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Skip Langdon #10

Murder On Magazine

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SHE NEEDS A KID TO CATCH A KILLER…BUT HOW TO CATCH THE KID?

The TENTH installment of the Skip Langdon series is a New Orleans feast for the senses, a canine love story, an action-packed police procedural made-to-order for readers who like their female sleuths bold, smart, and refreshingly human. A serial killer is using Airbnb units to stage his murders, but a teenage runaway has escaped his grasp and now she's in the wind, believing she's killed him. Meanwhile the real killer stalks the city – and her.

Cody, the pink-haired sixteen-year-old, should be in school or at the mall texting her friends, not hanging out at the intersection of serial murder and human trafficking. When the options are: (1) Return to a life of slavery (2) Go to jail for murder (3) Be killed by a serial killer, Option 4 makes perfect sense – RUN! As mean as the streets of The City That Care Forgot can be, this child attracts angels (often unlikely ones) – and entire packs of dogs – who come to her aid.

She also finds a friend in NOPD’s newest Sergeant – big (six-foot!), beautiful, tough, and tender-hearted Skip Langdon. Skip knows her best hope of finding the killer is to find Cody – plus she feels for the girl, in whom she recognizes a younger version of her plucky, resourceful, whip-smart self. The city’s hard-boiled; the detective has a heart the size of the Superdome.

Longtime Skip Langdon fans who’ve thirsted for #10 will be delighted to hear the music of New Orleans in Smith’s prose. Fans of female-sleuth authors like Sue Grafton, Marcia Muller, and Linda Barnes, will love Skip Langdon’s pluck and charm. And those who particularly favor female cop stories, especially those by Nevada Barr, Lisa Gardner, Tana French, J.D. Robb, Karin Slaughter, Tess Gerritsen, and Anne Hillerman will find a new fave here.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2018

1279 people are currently reading
656 people want to read

About the author

Julie Smith

259 books403 followers
Author of 20 mystery novels and a YA paranormal adventure called BAD GIRL SCHOOL (formerly CURSEBUSTERS!). Nine of the mysteries are about a female New Orleans cop Skip Langdon, five about a San Francisco lawyer named Rebecca Schwartz,two about a struggling mystery writer named Paul Mcdonald (whose fate no one should suffer) and four teaming up Talba Wallis, a private eye with many names, a poetic license, and a smoking computer, with veteran P.I. Eddie Valentino.

In Bad GIRL SCHOOL, a psychic pink-haired teen-age burglar named Reeno gets recruited by a psychotic telepathic cat to pull a job that involves time travel to an ancient Mayan city. Hint:It HAS to be done before 2012!


Winner of the 1991 Edgar Allen Poe Award for best novel, that being NEW ORLEANS MOURNING.

Former reporter for the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE and the San Francisco CHRONICLE.

Recently licensed private investigator, and thereon hangs a tale.

Resident of New Orleans, Louisiana

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5 stars
666 (54%)
4 stars
390 (31%)
3 stars
138 (11%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
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14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
680 reviews5 followers
March 27, 2018
Hurrah for a new Skip Langdon mystery.

It has been a while since I've read one of Ms. Smith's books, and I was delighted to see this one. The subject matter is timely, Skip is just as good as ever, and New Orleans is still feeling like a main character in its own right. Good characters, good book, happy to recommend, hope to see more. And I need to check the backlist to see if I've missed anything.
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
January 10, 2020
Murder On Magazine
(Skip Langdon #10)
by Julie Smith

This is the tenth book in this series, but the first I've read. Maybe if I'd read previous books, it wouldn't feel like I was on the outside looking in. The search is on for a serial killer, and teen victims of human trafficking. A very serious topic to weave into a story. Who will win, the cops, the bad guy, or the girl? Maybe will try more books in this series.
Profile Image for Lawrence Jaffe.
16 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2018
Smith Rocks

I always look forward to a Julie Smith book! She writes with aplomb and skill. Her story lines are great and character development second to none. Murder on Magazine was full of goodness and chaos. She takes on sex trafficking like an authority giving you an inside scoop. I am very involved in educating about human trafficking so it was great to see this..
Profile Image for Donadee's Corner.
2,648 reviews64 followers
March 16, 2018
Murder on Magazine - Skip Langdon Series Bk 10 - Written by Julie Smith - Reviewed 3/16/18 Catching a Killer, the only lead is a kid that’s nowhere to be found!

A serial killer is using Airbnb units to stage his murders, but a teenage runaway has escaped his grasp and now she's in the wind, believing she's killed him. Meanwhile, the real killer stalks the city – and her. She also finds a friend in NOPD’s newest Sergeant – big (six-foot!), beautiful, tough, and tender-hearted Skip Langdon. Skip knows her best hope of finding the killer is to find Cody – plus she feels for the girl, in whom she recognizes a younger version of her plucky, resourceful, whip-smart self. The city’s hard-boiled; the detective has a heart the size of the Superdome.

What did I like? What’s not to like about a book that has the flavor of New Orleans? You can hear the music on every page strong, cool and smooth, there is nothing like the feel of the beat. I loved the two leads in this book a tough, hurt, naive kid and a strong, courageous, invigorating female policewoman.

What are you going to like? The sounds and mystery of New Orleans flow off the pages as you read. Stimulating action, fiery suspense, tenacious realism, extraordinary characters, multifaceted intrigue, sex traffickers, murder, and a pack of canines will lead you through the pages to this memorable read. New Orleans at it’s finest with the best tour guide around. This tenth book of the Skip Langdon series is a pleasurable read for the mind that is filled with human traits and frailties. Strongly developed characters add to this well-written storyline that will capture you and plunge you deep into this police procedural. I received this from the author as a member of the ARC team for an honest review with no other compensation.
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
September 13, 2023
Cody was so young-but was trapped in the human trafficking cycle. She did what she could to distance her mind and protect herself the best she could. Then the day came where the man was getting scary--she thought she killed him--and managed to escape that life-she hoped!! She was scared and all she really wanted was to find her grandmother who she knew would take care of her. She did some things she wasn't proud of but really had no choice. Luckily she met up with some really nice people. They told her to go to Covenant House-they would not turn her in. But she had one short coming--her hair color.

Sergeant Skip Langdon had been looking for a serial killer and she knew that only Cody could help---But how could she stop this smart young girl from running? She ended up staying with someone who was dog sitting 4 dogs-who really did start to protect her. Skip had a dog---and ultimately that was what made Cody trust her.

Although parts of this book will make you very sad, maybe even angry---but just know--there is a very happy ending!!
Profile Image for Dr. Pj Forrest.
194 reviews
November 9, 2019
Very Enjoyable Book

I was drawn to this book because of its title. I have been to The Big Easy many times and had one of the best meals I’ve ever had on Magazine. There were great descriptions of NOLA but I can’t say the author made it come alive for me, although it was obviously written by someone who knew New Orleans (it’s pronounced Naw’lins y’all) well.
The plot was absolutely original which was a great treat, although it was not “A Hard Boiled Police Procedural “ as described. Maybe soft boiled with two very nice cops who had it all together. I loved all the characters (who for once were not guilt-ridden or haunted by some past baggage) especially the dogs. I do recommend this book for a pleasant, enjoyable read.
Author 16 books30 followers
May 4, 2018
So good to be back with Skip and the gang in New Orleans. This time, a terrific new character is introduced. Cody, or any of the other names Cordelia goes by, was sold into prostitution by her mother, but in escaping, she thinks she kills the whale. As Skip officially investigates the death of the man who was monitoring Cody, the teenager does her own investigation. Who was the whale? Did he kill the other man? Where will Cody be safe? And through it all are the dogs. And opinions, mainly negative, on the Airbnb situation in NOLA. Hope this means we’ll see more Skip Langdon stories, and that they include more Cody.
27 reviews
October 3, 2020
Mutder on Magazine Street A Hard-boiled Police Procedural featuring Skip Langdon

Julie Smith excels again. Her hard nosed police detective crosses paths with a self assumed mudrerer who is herself the victim of too many crimes and horrors to enumerate here. With the help of good friends and a sprinkling of love all around, Skip and AA bring this case to it's just conclusion. A great read that is difficult to put dowm for mundane things like food and sleep. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good police story. Be prepared for a surprising twist.
Profile Image for Valerie Feth.
15 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2018
Love Skip!

So glad Julie Smith brought Skip Langdon back in Murder on Magazine! I find Skip to be one of my favorite characters because she's smart, sassy, and savvy. Additionally she has a lot of compassion and a great sense of humor. I also love the New Orleans history and ambience Smith adds to give this series authenticity. This series never disappoints. I hope Smith writes more novels starring Skip!
Profile Image for Patricia.
728 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2018
Hadn't read a Skip Langdon story in several years but meeting up with Skip, her boyfriend, and her former neighbor (and his adopted kids) again was a comfortable reunion. Skip and her NOPD partner are attempting to solve two brutal murders while trying to find a missing teenager who might have been a witness.

Tjis is the tenth in the series set in New Orleans. Fun, likable characters and a good mystery.

No sex
No violence
Profile Image for E..
87 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2018
Back to Skip and company... Yay!

This was another really good Skip Langdon book. I had almost given up on them when Errol just would NOT go away. I am very pleased to be completely rid of him. I enjoyed this outing with Skip . It was similar to one of her earlier books but the plot was fresh and she comes up with the most wonderful characters. These are people I would really like to have over for dinner. I look forward to more books in this series.
Profile Image for Lana.
102 reviews
December 31, 2018
On a serious note

Very enjoyable read, has a serious side to the story dealing with sex trafficking. Young Cody is taken to meet a John in a hotel room when events take a turn for the worse. Cody escapes from her jailers,leaving a dead body behind. The criminal gang are looking for her, so are the police. And someone else. Who will find her first. My money's on Cody.???????? Nicely done very enjoyable.
9 reviews
March 16, 2019
I have been waiting for this book!

Julie Smith still has it. I like that her protagonists are believable and likable people with principles and a sense of humor.other characters are realistic as well.
Her books are suspenseful with just enough darkness to make it interesting, yet not so much that it leaves a bad taste in my mind.
I have read all her books so far and now I have to wait for another!
18 reviews
April 22, 2019
So much N.O.

I have read Julie Smith before and enjoyed them so much. Thus one I couldn't put down. The girl Cody just touched my heart and the story of young girls being sold into sex slavery is so much a part of what's really happening in the world. All the scenes and names of New Orleans places are so familiar as I have been there many times and am a Big fan. Loved it. Plan to read more.


Profile Image for Sheryl.
110 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2020
Another great Skip Langdon story!

It’s been a while since I read the first Skip Langdon books, but it was easy to get right back into the New Orleans locale and the cast of familiar characters. This time they’re after a would-be serial killer, and a runaway from a sex-trafficking ring who was almost a victim. Once again, Julie Smith shares the teenager’s viewpoint so accurately and authentically. This is such a great series! Can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Patti Sickels .
32 reviews1 follower
Read
January 17, 2022
While I like most of the Skip Langdon series, I found the plot and characters jumbled and confusing. I stayed with this book and read it rather quickly, yet I often had to backtrack to follow what was going on. I always find that the flavor of the city comes out in the Skip Langdon series and that remained consistent, but I could do without the thinly veiled Trump-bashing. Alienating such a large reading audience apparently doesn't concern this author but it was unnecessary to the plot.
34 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2018
Worth the Wait

I have longed for a new book from Julie Smith for ages. She didn’t disappoint. Great Skip Langdon New Orleans book. Nice to see characters again, albeit older. One thing unchanged. Julie Smith writes a great mystery. I hope I don’t have to wait so long for the next book.
2 reviews
July 3, 2018
A must read

Brilliantly written book, a definite must read. Started reading and couldn't put it down. The same with all of the other Skip Langdon books . You just have to find out what is in the next paragraph or on the next page. Highly recommended read. Hope there's another book in the works..
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,005 reviews16 followers
July 6, 2018
Murder On Magazine

Very entertaining storyline filled with suspense and several murders to keep the interest of the most dedicated crime novel fan. Can the police find a young girl before the serial killer and keep him from killing the only victim who escaped and can identify him??
Profile Image for Randy.
472 reviews
July 16, 2018
A teenage prostitute escapes from a vicious client in New Orleans and manages to find numerous people to help her. Even though this is a Skip Langdon book, the primary focus is on this young woman and how she survives.

I enjoyed this story. There is a lot of human goodness, some evil, and interesting twists.
Profile Image for Cliff Dalton.
172 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2018
Another Marvelous Mystery

I really like stories set in New Orleans. And I really like mysteries. Julie Smith writes great ones and Murder on Magazine is one of the best. The way the characters develop, the ambiance of the old parts of New Orleans, and the surprising twist Mathis one of my favorite books by Me Smith. Read it!
7,762 reviews50 followers
August 1, 2018
Skip is back, as well as murder. She still gets a kick out of saying sergeant , she is not one to mess with. She finds a young girl that was sold in to sex traffic, and had escaped. We have New Orlean for a perfect setting. Characters a bit older, the humor and good dialog is filled in another story to stay up late and read.
Profile Image for Kidzmomca.
30 reviews
August 13, 2018
I really enjoy Julie Smith’s writing and the Skip Langdon series is really a good read. This latest addition to the pack is gripping, humorous, and really thought provoking. I like the idea interaction between Skip and her colleagues, particularly Abasolo. For anyone who likes fast paced thrillers this is your next go to story.
4 reviews1 follower
August 18, 2018
First but not last

I'm a serial reader of mysteries. This is the first book I've read by Julie Smith but it definitely won't be the last. I'm now hooked on her character portrayals. Even though the characters have their flaws, they are written so empathetically that you can't help loving them.
Profile Image for Kate.
12 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2018
Page turner and tear jerker

Julie Smith has always had a knack for writing compelling characters, but she's outdone herself with this story.

I raced through the book because I was terrified that Cody the baby hooker would not be okay! Way to raise my blood pressure, Julie Smith!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
169 reviews
October 24, 2018
A decent mystery. The New Orleans setting is fun, I enjoy reading about New Orleans and I think it gives the author a lot of leeway for direction. I thought the characters were well rounded and relatable. I loved the person who "got away", and how they interact with the main characters.

I found it an easy read.
101 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2020
Easy read, great mystery set in New Orleans.

Im sorry to see the final book in the Skip Langdon series. As in the previous books, the setting is in New Orleans, providing an excellent backdrop for several mysteries rolled into one. Fast, easy read that held my interest. A bit graphic in parts, but not overly done.
Profile Image for Wendy.
1,024 reviews22 followers
June 23, 2024
Reading Skip Langdon again after a long hiatus

I have not read a Skip Langdon book since forever. I discovered Julie Smith when the Sisters in Crime books first came about.
Murder on Magazine was a great reintroduction. Sgt Skip and the rest of the investigators are still engaging. The storyline was intense and exciting.
I think I will be reading more.
77 reviews
March 18, 2018
Tenth in the Skip Langdon series, as is true of so much these days it was a litte more racist and violent with more language than JS usually uses in her books, changes in the lives of the characters, but still a good book.
280 reviews
April 14, 2018
I always enjoy a Skip Langdon mystery, especially because of the New Orleans setting. However, this was far from my favorite. The story was definitely not as tight as her earlier ones. Perhaps it could have used a little more editing??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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