Jury of One

This is the first in a great series of books. Excellent writing and a fast read. I was buying the newest one when I saw I had not reviewed this one. Could have sworn I did. I have turned several people onto this series. The author is a wonderful warm woman who does book signings and has a great web-site. I recommend this book to all. You will NOT regret it and you will be hooked. Buy at least the second one Forecast of Evil at the same time so you are not stuck waiting. The books get even better as they go along. Andy

Laura Bradford's debut mystery is a winner! You'll feel you're right on the boardwalk smelling the breeze coming in over the ocean in a seaside resort town. Elise Jenkins, fresh from journalism school, expects to spend her first weeks on the job at the Ocean Point Weekly covering ordinary events. Instead, she's thrown into reporting a murder of one of the town's residents, and the murders rapidly multiply. Detective Mitch Burns is under great pressure to solve murders that not only have the locals experiencing shock and grief, but may drive away the tourists, too. Both Elise and Mitch get a chance to tell their side of the story, and it's fascinating to learn what each thinks of the other as the investigation (ahem, did I mention romance?) progresses. On top of that, Elise and Mitch are some of the nicest people around, people with whom you're definitely going to enjoy spending time. Bradford keeps you guessing until the end about the villain and the villain's motivation. One of the great things about Elise is the sensitivity she uses in her reporting, respecting both the victims' families and the investigation process. With characters as refreshing as an ocean breeze, a setting so vivid you're going to get a sudden urge for taffy, and a strong whodunit puzzle, the elements of this book come together in a satisfying way. I'm already looking for the next Elise Jenkins mystery!

Laura Bradford's likeable characters and interesting setting combine with an unusual motive to make a fun book that you'll gobble down faster than you can chug a Yahoo.Bradford's sense of place makes this book a memorable trip to the New Jersey coastline that anyone can squeeze into his/her schedule. Her honest, decent protagonists struggle with their suspicions and their professional goals, as well as a healthy attraction to each other.Perfectly titled, fast-moving, and with enough red herrings to keep you guessing, if you're a mystery fan, you'll be checking with your bookseller regularly to read the next book in this series. This Jury of One says, "Well done."

Laura Bradford's debut novel, Jury of One is a quick read that keeps you guessing as to the killer's identity until the very end. Mitch Burns and Elise Jenkins are wonderfully crafted characters, who lead you through a cunning plot of deception. I recommend Jury of One for mystery lovers of all ages.

Jury of One is a real page-turner that kept me guessing throughout. I couldn't put it down until I knew who was behind it. I really liked the characters and can't wait for them to come back to life in a sequel. A great book to take to the beach.