Whiteout

Taylor Jackson #7.5

by J.T. Ellison

Join Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson as she races to find a deadly assassin who's seemingly blended in with the blizzard.

Metro Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has reluctantly agreed to take the place of her fiancé, FBI profiler John Baldwin, as a presenter at the annual Freedom Conference, a foreign intelligence initiative attended by the best in the business of "clandestine services." Then a blizzard effectively isolates their hotel on Chesapeake Bay: no power, no generators, and no possibility of outside help. When two guests go missing, and one of them is found dead in his room, Taylor discovers an assassin amongst the spies—one with a deadly score to settle.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

108 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2015

About the author

J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.

With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.

J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Reviews

[Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Blog | Bookstagram

Standing in for her fiance, John Baldwin, at the annual Freedom Conference, (like, "Could that name be anymore American?" she said in her best Chandler voice) badass Lieutenant Taylor Jackson finds herself in the middle of a trained assassin's plan for vengeance in the middle of a crazy blizzard.

A fun short story, it killed a couple of hours of my Saturday with a character I love. There's death and mystery and thrills, one scene right after the next that moves this story along at a lightening fast pace.

If you love the Taylor Jackson series, this is one to read.



⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars

[Leiah Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

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“It is impossible to suffer without making someone pay for it; every complaint already contains revenge.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

J.T. Ellison is one of those authors I had never read before, and now I can’t wait to read more. The author of the Lt. Taylor Jackson series and Dr. Samantha Owens series, Ms. Ellison also writes the Nicholas Drummond (A Brit in the FBI) series along with Catherine Coulter.

Whiteout is a short story set in the Lt. Taylor Jackson series, and though I had never read that series (a situation I intend to correct as soon as I can) I kept up perfectly well. Short stories are wonderful for discovering wonderful new-to-me authors, or tossing out the not-so-wonderful, and Ms. Ellison did not disappoint.

Boston. Taylor was never supposed to be here, but needs must, and she finds herself on a plane, standing in for her fiancé, John Baldwin, at an annual foreign intelligence initiative where she is expected to stand in for Johns speaking engagement. But things go incredibly wrong when Boston is overwhelmed by a blizzard, the power is out, and an international ‘wet work’ specialist is in the building, searching for revenge.

This is a very quick, very intense read, and I really enjoyed it. There is familial love, betrayal, revenge, all the things that keep the book moving along smartly. I look forward to reading more of Ellison’s work!

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uninspiring. Even as a short or novella, this freebie just didn't leave you wanting more which is what it should do. I have enjoyed some in this series though.

[Bandit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of those promotional thingies, where an author includes one novella and a bunch of promos…a sampler really. But then again the best way to sample a new author is through short work like that, so you don’t get stuck with a lengthy dud. This was neither dud nor a winner, but pretty much what you’d expect from a popular two books a year thriller series author. Which is to say competent, by the numbers, predictable, readable, thoroughly average sort of thing. Not sure how much awesomeness can be expected with the best selling production line sort of schedule like that. So no minds are to be blown here, but then again because of what it is, it’s totally decent, there’s a certain level of quality control at work. This particular story was about the author’s clichéd protagonist Taylor Jackson looking for a killer during a blizzard related power out (or eponymous whiteout) at a conference. It isn’t a mystery, you know who the killer is and she’s a lot more interesting that Ms. Jackson, but anyway…it’s a quick read. With some off putting notes of romance you can just tell there are more of in the series. Is it going to send you lining up all of the author’s books to read immediately? Probably not, unless you’re really into pedestrian scenarios and mediocrity, the sort of cop shows on tv specialize in. Then again I’m not completely ruling out the author’s standalone from future reading either. It’s the sort of thing where at least you know for sure it probably won’t be terrible, which at some uninspired times of limited choices and indecisiveness is good enough. Quick mindless read.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont normally do short stories but this one sounded really interesting so I broke my own rule and gave it a whirl.

I'm glad I did. It was a really quick exciting, fast paced book.

It's a standalone to a series and honestly, I now need that series.

Excellent narration! the ending was a bit abrupt but other than that... WOW!!

4 stars

[BeccaJBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fine little short

This was a fine little short story, to bridge the gap between books. Looking forward to the next full length one. Taylor Jackson is a character I could read about all day long, she's fierce and confident, and nobel. Hoping to get back to a bit of Sam, Baldwin and the rest of Taylor's crew in the next book.

[Shendoah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle calls it a Novella. I haven't figured the difference between a novella and a short story as yet.

This takes place farther in the series than I've read yet, but I had the basic background anyway.

Short stories are little vignettes. I get that, but I also like them to actually *conclude*. This one didn't. For me, it lacked depth as well. I'm not sure if this will hold true of all of Ellison's shorts, but I'll try another and hope it is not shallow and inconclusive like this one. It was almost better served as a teaser for an upcoming novel. Heck, maybe it is, like I said, it's later in the series than I've read to date.

[Janet Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novella is a little more interesting than Ellison's other Taylor Jackson novella.
Like the prior one, this short tale is framed by a fuller story.
Two other novellas, one by Alex Kava and the other by Erica Spindler, set up and complete the tale of a killer bent on revenge over the death of her family.
This short novel stands alone better than Blood Sugar Baby, which had ended abruptly.
Whiteout gives us more insight into the assassin's motivation, but I still hope to find the full book and read it.
Enquiring minds want to know the whole story.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Intriguing Novella

Angelie Delacroix is a formidable foe who doesn't fear death. She chooses to seek revenge at a conference filled with law enforcement and intelligence officers. The pace is fast with non stop action and a blizzard to add to the tension. Good characterization. Great read!

[Dotti Elrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, action packed and a few twists thrown in for good measure.

This is a very short story that sets up the next full length novel in the Taylor Jackson series, The Wolves Come at Night.

Taylor is filling in for her FBI profiler fiancé at a conference for foreign intelligence agents. What she finds there is one problem after another, ending with one dead and another missing.
In a room full of international spies, there are too many suspects to count. And too many willing to cover up for their own greater good. But Taylor’s common sense and gut instincts guide her in the right direction. Unlike the earlier books Taylor is on her own for this one, struggling being out of her own jurisdiction and having to follow others rules.
The story was well written. A lot packed into a few words.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story effectively harnesses the raw power of a blizzard to reveal the deeper, often uncomfortable truths lurking beneath its characters' facades. The storm’s relentless fury serves as a catalyst for unmasking hidden tensions and unresolved conflicts. The author masterfully uses the blizzard’s isolation and chaos to bring buried emotions and secrets to the forefront, transforming the narrative into a gripping exploration of personal revelation and growth. The story's dynamic pacing and vivid portrayal of the storm’s impact ensure that its themes resonate deeply, making for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

[Jodie Bartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

the setup: Metro Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has reluctantly agreed to take the place of her fiancé, FBI profiler John Baldwin, as a presenter at the annual Freedom Conference, a foreign intelligence initiative attended by the best in the business of "clandestine services." Then a blizzard effectively isolates their hotel on Chesapeake Bay: no power, no generators, and no possibility of outside help. When two guests go missing, and one of them is found dead in his room, Taylor discovers an assassin amongst the spies—one with a deadly score to settle.

Will Taylor Jackson go rogue and join the spy signet?

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taylor Jackson stands in for her fiancé, giving a speech at a conference of spies.

But the power goes out in the hotel, a fire starts on the roof and someone is targeting conference attendees.

All in all, it's nice to see Jackson back at her strongest and most capable. But these books are at their best in Nashville.

[Courtney Whalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eeek. I had no idea this was a book in a series. I do feel like if I started at the beginning it would have all made more sense I would have enjoyed it more. It felt like the characters weren't developed enough for me to care much about them but I of course know why. Putting all that aside-- I still don't feel like the story was very exciting. Even if I knew the characters & their backgrounds-- I feel like nothing really happened. There was this huge snow storm talked about & I feel like it wasn't even really used in the story like it could have been. I was left a bit bummed.

[Karen ⚜Mess⚜ · Rating 2 out of 5]

*eye roll* Corny. Did not like Taylor Jackson. Here's Taylor waving her gun around: "I'm a cop! Stand back! I'm a cop! I have this!" Hoe, you ain't even in your own precinct let alone state . Relax your feminism vibes.

If you want a really good female cop book go look at JD Robb.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story that I missed when the book originally came out. Do you ever wonder if your author has died? Been along time since JT has had a book in the Taylor Jackson or Samantha Owens series and I'm missing the two characters. Hope something new is on the horizon!!!

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

yet another waste of money, Sam spoilers yet again, and over half the so-called 100 pages is the author talking about herself or her filling the pages with praise from other authors. I have never seen so much waffle in a book as hers.

[BarbaraH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short story I Wanted to be full size book. As the snow falls and electric and phones go down you find yourself basically trapped in
a 5 star hotel.Great, you can live with this,but their is a murderer also locked in with everyone. Great Suspense filled story!

[Jennifer Farmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

left you hanging and wanting more

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into this novella.

[Elisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

not a fan of this short which is sad because I loved most of the Taylor Jackson series but this short was frustrating and felt wrong in so many ways.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh
2.5
Wasn’t my favorite of Ellison’s

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the Taylor Jackson series. Thought I had already read this, apparently not. Not a bad read, would love for it to be longer though.

[LORRIE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

This was a great mystery. It was engrossing and fast paced. I look forward to more from this author. Great a t

[vicki carnicle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whiteout

A very interesting story about a snow storm and revenge for death of a family and to kill all involved

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this one just keeps you in suspense and on the edge of your seat.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella. Short and covered one crime. This is a stand-alone in an established series.

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short novella or long short story. Taylor Jackson wasn't in it much. It was told in a new character's first person pov. Love Taylor Jackson, but she was mostly missing here.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiteout is a pretty good novella in the Taylor Jackson series. In this quick read, Metro Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has taken the place of her fiancé FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin at the annual Freedom Conference which is being held at a hotel on the Chesapeake Bay. During the conference, the area is hit by a whiteout blizzard. When the power is taken out by the storm and the generators run out of fuel, Taylor discovers there's an assassin among the spies attending the conference. Join Taylor on the hunt for this assassin out for vengeance in Whiteout.