Death Roll

Snake Jones Zoo Mystery #1

by Marilyn Victor, Michael Allan Mallory

Who would want the director of the Minnesota Valley Zoo dead? Everyone! Anthony Wright made a career of getting what he wanted, whatever the price. When he's murdered and ends up as a late night snack for the zoo's fifteen-foot crocodile, few are shedding any tears. After police arrest the lead crocodile handler, it's up to zookeeper Lavender "Snake" Jones to prove her friend's innocence. But is she really helping? Each lie she exposes only serves to strengthen the case against him, rattles her belief in those she trusts and, in the end, threatens her own safety. With the help of her Aussie husband, herpetologist Jeff Jones, Snake hacks her way through the shadowy underworld of illegal animal trading to uncover a snakepit of sordid deeds, secret pasts, and corruption.

355 pages, Hardcover

First published May 16, 2007

About the author

From the mysterious illness of a Komodo dragon to the diet of a kangaroo, animals are an integral part of "Death Roll", offering readers insight into the daily routine of a zookeeper as she tracks down a killer.

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Reviews

[T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was kind of choppy, but the audiobook narrator made it worse by adding unnecessary pauses in sentences and what seemed like end of paragraph pauses after every sentence.

[Michael Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this is my book. Five stars? What do you expect?

Here's what a few others have said about DEATH ROLL:

"...engaging characters and an intriguing behind-the-scenes look at zoo life." --Kirkus Reviews

"An exciting zoo setting with snappy, right-on dialogue and fast pacing. I loved DEATH ROLL." --St. Paul Pioneer Press

"This book is by turns amusing and creepy--in a good way. Snake and Jeff are a great team and the plot is nicely twisty, and the action is fast-paced." --Crimespree Magazine

"The unique setting, fun characters and great story kept me glued to this mystery novel. The colorful descriptions of zoo life made me feel I was right there with Jeff and Snake Jones. Some parts of the story made me laugh out loud; they were hilarious. I can’t wait for the next Snake Jones mystery. I loved Death Roll!”

--Marcia Cummings, Forensic Artist, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fun ride. I enjoyed the close to home setting of the twin cities and the detective work the characters went through in the story. It's a fun murder mystery that I'd recommend for anyone who likes a good murder mystery, especially if they've ever spent time in the twin cities.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Husband & wife work at a zoo in Minnesota and solve a murder at the zoo. He is a take-off on the Crocodile Hunter. Interesting zoo details and a pretty good story. I will look for future books about them.

[Mesembryanthemum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun read! I wish all first novels were this good. The mystery is fun, and the writing is top-notch. I loved that it took place at the Minnesota Zoo, which I have visited many times - I could see all the key scenes as if I was there. Marilyn and Michael, please write more!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining at best. In my opinion the ending was predictable. I liked the fact that the book was given to me signed by the author by my uncle and it took place at the Minneapolis Zoo.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about real zoo life!