What do you think?
Rate this book
Jergen County #2
The Gingerbread Man
A serial killer calling himself the Gingerbread man targets teenage prostitutes in Memphis. To facilitate their investigation, Memphis Police have kept details of the killings from the public and have never acknowledged that this killer exists. Frustrated by this lack of official acknowledgment, the killer stalks investigators in the case and expands his killing ground to Tunica. While on special assignment to Tunica County Jordan and his partner Christine Urich stumble on this murder that mirrors his daughter’s three years before. Memphis Police removed Jordan from the case years ago as it involved a murder of a family member. Now, as the murder occurred in a neighboring county, he is again warned off the case. Already haunted by her death and his estrangement with Charmain, the discovery and exclusion shoves him down the same path that destroyed his Memphis career and his marriage.
Weeks before Journalist Charmain, hoping to help Jordan find closure, began an investigation of Jordan’s daughter’s murder. At the same time she badgers Memphis police officials to keep the girls case open. Jordan misunderstands her motives and it unravels their relationship. Determined to continue and armed with an accepted book proposal she meets with the lead investigator on the case. He rebuffs her efforts, but not before she comes to the attention of the killer. After contacting her, the killer offers to become her “Muse” and shares grisly details of his killings. Now the police can no longer hide or ignore his existence, but it draws her into the vortex of the investigation.
After learning of Charmain’s efforts and the danger she faces, Jordan forms his own team. On their own they track the killer while backing up her security detail. Will Jordan’s involvement compromise the official investigation and possibly destroy his and Urich’s careers? Get them branded as out of control vigilantes? Will all of them fail and the allow the killer to continue his rampage or escape? The killer does not seem to care and begins a game with the police. As he holds a young girl hostage he taunts the investigators with details of his work and challenges to catch him.
Weeks before Journalist Charmain, hoping to help Jordan find closure, began an investigation of Jordan’s daughter’s murder. At the same time she badgers Memphis police officials to keep the girls case open. Jordan misunderstands her motives and it unravels their relationship. Determined to continue and armed with an accepted book proposal she meets with the lead investigator on the case. He rebuffs her efforts, but not before she comes to the attention of the killer. After contacting her, the killer offers to become her “Muse” and shares grisly details of his killings. Now the police can no longer hide or ignore his existence, but it draws her into the vortex of the investigation.
After learning of Charmain’s efforts and the danger she faces, Jordan forms his own team. On their own they track the killer while backing up her security detail. Will Jordan’s involvement compromise the official investigation and possibly destroy his and Urich’s careers? Get them branded as out of control vigilantes? Will all of them fail and the allow the killer to continue his rampage or escape? The killer does not seem to care and begins a game with the police. As he holds a young girl hostage he taunts the investigators with details of his work and challenges to catch him.
- GenresFiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2017
80 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Richard Powell
24 books16 followersYes, I am a pirate 200 years too late. The cannon don't thunder there's nothin' to plunder I'm an over 60 victim of fate. Arrivin' too late. Been my fate.
My apologies, to Jimmy Buffet.
Moving away from the legend, officially I arrived in this world an Iowan. Notice, unlike many from this fine state I didn't say Hawkeye. Instead of attending that fine institution of higher learning, I chose the Harvard of the Midwest, Drake University. (Though some might say Harvard is the Drake of the East.) Where I completed a Masters Degree. After convincing myself I needed further educating I completed my Doctoral Studies at Ohio University, in Athens Ohio. At this point, I also need to mention that contrary to popular opinion. Ohio is the Bobcat State. (Who would want to be thought of as some kind of poison nut? Even squirrels don't eat buckeyes)
Excuse me had to pause at this point to recover. Patted myself so hard on the back, I got a cramp.
Yes now, where was I?. Oh yes, I just finished sharing my intellectual credits.
While employed as a Psychologist, I dabbled in the forensic area of the field. Not just child custody, but identifying and working with real evildoers. Most are ordinary people like you and I. (At least I hope I'm ordinary in that regard) But there are true monsters out there. How they got to that point is often heart-rending, but once they reach that point, they need to be put away to keep the rest of us safe. Not abused mind you. As that road usually led to where they are, but comfortable and confined.
Moving on. I met and married a wonderful woman, why she picked me or didn't at least avoid me successfully I am uncertain. I would put her picture here, but she refused to allow it. Doesn't want to be hassled by the paparazzi while shopping. That can be quite annoying I'm sure. The fact that we've remained together for thirty years is a testament to her strength.
Together we produced three children, two boys, and a girl. All awesome despite my influence.
I have always been a scribbler of sorts but took a hiatus from fiction while I practiced my profession. Retired now I have time to devote to this craft. I hope what I produce provides you as much pleasure as I get from producing it.
My apologies, to Jimmy Buffet.
Moving away from the legend, officially I arrived in this world an Iowan. Notice, unlike many from this fine state I didn't say Hawkeye. Instead of attending that fine institution of higher learning, I chose the Harvard of the Midwest, Drake University. (Though some might say Harvard is the Drake of the East.) Where I completed a Masters Degree. After convincing myself I needed further educating I completed my Doctoral Studies at Ohio University, in Athens Ohio. At this point, I also need to mention that contrary to popular opinion. Ohio is the Bobcat State. (Who would want to be thought of as some kind of poison nut? Even squirrels don't eat buckeyes)
Excuse me had to pause at this point to recover. Patted myself so hard on the back, I got a cramp.
Yes now, where was I?. Oh yes, I just finished sharing my intellectual credits.
While employed as a Psychologist, I dabbled in the forensic area of the field. Not just child custody, but identifying and working with real evildoers. Most are ordinary people like you and I. (At least I hope I'm ordinary in that regard) But there are true monsters out there. How they got to that point is often heart-rending, but once they reach that point, they need to be put away to keep the rest of us safe. Not abused mind you. As that road usually led to where they are, but comfortable and confined.
Moving on. I met and married a wonderful woman, why she picked me or didn't at least avoid me successfully I am uncertain. I would put her picture here, but she refused to allow it. Doesn't want to be hassled by the paparazzi while shopping. That can be quite annoying I'm sure. The fact that we've remained together for thirty years is a testament to her strength.
Together we produced three children, two boys, and a girl. All awesome despite my influence.
I have always been a scribbler of sorts but took a hiatus from fiction while I practiced my profession. Retired now I have time to devote to this craft. I hope what I produce provides you as much pleasure as I get from producing it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 12, 2017
Bob Jordan and Christine Urich are back in this second installment of the Jergen County series from Richard Powell.
During a joint sting with a neighboring county to convince young prostitutes to join a local church program, a body is discovered. Floored by the likeness to his daughter's murder, Jordan seeks solace at the bottom of a bottle, until the killer decides to use his girlfriend as a mouthpiece. Jordan then finds himself injured, angry, and off the case.
But he wouldn't be the detective he is if he always did what he was told.
This book will have you sitting up straight with your heart racing and swearing at the bad guy. Loaded with twists and turns in every direction that will have you yelling, "I knew it!" at the end, this book is very much worth the read.
During a joint sting with a neighboring county to convince young prostitutes to join a local church program, a body is discovered. Floored by the likeness to his daughter's murder, Jordan seeks solace at the bottom of a bottle, until the killer decides to use his girlfriend as a mouthpiece. Jordan then finds himself injured, angry, and off the case.
But he wouldn't be the detective he is if he always did what he was told.
This book will have you sitting up straight with your heart racing and swearing at the bad guy. Loaded with twists and turns in every direction that will have you yelling, "I knew it!" at the end, this book is very much worth the read.
September 7, 2018
The second novel in the Jergans County series by new Memphis author Richard Powell -- A story based on real events. -- The cast of regulars - are all fun with very distinctive personalities - Another fun read
December 20, 2018
Great job of keeping me in suspense!
I really enjoyed the style and love the fact that there was not so much foreshadowing that the ending was obvious! Starting book 3 now!
I really enjoyed the style and love the fact that there was not so much foreshadowing that the ending was obvious! Starting book 3 now!
April 4, 2025
Dark but good
I liked the continuation of the characters. It was interesting that the detective is more of a secondary character in most of the early chapters but I think that helped flush out the story. Interesting how it all came together in the end and I still like the dynamic between Ulrich and Jordan. Good second effort in the series.
I liked the continuation of the characters. It was interesting that the detective is more of a secondary character in most of the early chapters but I think that helped flush out the story. Interesting how it all came together in the end and I still like the dynamic between Ulrich and Jordan. Good second effort in the series.
November 16, 2024
Terrible!
This is absolutely terrible. The plot is weak and the characters are one-dimensional. The author must have decided that an editor was an unnecessary expense. Not recommended for anyone.
This is absolutely terrible. The plot is weak and the characters are one-dimensional. The author must have decided that an editor was an unnecessary expense. Not recommended for anyone.
September 16, 2023
Great storyline, easy read! Can't wait to read more from Powell.
August 17, 2019
I know the word ‘gripping’ is overused. But Powell is one of my favorite writers because every time I read his stuff I think about it all day.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews