Mystery Scene Loves 14

JT Ellison's 14 (Mira, $6.99) holds up against any top drawer suspense novel. The title refers to the number of people slain in the serial killings. Troubling, though, is the fact that 10 of the murders were committed in the 1980s by an unidentified serial slayer designated as "The Snow White Killer." When an additional four bodies, replete with the serial killer's signature, appear now, the question is whether the long dormant Snow White killer has returned or whether the recent murders are the handiwork of a similarly depraved copycat. Nashville Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson lands and solves the case, but not without chilling challenges along the way. You won't want to read this when you're home alone at night, but you will want to read it.

(Thanks to Mary Alice Gorman and friends at the Mystery Lovers Bookshop!)

JUDAS KISS gets 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Times

Ellison has a flair for the macabre shared by few writers, and her latest is heartily recommended to anyone who enjoys a scary-good mystery and/or a strong female protagonist.

The murder of Corinne Wolff is horrifying on many levels. A well-off, happily married mother who was expecting a second child, she seemed to be living the American dream. Suddenly, she's the victim of a violent assault, and her daughter's left alone with her corpse for at least 36 hours. Who'd do such a thing? Homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson and her team have to find out.

Their attention turns to Corinne's husband, Todd, who claims he was out of town on business. Certain elements of his story don't add up, but the evidence suggests his crimes are of a different nature. Taylor's stymied and distracted by a number of things: the absence of her fiancé, FBI profiler John Baldwin, and the distinct feeling that she's being watched. The two are connected in a way that she can't imagine - and that's not the only peril she's facing.

-Catherine Witmer

Chicago Tribune Loves 14

by Paul Goat Allen, Chicago Tribune 11/15/08

Fans of intelligently written, intricately crafted thrillers should definitely check out J.T. Ellison's latest Taylor Jackson novel, "14." This sequel to 2007's "All the Pretty Girls" pits Nashville homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson and her soon-to-be husband, FBI profiler John Baldwin, against a plethora of adversaries, including an apparently returned, infamous serial killer who vanished 20 years earlier. Plot twists include the disappearance and likely death of Taylor's morally bankrupt father, the discovery of a sexual slavery ring, and—perhaps most terrifying of all—a looming wedding ceremony.

Fusing gritty cop drama with dark psychological thriller, Ellison distinguishes herself with exceptional character development, consistently breakneck pacing and a sense of authenticity throughout "14."

JUDAS KISS gets Starred Publishers Weekly Review!!!!

Judas Kiss J.T. Ellison. Mira, $6.99 (416p) ISBN 978-0-7783-2629-8

Carefully orchestrated plot twists and engrossing characters combine in Ellison’s explosive third Lt. Taylor Jackson investigation (after 2008’s 14). Nashville homicide investigator Taylor is called to the scene of a disturbing murder: beautiful, pregnant Corrine Wolff, brutally beaten in front of her young daughter. Signs point to Corinne’s husband, Todd, but Taylor has her doubts. When she learns that the Wolffs were making and distributing amateur pornography, other investigators in her office turn up old X-rated footage of Taylor that could destroy her career and her engagement to FBI agent John Baldwin. Meanwhile, an old enemy of John’s has resurfaced and is intent on revenge. The story moves at breakneck speed, seamlessly flowing from Taylor’s world into John’s until they intersect for electrifying results. Flawed yet identifiable characters and genuinely terrifying villains populate this impressive and arresting thriller. (Jan.)

Crimespree Loves 14!!

14 (Mira) is a twisty creepy and wonderful book from JT Ellison, her second. Nashville thought the terror of the 1980's was over when the Snow White Killer stopped and even sent a letter saying so. But now Taylor Jackson of Homicide is seeing a return of the killings. Possibly a copy cat, maybe the elusive original killer returned, either way Taylor has her work cut out for her as the murders are escalating. With pacing that makes Nascar look dull this book is a real ride on the lightning. Ellison is relentless and grabs the reader from the first page and refuses to let go until the soul tearing climax.

(J Jordan, Crimespree, September 2008)