Customer Reviews

Sugar & Spice: A Novel

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

SUGAR & SPICE by Keith Lee Johnson is a must have if you love a good suspense novel. It is full of several twists and turns and you will not be able to put the book down.

Normally, the reader is trying to figure out who the killer is along with the detective. However in this case, we already know the twins are doing the killing. The fun part is traveling along with Detective Phoenix Perry as she gets closer and closer to finding out who could commit some of the horrendous murders that span from one coast to the other.

Just when you thought you knew more than Detective Perry, the author threw in some more twists that will have you shaking your head and asking yourself-how could I have missed that?
Overall, this is a good read and I would highly recommend it. I don't want to give away too many details about the book-don't want to spoil the suspense. After reading SUGAR & SPICE, I look forward to many more books in this genre from Keith Lee Johnson.

This is a fantastic murder mystery! Special F.B.I. agent Phoenix Perry is conducting an investigation of multiple gruesome murders. Phoenix (who is a martial arts expert) and her sexy partner Kelly McPherson are baffled. Each time they think they are close to solving the murders, another killing takes place! The killings soon hit close to home when a teacher from Phoenix's daughter's school is murdered. This killer has an agenda but what is it? The evidence from the crime scenes lead these ladies to a local prison that is more like a drug/sex shop, but still the murder trail keeps getting hot. Join these women as they battle their way through counless twists and turns to try and solve the murders. This novel was written very well and there were no typos. I never was a murder mystery fan but reading Keith Lee Johnson's novel has made me a big fan of him and his book. I will find out more about this up and coming author on his website. Iam now reading his other book "Pretenses" which apparently was his first book before "Sugar & Spice", but Iam confused about the marketing strategy that Keith and his team used for these two books. Why did "Sugar & Spice" come out before "Pretenses"? Keith please feel free to contact me with an answer!

I'm surprised that I haven't pick up this book sooner. Keith Lee Johnson's novel was interesting I'm not really into mystery/suspense novels too much but I thought I give this one a try and I'm glad that I did because this book has a little of everything.

Around July 2001, the twins are set free from prison, while in prison, they plotted and planned revenge on those who mistreated them on the inside and outside. First, they had to take care of the prison warden, then Heather Connelly, a high school sweetheart. More vicious killings soon followed. FBI agent Phoenix Perry was vacationing in California when she read about the murder of the prison warden. Her curiosity piqued, she could hardly finish her vacation before her detective mind began churning with ways to solve this case. Very few clues, a hard-nosed boss, and an over sexed partner, are just a few obstacles Phoenix faced in her quest to get the killers off the streets. A trip to the post office and a phone call from the West Coast provides clues that lead Phoenix to the culprits.

After reading this I came to like the relationship of Phoenix Perry her husband. It's stimulating to read books that portray a healthy marriage. Now the twins, these two were cold, but I totally understood where they were coming from. I think some of their victims got what was coming to them. When you think you understand what's going on, a few pages later, you might realize that your guesses and assumptions were incorrect. The only downsize to this book was the grammar errors and the term usage in certain areas of this book. It really could of use some brushing up and I'm surprise the publisher hasn't caught that before the book was released.

Sugar & Spice is filled with excitement, suspense, and more than enough surprises to keep readers interested throughout the novel. Keith writes the book in short, concise chapters and the pacing of the story never feels bogged down, even though there are a lot of characters in this story. This book offers the reader a unique opportunity to experience not only betrayal and deceit from the murderer's perspective; but regret as well! I'm looking forward in reading some more of his book.

Fast-paced thriller hardly begins to describe this all too possible crime spree, reminiscent of "The Krays" (1990 Twin Mafia Movie), that reads like an episode of CSI and only shortens the chapters long enough (...insert commercial here...) to let you grab a coffee and doughnut before towing you under another flood of means, motives, and opportunities! The first 11 chapters at www.keithleejohnson.com/sugarandspice.htm (where you may find the unedited version of this review) are only the beginning of the mystery and a taste of what is to come.

From the very first mention of certain taboos this story will pique both your curiosity and intellect. Not only does this story involve drugs, sex, and violence; but these subjects are handled correctly for a change.

The twins, as exquisitely intelligent as they are brutal could exchange quid pro quos with Hannable Lecter as easily as one would prepare a proper meal. Not since the case of the child murdering parents on Law & Order have I experienced such cold and calculating brutality such as that portrayed by Alex & Sam or Jerry and Terry (That's no typo). Whether it's in the form of high tech profiling and reconnaissance or just a good old fashion whipping, these actors are so realistic they could easily pass for your local postal worker. Sugar & Spice offers the reader a unique opportunity to experience not only betrayal and deceit from the murderer's perspective; but regret as well!

Enter Phoenix Perry, Wife, Mother, Detective, and, above all else, a refreshingly strong female leading role worthy of Jada Pinkett Smith! With the urgency of Beverly Hills Cop and tension of N.Y.P.D. Blue, Detective Phoenix Perry embarks on an unauthorized investigation that not only rocks the department; but suffers many personal casualties as well. Which brings us to the most unusual character of all in a detective novel; the Detective's marital relationship with her Husband. No telling of other male Authors, such as Stephen King and James Patterson to move over here, but Patricia Cornwell better keep up on her research before Keith Lee Johnson writes a better woman than Scarpetta!

"When an author approaches such topics as murder, mystery, justice, and revenge you hope that they have excelled in their criminal research to bring the reader to a state of heightened intrigue and unpredictable resolutions as well as introduce us to a variety of actors with felonious profiles." - Monique

Not since the television show "Profiler" and movie "Hannable" have I seen such an attempt to delve into the mind of a criminal. With the Forensic Psychology evidenced in Sugar & Spice Mr. Johnson has proven himself to excel at both Psychology and Research. With his date chronicled graphic descriptions and ability to manipulate multiple murder scenes, Mr. Johnson has also proven himself a master of layering story lines in such a way so as not to impede his own mind blowing momentum. It is for this reason that Sugar & Spice is a must buy, rather than must borrow, book as even the most intelligent readers find themselves asking the question made famous the world over by television show "Under Suspicion"; "What is wrong with this picture?". The most stunning twist of Sugar & Spice is that fact that, unlike many other stories of this genre, Mr. Johnson has granted you a rare chance to watch this gripping series of events unfold from an omniscient point of view; providing inside information on a plethora of fronts. This, ironically, poses a new problem for the reader as it will continuously challenge them to sift through the many, often conflicting, means, motives, and opportunities of each actor; compelling them to actively participate in solving the mystery along side Detective Perry. With so many actors in play, the plot thickens exponentially and is masterfully stirred so tightly so as to resemble a movie adapted to book form, in no need of editing, and served on a silver platter to even the most Mercurial Dr. Lecter.

No two ways about it Keith Lee Johnson is a master of the genre! To be quite honest, my wife, Heather (no relation), and I were instantly drawn into the story by two factors; we share a similar relationship to that of Phoenix/Keyth and we were eager to read what Keith described as the hottest chapter in the book (Sorry, you'll have to "buy the book"). We soon found, as did Phoenix and Keyth, that we had to think like criminals if we were to ever solve the mystery. My wife and I not only took notes for each page of the story, but probably spent more time discussing the case than Phoenix and Keyth. Unlike other Detective stories, James Bond 007 et all, my Wife and I can hardly begin to express the instant connection we felt with the portrayal of a healthy, sexually active, marriage and a couple who works as well together as they play. However, this is not to say that Kelly McPherson does not have plenty to offer those readers wanting to get their swerve on! In short, Sugar & Spice is the only book we have read that leaves us incomplete until hearing the soundtrack, seeing the movie, and collecting the merchandise. We look forward to seeing Detective Parry be every bit as competent and seductive as her all too quickly approaching nemesis. Is the world ready for a brilliant red dragon named Coco Nimburu?

Sugar and Spice is a laudable sophomore effort by Keith Lee Johnson. This intriguing book thrusts the reader into the diabolical minds of heartless, psychotic killers, whose ruthless twists and turns lead FBI Agent Phoenix Perry into a whirlwind investigation. Couple the constant drama with a creative, picturesque descriptive style utilized by Johnson, Sugar and Spice does not disappoint. Chock full of surprises and drama, Sugar and Spice held my attention captive to see what happened next! I was looking for something 'different' to take me out of my usual reading comfort zone, and Sugar and Spice did just that.

Keith writes an excellent novel about twins who are alike in every way and do everything together. They dress the same, look the same, go to jail together and even kill together. Sugar and Spice will have you trying to solve the crime with Phoenix, an unforgettable FBI agent, who will have you on the edge of your seat as things get a tad too personal for her as she attempts to solve the case that seems flawless, but everyone is human right, and plans are destined to fail. The twins are on a rampage and Phoenix has one agenda BRING THEM DOWN!!! A FANtastic read!!!

I just finished reading Sugar & Spice! This is the best book that I've read in a very, very long time. I accidently left the book over my mother's house after the book signing at Karibu Books in Forestville, MD and couldn't get it back until SHE FINISHED READING IT. It took her approximately 1 day to read it. She was totally mystified about the book as well as the author. All she said was, "Annette, you've have to hurry up and read this book". I started to read it myself and virtually read chapter after chapter non-stop. I have an active 2 year old so it took me two days to finish it. My mother called several times a day to see if I finished the book so that we could discuss it. I told her that I wasn't finishing reading it. She could not contain her excitement about discussing the book. It's the kind of book that keeps you on your toes and you're constantly trying to figure out "the whos and whys" of it prior to finishing the book. The real mystery is why were the organs splattered all over the room. What constituted the anger? Some in an aggressive way and some not. Why?????????????? Another question is who committed the murders in Californina? Was it Alex/Sam or the other twins - Sugar & Spice?

This is such a great read that I've recommended it to my friends.

I'm starting to read Little Girl Lost and look forward to reading your other books. Keep up the good work.

Annette

Sugar & Spice is a fast paced read that unfolds like it should be on the big screen. This is a novel that will shock, tantalize, titillate and intrigue every reader that opens the book. The book opens up addressing a taboo subject, same sex sexual abuse behind prison. The basis of the story is about two twins who spent far too much time behind bars. During their prison years they were used and abused. Behind bars they bulked and and upon their release they were ready to take some serious revenge against those they felt who may have wronged them in the past.

Beautiful, intelligent and tough chick detective Phoenix Perry is on the case. Her character is very integral to the story line. Sugar & Spice is a sexy book although it might not appear to be based on the cover. From the intimate love scenes between detective Perry and her husband to the twins spying on their unknowing victims Sugar & Spice is a hot book that will alarmingly peak the imagination of those who may have twisted fetishes about violence and sex. These twins are completely off their rocker and are driven by revenge and lust. They take pride in coming up with creative ways to torture and kill their victims-often sexually abusing them beforehand.

Well written and with a nice touch of pop culture references sprinkled throughout the book, Sugar & Spice is a book that will keep you up all night as the mysterious storyline unfolds. If you have a weak stomach for things like violence and sexual abuse this book is not for you, but if you like to have your imagination peaked by a creative story, then Sugar & Spice is for you. Keith Lee Johnson is a wonderful writer and his books would easily make the transition to the big screen.

After the loss of her father, her students and eventually the death of the person responsible, Coco Nimburu, Phoenix Perry and her family are enjoying a much needed vacation. That is until she glimpses a copy of USA Today. All of a sudden, her mind is back on murder.

Breaking news - women are being raped, beaten and murdered in their homes. Authorities aren't sure how the women are chosen and learn that while the bulk of the women were in D.C., some were also found in California. Is this the work of the same person or is there a copycat on the prowl as well?

With so many similarities, Agent Perry knows that all of the recent murders are connected, but she is uncertain as to how. When she finds herself on the right path, danger comes calling again. Can she connect all of the puzzle pieces before it's too late?

`Sugar & Spice' is anything but nice as rape, beatings, corruption, drugs, revenge and murder keep readers flipping the pages. Keith Lee Johnson is a writing master! (LBS) He weaves an intricate story, exciting characters and a story-line together so thick you can't imagine putting the book down.


Pretenses
Fate's Redemption
The Honeymoon is Over

I have read all of Keith Lee Johnson's novels and he has not failed us. Sugar and Spice is a thriller that keeps you wondering and ultimately guessing from the first page to the last page.

A set of twins have just gotten released from prison and they are on the rampage. No one knows who, why, when and where. When you think that you know your next victim the twins shake it up and have you rereading other pages to see if you have missed something.

Though it might not bring you the excitement of Little Black Girl Lost, the knowledge of Fate's Redemption of the action of Pretenses it definitely delivers the thriller that we are looking for.