Today’s price drop down is for: Stirred (Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels Mysteries) by Blake Crouch and J.A. Konrath.
From my point of view the best description of this books is the following:
“Here’s what you want to know: Former police Lieutenant Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels is quite familiar with psychotic killer Luther Kite’s handiwork. Last time she encountered Kite, Jack had been forced to watch him murder one of his victims in a manner so savage and brutal it traumatized the veteran investigator.
Recently retired from an amazing career that made her a legend in precincts and prisons alike, Jack finds herself eight months’ pregnant, and suffering from preeclampsia. She’d like to create a semi-normal life for her family-to-be, and she could, if stone killers like Luther Kite and his ilk would remain in her past. Unfortunately, Kite has other plans. He’s resurfaced in Jack’s life with a vengeance, and the body count is piling up.
Flanked by closest friends Phin Troutt, Harry McGlade and Herb Benedict, Jack learns that the bodies of Luther’s latest victims contain clues that only she can solve. Against her doctors’ orders, Jack puts her health on hold and her life on the line to confront Kite in a relentless battle of wits where the fate of her unborn child hangs in the balance. Jack thought she had a pretty good handle on Luther Kite, but as one clue builds on another, she comes to the terrible realization Kite has spared no expense in his quest to make Jack’s life a living hell.
The battle lines between good and evil are drawn, and evil has had years to prepare. It’s personal between Jack and Luther, as personal as it gets. But when the two come face to face, as you know they must, Jack is forced to realize, for the first time in her life, how the decisions she’s made—and those she’s about to make—impact the lives of her closest friends.
Best-selling mystery thriller reviews typically generate comments like heart-stopping, pulse-pounding, terrifying,gripping, chilling, and must-read. Stirred has all those elements, but while we’re at it, let’s add laugh out loud, because you will. This is not a subtle book. It’s more of a grab-you-by-the-throat, lift-you-off-the-floor, and slam-you-against-the-nearest-wall type of book. The evil characters get under your skin. The good ones get into your heart. Just an aside, but look for the characters Donaldson and Lucy (from Crouch’s & Konrath’s Serial Killers Uncut), as they are two of the best I’ve encountered in a lifetime of reading.” —- John Locke.
Also, there are others reviews:
“What a lollapalooza of a great finish to Konrath’s Jack Daniels series and to Crouch/Konrath’s serial killer extrava-goreathon that I’ve been following for so many years!
Jack Daniels galumphs along, ponderous and pregnant, worrying about bringing a new life into her world (and well she should at 48 years old – YIKES), trying to make life changing decisions with her baby daddy, Phin – and then serial killer extraordinaire Luther Kite comes back into her life. And he’s not alone – we get to catch up with some of our other killers du jour too, including my favorite, Lucy. Also tagging along are other favorites including McGlade, who you don’t want to be stuck on a stakeout with or have choosing your baby’s name.
Deeper in the book, STIRRED feels like a noir nightmare, with Jack and gang in incredibly creepy surroundings with shades of Dante’s Inferno thrown in. And there was a plot twist that caught me totally unexpectedly – not easily done.
I especially liked the hyperlinks on the Kindle version I read, linking to mini reminders of the previous books/stories and characters referenced to in STIRRED. They helped me a lot, especially considering how many years this series – books and stories – covers. And they will allow you to read STIRRED even if you haven’t read any of the previous books. But do yourself a favor – read the others so you get the biggest gruesome impact.
And even though this is the wrap-up of previous books, neither Crouch nor Konrath totally close the door on reading about our favorite characters in the future.
Also, keep in mind this is a book about serial killers, not kindergarten teachers. If you don’t have a strong stomach, you probably should find some other reading matter because these are some of the creepiest serial killers I’ve ever read about.
NOTE: I was lucky enough to get an Advanced Reading Copy of STIRRED but my opinion is my own and I am thrilled I was able to read the book a few days early.” —- broiderqueen “army mama” (Southern Oregon)
“I see there are already 20-something reviews up for Stirred, probably all well-written and thought-provoking, so let me just say this: I mothereffing loved this book.
The hyperlinks were a great touch. Revisiting the characters and story lines (from previous books) by clicking the links made it interesting. I laughed out loud a few times, cringed a few times, and overall had a ball. I think because I knew it was going to be the end of the Jack Daniel series & the end of Crouch’s Desert Places books, the reading was kind of bittersweet, but you’ll have that when you love certain characters.
FWIW, about 17% into the Kindle version there’s a scene with Phin & Jack that leads into Jack & Harry and OMG, I had to reread it a couple of times. I’m stealing some of that dialogue for the next time I feel the need to insult somebody. It was hilarious! Oh, and if I ever find a Harry McGlade t-shirt, I’m buying it. ” —- Christine (Pennsylvania)
These deals as the name implies are updated daily and usually entail Kindle eBook being sold for nominal $0.99. You can keep track of them here: The Kindle Daily Deal. Or you can follow our blog as we’ll keep track of these deals too.