In her latest book in the Detective Jackson series, L.J. Sellers goes beyond the headlines about the economic crisis by showing the human side of that equation, and the myriad unexpected and unforeseeable ripple effects and the desperation stemming from the "downturn" [read "collapse"] of the economy. In this particular case in point, the effects upon the town of Eugene, Oregon and its environs include job layoffs and a dearth of alternative ways of making a living and paying the rent, even to the extent of coming layoffs in the Eugene Police Dept., where Wade Jackson is told that two detectives, one from vice and one from his unit, Violent Crimes, will be cut before the week ends.

In the midst of that personal concern, the squad is called out to investigate what appears to be a home invasion which has left three family members dead and one seriously wounded. Were the family members just random targets? Or is something more personal at play here? Can it possibly be an escalation of a recent spate of carjackings in the area?

The author has again raised contemporary issues in a suspenseful tale of families and their complexities, examining the ramifications of a world struggling with financial uncertainty. She cunningly places flashback scenes going back a couple of months, strategically placed along the way of the present-day narrative, gradually bringing the reader up to speed to the date of the attacks. Another winner from L.J. Sellers, and recommended. ( )

Excellent thriller. I really enjoyed the way this novel was written, going back and forward between the officers working the crimes and the back story of the victims leading up to the crime. Nice ending that I did not expect. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon in the sun!! ( )

I received this novel through the Library Thing Member Giveaways (May 2011) through which I had received Seller’s previous novel, Thrilled to Death last year.

Being familiar now with the Detective Jackson series, I expected more of LJ Seller’s ‘Mike Hammer’ style of writing and was not disappointed. This story seemed darker than the previous book. We find a family going through what most people would consider enough hardships in their lives only to become victims of a brutal murder.

Detective Jackson is soon on the case and works his way through the fact, many of which turn out to not be facts at all, while at the same time, fighting his own demons. Again, I was literally tossed to and fro trying to figure out ‘who did it’ only to be left realizing, once again, that Seller’s is a better writer than I am arm chair detective.

For fans of the murder mystery stylings of the good old days, you will feel right at home within the pages of this book. For everyone else, prepare to be entertained by the complexities of this story’s plot.

Visit L.J. Sellers website at http://ljsellers.com/ ( )

In Passions of the Dead, by LJ Sellers, a family of four is found in their home beaten and stabbed. The 18-year-old daughter, Lori, is the only survivor but she has no memory of the event. Det jackson is assigned to the case and, as he investigates, the story of the family unfolds as one long tragedy. he is determined to solve this horrible crime but there are just too many suspects.

Passions of the Dead grabs hold from page one and grips you until the end. It is a great mystery but it is also a sad tale of life in a failing economy, and the tragedies that can ensue from it, told with insight and compassion. ( )

Another wonderful book by L.J. Sellers. In this book Detective Jackson is the lead detective investigating the murder of a family. Through the twists and turns of the book you encounter the realities of life for many families - unemployment, relationship difficulties, and drug abuse/recovery. The story is fast paced and hard to put down. Just when you think you know the murderer you find out you are wrong. I look forward to the next book to find out what is next in store for Detective Jackson. ( )