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Deck of Cardz #2
Black Jack
Lead Homicide Detective Shevaughn Robinson has gone from the cop everyone, including herself, doubted to the "golden child" of the Portsborough Police Department with a record of sensational arrests and closed cases. But when Helene Elliott is found dead from an apparent suicide, her family insists it was murder and pressures the Portsborough Police Department to take on the investigation. Detective Robinson is assigned to the case at a time when she is struggling to strike a balance between her personal and professional life following the death of Tony O'Brien, the love of her life. Elliott's case awakens a complicated relationship with Terri Becker who harbors resentment towards Shevaughn for the death of Eric Becker, the serial killer dubbed Ace of Hearts. Was the Elliott death a suicide or the work of a cold-blooded predator? Will life throw Shevaughn another unexpected blow? And will Shevaughn's attempts to move forward inadvertently lead death to her front door yet again? Black Jack is the sequel to Jean Holloway's acclaimed debut novel, Ace of Hearts. Buckle up and follow Shevaughn as she moves closer to solving the Elliott murder, unknowing rekindling old grudges and awakening sinister spirits. Get ready, it's going to be a bumpy ride.
- GenresMystery ThrillerFiction
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2009
1 person is currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Jean Holloway
14 books196 followersI was born October 10, 19** in good ole Queens, New York. I had a difficult childhood because I developed severe eczema and most of my schoolmates shunned me until high school. Books became my friend.
Early in life, I found myself fascinated by the macabre. I would actually set my alarm if one of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock, Rod Serling or One Step Beyond episodes was coming on late at night. These kept me up til the wee hours of the morning.
Being raised in Amityville was the icing on the cake. I went to see the actual "Amityville Horror" house and swear it literally took my breath away.
My biological mother died when I was 13, the age puberty reared its ugly head. Needless to say, I was a wife and mother by the time I was 17, divorced at 20. Then I met Fred, my second, current and final husband. We have been together 48 years. He helped me become an adult although I went kicking and fighting the whole way. Together, we raised 6 children. We now have 11 grandkids & 4 great-grands!
Reading was my education. I can not list my degrees or college affiliations. I learned from the masters; Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Jean Auel, even Dr. Seuss!
Early in life, I found myself fascinated by the macabre. I would actually set my alarm if one of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock, Rod Serling or One Step Beyond episodes was coming on late at night. These kept me up til the wee hours of the morning.
Being raised in Amityville was the icing on the cake. I went to see the actual "Amityville Horror" house and swear it literally took my breath away.
My biological mother died when I was 13, the age puberty reared its ugly head. Needless to say, I was a wife and mother by the time I was 17, divorced at 20. Then I met Fred, my second, current and final husband. We have been together 48 years. He helped me become an adult although I went kicking and fighting the whole way. Together, we raised 6 children. We now have 11 grandkids & 4 great-grands!
Reading was my education. I can not list my degrees or college affiliations. I learned from the masters; Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Jean Auel, even Dr. Seuss!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 21, 2010
Black Jack,
Book 2
Written by: Jean Holloway
Published by: PHE Ink
Date: May 14th, 2009
Pages: 294
Format: Perfect Paperback
ISBN: 978-0982447505
I’ve been looking forward to reading Black Jack, ever since I’ve had the privilege of reading and reviewing book 1, Ace of Hearts. I was really curious to see how this story would play out, I wondered who the new characters would be and how the new storyline would tie into the first book. Boy oh boy, are you in for a treat! The story picks up just a few short years after Ace of Hearts ended. Shevaughn Robinson (Von to her friends) feels pretty good about her role as lead homicide detective. With work going so well and the love of her little girl, she can almost forget the pain and sadness of losing Tony O’Brien. When Von is called to the scene of a homicide and she begins investigating an elderly woman’s death, she can’t stop some of the memories from flooding back as similarities remind her of Eric Becker, the notorious Ace of Hearts serial killer and...
* Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
Book 2
Written by: Jean Holloway
Published by: PHE Ink
Date: May 14th, 2009
Pages: 294
Format: Perfect Paperback
ISBN: 978-0982447505
I’ve been looking forward to reading Black Jack, ever since I’ve had the privilege of reading and reviewing book 1, Ace of Hearts. I was really curious to see how this story would play out, I wondered who the new characters would be and how the new storyline would tie into the first book. Boy oh boy, are you in for a treat! The story picks up just a few short years after Ace of Hearts ended. Shevaughn Robinson (Von to her friends) feels pretty good about her role as lead homicide detective. With work going so well and the love of her little girl, she can almost forget the pain and sadness of losing Tony O’Brien. When Von is called to the scene of a homicide and she begins investigating an elderly woman’s death, she can’t stop some of the memories from flooding back as similarities remind her of Eric Becker, the notorious Ace of Hearts serial killer and...
* Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
July 12, 2009
I'm not 1 to toot my own horn (OK, yes I am! ;o) but I think Black Jack (tho less perverse & gory than Ace of Hearts) is a more mature story, probably 'cause it's been 27 years since I've created 1 & I've had a lot on my mind. You'll C Shevaughn has matured too. It's now 4 years after the Ace of Hearts case. Take a peek @ the prologue on my profile.
I'd give Black Jack 4.5 stars if I knew how 2 do it on GoodReads.
To paraphrase Bette Davis; Get ready, it's going 2 B a bumpy ride! (I LOVE that line! ;o)
Hope U enjoy,
Jean
I'd give Black Jack 4.5 stars if I knew how 2 do it on GoodReads.
To paraphrase Bette Davis; Get ready, it's going 2 B a bumpy ride! (I LOVE that line! ;o)
Hope U enjoy,
Jean
October 11, 2010
Wow was this an amazing book!
Detective Shevaughn Robinson is back, now with a 3 year old daughter named Toni. She is investigating a suicide of Helene Elliott, but it seems like there is something just not right about it being a suicide. There is also another serial killer to deal with. Here is a quote from page 23:
"He left for his day at the library. Today is research day. When he got there, he went directly to the microfiche machine and began looking through the newspaper obituaries for married men who died between 1980 and 1983. Their widows would be due for a little romance by now. He stayed there for hours, searching for her. His meticulous search netted seven names that merited further investigation. If some husband died and it made the first five pages of the paper, well, that meant a definite bonus because the dead man was powerful and with power came money. Their widows made excellent prospects for his future plans."
There is just so much going on in this book and it just sucked me in and hooked me until the last page. There was romance, death, and very disturbed people. For some reason, every time I think of Shevaughn, I picture Queen Latifah. If this was made into a movie and I so see her playing Von. I just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this book and really look forward to reading the next book which is Deuces Wild. I have that book pre-ordered and it's coming out this week!
Detective Shevaughn Robinson is back, now with a 3 year old daughter named Toni. She is investigating a suicide of Helene Elliott, but it seems like there is something just not right about it being a suicide. There is also another serial killer to deal with. Here is a quote from page 23:
"He left for his day at the library. Today is research day. When he got there, he went directly to the microfiche machine and began looking through the newspaper obituaries for married men who died between 1980 and 1983. Their widows would be due for a little romance by now. He stayed there for hours, searching for her. His meticulous search netted seven names that merited further investigation. If some husband died and it made the first five pages of the paper, well, that meant a definite bonus because the dead man was powerful and with power came money. Their widows made excellent prospects for his future plans."
There is just so much going on in this book and it just sucked me in and hooked me until the last page. There was romance, death, and very disturbed people. For some reason, every time I think of Shevaughn, I picture Queen Latifah. If this was made into a movie and I so see her playing Von. I just can't say enough about how much I enjoyed reading this book and really look forward to reading the next book which is Deuces Wild. I have that book pre-ordered and it's coming out this week!
October 24, 2009
Mrs. Holloway gives us yet another INTRIGUING mystery...mixed with a bit of romance and LOADS of drama...the full cast is COLORFUL and quite memorable...and lil' Miss Toni is quite the CHARMER throughout...I enjoyed the budding romance between Von and Marcus...IMHO this storyline has a somewhat slower pace than her debut "Ace of Hearts" and it just didn't flow as smoothly as her first novel...quite possibly due to the unfortunate typos and/or editing issues (which according to the author she has corrected in her 2nd editions)...so, that being said it's still another SUSPENSEFUL tale with more SURPRISING twists and turns.
October 16, 2009
Once again Jean Holloway comes up with another hit. Black Jack picks up perfectly where Ace Of Hearts leaves off. Detective Shevaughn Robinson is back, she is now a mother and no longer new to the police force. Terri Becker is out of the nut house, a new serial killer is on the loose, and Shevaughn is hot on the trail. Ms. Holloway delves into the mind of serial killers and pscyho's, bringing a chill to a great all night read.
August 17, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. I like the suspense and how the web developed. It was great to see the dectective come out on top again with a great twist. She learned some valuable lessons and was able to find and develop love again. Good job.
July 14, 2009
excellant book could not put it down. kept me in suspence all the way thru it.
September 4, 2012
Because Mommy Says So...
The year is 1993 and Shevaughn Robinson is still adapting to life changes that took place the previous year. Her divorce from Marcus became final and the two of them are sharing in the responsibility of joint custody. Although Shevaughn still has mixed emotions (ones of anger mostly), whenever Marcus is near, she has realized that he is now a part of her past. Also Shevaughn is now Portsborough's youngest Captain of the Homicide Division and the first African American female to hold that title.
Rumors and fingers are being pointed at the police department for not looking into the disappearances of Black women in the area. Could it be because they are women of the street or addicted to drugs that they're not making this a priority? Captain Shevaughn Robinson is determined to put these rumors to rest. She soon discovers that these women were taken for a purpose. What purpose could anyone have? When you find out it will surely blow your mind.
Bethany Peters is a single mom of five good-looking boys. She raised her sons with an iron fist and refused to let another man get close enough to her after her husband disappeared. She loves her boys more than anything, but she has a very different way of showing it. The boys fear their mother, but they are very loyal to her and will do anything that she says...without question, even if they know deep in their hearts that what they're doing is so very wrong. Bethany has an idea that has taken shape in her mind and she is determined that her boys carry out her plan to the tiniest detail, regardless who may get hurt in the process. They know if they do not do what she tells them...there will be absolute hell to pay.
Full House by Jean Holloway is the final installment of The Deck of Cardz. Full House was a great read. From the very first page I was engrossed in the story. With every turn of the page I could not believe what was going on within the story. It takes a very imaginative person to come up with some of the craziest of characters. The crime scenes in the story are painted so vividly, at times making this reader cringe or think out loud what in the world is wrong with him/her? The story has you rooting for the good guys to come out on top, but the question is will they? Or will the bad guys reign?
I have grown quite attached to this series and really hope this is not the last we have seen of Captain Shevaughn Robinson. I really like her character and her little family which consists of her children and close knit friends. I would definitely recommend this entire series to anyone looking for a good read. Start with Ace of Hearts, then Black Jack, Deuces Wild and finish up with Full House. You won't regret it!
Reviewed by Leona
The year is 1993 and Shevaughn Robinson is still adapting to life changes that took place the previous year. Her divorce from Marcus became final and the two of them are sharing in the responsibility of joint custody. Although Shevaughn still has mixed emotions (ones of anger mostly), whenever Marcus is near, she has realized that he is now a part of her past. Also Shevaughn is now Portsborough's youngest Captain of the Homicide Division and the first African American female to hold that title.
Rumors and fingers are being pointed at the police department for not looking into the disappearances of Black women in the area. Could it be because they are women of the street or addicted to drugs that they're not making this a priority? Captain Shevaughn Robinson is determined to put these rumors to rest. She soon discovers that these women were taken for a purpose. What purpose could anyone have? When you find out it will surely blow your mind.
Bethany Peters is a single mom of five good-looking boys. She raised her sons with an iron fist and refused to let another man get close enough to her after her husband disappeared. She loves her boys more than anything, but she has a very different way of showing it. The boys fear their mother, but they are very loyal to her and will do anything that she says...without question, even if they know deep in their hearts that what they're doing is so very wrong. Bethany has an idea that has taken shape in her mind and she is determined that her boys carry out her plan to the tiniest detail, regardless who may get hurt in the process. They know if they do not do what she tells them...there will be absolute hell to pay.
Full House by Jean Holloway is the final installment of The Deck of Cardz. Full House was a great read. From the very first page I was engrossed in the story. With every turn of the page I could not believe what was going on within the story. It takes a very imaginative person to come up with some of the craziest of characters. The crime scenes in the story are painted so vividly, at times making this reader cringe or think out loud what in the world is wrong with him/her? The story has you rooting for the good guys to come out on top, but the question is will they? Or will the bad guys reign?
I have grown quite attached to this series and really hope this is not the last we have seen of Captain Shevaughn Robinson. I really like her character and her little family which consists of her children and close knit friends. I would definitely recommend this entire series to anyone looking for a good read. Start with Ace of Hearts, then Black Jack, Deuces Wild and finish up with Full House. You won't regret it!
Reviewed by Leona
December 31, 2010
Another page turner!!! Jean has done it again. Black Jack was awesome. Black Jack is the second book is Jean Holloway’s series “Deck of Cardz” and she steps it up a notch with this book. We meet Shevaughn again but with a new case that accidently or coincidentally meets with her past. Jean writes chilling scenes as if the reader is there with the character and leaves them in suspense and wanting more. It’s one book you can’t put down and is a tad better than Ace of Hearts. Jean hasn’t finished with the “Deck of Cardz” series. Even though Black Jack is only the second book the series, it will blow you away!
Purchase your copy today! www.deckofcardz.com
Purchase your copy today! www.deckofcardz.com
May 20, 2011
3.5 stars
January 13, 2010
Book two in her series of three - Jean Holloway is an incredibly talented story teller.
March 31, 2016
This was not the book for me, although there were a lot of elements that I would normally enjoy. The characters were likable and the plot was well thought out. The book included mystery, adventure, and the supernatural. What I found most troublesome about the book was the author's writing style and skill which suffer in comparison to Connie Willis, JK Rowling, and Diana Gabaldon.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews