Field of Graves

Taylor Jackson has a delightful cat. She also has an intruder, soon to become a dead body on the floor. And she works in homicide in Nashville, Tennessee. She’s a convincingly vulnerable and strong protagonist in J. T. Ellison’s dark police procedural, Field of Graves. Well promoted and good at her job, she should have everything going for her, but behind the scenes she struggles to keep nightmares of the past from interfering with a present investigation.

When a body is found, posed on the steps of the Parthenon, Taylor finds a washed out FBI agent, with demons of his own, assigned to “help” her team. But will two wounded, almost broken, investigators manage to work together. Can they heal each other? And how many deaths will it show more take before the killer is found?

Field of Graves blends convincing investigation with fear and myth, offering a truly scary and cleverly hidden antagonist, and revealing just enough as each day passes to draw the reader in. The characters and relationships are warmly believable, with very real strengths and weaknesses. The mystery is complex and dark. Well-chosen side-plots serve to reinforce the tale. And the police procedures feel convincingly real.

This is the first book I’ve read by J. T. Ellison. It’s the first (or zeroeth) in the Taylor Jackson series, and I’d love to read more.

Disclosure: I won an ecopy. Lucky me! show less

Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison is a riveting addition to the Taylor Jackson series. This enthralling mystery is a prequel that provides readers with an insightful peek into the background of Lt. Jackson and Dr. John Baldwin.

Taylor is a hardworking detective whose meteoric rise through the ranks is well deserved. Having recently returned to duty following her self-defense shooting of a fellow officer, she is still struggling with nightmares and the occasional panic attack. When someone begins murdering young college women, Taylor and her team work around the clock to capture the person responsible for the deaths.

The evidence recovered from the victims' bodies is puzzling but it is unique enough to link the crimes together and the show more police soon fear a serial killer is on the loose. FBI profiler John Baldwin joins the investigation as a consultant, but he is battling his own demons from a case that went horribly wrong several months earlier. When another body is discovered and they learn another young woman is missing, Taylor, John and the rest of the investigators finally uncover the link between the victims but will they find the catch the killer before it is too late?

While Taylor has the unconditional support of her boss and her team of detectives, she is well aware that other members of law enforcement are not so forgiving. She is still wrapping up the final details stemming from the shooting and the corruption case she uncovered. With a grand jury appearance looming over her, Taylor focuses her full attention on the troubling murders. The dump site has been elaborately staged and it is apparent the killer performed some of ritual on the body. The cause of death is equally disturbing and Taylor is stymied as she tries to understand the possible motive for the murders. While she welcomes John's assistance, she is afraid his baggage might interfere with his ability to put together a viable profile of the killer.

Deeply depressed for months and drinking heavily while contemplating his next move, John is not exactly jumping at the opportunity to help solve the case. His reluctance to join the investigation slowly disappears as he becomes intrigued by the various elements of the murders. Taylor is quick to notice how deeply troubled he is and she does not hesitate to confront him about some of his behavior. Much to her surprise, John is soon fully immersed in the case and as they are closing in on the killer, he is able to accurately piece together the reasons for the murders.

Field of Graves by J.T. Ellison is a compelling police procedural that has an unusual storyline and a multi-faceted cast of characters. Although initially a little slow paced, the novel quickly builds up steam and hurtles to a rather dramatic and pulse-pounding conclusion. Although this latest release is the eighth book in the Taylor Jackson series, it can easily be read as standalone. I highly recommend this outstanding mystery to fans of the genre. show less

Apparently there is something good about being late to the game. This is the 8th book in the "Taylor Jackson" series, but it is the first book the author wrote in this series. It is actually a prequel where it sets the stage for the meeting of Jackson and Baldwin as well as the origin of the scar on her neck. I have not read any of the books in the series, so I guess I started at the right time. I really enjoyed this story, it was gritty, suspenseful, a bit violent but hopeful as well.

Taylor Jackson in a Lieutenant in charge of a squad of police that investigate strange homicides or ones that other detectives have given up on. She is dealing with a past situation where she killed a dirty cop in self-defense, but feels that she is being show more judged by others. When they are called to investigate the murder of a young co-ed from Vanderbilt, they have no idea what is coming. Her chief (Price) is asked by a friend from the BSU at the FBI if a troubled member of his team can consult, we meet Baldwin. He and Jackson have an immediate attraction to one another and are able to get by their personal demons to work the case. As more bodies show up, Dr, Samantha Owens (Sam) the M.E. and friend of Taylor notices some strange things during autopsy. This story hooked me right from the beginning. It was a taut suspense novel as well as a police/detective mystery.

I loved meeting the characters in this story. Ellison did a great job developing the characters and letting us get to know them. The team Taylor works with all admire her and work hard. I enjoyed learning about everyone's past that was shared as well as their troubles and demons. They were shown to be human, not perfect, they had flaws. They followed procedure, chased down the clues and kept you reading until the end. Can they save the last victim? A good read. I also enjoyed reading the author's notes at the end. It gives me background now that I am going to read the rest of this series. I am hooked on Taylor Jackson. show less

Even though this is number eight in the series, it's actually a prequel case which shows how Taylor and Baldwin met. The case is very interesting and it was suspenseful as usual. This case explains how she was injured on her neck. The murders were graphic, women of course and the women were tortured as well by a delusional religious zealot who thought he was creating the Son of God by impregnating one of his victims, who survived actually. I like the Taylor Jackson series. She is a strong female character who is quite likeable.

Back to the beginning with the story of Jackson and Baldwin origins. In Nashville a student is found dead, then another.Is there a serial killer in the area. Jackson and her team investigate.
This is the first of the series that I have read, and I enjoyed the story, a well paced plot, and I liked the characters.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I became hooked on the Taylor Jackson series after reading All The Pretty Girls back in 2007. Taylor Jackson is a kick-ass cop with a host of personal problems. It's been fascinating to watch her journey as a police officer, not to mention follow her romance with Dr. John Baldwin. I won't even get into all of the drama with Taylor's BFF, Samantha Owens... Guess you can tell that I really enjoy this series (Thank you Ms. Ellison for crafting such amazing characters and storylines). Needless to say, when I found out there was going to be a prequel released, providing us with more of the backstories for Taylor, John, and show more Samantha I was beyond delighted. After reading Field of Graves, I'm even more enamored with this series. Yes, there is murder, mayhem, and mystery involved, but we also get to see a more fragile side to both Taylor and John, as well witness the beginning of their romantic relationship. If you haven't read any of the books in the Taylor Jackson series, start with Field of Graves and you'll be hooked. If you're already a fan of the series, then this is one book you want won't to miss. show less

A serial killer is determined to create his own apocalypse and begins by haunting Nashville. Police Lieutenant Taylor Jackson, medical examiner Samantha Owens, and FBI profiler John Baldwin are just as determined to put a stop to the killing before the madman claims another victim.

Background revelations give the characters dimension and provide insight for readers. The credible plot twist and turns as it ramps up suspense and builds tension. Compelling and captivating, readers will find the story difficult to set aside.

Highly recommended.