JUDAS KISS gets Starred Publishers Weekly Review!!!!

Judas Kiss J.T. Ellison. Mira, $6.99 (416p) ISBN 978-0-7783-2629-8

Carefully orchestrated plot twists and engrossing characters combine in Ellison’s explosive third Lt. Taylor Jackson investigation (after 2008’s 14). Nashville homicide investigator Taylor is called to the scene of a disturbing murder: beautiful, pregnant Corrine Wolff, brutally beaten in front of her young daughter. Signs point to Corinne’s husband, Todd, but Taylor has her doubts. When she learns that the Wolffs were making and distributing amateur pornography, other investigators in her office turn up old X-rated footage of Taylor that could destroy her career and her engagement to FBI agent John Baldwin. Meanwhile, an old enemy of John’s has resurfaced and is intent on revenge. The story moves at breakneck speed, seamlessly flowing from Taylor’s world into John’s until they intersect for electrifying results. Flawed yet identifiable characters and genuinely terrifying villains populate this impressive and arresting thriller. (Jan.)

Nashville Scene Names JT Ellison Best Mystery/Thriller Writer

Best Mystery/Thriller Writer

J.T. Ellison

A former White House staffer, Ellison moved to Nashville and began writing stories about serial killers. As it turns out, that beats the hell out of moving here for a career in country music. She's set two wildly successful books in Music City (All the Pretty Girls and 14) and credits the Metro Police Department as her collaborators. Their expertise helps give Ellison's hero, sexy homicide detective Taylor Jackson, her street-level realism. Minus the serial-killer part, Ellison's work reads like a Nashville travelogue in which local haunts like Radius10 and Cheekwood glow with a big-city sheen. —PAUL V. GRIFFITH

Killer Year Goes International - Cheers, UK!

Stories to die for…from the hottest new crime writers.

The Killer Year are a group of new and up-coming thriller writers who have turned their talents to this compelling new collection. Each author has been mentored along the way by some of the biggest names in thriller fiction and there are special introductions to all the stories from authors, including:

LEE CHILD
JEFFERY DEAVER
TESS GERRITSEN
JAMES ROLLINS
DAVID MORRELL

With a special afterword from Laura Lippman included, this pulse pounding anthology is sure to keep you coming back for more.

ISBN: 9780778302759
Price: £12.99

JT Talks to John Seigenthaler about 14

Click here to listen to the podcast of John Seigenthaler's A WORD ON WORDS interview with JT about her latest Taylor Jackson novel, 14

JT Talks to John Seigenthaler about ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS

Click here to listen to the podcast of John Seigenthaler's A WORD ON WORDS interview with JT about ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS.

XM Radio's Kim Alexander talks to JT about 14

I'm Kim Alexander and this is Fiction Nation. The book is 14, the new thriller by J.T. Ellison.

J.T. Ellison's new book featuring Nashville deb-turned-cop Taylor Jackson is out; it's called '14'. This time Taylor is tracking a serial killer who has seemingly returned from the dead, and she's also planning her wedding — guess which one is scarier? As usual, J.T. works on a realistic canvas — her hometown — which makes the cavalcade of lunatics who crop up to ruin Taylor's special day even more menacing. (Although if you can find anything more terrifying than a caterer please do let me know about it.) There are a couple of plot twists that I certainly didn't see coming (I love that) and one 'ripped from the headlines' event that J.T. swears she wrote long before the news story broke. (Hint, it involves a pervy attorney general.)

I have talked to J.T. a couple of times over the last year and it's been a pleasure to see her continue to explore the world of her tough minded heroine, Nashville cop Taylor Jackson. I don't recall reading a lot of serialized fiction as a kid — there was the obvious Lord of the Rings and a few others, but somewhere along the line it became the done thing to create a character and a universe and keep talking about them. If you're lucky and good, your main characters and the world they live in are interesting enough to warrant return visits. If you're not, the reader realizes you're telling the same story over and over.

I think some fantasy fiction falls prey to this — how many elves can defeat the evil sorcerer and return the sword to its rightful king? J.T. Ellison is good and isn't afraid to take Taylor Jackson to places she probably wouldn't want to go. I can almost picture Taylor getting the script for the book and saying, "Oh no, I am not doing this. It's scary and weird and out of my comfort zone. I am not getting married!"

Because while serial killers, press conferences and trips to the morgue are all in a day's work for Taylor, getting an up-do and a big white dress? That is a whole different thing. True, she's been with her hot FBI fiancé John Baldwin for a while and the time was right, but Taylor is clearly more comfortable drinking cold coffee on an all night stakeout than wearing white satin pumps and getting in front of her family. Speaking of which, Taylor's mother and father figure pretty prominently in this book, and the disconnect between the resolutely, no, defiantly blue collar woman she's become and the deb princess her parents raised her to be is coming more and more into focus. As the series continues I'll be keeping an eye on her slowly unfolding past. Oh, and there's a family of serial killers, a creepy old house, the young victims are piling up and the wedding is at the end of the week. Guess which one makes our girl Taylor quake in her boots?

Hear my interview with J.T. Ellison on Fiction Nation, on Take Five, XM 155 on Wednesday, September 10that 7:00am, on Thursday, September 11th at midnight, on Friday September 12th at 11:00pm, on Saturday September 13th at 6pm, on Sunday September 14th at 10:00am and 8:00pm, and on Monday September 15th at 12:00 midnight. You can also hear Fiction Nation on Sonic Theater, XM 163 on Thursday September 11th at 3:00 pm in its half-hour format. All times EDT.

14 takes the Page 69 Test

JT Ellison is Murderati's Friday columnist, a short story writer, and a novelist.

Last year she applied the Page 69 Test to her debut novel, All the Pretty Girls. Now she has applied the Page 69 Test to the sequel, 14, and reported the following:

Page 69 of 14 gives the reader a chance to see the investigation of the Snow White Killer from the perspective of the Nashville police. The major clues in the investigation are laid out, theories bandied about. Without the hard DNA evidence, they don’t know if they’re dealing with a copycat or the original Snow White Killer, showing this isn’t a cut and dried case. All four detectives working the case are present in the scene as well, showing their ability to work as a team, they flesh out suppositions and compare research. I hope it does entice the reader to keep reading, and definitely think it’s indicative of the book itself.

Taylor nodded in agreement. “Well, now we have the makeup of this cream found on their temples. Arnica, frankincense and myrrh? What’s up with that?”

“I think we’re dealing with a religious nut. Look at the biblical aspects – the gifts of the three wise men were gold, frankincense and myrrh. They also used myrrh oil in Roman times to cover up the smell of dead bodies. I looked up the modern uses – perfume, anti-inflammatory, homeopathic cholesterol lowering agents ... there’s tons of uses and tons of availability. But the most common use is in churches and synagogues. It just makes more sense that this has some sort of significance to the killer. And the placement, on their temples, makes it seem like he’s anointing them.”

“Lincoln’s right, there might be a religious component to all of this. Toss that into the mix.”

Marcus played with one of his chips. “Maybe he stopped killing back then because he got called to God. You know, took the opposite road, tried to repent. Hell, he might have become a priest or something. And then he just couldn’t stand it, broke free and started killing again.”

They were all silent for a moment, thinking about those implications.

“I wish we had the DNA comparison. That would at least tell us definitively if we are dealing with the same man or a copycat,” Fitz said.

Read an excerpt from 14, and learn more about the book and author at J.T. Ellison's website and MySpace page.

Watch the video trailer for 14.

The Page 69 Test: All the Pretty Girls.

The Page 99 Test: 14.

14 and the Page 99 Test

JT Ellison is Murderati's Friday columnist, a short story writer, and a novelist.

Last year she applied the Page 69 Test to her debut novel, All the Pretty Girls. Now she has applied the “Page 99 Test” to the sequel, 14, and reported the following:

I believe page 99 of my new novel, 14, is indicative of the whole of the book. Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson and FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin are having a quiet dinner at home, talking about their day. Two major points are made that drive the story – first, Taylor tells Baldwin she’s missing a piece of vital evidence from a twenty year old murder case, and second – Baldwin reveals that a woman named Charlotte Douglas is coming to town. I love that the page ends with the revelation – seemingly innocuous – that a woman named Charlotte Douglas is coming to Nashville to participate in the Snow White Killer case. Taylor has never heard the woman’s name, but is about to meet a formidable opponent, both in the Snow White case and from Baldwin’s past. I hope the reader is driven to the next page, and the next, to find out why it’s important that Charlotte is getting involved in the Snow White case.

Without giving it all away, the missing evidence that Taylor mentions ties directly to the solution of the case, and to understanding Charlotte Douglas. Here’s an excerpt from page 99 of 14.

“Do I need a special occasion to bring flowers to my almost wife?”

“No, of course not.” She dropped the holster on the counter and buried her nose in the flowers. “Mmmm, they smell great. I better get them in some water. Where’d you find the Gerberas this time of year?”

“A man must protect his secrets.”

She rolled her eyes at him, eliciting a laugh. It was all so comfortable, it didn’t feel right. She got the flowers into water, set them thoughtfully on the kitchen table. Baldwin watched her; she felt his eyes on the back of her neck. Jesus, what was wrong with her?

“How was your day?”

“Other than the fact that we’re missing a piece of evidence from the Snow White case? The old cases, I should say.”

“What kind of evidence?” He opened the refrigerator. “Oh good, you got dinner.”

“Like I’d let you starve.”

They bustled around the kitchen, getting their salads on plates, buttering bread, pouring wine, and Taylor told Baldwin about her afternoon. He listened with sympathy until she asked about his day. They sat on the floor in the living room, their plates on the coffee table, their backs propped with pillows, and talked while they ate.

When they were settled and Taylor was a few bites into her salad, Baldwin answered her question.

“Well, it was interesting, I’ll say that. Tomorrow might be a little crazy.”

She just raised an eyebrow. As if anything could be crazier in this case, in their lives.

“Charlotte Douglas is coming to town.”

Read an excerpt from 14, and learn more about the book and author at J.T. Ellison's website and MySpace page.

Watch the video trailer for 14.

The Page 69 Test: All the Pretty Girls.

Crimespree Loves 14!!

14 (Mira) is a twisty creepy and wonderful book from JT Ellison, her second. Nashville thought the terror of the 1980's was over when the Snow White Killer stopped and even sent a letter saying so. But now Taylor Jackson of Homicide is seeing a return of the killings. Possibly a copy cat, maybe the elusive original killer returned, either way Taylor has her work cut out for her as the murders are escalating. With pacing that makes Nascar look dull this book is a real ride on the lightning. Ellison is relentless and grabs the reader from the first page and refuses to let go until the soul tearing climax.

(J Jordan, Crimespree, September 2008)

Fresh Fiction Essay

I have an essay on crime fiction up at Fresh Fiction!

BookBitch Loves 14!

Review by Becky Lejeune

Lieutenant Taylor Jackson is just days from walking down the aisle when she’s called to the scene of a gruesome murder. Strangely, the MO resembles that of a serial killer who struck Tennessee in the early 80’s. Dubbed the Snow White Killer thanks to his dark haired, pale skinned victims, and his penchant for smearing bright red lipstick across their faces, he left behind ten victims before apparently throwing in the towel; he was never caught. Has Snow White reemerged after such a long break or are they facing a copycat. Then new evidence is found to support the copycat theory and Jackson and her team are faced with uncovering both of the killers’ identities in order to solve the case. With just two titles released, J.T. Ellison has proven herself to be one of the best new thriller authors out there. Her characters are solid and her plots are refreshingly original - and what a great ending. The third title in the series, Judas Kiss, is due out next spring.
(Note: Judas Kiss will be available January 1, 2009)

An Interview with Cathy Clamp of The Big Thrill

You'll double-lock your doors after reading 14

By Cathy Clamp

Ten victims, each with pale skin and long dark hair. All have been slashed across the throat, the same red lipstick smeared across their lips.

