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Detective Rachel Storme #1
Justice for Jessica
Mousey, overweight Stacey Sullivan would love to trade places with her glamorous socialite BFF, Jessica James—that’s until she discovers Jessica murdered in her own home. Whip-smart detective Rachel Storme is ready to exchange her gun and badge for a gardener’s hat and hoe. But she reluctantly puts her plans on hold when she’s asked to help solve Jessica’s murder. These two strangers from different generations—Stacey a millennial and Rachel a baby boomer—become unlikely friends in their pursuit of JUSTICE FOR JESSICA. But their friendship is put to the test when Stacey insists that her husband, Matt, is innocent in spite of evidence that speaks to the contrary. Rachel, baffled by Stacey’s blind loyalty to Matt, doggedly fights to take Matt down, but with Stacey’s help, he eludes her at every turn. Is Matt the killer or could Grant, Jessica’s husband, be the culprit? Perhaps it was her jealous sister, Georgette or the maid, Rosa? No matter who the killer is, Rachel, by any means necessary, is determined to find her man or woman.
368 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2016
904 people are currently reading
1238 people want to read
About the author
Alretha Thomas
18 books224 followersShortly after graduating from USC with a degree in journalism, Alretha soon realized her interest in her major was not heartfelt. Instead of writing news stories, she wanted to write plays and books. Several years later, her church gave her an outlet to fulfill her writing desires through their Liturgical Fine Arts Department wherein Alretha penned twelve theatre pieces—the community response was overwhelming. This led to plays outside of the church, including Alretha’s One Woman, Two Lives, starring Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show), directed by four-time NAACP Image Award Best Director recipient, Denise Dowse. The production garnered rave reviews from critics and audiences.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
In between plays, Alretha self-published her first novel, Daughter Denied, in 2008 and has received glowing reviews from readers and book clubs across the country. Representing her book and plays, Alretha has been the guest on many radio shows and television shows including San Francisco Public Affairs show Bay Sunday with Barbara Rodgers on CBS affiliate, KPIX. She was also interviewed by KTLA News Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. In 2011, Alretha self-published her second novel, Dancing Her Dreams Away, and it was also well received. Her third novel, Married in the Nick of Nine, spawned a four-book series that was acquired by Soul Mate Publishing in January 2014. The series has since reverted back to her. In August 2014, Alretha was awarded the Jessie Redmon Fauset Literary Award for her indie novel, Four Ladies Only. In 2016, Alretha created the Detective Rachel Storme Mystery Series: Justice for Jessica, Losing Lauren and A Penny for Her Heart. In 2018 and 2019 Alretha debuted two additional mystery books—
The Women on Retford Drive and The Truth About Gretchen, respectively. Her most recent novel is The Girl in the Blue Blazer.
Alretha is also an actress and can be seen in numerous commercials and television shows. She currently plays Anastasia Devereaux on Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living that airs on BET.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
August 8, 2017
Okay read.
Liked the story line, female characters has many problems and long detailed descriptions and personal upbringing soppy information. Hope in the next book they will have more satisfying, successful jobs.
Liked the story line, female characters has many problems and long detailed descriptions and personal upbringing soppy information. Hope in the next book they will have more satisfying, successful jobs.
June 10, 2016
Note: I received a paperback ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Video Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3lG0...
"It just seems impossible that someone that beautiful could be a murderer. That's probably the same thing people said about the serial killer, Ted Bundy."
I read Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas last year and I totally loved it! So when I was contacted by the author for the review of Justice For Jessica, I immediately accepted. And as it turned out, this book lived up to all my expectations.
It is a brilliant and entertaining book and it serves as a delightful start to a new mystery series. The storyline was not only good but also remarkably engaging as the author cleverly used the plot twists that kept me guessing the entire time.
The pacing was good and the flow of the story was really smooth. The alternating first person POVs of Rachel and Stacey, the main characters, not only helped in building the suspense beautifully but also managed to keep me glued to the book the entire time.
My copy of Justice For Jessica
The characterization is also brilliant and I'm happy that I was able to feel a strong connection with Detective Rachel Storme, as this is the beginning of a new detective series in which she's the said detective. The character of Rachel is really strong and in spite of her age, I felt a really strong connection with her.
I really loved her and I'd definitely read the next book in the series. In fact, I'd love to read ALL the books in this series!
The other characters were also very well-developed and relatable, especially that of Stacey. I'm not sure if we'll see her in the next books in this particular series, but I hope that we do because I'd love to know how her life turns out in the future.
The plot of this book hooked me right from the first chapter, where the murder happens, and after that it book took me on a really exciting and thrilling journey. At times, I was so engrossed in the lives of Rachel and Stacey that I completely lost track of time.
Like any good mystery novel, this book ended with one hell of an unpredictable ending that left me completely surprised.
The cover art of the book is really good and the color theme is also good. The blurb is self-explanatory and I'm sure that these things are more than enough to make a reader pick up this book from the stands.
I'd recommend this book to all the mystery and thriller readers and also to those who are searching for a new detective series to begin with.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
Video Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3lG0...
"It just seems impossible that someone that beautiful could be a murderer. That's probably the same thing people said about the serial killer, Ted Bundy."
I read Missing Melissa by Alretha Thomas last year and I totally loved it! So when I was contacted by the author for the review of Justice For Jessica, I immediately accepted. And as it turned out, this book lived up to all my expectations.
It is a brilliant and entertaining book and it serves as a delightful start to a new mystery series. The storyline was not only good but also remarkably engaging as the author cleverly used the plot twists that kept me guessing the entire time.
The pacing was good and the flow of the story was really smooth. The alternating first person POVs of Rachel and Stacey, the main characters, not only helped in building the suspense beautifully but also managed to keep me glued to the book the entire time.
My copy of Justice For Jessica
The characterization is also brilliant and I'm happy that I was able to feel a strong connection with Detective Rachel Storme, as this is the beginning of a new detective series in which she's the said detective. The character of Rachel is really strong and in spite of her age, I felt a really strong connection with her.
I really loved her and I'd definitely read the next book in the series. In fact, I'd love to read ALL the books in this series!
The other characters were also very well-developed and relatable, especially that of Stacey. I'm not sure if we'll see her in the next books in this particular series, but I hope that we do because I'd love to know how her life turns out in the future.
The plot of this book hooked me right from the first chapter, where the murder happens, and after that it book took me on a really exciting and thrilling journey. At times, I was so engrossed in the lives of Rachel and Stacey that I completely lost track of time.
Like any good mystery novel, this book ended with one hell of an unpredictable ending that left me completely surprised.
The cover art of the book is really good and the color theme is also good. The blurb is self-explanatory and I'm sure that these things are more than enough to make a reader pick up this book from the stands.
I'd recommend this book to all the mystery and thriller readers and also to those who are searching for a new detective series to begin with.
You can also read this review at The Reading Bud.
April 4, 2016
KEEPS YOU GUESSING THE WHOLE TIME!
I absolutely loved this book! I find Alretha Thomas to be an exceptionally gifted writer and her books always keep me intrigued until the very last page. This book is about Jessica James, a young married woman who was murdered in her own home while her best friend Stacey Sullivan slept in the next room, as she was keeping Jessica company while her husband was away on a business trip. Rachel Storme is one of the detectives unofficially assigned to the case, coming out of leave to help in the investigation being one of the best detectives in her field. You are taken through a whirlwind of possible suspects and grow increasingly fascinated as you get deeper into the story and realize Jessica may have had her own secrets that she was keeping. This story reminded me of another book I loved which was "The Girl on the Train" while keeping to a totally separate storyline altogether and that is how great Justice for Jessica is. I can't wait until Alretha Thomas writes another winner, in the meantime, I will keep busy reading her previous books as I only just discovered this wonderful author a little while ago.
I absolutely loved this book! I find Alretha Thomas to be an exceptionally gifted writer and her books always keep me intrigued until the very last page. This book is about Jessica James, a young married woman who was murdered in her own home while her best friend Stacey Sullivan slept in the next room, as she was keeping Jessica company while her husband was away on a business trip. Rachel Storme is one of the detectives unofficially assigned to the case, coming out of leave to help in the investigation being one of the best detectives in her field. You are taken through a whirlwind of possible suspects and grow increasingly fascinated as you get deeper into the story and realize Jessica may have had her own secrets that she was keeping. This story reminded me of another book I loved which was "The Girl on the Train" while keeping to a totally separate storyline altogether and that is how great Justice for Jessica is. I can't wait until Alretha Thomas writes another winner, in the meantime, I will keep busy reading her previous books as I only just discovered this wonderful author a little while ago.
July 20, 2018
What a great new series! I was hooked from the very beginning and finished it one day.
This is a true whodunnit, it kept me guessing until the end and then I was blindsided by the ending. In my opinion as well as most mystery readers that’s a win, win. This was a fast paced read and it held my attention, I’ve been reading a few lately that it’s almost been a chore to finish but this one was perfect, her timing was right on score without dragging a lot of baggage along with the characters, that always makes a mystery tedious in my book. You read so much that it ruins the storyline and we don’t really need to know all the backstory of certain characters. Plus this was a gruesome crime but the writer didn’t go into excessive details of the brutality of the murder, plus I noticed she didn’t use a lot of offensive language.
I found the key players in this book to be both likable as well as relatable. They were several but the two lead detectives and a civilian, the victim’s best friend are whom I’m referring to here.
I’m surprised I’ve not read anything by this writer before but that’s going to change, that’s for sure.
I can’t wait to see where this writer takes Detective Storme next. I’m looking forward to checking into this writer’s other series as well.
Full disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for Providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.
This is a true whodunnit, it kept me guessing until the end and then I was blindsided by the ending. In my opinion as well as most mystery readers that’s a win, win. This was a fast paced read and it held my attention, I’ve been reading a few lately that it’s almost been a chore to finish but this one was perfect, her timing was right on score without dragging a lot of baggage along with the characters, that always makes a mystery tedious in my book. You read so much that it ruins the storyline and we don’t really need to know all the backstory of certain characters. Plus this was a gruesome crime but the writer didn’t go into excessive details of the brutality of the murder, plus I noticed she didn’t use a lot of offensive language.
I found the key players in this book to be both likable as well as relatable. They were several but the two lead detectives and a civilian, the victim’s best friend are whom I’m referring to here.
I’m surprised I’ve not read anything by this writer before but that’s going to change, that’s for sure.
I can’t wait to see where this writer takes Detective Storme next. I’m looking forward to checking into this writer’s other series as well.
Full disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for Providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 4, 2018
justice for Jessica by Alretha Thomas.
Detective Rachel Storme has a murderer to find. someone killed Jessica James and her best friend Stacey Sullivan found her body. with lots of suspects will they find the murderer? who could it be?
an absolutely fantastic read loved the story and the characters. although I didn't like georgetta at all. I had one suspect then another very hard to guess who it was. I was gripped from start to finish. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
Detective Rachel Storme has a murderer to find. someone killed Jessica James and her best friend Stacey Sullivan found her body. with lots of suspects will they find the murderer? who could it be?
an absolutely fantastic read loved the story and the characters. although I didn't like georgetta at all. I had one suspect then another very hard to guess who it was. I was gripped from start to finish. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
March 4, 2018
justice for Jessica by Alretha Thomas.
Detective Rachel Storme has a murderer to find. someone killed Jessica James and her best friend Stacey Sullivan found her body. with lots of suspects will they find the murderer? who could it be?
an absolutely fantastic read loved the story and the characters. although I didn't like georgetta at all. I had one suspect then another very hard to guess who it was. I was gripped from start to finish. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
Detective Rachel Storme has a murderer to find. someone killed Jessica James and her best friend Stacey Sullivan found her body. with lots of suspects will they find the murderer? who could it be?
an absolutely fantastic read loved the story and the characters. although I didn't like georgetta at all. I had one suspect then another very hard to guess who it was. I was gripped from start to finish. this is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*.
April 21, 2016
With how great this book turned out I'm surprised that I didn't read this sooner. If you loved a good mystery book that'll keep you on your toes then your not going to want to miss this one. I loved that there was enough mystery and suspects to keep me second guessing. I mean I just couldn't make up my mind on who I thought it would be.
Throughout the book I thought that the killer was Matt or Jessica's sister. I thought it was Matt cause maybe he knew that Jessica left Stacy that wad of cash and he was relapsing and maybe he owed a bit of money that maybe after Stacy got that money he would finish her off too leaving the money to him. Then there was her sister she was beyond crazy dramatic. I thought that maybe she had killed her sister after finding out about the money so that she and her mother would get it and that she was trying to just pin the blame on Stacy.
In case your wondering the book has a dual point of view of Storm the cop thats on the case and Stacy best friend of Jessica. I thought it was interesting getting to know Stacy's side of the story, knowing more about her part in everying. It was interesting getting to know more on Storms background and how she was able to get through and help solve the case.
Overall this was a great book. It was written well, fast paced, enough mystery to keep the readers guessing. I loved and and if your a mystery lover then you'll want to get your hands on this book!
Throughout the book I thought that the killer was Matt or Jessica's sister. I thought it was Matt cause maybe he knew that Jessica left Stacy that wad of cash and he was relapsing and maybe he owed a bit of money that maybe after Stacy got that money he would finish her off too leaving the money to him. Then there was her sister she was beyond crazy dramatic. I thought that maybe she had killed her sister after finding out about the money so that she and her mother would get it and that she was trying to just pin the blame on Stacy.
In case your wondering the book has a dual point of view of Storm the cop thats on the case and Stacy best friend of Jessica. I thought it was interesting getting to know Stacy's side of the story, knowing more about her part in everying. It was interesting getting to know more on Storms background and how she was able to get through and help solve the case.
Overall this was a great book. It was written well, fast paced, enough mystery to keep the readers guessing. I loved and and if your a mystery lover then you'll want to get your hands on this book!
Read
September 30, 2022This is definitely one of the best murder mysteries that I have read in a while. Alretha Thomas knows how to create complex characters that are multi-faceted and definitely easy to relate to. The storyline surrounding Jessica’s death is so complex and addictive that you can easily lose a day just reading the story.
Detective Rachel Storme is fierce when it comes to her job. Stacey, Jessica’s BFF learns that life isn’t always champagne and caviar. Every time I thought I had the pegged who the murderer was, I found out that I was wrong. So wrong. This is what makes this story so amazing, it keeps you guessing. It is not the average murder mystery where you can easily figure out who the murderer is and the reason behind the murder.
I commend Alretha Thomas for creating a beautifully written mystery. The plot was easy to follow. The dialogue was easy to understand and the characters showed growth. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I will definitely recommend this book to others. I give it 5/5 Platypires.
Detective Rachel Storme is fierce when it comes to her job. Stacey, Jessica’s BFF learns that life isn’t always champagne and caviar. Every time I thought I had the pegged who the murderer was, I found out that I was wrong. So wrong. This is what makes this story so amazing, it keeps you guessing. It is not the average murder mystery where you can easily figure out who the murderer is and the reason behind the murder.
I commend Alretha Thomas for creating a beautifully written mystery. The plot was easy to follow. The dialogue was easy to understand and the characters showed growth. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I will definitely recommend this book to others. I give it 5/5 Platypires.
October 24, 2016
l received this book for free thanks to Goodreads Firstreads.
l enjoyed this book from the start. Why? The heroine is not beautiful, slim nor married to a gorgeous playboy. She is ordinary, mousey and overweight . . . . .just like me.
l liked the guessing game of who really killed Jessica. l nearly got it right . . . . just one step removed.
l liked the layout, each chapter from a person's viewpoint and the chapter headed by that person, so no ambiguity. l like the 'book club questions' at the end too as they made me think about different aspects.
Just a couple of niggly points though . . . . . .
Why was the music teacher almost ignored by the police?
And surely even incompetent police (which these were not) would have found the secret drawer in Jessica's apartment.
l recommend this book.
l enjoyed this book from the start. Why? The heroine is not beautiful, slim nor married to a gorgeous playboy. She is ordinary, mousey and overweight . . . . .just like me.
l liked the guessing game of who really killed Jessica. l nearly got it right . . . . just one step removed.
l liked the layout, each chapter from a person's viewpoint and the chapter headed by that person, so no ambiguity. l like the 'book club questions' at the end too as they made me think about different aspects.
Just a couple of niggly points though . . . . . .
Why was the music teacher almost ignored by the police?
And surely even incompetent police (which these were not) would have found the secret drawer in Jessica's apartment.
l recommend this book.
May 31, 2016
MY REVIEW FOR JUSTICE FOR JESSICA:
I have never read a novel by Alretha Thomas that I didn't enjoy! Just like I thought, she didn't disappoint in this one either. Justice for Jessica is a mystery novel that really keeps you on your toes.
The characters are so well-developed and each one adds his or her own flair to this multidimensional tale. When the unthinkable happens to Jessica, who is Stacey's wealthy BFF, everyone is a suspect including her. The more I read the more I wanted to turn more pages.
Like a good mystery novel, the ending was filled with twists and surprises and I couldn't read fast enough! It became just that good! Oh, did I love Pedro? Yes I did! What the author did with this character was so satisfying! Great job! Five stars!!!!!
I have never read a novel by Alretha Thomas that I didn't enjoy! Just like I thought, she didn't disappoint in this one either. Justice for Jessica is a mystery novel that really keeps you on your toes.
The characters are so well-developed and each one adds his or her own flair to this multidimensional tale. When the unthinkable happens to Jessica, who is Stacey's wealthy BFF, everyone is a suspect including her. The more I read the more I wanted to turn more pages.
Like a good mystery novel, the ending was filled with twists and surprises and I couldn't read fast enough! It became just that good! Oh, did I love Pedro? Yes I did! What the author did with this character was so satisfying! Great job! Five stars!!!!!
August 16, 2017
It was a fun read, pointing you at several suspects. Detective Rachel Storme is called back from extended leave to solve the murder of a rich socialite. The development of the many suspects was good, and I kept changing my "prime suspect." However, the story had 2 MAJOR flaws: 1) Rachel got close to the victim's best friend and kept her advised of the police information, even when the woman's husband was a suspect - totally unprofessional and could result in getting tainted information; and 2) the relationship between Rachel and her boss was a little too cozy - it sounded like an affair was not far off. Otherwise, it was a good little mystery and a fast read.
August 13, 2017
Possible spoilers contained in review.
I found it difficult to comprehend that an experienced detective related so much confidential police information after only a short acquaintance and particularly when there was a possibility she was a suspect in a murder enquiry.
The relationship between the two detectives was unbelievable too.
I did not really enjoy this book and feel the 3 stars I have given was possibly too much, on reflection.
I found it difficult to comprehend that an experienced detective related so much confidential police information after only a short acquaintance and particularly when there was a possibility she was a suspect in a murder enquiry.
The relationship between the two detectives was unbelievable too.
I did not really enjoy this book and feel the 3 stars I have given was possibly too much, on reflection.
October 26, 2016
Plot twists
There are so many possibilities for Jessica's murderer, I really didn't suspect the actual murderer! Thought the story line of the police officer befriending someone who was tied to the murder in several ways, was dangerous and unprofessional!
There are so many possibilities for Jessica's murderer, I really didn't suspect the actual murderer! Thought the story line of the police officer befriending someone who was tied to the murder in several ways, was dangerous and unprofessional!
August 21, 2017
Mystifying
A who-done-it that will keep you turning the pages. The narrative style was a refreshing change. The book was very enjoyable and not a cookie - cutter mystery. Well done Ms. Thomas
A who-done-it that will keep you turning the pages. The narrative style was a refreshing change. The book was very enjoyable and not a cookie - cutter mystery. Well done Ms. Thomas
October 5, 2017
Keep you thinking...
The murderer could have been anyone in the cast of characters which keeps you alert trying to rule out suspects. Author highlights flawed humans with everyday failings - some overcome and some don’t.
The murderer could have been anyone in the cast of characters which keeps you alert trying to rule out suspects. Author highlights flawed humans with everyday failings - some overcome and some don’t.
July 28, 2023
It is a great book. I highly recommend you to read it
October 20, 2017
A Gripping Murder Mystery
Detective Rachel Storme, who is on sabbatical, is asked to oversee the ghastly murder of a woman, whose husband is the son of a tycoon. The story starts off with a bang and takes you on a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with attention-grabbing, versatile characters engaging in suspicious behavior that keeps you guessing to the very end. The rapport between Rachel and Detective Herb Jones makes the storyline exciting by unraveling some surprises, deception, secrets and lies, envy, betrayal, family friction, and doubts, where nothing is never what it seems. But when Rachel Storme bonds with Stacy Sullivan, the murdered victim’s best friend, these two protagonists will do whatever it takes to find the real killer, leading up to a bombshell revelation and an ending that will shock you to the core. The author gives a genuine insight into the workings of politics, class, wealth, and power, and the media when it comes to covering and solving a high-profile murder.
Detective Rachel Storme, who is on sabbatical, is asked to oversee the ghastly murder of a woman, whose husband is the son of a tycoon. The story starts off with a bang and takes you on a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with attention-grabbing, versatile characters engaging in suspicious behavior that keeps you guessing to the very end. The rapport between Rachel and Detective Herb Jones makes the storyline exciting by unraveling some surprises, deception, secrets and lies, envy, betrayal, family friction, and doubts, where nothing is never what it seems. But when Rachel Storme bonds with Stacy Sullivan, the murdered victim’s best friend, these two protagonists will do whatever it takes to find the real killer, leading up to a bombshell revelation and an ending that will shock you to the core. The author gives a genuine insight into the workings of politics, class, wealth, and power, and the media when it comes to covering and solving a high-profile murder.
April 8, 2018
After the first few chapters I was very confused, it was my fault that I didn’t realise the author was changing the POV after each chapter. Once I sorted out that the chapters were alternating between Rachel and Stacey, it was easy to follow the story, but I am not a fan.
To start with I found Rachel an intriguing character, the ‘world weary’ middle-aged detective isn’t new, but it’s rare that it should be a woman. However once she gets involved in the case most of the cynicism disappears. My problem with her is she seems to spend most of time chatting to Stacey and doesn’t really do much investigating.
Unfortunately because of the way the author has constructed the book half of it is centred on Stacey, who is naïve and pathetic. I just got so frustrated with her, even when she starts to show some backbone she soon ‘wimps out’.
Overall it wasn’t a bad story, but by the end, I found the lack of flow because of the constantly changing POV, just spoiled the book for me, especially as meant I had to put up with Stacey for half of the book.
To start with I found Rachel an intriguing character, the ‘world weary’ middle-aged detective isn’t new, but it’s rare that it should be a woman. However once she gets involved in the case most of the cynicism disappears. My problem with her is she seems to spend most of time chatting to Stacey and doesn’t really do much investigating.
Unfortunately because of the way the author has constructed the book half of it is centred on Stacey, who is naïve and pathetic. I just got so frustrated with her, even when she starts to show some backbone she soon ‘wimps out’.
Overall it wasn’t a bad story, but by the end, I found the lack of flow because of the constantly changing POV, just spoiled the book for me, especially as meant I had to put up with Stacey for half of the book.
July 21, 2020
I believe this is the first book by this author that I have read.
The good: there are plenty of suspects for the murder and many that have motive.
The bad: the plot seems almost endless. We don't really know much about the character who ends up being the murderer before the author reveals it, so it makes it hard for me to know if the murderer could be guessed by a reader. (I am not always so good at figuring out who done it so I'm not always sure how to measure that when I read.) I find it hard to believe this is the first in a series when the detective character is planning to leave her job and open a different business. Is she going to be a consultant (like the TV character Monk) who gets called in whenever Herb decides he needs it? Or is she going to realize over the next few books that policework is her calling?
The good: there are plenty of suspects for the murder and many that have motive.
The bad: the plot seems almost endless. We don't really know much about the character who ends up being the murderer before the author reveals it, so it makes it hard for me to know if the murderer could be guessed by a reader. (I am not always so good at figuring out who done it so I'm not always sure how to measure that when I read.) I find it hard to believe this is the first in a series when the detective character is planning to leave her job and open a different business. Is she going to be a consultant (like the TV character Monk) who gets called in whenever Herb decides he needs it? Or is she going to realize over the next few books that policework is her calling?
August 5, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery a lot, in great part because the characters are well-defined, and by naming the chapters with the name of the person who is currently telling their part of the story, it is easier to get to know and be caught up in the action, concerns, and possibilities as it is perceived by each character. I normally dislike so many characters within a mystery, but this technique was awesome. I particularly liked the depth in which the characters were written. It meant that I was not simply involved in the whodunnit, but in the individuals. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
March 8, 2018
A Good Who Dunit
I liked the mystery, The Who dunit. Written in the first person, each important character told their story chapter by chapter. As the plot progressed the characters relayed just enough to leave the chapter ending in a cliffhanger. The dialogue was pretty good, although I noticed the use of slang and profane language was plentiful. Also, some characters were deliberately rank and low-class. I think the author tried to evoke sympathy for these characters by relating their troubled backgrounds.
I liked the mystery, The Who dunit. Written in the first person, each important character told their story chapter by chapter. As the plot progressed the characters relayed just enough to leave the chapter ending in a cliffhanger. The dialogue was pretty good, although I noticed the use of slang and profane language was plentiful. Also, some characters were deliberately rank and low-class. I think the author tried to evoke sympathy for these characters by relating their troubled backgrounds.
July 4, 2018
A really good read
I enjoyed is book very much. I don’t usually read mysteries so this was a bit out of my comfort zone. I found the characters believable and I kept changing my mind as to who actually killed Jessica.. I never suspected he real killer. He never even entered my mind. I thought it might have been Grants father hiring a hit man ok was annoyed that Stacy. Didn’t throw Matt out. She was ll contemplating a life. Loved the surprise ending. Looking forward to another novel by this author.
I enjoyed is book very much. I don’t usually read mysteries so this was a bit out of my comfort zone. I found the characters believable and I kept changing my mind as to who actually killed Jessica.. I never suspected he real killer. He never even entered my mind. I thought it might have been Grants father hiring a hit man ok was annoyed that Stacy. Didn’t throw Matt out. She was ll contemplating a life. Loved the surprise ending. Looking forward to another novel by this author.
July 4, 2019
The plot kept you to the end, and there was really two plots. Jessica was loved by everyone. She spent her time decorating the house. Close to
Stacy, they told one another everything, or so Stacy thought. Her husband Grant was concerned about her spending, because he didn’t get his trust fund till he was thirty. She wanted a baby, and he refused to be tested, after all they hadn’t been married that long. Stacy husband had a love of her bank account till a business venture of her’s failed. There was a lot of curves to the story and well done.
Stacy, they told one another everything, or so Stacy thought. Her husband Grant was concerned about her spending, because he didn’t get his trust fund till he was thirty. She wanted a baby, and he refused to be tested, after all they hadn’t been married that long. Stacy husband had a love of her bank account till a business venture of her’s failed. There was a lot of curves to the story and well done.
December 14, 2017
The story was entertaining, and it would have gotten five stars except I find the lead protagonist; really doesn't act like a cop, and all the other female characters are shallow or stupid.
Beyond that a very good "who dunnit" that keep you guessing who it was and points you every which way. I didn't know who it was until right near the end.
Great writing style and a thoroughly enjoyable book - if you can get past all the needy, silly, women.
Beyond that a very good "who dunnit" that keep you guessing who it was and points you every which way. I didn't know who it was until right near the end.
Great writing style and a thoroughly enjoyable book - if you can get past all the needy, silly, women.
February 15, 2021
Interesting
I gave this book 4stars because it was a very interesting book and the story kept me captive. I didn't give it a 5 because there were a few errors.
However, the storyline was great and kept me guessing to the very end. There were so many persons that had means, motive and opportunity, yet the ending was a complete surprise. Had this book in my library for some time, am extremely happy that I finally got to it
I gave this book 4stars because it was a very interesting book and the story kept me captive. I didn't give it a 5 because there were a few errors.
However, the storyline was great and kept me guessing to the very end. There were so many persons that had means, motive and opportunity, yet the ending was a complete surprise. Had this book in my library for some time, am extremely happy that I finally got to it
August 4, 2017
4.5*
This is interesting, written with the two lead characters heing female, one being the lead detective, one a victim of circumstances.......
The two perspectives of the leading characterd provides twists and turns but although most evidence points to one culprit, this book provides more than one guilty party. I actually believed it to be one specific person, however it turns out to be wrong. The sparsely mentioned character is the one I didn't consider to be guilty.
This is interesting, written with the two lead characters heing female, one being the lead detective, one a victim of circumstances.......
The two perspectives of the leading characterd provides twists and turns but although most evidence points to one culprit, this book provides more than one guilty party. I actually believed it to be one specific person, however it turns out to be wrong. The sparsely mentioned character is the one I didn't consider to be guilty.
October 5, 2017
Amazing differences in characters
The characters are written as such oppositions, yet they are all far more alike than we'd like to admit. There were no real good guys or bad guys. There were humans, with many flaws, colliding with one another. The mystery was good, surprises all along the way.
The characters are written as such oppositions, yet they are all far more alike than we'd like to admit. There were no real good guys or bad guys. There were humans, with many flaws, colliding with one another. The mystery was good, surprises all along the way.
January 20, 2018
A Bit Sappy
Except about AA. Errors abound there. And of course the perp is an illegal immigrant. Hard to tell who gets the easy deal but maybe this is a first book. Some good things. Like aspects of the woman detective. And the disabled young man. Maybe the series will grow.
Except about AA. Errors abound there. And of course the perp is an illegal immigrant. Hard to tell who gets the easy deal but maybe this is a first book. Some good things. Like aspects of the woman detective. And the disabled young man. Maybe the series will grow.
May 3, 2019
I could not figure it out
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I never once suspected the perpetrator. Many people had reason to have killed Jessica, but it was done incrementally, not overkill. I know there are other books in the series and I like the fact that. All loose ends were tied up in this book, in a surprisingly positive way.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I never once suspected the perpetrator. Many people had reason to have killed Jessica, but it was done incrementally, not overkill. I know there are other books in the series and I like the fact that. All loose ends were tied up in this book, in a surprisingly positive way.
July 24, 2020
Great Story! Finally there was Justice for Jessica.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book, and look forward to more books in the series. The plot was believable and well-paced, told from the first person point of view of two different characters. There were a couple of times I though I had the mystery solved, but I was wrong. This was an entertaining read.
I loved getting to know the characters in this book, and look forward to more books in the series. The plot was believable and well-paced, told from the first person point of view of two different characters. There were a couple of times I though I had the mystery solved, but I was wrong. This was an entertaining read.
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