The Poet

This mystery suspense is a well written novel that was both entertaining and at times gripping. The Poet is an enjoyable whodunit mystery with a hint of a thrill and an intriguing storyline featuring a strong female protagonist and a unique serial killer dubbed “The Poet”. While there was some lagging in the middle with a bit of a rushed ending, the plot was well flushed out. I was especially captivated by how the story unfolded. Detective Samantha Jazz is a well developed character with a good head on her shoulders. I enjoyed seeing how her mind worked as she tirelessly strived towards stopping a serial killer that seemed intent in drawing her into his game. I would really like to see the author to continue to write more books that feature her. I would say that the Poet is more of a mystery crime novel than a full on thriller. The process of unraveling just who is “The Poet“ kept me enthralled, but I wouldn’t say there is a lot of edge of your seat suspense. Nonetheless, really enjoyed this read.

4.5 stars- THE POET is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult SAMANTHA JAZZ suspense series focusing on Detective Samantha Jazz. Told from dual first person point of view (Jazz and The Poet) THE POET follows Detective Samantha Jazz as she is handed an ongoing investigation into a killer Detective Roberts has dubbed ‘The Professor’ but Detective Roberts is missing forcing Samantha Jazz to work through the information on her own. With the help of fellow detective Ethan ‘Lang’ Langford, and FBI Special Agent Wade Miller, Samantha begins to unearth a pattern of poetry and jazz, newly dubbing the suspect ‘The Poet’ leading our heroine to believe she is the inevitable target of a twisted mind. THE POET is a fascinating, thrilling and suspense filled story of obsession and madness, betrayal and revenge. Lisa Renee Jones pulls the readers into a twisted, haunting and complex tale; a detailed and ever evolving story of mania and madness. For fans of the author’s LILAH LOVE series, there are many similarities that parallel one another.

Oh my gosh! This was one intense read! Samantha was one gutsy heroine. I loved that she wasn’t so hardened and crude as some heroines in law enforcement are created to be. She was fierce enough to know she could get the job done, but never mean or rude to those around her. Her relationship with her partner and her ex shed a light on who she truly was inside and I liked everything about her. This has a lot of drama to it. Once it starts there is no slowing down. It never bogs or gets repetitive. Instead, it’s like a snowball rolling down hill. When the plot hits a certain point, it picks up speed and there was no way I was closing this book until I knew how it all ended. My heart was racing and each time I reached one of those amazing LRJ twists, I was gasping and clutching at my Kindle. This is not a romance, although there is a love interest involved. Only to the very smallest degree is their relationship brought into the mix. I wouldn’t mind seeing more of this couple if there are any future books. And I have to confess I was thrilled that this didn’t drop me off a cliff! I actually want another book although it’s not required!