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Tayt Waters Mysteries #1
Subversion
This is an alternate cover edition for B00N447UEI
Tayt Waters didn’t want to become a private investigator: too much red tape and too little action. Instead, she’s started a legitimate securities firm where she works hard and struggles to pay the bills.
But that’s not Tayt’s only job. She also helps women in need, who call her with the code phrase, “Sunflower Specials.” An after-hours vigilante, Tayt tracks down abusive husbands, errant boyfriends and deadbeat dads to give them a taste of their own medicine.
When her estranged father arrives in her office, disheveled and panicked, Tayt is drawn into a case she’s rather not touch: a young woman, murdered and her father the key suspect.
As she works to prove her father’s innocence, Tayt becomes ensnared in an underground ring of human trafficking, drugs and murder.
Tayt Waters didn’t want to become a private investigator: too much red tape and too little action. Instead, she’s started a legitimate securities firm where she works hard and struggles to pay the bills.
But that’s not Tayt’s only job. She also helps women in need, who call her with the code phrase, “Sunflower Specials.” An after-hours vigilante, Tayt tracks down abusive husbands, errant boyfriends and deadbeat dads to give them a taste of their own medicine.
When her estranged father arrives in her office, disheveled and panicked, Tayt is drawn into a case she’s rather not touch: a young woman, murdered and her father the key suspect.
As she works to prove her father’s innocence, Tayt becomes ensnared in an underground ring of human trafficking, drugs and murder.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 10, 2014
2 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Choquette
24 books66 followersJ.P. Choquette is the author of suspense novels set in Vermont. Atmospheric pageturners, her novels are gothic inspired and frequently tie in the themes of art, nature, and psychology.
When not writing, J.P. enjoys sipping hot drinks with a great book and adventuring with her family. She's a Believer, a vintage lover, and never turns down chocolate.
Learn more about J.P. by visiting https://jpchoquette.me/
When not writing, J.P. enjoys sipping hot drinks with a great book and adventuring with her family. She's a Believer, a vintage lover, and never turns down chocolate.
Learn more about J.P. by visiting https://jpchoquette.me/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 25, 2018
Vermont Book
This is a great mystery book with a different twist. The author even mentions Vermont landmarks which was fun for me. I look forward to reading the next book!
This is a great mystery book with a different twist. The author even mentions Vermont landmarks which was fun for me. I look forward to reading the next book!
July 1, 2015
I have a secret. I really like crime fiction, but not always for the crime! Many crime novels are excellent specimens of realistic contemporary fiction; many are steeped in regional or international flavor; many offer superb characterizations and flavorful prose. Without the crime angle, it would be harder for many of these books to draw an audience. I'm not suggesting that the crime and mystery angles are superfluous, exactly, but sometimes they do seem to be secondary.
Case in point: J.P. Choquette's Subversion, a truly enjoyable read that scores points in every one of the categories that I mentioned. It is set in Northwest Vermont, beautiful country (I once lived just across the state in the "Northeast Kingdom"), and captures the small town / rural northern New England atmosphere wonderfully well, in exact language that sometimes comes right up to the verge of the poetic without getting fancypants.
"Fancy" wouldn't suit the narrator, Tayt Waters, a down-to-earth product of her surroundings even though her family (which figures heavily in the book) is fairly upper-crust for the area. Tayt is an interesting study, a determined, gutsy woman of 29 who is trying to be a multiple entrepreneur with her cleaning business, her security company, her unofficial (because she doesn't have a license) private investigator agency, and her shadowy dips into vigilante justice. Lots going on with Tayt!
Her voice is compelling from first page to last, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will like her. Some will and some won't. I spent the entire book on the edge of being annoyed with her, because she makes many bad decisions (but no bad decisions, no story). When she is sued for one of them, I couldn't help feeling there was some justice in that. And let's not even get into how many laws Tayt Waters breaks during the course of Subversion, because I like to keep my reviews reasonably short.
Tayt naturally feels she is justified in most if not all of those transgressions, but we don't have to follow her on that. There is a feminist avenger angle here that will elicit markedly different reactions. (This is the second mystery I've read in a fortnight that gets into international sex trafficking as a subject, the other being Ace Varkey's The Girl Who Went Missing.)
Subversion is the intended first in a series, and one can feel J.P. Choquette laying the groundwork for future installments - nothing wrong with that. Bits of Tayt's backstory and family history are teased out, but not always all the way. If you are left wanting to know more about her dead brother, it's only natural. Her father, mother, and sister are all interesting personalities, and beyond them there are four friends (Ezra, Judy, C.J., and Winston) who potentially provide plenty of future developments among them.
I'm on board, and I bet you will be too.
Case in point: J.P. Choquette's Subversion, a truly enjoyable read that scores points in every one of the categories that I mentioned. It is set in Northwest Vermont, beautiful country (I once lived just across the state in the "Northeast Kingdom"), and captures the small town / rural northern New England atmosphere wonderfully well, in exact language that sometimes comes right up to the verge of the poetic without getting fancypants.
"Fancy" wouldn't suit the narrator, Tayt Waters, a down-to-earth product of her surroundings even though her family (which figures heavily in the book) is fairly upper-crust for the area. Tayt is an interesting study, a determined, gutsy woman of 29 who is trying to be a multiple entrepreneur with her cleaning business, her security company, her unofficial (because she doesn't have a license) private investigator agency, and her shadowy dips into vigilante justice. Lots going on with Tayt!
Her voice is compelling from first page to last, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will like her. Some will and some won't. I spent the entire book on the edge of being annoyed with her, because she makes many bad decisions (but no bad decisions, no story). When she is sued for one of them, I couldn't help feeling there was some justice in that. And let's not even get into how many laws Tayt Waters breaks during the course of Subversion, because I like to keep my reviews reasonably short.
Tayt naturally feels she is justified in most if not all of those transgressions, but we don't have to follow her on that. There is a feminist avenger angle here that will elicit markedly different reactions. (This is the second mystery I've read in a fortnight that gets into international sex trafficking as a subject, the other being Ace Varkey's The Girl Who Went Missing.)
Subversion is the intended first in a series, and one can feel J.P. Choquette laying the groundwork for future installments - nothing wrong with that. Bits of Tayt's backstory and family history are teased out, but not always all the way. If you are left wanting to know more about her dead brother, it's only natural. Her father, mother, and sister are all interesting personalities, and beyond them there are four friends (Ezra, Judy, C.J., and Winston) who potentially provide plenty of future developments among them.
I'm on board, and I bet you will be too.
July 12, 2015
Reminiscent of the heroines found in the popular fiction series such as Stephanie Plum and Kay Scarpetta, “Subversion” by J.P. Choquette clearly uses aforementioned characters as inspirations for her own Tayt Waters.
The heroine in Choquette’s “Subversion” is no one trick pony. A self-proclaimed vigilante, Tayt Waters is a housecleaner by day and a restorer of justice by night, the latter by any means necessary. Told in first person (an ambitious decision in its own right), “Subversion” is a quick read which will be devoured by those who enjoy a nice mystery with their coffee.
The story is set in what is clearly a very picturesque in Northwest Vermont, allowing the tale to have a certain amount of ‘behind closed doors’ intrigue. Triggering the plot itself is the arrival of Tayt’s own father and his relation to a local murder case where a young woman has been murdered. Upon further analysis of her father’s potential involvement in the crime, Tayt’s uncovers more uncomfortable facts about her father.
The novel seems to have a difficult time in what it really is aiming to be. While not entirely a true mystery or suspense novel, it is also not just a small town set novel where the perseverance of the nuclear family is first and foremost. With her clear ambitions to solve crimes, Tayt also treasures her relationships with her mother and sister and does her best to maintain their quality. I guess I just found it a little hard to believe that in such a small town where family values are as popular as ever that there would be a character such as Tayt.
That being said, the mechanics of Choquette’s writing are mature and effective. She does not mince words in presenting sinister situations, allowing the novel itself to plod along at a pleasant pace and maintaining the reader’s attention. I literally breezed through the novel in a very short period, a testament to its capacity to transport the reader to another place and time. And after all, isn’t this what fiction is all about?
Like this review? Check out more at www.readingotherpeople.com
The heroine in Choquette’s “Subversion” is no one trick pony. A self-proclaimed vigilante, Tayt Waters is a housecleaner by day and a restorer of justice by night, the latter by any means necessary. Told in first person (an ambitious decision in its own right), “Subversion” is a quick read which will be devoured by those who enjoy a nice mystery with their coffee.
The story is set in what is clearly a very picturesque in Northwest Vermont, allowing the tale to have a certain amount of ‘behind closed doors’ intrigue. Triggering the plot itself is the arrival of Tayt’s own father and his relation to a local murder case where a young woman has been murdered. Upon further analysis of her father’s potential involvement in the crime, Tayt’s uncovers more uncomfortable facts about her father.
The novel seems to have a difficult time in what it really is aiming to be. While not entirely a true mystery or suspense novel, it is also not just a small town set novel where the perseverance of the nuclear family is first and foremost. With her clear ambitions to solve crimes, Tayt also treasures her relationships with her mother and sister and does her best to maintain their quality. I guess I just found it a little hard to believe that in such a small town where family values are as popular as ever that there would be a character such as Tayt.
That being said, the mechanics of Choquette’s writing are mature and effective. She does not mince words in presenting sinister situations, allowing the novel itself to plod along at a pleasant pace and maintaining the reader’s attention. I literally breezed through the novel in a very short period, a testament to its capacity to transport the reader to another place and time. And after all, isn’t this what fiction is all about?
Like this review? Check out more at www.readingotherpeople.com
July 20, 2015
REVIEW ORIGINALLY POSTED AT
chapterfive.wix.com/chapter5
Rate: 3.5
My thoughts:
Subversion is the first book I’ve read by J.P. Choquette but it will not be my last. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, mystery-filled novel, look no further.
Subversion A tayt Waters Mystery clock in at almost 270 pages but it takes no time at all to read. The chapters are short and the writing style is simple and straightforward. The story is also gripping, which helped the pace. There a lot of mystery and I had no clue what was coming. The mystery around Tayt’s father is predictable but it surprise you at the same time.
Tayt is the kind of character that readers easily fall in love with her because of her courage, strength, sarcasm, commitment and how she tries to get out of crazy situations.
And I loved how hard she worked for victims of injustice even thou she wasn’t the best at her and that prove us that she is just starting in this PI. And all the distraction coming her way her no so likely family, ex-boyfriends and the neighbors. Tayt pushed herself to next levels and I liked that, she didn’t allow herself to fail without trying but really try until she got something good.
Overall, I was impressed with Subversion. I look forward to read more from J.P Choquette especially if she continues to write in this mystery.
chapterfive.wix.com/chapter5
Rate: 3.5
My thoughts:
Subversion is the first book I’ve read by J.P. Choquette but it will not be my last. If you’re looking for a suspenseful, mystery-filled novel, look no further.
Subversion A tayt Waters Mystery clock in at almost 270 pages but it takes no time at all to read. The chapters are short and the writing style is simple and straightforward. The story is also gripping, which helped the pace. There a lot of mystery and I had no clue what was coming. The mystery around Tayt’s father is predictable but it surprise you at the same time.
Tayt is the kind of character that readers easily fall in love with her because of her courage, strength, sarcasm, commitment and how she tries to get out of crazy situations.
And I loved how hard she worked for victims of injustice even thou she wasn’t the best at her and that prove us that she is just starting in this PI. And all the distraction coming her way her no so likely family, ex-boyfriends and the neighbors. Tayt pushed herself to next levels and I liked that, she didn’t allow herself to fail without trying but really try until she got something good.
Overall, I was impressed with Subversion. I look forward to read more from J.P Choquette especially if she continues to write in this mystery.
June 26, 2015
This is a Tayt Waters “mystery”. Mystery being in quotes as there is not really a mystery here. Written in first person, Choguette gives us way too much information too soon, making the plot obvious. First person is hard to write well and in this case, it is as if someone pulled the string on Chatty Cathy and she won’t stop talking.
Tayt Waters is trying to run a security company and a cleaning business. One can only hope she cleans better than she provides security. In the beginning, we see her as tough enough to take on shady side jobs where she convinces men to clean up their act in relationships or face Water’s wrath. This would be good if she didn’t lose that fierceness as the story progresses.
The main weakness is that Choquette tells us the story as opposed to showing us the story. This makes it difficult to read as we are mainly in Water’s head throughout the book. I had a hard time finishing the book and there was little about Tayt Waters to make me want more.
This one gets two stars, one would just be unkind.
Tayt Waters is trying to run a security company and a cleaning business. One can only hope she cleans better than she provides security. In the beginning, we see her as tough enough to take on shady side jobs where she convinces men to clean up their act in relationships or face Water’s wrath. This would be good if she didn’t lose that fierceness as the story progresses.
The main weakness is that Choquette tells us the story as opposed to showing us the story. This makes it difficult to read as we are mainly in Water’s head throughout the book. I had a hard time finishing the book and there was little about Tayt Waters to make me want more.
This one gets two stars, one would just be unkind.
February 2, 2015
I was looking forward to reading SUBVERSION and was not disappointed. I was looking forward to meeting a new character and joining her adventures. She certainly kept me wanting to turn page after page when I settled down in the evening. I laughed and I was on the edge of my seat. She is the kind of friend I would like to have in my corner. I felt like I was in the small town where everyone knew everyone else and I liked that feeling. I liked the idea she was a business woman with a few irons in the fire and she was interested in helping others. And not always for the money. She cares about people and was involved in "today" issues. I do like that and hope she continues to be interested in helping her neighbors. Just hope I don't have to wait too long for the next installment of Tayt. Give it a try.
February 3, 2016
I very much enjoyed the character of Tayt Waters. She was well-written, grounded, and intriguing. Definitely one of the best female characters I've read in a long time.
However, the rest of the book was a bit hit and miss. There was no real suspense in the book, and the mystery didn't have me particularly intrigued. There were a couple of interesting secondary and supporting characters, but the villain/s were a bit iffy. There was never really any danger for the character until the climactic moment, and even then it felt a bit slipshod.
Perhaps it was just this book that "missed the mark". The character is a fascinating one, and if the writer can create a gripping, compelling storyline, Tayt Waters would be one to follow.
However, the rest of the book was a bit hit and miss. There was no real suspense in the book, and the mystery didn't have me particularly intrigued. There were a couple of interesting secondary and supporting characters, but the villain/s were a bit iffy. There was never really any danger for the character until the climactic moment, and even then it felt a bit slipshod.
Perhaps it was just this book that "missed the mark". The character is a fascinating one, and if the writer can create a gripping, compelling storyline, Tayt Waters would be one to follow.
July 27, 2015
Tayt Waters is quite the accomplished entrepreneur and super-sleuth. Running two business this conscientious protagonist becomes involved in the murder investigation of a local woman. To complicate matters Tayt's estranged father resurfaces and seems to be allegedly involved in this crime. Tayt's skills are a match to the task at hand and she unravels the crime as more clues surface.
As much as I enjoyed reading Tayt as a character, I found the book a little unfocused and in my opinion a good editing may have made the story flow more consistently, this is definitely a protagonist I would love to read again in a story with a little more momentum.
As much as I enjoyed reading Tayt as a character, I found the book a little unfocused and in my opinion a good editing may have made the story flow more consistently, this is definitely a protagonist I would love to read again in a story with a little more momentum.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews