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Jordan Manning #1
As the Wicked Watch: The First Gripping African American Thriller About a Reporter Hunting a Chicago Serial Killer
The first in a thrilling new series from Emmy Award–winning journalist Tamron Hall, in which a reporter unravels the disturbing mystery around the deaths of two black girls, the work of a serial killer terrorizing Chicago.
When crime reporter Jordan Manning leaves her hometown in Texas to take a job at a television station in Chicago, she’s one step closer to her a dream: a coveted anchor chair on a national network.
Jordan is smart and aggressive, with unabashed star-power, and often the only woman of color in the newsroom. Her signature? Arriving first on the scene—in impractical designer stilettos. Armed with a master’s degree in forensic science and impeccable instincts, Jordan has thus far been able to balance her dueling motivations: breaking every big story—and giving voice to the voiceless.
From her time reporting in Texas, she’s sure she has covered the vilest of human behaviors, but nothing has prepared her for Chicago. You see, Jordan is that rare breed of journalist who can navigate a crime scene as well as she can a newsroom—often noticing what others tend to miss. Again and again, she is called to cover the murders of black females, many of them sexually assaulted, most brutalized, and all of them quickly forgotten.
All until Masey James—the story that Jordan just can’t shake, try as she might. A fifteen-year-old girl whose body was found in an abandoned lot, Masey has come to represent for Jordan all of the frustration that her job—with its required distance—often forces her to repress. Putting the rest of her workload and her (fraying) personal life aside, Jordan does everything she can to give the story the coverage it desperately requires, and that a missing black child would so rarely get. Three young boys are eventually charged with Masey’s murder, but Jordan remains unconvinced.
There’s a serial killer on the loose, Jordan believes, and he’s hiding in plain sight.
When crime reporter Jordan Manning leaves her hometown in Texas to take a job at a television station in Chicago, she’s one step closer to her a dream: a coveted anchor chair on a national network.
Jordan is smart and aggressive, with unabashed star-power, and often the only woman of color in the newsroom. Her signature? Arriving first on the scene—in impractical designer stilettos. Armed with a master’s degree in forensic science and impeccable instincts, Jordan has thus far been able to balance her dueling motivations: breaking every big story—and giving voice to the voiceless.
From her time reporting in Texas, she’s sure she has covered the vilest of human behaviors, but nothing has prepared her for Chicago. You see, Jordan is that rare breed of journalist who can navigate a crime scene as well as she can a newsroom—often noticing what others tend to miss. Again and again, she is called to cover the murders of black females, many of them sexually assaulted, most brutalized, and all of them quickly forgotten.
All until Masey James—the story that Jordan just can’t shake, try as she might. A fifteen-year-old girl whose body was found in an abandoned lot, Masey has come to represent for Jordan all of the frustration that her job—with its required distance—often forces her to repress. Putting the rest of her workload and her (fraying) personal life aside, Jordan does everything she can to give the story the coverage it desperately requires, and that a missing black child would so rarely get. Three young boys are eventually charged with Masey’s murder, but Jordan remains unconvinced.
There’s a serial killer on the loose, Jordan believes, and he’s hiding in plain sight.
544 pages, Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
1102 people are currently reading
36539 people want to read
About the author
Tamron Hall
7 books553 followersTamron Hall is an American broadcast journalist, television talk show host and author. In September 2019, Hall debuted her self-titled syndicated daytime talk show, which has earned her two Daytime Emmy Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,153 reviews
October 26, 2021
I love Tamron Hall. Unfortunately I did not love her book.
It pains me to say it, because I’ve been a big Tam Fan since her days as an on-air journalist/presenter for The Today Show. As the Wicked Watch, her debut novel, was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. But it just. doesn’t. work.
The mystery follows 30-year-old (semi-autobiographical???) Jordan Manning, a journalist-slash-forensics expert who’s tracking the case of a killer in Chicago after the body of a 15-year-old missing girl is found. The child has been raped and ravaged, and Jordan likes brunch with her besties. Yep. That sentence pretty much sums up this book for me. Chapters with extremely dark, graphic depictions of this poor girl’s death are followed by ones about Jordan’s shoes, love life, and BFF meetups.
In addition to being uneven in tone, it’s also quite repetitive and boring. That feeling of “I’m finishing this damn book tonight so I can move on with my life” is never a good sign, is it? Neither is the thought that it probably wouldn’t have found a big 5 publisher if it wasn’t written by a celebrity. Ouch.
Here’s hoping Hall finds her footing with the next installment in this planned series, though I won’t be reading it to find out. There have been some positive reviews for As the Wicked Watch, so please do check those out if you’re a Tam Fan too. Meanwhile, I’m moving on with my life.
My thanks to William Morrow / Custom House / Scene of the Crime for the advance copy to review via NetGalley.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
It pains me to say it, because I’ve been a big Tam Fan since her days as an on-air journalist/presenter for The Today Show. As the Wicked Watch, her debut novel, was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. But it just. doesn’t. work.
The mystery follows 30-year-old (semi-autobiographical???) Jordan Manning, a journalist-slash-forensics expert who’s tracking the case of a killer in Chicago after the body of a 15-year-old missing girl is found. The child has been raped and ravaged, and Jordan likes brunch with her besties. Yep. That sentence pretty much sums up this book for me. Chapters with extremely dark, graphic depictions of this poor girl’s death are followed by ones about Jordan’s shoes, love life, and BFF meetups.
In addition to being uneven in tone, it’s also quite repetitive and boring. That feeling of “I’m finishing this damn book tonight so I can move on with my life” is never a good sign, is it? Neither is the thought that it probably wouldn’t have found a big 5 publisher if it wasn’t written by a celebrity. Ouch.
Here’s hoping Hall finds her footing with the next installment in this planned series, though I won’t be reading it to find out. There have been some positive reviews for As the Wicked Watch, so please do check those out if you’re a Tam Fan too. Meanwhile, I’m moving on with my life.
My thanks to William Morrow / Custom House / Scene of the Crime for the advance copy to review via NetGalley.
Blog: https://www.confettibookshelf.com/
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October 15, 2021Welp.
I’ve spent four days trying to make progress with this book, and I’m still only at 21%. To be fair, it really may just be me, or a perfectly fine book at the wrong time. That said, when random excuses to not read a book start floating through my mind, like: “When’s the last time I organized my sock drawer?” - I know it’s time to move on.
My biggest issue was that I just didn’t care for the MC, crime reporter Jordan Manning. Her responses to things felt overly dramatic at times, and she’d blab what should have been protected details about crimes openly over drinks with the girls or to her mom, which irritated me and made me not trust her.
Another issue: I don’t like a lot of descriptive filler, so if a book is detailing where the character got her couch cushions and handwoven wrap from when it isn’t pertinent to the story, it starts to feel like the author is meeting required word counts, and I, in turn, zone out.
Anyways, personal preferences vary a lot from person to person, so don’t make a decision off of my review. I’ve had friends really enjoy this, and others who really didn’t, so I’d check out some reviews on both sides before deciding. While it didn’t work for me, it’s still an admirable first effort from author Tamron Hall and the start to a series that many of you will likely enjoy.
(No rating)
Thanks to William Morrow and Custom House Publishers, NetGalley and author Tamron Hall for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. It’s due to be published October 26, 2021.
I’ve spent four days trying to make progress with this book, and I’m still only at 21%. To be fair, it really may just be me, or a perfectly fine book at the wrong time. That said, when random excuses to not read a book start floating through my mind, like: “When’s the last time I organized my sock drawer?” - I know it’s time to move on.
My biggest issue was that I just didn’t care for the MC, crime reporter Jordan Manning. Her responses to things felt overly dramatic at times, and she’d blab what should have been protected details about crimes openly over drinks with the girls or to her mom, which irritated me and made me not trust her.
Another issue: I don’t like a lot of descriptive filler, so if a book is detailing where the character got her couch cushions and handwoven wrap from when it isn’t pertinent to the story, it starts to feel like the author is meeting required word counts, and I, in turn, zone out.
Anyways, personal preferences vary a lot from person to person, so don’t make a decision off of my review. I’ve had friends really enjoy this, and others who really didn’t, so I’d check out some reviews on both sides before deciding. While it didn’t work for me, it’s still an admirable first effort from author Tamron Hall and the start to a series that many of you will likely enjoy.
(No rating)
Thanks to William Morrow and Custom House Publishers, NetGalley and author Tamron Hall for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. It’s due to be published October 26, 2021.
October 26, 2021
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“I know from the many stories that I’ve covered that the wicked watch, and they strike when they think nobody’s looking…”
Jordan Manning is an Investigative Journalist for Channel 8 news in Chicago. She’s seen her fair share of crime while rising through the ranks, starting her career in Texas. She’s at a good place professionally, but might just be on the brink of the story of a lifetime.
In the Bronzeville neighborhood, a teenager named Masey James is found dead in an abandoned/neglected park. She was a star student, a young woman who loved her family, and Black...which is why many suspect the police wasted precious time declaring her a runaway even though no one who knew Masey believed that.
Jordan herself, a smart and successful Black woman, is on the case. She can’t help but get close to the situation...and Masey’s family. She will not let this young woman be forgotten, and vows to to do whatever it takes to find and expose Masey’s killer...even if she breaks one of her 4-inch heels.
Eventually a few individuals are charged with the murder, but Jordan knows the police are rushing to wrap it up and move on. She can’t let that happen when intuition tells her the real killer is still out there...haunting the streets of Chicago.
This is journalist Tamron Hall’s debut novel, and you can color me impressed! While I don’t think she IS Jordan, I have no doubt she dug into her own repertoire to write the character. Hall, similarly, started out in Texas before heading to Chi-Town (and is now in NY). She gives the reader a fly on the wall view of investigative journalism (the high points - feelings of success, hard work that pays off...and the low points - the job is the #1 priority, hard to make time for other people, the constant stress).
As for the character of Jordan: Total badass! She is extremely smart, justifiably sassy, and fully dimensional. She’s not afraid to fight for justice. She earned a certification in crime scene investigation years ago, and that helps her do a lot more than her peers can do. Beneath her powerful exterior, she is all about heart and integrity. You’ll see that as she interacts with her friends, family, families of victims, and members of the public.
There were a few clunky moments, but that’s small change. Jordan goes off on tangents here and there, whether it be how hungry (hangry) she is as she makes a quest to grab a candy bar in between filming segments, or lamenting on her personal life. I can imagine some readers having issues with these parts, but I really enjoyed them. I felt like I was in the head of a non-stop busy investigative journalist...and they need to eat and feel love too! #justiceforgoodjournalists
Overall, this is a faboosh debut, and I am happy the plan is to turn this into a Jordan Manning series! If you’re looking for a fresh angle in the thriller department, look no further! Hall does wonders writing a dark story that could’ve been ripped from the headlines, while balancing it out with some fun/light nuggets via Jordan. Examples: her acute wisdom, her love for fashion, and - most importantly- her heart of gold..personally and professionally. I want to be friends with Jordan (and Tamron), and anyone would be lucky to have her in their corner!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 10/26/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
“I know from the many stories that I’ve covered that the wicked watch, and they strike when they think nobody’s looking…”
Jordan Manning is an Investigative Journalist for Channel 8 news in Chicago. She’s seen her fair share of crime while rising through the ranks, starting her career in Texas. She’s at a good place professionally, but might just be on the brink of the story of a lifetime.
In the Bronzeville neighborhood, a teenager named Masey James is found dead in an abandoned/neglected park. She was a star student, a young woman who loved her family, and Black...which is why many suspect the police wasted precious time declaring her a runaway even though no one who knew Masey believed that.
Jordan herself, a smart and successful Black woman, is on the case. She can’t help but get close to the situation...and Masey’s family. She will not let this young woman be forgotten, and vows to to do whatever it takes to find and expose Masey’s killer...even if she breaks one of her 4-inch heels.
Eventually a few individuals are charged with the murder, but Jordan knows the police are rushing to wrap it up and move on. She can’t let that happen when intuition tells her the real killer is still out there...haunting the streets of Chicago.
This is journalist Tamron Hall’s debut novel, and you can color me impressed! While I don’t think she IS Jordan, I have no doubt she dug into her own repertoire to write the character. Hall, similarly, started out in Texas before heading to Chi-Town (and is now in NY). She gives the reader a fly on the wall view of investigative journalism (the high points - feelings of success, hard work that pays off...and the low points - the job is the #1 priority, hard to make time for other people, the constant stress).
As for the character of Jordan: Total badass! She is extremely smart, justifiably sassy, and fully dimensional. She’s not afraid to fight for justice. She earned a certification in crime scene investigation years ago, and that helps her do a lot more than her peers can do. Beneath her powerful exterior, she is all about heart and integrity. You’ll see that as she interacts with her friends, family, families of victims, and members of the public.
There were a few clunky moments, but that’s small change. Jordan goes off on tangents here and there, whether it be how hungry (hangry) she is as she makes a quest to grab a candy bar in between filming segments, or lamenting on her personal life. I can imagine some readers having issues with these parts, but I really enjoyed them. I felt like I was in the head of a non-stop busy investigative journalist...and they need to eat and feel love too! #justiceforgoodjournalists
Overall, this is a faboosh debut, and I am happy the plan is to turn this into a Jordan Manning series! If you’re looking for a fresh angle in the thriller department, look no further! Hall does wonders writing a dark story that could’ve been ripped from the headlines, while balancing it out with some fun/light nuggets via Jordan. Examples: her acute wisdom, her love for fashion, and - most importantly- her heart of gold..personally and professionally. I want to be friends with Jordan (and Tamron), and anyone would be lucky to have her in their corner!
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 10/26/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
October 17, 2021
An outstanding debut by the author Tamron Hall. It has always been said the guilty watch closely around the crime scene, so the title fits As the Wicked Watch.
The book shapes into unethical police work to solve a crime in the underprivileged, inner city Chicago. When a young black woman Masey James is found brutally raped, murdered and partially burned in an abandoned park, the town chooses sides. Political activists and the local community members rallied and warned police the park was in need of repair to evade crime. While the police search for quick answers they arrest some young middle school students for the crime.
Jordan Manning, a young black, female reporter searches for the truth while losing the police chief’s trust as she disgruntles their satisfaction of their catch. She is attacked as she closes in to the real killer. Gathering trust and justice for the family does not come easy as she weaves in and out of shady neighborhoods sending deep messages in honor of those living through the bias and portrayal due to their color, living facilities and income.
A different light is shed on the premises of this mystery thriller. Mixed messages and the hunt for the truth are scattered throughout revealing a need for change in journalism and the people great and small …justice is justice.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
The book shapes into unethical police work to solve a crime in the underprivileged, inner city Chicago. When a young black woman Masey James is found brutally raped, murdered and partially burned in an abandoned park, the town chooses sides. Political activists and the local community members rallied and warned police the park was in need of repair to evade crime. While the police search for quick answers they arrest some young middle school students for the crime.
Jordan Manning, a young black, female reporter searches for the truth while losing the police chief’s trust as she disgruntles their satisfaction of their catch. She is attacked as she closes in to the real killer. Gathering trust and justice for the family does not come easy as she weaves in and out of shady neighborhoods sending deep messages in honor of those living through the bias and portrayal due to their color, living facilities and income.
A different light is shed on the premises of this mystery thriller. Mixed messages and the hunt for the truth are scattered throughout revealing a need for change in journalism and the people great and small …justice is justice.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
March 28, 2024
As I was working in my Little Free Library Shed, my neighbor literally handed me this book as her latest donation. She said, “this is her first in the series, you’ll love it.”
Well, of course, I loved knowing it was the first in the series. I have already learned my lesson reading books out of order! So, I was happy to read this Emmy Award Winning Journalist’s first in the series book.
The author, Tamron Hall has experience being in the limelight as a journalist. She knows what it is like when there are stories that make the news. A white woman goes missing and it is all over the 24-hour news cycle. But what happens when Black girls go missing? This story brings a vulnerability and systemic neglect to the victims of that violent crime into the forefront. Also, how quick are people ready to accuse the Black boys as the perpetrators? How does the media react? And how does the public respond?
So, is this really just a case of a potential runaway when a 15-year-old Black girl who is the pride of her family vanishes in Chicago? Local TV Reporter, Jordan Manning, the star of this series, is upset that nobody seems to be all that concerned, other than the family.
This story is told through the eyes of a reporter, where her probing is done deeper than the police, who don’t seem to be taking this disappearance as seriously as Jordan feels it needs to be.
Unfortunately, Jordan’s musings sometimes slow the action, and Hall’s story and pacing can feel somewhat drawn out. But her intentions are good.
If you read any interviews with this author, you will find that the novel draws upon Hall’s own time as a reporter in Texas and Chicago about cases that have haunted her for years. Certainly these type of cases are going to have large ramifications involving many agencies – police – politicians – family – lawyers – spokespersons – community activists and justice advocates. And Hall includes them all within these pages.
If readers are interested in crime reporting investigations this story may be considered intriguing.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Well, of course, I loved knowing it was the first in the series. I have already learned my lesson reading books out of order! So, I was happy to read this Emmy Award Winning Journalist’s first in the series book.
The author, Tamron Hall has experience being in the limelight as a journalist. She knows what it is like when there are stories that make the news. A white woman goes missing and it is all over the 24-hour news cycle. But what happens when Black girls go missing? This story brings a vulnerability and systemic neglect to the victims of that violent crime into the forefront. Also, how quick are people ready to accuse the Black boys as the perpetrators? How does the media react? And how does the public respond?
So, is this really just a case of a potential runaway when a 15-year-old Black girl who is the pride of her family vanishes in Chicago? Local TV Reporter, Jordan Manning, the star of this series, is upset that nobody seems to be all that concerned, other than the family.
This story is told through the eyes of a reporter, where her probing is done deeper than the police, who don’t seem to be taking this disappearance as seriously as Jordan feels it needs to be.
Unfortunately, Jordan’s musings sometimes slow the action, and Hall’s story and pacing can feel somewhat drawn out. But her intentions are good.
If you read any interviews with this author, you will find that the novel draws upon Hall’s own time as a reporter in Texas and Chicago about cases that have haunted her for years. Certainly these type of cases are going to have large ramifications involving many agencies – police – politicians – family – lawyers – spokespersons – community activists and justice advocates. And Hall includes them all within these pages.
If readers are interested in crime reporting investigations this story may be considered intriguing.
3.5 stars rounded up.
October 12, 2021
This sounded like it would be such a good book: a journalist trying to solve murders! I felt the topic of the lack of police investigation in to missing and murdered persons of color timely, however, and looked forward to a good thriller with a conscious. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Besides the main character using people to get a story at any cost, the author lost me with all of the details of her social life, clothing (size six!) and the repetition of the facts of the murder she was covering. I also found it hard to believe that a television journalist would also have a degree in forensic science. How likely is that combination?
We are introduced to Jordan Manning when a missing Black teenage girl, who police have dismissed as a runaway, turns up murdered. The injustice of the police investigation gets to Jordan and she takes up the cause at the same time she is reporting on it. Using her investigative journalistic skills and her knowledge of forensic science, she is determined to right this wrong.
I found the pacing very slow, especially at the beginning. I get that the author is fleshing out a character, but the overwhelming details of her life lost me more than once. I found the writing to be amateurish at times and the dialogue sometimes stilted. I did enjoy the glimpses into the Black community and how they rallied to get justice for the murdered girl. I couldn't root for the main character as I found her too self-absorbed and didn't like the way she used people to get her stories. It was a very promising book that just didn't do it for me.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 26, 2021.
We are introduced to Jordan Manning when a missing Black teenage girl, who police have dismissed as a runaway, turns up murdered. The injustice of the police investigation gets to Jordan and she takes up the cause at the same time she is reporting on it. Using her investigative journalistic skills and her knowledge of forensic science, she is determined to right this wrong.
I found the pacing very slow, especially at the beginning. I get that the author is fleshing out a character, but the overwhelming details of her life lost me more than once. I found the writing to be amateurish at times and the dialogue sometimes stilted. I did enjoy the glimpses into the Black community and how they rallied to get justice for the murdered girl. I couldn't root for the main character as I found her too self-absorbed and didn't like the way she used people to get her stories. It was a very promising book that just didn't do it for me.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an advance copy of this book. The publication date is October 26, 2021.
January 15, 2022
I have always loved watching newscaster Tamron Hall anchor and cover special interest stories. This first book of the Jordan Manning series shows she shines as a gifted author as well. 'As the Wicked Watch' is an exciting mystery thriller centered on TV anchor and lead protagonist Jordan Manning. She finds herself caught up in trying to solve the mystery of who murdered a beautiful 15 yo African American high achieving honor student. This young girl's case brings up many hot button issues for Jordan as she finds herself becoming emotionally involved and drawn deeper into the investigation beyond what is deemed appropriate for her profession as a reporter. In the processes she discovers herself confronting systemic racism, reevaluating the elevated expectations women must meet if they want to succeed in the extremely high pressure (male dominated) field that is television news reporting, witnessing police cover-ups, coming to terms with the unconscious biases she discovers she has towards her own race, and much more.
Narrator Susan Dalian has the perfect voice for conveying the emotions, actions and thoughts of this multidimensional cast of characters and carried the storyline expertly as the solo voice for the audiobook.
Looking forward to Ms. Hall's release of the second episode of this series and finding out what is in store next for Jordan.
Narrator Susan Dalian has the perfect voice for conveying the emotions, actions and thoughts of this multidimensional cast of characters and carried the storyline expertly as the solo voice for the audiobook.
Looking forward to Ms. Hall's release of the second episode of this series and finding out what is in store next for Jordan.
July 5, 2022
I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. It was fun following the main character as she worked in the community where the murders were taking place. Seeing her balance of trying to be a detective while being a TV reporter was fascinating! It was a good behind the scene look into both occupations. It also felt very realistic and true to the way most true crime stories pan out. Another great summer read!
March 26, 2025
ARE YOU A REPORTER OR AN INVESTIGATOR???
Jordan Manning is a go getter ambitious woman whose dream is to be a coveted anchor chair on a national network. When a 15-year-old girls body is found in an abandoned lot, Jordan cant help but feel super connected to the girls case and makes it her mission to uncover what really happened and who the culprit is. She does everything in her power to bring this case as much coverage but what she doesn’t know is that the culprit is in plain sight?
Tamron Hall is very talented, and she really brought the realities of how hard it is to be a black person trying to survive in America, let alone for the media to give a damn when a POC is k!lled and to get justice.
This book was a slow burn, and I couldn’t help but think that Jordan was very Tamron Hall ‘coated’. I felt like Jordan was highly based on Hall’s own experience of when she was in journalism.
The book was 400 pages long and it was filled with a lot of over descriptive fillers and there were too many characters mentioned that frankly did nothing for the story. It could have been 150 pages shorter.
I did enjoy the story and following Jordan’s story and I liked how the story concluded as it was very realistic. I see that this book is a series, so I feel compelled to read the next book. I just need Jordan in the next one to be a bit sharper and I hope Hall is less descriptive and does more ‘showing’ than ‘telling’ with her writing.
3.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I had no idea Tamron Hall was also an author!
I am intrigued to see how this book plays out!
Fingers Crossed it delivers! 💚🩵💚
Jordan Manning is a go getter ambitious woman whose dream is to be a coveted anchor chair on a national network. When a 15-year-old girls body is found in an abandoned lot, Jordan cant help but feel super connected to the girls case and makes it her mission to uncover what really happened and who the culprit is. She does everything in her power to bring this case as much coverage but what she doesn’t know is that the culprit is in plain sight?
Tamron Hall is very talented, and she really brought the realities of how hard it is to be a black person trying to survive in America, let alone for the media to give a damn when a POC is k!lled and to get justice.
This book was a slow burn, and I couldn’t help but think that Jordan was very Tamron Hall ‘coated’. I felt like Jordan was highly based on Hall’s own experience of when she was in journalism.
The book was 400 pages long and it was filled with a lot of over descriptive fillers and there were too many characters mentioned that frankly did nothing for the story. It could have been 150 pages shorter.
I did enjoy the story and following Jordan’s story and I liked how the story concluded as it was very realistic. I see that this book is a series, so I feel compelled to read the next book. I just need Jordan in the next one to be a bit sharper and I hope Hall is less descriptive and does more ‘showing’ than ‘telling’ with her writing.
3.5 ⭐
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
⋆｡°✩pre read⋆｡°✩
I had no idea Tamron Hall was also an author!
I am intrigued to see how this book plays out!
Fingers Crossed it delivers! 💚🩵💚
October 24, 2021
3.75 TV journalism stars
This book digs into the crime scene in Chicago as covered by TV reporter Jordan Manning. It was fascinating to see how Jordan’s 10–12-hour workday might result in a 3-minute segment on the evening news.
Jordan has unique qualifications for her job, having gotten a degree in forensic science. Although, she does border on doing police work as she digs into covering the story! This tale quickly focuses in with the sad story of Masey Jones, a black teenager who has been missing for a few weeks. The police originally wrote her off as a runaway.
Jordan is on the story, interviewing the mother, a vigil, and finding new clues that she indirectly shares with the police. She starts to make some unsafe choices as she pursues this one, but it seems to be personal for her, especially when Masey’s body is discovered.
The police are really under pressure to solve this case and that intensifies when they make a questionable arrest. It was interesting to see the interplay between the police and the media for a case like this.
I really liked the reporting side of this one but there were some forays into Jordan’s love life that I could have done without. There were a few repetitious parts and uneven storytelling, but overall, I liked this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher William Morrow/Custom House for the copy of this one to read and review.
This book digs into the crime scene in Chicago as covered by TV reporter Jordan Manning. It was fascinating to see how Jordan’s 10–12-hour workday might result in a 3-minute segment on the evening news.
Jordan has unique qualifications for her job, having gotten a degree in forensic science. Although, she does border on doing police work as she digs into covering the story! This tale quickly focuses in with the sad story of Masey Jones, a black teenager who has been missing for a few weeks. The police originally wrote her off as a runaway.
Jordan is on the story, interviewing the mother, a vigil, and finding new clues that she indirectly shares with the police. She starts to make some unsafe choices as she pursues this one, but it seems to be personal for her, especially when Masey’s body is discovered.
The police are really under pressure to solve this case and that intensifies when they make a questionable arrest. It was interesting to see the interplay between the police and the media for a case like this.
I really liked the reporting side of this one but there were some forays into Jordan’s love life that I could have done without. There were a few repetitious parts and uneven storytelling, but overall, I liked this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher William Morrow/Custom House for the copy of this one to read and review.
October 27, 2021
Jordan Manning is a crime reporter with a forensic science background and a criminal investigation certification. Originally from Texas she's been living in Chicago for the past few years. She's reporting on the case of a girl who was found brutally murdered but the police are trying to paint it as if he was a runaway. This case is really sticking with her. The deaths of Black people especially Black girls often go overlooked and unsolved. As Jordan interviews people close to the victim she starts to uncover details unknown to the police and feels the need to take investigating into her own hands.
Jordan is clearly modeled after the author Tamron Hall and those familiar with her may have a hard time separating the two. So much of who she is bleeds into Jordan from backstory to how she navigates through relationships.
At times the book gets too preachy and the day to day activities feel mundane. At times the mystery is sidetracked by Jordan recalling different moments in her life and we spend a bit too much time in her head. The book wasn't bad it just wasn't particularly satisfying enough to want to follow this characters through multiple books.
See full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
Jordan is clearly modeled after the author Tamron Hall and those familiar with her may have a hard time separating the two. So much of who she is bleeds into Jordan from backstory to how she navigates through relationships.
At times the book gets too preachy and the day to day activities feel mundane. At times the mystery is sidetracked by Jordan recalling different moments in her life and we spend a bit too much time in her head. The book wasn't bad it just wasn't particularly satisfying enough to want to follow this characters through multiple books.
See full review below
https://womenofcolorreadtoo.blogspot....
December 8, 2024
Finally it only took me 17 days to finish.
Here we have Jordan who is a crime journalists/reporter who has moved to Chicago.
When a beautiful girl named Masey 15 years old is brutally murdered and dumped at a local park. The community is outraged and they should be, more than a couple of young ladies have been killed in recent years!
Jordan takes this case seriously.... She is determined to find Masey's killer.
Even if it cost her own life!
My thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book! Serial Killers are my thing!
But unfortunately I just couldn't get into it.
I mean it took me 17 days to finish it. Insane
My personal opinion it was slow... Oh so slow.
Very repetitive which I didn't care for.
Some things would come out of no where....
Example: Jordan goes home one evening and she stops to talk to a friend Bass who works at the front desk of her apartment complex and then she would start reminiscing about an old friend who lives in Texas? Big'ol paragraphs about old friends and stuff. Kind of annoying.
What! Like why?
Overall I did not like this book.
Was not my cup of tea and I hate saying this I do.
I hope others can enjoy it better than I did.
Thank You William Morrow, NetGalley and Author for the chance to read this ebook!
Here we have Jordan who is a crime journalists/reporter who has moved to Chicago.
When a beautiful girl named Masey 15 years old is brutally murdered and dumped at a local park. The community is outraged and they should be, more than a couple of young ladies have been killed in recent years!
Jordan takes this case seriously.... She is determined to find Masey's killer.
Even if it cost her own life!
My thoughts:
I was so excited to read this book! Serial Killers are my thing!
But unfortunately I just couldn't get into it.
I mean it took me 17 days to finish it. Insane
My personal opinion it was slow... Oh so slow.
Very repetitive which I didn't care for.
Some things would come out of no where....
Example: Jordan goes home one evening and she stops to talk to a friend Bass who works at the front desk of her apartment complex and then she would start reminiscing about an old friend who lives in Texas? Big'ol paragraphs about old friends and stuff. Kind of annoying.
What! Like why?
Overall I did not like this book.
Was not my cup of tea and I hate saying this I do.
I hope others can enjoy it better than I did.
Thank You William Morrow, NetGalley and Author for the chance to read this ebook!
November 18, 2021
::I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read your work!:
This week I read #AsTheWickedWatch by #TamronHall . Yes. That Tamron Hall. And since this isn't a genre I read often, I wanted to make sure to support Hall because she's an amazing journalist and advocate for victims of violent crime.
This book is about a Chicago crime reporter named Jordan who is passionate about her work. The book begins with her working a story about a young Black girl who is missing, but the police have classified as a runaway. Jordan struggles to keep her feelings in check as she conducts interviews, holds the police's feet to the fire, and chases down ledes.
Things I enjoyed: Jordan talking about how race affects her in the newsroom, and which stories she is allowed to cover. I also think Hall tried to touch on issues of gentrification and how Black victims are often brutalized, their stories sensationalized, and then they are forgotten.
Not so great things: Man. I wanted to love this book. But this book needed a strong Structural and Developmental Edit. There was so much repetition and the main character would just start rambling about a memory in the middle of important plot moments. There was also so much telling, and not enough showing.
I really believe this premise could flesh out into a great series, but I think Hall needs to find the right editors to help bring her stories to life.
This week I read #AsTheWickedWatch by #TamronHall . Yes. That Tamron Hall. And since this isn't a genre I read often, I wanted to make sure to support Hall because she's an amazing journalist and advocate for victims of violent crime.
This book is about a Chicago crime reporter named Jordan who is passionate about her work. The book begins with her working a story about a young Black girl who is missing, but the police have classified as a runaway. Jordan struggles to keep her feelings in check as she conducts interviews, holds the police's feet to the fire, and chases down ledes.
Things I enjoyed: Jordan talking about how race affects her in the newsroom, and which stories she is allowed to cover. I also think Hall tried to touch on issues of gentrification and how Black victims are often brutalized, their stories sensationalized, and then they are forgotten.
Not so great things: Man. I wanted to love this book. But this book needed a strong Structural and Developmental Edit. There was so much repetition and the main character would just start rambling about a memory in the middle of important plot moments. There was also so much telling, and not enough showing.
I really believe this premise could flesh out into a great series, but I think Hall needs to find the right editors to help bring her stories to life.
January 18, 2022
I have never watched Tamron Hall on TV, but when I saw this was a debut crime novel and she was a journalist, I knew I had to read As the Wicked Watch. The story is told solely from Jordan's viewpoint and I thought it worked perfectly for this book. Jordan may be a crime reporter, but she doesn't let that stop her from going on a sleuthing expedition to figure out who Masey's killer is. She isn't afraid to put herself in harm's way and I loved both her tenacity and her forensic science smarts. I would say the synopsis gives a little too much away and I recommend going into it as blind as possible which is what I did. The story mostly revolves around Jordan's job and how she investigates Masey’s death, but Hall also touches on her love life, family, and her friendships. This felt like a mix of mystery, women's lit, and crime fiction and I for one loved it that way. I also liked that we got to know a bit more about Jordan's background without the entire book being a character study about her life.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and while there isn't anything special about it such as sound effects or things like that, I did love the narrator Susan Dalian. She was a great person to be the voice of our MC Jordan and the perfect choice to voice the story in general. I would love to see her be the one and only narrator for the entire Jordan Manning series, and if you enjoy audiobooks, I would recommend listening to As the Wicked Watch. The pacing is a bit on the slower side but steady, and even though the audio is almost 13 hours, it really didn't feel that way to me. I was completely captivated by the plot and what would happen next, and I was hooked basically from the very first page. I didn't know how everything would end and was pretty surprised by how everything went down. Some parts were a touch predictable, but it was an engaging read and both a solid debut and a great start to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and while there isn't anything special about it such as sound effects or things like that, I did love the narrator Susan Dalian. She was a great person to be the voice of our MC Jordan and the perfect choice to voice the story in general. I would love to see her be the one and only narrator for the entire Jordan Manning series, and if you enjoy audiobooks, I would recommend listening to As the Wicked Watch. The pacing is a bit on the slower side but steady, and even though the audio is almost 13 hours, it really didn't feel that way to me. I was completely captivated by the plot and what would happen next, and I was hooked basically from the very first page. I didn't know how everything would end and was pretty surprised by how everything went down. Some parts were a touch predictable, but it was an engaging read and both a solid debut and a great start to the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 9, 2022
One of the most annoying books I’ve ever read. I only continued after the first few pages because my book club chose it. Filled with a million irrelevant characters, each with their own detailed biographies. The author ran out of names, there were so many. She named 2 of them Tanya, with 2 different spellings, one spelled Tania, to make it less confusing. This strategy did not work for me. I still found it confusing. Lots of implausible details, like teenagers, and young adults, in current times, who keep actual prints of photographs around. Many ideas over explained. The book is supposed to be a mystery, but nothing mysterious happened. There were no clues, just really obvious announcements, telegraphing the identity of the murderer and the people who covered up his crime. I thought it would never end, but thank goodness it did.
December 10, 2021
I had to DNF at 41%. I love watching Tamron Hall on her investigative crime show but I couldn’t handle this book. She would get going on the storyline but veer off into unnecessary explanations of even something as simple as midwesterners calling soft drinks “ pop.” 🤦🏼♀️ Hall’s writing style is not for me.
June 8, 2024
This started off slow but ended up being fabulous.
It's a bit of a psychological thriller with a lot of prejudice in the workplace tackled in here too.
Jordan Manning is a wonderful character; very strong, entertaining and driven.
The police procedural aspect was interestingly handled from the side of a press member.
It gave a fresh look into the crime beat and I was here for it.
She was everything I wanted in a FMC and I am geeked for the next book!
It's a bit of a psychological thriller with a lot of prejudice in the workplace tackled in here too.
Jordan Manning is a wonderful character; very strong, entertaining and driven.
The police procedural aspect was interestingly handled from the side of a press member.
It gave a fresh look into the crime beat and I was here for it.
She was everything I wanted in a FMC and I am geeked for the next book!
January 17, 2022
There's no nice way to say this. I found this book terribly boring and tedious. It just got worse as it went on.
The characters weren't lovable or memorable. Jordan Manning wasn't smart, or a great mentor either to be honest, and there was absolutely no soul to her, or any character development whatsoever. The writing was terrible, the story was actually so bad. The story kept digressing all the time, and giving seriously unimportant facts. There were no peaks to the story, no thrilling spins, just nothing. The villains were meh, for lack of a better word. Even the antagonists were uninspired.
Entire reason I didn't DNF this was because I felt I'd already invested some time in it anyway, and was also kinda hoping it would get better. It simply did not.
The characters weren't lovable or memorable. Jordan Manning wasn't smart, or a great mentor either to be honest, and there was absolutely no soul to her, or any character development whatsoever. The writing was terrible, the story was actually so bad. The story kept digressing all the time, and giving seriously unimportant facts. There were no peaks to the story, no thrilling spins, just nothing. The villains were meh, for lack of a better word. Even the antagonists were uninspired.
Entire reason I didn't DNF this was because I felt I'd already invested some time in it anyway, and was also kinda hoping it would get better. It simply did not.
August 6, 2021
From as early as the dedication, Tamron Hall makes her intentions clear for As the Wicked Watch – she’s here to give you a twisty crime mystery, sure, but she’s also got some statements to make along the way.
Journalist Jordan Manning works the crime beat in Chicago, bringing a blend of femininity, empathy, and a healthy dose of journalistic instincts, which have served her well and helped her to rise steadily through the ranks. But when teenager Masey James goes missing, Jordan starts to realize that she may have let herself get too close to this one.
This is Tamron Hall’s fiction debut, and it’s a great start. They say to write what you know, and it’s clear the author knows the world of journalism and crime like the back of her hand; the details are right, but aren’t allowed to intrude on keeping this novel entertaining for the reader. The Chicago setting is used to best advantage, and as someone completely unfamiliar with the city, I was easily still able to keep track of the action. Jordan Manning is a smart protagonist it’s easy to like – she’s ethical but able to push the hard questions when she has to.
The strongest part of the novel, though, was the sharp and honest portrayal of the issues surrounding equality when it comes to crime victims and their families. Poor victims, victims of color, anyone who can be assigned to a class that somehow strips them of their right to better treatment; they all too frequently don’t get a fair shake from the criminal justice system or the media. Tamron Hall again keeps this balanced against allowing her narrative room to flow, but it’s an issue she clearly feels strongly about; as should we all.
As the Wicked Watch is a very strong debut from an author with a voice that I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from.
Journalist Jordan Manning works the crime beat in Chicago, bringing a blend of femininity, empathy, and a healthy dose of journalistic instincts, which have served her well and helped her to rise steadily through the ranks. But when teenager Masey James goes missing, Jordan starts to realize that she may have let herself get too close to this one.
This is Tamron Hall’s fiction debut, and it’s a great start. They say to write what you know, and it’s clear the author knows the world of journalism and crime like the back of her hand; the details are right, but aren’t allowed to intrude on keeping this novel entertaining for the reader. The Chicago setting is used to best advantage, and as someone completely unfamiliar with the city, I was easily still able to keep track of the action. Jordan Manning is a smart protagonist it’s easy to like – she’s ethical but able to push the hard questions when she has to.
The strongest part of the novel, though, was the sharp and honest portrayal of the issues surrounding equality when it comes to crime victims and their families. Poor victims, victims of color, anyone who can be assigned to a class that somehow strips them of their right to better treatment; they all too frequently don’t get a fair shake from the criminal justice system or the media. Tamron Hall again keeps this balanced against allowing her narrative room to flow, but it’s an issue she clearly feels strongly about; as should we all.
As the Wicked Watch is a very strong debut from an author with a voice that I’m very much looking forward to hearing more from.
September 24, 2021
3.5 stars.
Jordan Manning is a broadcast crime reporter looking into the deaths of eight black women killed over the last two years in Chicago.
I've been aware of Tamron Hall for several years as a cable news anchor. Now she's an author who is calling out racism. Jordan Manning is an interesting character with a degree in journalism and a master's degree in forensic science. I enjoyed the reporting and live interviews that Jordan did. I wonder if people who have knowledge of details in a police investigation talk about these with friends and family. I have no idea but this jumped out at me in the book.
I love serial killer books but would have been happier if there was more of that and less of the social justice talking. Just my preference for reading. There's more action in the last quarter of the story.
I received an ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and thought Tamron Hall did a good job in her debut.
Jordan Manning is a broadcast crime reporter looking into the deaths of eight black women killed over the last two years in Chicago.
I've been aware of Tamron Hall for several years as a cable news anchor. Now she's an author who is calling out racism. Jordan Manning is an interesting character with a degree in journalism and a master's degree in forensic science. I enjoyed the reporting and live interviews that Jordan did. I wonder if people who have knowledge of details in a police investigation talk about these with friends and family. I have no idea but this jumped out at me in the book.
I love serial killer books but would have been happier if there was more of that and less of the social justice talking. Just my preference for reading. There's more action in the last quarter of the story.
I received an ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and thought Tamron Hall did a good job in her debut.
October 6, 2022
Maybe I'm just feeling a little generous today, but I had a good time with this one.
I think I first saw this sitting on a shelf back in January and I've been telling myself all year that I was going to read it, and would you look at that, I've finally done it.
I don't think that this is groundbreaking fiction. I also think that if this were any other author I wouldn't have gotten a sneak peak at book 2 in this series at the end of my audiobook. Hall being who Hall is largely why this book was probably published. It's an okay debut, the kind that makes more sense when you realize that the person behind the book isn't known for being an author. As I said in an update, this book doesn't really read like a thriller or a mystery in the way that either genre is typically published. Instead it takes on the beats more like your favorite procedural, if that procedural was instead following the news. So maybe like that short lived drama Notorious on ABC that starred Piper Perabo and Ryan Guzman... Again tho, that drama was short lived.
Aside from the clear stumbling of a first time novelist, and asides that often felt like they could have been cut. There really are only so many times the reader needs Jordan's inner monologue aside-ing about how being a black woman in local television news means x thing. But again, maybe I'm biased....
Still, Hall was able to craft a book that I enjoyed listening to. I do think that the third act was messy. That though did feel at least par for the course for contemporary publishing of crime fiction written to appeal to a broad audience.
For fans of character led procedurals that span many seasons and at least three core cast changes this novel will likely be enjoyable. For readers that blaze through mystery and thrillers in a couple hours multiple times a week, I'd skip it. It doesn't offer the breadcrumbs of a mystery or the ratcheting tension of a thriller and instead offers the reader a strong beginning, a middle that exists to connect you to Jordan, and an ending that feels a little unsatisfying even if it does succeed in at least presenting a summation of the evidence that doesn't feel wildly outlandish.
I think I first saw this sitting on a shelf back in January and I've been telling myself all year that I was going to read it, and would you look at that, I've finally done it.
I don't think that this is groundbreaking fiction. I also think that if this were any other author I wouldn't have gotten a sneak peak at book 2 in this series at the end of my audiobook. Hall being who Hall is largely why this book was probably published. It's an okay debut, the kind that makes more sense when you realize that the person behind the book isn't known for being an author. As I said in an update, this book doesn't really read like a thriller or a mystery in the way that either genre is typically published. Instead it takes on the beats more like your favorite procedural, if that procedural was instead following the news. So maybe like that short lived drama Notorious on ABC that starred Piper Perabo and Ryan Guzman... Again tho, that drama was short lived.
Aside from the clear stumbling of a first time novelist, and asides that often felt like they could have been cut. There really are only so many times the reader needs Jordan's inner monologue aside-ing about how being a black woman in local television news means x thing. But again, maybe I'm biased....
Still, Hall was able to craft a book that I enjoyed listening to. I do think that the third act was messy. That though did feel at least par for the course for contemporary publishing of crime fiction written to appeal to a broad audience.
For fans of character led procedurals that span many seasons and at least three core cast changes this novel will likely be enjoyable. For readers that blaze through mystery and thrillers in a couple hours multiple times a week, I'd skip it. It doesn't offer the breadcrumbs of a mystery or the ratcheting tension of a thriller and instead offers the reader a strong beginning, a middle that exists to connect you to Jordan, and an ending that feels a little unsatisfying even if it does succeed in at least presenting a summation of the evidence that doesn't feel wildly outlandish.
January 7, 2022
I wanted to like this book, unfortunately, it was just way, way, way too slow for me. A book about serial killers shouldn't put you to sleep.
If it wasn't for my OCD I would have quit this book in chapter 6.
The MC Jordan was always blabbing to her mom and friends about things that she should have kept to herself. I didn't find it very professional.
Also, this book had way too much filler. By that I mean I don't need to know about all your meals, clothes, pillows, etc. We all know you're just trying to run up your word count. I could have also done without all the flashbacks especially during important conversations or interviews. In her next book, I hope Jordan spends less time in her own head and more trying to get into others.
If it wasn't for my OCD I would have quit this book in chapter 6.
The MC Jordan was always blabbing to her mom and friends about things that she should have kept to herself. I didn't find it very professional.
Also, this book had way too much filler. By that I mean I don't need to know about all your meals, clothes, pillows, etc. We all know you're just trying to run up your word count. I could have also done without all the flashbacks especially during important conversations or interviews. In her next book, I hope Jordan spends less time in her own head and more trying to get into others.
May 2, 2023
I couldn't do it. I couldn't force myself to continue reading this. This book was boring and was just telling me the story rather than showing me through imagery. Instead, The plot was boring and it kept dragging on and on. There was too much explanation of things and for a "thriller", it was not a thriller at all. I got to about 50% and said, you know what, I think I'm going to stop here. I already got out of a 3 month slump, I'm not putting myself back in one.
September 13, 2023
4.5 stars
Jordan Manning is a television reporter in Chicago who cares so much about the stories she reports on, she sometimes becomes too invested in the people and the outcomes. One of those cases is a missing fifteen-year-old honor student who is later discovered to have been murdered. The girl’s mother is not the only one in the city to believe her daughter’s disappearance wasn’t taken seriously because she was black. Jordan is determined to find out what happened and keep a killer from striking again, all the while dealing with preconceived notions about race from witnesses, viewers, and colleagues.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this story. The timelines of two murder cases confused me at first and we meet a lot of different side characters who are friends with or work with Jordan. It was hard to know which characters were going to be important to the ongoing story at first. However, once I got some of that figured out, I really enjoyed the book. Jordan is smart, driven and career-oriented, and is also a caring and compassionate person. Most of the story is told from her point-of-view, with a few “news reports” about the case throughout the book.
The book is very suspenseful and became more tense the closer Jordan got to the truth. I was surprised by some of the revelations that came about about some of the suspects and witnesses. I like the way everything came together by the end. I am also impressed by the way the author makes you think about current, important issues without being preachy. It is educational, thought-provoking, and entertaining. I really hope there will be future books featuring Jordan Manning.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Scene of the Crime Early Reads for this ebook. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Jordan Manning is a television reporter in Chicago who cares so much about the stories she reports on, she sometimes becomes too invested in the people and the outcomes. One of those cases is a missing fifteen-year-old honor student who is later discovered to have been murdered. The girl’s mother is not the only one in the city to believe her daughter’s disappearance wasn’t taken seriously because she was black. Jordan is determined to find out what happened and keep a killer from striking again, all the while dealing with preconceived notions about race from witnesses, viewers, and colleagues.
It took me a couple of chapters to really get into this story. The timelines of two murder cases confused me at first and we meet a lot of different side characters who are friends with or work with Jordan. It was hard to know which characters were going to be important to the ongoing story at first. However, once I got some of that figured out, I really enjoyed the book. Jordan is smart, driven and career-oriented, and is also a caring and compassionate person. Most of the story is told from her point-of-view, with a few “news reports” about the case throughout the book.
The book is very suspenseful and became more tense the closer Jordan got to the truth. I was surprised by some of the revelations that came about about some of the suspects and witnesses. I like the way everything came together by the end. I am also impressed by the way the author makes you think about current, important issues without being preachy. It is educational, thought-provoking, and entertaining. I really hope there will be future books featuring Jordan Manning.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Scene of the Crime Early Reads for this ebook. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 31, 2021
Had high hopes for this one!! I love thrillers where crime reporters are the main POV, but for some reason this fell short for me. The story was compelling, but there was SO MUCH unnecessary commentary that really drug this story into the mud. I think it could have easily been 200 pages less and still semi-impactful. I'd read more by this author if it were more succinct and to the point. I really enjoy the different POV from someone outside of the police department, but there wasn't enough meat to the plot and WAY too much other commentary.
November 15, 2021
2.5 stars. This is a book in desperate need of an editor. There are so many characters in this book it is extremely difficult to keep track of them. Often they have no relevance to the plot or character development. The story needs to be tightened up and the focus needs to be either on the journalism or the community activism. This book is all over the place.
December 20, 2021
Very disappointed, for sev reasons. As a black woman, I was hoping that she would make a strong entrance into a genre where we r sorely missing, and because I admire her, as a journalist, was hoping the writing would be crisp, with fast paced first novel. The first few pages were poorly written, the characters were flat. I usu read one book every two to three days, since I retired. After trying to get thru this book, for a week, I gave up. Glad I borrowed fr library, and not a purchase. Was sincerely hoping that I had found a new series, to latch onto
October 27, 2021
You can’t really read this and not picture Tamron as Jordan- and I like her so that’s not a bad thing. But the pace was too slow, particularly for a crime/mystery novel. There’s a lot of commentary about the Black female journalist perspective and media coverage of missing and murdered Black girls, which was clearly real even though the story is fiction- and I actually did like that. But, overall, it wasn’t as thrilling as the title implies.
November 9, 2021
The writing was such a drag. I could not get into this book. The main character did nothing but tell us every. little. thing.
October 10, 2021
This book reminds me of when i first started reading Marcia Clark. She had so much legal knowledge that she was eager to prove she knew what she was talking about and her first few books suffered from over detailing the day in and day out work of being an attorney. I felt a lot of the same in this novel. Jordan is an investigative journalist in Chicago trying to prove she knows what she is doing and she's where she belongs. When she lands a big scoop, the story doesn't end well and that bothers Jordan... so she begins investigating.
As the Wicked Watch was a highly anticipated read and I was so excited to get an advance copy. I kept my expectations low and that was wise. This was NOT a bad read-- but I didn't want to prematurely hike the likelihood that I would love this book. I did not love it... I also did not hate it. It was an OK read.
Some triggers for this story involve violence toward children and adults. I can't be more specific without spoiling the plot, but know before you go in that this story involves children.
As the Wicked Watch was a highly anticipated read and I was so excited to get an advance copy. I kept my expectations low and that was wise. This was NOT a bad read-- but I didn't want to prematurely hike the likelihood that I would love this book. I did not love it... I also did not hate it. It was an OK read.
Some triggers for this story involve violence toward children and adults. I can't be more specific without spoiling the plot, but know before you go in that this story involves children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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