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JACKAL, A Jessica James Mystery (#4)
Jessica James rides again in the latest page-turner from award-winning author, Kelly Oliver.
With only an old photograph to go on, amateur sleuth, Jessica James is sent on a mission by her dying mother to find a washed up magician called the Mesmerizer. Along the way, Jessica gets way more than she bargained for when she stumbles into a black market organ ring and learns secrets about her mother that will change her own life forever. With wit and grit, Jessica and her posse take on the seamy side of Vegas.
JACKAL will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertained from beginning to end.
“Grab the reins and hang on tight for another wild and crazy ride with cowgirl philosopher Jessica James as she makes her way through the sleazy glitz of Las Vegas where everybody’s packing heat and corruption is business-as-usual. Nobody tops Kelly Oliver for delivering fast-paced narrative, quirky characters, and a plot as twisty as a bucking bronco—all of this leavened with Oliver’s trademark wry humor.”
—Caroline Taylor, author of Loose Ends and The Typist
“Vegas is the perfect setting for this intriguing and entertaining thriller where every character is a master of illusion. The novel begins with Oliver's dogged and witty protagonist, Jessica James, on a quest to find her birth father, a magician that has performed a seemingly permanent disappearing act. She enlists the help of an old friend, whose Facebook profile proves a cover for a dangerous job that soon threatens everyone around her. Oliver knows how to keep ratcheting up the stakes until the reader feels like they have their own mortgage riding on the roulette wheel.” —Cate Holahan, USA Today best selling author of The Widower’s Wife.
"Great cast of characters. A smart and sexy high stakes trip to Las Vegas."
---Tracee de Hahn, author of Swiss Vendetta
Jessica James rides again in the latest page-turner from award-winning author, Kelly Oliver.
With only an old photograph to go on, amateur sleuth, Jessica James is sent on a mission by her dying mother to find a washed up magician called the Mesmerizer. Along the way, Jessica gets way more than she bargained for when she stumbles into a black market organ ring and learns secrets about her mother that will change her own life forever. With wit and grit, Jessica and her posse take on the seamy side of Vegas.
JACKAL will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertained from beginning to end.
“Grab the reins and hang on tight for another wild and crazy ride with cowgirl philosopher Jessica James as she makes her way through the sleazy glitz of Las Vegas where everybody’s packing heat and corruption is business-as-usual. Nobody tops Kelly Oliver for delivering fast-paced narrative, quirky characters, and a plot as twisty as a bucking bronco—all of this leavened with Oliver’s trademark wry humor.”
—Caroline Taylor, author of Loose Ends and The Typist
“Vegas is the perfect setting for this intriguing and entertaining thriller where every character is a master of illusion. The novel begins with Oliver's dogged and witty protagonist, Jessica James, on a quest to find her birth father, a magician that has performed a seemingly permanent disappearing act. She enlists the help of an old friend, whose Facebook profile proves a cover for a dangerous job that soon threatens everyone around her. Oliver knows how to keep ratcheting up the stakes until the reader feels like they have their own mortgage riding on the roulette wheel.” —Cate Holahan, USA Today best selling author of The Widower’s Wife.
"Great cast of characters. A smart and sexy high stakes trip to Las Vegas."
---Tracee de Hahn, author of Swiss Vendetta
350 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2018
236 people are currently reading
1635 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Oliver
63 books423 followersKelly Oliver is the award-winning, bestselling author of four mysteries series:
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
Jessica James Mysteries (contemporary suspense), Pet Detective Mysteries (middle grade), Fiona Figg Mysteries (historical cozies), and The Detection Club Mysteries (traditional).
When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly is Distinguished Professor Emerita of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University.
Kelly lives in Nashville with three very demanding felines.
To learn more about Kelly and her books, please visit her website at www.kellyoliverbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 22, 2018
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Unless you are Jessica James and her best friend Lolitta who happens to be a Russian Mafia Granddaughter. Well it started out slow and I just did not get into the characters like in previous books in this series. Oliver does entertain with her quirky sayings and funny situations. Almost like a madcap skit. Anyway - We have call girls, gambling, organ theft, and undercover cops. Oh yeah the Mob. With a bit of genealogy and DNA testing Jessica might find her bio-dad. "A copy of this book was provided by KAOS Press via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
April 24, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of the modern who-done-it from the author, Kelly Oliver. I thank her and KAOS Press for sharing their hard work with me. I have read this work of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of Jackal: A Suspense Thriller. Kelly Oliver writes a tight, well-executed tale with personable characters, interesting background coverage, and an intriguing storyline. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family.
Jackal is the 4th of a series but completely stands alone. I am interested in pursuing this line from its beginning. Jessica James has a fine story to tell, Jackal taking place for the most part in Las Vegas, NV. Jessica considers herself a bit of a cowboy philosopher, a Montana girl now living and working in Chicago while she finished her degree in philosophy - until her widowed mother, a victim of severe self-pity, too many Vodka Collins, and an unfortunately accidental fall off of a barstool, leaving her possibly paralyzed and completely helpless and depending on her daughter and her sister Mary to take over her care in Montana for who knows how long. Jessica considers herself fortunate when her mother sends her hying to Vegas on a Greyhound Bus to seek out an old flame, who, by the way, just might be Jessica's bio-dad, as she was pg with her when she met the man she married who actually raised Jessica. I must say I was really feeling the pain of poor undercover cop, Detective Leo Spencer, also, however. He seems to be on the wrong end of the stick much of the time, completely at the mercy of his boss, his co-workers, and his past. The poker games introduced by Jessica's Chicago friend Lolita are interesting and covered plainly without inspiring anyone to go out to Nevada and make a living at it, and there are scenes of violence, some alcohol abuse, but there are also some hoots that will keep you in stitches. Jackal is altogether entertainment on demand. During this time in our history, that can only be considered a plus.
Reviewed on April 16, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. Not available for review on GooglePlay.
Jackal is the 4th of a series but completely stands alone. I am interested in pursuing this line from its beginning. Jessica James has a fine story to tell, Jackal taking place for the most part in Las Vegas, NV. Jessica considers herself a bit of a cowboy philosopher, a Montana girl now living and working in Chicago while she finished her degree in philosophy - until her widowed mother, a victim of severe self-pity, too many Vodka Collins, and an unfortunately accidental fall off of a barstool, leaving her possibly paralyzed and completely helpless and depending on her daughter and her sister Mary to take over her care in Montana for who knows how long. Jessica considers herself fortunate when her mother sends her hying to Vegas on a Greyhound Bus to seek out an old flame, who, by the way, just might be Jessica's bio-dad, as she was pg with her when she met the man she married who actually raised Jessica. I must say I was really feeling the pain of poor undercover cop, Detective Leo Spencer, also, however. He seems to be on the wrong end of the stick much of the time, completely at the mercy of his boss, his co-workers, and his past. The poker games introduced by Jessica's Chicago friend Lolita are interesting and covered plainly without inspiring anyone to go out to Nevada and make a living at it, and there are scenes of violence, some alcohol abuse, but there are also some hoots that will keep you in stitches. Jackal is altogether entertainment on demand. During this time in our history, that can only be considered a plus.
Reviewed on April 16, 2020, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, and Kobo. Not available for review on GooglePlay.
September 28, 2018
Jessica is sent on a mission to find who her mother calls her 'real father'. Well! That was a surprise! A washed-up magician called the Mesmerizer, who is he? Why does her mother, on her death-bed, need to see this guy so badly? So Jessica goes to Vegas to try and find him. This is where things get strange, and stranger! Even an old friend of Jessica's isn't who she thinks she is anymore! Jessica is bound and determined to full fill her mother's wish. I voluntarily read a copy of this book from BookSprout.
September 25, 2018
Jessica James is back and she doesn't know it but she's heading straight for trouble. Her mother has had an accident and now Jessica is on the hunt to Vegas looking for her the man her mother claims is her "biological father." Jessica thinks her mother is being melodramatic but she's on the quest nonetheless. What she's not expecting is the amount of trouble that she is heading into. Who knew that reaching out to an old "friend" from high school would lead to so much danger and trouble! She just wanted a place to stay briefly while she found some work! Now, she finds herself mixed up in more than she bargained for!
Jackal by Kelly Oliver is a fantastic addition to the Jessica James Mysteries series. This book will hook you in from the beginning. You can tell from the beginning that Jessica is expecting one thing when she gets in touch with her old friend from high school via Facebook. Her friend claims to be successful, but as we all know...nothing is what it seems when it comes to social media and what people say. Jessica is literally broke and in desperate need of a helping hand. While her friend helps her out...it comes with a price, because apparently, her friend isn't exactly the best when it comes to handling money. But her friend also decides to involve herself in some shady business in an attempt to make some quick money. All Jessica does (with a few klutzy moments mixed in) is take on a maid job and finds herself mixed up in it as well. She knows danger when she sees it and trust me...this has danger written all over it. The variety of characters in this story are great. The storyline is smooth and engaging from start to finish. This is the second book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed this book the most. I felt that it was better put together and flowed smoother than the first.
There is nothing that I don't like about this book. The storyline flows beautifully. There are no sticky spots that caused me to pause or try to figure anything out. The characters are well developed and the storyline is one that hooks you until the end. I couldn't help it but I snickered more than once at Jessica's moments of klutziness. Leo is an interesting character, and for being a veteran of the force I'm a touch surprised at the errors he commits, but it adds to the story.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Jessica James is an engaging character and she's got some pretty cool friends, too. If you're a fan of Jessica James and love her friends, then this is a book to pick up and dive into!
Jackal by Kelly Oliver is a fantastic addition to the Jessica James Mysteries series. This book will hook you in from the beginning. You can tell from the beginning that Jessica is expecting one thing when she gets in touch with her old friend from high school via Facebook. Her friend claims to be successful, but as we all know...nothing is what it seems when it comes to social media and what people say. Jessica is literally broke and in desperate need of a helping hand. While her friend helps her out...it comes with a price, because apparently, her friend isn't exactly the best when it comes to handling money. But her friend also decides to involve herself in some shady business in an attempt to make some quick money. All Jessica does (with a few klutzy moments mixed in) is take on a maid job and finds herself mixed up in it as well. She knows danger when she sees it and trust me...this has danger written all over it. The variety of characters in this story are great. The storyline is smooth and engaging from start to finish. This is the second book that I have read by this author and I enjoyed this book the most. I felt that it was better put together and flowed smoother than the first.
There is nothing that I don't like about this book. The storyline flows beautifully. There are no sticky spots that caused me to pause or try to figure anything out. The characters are well developed and the storyline is one that hooks you until the end. I couldn't help it but I snickered more than once at Jessica's moments of klutziness. Leo is an interesting character, and for being a veteran of the force I'm a touch surprised at the errors he commits, but it adds to the story.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Jessica James is an engaging character and she's got some pretty cool friends, too. If you're a fan of Jessica James and love her friends, then this is a book to pick up and dive into!
September 21, 2018
On her “deathbed”, Jessica “Jessie” James’ mother shocks her by saying the man she thought was her father really isn’t but instead is a traveling magician. Before she knows it, Jessie is on a bus headed for Vegas in search of the illusionist, whom her mother insists on seeing just one last time. Penniless, Jessie takes on a job as a maid for a luxury hotel and discovers an unconscious man in a bathtub with a note that says “call 911”.
This is where the madcap adventure starts and the story reels you in. You’ll be entertained by the characters that Jessie meets along the way including an old high school friend that is now a stripper and her sleazy boyfriend, an undercover cop with a heart of gold, Italian mobsters, dozens of magicians, her crazy mom, and more. What I enjoyed most about this book is the character of Jessie. Jessie has really matured and started to come out of her shell since the first few books in the series. I like that she has created lasting friendships, and you can see that she is more confident in herself and has the makings of a true heroine.
This book is a great combination of humor, quirky characters, mystery, and adventure. I highly recommend it to be added to your “must read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is where the madcap adventure starts and the story reels you in. You’ll be entertained by the characters that Jessie meets along the way including an old high school friend that is now a stripper and her sleazy boyfriend, an undercover cop with a heart of gold, Italian mobsters, dozens of magicians, her crazy mom, and more. What I enjoyed most about this book is the character of Jessie. Jessie has really matured and started to come out of her shell since the first few books in the series. I like that she has created lasting friendships, and you can see that she is more confident in herself and has the makings of a true heroine.
This book is a great combination of humor, quirky characters, mystery, and adventure. I highly recommend it to be added to your “must read” pile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2018
good friends from very diverse backgrounds meet again in Las Vegas.
the quest Jessica was set by her mother is to find The Mesmerizer! Her probable bio dad.
talk about a situation where you need back up from friends.
along the way, the gals solve some messy drug and organ stealing schemes, kill a mob guy, unearth a dirty cop, or several, and cause their typical mayhem.
all is fair in love and for family!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
the quest Jessica was set by her mother is to find The Mesmerizer! Her probable bio dad.
talk about a situation where you need back up from friends.
along the way, the gals solve some messy drug and organ stealing schemes, kill a mob guy, unearth a dirty cop, or several, and cause their typical mayhem.
all is fair in love and for family!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2023
The editing on this book is atrocious, with characters flashing "rye smiles," experiencing "heroine addiction," and wearing glasses that render them "bespeckled."
And that's unfortunate, because the story is good. Jessica James' mother asks her to go to Las Vegas to find the man Mother claims is her father: a magician named Zane Powers. Jessica decides to see if she can stay with her schoolmate MacKenzie, who says she's dancing in Cirque du Soleil ... except she isn't. So, Jesse winds up sleeping on the couch while Kennie dances topless at a seedy bar and keeps her boyfriend GQ in takeout Chinese.
Then, Kennie picks up a mark, Leo ... who turns out to be an undercover cop. And that's when things get complicated. The Russian and Italian mobs are both involved ... and Leo's working a secret cold case of his own.
So, yeah ... lots of twists and turns in this thriller (definitely not a fair play puzzle), but the constant editorial issues yanked me right out of the story. Unfortunate.
And that's unfortunate, because the story is good. Jessica James' mother asks her to go to Las Vegas to find the man Mother claims is her father: a magician named Zane Powers. Jessica decides to see if she can stay with her schoolmate MacKenzie, who says she's dancing in Cirque du Soleil ... except she isn't. So, Jesse winds up sleeping on the couch while Kennie dances topless at a seedy bar and keeps her boyfriend GQ in takeout Chinese.
Then, Kennie picks up a mark, Leo ... who turns out to be an undercover cop. And that's when things get complicated. The Russian and Italian mobs are both involved ... and Leo's working a secret cold case of his own.
So, yeah ... lots of twists and turns in this thriller (definitely not a fair play puzzle), but the constant editorial issues yanked me right out of the story. Unfortunate.
September 30, 2018
She is about to learn a secret which will rock her world. The man she had always known as her father was not but someone else. Soon she is going on the search for her real.father but things will get difficult when she finds out an organ trafficking ring. Will she find him? Will she be able to stop them to The police? See how it will go
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2023
Awesome Read
Jessica is a down on her luck PhD grad student. Good grades got her scholarships, but she struggles with living expenses, often living at the mercy of others and thankful for every meal. Her Mom just had an accident, and has begged Jessica to go to Las Vegas to find an old boyfriend, a magician called the Mesmerizer. Bunking with a high school classmate of questionable morals, Jessica runs into serious trouble involving the mob. Her best friend Lolita, a tall blond Russian with a black belt who makes a living running high stakes poker games, comes to help her. The problems keep getting worse to include a cold case murder. This storyline was so good! All the characters have such diverse personalities and each had competing goals. Sometimes it was hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys, but the friends all came together to get it solved in a very satisfactory manner. One thing I love about this series is there are no loose ends. Every aspect of the mystery is resolved fully. The people still have personal issues to work out, but the mysteries wrap up nicely.
Jessica is a down on her luck PhD grad student. Good grades got her scholarships, but she struggles with living expenses, often living at the mercy of others and thankful for every meal. Her Mom just had an accident, and has begged Jessica to go to Las Vegas to find an old boyfriend, a magician called the Mesmerizer. Bunking with a high school classmate of questionable morals, Jessica runs into serious trouble involving the mob. Her best friend Lolita, a tall blond Russian with a black belt who makes a living running high stakes poker games, comes to help her. The problems keep getting worse to include a cold case murder. This storyline was so good! All the characters have such diverse personalities and each had competing goals. Sometimes it was hard to tell the bad guys from the good guys, but the friends all came together to get it solved in a very satisfactory manner. One thing I love about this series is there are no loose ends. Every aspect of the mystery is resolved fully. The people still have personal issues to work out, but the mysteries wrap up nicely.
September 25, 2018
The Jessica James mysteries are always a fun ride! Great story as we travel with Jessica James, grad student, to Las Vegas. She has an interesting agenda...she has to find her possible biological father, the Mesmerizer. Apparently, her mom had a brief affair before her marriage to Jessica's growing up dad, and she possibly could have a magician for a bio-dad. It's an eventful story, as there are a couple of undercover cops in the story, as Jessica crosses paths with the mafia and Russian mobsters. There are some true characters in this book, as Jessica's friends get involved and the new cop friends are trying to stop some serious crimes, and one even is a victim at one point. It makes for a suspenseful and action-packed mystery with all kinds of twists along the way. Jackal is a a fun story, and I recommend it.
April 6, 2020
Jessica James is on a mission--not that she really wants to be--but her Mom--oh well---so off she goes to Las Vegas to find her bio-Dad. She is totally broke and thankfully can stay with a friend who is a dancer. Of course it is not the place that Jessica thinks she is dancing. Ultimately she calls her friend Lola--things get kind of dangerous when she finds a man in a ice cold bathtub! Lola comes rushing to the rescue. And while there decides a high stakes poker game is in order! And in-between all this--Jessica is still looking for her bio-Dad.
This novel will alternating have you gasping and laughing at all the predicaments the 3 friends get into!
You will not guess who is trying to murder Lola--Does Jessica find her bio-Dad. What is the real reason she was sent to Las Vegas to begin with?
This is a book you don't want to miss!!
This novel will alternating have you gasping and laughing at all the predicaments the 3 friends get into!
You will not guess who is trying to murder Lola--Does Jessica find her bio-Dad. What is the real reason she was sent to Las Vegas to begin with?
This is a book you don't want to miss!!
September 26, 2018
I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. The author did a marvelous job with character development and provided just enough background information to carry the storyline. I felt there was a high level of mystery and suspense that was gripping. There seemed to be a lot of thought put into the storyline and it was executed extremely well and with precision. The added humor really makes the book a hit novel for me. It added a lightness to the overall story and made it really enjoyable.
September 30, 2018
Just as I loved Wolf, I very much enjoyed Jackal. Though I received both as an ARC from Booksprouts as stated below, I purchased this book because it was so good and I felt compelled to support such a great story. I love the characters in these books and though they are a bit wild and crazy for me, they are fun to read about. I loved the mystery involved in this story and recommend it to the YA crowd.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2018
This cozy mystery was a great read, full of twists and turns, secrets and revelations. The characters are so engaging and really draw you into story, investing you in what happens. Even if you've never read any of Kelly Oliver's books before (like me!), you'll really enjoy this story, and really want to read more.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
March 16, 2019
It's been awhile since I've read a book that made me laugh, cry, and race through to the end! Jessica James our star, is a inept young lady stumbling through life, but somehow managed to make it to a satisfying conclusion. We've all heard the line, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", think again! The characters are well written, funny, quirky, and crazy. I loved this story, and you will, too.
March 22, 2020
Jackal Book 4 of Kelly Oliver Jessica James Mysteries series. Since I'm reading them one right after the other I have begun to blend everything together and keeping what's going on in each one separate is getting harder for me so I'll keep this review general. Love all the action and suspense in the stories. Love how things go from serious to funny with ups and downs throughout. Keep writing Kelly love your books. Highly recommend reading.
September 25, 2018
This book was a ton of fun to read. Filled with murder and Mayhem and a bit of hilarity, this book is a keeper. It kept me turning the pages from beginning to end. This is not one you will want to miss. As a matter of fact, you might want to keep it in your library. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
August 26, 2021
This is an "okay" read. Similar to the author's other Jessica James books. The book held my attention but not like other books I've read where I didn't want to put it down. I'm starting Viper next by the same author and I'm guessing it will be very similar to the previous books but, who knows, I may be pleasantly surprised.
September 25, 2018
This was fun to read - good development of story, humor and progress.
Jessica meets interesting challenges and manages in her own unique way!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessica meets interesting challenges and manages in her own unique way!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2019
A fast paced Jessica James book adventure with her and her friends. Loved the quirky people, the humor, the mystery and adventure in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2020
I enjoyed the story; however, I did not like the sound effects.
April 8, 2020
A free book from Voracious Readers thank you
A great whodunit with a likable cast of characters that takes you through the adventures of Jessica James
A thoroughly good read
A great whodunit with a likable cast of characters that takes you through the adventures of Jessica James
A thoroughly good read
February 14, 2021
Fun read.
Complementary copy received via #Goodreads Giveaways
Complementary copy received via #Goodreads Giveaways
February 16, 2023
These books got me though and 8 hour job!
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
Always recommend a good mystery for a distraction.
July 2, 2023
Interesting story
For some life is a bed of roses. For others its jump from the frying pan into the fire. Such is this story for Jessica James.
For some life is a bed of roses. For others its jump from the frying pan into the fire. Such is this story for Jessica James.
September 8, 2023
The next installment of the series. I have enjoyed how the author has thrown Jessica into one after another adventure, drama. Fun read.
January 12, 2024
Pretty good book
January 14, 2024
It was...okay.
December 16, 2025
3 1/2 stars
February 21, 2023
Grabbed this when it was on sale for $.99
Thought it would be a great book to read while on might shift.
Book was good, enjoyable but not amazin.
Thought it would be a great book to read while on might shift.
Book was good, enjoyable but not amazin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews