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Bad Moon Rising
There's a serial killer on the loose in New Orleans who was supposedly executed years earlier. Attorney J.D. Damascus has always believed the NOPD put away the wrong guy, and now that more hookers are turning up dead, he's sure of it. But his drunken meltdown following the murders of his wife and children has left him with few friends on the force. Once a hotshot assistant district attorney, J.D. now handles cases for prostitutes and junkies who can rarely pay for his services. When Holly Jones calls him after finding his name on the jailhouse wall, he figures she's just another hard-luck case, but he finds himself drawn to her in spite of himself. Holly's in town looking for her friend Melissa, a hooker who may be the killer's latest victim. As J.D. and Holly draw closer to uncovering the truth, they find in each other the possibility for healing.
340 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
1 person is currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Sutcliffe
42 books75 followersKatherine Sutcliffe was born an only child in East Texas. After working for a time at an oil company and as a headhunter for a computer personnel company, Sutcliffe decided in 1982 to quit her job and attempt to write a novel. Three years later she sold her first book, Desire and Surrender to Avon Books. She works eight hours a day, five to seven months a year. Sutcliffe also attempts to find a single CD that will provide inspiration during the writing of each book. In the past, she has used the soundtrack to Somewhere in Time and Kitarō's Silk Road.
In 1995 and 1996, Sutcliffe worked as the Consultant Head Writer for the soap operas As The World Turns and Another World. Sutcliffe was offered the job after Bill Graham, who searched for writers for Proctor and Gamble, mentioned to his wife that they wanted to refocus the soap opera stories on romance. His wife, who loved Sutcliffe's book, insisted that he contact her. During her time as a soap opera writer, she concentrated on developing the six-month story lines, which the breakdown writers would then develop into dialogue and individual scenes for the show. During this time frame, Sutcliffe also made a guest appearance on Another World, playing herself. She resigned from her position after the networks began to insist that she move to New York City to be more accessible.
Her historical romance, Notorious, sold out its first printing in a mere four days.
Sutcliffe lives near Dallas, Texas. She met her husband, an English geologist, while they worked for the same oil company. They have three children, Bryan, Rachel, and Lauren. Sutcliffe also raises and shows Arabian horses.
In 1995 and 1996, Sutcliffe worked as the Consultant Head Writer for the soap operas As The World Turns and Another World. Sutcliffe was offered the job after Bill Graham, who searched for writers for Proctor and Gamble, mentioned to his wife that they wanted to refocus the soap opera stories on romance. His wife, who loved Sutcliffe's book, insisted that he contact her. During her time as a soap opera writer, she concentrated on developing the six-month story lines, which the breakdown writers would then develop into dialogue and individual scenes for the show. During this time frame, Sutcliffe also made a guest appearance on Another World, playing herself. She resigned from her position after the networks began to insist that she move to New York City to be more accessible.
Her historical romance, Notorious, sold out its first printing in a mere four days.
Sutcliffe lives near Dallas, Texas. She met her husband, an English geologist, while they worked for the same oil company. They have three children, Bryan, Rachel, and Lauren. Sutcliffe also raises and shows Arabian horses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 2, 2008
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I'd never read the author before, didn't know anything about her, or anything about the book. I saw it at a used book sale and thought that it sounded interesting so why not give it a try...and I was pleasantly surprised. This was a great book!
Four years ago, New Orleans was terrorized by a serial killer that butchered prostitutes. ADA J.D. Damascus's wife broke the pattern when she was found in the same manner, and his two children murdered along side her. When a man was arrested and convicted (and later executed) J.D. knew it was the wrong man. He vowed to find the right one even as his life spiraled down the drain. Now he's a shell of his former self. And the fact that the killer is back and he was right is little consolation. The only bright spot for him is the appearance of Holly in his life. Despite the danger to her, she returns to New Orleans to try and save her best friend, a hooker the might have been taken by the killer. Soon J.D. and Holly are thrown together, trying to find answers and in the process trying to save themselves from the terrors that haunt them.
Right from the start this book hooked me in. J.D. is such a tragic hero and Sutcliffe did a wonderful job portraying him. All I wanted to do was give the poor man a big hug. I also enjoyed Holly a lot. She's definitely not your typical heroine since she was once a prostitute and for most of the book, you know there's some big secret she's hiding. I found her rather interesting. And the romance between the two was rather intense. I could really feel the emotions between the two and I really wanted them to be able to work things out. They were two people who really needed each other.
The storyline was good as well. I did guess fairly early who the bad guy was, but the plot still kept me hooked. I wanted to keep reading to find out where things would go and how it would all turn out.
My one complaint would be that the epilogue could have been a little more thorough. It left out things I wanted to know, but not enough to really annoy. Just left me a smidge peeved that I didn't get enough.
The creepiness of the story reminds me of a Karen Rose book, but the plot wasn't as intense or as developed. The book, though, reminded me a lot of Linda Howard's Cry No More...not really in storyline, though there's some similarity there...but in tone with the tragic heroes and heroines. For those of you who read and enjoyed the LH book, I think you'll like this one as well. But in general, this was a really good romantic suspense book...great romance, good storyline...I'd highly recommend it.
Four years ago, New Orleans was terrorized by a serial killer that butchered prostitutes. ADA J.D. Damascus's wife broke the pattern when she was found in the same manner, and his two children murdered along side her. When a man was arrested and convicted (and later executed) J.D. knew it was the wrong man. He vowed to find the right one even as his life spiraled down the drain. Now he's a shell of his former self. And the fact that the killer is back and he was right is little consolation. The only bright spot for him is the appearance of Holly in his life. Despite the danger to her, she returns to New Orleans to try and save her best friend, a hooker the might have been taken by the killer. Soon J.D. and Holly are thrown together, trying to find answers and in the process trying to save themselves from the terrors that haunt them.
Right from the start this book hooked me in. J.D. is such a tragic hero and Sutcliffe did a wonderful job portraying him. All I wanted to do was give the poor man a big hug. I also enjoyed Holly a lot. She's definitely not your typical heroine since she was once a prostitute and for most of the book, you know there's some big secret she's hiding. I found her rather interesting. And the romance between the two was rather intense. I could really feel the emotions between the two and I really wanted them to be able to work things out. They were two people who really needed each other.
The storyline was good as well. I did guess fairly early who the bad guy was, but the plot still kept me hooked. I wanted to keep reading to find out where things would go and how it would all turn out.
My one complaint would be that the epilogue could have been a little more thorough. It left out things I wanted to know, but not enough to really annoy. Just left me a smidge peeved that I didn't get enough.
The creepiness of the story reminds me of a Karen Rose book, but the plot wasn't as intense or as developed. The book, though, reminded me a lot of Linda Howard's Cry No More...not really in storyline, though there's some similarity there...but in tone with the tragic heroes and heroines. For those of you who read and enjoyed the LH book, I think you'll like this one as well. But in general, this was a really good romantic suspense book...great romance, good storyline...I'd highly recommend it.
September 2, 2015
Well, that sucked. Not a note of wit enlivens this leaden slasher tale starring a Whore With A Heart of Gold and the Grieving Widower Whose Soul Only She Could Heal by means of her exotic eyes and presumably disease-free lady part. How did this snoozer come from the same author who delivered likable/flawed characters, a few moments of wry humor, and a DEFCON 5 sex scene in Darkling, I Listen? That's a bigger mystery by leaps and bounds than the identity of the killer, btw. Not that you will care about the who so much as the when.. Just kill them, already. What are you waiting for, sharks with lasers on their heads? Jeez.
April 1, 2011
1. Our heroine calms herself after a nightmare with a Virginia Slim and a Fuzzy Navel Cooler. Um, no.
2. Our hero has beaten up a judge.
3. A sixteen year old boy listens to Creedence Clearwater Revival on his "walkman." In 2003. Um, no.
There are several other anachronisms and examples of reasons I, personally, do not connect with these characters, but these three are the most egregious. About halfway through the book, I completely stopped caring who was murdering the hookers. I admit I skimmed the rest just to find out, and I was not surprised. Horrified, and grossed out, but not surprised.
Oddly, the author does the best job when she is narrating from the killer's point of view. That's a little disturbing as well.
It seems to me that I've liked books by Sutcliffe before, but this one really misses the mark. Skip it.
2. Our hero has beaten up a judge.
3. A sixteen year old boy listens to Creedence Clearwater Revival on his "walkman." In 2003. Um, no.
There are several other anachronisms and examples of reasons I, personally, do not connect with these characters, but these three are the most egregious. About halfway through the book, I completely stopped caring who was murdering the hookers. I admit I skimmed the rest just to find out, and I was not surprised. Horrified, and grossed out, but not surprised.
Oddly, the author does the best job when she is narrating from the killer's point of view. That's a little disturbing as well.
It seems to me that I've liked books by Sutcliffe before, but this one really misses the mark. Skip it.
July 5, 2010
I picked this from Mt. TBR because i thought it was a werewolf book (for the 2007 Horror Read and Release challenge) - but alas, it is just a good romance/thriller. I enjoyed it very much, and read it quickly. On another note, I had three authors I decided to try reading after picking up Lover Beware -- Fiona Brand (whose book I finished right before this one) -- Karen Sutcliffe -- and Eileen Wilks, who I am reading now....of course, I didn't realize that I was reading all three in a row -- just coincidence :-)
In any case, i recommend this book, and I will be adding more Sutcliffe novels to my wish list.
In any case, i recommend this book, and I will be adding more Sutcliffe novels to my wish list.
December 21, 2014
I don't know why I bothered to finish this. Maybe a part of me thought it would get better. Turns out I was wrong. Shana, the ex-hooker, was annoying. JD, the ex-DA, was annoying. Their interactions were horrible. The killer was contrived and stupid. Even the sex scenes were sucky. I was looking for a thriller as didn't really find much thrills from this one. I don't think I'll pick up anything else by this author. I'm sure I'd just be disappointed.
July 9, 2020
Holly Jones gets a call from her friend, Melissa declaring that "the monster is back." Holly knows that Melissa is referring to the French Quarter Killer who had murdered and mutilated call girls in New Orleans four years before. Holly returns to talk her friend into leaving New Orleans and her life as a prostitute for good, but when she arrives, she discovers that Melissa is missing.
J.D. Damascus has become a shell of the man he once was. His grief over the death of his wife and two children at the hands of the French Quarter Killer four years before has caused his life to spin out of control. He is certain that the wrong man was convicted of the crime and has spent the last four years trying to prove it at the expense of his job in the District Attorney's office. Holly's search for Melissa leads her to J.D. and together they begin looking for her, but the mounting evidence points to Melissa being the French Quarter Killer's next victim.
The tone and flavor of New Orleans are captured in this book, which uses language that flows almost like poetry. The serial killer mystery starts out very strong until it becomes mired in the problems of the characters. Many of the leads that the characters explore are left unexplained, however, the important clues are well-paced throughout the book. The romance is a little far fetched as the two main characters do not really address the major obstacles that their relationship must overcome, but overall, this is a decent mystery that occasionally shines.
J.D. Damascus has become a shell of the man he once was. His grief over the death of his wife and two children at the hands of the French Quarter Killer four years before has caused his life to spin out of control. He is certain that the wrong man was convicted of the crime and has spent the last four years trying to prove it at the expense of his job in the District Attorney's office. Holly's search for Melissa leads her to J.D. and together they begin looking for her, but the mounting evidence points to Melissa being the French Quarter Killer's next victim.
The tone and flavor of New Orleans are captured in this book, which uses language that flows almost like poetry. The serial killer mystery starts out very strong until it becomes mired in the problems of the characters. Many of the leads that the characters explore are left unexplained, however, the important clues are well-paced throughout the book. The romance is a little far fetched as the two main characters do not really address the major obstacles that their relationship must overcome, but overall, this is a decent mystery that occasionally shines.
May 27, 2019
Didn't like the hero. Stopped reading once they introduced the only black person in the book. A 60 year old black woman wearing cornrows and hoop earrings? Also speaking with dropped pronunciation. Ugh. "...an immense, angry African American woman barged in, her hair in gray cornrows and massive silver hoop earrings dangling from her lobes." So she's angry before she opens her mouth? Saying things like "He gone and done it now. Judge gonna have his butt on a plate." I don't think I'll be reading any more Katherine Sutcliffe.
January 16, 2018
A terrifying ride that tugs at your heartstrings and has you begging for redemption for the hero and heroine.
May 5, 2019
Great book.
July 29, 2019
Suspenseful, but a tad predictable
May 27, 2010
Another thriller that I dug up from the TBR pile, Bad Moon Rising is the story of JD Damascus, a former DA assistant and now an attorney fallen on hard times and Holly Jones, a former hooker who managed to leave that life behind and now comes back to find her missing friend Melissa who may be the latest victim of a serial killer.
The serial killer that has been targeting hookers on the streets of New Orleans use the same MO than the murderer who a few years back had killed a bunch of prostitutes and JD's wife and kids. Although a man was executed for the crime JD never believed he was the real criminal. His guilt over the death of his family and his doubts about justice having been done has kept him drinking steadily and made him lost all his clients.
When JD and Holly meet they don't exactly like each other but eventually they reach a compromise and decide to look for Melissa together. They are both damaged characters and although you could guess that Holly had had a pretty tough life for a while it seemed JD was the one with the most problems. I felt that she was definitely the stronger character.
I really did like that this was a very fast paced story. Something was always happening, we were kept in suspense and there's a twist about who Holly really is that I did not see coming. However I thought that the romance could have had a more solid development, they fall to the attraction too fast (to me anyway) and Holly's past definitely suggested that they might need more time to build a relationship. I think that JD's problems with his family could also have been better developed... the relationship with his father and brother could have been better explained and his sister in law was quite annoying, always following him around. One thing I did not understand is why he was always so patient with her and never told her no. Oh, and another thing that could have been better developed is the mob storyline, they were a part of the story but in the end it felt that they had no real purpose...
Still, it made for an entertaining read and now I'm rereading my review and thinking that I am being too harsh because I did enjoy it. It just wasn't as solid a read as I was expecting.
Grade: 4/5
The serial killer that has been targeting hookers on the streets of New Orleans use the same MO than the murderer who a few years back had killed a bunch of prostitutes and JD's wife and kids. Although a man was executed for the crime JD never believed he was the real criminal. His guilt over the death of his family and his doubts about justice having been done has kept him drinking steadily and made him lost all his clients.
When JD and Holly meet they don't exactly like each other but eventually they reach a compromise and decide to look for Melissa together. They are both damaged characters and although you could guess that Holly had had a pretty tough life for a while it seemed JD was the one with the most problems. I felt that she was definitely the stronger character.
I really did like that this was a very fast paced story. Something was always happening, we were kept in suspense and there's a twist about who Holly really is that I did not see coming. However I thought that the romance could have had a more solid development, they fall to the attraction too fast (to me anyway) and Holly's past definitely suggested that they might need more time to build a relationship. I think that JD's problems with his family could also have been better developed... the relationship with his father and brother could have been better explained and his sister in law was quite annoying, always following him around. One thing I did not understand is why he was always so patient with her and never told her no. Oh, and another thing that could have been better developed is the mob storyline, they were a part of the story but in the end it felt that they had no real purpose...
Still, it made for an entertaining read and now I'm rereading my review and thinking that I am being too harsh because I did enjoy it. It just wasn't as solid a read as I was expecting.
Grade: 4/5
April 15, 2011
I really like my romantic thrillers. If they're a little dark, so much the better.
I enjoyed this story although the hero and heroine ended up having feelings for each other rather quickly.
The hero's 'relationship' with his sister-in-law had a bit of an 'ick' factor, but I think it was actually like the hero noted during the story. I don't think it was a deliberate action on his part so much as inaction due to his own messed up situation.
The major problem I had with the story was that I figured out who the killer was early on. Even before the FBI profiler came onto the scene with her profile of the killer.
I enjoyed this story although the hero and heroine ended up having feelings for each other rather quickly.
The hero's 'relationship' with his sister-in-law had a bit of an 'ick' factor, but I think it was actually like the hero noted during the story. I don't think it was a deliberate action on his part so much as inaction due to his own messed up situation.
The major problem I had with the story was that I figured out who the killer was early on. Even before the FBI profiler came onto the scene with her profile of the killer.
February 3, 2016
This was supposed to be a second installment of a short story I read a while back in a anthology, but it turned out to be a stand alone story that didn't have anything to do with the main characters of the short story, which is why I was really disappointed.
The story in itself was okay but not so that I can say I really liked it. It was mystery with lots of things going on, like death threats, murders and police investigation, but otherwise it was kind of flat.
Not sure I it didn't get me up and pumping as that genre is something I really enjoy, oh well.
The story in itself was okay but not so that I can say I really liked it. It was mystery with lots of things going on, like death threats, murders and police investigation, but otherwise it was kind of flat.
Not sure I it didn't get me up and pumping as that genre is something I really enjoy, oh well.
February 13, 2013
I am a regular at my local library and purchase very few books for myself. I have, however, bought my own copy of this book. I enjoyed this tale of redemption, love, and loss. Although the mystery element of this book was easily solved, it was still an engaging read. I particularly enjoyed the character of John, or JD. I was cheering him on as he tried to cope with the loss of his children. A nice read and I recommend.
September 10, 2011
3.5
A great, albeit predictable, turn out from Sutcliffe. It lacked some of the charm of her other books; Holly was a better female character than in some of her other books, but J.D. is tortured in a less redeemable way than her other heroes. The story comes together in a very exciting final couple of chapters, though!
A great, albeit predictable, turn out from Sutcliffe. It lacked some of the charm of her other books; Holly was a better female character than in some of her other books, but J.D. is tortured in a less redeemable way than her other heroes. The story comes together in a very exciting final couple of chapters, though!
November 2, 2011
Ok what is the go with Katherine Sutcliffe ending her books the way she does?? I like her books for the most part but boy are you left hanging and feel no closure at all... I'm not sure if I'll continuing reading her books as I'm left feeling very... Blah about the whole thing! Endings are very important!!
February 6, 2016
I was shocked to find out who the killer was. I had thought that perhaps the murder of J.D's family had been an act of passion and rage... partly right but the person I thought guilty well I was wrong but not fully more like I was on 2nd base when I thought it was a homerun. Enjoyable read and shocking ending.
December 30, 2016
I don't know how this one made it into my library. Several years ago, I went through a "mystery" phase. Maybe I got it then.
This one did keep my interest. I worry about the two broken people falling in love scenario but I think it worked, mostly because there are so many broken people in this book.
I'm no longer into mysteries so this one will be leaving my library.
This one did keep my interest. I worry about the two broken people falling in love scenario but I think it worked, mostly because there are so many broken people in this book.
I'm no longer into mysteries so this one will be leaving my library.
October 28, 2014
I am so glad that I found this book and this author. It's sad that she has not written more romantic suspense- I will definitely tackle her other one since it got so much acclaim and this one was good regardless of the lack of awards.
August 28, 2009
Very good Book. There were no dull spots and the action was continuous. I will definitely look for more books by this author.
July 26, 2009
I read this book in two days. It was an amazing thriller. Absolutely excellent.
November 15, 2009
Good, interesting read, but seemed more focused on the relationship of the two main characters than the murderer or the searching for the best friend.
April 15, 2010
A fast-paced thriller that held my attention for the night but was otherwise unremarkable, very much like reading a Nora Roberts.
May 10, 2010
Kept you thinking. Made a story about the characters and not just about the murders
September 21, 2010
French Quarter Killer, 2
Excellent! I must read more of her work. Full of suspense. Sutcliffe takes a fairly common character conflict and creates an amazing story with it.
Excellent! I must read more of her work. Full of suspense. Sutcliffe takes a fairly common character conflict and creates an amazing story with it.
September 28, 2010
loved it.
September 12, 2011
It was a good book and kept my interest, but it had a lot of "darkness" to it and more sexual content than I care for in the books I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2011
I liked this book..what a shame Katherine has retired...bummer
June 14, 2012
Three S's --scary, suspenseful, and surprising. Wow! I can visualize this thriller happening in New Orleans.
August 11, 2012
really good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews