As the Wicked Watch

The only reason this wasn't five stars is because the ending was a bit too rushed. Otherwise, this was wonderful from beginning to end. All of the characters were perfectly written, I knew exactly who they were and could picture them clearly in my mind's eye, especially Jordan Manning. She was a real person, flaws and all and that made her very likeable. Jordan's ability and drive to trust her gut and find the truth is admirable and makes me happy this is the start of a series, I can't wait for the next one!
Tamron Hall isn't just a television personality, she's a journalist first and a great storyteller second. Put away any preconceived notions you may have about another "celebrity" writing fiction and give this a go, it's very good.

As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall is an excellently written and very needed book that continues to shine a light on Black communities, not just through a white perspective, but that of a Black, Emmy Award Winning TV host and journalist.

With that being said, I do not believe this book was marketed in the best way to showcase how it shines. When I read the words, thrilling and serial killer, in a book’s synopsis I think I will be reading a fast paced novel with lots of crime scene investigations and looks into a serial killer’s mind. What Hall wrote was a complex look into Black communities, racism, and sexism that moved at a very slow pace. As the Wicked Watch took me four evenings to finish, but it was so interesting that I never show more found myself skimming. In fact, I couldn’t because even though it was slow and didn’t pick up until about 250 pages in, there was always something happening or interviews taking place there were filled with information.

I can see a lot of readers who are fans of thrillers giving As the Wicked Watch a lower rating because of its pace, but I hope this doesn’t dissuade you from giving it a read. It really was wonderfully written with intense moments, and the ending was disturbing while having justice being served to more than just the killer. When book two in the Jordan Manning series comes out, I will be interested to see what topics Hall writes about next. show less

As the Wicked Watch tells the story of crime reporter, Jordan Manning as she investigates the murder of a fifteen year old girl, Masey James.

I really liked Jordan. She was smart and funny and determined. I liked that she knew what she wanted and was willing to play the game where needed but to refuse to back down to get it. She could be very introspective and somewhat preachy at times (although not wrong) but generally she was an interesting and likable character. Plus I loved that Jordan has her masters degree in forensic science and is a certified crime scene investigator - I just wish it had of been used more as part of the plot.

In terms of the romance, I enjoyed the role reversal with her sort of relationship. It was nice to see a show more female who was willing, able and happy to be single, leaving the male sprouting love, flowers and relationships.

The murder was horrible and I felt for Jordan as she muddled her way towards justice. The police irritated me. It annoyed me they wouldn't even hear Jordan out while she was serving up their case on a silver platter.

The ending was a bit too abrupt considering how long and drawn out the rest of the plot was. It wasn't really complex enough to be as long as it was. And the conclusion was too easy. It wrapped up all points but it was just too simple. Kind of like well I'm done writing now, let's just throw all the evidence into the pages and call it a day.

It won't be for everyone, but fans of Sue Grafton and Robert Dugoni will likely enjoy. 3.5 stars. show less

There are rare occasions when a compelling novel can subtly expose the reader to a specific cause or examine social ills while avoiding being too didactic. Together they seamlessly combine so the effect appears natural, and the plot does not become just a mechanism to deliver the social commentary. It is difficult to maintain balance and focus when the novel itself does not seem to have a strong objective. As the Wicked Watch by Tamron Hall attempts to address too many issues with a plot that meanders away wherever her lectures are forcibly inserted. The main character is Jordan Manning, a newly transplanted, ambitious tv journalist who is driven to work harder as a woman and a person of color. When a murder occurs involving a young show more black girl, Jordan wants to ensure that the case is given equal attention by press and authorities. She becomes deeply embedded in the community and transgresses into potential ethics violations due to her obsession with the story. The premise is interesting and Hall provides a perspective that is often underrepresented. The protagonist is hindered by the heavy load of causes Hall places upon her. Misogyny and degradation, lack of social system support, police ineptitude, racial discrimination and exploitation of victim’s families are just a few of the issues Jordan is tasked to represent. Jordan has a plethora of convenient credentials and special skills to not only cover—but also solve—the case. Most of the action involves following the journalist as she runs between scenes and sources, commenting on the frustration and roadblocks she encounters. Far from integrating, the switch from plot progression to soap box is obvious and jarring. With As the Wicked Watch, Hall has too much to express and she interrupts herself while relaying her many messages.

Thanks to the author, William Morris and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. show less

So, despite some of the disparaging reviews that lead the pack on Goodreads, I actually liked this story. I did ask myself as I was starting to read this if lead character Jordan was based on Tamron Hall herself, since there does seem to be so many superficial similarities from career to appearance. Jordan is a ballsy reporter for Chicago’s local News Channel 8. Being a black, female journalist in an industry dominated by white men, Jordan is used to having to push a little harder to get ahead, so when the missing teen’s case she has been covering turns to a homicide, Jordan feels a certain sense of duty to make sure that the black teen’s killer sees justice. With a recalcitrant police department and a community accustomed to show more violence, Jordan takes it upon herself to pressure anyone she needs to get results for the family of the slain teen. It is perhaps a sad truth that so much of this story, while it may be fiction, rings true in real life. No one really need to look far to find true life examples of this story as it unfolds. It is that truth that makes the story so gripping because it feels like you’re tracking a real event. While there may be some exaggerations, and perhaps a bit far fetched in certain regards, it is still an engaging read. Look forward to the follow ups. Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. show less

I really enjoyed the premise of this book and was extremely excited that Tamron Hall had written it. But... it was just too slow for me. It took me 4 days to finish this book, I had to keep putting it down because it did not hold my attention. I do believe that Tamron will evolve as a writer, but this debut did not do it for me, however, that does not mean others will not enjoy it. I would like to thank Goodreads for the giveaway.

Good, intense investigative mystery, but there were a few times when the timeline felt a little loose.