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Iris Oakley #1
Night Kill: A Zoo Mystery
Night Kill is a mystery set in fictional Finley Memorial Zoo in Vancouver, Washington, seen from an insider perspective on the challenging and dangerous world of zoo keeping. Iris Oakley, a young zookeeper, hopes to reconcile with her husband after he promises to quit drinking. But he’s soon found dead drunk and just plain dead in the lion exhibit. A paralyzing mix of grief and anger at his betrayal keep Iris from questioning the assumptions around his death.
Her co-workers are soon convinced that she is unhinged by losing Rick, but friends inadvertently motivate Iris to prove that her husband could not have died the way it appears. These same friends impede her progress as she follows ambiguous clues and sorts through unlikely motives. Meantime, Iris must adjust to losing her beloved job as feline keeper and instead learn to be a bird keeper. The veterinarian respects her skills, but the foreman, her boss, would far rather she get a job elsewhere, and the senior bird keeper seems to agree. After Iris survives a series of near-fatal “accidents,” the behavior of a lioness and the death of a penguin at last make clear what happened the night Rick died and who fed him to the lions. Then Iris has to survive to prove it.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
10 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Ann Littlewood
9 books20 followersAnn Littlewood has mined 12 years of working as a zookeeper to create the Iris Oakley mystery series, set in a fictional zoo in Vancouver, Washington. See AnnLittlewood.com for details."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 11, 2020
2020 Summer Clearance Special
This book has been lingering on my shelf for YEARS. It was given to me by a friend that I worked with at our local zoo—he was a zookeeper and is a devoted mystery reader. I don't even have a reasonable motive for ignoring the book for this long!
I can see why he gave me the book. The author is a former zookeeper and gets the zoo details correct. The mystery itself is a little less professionally done, but this is after all the first book in the series. Plus, the main character, Iris, is a zookeeper, not a detective. I think its reasonable to portray her as doubting that someone is out to get her and not really being sure how to pursue an investigation.
I suppose if my veterinary knowledge was a bit better, I might have figured out the murderer. As it was, the final confrontation was my first inkling and was an excellent reveal. A very enjoyable book.
Now I must decide whether to keep it or not. This is never an easy choice, but I can't imagine reading it again. Maybe that is my answer. I have the third book in the series on my shelf too, gifted at the same time as this one. Perhaps I'll make my final decision when I've finished it as well.
This book has been lingering on my shelf for YEARS. It was given to me by a friend that I worked with at our local zoo—he was a zookeeper and is a devoted mystery reader. I don't even have a reasonable motive for ignoring the book for this long!
I can see why he gave me the book. The author is a former zookeeper and gets the zoo details correct. The mystery itself is a little less professionally done, but this is after all the first book in the series. Plus, the main character, Iris, is a zookeeper, not a detective. I think its reasonable to portray her as doubting that someone is out to get her and not really being sure how to pursue an investigation.
I suppose if my veterinary knowledge was a bit better, I might have figured out the murderer. As it was, the final confrontation was my first inkling and was an excellent reveal. A very enjoyable book.
Now I must decide whether to keep it or not. This is never an easy choice, but I can't imagine reading it again. Maybe that is my answer. I have the third book in the series on my shelf too, gifted at the same time as this one. Perhaps I'll make my final decision when I've finished it as well.
June 29, 2012
Kind of a dud of a mystery, not much detecting done or clues, really. A bit interesting regarding how a zoo might be run, but really, if you want to read a mystery with a good zoo premise, I'd suggest reading The Anteater of Death by Betty Webb instead.
April 23, 2012
Ann's a college friend and this is her debut novel from Poisoned Pen Press. She worked for years as a zoo keeper, and set her mystery, um, behind the bars. The animal stuff is way, way cool, and the story moves right along. No sf/f elements, but I suspect a huge interest overlap. Do check it out if you have any interest in animals or the lives and work of zoo keepers.
