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H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word
Every murder has a story.
Every story begins at home.
Tampa newscaster Tori Younger is saddened to learn her childhood friend, Brooke Martin, hung herself from the old water tower in their hometown. Tori hasn’t spoken to Brooke in years and doesn’t feel comfortable returning to attend the services. Then cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cellphone change her mind.
Attending the funeral, Tori confronts a past that still haunts her and questions the text messages haunting her now. Her investigation leads to a fact she suspected all along: her old friend didn’t commit suicide but was murdered. There’s no shortage of suspects either: Brooke’s angry husband who instigated a fight the night she died; Brooke’s high school principal who denies rumors they were having an affair; and a town sheriff who shares a stormy past with Tori and is blocking her investigation at every turn. The only witness appears to be Brooke’s five-year-old daughter who hasn’t spoken since the tragedy and continually draws the same graphic picture of the night her mother’s body was discovered hanging from that old water tower.
Tori knows one of them has Brooke’s cellphone and is texting her from it. Others are convinced it’s Brooke reaching out from the Great Beyond. Either way, someone from her past is playing a deadly game of Hangman.
Every story begins at home.
Tampa newscaster Tori Younger is saddened to learn her childhood friend, Brooke Martin, hung herself from the old water tower in their hometown. Tori hasn’t spoken to Brooke in years and doesn’t feel comfortable returning to attend the services. Then cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cellphone change her mind.
Attending the funeral, Tori confronts a past that still haunts her and questions the text messages haunting her now. Her investigation leads to a fact she suspected all along: her old friend didn’t commit suicide but was murdered. There’s no shortage of suspects either: Brooke’s angry husband who instigated a fight the night she died; Brooke’s high school principal who denies rumors they were having an affair; and a town sheriff who shares a stormy past with Tori and is blocking her investigation at every turn. The only witness appears to be Brooke’s five-year-old daughter who hasn’t spoken since the tragedy and continually draws the same graphic picture of the night her mother’s body was discovered hanging from that old water tower.
Tori knows one of them has Brooke’s cellphone and is texting her from it. Others are convinced it’s Brooke reaching out from the Great Beyond. Either way, someone from her past is playing a deadly game of Hangman.
317 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2019
11 people are currently reading
3929 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Gatlin
6 books159 followersJC Gatlin is a Mystery-Suspense Author hailing from Tampa, Florida. His last book, H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word, was published by Milford House Press in 2019 and won Gold in Mystery and Crime Fiction in the Florida Royal Palm Literary Awards. His next book, Darkness Hides, is releasing in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 23, 2019
When well-known newscaster Tori Younger learns of the suicide death of a childhood friend, she faces a touch decision. Go back home and pay her respects or send flowers and stay home. She was humiliated by a man who proposed marriage and then didn't bother to show up for the wedding. Mortified, she packed her bags and never looked back ... until now.
The funeral behind her, she starts receiving text messages from her deceased friend' s phone ... but how can that be? No one admits to having the phone or sending messages... and she know she isn't crazy.
She doesn't believe that her friend hung herself ... the note she left is not in her handwriting and she would never have left her young daughter alone.
So .. is someone trying to chase her away? To keep the truth hidden? Tori might find the answers she wants ... but at what cost?
This is a well-paced, fast-moving mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing at what the stupendous ending will reveal.
Many thanks to the author / Sunbury Press, Inc. / Milford House Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 20, 2019
I believe this novel is at least a good 4.5 stars! When I first started reading, I almost completed the novel in a day. I had to make myself put this book down. I could not read the next day because of a death in the family, but I finished yesterday. The story concerns a journalist coming to a small town for the funeral of Torie's best friend who committed suicide. Torie does not believe the suicide line and begins to delve into the truth. What follows is a nonstop action story which I LOVED! I recommend this novel to anyone who cares about murder mysteries! Great read Mr.Gatlin!
June 11, 2019
Wow. WOW. H_NGM_N by JC Gatlin was intense, addicting, fast-paced…all from the very beginning. I might have held my breath through the entire book. I know one thing, I didnt sleep. I had to keep reading. There was no pause where I felt like I could leave this one…I just needed to finish the story.
JC Gatlin knows how to hook you. He leads you on a dark, twisting road that you don’t want to get off. I read this one late into the night, and I’ll be honest, it spooked me. It’s such a compelling novel and I’m now a huge fan of JC Gatlin!
I highly recommend checking out H_NGM_N, especially if you love dark, twisted, novels you won’t be able to put down. A 5 star read for me!!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Sage's Blog Tours. All opinions are my own.*
JC Gatlin knows how to hook you. He leads you on a dark, twisting road that you don’t want to get off. I read this one late into the night, and I’ll be honest, it spooked me. It’s such a compelling novel and I’m now a huge fan of JC Gatlin!
I highly recommend checking out H_NGM_N, especially if you love dark, twisted, novels you won’t be able to put down. A 5 star read for me!!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Sage's Blog Tours. All opinions are my own.*
September 22, 2019
The past and present collide in this story of murder. The story is fast paced with characters that might seem familiar if you think back to high school. The main character, Tori, has tried to avoid her past but as she finds out it always has a way of catching up with you especially when you can't let go. I look forward to reading more books by JC Gatlin.
May 22, 2019
Every murder has a story.
Every story begins at home.
Tampa newscaster Tori Younger is saddened to learn her childhood friend, Brooke Martin, hung herself from the old water tower in their hometown. Tori hasn’t spoken to Brooke in years and doesn’t feel comfortable returning to attend the services. Then cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cellphone change her mind.
Attending the funeral, Tori confronts a past that still haunts her and questions the text messages haunting her now. Her investigation leads to a fact she suspected all along: her old friend didn’t commit suicide but was murdered. There’s no shortage of suspects either: Brooke’s angry husband who instigated a fight the night she died; Brooke’s high school principal who denies rumors they were having an affair; and a town sheriff who shares a stormy past with Tori and is blocking her investigation at every turn. The only witness appears to be Brooke’s five-year-old daughter who hasn’t spoken since the tragedy and continually draws the same graphic picture of the night her mother’s body was discovered hanging from that old water tower.
Tori knows one of them has Brooke’s cellphone and is texting her from it. Others are convinced it’s Brooke reaching out from the Great Beyond. Either way, someone from her past is playing a deadly game of Hangman.
I enjoyed this thriller.
I found it to be a fast paced read.
I enjoyed the colorful turns of phrase and the humor.
The story line is very well thought out and written.
Definitely loved the unexpected twists involved.
I enjoyed the characters and found them well written.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Recommend reading.
Thank you Netgalley.
Every story begins at home.
Tampa newscaster Tori Younger is saddened to learn her childhood friend, Brooke Martin, hung herself from the old water tower in their hometown. Tori hasn’t spoken to Brooke in years and doesn’t feel comfortable returning to attend the services. Then cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cellphone change her mind.
Attending the funeral, Tori confronts a past that still haunts her and questions the text messages haunting her now. Her investigation leads to a fact she suspected all along: her old friend didn’t commit suicide but was murdered. There’s no shortage of suspects either: Brooke’s angry husband who instigated a fight the night she died; Brooke’s high school principal who denies rumors they were having an affair; and a town sheriff who shares a stormy past with Tori and is blocking her investigation at every turn. The only witness appears to be Brooke’s five-year-old daughter who hasn’t spoken since the tragedy and continually draws the same graphic picture of the night her mother’s body was discovered hanging from that old water tower.
Tori knows one of them has Brooke’s cellphone and is texting her from it. Others are convinced it’s Brooke reaching out from the Great Beyond. Either way, someone from her past is playing a deadly game of Hangman.
I enjoyed this thriller.
I found it to be a fast paced read.
I enjoyed the colorful turns of phrase and the humor.
The story line is very well thought out and written.
Definitely loved the unexpected twists involved.
I enjoyed the characters and found them well written.
Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Recommend reading.
Thank you Netgalley.
April 23, 2019
Hells bells! H_MNGM_N is a superb, fast-paced, nail biting thriller.
When the news of Brooke Martin's apparent suicide reaches Tori Younger, her childhood friend, she's torn between going back to their hometown to pay her last respects or sending her condolences to her family. Five years ago Tori left town for good, after suffering a heartbreak and has good reason to keep away. But a gnawing thought that Brooke wouldn't just kill herself leaving behind a five year old takes hold and Tori cannot resist solving the mystery as to why Brooke killed herself or was she really killed!
And when Tori begins to receive texts from Brooke's number she's determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I loved the characters, plot, dialogs everything! The playful banter between RJ and Tori was a treat! There were a lot of surprising twists, nail-biting suspense and spooky moments. A page-turner that will will have you reading well into the morning(with your lights on). I really liked how the story shaped out and am all praises for J. C. Gatlin!
Thank you Netgalley, J. C. Gatlin & Sunbury Press Inc. /Milford House Press for an arc!
When the news of Brooke Martin's apparent suicide reaches Tori Younger, her childhood friend, she's torn between going back to their hometown to pay her last respects or sending her condolences to her family. Five years ago Tori left town for good, after suffering a heartbreak and has good reason to keep away. But a gnawing thought that Brooke wouldn't just kill herself leaving behind a five year old takes hold and Tori cannot resist solving the mystery as to why Brooke killed herself or was she really killed!
And when Tori begins to receive texts from Brooke's number she's determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I loved the characters, plot, dialogs everything! The playful banter between RJ and Tori was a treat! There were a lot of surprising twists, nail-biting suspense and spooky moments. A page-turner that will will have you reading well into the morning(with your lights on). I really liked how the story shaped out and am all praises for J. C. Gatlin!
Thank you Netgalley, J. C. Gatlin & Sunbury Press Inc. /Milford House Press for an arc!
May 21, 2019
Holy cannoli! If you are looking for your next read, look no further. Buy this... read this... thank me later!! Wowza! This is an intense murder mystery that will keep you up all night reading! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! Cryptic! Tori’s a well known newscastor and her childhood friend Brooke recently hung herself which sends Tori back home to face her own demons and help figure out what happened to Brooke! This is a page turner and it’s written so incredibly well. I love a good thriller that keeps me guessing and interested until the very last page and that is exactly what I got here! Books like this are rare to find, this needs to be your next read. I’d also recommend this for your next book club read, everyone will enjoy it and have plenty to discuss after! Take a ride with H_NGM_N! You won’t regret it!
July 15, 2019
This book was sent to me via NetGalley because I have read other books with similar synopses.
Tori is a reporter in Tampa. She left her small town life behind, but when her childhood friend Brooke is found to have committed suicide, Tori goes home for the funeral. After getting text messages from Brooke’s phone, Tori suspects that the suicide was actually a staged murder. She sets out to discover what really happened to Brooke.
The book had promise. The storyline was interesting, and I’m all about “whodunnit” books. But the author in this tried too hard to misdirect the reader, throwing in unnecessarily confusing clues to try to get the reader off the trail. The ending didn’t feel very climactic to me because of how many false starts we’d had to solve the mystery before. I think there was potential, but I didn’t feel like the book was executed well. I wouldn’t read it again.
Tori is a reporter in Tampa. She left her small town life behind, but when her childhood friend Brooke is found to have committed suicide, Tori goes home for the funeral. After getting text messages from Brooke’s phone, Tori suspects that the suicide was actually a staged murder. She sets out to discover what really happened to Brooke.
The book had promise. The storyline was interesting, and I’m all about “whodunnit” books. But the author in this tried too hard to misdirect the reader, throwing in unnecessarily confusing clues to try to get the reader off the trail. The ending didn’t feel very climactic to me because of how many false starts we’d had to solve the mystery before. I think there was potential, but I didn’t feel like the book was executed well. I wouldn’t read it again.
May 21, 2019
Warning: Do not start this late in the evening, intending to read a couple of chapters before going to bed. If you do, you probably won't get any sleep, because you won't be able to stop reading until you get to the end. A very fast pace, lots of twists and turns, an abundance of suspects and red herrings, constant tension, and high drama will keep you awake all the way to the satisfying and surprising conclusion.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote this review, which reflects my honest opinion.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote this review, which reflects my honest opinion.
May 22, 2019
A_a_i_g!!!! What a wickedly gripping and original book! I absolutely adored it , from the chapter titles to the nuanced characters, this novel really is one of a kind . I thought I knew where the story was going but like any good magic illusion the trick is not what you think... I can only recommend and truly say that if you love thrillers as much as I do, this is the one you don’t want to miss!
May 24, 2019
I am a woman who likes a good crime novel. I have to confess that good crime stories are my weakness. Every time I read a crime novel I try to guess the three big questions: Who, How and Why? I assume that most crime-lovers out there share the same vice. I ques that for an author to give just about the right amount of information on the mystery is a great challenge. If the author gives too much information, that the reader does not have to finish the book to solve the mystery. If he or she gives too little clues, the reader feels cheated since there is no way of solving the crime.
Having said all this, I feel obliged to say that Mr JC Gatlin did wonders with his book "H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word". The book is fast-paced and the story is interesting. It has a lot of action and just enough amount of drama. I have to confess that by the end of the book I had my doubts about who the perpetrator is and why was the crime committed.
If I have to give "H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word" a rating it would be 4.5 out of 5.
Keep the good work, Mr JC Gatlin! I am looking forward to your next book and I really hope to see Torri and RJ again soon.
Having said all this, I feel obliged to say that Mr JC Gatlin did wonders with his book "H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word". The book is fast-paced and the story is interesting. It has a lot of action and just enough amount of drama. I have to confess that by the end of the book I had my doubts about who the perpetrator is and why was the crime committed.
If I have to give "H_NGM_N: Murder Is the Word" a rating it would be 4.5 out of 5.
Keep the good work, Mr JC Gatlin! I am looking forward to your next book and I really hope to see Torri and RJ again soon.
May 30, 2019
I could not put this book down! It's fast-paced and the characters are very likable. The dialogue is fresh and the story is well-crafted. Gatlin's style of writing holds you in its grip until the last page! This story is not predictable. It's engrossing and I found myself not wanting to be interrupted from reading it because I couldn't wait to see how the story unfolds. Well-developed characters and it moves so fast. I've read all of Jc Gatlin's books and this might just be his best yet!!
