Killer Instinct

Snake Jones Zoo Mystery #2

by Michael Allan Mallory, Michael Allan Mallory

As arguments rage across the country over the federal protection status of the gray wolf, an unknown hunter in northern Minnesota declares open season on the disputed animal. After zoologist Lavender "Snake" Jones and her old friend Gina Brown, a wolf biologist, discover four wolf carcasses in the woods near Wolf Lake, Snake is taken aback as an enraged Gina swears vengeance against the shooter. Events take a dark turn when a cantankerous local man with outspoken anti-wolf sentiments is murdered and Snake fears Gina has acted upon her threat. Snake finally comes to grips with the killer in the dark interior of Superior National Forest, where she finds herself in a desperate struggle for her life.

Genres: Mystery

300 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Michael Allan Mallory is the author of THE LOST DRAGON MYSTERY which was a winner of the Best Independent Book Awards, a Midwest Book Award finalist and a Silver Falchion Award Finalist (presented by the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference).

"...a perfect story to curl up with on a winter's night....Mallory's strong writing and atmospheric Minnesota setting grabbed me from the first page!" ---Ellen Hart, Mystery Writers of America Grandmaster.

Michael is also the co-author of KILLER INSTINCT, which continues the adventures of mystery's first zoologist sleuth into the North Woods of Minnesota.

"KILLER INSTINCT is both a great entertainment and a compelling mystery, with a strong sense of place (fans of Kent Krueger take note) and really cool, interesting characters."
--Crimespree Magazine


His debut mystery novel, DEATH ROLL, was published in 2007 and was also written with Marilyn Victor, DEATH ROLL, offers a deep look at the exhibits behind a zoo but, as one reviewer put it “is so well done, the Minnesota Valley Zoo feels like a key character.”

Michael's short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies and publications. "Minnesota Not So Nice: Eighteen Stories of Bad Behavior" was a Silver Falchion Award finalist for 2021 Best Short Story Collection / Anthology from the Killer Nashville International Writers' Conference. Michael was an editor for this collection and has a story in it.

Check out his website at http://www.snakejones.com

Reviews

[Carl Brookins · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Snake” Jones, a roaming geologist for the Minnesota Zoo has her film crew up north at the Minnesota Wolf Institute. Her friend Gina Brown, a staff member at the Institute, welcomes her for a little girl-girl reconnection. Snake’s scouting mission and their reunion are rudely interrupted by the discovery of the carcasses of four murdered wolves. DNR and the Wolf Institute set out to find the killer or killers with Snake involved. Their efforts are disrupted the next day when a cranky local citizen, Ivar Bjorklund is found shot to death next to the school bus he drove. A leafy twig clutched in his dead hand may be a clue to his killer.
Complicating the dual investigations into the wolf killings and that of Bjorklund are the surreptitious efforts of what appears to be a seriously radical group of unknown individuals called Save Our Superior or SOS. As the investigations proceed in the dense north woods of Minnesota, Snake comes to worry more and more about her friend Gina who appears to be going off the deep end in her expressed anger and even hatred at whoever was responsible for the death of the wolves.
Soon, of course, Snake finds herself the target of dark and mysterious forces of evil. This second book in what looks to be an ongoing series of environmentally issue focused novels of crime fiction, is nicely laid out. Crucial information is presented in bits nicely timed to peak readers’ interest.
Though there are times when it appears the authors have never met a metaphor they didn’t like. The novel is well written and peopled with several interesting and unusual characters. While the writing styles of the two authors may be different, the novel is seamlessly blended so it’s impossible to discern who wrote what, or any real difference in style or vocabulary. I am confident this writing duo can have a long and fruitful collaboration and will find a loyal and growing audience.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to read a book about how awesome Minnesota is, even if there is a murder to solve.

[Radine Nehring · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wanton killing of four wolves in Superior National Forest opens this terrific environmental mystery. The wolves are known to the people who discover them -- zoologist Snake Jones, wolf biologist Gina Brown, and DNR Conservation Officer, Peter Bunyan, because they're from the collared Red Iron Pack of northern Minnesota. Those of us who have watched nature shows on television aren't unfamiliar with wolves. Many of us are aware of the wide range of human reactions to these almost hypnotically fascinating animals, from "Kill 'em all to "protect 'em all" and every opinion in between. Most of those show up in this novel. When the prime suspect for the wolf shooting is murdered, readers discover humans with tangled lives, including the protagonist Snake Jones. Suspense and fascination, plus a truly unique type of story are guaranteed as a second human murder is discovered and Snake and her husband almost join the pile of bodies. Will it end up "Wolves 4 - Humans 4?" Now, a question. Who really has the strongest KILLER INSTINCT?

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Steve Irwin but it's not the only reason I enjoy this series. Snake Jones is fun, intelligent and brave and the relationship between her and her husband is wonderful. I've always loved animals (I'm a Friend of the National Zoo or FONZ as we say in DC area) and these books are always entertaining as well as a bit educational without being too preachy. This book centers on wolves in Minnesota and it's an interesting ride throughout the tale, meeting lots of funny and poignant characters along the way. Marilyn and Michael work well together and I hope I can look forward to more books in this series!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coauthor Michael Mallory captured my imagination as he discovered the lengths he went to research wolves for this book. This book balances wildlife issues with real world problems. For instance, there's a crisis at the wolf institute and there's a radical group making threats. Sleuth Lavendar "Snake" Jones meets up with the killer in a life and death struggle in the wild. Mallory and coauthor Marilyn Victor make a great team, and this mystery certainly held my attention.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery. Well written and had a surprising twist in the plot. I will certainly be searching out the first book in the Snake Jones series and hope to see more in the series.