April Campbell Jones

I thought I would give this book a chance because I like paranormal mysteries. After the first couple chapters I almost gave up on it. The plot seemed jumpy and hard to follow. Elliot kept having visions and dreams, and it was usually not clear if he was having a dream, or if it was reality. That made the story very confusing. And after Elliot meets Katie, I hated their banter. They would start talking about one thing, then make jokes about it, then move onto an unrelated topic. It seemed like they were trying to be witty, just for the sake of seeming smart. It made for some frustrating reading.

The story got better once they went to Louisiana and went into the swamp to meet with Mama Gracie. At that point the story became more linear, and the banter was kept to a minimum. As we learned more about Amy and her disappearance, and the murders started stacking up, it just got better and better.

I enjoy reading books set in the swamplands, because it is so different from where I live. The characters we meet there are all interesting, and it is hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys. It seems that the author wants to make this into a series of books. I would be willing to take a chance on the next one.… (mere)

Picture the lucky antics of a David Addison with the street smarts and knowledge of a Lara Holt and you come close to "seeing" the characters of Richard and Bree Matthews in this great book by April Campbell Jones!

The writing is top notch as we're introduced to a world of characters that are immediately distinct and well-rounded trying to solve a murder mystery filled with twists and turns that leave you laughing and wanting more! Not that murder is something to laugh at, but the actions and reactions of all the main characters are as real as what my own would be in most of those situations. All the characters we're introduced to are well fleshed-out and the moments of zaniness (breaking and entering a warehouse and "falling" into a secret for example) and those of savagery (or demon dachshunds) are tempered with real moments of intimacy (and family) between Richard and Bree.

With all the mysteries and secrets that are uncovered along the way, there is one I can easily share without spoiling anything: I definitely can't wait for the follow-up book, Die Like a Man, and will be purchasing it as soon as it's ready!… (mere)