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Summary: This book turns skeptics into believers without trying
Review: On Christmas Day, New York Police Department officer Sergeant Carlyle Biggs helplessly watches his fourteen year old son Carlyle Jr. kill his mother and two brothers (one an infant). His son murders him next. Seven years later, a nurse finds a newborn baby, whose throat is slit and filled with herbs, left on the shoulder of a road. At the same time, Desmond St. John, an important member of the black community and a powerful practitioner of voodoo, is murdered in a way similar to the death of Biggs. The case of THE HOODOO MAN falls to Brockport police officer Lieutenant Star Duvall. She quickly learns that Carlyle Jr. was recently released from prison and is a local resident. Carlyle is Star's prime suspect, but New York police officer Lisel Werner, Star's juvenile officer, feels that Carlyle could never have killed Desmond or the subsequent victims even though he has links to them all. Judith Smith-Levin is a powerful writer whose hypnotic prose will mesmerize readers into believing in the power of voodoo. THE HOODOO MAN stars a fascinating female protagonist, who happens to be a black woman in a position of authority in a predominately white town. Though her race adds a subtle backdrop, the story line is propelled forward by the tantalizing but frightening mystery, thereby proving that a point can be made without being preachy or pounding it to death. To accomplish that requires real talent by an author and Ms. Smith-Levin has an abundant quality of that. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: an exciting action packed mystery......
Review: Thanks to amazon.com I was introduced to Judith Smith-Levin. I pride myself on trying to read all African American pieces of fiction especially the mysteries/sleuths. I really enjoyed this police oriented mystery. It had suspense, romance, and action. I read "Do Not Go Gently" after reading the "Hoodoo Man." I was not disappointed at all.. Ms. Smith-Levin gets better in each book. I eagerly await your next book and would like to made aware of it. I have also read Barbara Neely, etc. and other African American mystery writers. I enjoy a little humor and romance with my mystery books.... P.S.... i can't wait for Star and Mitch to really get it going on................
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Summary: The Best Book I've Wrapped My Mind Around in a Long Time!
Review: This girl can really write. I found this book by searching out african american writers on the internet. After reading the reviews, I rushed out to buy it and read it in one day. Star Duvall is the touhgest sister to ever wear a badge, but she's even more than that. She's real, intelligent, and sexy without being a "damsel-in-distress". The story is hard-hitting, well plotted and detailed, and has a perfect touch of romance to round it out. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Do Not Go Gently, but had a harder time finding it. When I finally got hold of it, it was another non-stop thrill ride. I am absolutely hooked and I can't wait for the next Star/Mitchell/Peresi adventure. I HIGHLY recommend both of these books. They are a MUST!
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Summary: VERY UNPREDICTABLE
Review: This is the first mystery novel I read, and I thought it was very good. It was very unpredictable. I recommend this to anyone.
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Summary: Good Reading!
Review: This was a definate page turner. What a story or shall I say, what a story teller the author is. I couldn't wait to get to the end to know who did what or who didn't do what or exactly which finger would point to who. Great book and a must read.
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Summary: One good book!
Review: This was a very good book with great dialog and interesting characters. The plot was tight as well. The only criticism I had was that I thought the relationship between Star and Paresi, although sweet, is a little too chummy given their professional relationship. Overall I would recommend it to anyone!
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