Jean Holloway (1)

From my blog

This was a solid read, I enjoyed the continuation of Detective Robinson's story and the thriller Jean Holloway gives us. Some don't enjoy romance in their thrillers but Jean Holloway does it well, adding an adult relationship adds to the story. I continue to find it interesting in real life and in books how one serial killer motivates and inspires another or how one will try to out do the other. The common theme, they are all sick psychos.

In Black Jack like Ace of Hearts, we know who the serial killer is but I enjoyed following the investigation and the abrupt moment they find him. Very well done, adds the dynamic of surprise with you wanting more.

From Ace of Hearts you knew the following story would involve the dynamics between Detective Robinson and Terri but I wouldn't have thought like this. The crime, investigation, use of physic powers, family dynamics, innocence and naivety was brilliantly twisted in this thriller.

I still can't put my finger on if I enjoyed the paranormal side of the story or if it is because the character was a nutcase, omg, kind of creepy silly, you have to read it to understand.… (mer)

The story touches on the struggles faced by minorities of race, and also gender in a white, predominately male occupation. It addresses interracial relationships, career paths, sexuality and criminal activity. Although not a new concept, it is still a very relevant real-world topic to explore when developing tension between characters. Shortly after I received this book I read that a newly updated version was being released. I wonder what was added, edited and further developed.

Sex on the brain and interaction by the lead female character cheapens her credibility. I wanted to know more about the case and less about her sexual escapades and relationship. At times she seemed completely ill-equipped and not capable of handling her task. I never got a clear voice for the main character or characters. Events were told, scenes were described, but I had no real emotional attachment to any of them, least of all Von. From a criminal profiling stand point, I tried to put aside the inconsistencies of the serial killer Eric Becker. However, his traits, M.O., position, crossing racial barriers of victims, relationship status and lack of known background and triggers made it difficult to digest (See “Psychopathic Character“). Becker was what I’d consider a sexual sadistic serial killer and although not every sexually motivated killer has identical qualities, there are behaviors that all do share or have in common. I felt he was more of a mash-up and I found it unconvincing. Lastly, the exuberant use of clichés was almost shameful. Every author does it, but this went beyond the minor blunder. For more on clichés go to “How To Avoid clichés”… (mer)

I enjoy a good serial killer thriller but oh my goodness, this serial killer was one sicko, I really want to curse during this review but don't want to offend anyone.

I thought this was a great debut book by Jean Holloway. You knew who the killer was from the beginning and so throughout it just kind of pissed you off knowing what was coming next and the characters not responding, a thriller indeed, it had me shouting at them. If you like the show Castle you will enjoy this. This is a graphic novel with some erotic scenes so again not for everyone.

What I did love about this story was the conscience speaking parts :-) you know when you say something but in your head want to say something else.....well Jean H included this as a style and I really enjoyed it.

The story of why the killer is so sick started but for me it was one scene and never went back to it, so I was disappointed. The killer had so much control over the women in his lives it really pissed me off in a good way, I enjoy getting emotional over books. The feeling you get when watching a movie and you say to yourself 'why are you waiting, why didn't you tell someone, why didn't etc' oh Jean H really got me angry.

I wanted this killer to be found and to be tortured like he tortures others, but then again, he would have loved it..........

The ending was great though, I will definitely be picking up the sequel, Black Jack.… (mer)

Ace of Hearts,
Written By: Jean Holloway
Published By: FireFly Publishing & Entertainment, 2007, First Edition, 252 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-0-9774126-6-2

“Ace of Hearts is a sensual, erotic thriller and a captivating read that won’t disappoint!”BCM

At the age of thirty-one, Detective Shevaughn Robinson is finally being promoted to the Homicide Division of the 23rd precinct in Portsborough, New York.
As a black, female detective in the police force in 1981, Shevaughn has to keep her ‘game face on’ at all times while being mindful of those who are waiting for her to slip up and confirm that a women ‘shouldn’t try to do a man’s job!’.
The night before she is officially a part of the Homicide Division, Shevaughn gets to investigate her first murder case.
The killer, soon to be known as “Ace of Hearts”, does atrocious things to the women he kills and leaves Shevaughn with a sense of impending doom.
He lovingly cleans up after each murder, selects only beautiful-looking women to kill and he becomes...

**Please follow the link to read the whole review for 'Ace of Hearts' http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/book-review-7/… (mer)