities for their summer vacation.

“You ladies are up awful late tonight, aren’t you?” he asked. “Hi, Curly,” Lily answered.
“Not too late for when I have a sleepover. Curly, this is my cousin, Christi. Christi, this is Curly Sparks.”
“Nice to meet you, Sir,” I said.
“Pleasure’s mine, Christi.” He turned to Lily. “What are you up to tonight, Miss Lily? Nothing that’s going to get me in trouble with your daddy, I hope.”
“No, Curly, have you ever gotten in trouble because of me?”
“Let me see now…” he said, scratching his chin and rolling his eyes. “There’s the time I let you take your Girl Scout Troop in the jail to show them what an empty cell looked like, and you closed the door on them, half scaring them out of their wits. Your daddy had parents calling him for a week. Then there was the time you stole my cigarettes, took the keys off my….”

This story is reminiscent of the Nancy Drew stories with more thrill. The girls become determined to prove a jailed man’s innocence. As they follow the journey and clues, they learn more about each other, and their trust in one another builds. It is interesting to watch the preconceived notions of distant cousins who intermittently see one another shift and change as they work together.

The Bloody Shoe Affair is my first read of this author, but it won’t be my last. It is witty and fun from start to finish. I recommend this fun read for teens and young adults who want a solid mystery with a sense of adventure.

[John Podlaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading THE BLOODY SHOE AFFAIR by Joy York. It starts out slow for a third of the story and then engages on all cylinders going forward. Christi, her two brothers, and her parents travel 3 hrs. into the Mississippi countryside to visit her grandparents and to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Christi loves the farm and enjoys spending time with Lily, her outgoing 14-year-old cousin, whose father is the jailer of the county jail. Lily takes risks and always seems to get timid and reserved Christi in trouble with her shenanigans.

Once again, Christi will spend the week at Lily's house, which is attached to the county jail in town. On the night before Christi arrives, the jail parking lot was filled to capacity; all three groups of policemen were there: city, county, and state. When a bloody pair of shoes fall from a bag, Lily is immediately intrigued and obsessed to find out what is going on. There's talk of a gruesome murder and the murderer is locked in one of the cells. Of course, she ropes in her 14-year old cousin and the investigation/adventure begins.

The story takes place in 1968 and is narrated by Christi. The author includes examples of southern living, small-town goings-on, and mention of songs and groups of the time.

Joy does a wonderful job in keeping readers guessing and engaged in the storyline. She also shows how Christi grows emotionally and encounters her first romantic blush with the cutest boy in town, Troy. Both girls move the story along through dialog, which is sometimes witty and sarcastic. I found myself laughing out loud several times.

The ending is a surprise and neatly wrapped up by the author. I can compare Lily to a much younger, Stephanie Plum - the same type of personality and devious thinking. All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun and suspenseful read.

[Eichin Chang-Lim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Shoe Affair by Joy York is an enthralling and captivating young adult mystery set in 1968 Mississippi. The story revolves around two teenage cousins, Christi and Lily, who find themselves embroiled in a dangerous murder investigation. From the moment I started reading, I was utterly hooked.
The author, Joy York, expertly weaves together the elements of small-town southern Mississippi, the spirit of adventure, and the strong bond between two cousins. Lily, the vivacious and daring prankster, lives in a house connected to the county jail, thanks to her father being the jailer. On the other hand, Christi, a shy and self-conscious city girl, is drawn to the excitement and thrill that Lily always seems to bring.
The narrative is filled with fun and engaging dialogue that keeps the story moving forward at a fast pace. The suspense builds steadily, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning the pages. What I loved most about this book was watching the evolution of the relationship between Lily and Christi. As they delve deeper into the investigation, their trust in each other grows, and their preconceived notions about one another start to shift. It's a beautiful portrayal of friendship and the power of working together towards a common goal.
Joy York's writing is witty and delightful throughout the entire book. The attention to detail in capturing the essence of the 1960s era, from the references to snacks, clothes, music, and communication, added an extra layer of authenticity to the story.
Overall, The Bloody Shoe Affair is a thrilling and entertaining read that kept me engaged from start to finish. It is perfect for young adults and teenagers who enjoy a solid mystery with a sense of adventure. I highly recommend this book by this talented author. Five stars all the way!

[Julie Lence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Shoe Affair is a cozy mystery featuring teenage cousins Lily and Christi. Lily's father is a local law officer, with the jail attached to the family home. Lily's dream is to become a detective, and she's a bundle of excitement when the entire area is a buzz over a crime the same time Christi and her family arrive to celebrate the wedding anniversary of their grandparents. Rumors swirling around town hint 2 people have been killed and the suspect is being held in the jail's basement. The suspect is the husband of one of the victims, but without the bodies and nothing linking the suspect to the crime except a bloody shoe, Lily suspects he may be innocent. With Christi spending the week with her and not at their grandparents farm, she ropes Christi into helping her solve the double murder. What ensues is a fun crime-solving duo with fast talking Lily leading they way as she and Christi interrogate witnesses without the witnesses knowing. Toss in a jail believed to be somewhat haunted, a handful of Lily's friends, a tornado, and a who-dunnit, and this is a fun story.

Lily and Christi remind of me Nancy Drew and her cousin, Bess. Lily's the adventurous one, while Christi leans toward being overly cautious. Their differences mesh tightly, as does their love for food and family, and their teenage girl worries over clothes and boys. With excellent descriptions of the jail's basement and Lily's father's office, I found myself smack dab in the middle of the scene and caught up in following along with the girls as they unraveled the mystery, trying to figure out exactly what happened that evening before they did. You'll enjoy this one as much as I did.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entertaining and fast paced story about two young cousins, Lily and Christi, who become embroiled in a murder investigation.

Lily is the daughter of the head warden at a large prison. Her home is attached to the prison, and she has interacted with prisoners and the legal system all her short life. Christi is her less confident and more introverted cousin and is visiting because it is the two girls' grandparents 50th wedding anniversary celebration. The night before Christi's arrival there is an upheaval at the prison and Lily glimpses some compromising and fascinating evidence in the form of a pair of bloody woman's shoes. Lily is determined to learn more about these shoes and drags Christi with her along the investigatory path.

This book is a great mystery and is also an excellent read for teenagers with its sub-themes which revolve around issues like trust, family relationships, boyfriends, and respect for authority. I liked that these important concepts were woven into this story in an interesting way that helps set a good example and standard to young readers without being remotely preachy. You hardly realise these subthemes are there and that subtlety makes the writing and storyline of this novel perfect for its intended audience.

In addition, Lily is a strong female character who is determined to follow her instincts. Christi acts as the voice of reason, a sort of Jiminy Cricket (talking cricket from The Adventures of Pinocchio), and tempers Lily's impulsive strong headedness. Christy grows a lot as a character during the course of this story and learns to be brave and take a stronger stance on issues that concern her.

As an adult, I enjoyed this story, and I would certainly give this book as a gift to young readers.

[Wayne Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAYNE EDWARDS, AUTHOR
WayneEdwardsBooks.com

If you liked Joy York’s superb fiction novels Protective Instinct and Genuine Deceit, you’ll be sure to enjoy The Bloody Shoe Affair, the initial book in the Jailor’s Daughter Mysteries series. While primarily directed to a young adult audience, adults of all ages will find this “whodunit” a great read.
Set in the 1960s, the story takes place in a small town in Mississippi, and follows the inquisitive mind and detective shenanigans of the 14 year-old jailor’s daughter Lilly and her far less-adventurous cousin of the same age, Christie.
Not only is Lilly’s father the Sheriff of the community, but the family lives in a home that is directly attached to the jail. When a local area pregnant wife goes missing and all the evidence seems to point to her husband, he’s taken into custody and securely placed in an isolated cell in the basement of the jail. It doesn’t take much to raise Lilly’s curiosity meter, so she immediately moves into detective mode when she witnesses a bagged pair of bloody shoes being admitted to the Evidence Room. Dragging her reluctant cousin along with her to investigate, the girls soon come to the conclusion that the jailed husband is being framed and are determined to expose the real killer.
Told in first person through the eyes of the shy cousin Christi, York does a masterful job in developing both the characters and storyline in this novel. The reader will quickly become engrossed with all the clever and exciting twists and turns as the story unfolds. I give this novel a 5-Star rating, and highly recommend it to the young and old alike!

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most of us have a natural survival instinct that keeps us from making dangerous choices. Not so for fourteen-year-old Lily, the jailhouse keeper’s daughter, whose out-of-control curiosity and ability to manipulate adults make her a menace—as well as a great protagonist. Christi is Lily’s level-headed cousin, the main POV character, and she can’t help but get pulled into Lily’s schemes. The current scheme is to solve a double murder.

The shenanigans that ensue make for a quick pace, and the girls’ investigation actually seems plausible. Their hunt for clues and their conclusions makes sense, and of course, they keep everything to themselves or they’d get in big trouble with their parents. The whodunnit plot was pulled off expertly, and I didn’t guess the killer until it all came together at the end.

Typical of the YA genre, adults aren’t much help and function mostly in the background. Likewise, the girls are wonderfully realistic and well-rounded, wavering between grown-up behavior (Christi) and recklessness (Lily). Aside from the murder investigation, the story is sprinkled with teen fun, romantic crushes, family love, and concerns about body image and fitting in. These are handled lightly, without a lot of angst, and are endearingly relatable. There are also plenty of chuckles as Christi gets into awkward situations, frequently at her cousin’s instigation.

Not all is fun and games, though, and the ending, in particular, gets quite tense. That said, this is a clean novel with very little “on-stage” violence, and I have no hesitation recommending it to readers age 10 and up who enjoy young teen protagonists who solve crimes. Super fun and highly recommended.

[Guy Worthey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this breezy mystery-adventure like Popeye enjoys spinach. The characters, even the minor ones, are sharply drawn, and the pacing of the plot meanders up switchbacks to a perilous climax. York weaves her story around pillars of small town life such as the beauty parlor, the gas station, and the five-and-dime, that are often taken for granted. This choice gives a homey flavor to her yarn and accentuates the persistence and cleverness of her heroes.

The fourteen year old protagonists, Christi and Lily, are a study in contrasts. Brash, confident Lily sees it as her duty to pull anxious Christi out of her safe zones. When a crime happens that the adults won't share with the teens, Lily's inquisitive nature fires up to obsessive levels. The adults have good reason for staying mum; the crime appears hideous, and the roots of the evil are lust and greed. Lily's father is the sheriff, and she lives next door to the jail, and, yes, there is tunnel between them. This leads to a lot of excellent sneaking around, wonderful parental hoodwinking, and fabulous misadventures.

While I, myself, skimmed over the many descriptions of food and clothing, they did add to the Southern ambiance and the characters. Despite underlying adult thematic material, the protagonists are involved with solving the mystery without delving into its depths. This book is clean and suitable for teens.

[Yvette Calleiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

How are two teenage girls supposed to entertain themselves out in the country during the summer of 1968? Solve a murder mystery, of course! This story is told from Christi's POV. She's an awkward, insecure girl who doesn't know how to say no to Lily, her bold and mischievous cousin that she is visiting for a few weeks in the summer. Lily is the jailer's daughter and is more than comfortable with her home life of having the prison attached to her house. When Lily sees a pair of bloody shoes brought into the prison, she embarks on a mission to solve the crime, dragging Christi along with her.

I loved the contrast of these two girls. The author did a wonderful job creating unique personalities for all her characters. Christi feared getting involved in Lily's ploys because Lily always got her in trouble, but the pull to be a part of something always won out in the end. And she was done for once the cute kid not only got involved but only had eyes for her.

The story is a slow buildup, which is my favorite kind of story. I love how the author mixed everyday life into the kids' adventure. It all came together at the end with great intensity and a couple of heart-racing moments. This was a great story, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good, clean fun read. :-)

[Rosalind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious, nostalgic romp with a solid mystery!
I laughed out loud while reading author Joy York’s “The Bloody Shoe Affair,” the first book in Ms. York’s “The Jailer’s Daughter Mystery” series. Two fourteen-year-old cousins find themselves in an adventure when they believe a man jailed for murder is innocent and decide they’ll go about solving the crime. The spunky girls must be extra secret about their investigating because one cousin’s dad is the jailer, and their house is attached to the jail in this small town. Handy for the girls to question prisoners! The book is a nostalgic ride into small town life in the American South of the 1960s. Everyone knows one another, and the soda fountain is great place to quiz folks for information. I loved the author’s descriptions of the outfits the girls select to wear: the psychedelic colors, the hip huggers, the wide white plastic belts. I was taken back in time when the kids scramble to find a teen old enough to drive, and one with an actual car! This mystery is not only a delight to read, but it has a solid mystery that had me guessing to the end. Though the main characters are teens, adult readers will have a ton of fun reading “The Bloody Shoe Affair.”

[Kerry Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

14 year-old Christi has come out with her family to visit relatives in rural Mississippi in the summer of 1968, but is soon swept up in a secretive investigative adventure with her fellow 14 year-old cousin, Lily, whose home is connected by a hall and tunnels to the county jail, overseen by her father. Sly and overeager Lily is anxious to find out about the story behind the blood stained shoes she saw a detective accidentally drop while a group of cops were secretly delivering an unknown individual to a secret basement cell in the jail. Having shy and insecure Christi as her partner in the adventure adds to the thrill, as Lily gladly breaks rules to uncover and solve the mystery. Mystery fanatics will probably feel ready to walk away from the story, told in the first person by Christi, since the actual details of the main crime and underlying mystery details do not come to light until about one third of the way into the tale. However, readers who can empathize and become engrossed in the teenage angst character tale underneath the adventure will find the patience to work up to the actual mystery leading to a tense climatic end.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Bloody Shoe Affair” is a fun YA whodunit set in Mississippi in the late 1960s. Fourteen-year-old Christi is visiting her grandparents for their 50th-anniversary celebration. She stays with her cousin, Lily, whose father is a law officer, and the house is attached to the jail. Lily’s curiosity of a pair of bloody shoes found but no body pull the two girls into a who was or wasn’t killed. Lily decides the man sitting in jail is innocent, and the two girls begin their investigation. It was fun to go back to the late sixties and see references to snacks, clothes, music, and communications. It brought back some memories of when I grew up. I liked how opposite these girls were, but how they pulled together and got along. Lily was strong and knew how to manipulate adults. While Christi wanted the excitement brought into her life by her cousin, she was more cautious. This was a fun read that reminded me of the Nancy Drew books I used to enjoy with more thrills added in. I could see middle-grade readers enjoying this as well as YA and adults. A fun story that kept me engaged with an exciting ending! 

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is 1968, and Christi, an introverted 14-year-old girl, is staying with her cousin Lily. Lily, though the same age as Christi, is far more daring and precocious; and she is opposite to Christi in personality. Lily lives adjacent to a prison because of her jailer father. Christi soon finds herself tagging along with Lily, who is determined to find out more about the jail’s newest resident, a murder suspect. What follows is a grand adventure in which Christi is convinced to take increasingly daring risks with her cousin. It is not all bad though, one of Lily’s friends, Troy is a cute guy with whom Christi is immediately smitten. Author York convincingly captures the angst and interests of the two female teenagers, as well as the attitudes and lifestyle of the 60’s era. The story has several tense moments in which Christi and Lily face challenges, and the plot has several twists and turns that lead up to an exciting final conflict! All in all, The Bloody Shoe Affair is an entertaining and convincing historical Teen/YA Mystery!

[Kathleen Harryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bloody Shoe Affair is a wonderful murder mystery set in the late 60's. The author weaves a captivating tale of two cousins, Lilly - the jailer's daughter, and the not-so-brave Christi from the city, who become sleuths to solve murder.

This is a book rich in historical facts that made me smile right from the first chapter—I felt like I was there with Christi in the heated car, my skin sticking to the faux leather seat. The difference in character personalities between the brave, self-confident, Lilly and her scared, timid, cousin Christi created a brilliant balance between the girls.

Clues dripped from the pages, and I often second-guessed what would be revealed next. The Bloody Shoe Affair starts with the disappearance of a young pregnant woman, which soon turns into murder. But as Lilly and Christi delve deeper into this case, they find themselves in the thick of danger as the truth emerges.

This wonderful murder mystery for young adults is perfect for anyone from 12 to 112 who loves suspense entwined with the rich tapestry of the 60s.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adored THE BLOODY SHOE AFFAIR from start to finish! This young adult historical mystery is set in the summer of 1968 in Mississippi. Christi and her family are going to stay for a visit with her aunt and uncle, who work at a jail, and Christi’s cousin Lily (who is a total hoot) tends to get her in lots of scheming trouble every time they get together.

I loved so much about this book. The setting was one of my favorite things. Joy York did such a nice job not only bringing the Mississippi setting to life with tornadoes, visits to the farm and so many delicious southern food menus that I was getting really hungry by the end of the book, but also the historical aspect. I loved getting to take this trip back in time and see Lily and Christi march around town looking for clues for a well-crafted mystery about a pair of bloody shoes in the jail’s evidence locker, then stopping off for ice cream at the drugstore. This book is a charming read that will appeal to young readers and adults alike, and I know I’m excited to pick up Lily and Christi’s next adventure! 5/5 stars.

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This isn’t a stupid detective game anymore. It didn’t seem so real when there were no dead bodies, just bloody shoes and a few rumors. Now there’s a real dead person.”
On a family visit to the rural town of Roselyn, the teenage Christi re-encounters her rebellious, prank-loving and willful cousin Lily – the daughter of the county jailer. (“The jail, the prisoners and a lot of the grubby-looking characters that hang out there scare the pee out of me. Another reason for serious consideration is that Lily scares the pee out of me,” observes the timid narrator.)
Obsessed with a pair of blood-covered shoes she had caught sight of, Lily enlists the reluctant Christi in an investigation which will lead the girls into dangerous territory. What follows is a coming-of-age story and a whodunit rolled into one – and with a tornado, a lynch mob and a burgeoning romance thrown in for good measure.
This novel should provide enjoyment to both YA and adult readers. As the narrator observes: “We’re all equal under the reddish-yellow sinking sun and the white lustrous glow of the rising moon.”

[Lisette Brodey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joy York has written a wonderful Young Adult mystery story, set in the South in 1968.

Lily, who is the jailer’s feisty and unafraid daughter, teams up with her shy and insecure cousin Christi when they believe that a man being held in the local jail (attached to Lily’s house) is not guilty of the crime he’s accused of committing. Nothing is adding up for these young teens, and they’re determined to do the math.

What I enjoyed so much in this novel is York’s wonderful characters. Lily and Christi’s fierce determination to accomplish what no one could expect they could do. Why let age, conventional wisdom, or common sense get in the way of solving a crime? So what if you’re only fourteen?

York does a terrific job of transporting her readers to another era. The difference in her characters’ personalities was well-crafted and well-defined … adding more tension and authenticity to the story. The girls were age appropriate in every way … putting on a brave face and trying to hide their fear at the same time.

Aside from a great story, I loved the coming-of-age aspects and the evolution of the friendship between the two cousins, who come to know and appreciate one another in a new light.

Kudos to Ms. York on a well-told tale.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Joy York's books I've read and it won't be the last. What an exciting, and compelling story it was. i loved the mix of YA and Cozy Mystery. The main characters were delightful, as were their families, and I found myself wishing I'd had such lovely folk around me when I was in my turbulent teens. As for the plot, it was so full of twists and turns it kept me riveted throughout the book and the dénouement was nail-biting. I loved the way the two heroines, Christi and her friend Lily, complemented each other and how they shared so much as well. The setting was brilliant and so unusual. The jailhouse added a whole quirky element to the story with the prisoners and guards part of the backcloth to the action. All told, it was both a lovely coming of age novel and a hugely exciting murder mystery. I not only thoroughly enjoyed it, I would recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mysteries. This one is also very well written with great dialogue.