July 5, 2019
A good detective story.
I like mystery with a bit of paranormal and this fits the bill. We follow Tori and RJ, two members of a TV station who can’t seem to score big news yet when they do; it gets snatched from them. Then a tragedy hits close to home and both of them get a lot more than they bargained for. This story had a bit of paranormal activity , intrigue; betrayal and lots of twists and turns . I loved it because it kept me guessing right until the end and that’s what makes it a good detective story.
I like mystery with a bit of paranormal and this fits the bill. We follow Tori and RJ, two members of a TV station who can’t seem to score big news yet when they do; it gets snatched from them. Then a tragedy hits close to home and both of them get a lot more than they bargained for. This story had a bit of paranormal activity , intrigue; betrayal and lots of twists and turns . I loved it because it kept me guessing right until the end and that’s what makes it a good detective story.
May 31, 2019
Yet another wonderful book by one of my favorite authors
May 19, 2019
Once I started reading I couldn't put it down
July 5, 2019
JCGatlin is utterly Fantastic!!!!!... The whole book I was on edge… leaving you wanting to read just one more chapter… this was a book I could not put down and I didn’t want to either...
July 9, 2019
***I received a free copy and am giving an honest review by choice***
I loved this murder mystery. The opening scene was very chilling. Brooke is arguing with her drunk husband, yet she’s scared that someone or something’s outside, staring at her through the kitchen window. The author did a great job of providing red herrings. I was shocked by Brooke’s killer!
My favorite lines: 1) The barking stopped. The room turned silent. Dark. 2) “Fate is fate. You can’t escape it.”
I loved the rhythm of how the author’s sentences flowed. I really liked Tori and her cameraman’s friendship. They made a cute duo as they tried to figure out the clues to who was sending Tori cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cell phone. I was confused though why hardly anyone questioned why the young daughter Darla was drawing two silhouettes looking up at her dead mom, instead of just one.
I would have given the book 5 stars, but I deducted a star for formatting issues. Weird indentations between words every other paragraph in my ebook.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
I loved this murder mystery. The opening scene was very chilling. Brooke is arguing with her drunk husband, yet she’s scared that someone or something’s outside, staring at her through the kitchen window. The author did a great job of providing red herrings. I was shocked by Brooke’s killer!
My favorite lines: 1) The barking stopped. The room turned silent. Dark. 2) “Fate is fate. You can’t escape it.”
I loved the rhythm of how the author’s sentences flowed. I really liked Tori and her cameraman’s friendship. They made a cute duo as they tried to figure out the clues to who was sending Tori cryptic text messages from Brooke’s cell phone. I was confused though why hardly anyone questioned why the young daughter Darla was drawing two silhouettes looking up at her dead mom, instead of just one.
I would have given the book 5 stars, but I deducted a star for formatting issues. Weird indentations between words every other paragraph in my ebook.
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
June 12, 2019
Tori Younger is a new reporter that hears about her childhood friend hanging herself from the old water tower. Tori is torn about going back for the funeral since she has her own demons that ran her out of town but she bites the bullet and returns home. While at the funeral, Tori has her own past to work through but starts questioning if her friend really killer herself leaving her five-year-old daughter alone and at the scene of the crime.
Tori’s curiosity is peaked and she starts looking into Brooks past. She finds there is a lot more happening to Brook than she knew and that the possible killers are plenty. Then Tori stars getting text messages from Brook’s phone. No one is admitting to having the phone and some look at it as Brook reaching out from beyond the grave. But someone is playing a deadly game and Tori is going to be the next victim.
Oh my goodness, where to begin. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this book down. I don’t blame Tori for not wanting to go back home but she does the right thing. Then she learns that there is way more happening than what you see at first glance. I thought I might know where this story was going but I was wrong up until the reveal at the end. Lots of suspects, lots of suspense, and one heck of a killer.
I can’t believe that this is the first book of JC Gatlin’s that I have read. It was an amazing and dark thriller, just like I like them. I recommend checking out this book. Now I can’t wait to read more of Gatlin’s other books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Tori’s curiosity is peaked and she starts looking into Brooks past. She finds there is a lot more happening to Brook than she knew and that the possible killers are plenty. Then Tori stars getting text messages from Brook’s phone. No one is admitting to having the phone and some look at it as Brook reaching out from beyond the grave. But someone is playing a deadly game and Tori is going to be the next victim.
Oh my goodness, where to begin. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this book down. I don’t blame Tori for not wanting to go back home but she does the right thing. Then she learns that there is way more happening than what you see at first glance. I thought I might know where this story was going but I was wrong up until the reveal at the end. Lots of suspects, lots of suspense, and one heck of a killer.
I can’t believe that this is the first book of JC Gatlin’s that I have read. It was an amazing and dark thriller, just like I like them. I recommend checking out this book. Now I can’t wait to read more of Gatlin’s other books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
April 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this read! Had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't quit reading. Had alot of twists and turns. I highly recommend this book.
April 25, 2019
I found the chapter headings interesting and unusual. The plot was Ok, and I did want to know the answer.
October 23, 2019
What a wild ride. Hangman grips you like a serial killer and doesn't let go until the shocking end. This book was difficult to put down. Every page turn creeps you closer and closer to the truth. Following in Tori's footsteps, you feel her anguish and her frustration. As every turn leads to dead ends, you want to know the truth as badly as her! And when you think you have it all figured out, you don't. An amazing story by J.C. Gatlin.
November 15, 2019
This book is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The main character, Tori Younger ran away from her small hometown after an event which left her broken-hearted and with no answers. She went to Tampa and got on with her life and has ended up as a newscaster for a local station, but only for all of the seemingly weird stories such as a water skiing squirrel or the last fast food restaurant opening! Her slightly younger and friendly cameraman, RJ, is with her all the time. She gets a call from Ash, the husband of her best friend Brooke, to say that she has died and her funeral is in just three days time.
From what Ash says, Brooke committed suicide, hanging herself from the decrepit old water tower near their home. Unfortunately, her young daughter Darla was apparently a witness to this and hasn’t spoken since. Tori tries to reconcile her memories of her old friend with the thoughts of suicide, but somehow, can’t believe she would do this. She hasn’t been the best of friends to Brooke and Winnie, the three of them were inseparable as kids and growing up, but the event that caused her to leave, has meant she doesn’t ever want to return.
Ash asks her if she will come to the funeral, but Tori makes her excuses and refuses to attend. That is, until she receives a message from Brooke’s mobile phone, with a cryptic message. She keeps getting the messages and finally decides to travel there. Her cameraman RJ gets her organized and drives them down in his jeep, as they have to attend a boat show the day after the funeral. He is more than a friend, but Tori doesn’t even realise this, having a blinkered approach to life and no social life or romance on the horizon.
Once she gets there, she comes across her ex Mike, who is now the local Sheriff and married with two kids. She wanted to avoid him at all costs, but the town is just too small for that. She tries to find out who has access to Brooke’s phone, firstly thinking it is Ash, Brooke’s husband. Matters get even more complex and Tori realises she can’t leave town until she can get justice for her friend, even though she has a job to get to. She persuades her boss that there is a story here and he allows her to stay another day.
RJ believes there may be EVP messages, sounds or messages from the dead, from Brooke and is interested in being a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator. Tori thinks this is rubbish until she hears a recording he made. Add in the somewhat psychic intern at the sheriff’s office, a possible affair with the head of the school, a jealous wife, a sheriff with a heart condition, an ex she can’t get over and it just all adds to the suspense of the story. Someone is definitely sending messages to Tori from her dead friend’s phone, encouraging her to stay in town and investigate her friend’s apparent suicide, which is looking more and more like murder.
Setting the story in a small town, where everyone knows everyone else, the tensions certainly ramp up when people take one opinion as gospel and blame an innocent man. Bring in the arch rival newscaster, Simone, and all hell breaks free. Vandalism, drunken rampages and mortal danger for Tori are just part of the scintillating storyline. I feel sorry for little Darla, Ash and Brooke’s young daughter, who seems to end up in the weirdest of places, but as you read to the end, you will see where this story is going. A sad and unusual ending to a tale of mistakes, jealousy and deranged sanity. A great read and one author I will look to follow for more of the same. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
From what Ash says, Brooke committed suicide, hanging herself from the decrepit old water tower near their home. Unfortunately, her young daughter Darla was apparently a witness to this and hasn’t spoken since. Tori tries to reconcile her memories of her old friend with the thoughts of suicide, but somehow, can’t believe she would do this. She hasn’t been the best of friends to Brooke and Winnie, the three of them were inseparable as kids and growing up, but the event that caused her to leave, has meant she doesn’t ever want to return.
Ash asks her if she will come to the funeral, but Tori makes her excuses and refuses to attend. That is, until she receives a message from Brooke’s mobile phone, with a cryptic message. She keeps getting the messages and finally decides to travel there. Her cameraman RJ gets her organized and drives them down in his jeep, as they have to attend a boat show the day after the funeral. He is more than a friend, but Tori doesn’t even realise this, having a blinkered approach to life and no social life or romance on the horizon.
Once she gets there, she comes across her ex Mike, who is now the local Sheriff and married with two kids. She wanted to avoid him at all costs, but the town is just too small for that. She tries to find out who has access to Brooke’s phone, firstly thinking it is Ash, Brooke’s husband. Matters get even more complex and Tori realises she can’t leave town until she can get justice for her friend, even though she has a job to get to. She persuades her boss that there is a story here and he allows her to stay another day.
RJ believes there may be EVP messages, sounds or messages from the dead, from Brooke and is interested in being a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator. Tori thinks this is rubbish until she hears a recording he made. Add in the somewhat psychic intern at the sheriff’s office, a possible affair with the head of the school, a jealous wife, a sheriff with a heart condition, an ex she can’t get over and it just all adds to the suspense of the story. Someone is definitely sending messages to Tori from her dead friend’s phone, encouraging her to stay in town and investigate her friend’s apparent suicide, which is looking more and more like murder.
Setting the story in a small town, where everyone knows everyone else, the tensions certainly ramp up when people take one opinion as gospel and blame an innocent man. Bring in the arch rival newscaster, Simone, and all hell breaks free. Vandalism, drunken rampages and mortal danger for Tori are just part of the scintillating storyline. I feel sorry for little Darla, Ash and Brooke’s young daughter, who seems to end up in the weirdest of places, but as you read to the end, you will see where this story is going. A sad and unusual ending to a tale of mistakes, jealousy and deranged sanity. A great read and one author I will look to follow for more of the same. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 22, 2019
When aspiring reporter Tori Younger learns that her close childhood friend, Brook Martin hung herself from the water tower in the presence of her young daughter, Tori is convinced something doesn’t add up. Then she starts getting texts from Brook's cellphone. Tori (with cameraman RJ) heads back to the childhood home she hasn't visited since she was jilted at the altar by the now Sheriff five years earlier.
H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word by J.C. Gatlin is a fast-paced murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns, mysterious clues and red herrings, and a paranormal edge. Tori must face her past humiliation and fractured relationships to find the truth about Brook's death while, time and time again, others insist she let the investigation go. The closer she gets to answers, the more danger she is in.
While I'd suspected who the murderer was just over halfway into the book (along with one other possibility) Gatlin kept me guessing with enough false trails to keep me reading and satisfied with the ending. There were a couple of minor discontinuities and I felt that Darla's tragic situation and also the portrayal of mental breakdown in the closing passages was at times dealt with superficially. Yet, Tori's emotional journey was strongly written and the paranormal element (what was real, what was fake) gave an interesting dynamic that fans of Scooby Doo or The X-Files would, I think, love.
H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word was a gripping and engaging murder mystery.
H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word by J.C. Gatlin is a fast-paced murder mystery with plenty of twists and turns, mysterious clues and red herrings, and a paranormal edge. Tori must face her past humiliation and fractured relationships to find the truth about Brook's death while, time and time again, others insist she let the investigation go. The closer she gets to answers, the more danger she is in.
While I'd suspected who the murderer was just over halfway into the book (along with one other possibility) Gatlin kept me guessing with enough false trails to keep me reading and satisfied with the ending. There were a couple of minor discontinuities and I felt that Darla's tragic situation and also the portrayal of mental breakdown in the closing passages was at times dealt with superficially. Yet, Tori's emotional journey was strongly written and the paranormal element (what was real, what was fake) gave an interesting dynamic that fans of Scooby Doo or The X-Files would, I think, love.
H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word was a gripping and engaging murder mystery.
August 27, 2019
A free copy of the book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this novel. Tori was a fun character to follow, and she has a pretty decent arc. When the truth ultimately comes out about a traumatic event, I feel so bad for her, and, unfortunately, she’ll never get satisfying closure (at least in my opinion). In the end, it seems she got to a point she’s happy with, and I guess how she feels is all that matters.
The supporting characters are decent. Winnie was irritating, but I am curious as to why she acts the way she does. I’d read another story that dives more into her background. But, yeah, the town has a good cast of people, and they didn’t bog down the book at all.
I couldn’t guess who the killer was. Actually, I didn’t even suspect the killer. Does that mean that I like who it ended up being? Eh. I can kind of see the killer’s logic, but it doesn’t sit well with me. But it’s not unrealistic. People are insane after all.
I was engaged throughout the entire book. It’s an easy, quick read, and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author. My biggest complaint is some formatting issues, but it doesn’t ruin the readability. (And I can’t judge harshly. Despite my best efforts, my own books have formatting problems). This is a delightful four out of five stars.
I really enjoyed this novel. Tori was a fun character to follow, and she has a pretty decent arc. When the truth ultimately comes out about a traumatic event, I feel so bad for her, and, unfortunately, she’ll never get satisfying closure (at least in my opinion). In the end, it seems she got to a point she’s happy with, and I guess how she feels is all that matters.
The supporting characters are decent. Winnie was irritating, but I am curious as to why she acts the way she does. I’d read another story that dives more into her background. But, yeah, the town has a good cast of people, and they didn’t bog down the book at all.
I couldn’t guess who the killer was. Actually, I didn’t even suspect the killer. Does that mean that I like who it ended up being? Eh. I can kind of see the killer’s logic, but it doesn’t sit well with me. But it’s not unrealistic. People are insane after all.
I was engaged throughout the entire book. It’s an easy, quick read, and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author. My biggest complaint is some formatting issues, but it doesn’t ruin the readability. (And I can’t judge harshly. Despite my best efforts, my own books have formatting problems). This is a delightful four out of five stars.
February 29, 2020
H_NGM_N: Murder is the Word is thrilling, fast-paced read set in a small town in Texas where the secrets of past explode in a murder mystery. Tory Younger, a young attractive newscaster receives news that her childhood friend, Brooke, has committed suicide. Haunted and heartbroken by the past, and baffled at why her lively and spirited friend would choose to end her life and leave her young daughter motherless, Tory reluctantly returns home with RJ, her disarming cameraman.
Upon her arrival, she quickly realizes that all is not what it seems. She continues to receive cryptic texts from her deceased friend’s phone and nobody owns up to it. When she and RJ investigate further, what they find does not add up. The suicide note is not in Brook’s handwriting, there are rumors that Brooke was not happy in her marriage, and Brooke’s husband alibi does not hold up. Is Brooke trying to reach out and tell her something? Determined to find the murderer, and surrounded by a growing number of suspects, Tory sets on an action-packed quest with many twists and turns. H_NGM_N: Murder was a page-turner with the easy banter between Tory and RJ providing relief from the tension and suspense.
Upon her arrival, she quickly realizes that all is not what it seems. She continues to receive cryptic texts from her deceased friend’s phone and nobody owns up to it. When she and RJ investigate further, what they find does not add up. The suicide note is not in Brook’s handwriting, there are rumors that Brooke was not happy in her marriage, and Brooke’s husband alibi does not hold up. Is Brooke trying to reach out and tell her something? Determined to find the murderer, and surrounded by a growing number of suspects, Tory sets on an action-packed quest with many twists and turns. H_NGM_N: Murder was a page-turner with the easy banter between Tory and RJ providing relief from the tension and suspense.
June 3, 2025
The Total Package
JC Gatlin’s mystery H_NGM_N – Murder Is The Word is the complete package and all a mystery aficionado could ever want in a mystery. It has everything needed to keep you anxiously turning the pages to find out where the next twist and turn will lead you. A female reporter and her cameraman return to her hometown, where one of her best friends supposedly committed suicide. The reporter, however, does not believe her friend hung herself, and her investigation into the matter forces her to confront the local sheriff, the man who left her right before her wedding. The author deftly interweaves the dynamics of this volatile relationship with the murder story. Congrats to this author who accurately portrays the emotions of both his male and female characters! As the reporter, who is supposed to leave the scene and cover another story, is continually drawn back into this murder investigation, she and the innocents around her are plunged into danger. You will be holding your breath as the fast paced action rockets you to new heights. The book is tour de force – a wonderful mystery that will be treasured and needs to be on your bookshelf!
JC Gatlin’s mystery H_NGM_N – Murder Is The Word is the complete package and all a mystery aficionado could ever want in a mystery. It has everything needed to keep you anxiously turning the pages to find out where the next twist and turn will lead you. A female reporter and her cameraman return to her hometown, where one of her best friends supposedly committed suicide. The reporter, however, does not believe her friend hung herself, and her investigation into the matter forces her to confront the local sheriff, the man who left her right before her wedding. The author deftly interweaves the dynamics of this volatile relationship with the murder story. Congrats to this author who accurately portrays the emotions of both his male and female characters! As the reporter, who is supposed to leave the scene and cover another story, is continually drawn back into this murder investigation, she and the innocents around her are plunged into danger. You will be holding your breath as the fast paced action rockets you to new heights. The book is tour de force – a wonderful mystery that will be treasured and needs to be on your bookshelf!
July 24, 2019
This isn't normally the type of book that I read--I like scifi/fantasy, and this is more like a thriller or crime fiction. However, I was impressed by the interesting mystery, and I really enjoyed the main character. It kept me engaged and reading and genuinely guessing until the very end.
The author does a compelling job of depicting Tori Younger's broken heart. Her searing memories and regrets are perhaps some of the most emotional and powerful parts of the book. Yet, as the book progresses and Tori finds answers to the questions that have haunted her life, you can feel her gradual acceptance. Gatlin crafts a beautiful, if painful emotional journey.
I also loved many of the ancillary characters, who have some of the small-town quirkiness and eccentricity that one expects from Florida, but they feel genuine and realistic.
If I had a criticism of the book, it would be that there are too many red herrings that felt like an attempt to throw you off the trail. These don't add anything of substance to the plot, and honestly I felt they were unnecessary to the progression of the book. The ending itself felt well earned.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers or crime fiction, or honestly, anyone who has suffered a broken heart. This book is a good reminder that even if you don't know all the reasons why someone isn't right for you, rest assured they are definitely there. And it may take a while, but eventually you do move on.
The author does a compelling job of depicting Tori Younger's broken heart. Her searing memories and regrets are perhaps some of the most emotional and powerful parts of the book. Yet, as the book progresses and Tori finds answers to the questions that have haunted her life, you can feel her gradual acceptance. Gatlin crafts a beautiful, if painful emotional journey.
I also loved many of the ancillary characters, who have some of the small-town quirkiness and eccentricity that one expects from Florida, but they feel genuine and realistic.
If I had a criticism of the book, it would be that there are too many red herrings that felt like an attempt to throw you off the trail. These don't add anything of substance to the plot, and honestly I felt they were unnecessary to the progression of the book. The ending itself felt well earned.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrillers or crime fiction, or honestly, anyone who has suffered a broken heart. This book is a good reminder that even if you don't know all the reasons why someone isn't right for you, rest assured they are definitely there. And it may take a while, but eventually you do move on.
November 22, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this murder mystery. It was really well written. The main character was giving me lazy Jessica Fletcher vibes. Meaning she was really had to be coaxed into like 75% of her sleuthing.(probably spoiler). I love, love and I cannot stress this enough the idea of Brooke trying to contact her from beyond the grave via text messages(definitely a spoiler). I think that this story is great in part because it does not takes its self to serious. considering the impromptu séance or screaming HHA. Or the main character actively forgetting another character’s name. I honestly most of the characters and especially the choice of character that saved Tori from the fire and being hanged(yes that was a spoiler, but doesn’t that just make you want to know how she even got in that position). I would say that they story did end with everything answered but no definitely did not. if so & so was behind in the whole time whose voice did RJ record whispering "murder" in the Martin house. Who was driving the car that rammed into Tori?.
February 8, 2020
Like 'Saw' meets 'Sharp Objects'
'Hangman' is just my kind of book. It's a super fast-paced mystery / thriller, with some pretty dark horror elements featured in it, as well.
The novel follows Tampa journalist Tori Younger as she returns home to confront her past in the form of a funeral she doesn't want to attend. Her history in Elroy Springs is complicated, and she'd rather just continue moving on with her life.
However, when she discovers that an old friend—who ostensibly committed suicide—was actually murdered, Tori finds it within herself to track down Brooke Martin's killer and get to the heart of what she really hates about her hometown.
'Hangman' is a little rough around the edges, stylistically, but I'll give it a pass because of how much I enjoyed the story itself. Give this book a spin if you're into Carl Hiaasen or Gillian Flynn.
'Hangman' is just my kind of book. It's a super fast-paced mystery / thriller, with some pretty dark horror elements featured in it, as well.
The novel follows Tampa journalist Tori Younger as she returns home to confront her past in the form of a funeral she doesn't want to attend. Her history in Elroy Springs is complicated, and she'd rather just continue moving on with her life.
However, when she discovers that an old friend—who ostensibly committed suicide—was actually murdered, Tori finds it within herself to track down Brooke Martin's killer and get to the heart of what she really hates about her hometown.
'Hangman' is a little rough around the edges, stylistically, but I'll give it a pass because of how much I enjoyed the story itself. Give this book a spin if you're into Carl Hiaasen or Gillian Flynn.
May 6, 2021
2.5 rounded up. I liked parts of this but there was a lot that bothered me.
Typos
The way, Um, Winnie talked like, you know, this.
The water tower. What does this thing look like? I have no idea so the Big Scene at the end didn’t make sense to me very much.
A cold lake in Florida at the beginning of July?
Does darla not speak? Ever? At all?
And poison apples? I didn’t understand that revelation whatsoever and if someone else does, I’d love to know.
I really didn’t like that every time the dogs were mentioned each dog was listed.
And WE GET IT! Brooke will you marry me is still there but faded!
Scarlett? Harlot? Garlic? Carla? Ugh. I literally hate this whole oh I can’t remember your name but I do I just don’t like you thing.
I wanted to like this one a lot but it just fell flat for me. Also, I don’t think I cared about or for any of the characters.
Typos
The way, Um, Winnie talked like, you know, this.
The water tower. What does this thing look like? I have no idea so the Big Scene at the end didn’t make sense to me very much.
A cold lake in Florida at the beginning of July?
Does darla not speak? Ever? At all?
And poison apples? I didn’t understand that revelation whatsoever and if someone else does, I’d love to know.
I really didn’t like that every time the dogs were mentioned each dog was listed.
And WE GET IT! Brooke will you marry me is still there but faded!
Scarlett? Harlot? Garlic? Carla? Ugh. I literally hate this whole oh I can’t remember your name but I do I just don’t like you thing.
I wanted to like this one a lot but it just fell flat for me. Also, I don’t think I cared about or for any of the characters.
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