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Jackson Trade - Campus Noir
Nashville Trade
Before Music City was a real city, it was just a big ole country town with a lot of secrets. And some of those secrets were murder.
It’s 1976, and Jackson Trade has his own secrets. He’s been back from Vietnam long enough to get divorced, get fired, and get into a meaningful relationship with bourbon. So, when a grieving father asks him to find out why his murdered daughter stopped calling home, Jackson decides to take the money without much hope of finding anything.
But as he noses around the edges of a closed case, he finds a mix of bad assumptions and mistaken identity, together with another murder that has a neighborhood afraid for its children. It’s a race to find an answer where no one was looking. The question is, can Jackson stop his own downward spiral before another killing turns Music City into Murder City?
It’s 1976, and Jackson Trade has his own secrets. He’s been back from Vietnam long enough to get divorced, get fired, and get into a meaningful relationship with bourbon. So, when a grieving father asks him to find out why his murdered daughter stopped calling home, Jackson decides to take the money without much hope of finding anything.
But as he noses around the edges of a closed case, he finds a mix of bad assumptions and mistaken identity, together with another murder that has a neighborhood afraid for its children. It’s a race to find an answer where no one was looking. The question is, can Jackson stop his own downward spiral before another killing turns Music City into Murder City?
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2020
648 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 2, 2020
Nashville Trade is a very enjoyable read - great fun for fans of noir mysteries. The prose is crisp, and the pace is just right for a good mystery - neither breakneck nor languid. Characters are revealed with just the right amount of detail. The twists of the plot are original and surprising. The setting, Nashville and Middle Tennessee in the 1970s, is brought to life with wonderful accuracy and detail, historically and geographically. The moods of the city and its inhabitants are skillfully woven through the story to become an integral part of the mystery. The narrator-hero is perfectly flawed. His defects and hardships are plenty, but he never makes you feel sorry for him. He would be insulted if you did. One of my favorite things about this book is that I met several characters that I would love to encounter again in subsequent novels. I hope there is a sequel soon!
August 9, 2020
A hard-drinking Vietnam vet investigates the murder of a college co-ed in 1970s Nashville. The only music you hear here are the sweet sounds of character building and story telling and mystery solvin’.
I give this five stars even though the Kindle version had quite a few typos. Hopefully it was just a bad transfer, because the book is well-written.
The ending wraps up a little too easily but this book was still a satisfying way to spend a day.
I give this five stars even though the Kindle version had quite a few typos. Hopefully it was just a bad transfer, because the book is well-written.
The ending wraps up a little too easily but this book was still a satisfying way to spend a day.
December 12, 2020
Great book
This book is about a Vietnam vet who returns home and ends up being something like a private investigator. A skill he learned in country that kept him alive over there. This story is like every film noir that I have ever seen. This would be a great film one day.
This book is about a Vietnam vet who returns home and ends up being something like a private investigator. A skill he learned in country that kept him alive over there. This story is like every film noir that I have ever seen. This would be a great film one day.
July 20, 2020
Reminiscent of Sue Grafton's writing
If you liked Kinsey Milhone you will like Jackson Trade. The first person narrative reminds me very much of the Sue Grafton series. Mr. Arant's detailed description of 1976 Nashville is amazing. Having lived there in the mid 80's I found his descriptions bringing back memories of the streets and sights I remember. I hope this series will continue.
If you liked Kinsey Milhone you will like Jackson Trade. The first person narrative reminds me very much of the Sue Grafton series. Mr. Arant's detailed description of 1976 Nashville is amazing. Having lived there in the mid 80's I found his descriptions bringing back memories of the streets and sights I remember. I hope this series will continue.
January 10, 2023
Story was Good, if not Expected
I gave this book a 3 because it was a very slow read. The actual story was good but the author took so may rabbit trails getting to it, it made it a slow read.
I gave this book a 3 because it was a very slow read. The actual story was good but the author took so may rabbit trails getting to it, it made it a slow read.
August 11, 2020
Well done!!
Cannot wait to read the next one. The atmospheric setting of the mid 70's is on-point (so real it made me want to have a cigarette). Trade, ex-Vietnam soldier, is a man for hire, to find information. A father whose daughter was brutally murdered wants to know who his daughter was, why they lost touch, what kind of woman she was.
And the story goes from there, above all ,letting us know just who Jackson Trade is.
Well done TJ Arant! Please write many more.
Cannot wait to read the next one. The atmospheric setting of the mid 70's is on-point (so real it made me want to have a cigarette). Trade, ex-Vietnam soldier, is a man for hire, to find information. A father whose daughter was brutally murdered wants to know who his daughter was, why they lost touch, what kind of woman she was.
And the story goes from there, above all ,letting us know just who Jackson Trade is.
Well done TJ Arant! Please write many more.
October 30, 2020
Jackson Trade is a PI, or maybe not. What he is, though, is good at connecting dots. He is hired by a grieving father whose daughter was murdered. The killer was arrested and hung himself in jail. The father just wants to know why. Jackson is in a close relationship with bourbon, but he is not so much of a drunk he doesn't see the inconsistencies. Add to that somebody doesn't want him investigating and he is violently attacked. Josie isn't the only girl murdered in 1976 Nashville. A young girl, delivering Girl Scout cookies, was also raped and murdered. The person the police tagged for this, is also found dead. They assumed he drowned. So now two girls are murdered and the ones that supposedly killed them end up dead. Two closed cases with no plans to continue looking. Jackson Trade is looking, and soon sees a connection between the two cases. This gets the reader's attention, because it means the same person killed them both, and he/she is still walking around.
April 8, 2023
Nashville mystery
Nashville has a personality that is very distinct, much like Jackson Trade. I enjoyed going back in time to a simpler city, basically several small towns. Trade is anything but simple. He’s smart and haunted and makes decisions that are genius and idiotic in turn. The murders at the center of this story were mysteries and I enjoyed putting the pieces together along with Trade. The book could have benefited from further editing as there were some weird sentences dispersed throughout. I’ll definitely read more books in this series.
Nashville has a personality that is very distinct, much like Jackson Trade. I enjoyed going back in time to a simpler city, basically several small towns. Trade is anything but simple. He’s smart and haunted and makes decisions that are genius and idiotic in turn. The murders at the center of this story were mysteries and I enjoyed putting the pieces together along with Trade. The book could have benefited from further editing as there were some weird sentences dispersed throughout. I’ll definitely read more books in this series.
July 17, 2020
Enjoyable.Read.
I enjoyed the book a lot. A real Jackson Trade would only be a couple of years older than I am. At the time in history the book is set I was doing my internship with the Chattanooga PD. A.Jackson Trade series has a lot of potential. Tennessee in the 70s had crooked sheriffs, Dixie Mafia, more Federal IRS gaming stamps than any state other than Nevada and New Jersey. Not to mention that only Hawaii grew more weed in the 70's. Wild Times.
I enjoyed the book a lot. A real Jackson Trade would only be a couple of years older than I am. At the time in history the book is set I was doing my internship with the Chattanooga PD. A.Jackson Trade series has a lot of potential. Tennessee in the 70s had crooked sheriffs, Dixie Mafia, more Federal IRS gaming stamps than any state other than Nevada and New Jersey. Not to mention that only Hawaii grew more weed in the 70's. Wild Times.
July 27, 2020
Old Nashville as remembered
Set in 1970's Nashville, Jackson Trade is part time investigator, part time drunk. Asked to investigate a murdered girl's life by her father, Jackson connects the dots on not one, but two cases with a surprise ending. Arant captures old Nashville with great descriptions of all the neighborhood bars, churches, restaurants and dives. Hope this is the first on many.
Set in 1970's Nashville, Jackson Trade is part time investigator, part time drunk. Asked to investigate a murdered girl's life by her father, Jackson connects the dots on not one, but two cases with a surprise ending. Arant captures old Nashville with great descriptions of all the neighborhood bars, churches, restaurants and dives. Hope this is the first on many.
October 21, 2020
Jackson Trade is hired to investigate the brutal murder of a Vanderbilt coed. It is 1975, and she seemed almost invisible but well-thought of by the few who knew her. As Trade uncovers her 4 years at Nashville and the choices he made, he uncovers more than he is expected to find out.
Definitely a noir novel, so I was somewhat surprised I liked the novel. The mid-70s are well-defined in Arant's portrayal. I'm eager to read more of his stories about Jackson Trade, a man with many demons.
Definitely a noir novel, so I was somewhat surprised I liked the novel. The mid-70s are well-defined in Arant's portrayal. I'm eager to read more of his stories about Jackson Trade, a man with many demons.
January 27, 2024
Love Nashville, love Trade
At the beginning of the book Trade is listening to a song by Gram Parsons and EmmyLou Harris called Love Hurts. I had just listened to that very song a couple of hours before starting this book. I love it when the Universe gives you a little sign. I knew this was a book I was gonna really like. It’s a great story, and really good story telling. Can’t wait to read more.
At the beginning of the book Trade is listening to a song by Gram Parsons and EmmyLou Harris called Love Hurts. I had just listened to that very song a couple of hours before starting this book. I love it when the Universe gives you a little sign. I knew this was a book I was gonna really like. It’s a great story, and really good story telling. Can’t wait to read more.
March 18, 2024
Trade Jackson -not the typical leading man!
Loved Trade Jackson -a different type of leading man in a mystery. Not a cop, not FBI. But a Vietnam Vet returning to civilian life in the 1970s. Solid story; effective twists. And superb character development. The reader really gets to know Jackson. Absolutely recommend esp for those who know Nashville. Fun location. Looking forward to next in series.
Loved Trade Jackson -a different type of leading man in a mystery. Not a cop, not FBI. But a Vietnam Vet returning to civilian life in the 1970s. Solid story; effective twists. And superb character development. The reader really gets to know Jackson. Absolutely recommend esp for those who know Nashville. Fun location. Looking forward to next in series.
September 8, 2020
Just one
I found the case interesting, but the daily falling down drunk got very tiresome.I had trouble understanding how he could get plastered every day and night and still solve anything. He was beaten up twice,and that was never explained it even mentioned again. I finished the book,but I will not be getting number 2.
I found the case interesting, but the daily falling down drunk got very tiresome.I had trouble understanding how he could get plastered every day and night and still solve anything. He was beaten up twice,and that was never explained it even mentioned again. I finished the book,but I will not be getting number 2.
July 11, 2020
Nashville Trade
Excellent...great storyline. I want more! Jackson Trade, the main character, is compelling. And I bet you don’t figure the complete who done it out. Complex characters.
Excellent...great storyline. I want more! Jackson Trade, the main character, is compelling. And I bet you don’t figure the complete who done it out. Complex characters.
July 31, 2020
Being from the South, I had to laugh at some of his euphemisms.I loved reading
About Nashville and Vanderbilt,knowing the area well. Some of the characters were a little hard to follow but overall,it was a very enjoyable book.
About Nashville and Vanderbilt,knowing the area well. Some of the characters were a little hard to follow but overall,it was a very enjoyable book.
August 17, 2020
I loved this book. I felt I was transported back to the 1970’s. I have never been to Nashville where this book takes place but after reading this book I feel like I know it well. I see this author having a very successful writing career.
November 15, 2020
New to me
I was looking for a new author and or series to me, found it in this. Was what I refer to as a good read. I am onto the 2nd book in the series I hope the track stays true to this book.
I was looking for a new author and or series to me, found it in this. Was what I refer to as a good read. I am onto the 2nd book in the series I hope the track stays true to this book.
November 23, 2020
Good mystery set in Nashville of the 70s
Jackson Trade is hired to find information on a murdered college student. He is barely surviving himself but begins to explore what had happened. He gets the real killer by keeping his eyes on everything about the case.
Jackson Trade is hired to find information on a murdered college student. He is barely surviving himself but begins to explore what had happened. He gets the real killer by keeping his eyes on everything about the case.
August 23, 2021
Great storyline
I really liked this book .
It started out slow and took awhile to get to the heart of the story, but once it hooked you, you couldn’t stop reading to find out what came next.
I really liked this book .
It started out slow and took awhile to get to the heart of the story, but once it hooked you, you couldn’t stop reading to find out what came next.
December 12, 2022
Kept me wanting to know more.
New author for me. Being from Nashville, Nashville in the title intrigued me. A good read, enough clues dropped to keep one wondering. I didn't put it down until it was finished. I am ready to read the next Jackson Trade book.
New author for me. Being from Nashville, Nashville in the title intrigued me. A good read, enough clues dropped to keep one wondering. I didn't put it down until it was finished. I am ready to read the next Jackson Trade book.
March 2, 2023
best I’ve read in a while
This story grabs the reader and takes him on a tear through a small town where violence, propriety and history meet. It was difficult to put this one down at night. More! More! More! Please.
This story grabs the reader and takes him on a tear through a small town where violence, propriety and history meet. It was difficult to put this one down at night. More! More! More! Please.
March 13, 2023
Just the facts mam….
Jackson Trade is a hard drinking, hard thinking Viet Nam Vet who can connect the dots….he’s out just drinking, thinking, connecting….before I figured it out the dots were connected. Good read
Jackson Trade is a hard drinking, hard thinking Viet Nam Vet who can connect the dots….he’s out just drinking, thinking, connecting….before I figured it out the dots were connected. Good read
July 26, 2023
A nice try
Many Vietnam Veterans will identify with the opening pages and the constant drinking, but while the story isn't bad, the writing drags and there are too many inconsistencies and loose ends
Many Vietnam Veterans will identify with the opening pages and the constant drinking, but while the story isn't bad, the writing drags and there are too many inconsistencies and loose ends
March 10, 2020
Great book
I throughly enjoyed the book and I hope to read more about Mr Trade. He is a good man doing good work.
I throughly enjoyed the book and I hope to read more about Mr Trade. He is a good man doing good work.
April 6, 2020
Nashville Trade
I really liked this book. Trades way of thinking was interesting and liked the way he worked an impossible situation to work out for the best.
I really liked this book. Trades way of thinking was interesting and liked the way he worked an impossible situation to work out for the best.
July 7, 2020
This is a good read
I liked this book. The main character is different than your traditional investigators. It adds to the story. I would definitely read more from this author.
I liked this book. The main character is different than your traditional investigators. It adds to the story. I would definitely read more from this author.
August 11, 2020
Very good read
Really enjoyed this. Great character development. Jackson Trade very likeable and a good 'who done it". mystery. Would definitely read more by Mr. A rant.
Really enjoyed this. Great character development. Jackson Trade very likeable and a good 'who done it". mystery. Would definitely read more by Mr. A rant.
August 11, 2020
Too much, too often
Sorry, I got tired of the repetition. Too much help arriving at just the right time, too many bars and way too much bourbon.
Sorry, I got tired of the repetition. Too much help arriving at just the right time, too many bars and way too much bourbon.
February 28, 2021
Excellent read
I enjoyed this book very much, and look forward to reading the next in the series. Interesting main character and story line.
I enjoyed this book very much, and look forward to reading the next in the series. Interesting main character and story line.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews