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Enough Rope
During an early morning jog, Atlanta attorney Tom Halloran discovers the body of his friend and colleague, Elliot Carter, hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park. Even worse, the private and dignified Carter is grotesquely dressed in women’s clothes. Halloran is convinced that Elliot’s death is murder, not a tragic accident of autoerotic asphyxia-gone-wrong.
But the medical examiner’s investigator, Hollis Joplin, is skeptical. He knows how difficult it would be to fake that kind of death, and he’s seen too much in his years on the Atlanta streets to be surprised by what people are capable of doing—to themselves or others. Then two more people die, and the clues lead back to a twenty-year-old kidnapping.
The under-staffed Atlanta PD can’t give the case attention unless Carter’s death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin, with an eidetic memory that allows him to recall in three dimensions everything he’s seen, sets out to investigate it himself. Piece by piece, he and the relentless Halloran unravel a tale of greed, revenge, and family secrets—and put themselves right in the crosshairs of a calculating and ruthless killer.
But the medical examiner’s investigator, Hollis Joplin, is skeptical. He knows how difficult it would be to fake that kind of death, and he’s seen too much in his years on the Atlanta streets to be surprised by what people are capable of doing—to themselves or others. Then two more people die, and the clues lead back to a twenty-year-old kidnapping.
The under-staffed Atlanta PD can’t give the case attention unless Carter’s death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin, with an eidetic memory that allows him to recall in three dimensions everything he’s seen, sets out to investigate it himself. Piece by piece, he and the relentless Halloran unravel a tale of greed, revenge, and family secrets—and put themselves right in the crosshairs of a calculating and ruthless killer.
Paperback
First published October 28, 2013
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About the author
P.L. Doss
4 books34 followersWhile completing a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice at Georgia State University, P.L. Doss served a graduate internship at the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s office. Assigned to the investigative division, she discovered how important the duties of the investigators were in helping the forensic pathologists determine the cause and manner of death. She was also able to observe the autopsies—an experience that proved to be invaluable in toughening her up for her career in law enforcement, first as a volunteer analyst in the Missing Children’s Information Center at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and then as a probation officer and supervisor of officers at the Georgia Department of Corrections. She currently lives in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 10, 2014
“Give him enough rope and he will hang himself.” – Charlotte Bronte
When Elliot Carter is found hanging from a tree dressed in women’s clothing, the authorities are convinced it is sex-play gone wrong. Elliot’s friend, Tom Halloran, is dead-set against this idea and thinks Elliot was murdered. Hollis Joplin, the Medical Examiner’s investigator, is trying to keep an open mind. The police can’t investigate unless the death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin looks deeper into Elliot’s life. When others close to Elliot start dying, Joplin knows there is something to Halloran’s gut feeling. Searching through the past will give clues to solving the current crimes, but in doing so Halloran and Joplin will catch the eye of a cunning killer.
ENOUGH ROPE is a labyrinthine tale of murder, lust, revenge, and secret histories. I really liked how this mystery wasn’t easy to solve and had many complicated moving parts. There were many suspects and differing information which gave Joplin a lot to chew over. I understand where Halloran was coming from, not wanting to believe his friend accidently hanged himself, but he made the investigation so much more difficult for Joplin. I loved watching all the puzzle pieces fall into place, it’s one of the reasons I love good mysteries. ENOUGH ROPE is definitely a good mystery and will keep your interest until the explosive conclusion.
When Elliot Carter is found hanging from a tree dressed in women’s clothing, the authorities are convinced it is sex-play gone wrong. Elliot’s friend, Tom Halloran, is dead-set against this idea and thinks Elliot was murdered. Hollis Joplin, the Medical Examiner’s investigator, is trying to keep an open mind. The police can’t investigate unless the death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin looks deeper into Elliot’s life. When others close to Elliot start dying, Joplin knows there is something to Halloran’s gut feeling. Searching through the past will give clues to solving the current crimes, but in doing so Halloran and Joplin will catch the eye of a cunning killer.
ENOUGH ROPE is a labyrinthine tale of murder, lust, revenge, and secret histories. I really liked how this mystery wasn’t easy to solve and had many complicated moving parts. There were many suspects and differing information which gave Joplin a lot to chew over. I understand where Halloran was coming from, not wanting to believe his friend accidently hanged himself, but he made the investigation so much more difficult for Joplin. I loved watching all the puzzle pieces fall into place, it’s one of the reasons I love good mysteries. ENOUGH ROPE is definitely a good mystery and will keep your interest until the explosive conclusion.
March 1, 2014
My Thoughts:
*Thank you Mayfair Press for sending a copy of Enough Rope for Review*
*AN ADULT BOOK, CONTAINS GRAPHIC SCENES AND SCENARIOS*
Tom Halloran can't believe his eyes, when he sees the body of his friend, Elliot Carter, hanging from a tree, during his jog in the park. And while the police department isn't classifying Elliot's death as a homicide, but instead suicide. But Tom knows that his friend would never commit suicide in such a horrific way, and criminal investigator, Hollis Joplin, believes that there is a lot more going on here.
Over the years Tom and Elliot haven't talked much, but Tom tries to rattle his brain and come up with possible suspects. The first one he comes up with is Anne Carter; Elliot's soon to be ex-wife. He doesn't really know the reasons as to why Elliot and Anne were going through a divorce, because he lost contact with his friend, but divorces come with a lot of tension, so Anne seems a valid suspect.
Hollis Joplin is feeling the stress and tension building up in his life from work, especially with this new case. He knows that there is something behind this, and this man didn't commit this type of crime in such a public location.
Both Hollis and Tom are doing their own investigating, from finding pictures that may ruin Elliot's reputation, to the weird behaviors of Anne's doctor. But when Anne is found, through overdose, and her son dead as well, Tom and Hollis are completely thrown off.
There aren't very many suspects when it comes to the death of Elliot, his wife and his son. But the real murderer is much closer than Tom or Hollis would have ever thought, and they need to hurry to make sure he doesn't get away!
Final Verdict:
Enough Rope was the first criminal/murder adult book I've ever read. For two reasons, I'm AFRAID of scary movies, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about a scary (ish) book. And two, I just haven't picked one up, because I don't even know where to start. So when I was offered to review this one, there was no chance that I was going to turn it down.
I absolutely loved the characters in Enough Rope. Hollis was the typical criminal investigator I was hoping for, but who was also willing to put his heart on the line to not let his work completely take over his life, and meet a girl. Tom was not only good friend, but also husband and dad. I just found the characters to have depth and be realistic.
(We're so used to superpowers, or the Marvels, that's its almost weird to normal.)
Enough Rope ended in a way that I would never have suspected. Multiple times throughout the story I changed my guesses on who killed who, and how they did it. But never would I have guessed the real murderer, it was such a HUGE twist! You would believe my shock!!?
Ending did leave off with a possible second installment, I'm not sure, but if there is, I'll HAVE to pick myself up a copy!!
*Thank you Mayfair Press for sending a copy of Enough Rope for Review*
*AN ADULT BOOK, CONTAINS GRAPHIC SCENES AND SCENARIOS*
Tom Halloran can't believe his eyes, when he sees the body of his friend, Elliot Carter, hanging from a tree, during his jog in the park. And while the police department isn't classifying Elliot's death as a homicide, but instead suicide. But Tom knows that his friend would never commit suicide in such a horrific way, and criminal investigator, Hollis Joplin, believes that there is a lot more going on here.
Over the years Tom and Elliot haven't talked much, but Tom tries to rattle his brain and come up with possible suspects. The first one he comes up with is Anne Carter; Elliot's soon to be ex-wife. He doesn't really know the reasons as to why Elliot and Anne were going through a divorce, because he lost contact with his friend, but divorces come with a lot of tension, so Anne seems a valid suspect.
Hollis Joplin is feeling the stress and tension building up in his life from work, especially with this new case. He knows that there is something behind this, and this man didn't commit this type of crime in such a public location.
Both Hollis and Tom are doing their own investigating, from finding pictures that may ruin Elliot's reputation, to the weird behaviors of Anne's doctor. But when Anne is found, through overdose, and her son dead as well, Tom and Hollis are completely thrown off.
There aren't very many suspects when it comes to the death of Elliot, his wife and his son. But the real murderer is much closer than Tom or Hollis would have ever thought, and they need to hurry to make sure he doesn't get away!
Final Verdict:
Enough Rope was the first criminal/murder adult book I've ever read. For two reasons, I'm AFRAID of scary movies, so I wasn't sure how I would feel about a scary (ish) book. And two, I just haven't picked one up, because I don't even know where to start. So when I was offered to review this one, there was no chance that I was going to turn it down.
I absolutely loved the characters in Enough Rope. Hollis was the typical criminal investigator I was hoping for, but who was also willing to put his heart on the line to not let his work completely take over his life, and meet a girl. Tom was not only good friend, but also husband and dad. I just found the characters to have depth and be realistic.
(We're so used to superpowers, or the Marvels, that's its almost weird to normal.)
Enough Rope ended in a way that I would never have suspected. Multiple times throughout the story I changed my guesses on who killed who, and how they did it. But never would I have guessed the real murderer, it was such a HUGE twist! You would believe my shock!!?
Ending did leave off with a possible second installment, I'm not sure, but if there is, I'll HAVE to pick myself up a copy!!
May 11, 2014
I did it. I judged this book by its cover – P.L., get a snazzy cover! – and was I ever in for a surprise! From page one I got up in this mystery with Hollis Joplin and Tom Halloran. It seemed that with every page I turned the mystery of the murders became more complex and the plot thickened. I could not put this book down at all. Any spare moment I got, I was reading this book – even at stoplights to and from work. Sometimes I’d even avoid taking the highway and instead take the service road filled with lights just to get in a few more minutes of reading (thankfully it’s only a few exits to my house!).
When Hollis arrives at the scene of Elliot’s death he tells Halloran that no matter how well you think you know a person, you don’t know them all that well, which is the big idea that leads Halloran through most of the book.
The novel follows a few of the characters, primarily giving insight into the murders and furthering the development and formulation of solving the murders. The novel follows both Joplin and Halloran, and even for a brief moment the new pathologist intern Carrie, who works alongside Joplin’s best friend Jack, conducting autopsies. Halloran is out “playing detective” as Joplin calls it, and eventually shares all of his information with Joplin, but at one point he overplays his hand – and that’s when things start spiraling. Despite that, he and Joplin are in it together to solve the string of murders – and predicting who will be next.
Pictures from long ago resurface – pictures that Joplin’s Chief has seen before when working on a kidnapping twenty years ago, and pictures that Elliot Carter’s wife took to a private investigator. The pictures are an odd twist, but ultimately what helps both Joplin and Halloran put the pieces together.
Joplin and Halloran both set their sights on one particular suspect who is very close to Elliot’s wife. Then Halloran discovers a curve ball, and he and Joplin are left with two prime suspects, but they’ve got a hard judge who won’t grant a search warrant based on what they’ve got, so they riddle it out some more. This is when the two align exactly in concluding who the murderer is and determining the motive. Joplin figures it out first
There is a definite focus on prestige, money, appearance and reputation in this book. There is a lot said about Elliot’s wife, Anne, and the circumstances of their marriage, birth of their only child, and recent separation.
I thought I was figuring things out on my own, and knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. I never would have even suspected the killer, not in a million years.
This was a thrilling and wonderfully written murder mystery read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries.
When Hollis arrives at the scene of Elliot’s death he tells Halloran that no matter how well you think you know a person, you don’t know them all that well, which is the big idea that leads Halloran through most of the book.
The novel follows a few of the characters, primarily giving insight into the murders and furthering the development and formulation of solving the murders. The novel follows both Joplin and Halloran, and even for a brief moment the new pathologist intern Carrie, who works alongside Joplin’s best friend Jack, conducting autopsies. Halloran is out “playing detective” as Joplin calls it, and eventually shares all of his information with Joplin, but at one point he overplays his hand – and that’s when things start spiraling. Despite that, he and Joplin are in it together to solve the string of murders – and predicting who will be next.
Pictures from long ago resurface – pictures that Joplin’s Chief has seen before when working on a kidnapping twenty years ago, and pictures that Elliot Carter’s wife took to a private investigator. The pictures are an odd twist, but ultimately what helps both Joplin and Halloran put the pieces together.
Joplin and Halloran both set their sights on one particular suspect who is very close to Elliot’s wife. Then Halloran discovers a curve ball, and he and Joplin are left with two prime suspects, but they’ve got a hard judge who won’t grant a search warrant based on what they’ve got, so they riddle it out some more. This is when the two align exactly in concluding who the murderer is and determining the motive. Joplin figures it out first
There is a definite focus on prestige, money, appearance and reputation in this book. There is a lot said about Elliot’s wife, Anne, and the circumstances of their marriage, birth of their only child, and recent separation.
I thought I was figuring things out on my own, and knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. I never would have even suspected the killer, not in a million years.
This was a thrilling and wonderfully written murder mystery read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries.
May 13, 2014
Enough Rope by P.L. Doss
Tom Halloran, hot-shot lawyer, is taking his normal morning run through the park when he spots a body hanging from a tree. Worse, when he gets closer he recognizes Elliot Carter, his friend and mentor; worse still, Carter is wearing a wig, a bra, and a thong.
When the Medical Examiner's investigator Hollis Joplin arrives, he notes a few irregularities, but the death still looks like autoerotic asphxiation. Halloran, however, continues to insist that his friend would never have committed such a humiliating act and that it must have been murder.
Most of the story moves from Halloran's perspective to Joplin's. Halloran tries to get at the truth, but his efforts sometimes muddle and interfere with Joplin's investigation. Both characters are compelling as they wade through the back story that led to the death of Elliot Carter, not working together, but occasionally sharing information
A twisty puzzle with plenty of suspects and old secrets that have far-reaching effects.
NetGalley
Crime/Mystery. 2013. Print Length: 298 pages.
Tom Halloran, hot-shot lawyer, is taking his normal morning run through the park when he spots a body hanging from a tree. Worse, when he gets closer he recognizes Elliot Carter, his friend and mentor; worse still, Carter is wearing a wig, a bra, and a thong.
When the Medical Examiner's investigator Hollis Joplin arrives, he notes a few irregularities, but the death still looks like autoerotic asphxiation. Halloran, however, continues to insist that his friend would never have committed such a humiliating act and that it must have been murder.
Most of the story moves from Halloran's perspective to Joplin's. Halloran tries to get at the truth, but his efforts sometimes muddle and interfere with Joplin's investigation. Both characters are compelling as they wade through the back story that led to the death of Elliot Carter, not working together, but occasionally sharing information
A twisty puzzle with plenty of suspects and old secrets that have far-reaching effects.
NetGalley
Crime/Mystery. 2013. Print Length: 298 pages.
August 12, 2016
4.5 Stars.
A really fantastic read. Beautifully paced, well written and really good solid characters. There's a book two to come as this is to become a series but this one doesn't end on a cliffhanger so don't worry! I will definitely read the second one as this had me completely hooked.
A really fantastic read. Beautifully paced, well written and really good solid characters. There's a book two to come as this is to become a series but this one doesn't end on a cliffhanger so don't worry! I will definitely read the second one as this had me completely hooked.
August 6, 2019
This is a great book! The plot was great and the story moved at a fast pace. I especially appreciated that, since it is set in the city of Atlanta, all of the landmarks were correct!! It's great when the author has actually lived in the city.
I'm looking forward to the follow up book.
I'm looking forward to the follow up book.
January 10, 2021
I kept fluctuating between 3 and 4 stars on this Goodreads giveaway. It’s a complex thriller/mystery that deals with friendship, police, and a series of red herrings. At times, there is almost too much going on, but it does wrap up quite nicely in the end.
July 12, 2024
Such a great book with characters to connect with. The authors imagination and story line kept me captivated. I couldn’t figure out who done it and was staying up late and waking up early to read the next chapter.
May 29, 2014
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
During an early morning jog, Atlanta attorney Tom Halloran discovers the body of his friend and colleague, Elliot Carter, hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park. Even worse, the private and dignified Carter is grotesquely dressed in women’s clothes. Halloran is convinced that Elliot’s death is murder, not a tragic accident of autoerotic asphyxia-gone-wrong.
But the medical examiner’s investigator, Hollis Joplin, is skeptical. He knows how difficult it would be to fake that kind of death, and he’s seen too much in his years on the Atlanta streets to be surprised by what people are capable of doing—to themselves or others. Then two more people die, and the clues lead back to a twenty-year-old kidnapping.
The under-staffed Atlanta PD can’t give the case attention unless Carter’s death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin, with an eidetic memory that allows him to recall in three dimensions everything he’s seen, sets out to investigate it himself. Piece by piece, he and the relentless Halloran unravel a tale of greed, revenge, and family secrets—and put themselves right in the crosshairs of a calculating and ruthless killer.
MOON SHINE ART SPOT:
This book reminded me of the strictly mystery, figure it out books, I read as a teen. There are plenty of clues and lots of people to suspect. I will admit I was suprised at the ending though. The murder was not someone I suspected for quite a while.
The characters in this book were well developed and if you like a mystery this will be a good one to try to figure out. I really liked the character of Joplin. I found myself rooting for him in many situations and I appreciate his dedication to finding the truth of the situation.
During an early morning jog, Atlanta attorney Tom Halloran discovers the body of his friend and colleague, Elliot Carter, hanging from a tree in Piedmont Park. Even worse, the private and dignified Carter is grotesquely dressed in women’s clothes. Halloran is convinced that Elliot’s death is murder, not a tragic accident of autoerotic asphyxia-gone-wrong.
But the medical examiner’s investigator, Hollis Joplin, is skeptical. He knows how difficult it would be to fake that kind of death, and he’s seen too much in his years on the Atlanta streets to be surprised by what people are capable of doing—to themselves or others. Then two more people die, and the clues lead back to a twenty-year-old kidnapping.
The under-staffed Atlanta PD can’t give the case attention unless Carter’s death is ruled a homicide, so Joplin, with an eidetic memory that allows him to recall in three dimensions everything he’s seen, sets out to investigate it himself. Piece by piece, he and the relentless Halloran unravel a tale of greed, revenge, and family secrets—and put themselves right in the crosshairs of a calculating and ruthless killer.
MOON SHINE ART SPOT:
This book reminded me of the strictly mystery, figure it out books, I read as a teen. There are plenty of clues and lots of people to suspect. I will admit I was suprised at the ending though. The murder was not someone I suspected for quite a while.
The characters in this book were well developed and if you like a mystery this will be a good one to try to figure out. I really liked the character of Joplin. I found myself rooting for him in many situations and I appreciate his dedication to finding the truth of the situation.
May 8, 2015
This book was just not a good match for me. It's been on my "Currently Reading" shelf for the last year? It's a DNF. The writing was good, the subject matter was okay, it just didn't hit home fo me. I decided to give it 3 stars as a 50/50 because other people may have loved this book. It's NOT a one star at all. I just couldn't click with it. Sorry. I think I might have gotten it from the author a long time ago. Spring cleaning! Thanks!
February 5, 2014
Excellent ! I couldn't put it down .
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews