Stacy Green

A murder from 20 years ago is somehow linked to a murder in the present. I liked the fact that the author introduced a serial killer but didn't divulge a ton about him/her... lots of fodder for subsequent books! Really well-written - the only criticism is that for a well-regarded FBI analyst, Nikki Hunt sure missed a lot. I suppose you can argue that the past interfered with her abilities - but she was so right on in some cases. That part didn't make any sense. But still, I'll be checking show more out the rest of the series. show less

This was the first book I had read by this author, and it won't be the last. I had heard and read so many good opinions from people I trusted, about this book, so when one of my good friends said "read it...you'll love it"... I did...and he was 100% right. I absolutely devoured it in a day and a half. The storyline is absolutely mesmerizing. The author so cleverly kept the reader guessing until very near the end. It was only in the last two chapters that I began to see where the story was show more headed. Nikki Hunt is a great main protagonist. Her team are likeable and capable, interesting investigators in this taut and gripping story. The people, the locations, and the benefits of offender profiling carry this story and I was actually sorry to have finished it. This one will diffidently go on my reread list and I will absolutely be looking for the second book in this series. show less

This book pulled me in from the start. Erin is a freshly promoted homicide investigator, and this is her first major case, alongside her newly arrived partner, Todd Brooks. Their first crime scene is that of Bonnie Archer, brutally murdered in the most despicable way possible. At the scene, the date of one of the Jack the Ripper murders is scratched into the wooden beam, along with the word "whore." Found near the body was a note with the name Jane, and now it's a race to find out who Jane show more is before more people die.

Erin Prince was born the rich, entitled daughter of a highly influential DC power player, but when she was able, she left that life to live on her own terms. She tries not to let her past effect her ability to do her job, but the family, friends, and suspects in this murder hit a little too close to home and her ability to stay neutral may be compromised. For the most part, Erin is a likeable character, a doting mother, close with her twin brother Brad, a good detective; however, she second-guesses herself a lot and seems to need validation for the things she's saying and doing. I guess that makes her flawed and human, but I could have done with a little more strength of character.

Todd Brooks is new to Erin's department and to being her partner, but he's been a cop for several years and handled his fair share of high-profile cases. He isn't overbearing with Erin, or talk down to her, but he does think she still has a lot to learn about how to investigate homicides. Overall, they get along well, although they do have their moments, just like any other partner relationship, especially one just starting out. I look forward to see how this partnership grows.

I was trying to figure this out the entire book, and failed at it miserably. There were multiple suspects, and no one seemed to fit, especially after the second murder when there didn't seem to be any overlap of the two women. And is the killer really a female? Are they truly searching for Jane the Ripper, or is that a red herring to distract them from the real killer?

All in all, a great, twisty read with an "I didn't see that coming" conclusion. I can hardly wait to pick up the next one. If you enjoy Karin Slaughter's books, then you will probably enjoy this fast-paced series. show less

4.5 stars
It's been a while since I caught up with Cage Foster and he's been seriously busy. Now in New Orleans, he's been assigned to help the police force improve their record. In THE NIGHT HE DIED Cage is asked to help some college students who've found a dying man at a popular voodoo tree. Things escalate quickly from that point, in large part because Cage is Cage and he's determined to get to the truth; no matter how it shakes & rattles the status quo.

This is Book 2 and it maintains the show more high standards I've come to associate with Ms. Green's tightly woven and complex stories. It's easy to read as a stand alone, but I'm one of those readers who want to be in on it from the get go and "feels" the loss of prior books. There're some characters I'd like to have met before the events chronicled in THE NIGHT HE DIED.

Another aspect of Ms. Green's books I enjoy is always learning something interesting specific to the location & it's customs/culture or history. Since this is New Orleans where the otherworldy permeates the very air you breathe there's more than a passing mention of such things, but it isn't pushy, more questioning. Well done no matter which side of "things that go bump in the night" or different religions you're on.

If I had to choose one word for THE NIGHT HE DIED it would be satisfying. Solid mystery, complex, flawed, and interesting characters, the story builds on the past and stays true to my expectations. If you aren't reading the Cage Foster mysteries you should be.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest opinion. All views expressed are my own. show less