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Taylor Jackson #8
Field of Graves
With FIELD OF GRAVES, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison goes back to where it all began...
All of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer.
Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin.
Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim.
This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison's fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.
All of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer.
Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin.
Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim.
This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison's fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2015
538 people are currently reading
3407 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Ellison
81 books6,860 followersJ.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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
August 23, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram
This is #8 in a series, but also the first Taylor Jackson story ever told. It went unpublished for years, as Ellison explains in the author's notes. But now fans of the series (and even brand new readers) get a chance to learn all about Taylor and Baldwin's origins and the history of the unique scar on Taylor's neck.
A serial killer, with some unusual religious motivations, has emerged on the streets of Nashville. Taylor and Baldwin, both battling some dark personal demons, are racing against the clock to stop another girl from being murdered and to save a kidnapped college student.
It's some intense shit!
All the while, Taylor and Baldwin are falling in loveeeeee.
If you've never read a Taylor Jackson novel before, this is a great place to start as it can also function as the first in the series AND I THINK YOU'LL REALLY LIKE IT.
My only small-itsy-bitsy-tiny issue is that there are not a lot of suspects for the reader to wonder about so when the killer is revealed I didn't really care who he was. But other than that, there are a lot of clues, an interesting M.O. and finely detailed police work that is super engaging without being too "explain-y", which is, like, the worst thing in this genre to me. There's action, a fast-paced plot and in between is a personal storyline that is both dark and engrossing, taking from past and present to flesh out all we know - and some we didn't - about Taylor.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
This is #8 in a series, but also the first Taylor Jackson story ever told. It went unpublished for years, as Ellison explains in the author's notes. But now fans of the series (and even brand new readers) get a chance to learn all about Taylor and Baldwin's origins and the history of the unique scar on Taylor's neck.
A serial killer, with some unusual religious motivations, has emerged on the streets of Nashville. Taylor and Baldwin, both battling some dark personal demons, are racing against the clock to stop another girl from being murdered and to save a kidnapped college student.
It's some intense shit!
All the while, Taylor and Baldwin are falling in loveeeeee.
If you've never read a Taylor Jackson novel before, this is a great place to start as it can also function as the first in the series AND I THINK YOU'LL REALLY LIKE IT.
My only small-itsy-bitsy-tiny issue is that there are not a lot of suspects for the reader to wonder about so when the killer is revealed I didn't really care who he was. But other than that, there are a lot of clues, an interesting M.O. and finely detailed police work that is super engaging without being too "explain-y", which is, like, the worst thing in this genre to me. There's action, a fast-paced plot and in between is a personal storyline that is both dark and engrossing, taking from past and present to flesh out all we know - and some we didn't - about Taylor.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4 stars
July 29, 2017
This was my first book by J.T. Ellison. I have been reading her blog entries recently where she discusses her writing process and it has been fascinating. I was eager to plunge in and read her books and she suggested that this was a good one to start with as it was a prequel to one of her series.
I didn't realize until I finished it that this was the first book she had ever written, that it had actually never been published, but it had successfully gotten her an agent!
I enjoyed the characters, the plot of a crime unit searching for a serial killer, the flaws of the main protagonists and the atmosphere of a stormy New Orleans.
Some of the writing seemed disjointed, disconnected and uneven, but now that I know it was a first novel I am incredibly impressed with the depth of the writing and of the plot.
Spoiler alert -
I had some problems with the character of Bailey and felt his disabilities were enabled by the other characters as opposed to their supporting his recovery. I also initially didn't care for the relationship between Bailey and Taylor as it felt very codependent and unhealthy at times, but I support people who can dig themselves out of the hole of despair and move on with their lives however awkwardly they do so.
I look forward with great anticipation to reading more of her books and especially continuing with this series.
I didn't realize until I finished it that this was the first book she had ever written, that it had actually never been published, but it had successfully gotten her an agent!
I enjoyed the characters, the plot of a crime unit searching for a serial killer, the flaws of the main protagonists and the atmosphere of a stormy New Orleans.
Some of the writing seemed disjointed, disconnected and uneven, but now that I know it was a first novel I am incredibly impressed with the depth of the writing and of the plot.
Spoiler alert -
I had some problems with the character of Bailey and felt his disabilities were enabled by the other characters as opposed to their supporting his recovery. I also initially didn't care for the relationship between Bailey and Taylor as it felt very codependent and unhealthy at times, but I support people who can dig themselves out of the hole of despair and move on with their lives however awkwardly they do so.
I look forward with great anticipation to reading more of her books and especially continuing with this series.
February 3, 2021
This is listed as book 8, but it's actually a prequel, so I went ahead and started with this one. This was a nice little thriller, and I enjoyed the Nashville location. I'll definitely be continuing the series with book 1!
September 27, 2015
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Apparently, this is the very first book that J.T. Ellison wrote, but never published until this year. I love the story - it gives the background on Lt. Taylor Jackson and Dr. John Baldwin, what they were both going through when they first met, and how they were lumped together on a very difficult case. A serial killer is kidnapping specific young women, then killing them in peculiar ways. A must read for all J.T. Ellison fans!
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars
June 14, 2016
A special thank you to MIRA and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Talented thriller author, J.T. Ellison returns following her standalone, No One Knows (2016) with FIELD OF GRAVES (Taylor Jackson #8 Prequel), as she takes readers back to some of her favorite characters: Taylor Jackson (Homicide), Dr. Samantha Owens, (Autopsies-ME) and Profiler Dr. John Baldwin (Former FBI profiler). Get all the juicy details!
Also, Captain Price, detective Pete (Fitz) Fitzgerald, Detective Lincoln Ross and Detective Marcus Wade.
It is Nashville, Tennessee and a serial killer is on the loose. Vanderbilt college students. Why are these murders happening? A message?
Taylor is having dreams of a field of graves. From panic attacks and nightmares. Baldwin in brought in as a consultant and he has his own demons.
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, Criminal Investigation division, Nashville Metro Police. A promotion to lieutenant at age thirty-four. Cops always tried to make her life difficult, since she was a chick. A tough smart one. Martin ruined her life and nearly derailed her career. She was still clawing her way back.
Ellison gives readers the background of Jackson and how the team came together. All your favorite characters. Sam spent her time perched over Nashville’s dead bodies, and Taylor’s best friend. Taylor’s group was unique. “The Murder Squad.” In Nashville, Homicide covered the full gamut of physical crimes.
What made Taylor’s team different from Nashville’s other homicide detectives was the element of mystery in their jobs. If a violent crime occurred that resulted in a death, and there was no suspect, they caught the case. If the trail went cold after 24 hrs. it was theirs. It fell in their laps. She was proud of her team with a high close rate.
However, success was always tempered with a desire to see failure. She had made a lot of friends when she killed David Martin, even though he was dirty. No one wanted to see a cop dead, even if he was a bad guy. He had tried to kill her first.
Ellison fans will delight with the compelling fast pace suspense. From mystery and intrigue, forensics, profiling, with flawed characters, and as always plenty of wit to balance the dark side. Enjoyed revisiting with Taylor and Sam!
Fans of Mary Burton’s Morgans of Nashville Series will enjoy!
JDCMustReadBooks
Talented thriller author, J.T. Ellison returns following her standalone, No One Knows (2016) with FIELD OF GRAVES (Taylor Jackson #8 Prequel), as she takes readers back to some of her favorite characters: Taylor Jackson (Homicide), Dr. Samantha Owens, (Autopsies-ME) and Profiler Dr. John Baldwin (Former FBI profiler). Get all the juicy details!
Also, Captain Price, detective Pete (Fitz) Fitzgerald, Detective Lincoln Ross and Detective Marcus Wade.
It is Nashville, Tennessee and a serial killer is on the loose. Vanderbilt college students. Why are these murders happening? A message?
Taylor is having dreams of a field of graves. From panic attacks and nightmares. Baldwin in brought in as a consultant and he has his own demons.
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, Criminal Investigation division, Nashville Metro Police. A promotion to lieutenant at age thirty-four. Cops always tried to make her life difficult, since she was a chick. A tough smart one. Martin ruined her life and nearly derailed her career. She was still clawing her way back.
Ellison gives readers the background of Jackson and how the team came together. All your favorite characters. Sam spent her time perched over Nashville’s dead bodies, and Taylor’s best friend. Taylor’s group was unique. “The Murder Squad.” In Nashville, Homicide covered the full gamut of physical crimes.
What made Taylor’s team different from Nashville’s other homicide detectives was the element of mystery in their jobs. If a violent crime occurred that resulted in a death, and there was no suspect, they caught the case. If the trail went cold after 24 hrs. it was theirs. It fell in their laps. She was proud of her team with a high close rate.
However, success was always tempered with a desire to see failure. She had made a lot of friends when she killed David Martin, even though he was dirty. No one wanted to see a cop dead, even if he was a bad guy. He had tried to kill her first.
Ellison fans will delight with the compelling fast pace suspense. From mystery and intrigue, forensics, profiling, with flawed characters, and as always plenty of wit to balance the dark side. Enjoyed revisiting with Taylor and Sam!
Fans of Mary Burton’s Morgans of Nashville Series will enjoy!
JDCMustReadBooks
August 28, 2016
I can't really say I need to get involved in another series. BUT, if I'm going to do it, this is as good as it gets.
This is book #8 in the series. Normally starting a series with book #8 means you spend part of your time thinking - I wonder what that means? Or - who is that person? Or - what is that relationship all about? Some series books can be read as stand alone without too much confusion. Some series are best to start from the beginning.
What is nice about this book #8 is that it is a prequel. This book fills in all the blanks for those of us just being introduced to the series. The question then becomes - is this good enough to want to continue with the other books?
I’m happy to say a resounding yes! I like the two main characters. I am very curious to see how their relationship develops and what sort of crimes they will work together to solve.
I'm very glad I had the chance to read this novel. My thanks to Harlequin - Mira, via Netgalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
This is book #8 in the series. Normally starting a series with book #8 means you spend part of your time thinking - I wonder what that means? Or - who is that person? Or - what is that relationship all about? Some series books can be read as stand alone without too much confusion. Some series are best to start from the beginning.
What is nice about this book #8 is that it is a prequel. This book fills in all the blanks for those of us just being introduced to the series. The question then becomes - is this good enough to want to continue with the other books?
I’m happy to say a resounding yes! I like the two main characters. I am very curious to see how their relationship develops and what sort of crimes they will work together to solve.
I'm very glad I had the chance to read this novel. My thanks to Harlequin - Mira, via Netgalley, for allowing me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 15, 2016
I loved having a flashback to when Taylor and Baldwin met, complete with their individual dramas. And the suspense was well done.
November 15, 2017
3.5 stars for this one.
This book is a prequel to the Taylor Jackson series. It describes how she met and fell in love with John Baldwin and how she got the scar on her neck. It was the first book written by the author but only recently published. Of course it was edited from the original iteration but was a pretty good story. It took a while to get into the meat of things so the start was a bit ordinary. The villain was a bit OTT. I'm not a huge fan of religious nut cases justifying their murders by end of days scenarios but in this case it worked quite well because the man had a plausible excuse for becoming irrational.
So all round a pretty good effort, and the book worked really well to introduce the characters that make up the rest of the series. Ellison fans should definitely read it.
This book is a prequel to the Taylor Jackson series. It describes how she met and fell in love with John Baldwin and how she got the scar on her neck. It was the first book written by the author but only recently published. Of course it was edited from the original iteration but was a pretty good story. It took a while to get into the meat of things so the start was a bit ordinary. The villain was a bit OTT. I'm not a huge fan of religious nut cases justifying their murders by end of days scenarios but in this case it worked quite well because the man had a plausible excuse for becoming irrational.
So all round a pretty good effort, and the book worked really well to introduce the characters that make up the rest of the series. Ellison fans should definitely read it.
April 8, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. This is the very first book that J.T. Ellison wrote, but never published until 2016. I love the story - it gives the background on Lt. Taylor Jackson and Dr. John Baldwin, what they were both going through when they first met, and how they were lumped together on a very difficult case. A serial killer is kidnapping specific young women, then killing them in peculiar ways. A must read for all J.T. Ellison fans!
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars
2 thumbs up and 5 solid stars
February 4, 2017
I read a review that even though this was the 8th book in the series, it's a prequel and a great book to start the series with. And so I did and I really enjoyed this book. In the Author Note at the end of the book, J.T. Ellison wrote that this was actually the first book she wrote, but that it didn't get published. She blew the cobwebs off, did some updating and we now have the opportunity to read her first book.
I really liked this story and although Ms. Ellison apologized for the writing, it's actually quite good. It's a great introduction to her characters and they are a great group. I really liked Taylor's character - but then I like strong female characters. Yes she is haunted by a tragic event in her past but she's struggling to overcome it. And she focuses on getting past the trauma versus wallowing in. (Yeah, no ridiculous angst.) FBI Agent Baldwin did fall into the deep pit of despair, but we just got to see the ending and not the overblown angst. His guilt is real, not imagined. He's pulled into the investigation by his superior hoping that this is what he needs, and it is. This team of law enforcement officers working to solve a group of murders brings Taylor and Baldwin together and the case and each other works to heal them both. It did seem a little too insta-lust/love for me; but I went with it. The romance does take a back seat to the murder mystery which is really the kind of story I like.
The murder mystery was really interesting and kept me reading until my eyes got too sore. With each murder different than the last and the only similarities is the poison, the team is having a hard time coming up with clues. I liked the addition of Sam, the ME to the team and we get a little back story with Simon, her significant other.
This is actually a great group of characters and a really good mystery. Now I just need to start at the front of the series and read books #1 through #7. I definitely recommend this book.
I really liked this story and although Ms. Ellison apologized for the writing, it's actually quite good. It's a great introduction to her characters and they are a great group. I really liked Taylor's character - but then I like strong female characters. Yes she is haunted by a tragic event in her past but she's struggling to overcome it. And she focuses on getting past the trauma versus wallowing in. (Yeah, no ridiculous angst.) FBI Agent Baldwin did fall into the deep pit of despair, but we just got to see the ending and not the overblown angst. His guilt is real, not imagined. He's pulled into the investigation by his superior hoping that this is what he needs, and it is. This team of law enforcement officers working to solve a group of murders brings Taylor and Baldwin together and the case and each other works to heal them both. It did seem a little too insta-lust/love for me; but I went with it. The romance does take a back seat to the murder mystery which is really the kind of story I like.
The murder mystery was really interesting and kept me reading until my eyes got too sore. With each murder different than the last and the only similarities is the poison, the team is having a hard time coming up with clues. I liked the addition of Sam, the ME to the team and we get a little back story with Simon, her significant other.
This is actually a great group of characters and a really good mystery. Now I just need to start at the front of the series and read books #1 through #7. I definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2016
J.T. Ellison takes readers back to the genesis of her award winning Taylor Jackson series with a brilliantly delicious dark twisted tale of murder and madness. Starting with a huge bang from Taylor’s glock not a moment or emotion is wasted as JT spins her wonderful crime drama web giving her audience a perfect fly on the wall observation. Her eloquent prose like narrative and timely injection of humor enhances her cop-speak no-nonsense dialogue and lightens the dark content. Fans will get a look back and new fans a first look at her amazing, unforgettable stable of stars and co-stars. JT has amazed me with every novel and this one is no different and I can’t wait to see where she takes me next!
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson is still reeling from repercussions from a sticky professional situation that’s got her on edge and out of sorts, when she’s handed a vicious murder case. A female Vanderbilt student is found dead, ceremoniously posed naked at the Parthenon in Centennial Park. While she and her team start digging for clues another female Vanderbilt student’s body is found. Suddenly all Taylor’s previous dilemmas have to take a backseat to what she and her team are hoping is not but could be a serial killer preying on Nashville coeds. And to make matters worse now she’s got to babysit some burnt out feeb too. Just Perfect!
June 14, 2016
This was an unpublished book, written between 2003 and 2005 that should have been Book # 1 in the Taylor Jackson series. Her agent advised J.T. Ellison to write another for her first published book so she instead wrote All The Pretty Girls , Book #1 in the Taylor Jackson series and sentenced Field of Graves to a drawer to be forgotten for 11 years.
This should have taken it's rightful place as it reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin. Anyone that has followed the series through the years, or has started Dr. Samantha Owens' own series, will want to put at the top of you tbr list. Why this book was thrown in a drawer and forgotten until now...who knows? But I am for one glad that J.T remembered. I highly recommend it for all fans of J.T. Ellison's works.
This should have taken it's rightful place as it reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin. Anyone that has followed the series through the years, or has started Dr. Samantha Owens' own series, will want to put at the top of you tbr list. Why this book was thrown in a drawer and forgotten until now...who knows? But I am for one glad that J.T remembered. I highly recommend it for all fans of J.T. Ellison's works.
May 18, 2016
I really enjoyed this 8th book in her Taylor Jackson series
April 5, 2017
Apparently there is something good about being late to the game. This is the 8th book in the "Taylor Jackson" series, but it is the first book the author wrote in this series. It is actually a prequel where it sets the stage for the meeting of Jackson and Baldwin as well as the origin of the scar on her neck. I have not read any of the books in the series, so I guess I started at the right time. I really enjoyed this story, it was gritty, suspenseful, a bit violent but hopeful as well.
Taylor Jackson in a Lieutenant in charge of a squad of police that investigate strange homicides or ones that other detectives have given up on. She is dealing with a past situation where she killed a dirty cop in self-defense, but feels that she is being judged by others. When they are called to investigate the murder of a young co-ed from Vanderbilt, they have no idea what is coming. Her chief (Price) is asked by a friend from the BSU at the FBI if a troubled member of his team can consult, we meet Baldwin. He and Jackson have an immediate attraction to one another and are able to get by their personal demons to work the case. As more bodies show up, Dr, Samantha Owens (Sam) the M.E. and friend of Taylor notices some strange things during autopsy. This story hooked me right from the beginning. It was a taut suspense novel as well as a police/detective mystery.
I loved meeting the characters in this story. Ellison did a great job developing the characters and letting us get to know them. The team Taylor works with all admire her and work hard. I enjoyed learning about everyone's past that was shared as well as their troubles and demons. They were shown to be human, not perfect, they had flaws. They followed procedure, chased down the clues and kept you reading until the end. Can they save the last victim? A good read. I also enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end. It gives me background now that I am going to read the rest of this series. I am hooked on Taylor Jackson.
Taylor Jackson in a Lieutenant in charge of a squad of police that investigate strange homicides or ones that other detectives have given up on. She is dealing with a past situation where she killed a dirty cop in self-defense, but feels that she is being judged by others. When they are called to investigate the murder of a young co-ed from Vanderbilt, they have no idea what is coming. Her chief (Price) is asked by a friend from the BSU at the FBI if a troubled member of his team can consult, we meet Baldwin. He and Jackson have an immediate attraction to one another and are able to get by their personal demons to work the case. As more bodies show up, Dr, Samantha Owens (Sam) the M.E. and friend of Taylor notices some strange things during autopsy. This story hooked me right from the beginning. It was a taut suspense novel as well as a police/detective mystery.
I loved meeting the characters in this story. Ellison did a great job developing the characters and letting us get to know them. The team Taylor works with all admire her and work hard. I enjoyed learning about everyone's past that was shared as well as their troubles and demons. They were shown to be human, not perfect, they had flaws. They followed procedure, chased down the clues and kept you reading until the end. Can they save the last victim? A good read. I also enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end. It gives me background now that I am going to read the rest of this series. I am hooked on Taylor Jackson.
April 13, 2016
T. J. Ellison takes us back to the beginning of Homicide Lt. Taylor Jackson. For those of you who have not read this particular series, I would absolutely recommend starting with FIELD OF GRAVES and then reading the series. If you have read the series, then sit back and enjoy this excellent edition.
Working out of Nashville, Tennessee, Taylor Jackson is just returning to work after forced time off. She inadvertently ran across a group of dirty cops and before she could report it, one of them attacked her and she shot and killed him in self defense. She's been cleared of all charges, but she's still struggling with panic attacks and nightmares.
Today, Taylor is charged with the investigation of the death of a college student. They barely identify her when another body of a college student is found. No rhyme, no reason and no apparent connection between the victims.
Autopsies (this is where the reader is introduced to Dr. Samantha Owens, ME) show that they both ingested a rare poison.
Taylor's boss brings in former FBI Profiler Dr. John Baldwin on a consultation-only basis. John is battling his own demons and he hasn't quite decided if he wants to continue living.
As Nashville becomes concerned with a serial killer on the loose, another college student goes missing.
I've been a fan of this series for several years and I love the characters. The author has humanized them .... given them flaws and warts. Following this series shows the reader how they have grown. They stumble now and then, but seem to always get back on their feet to become stronger than they were.
It was really fascinating to see the beginning of these characters .....
The crime mystery is finely drawn. So easy to get lost when you're in this world of Ellison. Following the clues along with the detectives will leave you breathless as they race to save his latest victim before its too late.
Many thanks to the author/ and to Libby Fischer Hellmann who interviewed J. T. Ellison and furnished an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Working out of Nashville, Tennessee, Taylor Jackson is just returning to work after forced time off. She inadvertently ran across a group of dirty cops and before she could report it, one of them attacked her and she shot and killed him in self defense. She's been cleared of all charges, but she's still struggling with panic attacks and nightmares.
Today, Taylor is charged with the investigation of the death of a college student. They barely identify her when another body of a college student is found. No rhyme, no reason and no apparent connection between the victims.
Autopsies (this is where the reader is introduced to Dr. Samantha Owens, ME) show that they both ingested a rare poison.
Taylor's boss brings in former FBI Profiler Dr. John Baldwin on a consultation-only basis. John is battling his own demons and he hasn't quite decided if he wants to continue living.
As Nashville becomes concerned with a serial killer on the loose, another college student goes missing.
I've been a fan of this series for several years and I love the characters. The author has humanized them .... given them flaws and warts. Following this series shows the reader how they have grown. They stumble now and then, but seem to always get back on their feet to become stronger than they were.
