Customer Reviews

All the Pretty Girls (Taylor Jackson Series)

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First novels seem to fall into two categories--they're either outrageously bad, full of rookie mistakes, or surprisingly good, well-written, well-conceived, well- executed tales that create favorable attention for their authors. Books that fall into the first category are extremely tough reads, books that you keep hoping will get better but never do. Books that fall into the second category are distinct pleasures to read, if only because you feel so good for their authors.

All The Pretty Girls falls solidly into the second category. A suspenseful tale of an urgent police investigation into several murders committed by a depraved serial killer (who leaves the hands of his/her previous victim with the handless corpse of his latest victim), it will keep most readers engrossed for several pleasurable hours. Ellison, whose writing is remarkably accomplished for a first time novelist, does a terrific job of getting into her characters' heads, creating a sense of immediacy that is as impressive as it is engrossing. Although the book's final twist is not the outrageous surprise that Ellison no doubt intended, it still provides a highly satisfying climax to an outstanding first novel. Highly recommended.

I stayed up very late to finish this book - it's a great read. JT Ellison has a good feel for Nashville and populates the city with fascinating characters. Her protagonists are honest, decent people who put their lives on the line because they believe in what they are doing. The snapshot moments we have with the victims make us agonize over their perils and bemoan their deaths, but even the bad guys have their own sad appeal. Ellison juggles sub-plots like a much more experienced writer - her parallel stories create delicious tension. And I found the ending touching and heart-breaking . . . after my heart stopped pounding! It's a book rich in detail and character, humor and tension, warmth and chills. I can't wait for Taylor Jackson's next case!

I must not have read the same book as the Publishers Weekly reviewer. I thought J.T. Ellison's ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS was a remarkable debut novel. The characters were real, the voice was clear, and the 'bad guy' wasn't obvious. The book was engrossing to read and required no suspension of disbelief. While Ms. Ellison may not be in the MWA's Grand Master category yet, she's a fine writer who's produced a first-class book that's well worth your time and money. Mine was well spent on both accounts. I'm now looking forward to the next installment in the series: 14. You should too.

This book blew me away---I picked it up and couldn't put it down until I got to the last page. Taylor is a fantastic character. I can't wait to see her again. JT Ellison is on my Must Buy List!

All The Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison is one of those books that you had better not start unless you have the time to sit and read, because I guarantee, once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down until you have read that final, wonderful word! The characters and the story line will suck you in until the only bad thing about finishing the book is that you'll wish you had more time with them! Set in Nashville and wandering all over the southeast, this criminal stays one step ahead of everybody until the very end, and the twists and turns in the characters' lives make them so real, you will want to pick up the phone and call them to make sure they are okay! Fantastic job for this debut author! Can't wait for more!

As an avid mystery reader I get frustrated with the formulaic approach taken by many first time writers. Ellison escapes much of these problems by not dragging out the personal drama in the plot. One character that I knew was going to cause problems in the later part of the book died midway through the story. It is these types of twists that kept me turning pages and "happy" with the conclusion. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book.

I had no Idea this was her first novel. Usually I get let down by new authors, but not Ellison. I actually finished this novel. It was not the best one I had read, but not the worst by a long shot. I think she could have backed off a little on the fellow police officers backgrounds, love interests and such, there was a little too much details some times, but other times it was an interesting and disturbing read, which i enjoy being disturbed by stories. The ending was the best, the surprises and more disturbing information. It was pretty good over all for a first time author.

This is a strong and memorable debut introducing Nashville Homicide Lt. Taylor Jackson. The story develops through complex forensic and evidentiary details which keep the reader attentive and involved. By tracking down not only a serial killer but a serial rapist at the same time, it is clearly apparent that she is a tough, intelligent and dedicated cop. I sincerely hope that Taylor Jackson has a long and productive career... and that we get to read about each and every case.

I picked up this little gem at my favorite local wholesale club after reading the cover and thinking the storyline was right up my alley. It grabbed my attention from the begining and took off like wild fire. Mrs.Ellison's expressionable writing brought life to Taylor and John Baldwin (but hey, why does she keep calling him "Baldwin"? I don't call my husband by his last name, even when we were dating ???). I enjoyed all the interactions between the characters - even though there were quite a few, it was still an easy story to follow. I look forward to her next book(s) and can't wait to read more of Taylor and John, er, Baldwin. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good fast-paced thriller.

As a fellow Nashvillian and author, I had coffee with JT Ellison after a literary conference and found her engaging, funny, and full of creepy ideas. I loved it. With that in mind, I decided to give her books a try.

The story opens in a Nashville summer, with the body count beginning to rise as a new serial killer makes his mark in the South. A pattern begins to emerge geographically, but more disturbing is the fact he removes the hands of his female victims and leaves them with the next body in his macabre spree. Taylor Jackson is a tough, sassy, yet vulnerable Nashville homicide lieutenant who also happens to be in a relationship with an FBI man no the case, John Baldwin.

As the killer's timetable accelerates, Taylor and Baldwin believe they are closing in on their man, even as a local reporter uncovers clues of her own. The intersection of their personal and professional lives will lead them to secrets in their pasts and the ultimate uncovering of the villain's identity.

While there are times the story sprawls and stumbles along, it is generally fast-paced and has a personable feel that's hard to shake. This debut is one of those rare winners, giving us memorable characters, providing serpentine plot lines, and getting the details right. I can't wait to read more about Taylor and her Nashville beat. There's no twangy country here, just a whole lotta grit and big city, with hints of romance to come.