Cold Blooded

Rating:
Summary: A Good First Impression
Review: This was my first Lisa Jackson book. I really enjoyed it. The combination mystery/romance was very well written. My only complaint was the ending left readers hanging a bit. Jackson explained in a note to the readers that she would wrap up loose ends in her next book but that means we have to wait :(
Bottom line: Dark and entertaining, some interesting paranormal stuff, a good summertime read.

Rating:
Summary: Gripping, grisly, great!
Review: This was the second Lisa Jackson book I've read, the first one being Hot Blooded. Ms Jackson is an author to watch. Her characters are fully-defined, her motivations subtle, and the pace breathtaking. She is now on my Author List to buy.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating killer, too many far-fetched coincidences
Review: While this novel covers much the same ground as Beverly Barton's The Fifth Victim, the execution is much better. The characters are three-dimensional, and the plot is much more realistic. Unfortunately, the writing prevents this novel from being anything more than mediocre. When it doesn't rely on cliches, it is often clunky, especially in the dialogue (the killer actually says "Tut, tut" while lecturing to one victim). Descriptions lack clarity and focus, or are just off the mark: a whip *blisters* the skin, a person's ribs *split* when kicked. Ms Jackson also seems unclear as to exactly how a stun gun works, evidently believing you can zap someone just by pointing it at them. This is too bad, since the killer's motive is rather interesting and believable. Still, thumbs down for me.

Rating:
Summary: Cold Blooded is lukewarm
Review: While this novel covers much the same ground as Beverly Barton's The Fifth Victim, the execution is much better. The characters are three-dimensional, and the plot is much more realistic. Unfortunately, the writing prevents this novel from being anything more than mediocre. When it doesn't rely on cliches, it is often clunky, especially in the dialogue (the killer actually says "Tut, tut" while lecturing to one victim). Descriptions lack clarity and focus, or are just off the mark: a whip *blisters* the skin, a person's ribs *split* when kicked. Ms Jackson also seems unclear as to exactly how a stun gun works, evidently believing you can zap someone just by pointing it at them. This is too bad, since the killer's motive is rather interesting and believable. Still, thumbs down for me.