L. J. Sellers

Not Your Stereotypic Heroine…Or At Least, Not the Stereotype You’d Expect

It’s not a spoiler to say that Andra Bailey, FBI agent and protagonist of Point of Control is a sociopath. It’s right there in the third sentence of the author’s synopsis. And the reason I want to mention it is because it was a factor that made this book so enjoyable to me.

If you’re a mystery/thriller fan, you probably know a number of protagonists that fit the description of a sociopath – intelligent, show more risk-takers, charming but without really caring what others think. But knowing at the outset that Bailey was one and seeing how Sellers worked that into the story was fascinating. For example, like many thrillers, there’s a romantic element, and like many, the kiss seemed to come from nowhere. Generally, I figured the author just glossed over the emotion to get back to the action, but with Bailey? She was experimenting with an unexpected connection to another human. Interesting. There were places where I felt Sellers might have gone a bit too far, e.g., Bailey seemed to read other people’s emotional traits almost at a glance (“Bailey studied his face, looking for signs of deceptiveness, and found none. Weakness, yes. He was emotional and eager to please.”). That ability seems well beyond charming and manipulative. And why did she suffer from topographical disorientation (a tendency to become lost easily)? So, she wouldn’t be a stereotypic sociopath?

But Bailey’s personality aside, the book is a solid crime thriller. The pace is good, as our heroine jets across the country chasing her suspects and sustaining herself with coffee and naps on planes. The story is propelled in places by discoveries that seem a bit too convenient. Why, for example, did Bailey focus on cellphone CEOs when rare earth metals are used throughout the electronics industry? The attempt on Bailey’s life early in the book, when she was pursuing a very speculative connection between missing scientists also gave me pause. The bad guy’s attack proved her right and would have brought in even more agents had they succeeded. What were they thinking? But overall, the plot flowed well. There is also an excellent twist at the end that clarifies a few discordant threads – it’s all tied up with a bow by the time Sellers finishes the book.

Overall, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable novel, in part for the way Bailey’s personality was woven into the story, but mainly because it was just plain good story-telling. show less

Secrets to Die For by L. J. Sellers delves into issues that remind us of our humanity and our human failings. Sellers explores attitudes toward homosexuality and rape through an investigation into a murder than has Detective Jackson questioning biases he didn't realize he held. As the investigation uncovers one suspect and then another, Sellers keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. As Jackson juggles his personal and professional lives, the reader feels his frustration and desire show more to do right by all those in his life. Sellers creates three dimensional characters that are all too real leaving the reader feeling as if a visit to Eugene might offer the opportunity to meet the characters who inhabit the pages of Secrets to Die For. show less

The Sex Club by L. J. Sellers is a well written, engaging police procedural. Sellers tackles controversial issues like teen sexuality, women’s rights, religious zealots, and the abuses humans inflict on one another without ever forgetting to entertain. Sellers introduces us to Detective Jackson in this first in the series. Detective Jackson works with Kera, a clinic nurse, to investigage a group of teenagers whose promiscuity has lead to a need to keep secrets. The fear of discovery show more impedes the investigation into the death of one of the groups members. As those secrets are revealed, people in powerful political positions have a lot to lose and create obstacles to impede the case’s resolution. Detective Jackson fears for his daughter’s safety, and refuses to let the case quietly grow cold. At the same time, a group of religious zealots have their own agenda for wanting to avoide the truth being discovered. Sellers creates well-rounded characters the reader wants to know better. The Sex Club has a tightly woven plot that keeps the reader intrigued until the last page. show less

First of all let me say that this is a review of the Audible Audiobook edition narrated by Julia Shreve.

I don’t usually read or listen to dystopian novels but something about this one intrigued me and I decided to give it a go. So glad I did. It turned out to be a very well written story with believable characters that you can’t help liking…well except for the villains who are just as easy to dislike.

Narration is very good although the beginning of each chapter seems quiet compared to show more the end of the previous one. Perhaps a bit volume balancing is needed but either way it in no way spoils the audiobook. I’d highly recommend this book and will be looking out for more by L.J. Sellers.

I was given a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. show less