May 22, 2013
I wish I had read this one before "Did Not Survive," as I know realize they were sequential. But overall, I enjoyed the book, an interesting but not too demanding story that was good to relax with after a day at work. I especially enjoyed learning bits of "behind the scenes" info about working in a zoo, and will look for more titles by this author.
April 10, 2025
As an animal and mystery lover, I thought that Night Kill about a young zookeeper sounded right up my alley. Iris Oakley is the zookeeper in the feline unit at a small zoo north of Portland. While she loves her job she has personal problems with her marriage falling apart . Her husband, Rick is distant and parties heavily on a nightly basis.
Neither Iris nor her husband are endearing to the reader. The book was interesting enough with the animals, and perhaps I will continue the series as there are only 2 more, but I'm not sure.
Neither Iris nor her husband are endearing to the reader. The book was interesting enough with the animals, and perhaps I will continue the series as there are only 2 more, but I'm not sure.
December 17, 2011
Iris Oakley is a young zoo-keeper in felines married to a keeper in reptiles. Their short marriage has been changed from passionate and caring to distant and uncommunicative highlighted by her husband's over-enjoyment of beer. One night after she explodes and he storms out of the place to stay with his friend, another keeper.
After a week of emotions, the two reconcile passionately in the front seat of his truck. Not ready for him to move back in, they go their separate ways. The next day, Rick is found dead in the feline exhibit being mauled by one of the animals. He is soaked in alcohol.
Iris reacts emotionally and angrily to Rick's memory. Her coworkers and friends become concerned about her. she is reassigned to Birds after a series of accidents. In an interesting change of heart or, rather, an incredible emotional U-turn, she decides to learn the truth about Rick's death. What follows is a series of accidents, revelations and finally...the killer. Dangerous, to be sure.
This book kept me going. I guess it was the power of her emotion. Some things were not well crafted, the killer was evident to this reader, but the stuff about zoos was really interesting. I couldn't decide if I liked Iris or if I just wanted to, like Cher, slap her silly and yell "Snap out of it." I am going to read the sequel because, while not perfect, the characters were interesting, zoo life was interesting, and there are possibilities.
After a week of emotions, the two reconcile passionately in the front seat of his truck. Not ready for him to move back in, they go their separate ways. The next day, Rick is found dead in the feline exhibit being mauled by one of the animals. He is soaked in alcohol.
Iris reacts emotionally and angrily to Rick's memory. Her coworkers and friends become concerned about her. she is reassigned to Birds after a series of accidents. In an interesting change of heart or, rather, an incredible emotional U-turn, she decides to learn the truth about Rick's death. What follows is a series of accidents, revelations and finally...the killer. Dangerous, to be sure.
This book kept me going. I guess it was the power of her emotion. Some things were not well crafted, the killer was evident to this reader, but the stuff about zoos was really interesting. I couldn't decide if I liked Iris or if I just wanted to, like Cher, slap her silly and yell "Snap out of it." I am going to read the sequel because, while not perfect, the characters were interesting, zoo life was interesting, and there are possibilities.
September 24, 2010
I'm listening to the unabridged audio version (MP-3). It's been a slow start so far. Hopefully, it will get better.
Update: I've given up. If I can't get involved in the first 2-3 hours, it's a bust.
Update: I've given up. If I can't get involved in the first 2-3 hours, it's a bust.
June 19, 2017
The behind the scene at the zoo setting is very interesting.
Just a comment about mysteries in general.
A frequent criticism I read is along the lines of; "I figured it out too soon." or "It was too easy."
Well, I think that usually doesn't say much about the book, especially if paired with appreciation for the writer's character portrayals. Unless the protagonist is a detective they don't know they are necessarily solving a crime in a very limited environment. The author can't fill the novel with a great number of believable characters. If you look at the world created by the author through the protagonist's eyes you would be bewildered too. As a reader we filter through just a few characters and their motivations. It's no big deal if, with our microscopic view of the basket, we spot the rotten apple before the lead character.
Ann Littlewood does characterization and reveals about their motivations well in this book.
60%
A secondary character just presented a well reasoned argument for the murderer being someone who could not possibly have committed the crime. He is completely wrong but it makes sense from his knowledge base and perspective. I really appreciate that in a mystery.
100%
Satisfying conclusion. The lead did not have information hidden from the reader. I was pretty sure who had done it but, so what? The setting is novel and interesting. The friends and co-workers are characters, not window dressing or props.
I will definitely continue with the series. That means I have to pester my library to buy the second book. They have the third. There is a nice continuing storyline that will be developed in the second book. (Don't peak at the publisher's blurb now. It has a spoiler.)
Just a comment about mysteries in general.
A frequent criticism I read is along the lines of; "I figured it out too soon." or "It was too easy."
Well, I think that usually doesn't say much about the book, especially if paired with appreciation for the writer's character portrayals. Unless the protagonist is a detective they don't know they are necessarily solving a crime in a very limited environment. The author can't fill the novel with a great number of believable characters. If you look at the world created by the author through the protagonist's eyes you would be bewildered too. As a reader we filter through just a few characters and their motivations. It's no big deal if, with our microscopic view of the basket, we spot the rotten apple before the lead character.
Ann Littlewood does characterization and reveals about their motivations well in this book.
60%
A secondary character just presented a well reasoned argument for the murderer being someone who could not possibly have committed the crime. He is completely wrong but it makes sense from his knowledge base and perspective. I really appreciate that in a mystery.
100%
Satisfying conclusion. The lead did not have information hidden from the reader. I was pretty sure who had done it but, so what? The setting is novel and interesting. The friends and co-workers are characters, not window dressing or props.
I will definitely continue with the series. That means I have to pester my library to buy the second book. They have the third. There is a nice continuing storyline that will be developed in the second book. (Don't peak at the publisher's blurb now. It has a spoiler.)
February 24, 2022
Excellent!
Very well done mystery, great place (a zoo!), terrific characters, nicely complex plot...and did I mention a zoo setting? -:)
Also, I don't know what happened to Littlewood. It seems there should be more in this series.
Very well done mystery, great place (a zoo!), terrific characters, nicely complex plot...and did I mention a zoo setting? -:)
Also, I don't know what happened to Littlewood. It seems there should be more in this series.
November 4, 2024
I read the 2nd in the series first and enjoyed the novel setting. This wasn't as good and I couldn't really keep the character's straight. Her husband was unlikable so it was hard to care about his death. I've already forgotten the plot.
November 25, 2017
predictable, but the animal info was a plus.
December 6, 2018
I didn't like the murder victim, which made it difficult. I was kind of glad he died.
December 7, 2018
MC annoyed me occasionally. Well, everyone did but the plot was well though out.
December 6, 2020
Excellent story, will keep you guessing until the end.
December 4, 2008
NIGHT KILL (Ama Sleuth-Iris Oakley-OR/WA/Cal-Cont) - G
Littlewood, Ann – 1st book
Poisoned Pen Press, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781590585047
First Sentence: Hot breath from the lioness toughed my cheek.
Iris Oakley, a zookeeper at a small Vancouver, WA zoo, is having problems with her marriage. Her husband’s beer intake and distance have been getting out of hand and, in anger, she throws him out. Talking after a party, they decide to try again and Rick promises to give up beer.
The next day, he is found dead in the lion enclosure, reeking of scotch. At first Iris attributes dangerous threats to her life as accidents…until someone ransacks and sets fire to her house.
For me, the best part of this book was the information about working at a zoo and what goes on behind the scenes. It’s nice to have a book with a different than usual setting. Beyond that, it was a decent read.
I liked the character of Iris who is well drawn and believable. The description of Iris dealing with her grief was very true and provided an emotional impact. Iris was strong and smart and took the investigation step-by-step rather than flying off wildly. There is a good mix of secondary characters who add balance to the story.
The story itself was a bit predictable and I did figure out the killer fairly soon into the story.
Littlewood, Ann – 1st book
Poisoned Pen Press, 2008, US Hardcover – ISBN: 9781590585047
First Sentence: Hot breath from the lioness toughed my cheek.
Iris Oakley, a zookeeper at a small Vancouver, WA zoo, is having problems with her marriage. Her husband’s beer intake and distance have been getting out of hand and, in anger, she throws him out. Talking after a party, they decide to try again and Rick promises to give up beer.
The next day, he is found dead in the lion enclosure, reeking of scotch. At first Iris attributes dangerous threats to her life as accidents…until someone ransacks and sets fire to her house.
For me, the best part of this book was the information about working at a zoo and what goes on behind the scenes. It’s nice to have a book with a different than usual setting. Beyond that, it was a decent read.
I liked the character of Iris who is well drawn and believable. The description of Iris dealing with her grief was very true and provided an emotional impact. Iris was strong and smart and took the investigation step-by-step rather than flying off wildly. There is a good mix of secondary characters who add balance to the story.
The story itself was a bit predictable and I did figure out the killer fairly soon into the story.
October 4, 2014
Several occurrences of "should of" and "would of" were a minor complaint, but did kind of kick me out of the story a little bit. The only real complaint I have is that the pace is quite slow. While all the animal care was interesting and eventually fed into the plot, that 'eventually' is important. I had figured out who the killer was (although not why) about halfway through the book, which was the point where the main character finally let herself start to think that just maybe the accidental death at the zoo had been a murder instead of an accident. The red herrings were good, and did deflect my thinking for a while as to why the murder was committed.
I liked the characters and the setting enough that I will read the next book to see how it is.
I liked the characters and the setting enough that I will read the next book to see how it is.
July 16, 2011
Stephanie Plum has a cousin in Iris Oakley, a Portland zookeeper who finds herself sucked into a spider's web when her feline charges cross with her husband and he loses.
I bought this book (and its sequel) sight unseen for full price after hearing the author speak - something I rarely, rarely do. But Ann Littlewood's years of experience as a zookeeper and charming turns of phrase promised that the "behind the scenes" would be fun and interesting if nothing else. And that was indeed true, but the mystery plot was wonderfully written as well, especially for a first-time author.
I have to go now. I want to start on her next book, "Did Not Survive."
I bought this book (and its sequel) sight unseen for full price after hearing the author speak - something I rarely, rarely do. But Ann Littlewood's years of experience as a zookeeper and charming turns of phrase promised that the "behind the scenes" would be fun and interesting if nothing else. And that was indeed true, but the mystery plot was wonderfully written as well, especially for a first-time author.
I have to go now. I want to start on her next book, "Did Not Survive."
January 8, 2013
Many people ask 'why' when a loved on dies. Iris has more reason than most to do so, but her friends at the zoo seem to think she's going a little crazy from grief. If I got transferred from an area I know and love (big cats in Iris' case) to something I knew almost nothing about (birds) I'd go a little nuts too! But the pat answers she's getting just don't add up and the story of how she figures out why they don't is entertaining.
I figured out who the killer was early on, but enjoyed the characters, the setting and the unfolding of how it was done. Some of the details don't quite make sense, but not enough of an issue to ruin the story. Would definitely recommend to readers of cozies.
I figured out who the killer was early on, but enjoyed the characters, the setting and the unfolding of how it was done. Some of the details don't quite make sense, but not enough of an issue to ruin the story. Would definitely recommend to readers of cozies.
September 30, 2009
I was glad this book was comparatively short. It had a good premise (a zookeeper's husband is killed when he falls in the lions' cage), but it never really gelled. I liked the zoo background; points for that. But Iris did not act like a 24-year-old (no one who is 24 calls flip-flops "thongs."). Even though she had all these freak accidents, she didn't guess that her husband might have been murdered and that someone was now trying to kill her until about the last quarter of the book. Anyway, it just didn't ring true for me.
April 9, 2012
LOVED this book! An experienced zookeeper has to change "houses" when her charges, the big cats, apparently kill her estranged husband. Ann Littlewood balances multiple tensions with a skill that makes it look effortless. The animals are always important but never sentimentalized, every character is vivid, dialog is so real you can see and hear the conversations, and the zoo is another of the highly personalized characters.
Two paws up.
MA
Two paws up.
MA
November 18, 2012
Night Kill isn't great literature. But, oh the fun of reading a mystery set in a Pacific Northwest zoo! The author has worked as a zookeeper in our local zoo for years, and her knowledge is apparent. The setting, animals, zoo crew drama, and daily zoo activities were very real. The mystery plot and characterizations were just okay. But the setting more than makes up for it.
This is the first in a series of three.
This is the first in a series of three.
June 30, 2016
Iris Oakley series, book #1. I have been listening to Betty Webb's Gunn Zoo mysteries and enjoying them. In a Goodreads review of one of Betty Webb's books, a reader recommended Ann Littlewood's series instead. Iris' husband is found dead in the tiger cage at the zoo and Iris has trouble believing it was an accident. At first I thought the story was going to be too much relationship drama, but it was just setting the stage for the story. I ended up really enjoying this zoo cozy.
September 11, 2009
For the shortish book this is, it was full of spunk. I really enjoyed it. And I was wildly impressed, becasue unlike most "mysteries" I didn't even guess what was going on until it was evolved in front of me. It has been a long time, since I didn't sniff out the ending before it happened. Ya for Ms. Littlewood.
September 16, 2009
I read this book because they are having a contest at the library to read 5 Reader's Choice books at submit the ballots. This book is a murder mystery, not usually my favorite genre, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was fun to read and I liked that the setting was at a Zoo. It was interesting reading about what it would be like to work at a zoo. The author did a great job.
January 11, 2010
Ho Hum. I read this on the airplance coming home from vacation so that might have had something to do with my neutral review. I didn't really like the main character (clumsy, non-leg shaving zookeeper) and the mystery wasn't hard to figure out. I did like the information about the zoos and taking care of the animals, so I might look for something more interesting on that topic.
September 4, 2011
More fun than I expected. Good job of incorporating lots of detailed zoo info into the story line, without preaching the subject. Very nice work on the character of Iris, and nice twist at the end. Yes, it was not hard to figure out the "bad guy", but that is not the point of a well done mystery/suspense. The plot is interesting, and the story is entertaining. Well done.
July 12, 2012
I was eager to read this book because it took place locally and I could see the protag driving back and forth over the Interstate bridge. :) A arge cat keeper at a zoo in Vancouver WASHINGTON suffers grief and anger when her husband is found dead in the lion exhibit. The book has a lot of first person anxiety as she comes to believe it wasn't a drunken accident but murder.
November 30, 2012
Solid little mystery.
The setting (a zoo) is definitely what sets this apart, although the characters are surprisingly distinct and believable. Good tension, good pacing.
Not going to knock you out, but the kind of solid genre work that I just love.
Really a 3 star book, but I'm rounding up for lack of any big flaws. It's been a while since I read something so solid.
The setting (a zoo) is definitely what sets this apart, although the characters are surprisingly distinct and believable. Good tension, good pacing.
Not going to knock you out, but the kind of solid genre work that I just love.
Really a 3 star book, but I'm rounding up for lack of any big flaws. It's been a while since I read something so solid.
May 22, 2011
The zookeeping backstory is the primary reason to pick this one up - the mystery is fairly vanilla. The local color's a plus for me as well, and something I'd like to see fleshed out more in future installments.
July 7, 2009
I picked this up from our local library's Reader's Choice section. It was an ok read; started with promise and didn't really fail after that, just didn't really grip me.
Favorite sentence: "...I often learned what I thought by listening to what I said."
Favorite sentence: "...I often learned what I thought by listening to what I said."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews