Black Willows

by Jill Hand

A mysterious cowboy is stalking the eccentric Trapnell siblings. Is he a supernatural entity or a hired killer? To complicate things, the will making them heirs to their billionaire father’s estate is missing and a relative has returned from a watery grave.

Last time, the Trapnells saved the world from destruction. This time they may not be able to save themselves. Black Willows is a darkly funny Southern-fried adventure, complete with Voodoo, arson, and alligators.

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2020

Reviews

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, Jill Hand, and Black Rose Writing. I have read this novel of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Though the second of a series, Black Willows is completely stand-alone, though it would be interesting to read the first Trapnell Thriller, as well.

Jill Hand writes a snappy story with lots of well-to-do Georgians, a little Voodoo, the odd tulpa, two sets of offspring, and 40 billion at stake with the death of the family patriarch. Shallow and self-absorbed, the 'children' of Daddy Trapnell will stop at nothing to garner more than their fair share of the estate. And all is up for grabs as his oldest daughter is appointed to handle probate, and Sister already knocked her off six or eight months ago. Are they going to have to wait seven years just to declare her dead and appoint another probationer? They have so many extravagances waiting to entertain them! Shades of Kardashian! Really a hoot in places.
Pub date October 23, 2020
Reviewed on October 23, 2020, at Goodreads, Netgalley, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review at Kobo or GooglePlay.

[Kristine L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Apple Dumpling Gang meets the red earth of Tara in this delicious romp through a Georgia playground of the rich and infamous.

When the Trapnell family patriarch dies, spoiled rotten and uber shallow family members drool over their slice of the $40 billion family fortune. They all try to snatch Daddy's will from the shaky hands of a senile probate judge in order to further their own ridiculous plans.

Fashion designer Aimee Trapnell wants to buy an Aegean island and fill it with snakes. Her sister-in-law Palmer wants to create a land-locked version of the Titanic. Brother Marsh is an international arms dealer. Nephew Benjamin is walking off demerits on the “Ho Chi Minh Trail” of an elite boys boarding school in Pennsylvania. Half-sister Karen is supposed to be dead. Turns out she’s a Buddhist nun who’s allegedly created a “tulpa” – an imaginary friend you can see. The tulpa’s after everyone and everyone is after the money as soon as they finish their mint juleps.

It’s a full day at the White Oaks estate.

But something creepy and other-worldly stalks the Trapnells. What is it after, and why? Who’ll be floating belly up in the estate swamp next? And what’s up with the secret codes in the estate’s iron railings?

A brisk and breezy blend of humor, thriller/crime story, and fantasy, Black Willows has plenty of Southern charm. Ditto grits with cheddar cheese. French toast with pecans, bananas and raisins. Also enough dead-pan humor to sink a battleship.

Peppered with memorable characters like “Birdsall Gormley” and “Peach Walker,” the story is nimble and engaging. Each chapter glides effortlessly into the next with the exception of chapter 25, “Kortney’s Double Life.’ It bogs down here. But this lively whodunit? soon regains momentum and quickly returns to the tracks.

Indeed, Black Willows is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Just watch out for flying boomerangs, especially if you’re a “tulpa” wannabee.

[Greg Seeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trapnells, the wealthiest, and possibly most dysfunctional family in the South are at it again in Black Willows, Jill Hand’s highly entertaining sequel to White Oaks. While Aimee wants her inheritance as quickly as possible in order to purchase a private island in the Aegean Sea, Trainor’s wife Palmer wishes to build a life-size replica of the Titanic. But there’s a problem. Their father, Blanton’s will cannot be probated without his will and said will is missing from the family safe.

To complicate things, a lost relative shows up at the same time as a menacing apparition arrives to threaten both the family and their staff. Finding the local constabulary to be well-meaning but pretty much useless against the paranormal, the family turns to extraordinary means to remove the unwanted guest.

If you liked White Oaks, you are certain to enjoy this fun and well-written sequel. I highly recommend it and rate it a solid five stars. Buy it now, pour a favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy this rollicking journey.

- Greg Seeley, author of the Henry’s Pride and Henry’s Land.

[Beth Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Trapnell series, we continue to see just how disfunctional the Trapnell children are. Someone appears apparently from the dead, they encounter a Voodoo priestess, and some people are not what they seem. I enjoyed this book better than the first one, White Oaks, especially since I'm getting to know the characters better. It isn't necessary to read the first book, but it adds to the enjoyment of this book. I love the humor since it's a bit on the bizarre side, just like I like it.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

I am on the fence about this book. Not because it wasn’t well written but it seemed so soap opera like. And also had every stereotypical southern trait ever mentioned.

I found myself skipping a lot of the story and skipping just to the dialogue so I knew what was going on.

Not my cup of tea leaves.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part mystery, part humor and a little craziness Black Willows held my attention with its wacky cast of characters.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little mystery

Lots of plot lines to untangle, most of them interesting. I'm not sure why this family is drawn back to the family plantation though. They really don't seem to like each other much.

[Jill Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt like I was reading a reality television show. It had so much drama! The characters were all interesting but very over the top. The writing was good but this story was not what I was expecting.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

They're back ....

Now we learn why Aimee thought she was the only remaining Trapnell sibling when her brothers disappeared in the swamp behind her father's mansion

And now a ghostly (?) Cowboy seems to be haunting the family; further with Karen AWOL they can't probate the will and the siblings are grumpy. Aimee can't buy a Greek Island and Trainor's wife can't build her Titanic themed escape room

Now they need a Voodoo Priestess to destroy the Tulpa that Karen believes that she has created.

This is an insane bit of fiction that is laugh out loud funny.

[Kathy Stibal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy reading, good book. The ending wasn't expected but leaves a lot of things unanswered regarding the characters.

[Janet Boyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute easy fun read