Hooker Avenue by Jode Millman
What's It About?
“So many skeletons are banging on the closet doors to be set free, in this heady mix of sizzle, punch, and danger. And, even more intriguing, it’s all based on a true crime.”—Steve Berry, international and New York Times bestselling author“So many skeletons are banging on the closet doors to be set free, in this heady mix of sizzle, punch, and danger. And, even more intriguing, it’s all based on a true crime.”—Steve Berry, international and New York Times bestselling author
“With her intimate knowledge of the law and her meticulous eye for detail, Millman creates an immersive and unexpected story. If you love police procedurals, you’ll devour this book!” —Karen Dionne, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of The Marsh King’s Daughter
“Dark, dangerous and deviously suspenseful … kept me turning pages late into the night. I adored the fascinating cast of characters and the rich Hudson Valley setting. A truly terrific book!” —Alison Gaylin, USA Today bestselling and Edgar Award-winning author of The Collective
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The beating of one local woman sends shockwaves through the Hudson Valley community in Jodé Millman’s newest crime thriller, Hooker Avenue (Level Best Books). While this stand-alone incident is startling enough, it may hold the answers to numerous other unsolved cases in the area.
Criminal-defense attorney Jessie Martin’s life is slowly returning to normal. Her stalker is behind bars, her former love has returned to her side, and her days are spent with her young daughter thanks to her extended maternity leave. For the first time in a while, Jessie feels stable. That stability is short-lived, however, after she finds a young woman unconscious in a storm drain one night.
Jessie’s call for assistance is greeted by none other than police officer and former friend Ebony Jones. After a tense encounter, Ebony dismisses Jessie from the scene and takes over the investigation. The beaten woman is rushed to the hospital and soon identified as local prostitute Lissie Sexton. Despite her poor physical condition and undeniable injuries from an attack, Lissie is reluctant to provide the officer with any information. When left unattended at the hospital, she takes the opportunity to flee.
Lissie’s disappearance is not only problematic because she’s needed for a statement; Ebony believes her attack is the key to uncovering the truth behind other missing prostitutes. Maybe these women haven’t followed the law enforcement’s recommendation to relocate, as Ebony previously believed. Maybe they’ve also become victims of an attacker … and suffered a fate worse than Lissie’s.
FASCINATING CHARACTER DYNAMICS
Millman’s newest novel in her Queen City Crimes series is complete with fascinating character dynamics. From the great banter between Ebony and her department partner, Zander, to the relationship between Jessie and her family, the reader fully understands how these characters relate to each other. The author even enriches these characters by detailing robust backstories. While the women work through the mystery of missing prostitutes, the reader works through the mystery of Ebony and Jessie’s falling out. As Jessie becomes more entrapped in Lissie’s investigation, we learn more about her past career, love life and troubled history with the community.
Hooker Avenue is great for anyone searching for a fast-paced crime novel. The alternating narratives between Jessie the attorney and Ebony the police officer allow readers to follow this gripping investigation from two different sides of the law. It’s also worth mentioning that Millman’s novel isn’t too graphic when depicting criminal acts, making it perfect for someone who wants to enjoy the suspense of a crime thriller and skip the more gruesome details. Full of mystery, action and the search for a serial killer, Hooker Avenue is ideal for fans of TV series like Law & Order and Criminal Minds.
To learn more about Jodé Millman, visit her BookTrib author profile page here.
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