In the mid-1980s the Snow White Killer terrorized the streets of Nashville, Tennessee. Then suddenly the murders stopped. A letter from the killer to the police stated that his work was done.

Now four more bodies have been found, marked with his fatal signature. The residents of Nashville fear a madman has returned, decades later, to finish his sick fairy tale. Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson believes the killings are the work of a copycat killer who's even more terrifying. For this monster is meticulously honing his craft as he mimics famous serial murders...proving that the past is not to be forgotten.

Big Thrill contributing editor Cathy Clamp recently sat down with J.T. Ellison, author of the upcoming thriller, 14, and chatted about this new episode in the life of her ongoing character Taylor Jackson.

Did your heroine work on the original files in the 80's that she never solved, or is this a case of having to dig up old files to figure out what originally happened?

Taylor was actually in junior high when the original Snow White murders took place. The case sparked her interest and she always vowed that if she had a chance, she'd try to solve the mystery. When she started with the Metro Nashville Police Department, she checked the files out of storage and memorized them. The case sat in the Cold Case files for thirteen years before bodies with the Snow White's signature began showing up in Nashville. Now, being the Homicide Lieutenant, she not only has the jurisdiction, but the team to solve the case. Hardly a dream come true, but a fulfillment of a desire she's had since she was a child.

Did you model the events or killings on any real cases that happened in Nashville? If so, were they ever solved?

Nashville has never had an egregious, famous serial killer, thank goodness. For the story to work, though, I needed to give us a killer on par with serial killers like the Boston Strangler, the Zodiac, the Son of Sam. A killer who has altered the culture of a city through their reign of terror. The Snow White killer became that man in Nashville's history.

You were a White House staffer in your "previous life" before beginning to write novels, which would be a really interesting job. What led you to Nashville, and what triggered the desire to write a thriller?

I went into politics after an English professor in college told me I'd never make it as a writer. I was out of the game, so to speak, for fifteen years, and just started writing again in 2004. My husband and I met, courted and married in D.C., but he wanted to come home to Nashville, and in 1998 I finally acquiesced. I had my doubts - but Nashville is an amazing city. I was intrigued by the contradictions - the class structure, the politics, the very southernness of the city. I was reading another great regional series - John Sandford's Prey books - and I thought it would be fascinating to have a Nashville version. We have the same kind of crime as the big cities, but we're perceived as a town overrun with musicians and songwriters. I wanted to give my readers a chance to see the Nashville I see, not necessarily the one they've become accustomed to.

You've mentioned you have a cat who runs roughshod over you. I've noticed that writers with pets who have "personalities" (myself included! LOL!) tend to also inflict similar animals on their protagonists. Does Taylor have a unique pet?

No, Taylor has been a loner for a long while. With her long hours and total dedication to the job, she would feel like she was abandoning any pet she left at home. But now she has Baldwin. He doesn't qualify as a furry friend in the truest sense of the word, but he is an addition to her life that makes her richer. I, on the other hand, have a very poorly trained cat who rules the roost in the Ellison household. She's got me wrapped around her little paws.

What surprised you when you were doing you research for the book?

I research heavily, spending time with law enforcement, talking to experts. But for this book, I needed a trip to New York. I hadn't been since high school, and I wanted a refresher course to see how it smelled, what it sounded like, where to place my scenes. The city quite literally blew my mind. I've been back five times now, and loved every trip. But that first visit as an adult will stay with me.

Did you originally intend any subplots or characters traits that didn't make it to the final edit?

Sure. There's always a trail that needs to be reigned in, or a character who isn't serving their purpose. My editor (Linda McFall) is fantastic, and she knows exactly what threads to pull. I'm lucky, I rarely have to cut much from the content. My stories are twisty, but still linear, and I tend to add as I revise. And add. And add...

Anything else you'd like readers to know about? Are you planning any contests or book tours to promote the book?

I'll be on tour starting September 3, and go for six weeks, wrapping up my out of town events in Baltimore, for my very first Bouchercon. I like the set up I've got for this book - for All The Pretty Girls, I covered thirteen states in six months. Fun, but exhausting. This is much more concentrated - in addition to my Tennessee stops, I'm going to Colorado, Arizona, Texas, Maryland and Nebraska, where I'm joining one of my favorite authors, Alex Kava, for a couple of stops on her tour. This schedule is more intense up front, but then it's over, and most of the rest of my dates are relatively local. I'm starting a new book as we speak that is due in March, which means I need more time at home on the computer. The tour dates are on my website, http://www.JTEllison.com.

Thanks so much for taking the time to give our readers some insight into your new book. It's due out September 1st from Mira. Right? It sounds like it's going to be a great read!

It is, and I hope everyone will love it. Thanks for having me!

Contributing editor Cathy Clamp is the co-author, with C.T. Adams, of two USA Today bestselling paranormal romantic thriller series from Tor Books. They were recently nominated for a Career Achievement Award in paranormal romance by RT BOOKreviews Magazine, which will be awarded in April, 2008. Their next thriller, TIMELESS MOON, hits the shelves in March, 2008.

Romance Reviews Today Reviews 14

Nashville, Tennessee and Quantico, Virginia - Present Day

Once upon a time a queen wished for a child as white as snow, with lips as red as blood and hair as black as ebony. Her wish was granted in little Snow White.

Many years later, another wished to see that vision come to pass. His canvas was the city of Nashville, and his brush was a sharp knife. The Snow White killer terrorized the city during the mid-1980’s only to retire from the scene after committing ten murders, saying his work was finished.

But now the killing has started again, and the citizens of Nashville are wondering why the dark fairytale has come back to life. Homicide Lieutenant Taylor Jackson has a theory; this Snow White killer may really be just another copycat, though admittedly, a far superior version to the “normal” ones. It’s almost as if his hand is being guided by the original. A monster (or monsters) is loose in Nashville, and it’s Taylor’s job to catch him. With the help of her fiancé, John Baldwin (a forensic psychiatrist who works with the FBI), her crack investigative team, and some of the men involved in the original Snow White case, she just may do it. But, how many women will die until then?

14 features a woman who exhibits many traits today’s woman can appreciate (though the ability to handle all the blood and horror may not be a trait they’d all share). Taylor is brave, stubborn, and a dedicated cop. She’s also determined to catch Snow White, a task many women would shun. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing she fears. For instance, her big white wedding to John that’s supposed to happen in five short days. Taylor’s thinking maybe it should be put off. Her love for John (and his for her) seems real enough, but this cop just may not be ready. And, really, who can blame her for wanting to concentrate on Snow White? After all, fourteen are already dead, and more women are certain to die. Can Snow White be brought to justice, or is this fairy tale destined to have an unhappy ending?

The list of secondary characters who help bring 14 to life is long and varied. Taylor’s fiancé, John, is certainly important, and his expertise, as well as his contacts in the FBI, is certain to come in handy during the hunt. Dr. Charlotte Douglas, a profiler for the FBI, may also be a help; then again, as John’s former lover, she may be more of a hindrance than anything else. Frank Richardson is a reporter who covered the Snow White case extensively in the ‘80’s, and his help will be invaluable. Martin Kimball, retired homicide detective, was in charge of the original case; he too is eager to assist in any way he can. Lincoln Ross (computer guru), Peter “Fitz” Fitzgerald (Taylor’s second in command), and Marcus Wade complete Taylor’s team. Dr. Samantha Loughley is a medical examiner in Nashville as well as Taylor’s best friend. Together, all of these people, along with many I can’t mention here, will help Taylor bring Nashville to living, breathing, life.

Though this is the second Taylor Jackson novel (ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS came out in November 2007), the author has created a story that stands completely on its own. Thrills and chills, unexpected twists and turns, and enough scary bits to keep you awake long into the night make 14 a sure-fire winner. Don’t miss it.

Lori Ann

Romance Reviews Today

Bookpage Review of 14

Who's the fairest killer of them all?

REVIEW BY JAMES NEAL WEBB

In 14, J. T. Ellison's nail-biting sequel to her debut novel, All the Pretty Girls, Nashville Police Lieutenant Taylor Jackson is once again trying to balance her personal and professional lives. She's planning a Christmastime wedding with her fiance, the FBI profiler-at-large John Baldwin, but it seems that a couple of killers, plus the biggest snowstorm Music City has seen in decades, are conspiring to keep that from happening.

Murder is the same all over, and for Nashville Homicide it's definitely deja vu, because a serial killer is on the loose and all indications point to the return of a maniac who terrorized the city two decades before. The Snow White Killer is back--or is he? The bodies are the same: young women, with long black hair, pale complexions and slashed throats. Still, there are enough differences between the past and present murders to make the case even more puzzling. If this isn't the Snow White Killer, how does he (or she) know so much about that killer's MO?

Working with Baldwin, Taylor must examine each gruesome clue in hopes of stopping the carnage before the killer strikes again. She's also coping with the recent loss at sea of her estranged father, whose disappearance will have surprising repercussions. At the same time, she's tracking a ruthless killer-for-hire in another case involving illegal immigrants, who doesn't seem to care who he murders in order to protect his secrets. Then there's something even deadlier: a beautiful FBI profiler with eyes on her husband-to-be. Though Taylor doesn't know it, all of these elements will come together in some unexpected ways.

All the Pretty Girls introduced us to Taylor, Baldwin and the cops of Music City; Ellison's second book fleshes out these characters and the city of Nashville even further. Be forewarned that murder isn't pretty, and Ellison doesn't pull any punches, but if you're a fan of the genre, you'll love 14.

James Neal Webb is a lifelong Nashville resident.

The Tennessean Reviews 14

Two decades ago, the Snow White Killer terrorized Music City with 10 grisly murders of beautiful young women — each with raven-black hair, pale skin and ruby lips — their throats slashed from ear to ear. The villain was never apprehended.

Fast-forward to the present and 14, J.T. Ellison's second novel, where four more young women are murdered. The killer's modus operandi suggests the Snow White Killer has resurfaced. Or is a copycat responsible? As even more murders occur, the story resembles a Shakespearean tragedy in which bodies pile up like cordwood. Homicide Detective Taylor Jackson and her love interest, John Baldwin, a profiler for the FBI, seek to stop the sociopath before he strikes again.

Ellison's third novel, Judas Kiss, will be published in January.

— ROY E. PERRY, FOR THE TENNESSEAN

An Interview with the Nashville City Paper

By: Ron Wynn, rwynn@nashvillecitypaper.com
Posted: Friday, August 29, 2008 3:00 am

_______________________

A negative comment from one of her college professors proved quite prophetic in the life of Nashville author J. T. Ellison.

“I was struggling along trying to do this literary and academic type of writing and one of my professors put a note on a paper and said it was too much like B-grade detective fiction,” Ellison said. “It took me quite a while and some time in other careers like politics and marketing before I realized that writing crime novels was really what I wanted to do.”

Ellison has now emerged as one of the nation’s hottest writers in the genre, with her second book 14 (Harlequin/MIRA) earmarked for fast tracking by her publishing company. Ellison, who’ll formally launch the book Wednesday at Past Perfect restaurant and also Thursday at Davis-Kidd Booksellers, said that there were some things she wanted to do with her series that differ a bit from past depictions of female detectives and law enforcement officers.

“I wanted to create a character who didn’t become a detective out of some traumatic event like being raped or the death of a sibling,” Ellison said. “Then I also wanted to establish a series of novels using Nashville as the backdrop. Our heritage as Music City is a great one, but there’s a lot more to Nashville than just the music community. It was my goal to really emphasize the many things that make the city so unique and special, and incorporate them into this series of stories about a female detective.”

The new 14 features detective Taylor Jackson involved in a difficult and complicated story that covers many other problem areas that arise during investigations. These range from issues of jurisdiction to problems with the chain of evidence, particularly when pursuing those whose criminal acts occurred many years ago.

There are also some professional and personal challenges that threaten to derail Jackson, and the political backdrop of a high profile crime and the second-guessing that comes from both media and superiors when it seems things aren’t moving quickly enough.

However, Ellison adds she wanted to show in her work that not every woman in law enforcement is mistreated or harassed.

“I felt it was important to have a woman investigator that’s not such a strident, harsh figure, and not someone who’s constantly battling for respect and suffering from bad practical jokes and hostility from her partners,” Ellison said. “I’ve gotten a lot of positive reinforcement and response from law enforcement people who’ve told me that they feel I’m accurately portraying what they do, how they operate and the problems that they face, and that’s a good feeling.”

Ellison maintains a prolific schedule for a novelist. She’s already completed both Judas Kiss and Edge of Black, the third and fourth novels in the series. She completes the research, plotting, and writing for each novel in a six-month period, something that she says “means I have no life.”

“But it really isn’t work,” Ellison said.” I’m getting to do something I love — create characters and stories that I enjoy, and get paid for it as well. This is fun, even if it often means most of my time is spent on Taylor Jackson’s next adventure.”

What: Nashville mystery author J.T. Ellison discusses her new novel 14
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Past Perfect, 122 Third Ave. S. (Wednesday); Davis-Kidd Booksellers, 2121 Green Hills Drive (Thursday)
Cost: free and open to the public
Info: 736-7727 and 385-2645

14 on sale today!!!

14 "Top Pick" at Romance Reader at Heart

14 has received an absolutely wonderful review from Romance Reader at Heart's Debbie Jett.

Thanks, Debbie!

J.T. Ellison rocks!

Ms. Ellison's second Taylor Jackson mystery, 14, is right on par with her spectacular debut, ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS. With bold characters, a breathtaking pace and a gob of clever twists, 14 is unbelievably brilliant. This killer thriller is one of those "I can't put it down" novels. Yeah, 14 is that good!

Taylor Jackson is a fantastic creation... a kick-ass kind of female who never loses her femininity. Taylor's talents are stretched to the limit in 14 as she hunts for a killer while planning her wedding to the divine Dr. Baldwin. Oh, and her bad daddy is acting up again... maybe.

And maybe there is a copycat serial killer. Or could the Snow White killer of 20 years ago be on the prowl again?

Taylor is once again the star, but Baldwin is her perfect match. These two balance each other beautifully, in good times and bad. 14 delves further into this pair's lives and their compelling love story. Ms. Ellison has a soul mate thing going on with Taylor and Baldwin. The romance does not overwhelm the suspense, but adds a lighter tone to 14. This story also boasts a number of intriguing secondary characters, lead by a trio of psychopaths. This little band of sickos is so skillfully written, it's enough to make a person's skin crawl.

14 is terrific. The characters, the plotting and the relentless action are meticulously drawn. The terrifying surprises just keep on coming. And Ms. Ellison is on her way to becoming a major new talent.

Debbie Jett

14 gets 4 1/2 Stars from Romantic Times!

Fabulous news! 14 has just received a whopping 4 1/2 stars from Romantic Times. Thanks, RT!

New Beginnings

Thank you so much for joining me here at JTEllison.com. Design credit goes to my amazingly talented husband, Randy Ellison, a man of great patience and vision.

I'll be using this spot to update my status, give reports on tours, reviews, and any other news that comes available.

Just a note: I started the blog "The Tao fo JT" the day I received the first major rejection on my very first manuscript, back at the end of 2004. I was planning to use it to document my journey to publication. It didn't work out that way -- Murderati took over as my main blog. Instead of deleting and starting fresh, I decided to keep the four short entries that I did make. If you're a new writer, read from the beginning. It won't take you long. Read it, and remember to keep the faith. We've all had speedbumps on our journey. Perserverence is the key to getting published. Don't give up.

Wishing you all the best,
JT