It was really fascinating to see the beginning of these characters .....
The crime mystery is finely drawn. So easy to get lost when you're in this world of Ellison. Following the clues along with the detectives will leave you breathless as they race to save his latest victim before its too late.
Many thanks to the author/ and to Libby Fischer Hellmann who interviewed J. T. Ellison and furnished an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 9, 2016
Taylor Jackson has a delightful cat. She also has an intruder, soon to become a dead body on the floor. And she works in homicide in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s a convincingly vulnerable and strong protagonist in J. T. Ellison’s dark police procedural, Field of Graves. Well promoted and good at her job, she should have everything going for her, but behind the scenes she struggles to keep nightmares of the past from interfering with a present investigation.
When a body is found, posed on the steps of the Parthenon, Taylor finds a washed out FBI agent, with demons of his own, assigned to “help” her team. But will two wounded, almost broken, investigators manage to work together. Can they heal each other? And how many deaths will it take before the killer is found?
Field of Graves blends convincing investigation with fear and myth, offering a truly scary and cleverly hidden antagonist, and revealing just enough as each day passes to draw the reader in. The characters and relationships are warmly believable, with very real strengths and weaknesses. The mystery is complex and dark. Well-chosen side-plots serve to reinforce the tale. And the police procedures feel convincingly real.
This is the first book I’ve read by J. T. Ellison. It’s the first (or zeroeth) in the Taylor Jackson series, and I’d love to read more.
Disclosure: I won an ecopy. Lucky me!
When a body is found, posed on the steps of the Parthenon, Taylor finds a washed out FBI agent, with demons of his own, assigned to “help” her team. But will two wounded, almost broken, investigators manage to work together. Can they heal each other? And how many deaths will it take before the killer is found?
Field of Graves blends convincing investigation with fear and myth, offering a truly scary and cleverly hidden antagonist, and revealing just enough as each day passes to draw the reader in. The characters and relationships are warmly believable, with very real strengths and weaknesses. The mystery is complex and dark. Well-chosen side-plots serve to reinforce the tale. And the police procedures feel convincingly real.
This is the first book I’ve read by J. T. Ellison. It’s the first (or zeroeth) in the Taylor Jackson series, and I’d love to read more.
Disclosure: I won an ecopy. Lucky me!
July 7, 2023
I have read and throughly enjoyed the Taylor Jackson series many times. It’s one of my favorite suspense series.
Field of Graves is the eighth published novel in the Taylor Jackson series, but it is actually a prequel to the earlier books.
I loved seeing the beginning of some of my favorite characters. Taylor, the Nashville lieutenant. Baldwin the FBI agent. Sam the ME. And Taylor’s team, Fitz, Lincoln and Marcus.
The book opens with Taylor dealing with an intruder in her home. She shoots the man, and discovers it was a fellow detective. Months later she is still dealing with how this affected her. She’s not sleeping, barely eating. But putting on a good front for her team.
Baldwin is on a sabbatical from the FBI following his own shootout with a bad guy. But in his, three of his own agents were killed. He has sunk into a deep dark place.
Both Taylor and Baldwin are dealing with tremendous guilt over the deaths.
It’s only when his boss calls in a favor to her boss, that puts these two together, do they both start to heal.
It was filled with plenty of action, suspense, mystery and a tiny bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
It’s well written and held my attention throughout.
I’m hoping for more books in this series. I really do love these stories and these characters.
Field of Graves is the eighth published novel in the Taylor Jackson series, but it is actually a prequel to the earlier books.
I loved seeing the beginning of some of my favorite characters. Taylor, the Nashville lieutenant. Baldwin the FBI agent. Sam the ME. And Taylor’s team, Fitz, Lincoln and Marcus.
The book opens with Taylor dealing with an intruder in her home. She shoots the man, and discovers it was a fellow detective. Months later she is still dealing with how this affected her. She’s not sleeping, barely eating. But putting on a good front for her team.
Baldwin is on a sabbatical from the FBI following his own shootout with a bad guy. But in his, three of his own agents were killed. He has sunk into a deep dark place.
Both Taylor and Baldwin are dealing with tremendous guilt over the deaths.
It’s only when his boss calls in a favor to her boss, that puts these two together, do they both start to heal.
It was filled with plenty of action, suspense, mystery and a tiny bit of romance thrown in for good measure.
It’s well written and held my attention throughout.
I’m hoping for more books in this series. I really do love these stories and these characters.
May 24, 2015
Crossed by J.T. Ellison
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson investigates the death of two Vanderbilt girls with the help of Dr John Baldwin. A serial killer seems to be at work in Nashville.
Elegantly written. Full length novel. Strong female characters.
Captivating. Loved the writing, the gripping suspense, the in-depth characteristics of the actors.
“It might have become a perfect late autumn morning. The sky was busy, turning from white to blue as dawn rudely forced its way into day. Birds were returning from their mysterious nocturnal errands, greeting and chattering about the night’s affairs. The air was clear and heavy, still muggy from the overnight heat but holding a hint of coolness, like an ice cube dropped into a steaming mug of coffee. The sky would soon shift to sapphire the way only autumn skies do, as clear and heavy as the precious stone itself.
The beauty of the morning was lost on Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, Criminal Investigation Division, Nashville Metro Police.”
Excerpt From: Crossed as part of the Sweet Dreams boxed set.
Lieutenant Taylor Jackson investigates the death of two Vanderbilt girls with the help of Dr John Baldwin. A serial killer seems to be at work in Nashville.
Elegantly written. Full length novel. Strong female characters.
Captivating. Loved the writing, the gripping suspense, the in-depth characteristics of the actors.
“It might have become a perfect late autumn morning. The sky was busy, turning from white to blue as dawn rudely forced its way into day. Birds were returning from their mysterious nocturnal errands, greeting and chattering about the night’s affairs. The air was clear and heavy, still muggy from the overnight heat but holding a hint of coolness, like an ice cube dropped into a steaming mug of coffee. The sky would soon shift to sapphire the way only autumn skies do, as clear and heavy as the precious stone itself.
The beauty of the morning was lost on Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, Criminal Investigation Division, Nashville Metro Police.”
Excerpt From: Crossed as part of the Sweet Dreams boxed set.
July 14, 2018
Another mystery that left me feeling meh. Not necessarily due to the author, characters, or plot line, just not what I wanted, unsatisfying in the end.
Wanted: Strong characters, detailed crime, suspenseful search, detective work, firm conclusion.
Got: Over-emotional characters, so much inner pathos, lightly sketched and obviously crazy villain, rushed ending.
More of a romance novel that a suspenseful mystery.
Wanted: Strong characters, detailed crime, suspenseful search, detective work, firm conclusion.
Got: Over-emotional characters, so much inner pathos, lightly sketched and obviously crazy villain, rushed ending.
More of a romance novel that a suspenseful mystery.
April 3, 2016
Solid story line with plausible ending. Likable characters and represents Nashville well.
Provided by publisher
Provided by publisher
December 4, 2025
‘Field of Graves’ by J. T. Ellison is both #8 and #0 in the Nashville Homicide Lt. Taylor Jackson/medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens/FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin series. This novel is really the first mystery in the series, introducing the characters as well as their backstories, but it was not published until now, after the seven other books in the series. It had gone into a drawer. Meanwhile, the publishers went with All The Pretty Girls as Ellison’s debut detective Jackson novel, calling it the first in the series, but apparently it really was the second. Ellison fixed up real first Lt. Jackson debut novel a little bit, and now its available to fans!
I have copied the book blurb:
”With FIELD OF GRAVES, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison goes back to where it all began...
All of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer.
Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin.
Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim.
This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison's fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.”
Considering it really was the debut mystery, it is a good beach read! Except for the dialogue being a bit clunky here and there, I didn’t really notice any other normal settling down awkwardness which sometimes happens in beginning a new series.
I have copied the book blurb:
”With FIELD OF GRAVES, New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison goes back to where it all began...
All of Nashville is on edge with a serial killer on the loose. A madman is trying to create his own end-of-days apocalypse and the cops trying to catch him are almost as damaged as the killer.
Field of Graves reveals the origins of some of J.T. Ellison's most famous creations: the haunted Lieutenant Taylor Jackson; her blunt, exceptional best friend, medical examiner Dr. Samantha Owens; and troubled FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin.
Together, they race the clock and their own demons to find the killer before he claims yet another victim.
This dark, thrilling and utterly compelling novel will have readers on the edge of their seats, and Ellison's fans will be delighted with the revelations about their favorite characters.”
Considering it really was the debut mystery, it is a good beach read! Except for the dialogue being a bit clunky here and there, I didn’t really notice any other normal settling down awkwardness which sometimes happens in beginning a new series.
March 29, 2021
I am not sure how this book and series got on my radar but I found it to be a solid thriller. Even though this is book 8 in the series, it is actually the first book the author ever wrote and should be read as a prequel to book 1. Knowing that I did not feel that I was lacking in any of the background needed to enjoy this book. Set in Nashville, Taylor Jackson is a LT detective and is battling her own personal demands after killing a fellow police officer in self defense. Her team begins investigating the rape and murder of a young college student that has been posed in park. Overall I thought that this was a good thriller with a cast of characters that I liked. I was more interested in the mystery for the first half and then began to lose some interest. I prefer mysteries where you meet everyone of note in the beginning portion, instead of suddenly coming across someone new. If I had been as riveted thoughout the book I would have given it 4 stars but instead it is a solid 3. I might pick up more in the series but I do not feel the burning desire to anytime soon.
September 1, 2017
Although I read the first book in the Taylor Jackson series, I haven’t read any of the others (yet), and since this was #8, I felt a little confused at the beginning because obviously some of the characters are recurring in the series. It took me about a quarter of the way through the book to start to feel more engaged with Taylor and the storyline.
Once I started to connect the characters, the story started to come together for me. Someone is murdering young women in Nashville, Tennessee, and as we soon discover the murders have some religious and apocalyptic affiliation. I really liked Taylor, she was tough and soft at the same time and definitely has some scars in her past. The way she works with Baldwin in this case is very touching since he is dealing with his own demons.
This a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing about who the killer is and where the different relationships will lead.
Once I started to connect the characters, the story started to come together for me. Someone is murdering young women in Nashville, Tennessee, and as we soon discover the murders have some religious and apocalyptic affiliation. I really liked Taylor, she was tough and soft at the same time and definitely has some scars in her past. The way she works with Baldwin in this case is very touching since he is dealing with his own demons.
This a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing about who the killer is and where the different relationships will lead.
December 28, 2020
Went back to a favorite series over the last few days and read Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison, which is a prequel in the Taylor Jackson series. In the author's note at the end, Ellison mentioned that this book was written before the first published book in the series, but lingered unpublished for years, so I'm very glad this ultimately got to be out in the world! This gives so much backstory on the characters, and, of course, because of how talented J.T. Ellison is, tells a thrilling story of its own. I do think that while it might chronologically be first, I'd recommend reading the series the way it was published because I think part of my enjoyment with this one is having investment in the characters and wanting more of their stories.
August 14, 2017
ik vraag me nog steeds af waarom deel 8 in de Taylor Jackson reeks terug springt in de tijd... waarin je ontdekt hoe Taylor en Baldwin elkaar leren kennen. Ik snap de bedoeling niet echt... maar goed voor de rest was dit een heel goed deel met alweer een hersenkrakende klopjacht naar de dader. Dit had wat mij betreft het eerste deel van deze reeks mogen zijn 😆😆
Denk dat ik me nu aan de Samantha Owens reeks ga moeten geven, heb de eerste twee delen gevonden in NL vertaling 😁😁😁
Denk dat ik me nu aan de Samantha Owens reeks ga moeten geven, heb de eerste twee delen gevonden in NL vertaling 😁😁😁
April 21, 2025
I just finished listening to the Taylor Jackson series, and I enjoyed it! I like the main character and side characters. The story lines were decent, and the narrator did a great job.
These books remind me of the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter's. They gave similar vibes.
I'm bummed I finished because I miss the characters!
These books remind me of the Grant County series by Karin Slaughter's. They gave similar vibes.
I'm bummed I finished because I miss the characters!
October 24, 2017
For people like me who enjoyed the Taylor Jackson serie , it is definetely a must read.
I was happy to follow another adventure of two of my favourite characters and I was happy to read about how Taylor and Baldwin first met.
I can not wait to read more about them both!
I was happy to follow another adventure of two of my favourite characters and I was happy to read about how Taylor and Baldwin first met.
I can not wait to read more about them both!
August 4, 2020
Although this says #8, the author explains that this is more or less a preview to some of the later Taylor Jackson books to come. Not her best work, but I enjoyed it and will be continuing with the series for sure.
January 29, 2024
Nashville detective Taylor Jackson finds herself looking for a serial killer who thinks he is destined to be the father of the next messiah. He needs to find the perfect woman to make this happen and he’s looking at students from Vanderbilt University.
March 3, 2018
Two-haiku review:
Dead girl in Nashville
Weird herbs, cause of death unclear
Then more women die
Prequel to series
Deep background on characters
How it all began
Dead girl in Nashville
Weird herbs, cause of death unclear
Then more women die
Prequel to series
Deep background on characters
How it all began
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews