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Taylor Jackson #7
Where All the Dead Lie
In her showdown with the murderous Pretender, a bullet taken at close range severed the connection between Taylor's thoughts and speech. Effectively mute, there's no telling if her voice will ever come back. Trapped in silence, she is surrounded by ghosts—of the past, of friendships and trusts lost...of a lost faith in herself and her motives that night.
When Memphis Highsmythe offers Taylor his home in the Scottish Highlands to recuperate, her fiancé can't refuse her excitement, no matter his distrust of the man. At first, Memphis's drafty and singularly romantic castle seems the perfect place for healing. But shortly the house itself surrounds her like a menacing presence. As Taylor's sense of isolation and vulnerability grows, so, too, does her grip on reality.
Someone or something is coming after Taylor. But is she being haunted by the dead…or hunted by the living?
When Memphis Highsmythe offers Taylor his home in the Scottish Highlands to recuperate, her fiancé can't refuse her excitement, no matter his distrust of the man. At first, Memphis's drafty and singularly romantic castle seems the perfect place for healing. But shortly the house itself surrounds her like a menacing presence. As Taylor's sense of isolation and vulnerability grows, so, too, does her grip on reality.
Someone or something is coming after Taylor. But is she being haunted by the dead…or hunted by the living?
392 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
230 people are currently reading
2141 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Ellison
81 books6,721 followersJ.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
July 5, 2016
Taylor Jackson is more than a police officer. But being not only an officer but a leader has become more to her than she realizes. Taylor faces her inner demons while recuperating from a recent gunshot wound in Where All the Dead Lie by J. T. Ellison.
Taylor is almost completely recuperated from her physical trauma, but emotionally she is still wounded. She experiences guilt and shame that she wasn't there in time to save her friend from the torture that resulted in her miscarriage. She bears guilt that she couldn't foresee that the last madman she hunted, The Pretender, would dare go after her friends and coworkers. Taylor is also feeling quite a bit of anger and jealousy after finding out that her fiancé, John Baldwin, fathered a child with one of his former coworkers. Admittedly the child was put up for adoption and John was never notified of the pregnancy or birth, but Taylor resents the mere idea that he slept with that woman. Now when she is at her most vulnerable, she is unable to even voice her anger, shame or sorry. Is it just post-traumatic stress disorder that has taken her voice away or is it much more?
In an effort to deal with her swirling emotions, Taylor knows she must get away for a while. Enter James "Memphis" Highsmythe with an offer for Taylor to visit his ancestral home in Scotland. He assures her that he will not be in residence and that she can continue her recent therapy with a family friend's wife. Taylor knows that Memphis has a "thing" for her and their flirtation has been benign up til now, but will it continue to be benign given her current emotions? Taylor goes off with, more or less, John's blessings, to Scotland to rest and fully recuperate. But has she gone from the frying pan into the fire? While she deals with her inner demons, she fears that she is losing touch with reality. Can Taylor handle the demons of her past while fighting the demons in her present? Are these present demons a figment of her imagination or is she once again in danger?
Ms. Ellison has presented a somewhat softer and definitely more fragile and introspective Taylor Jackson in Where All the Dead Lie. I felt true sympathy for all that she is going through but has difficulty giving voice to as she heals. Taylor relies more on John because of her injuries while she also tries to push him away. She knows that she loves him, but she has that twinge of jealousy over his previous "relationship." She is also conflicted over her emotional attachment to Memphis. The conflicts in this story are at the forefront of each relationship Taylor must reflect upon and deal with: her friendship with Sam, her romance with John, and her friendship/flirtation with Memphis. I'm glad to report that the kick-butt, take charge Taylor emerges at the end. She has suffered unimaginable horrors, physically and emotionally, and emerged a stronger person. Ms. Ellison provides a series that gets better with each installment, and Where All the Dead Lie is no exception. This is a great fast-paced suspense read.
Taylor is almost completely recuperated from her physical trauma, but emotionally she is still wounded. She experiences guilt and shame that she wasn't there in time to save her friend from the torture that resulted in her miscarriage. She bears guilt that she couldn't foresee that the last madman she hunted, The Pretender, would dare go after her friends and coworkers. Taylor is also feeling quite a bit of anger and jealousy after finding out that her fiancé, John Baldwin, fathered a child with one of his former coworkers. Admittedly the child was put up for adoption and John was never notified of the pregnancy or birth, but Taylor resents the mere idea that he slept with that woman. Now when she is at her most vulnerable, she is unable to even voice her anger, shame or sorry. Is it just post-traumatic stress disorder that has taken her voice away or is it much more?
In an effort to deal with her swirling emotions, Taylor knows she must get away for a while. Enter James "Memphis" Highsmythe with an offer for Taylor to visit his ancestral home in Scotland. He assures her that he will not be in residence and that she can continue her recent therapy with a family friend's wife. Taylor knows that Memphis has a "thing" for her and their flirtation has been benign up til now, but will it continue to be benign given her current emotions? Taylor goes off with, more or less, John's blessings, to Scotland to rest and fully recuperate. But has she gone from the frying pan into the fire? While she deals with her inner demons, she fears that she is losing touch with reality. Can Taylor handle the demons of her past while fighting the demons in her present? Are these present demons a figment of her imagination or is she once again in danger?
Ms. Ellison has presented a somewhat softer and definitely more fragile and introspective Taylor Jackson in Where All the Dead Lie. I felt true sympathy for all that she is going through but has difficulty giving voice to as she heals. Taylor relies more on John because of her injuries while she also tries to push him away. She knows that she loves him, but she has that twinge of jealousy over his previous "relationship." She is also conflicted over her emotional attachment to Memphis. The conflicts in this story are at the forefront of each relationship Taylor must reflect upon and deal with: her friendship with Sam, her romance with John, and her friendship/flirtation with Memphis. I'm glad to report that the kick-butt, take charge Taylor emerges at the end. She has suffered unimaginable horrors, physically and emotionally, and emerged a stronger person. Ms. Ellison provides a series that gets better with each installment, and Where All the Dead Lie is no exception. This is a great fast-paced suspense read.
February 15, 2012
Don't let this woman write - she wouldn't know a descriptive sentence if she tripped over it. Every place the character goes is bland and has no atmosphere - except the old scottish castle. Nashville has never been more vague. Other people may enjoy her writing but I didn't.
May 28, 2013
This seventh installment of the Taylor Jackson series is quite a departure from all of the previous books. In the beginning, it just feels like an extended epilogue following the chaotic events in the climax of So Close the Hand of Death. The typical Nashville setting quickly gives way to a haunted mansion in Scotland. The showdown with the Pretender has left Taylor with physical and deep psychological injuries, prompting her to flee to Memphis’ family seat to recover physically and mentally. Taylor pushes away the two pillars in her life - her best friend, Sam and her fiance, Baldwin- with her own guilt and anger over secrets and lies. So, she leaves, - despite her awareness of Memphis’ crush - thinking she will be more content with him to get her own thoughts straightened out.
With a burgeoning addiction to pain meds, Memphis does, as predicted, woo her. His charm starts to reinforce the love triangle dynamic that began in The Cold Room. Taylor’s mental haziness from pain medication and booze adds a foggy, haunting quality to the story, really amplifying the creepiness of the setting. It’s a well-written novel, but the tone and lack of serial killing really set it apart from the other books in the series. It is much more character-driven and focuses more than ever on Taylor’s own psyche.
The pacing, like the other novels, moves along a fast speed. The plot twists in some surprising ways. And, luckily, this is the second time in the series that the novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but instead on just a hopeful note. Some of the plot’s turning strain credibility, but overall it’s a fast and fun read. It’s an engaging novel, and I am disappointed to learn that Ellison is taking a break from the series to focus on other writing projects. I hope she soon returns to the series!
With a burgeoning addiction to pain meds, Memphis does, as predicted, woo her. His charm starts to reinforce the love triangle dynamic that began in The Cold Room. Taylor’s mental haziness from pain medication and booze adds a foggy, haunting quality to the story, really amplifying the creepiness of the setting. It’s a well-written novel, but the tone and lack of serial killing really set it apart from the other books in the series. It is much more character-driven and focuses more than ever on Taylor’s own psyche.
The pacing, like the other novels, moves along a fast speed. The plot twists in some surprising ways. And, luckily, this is the second time in the series that the novel doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but instead on just a hopeful note. Some of the plot’s turning strain credibility, but overall it’s a fast and fun read. It’s an engaging novel, and I am disappointed to learn that Ellison is taking a break from the series to focus on other writing projects. I hope she soon returns to the series!
October 29, 2024
After the tragic events in the previous book, Detective Taylor Jackson loses her voice. Unable to return to work and facing tension with her fiancé, Baldwin, her frustration grows. So, when Scottish aristocrat Memphis—who is half in love with her—invites her to his castle, Taylor accepts without hesitation.
One aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy was the excessive focus on non-criminal subplots, which took up nearly half of the book. I almost abandoned it because of the overwhelming ‘romantic’ elements. The main crime subplot plays out pretty quickly. I felt that the author, after delving into the characters’ emotional turmoil, suddenly realized this was meant to be a crime novel. As a result, most of the action is packed into a few chapters, seemingly to keep the book from becoming too long. The mystery had the potential for a deeper exploration of tension and madness, with shifting suspicions and a more drawn-out investigative process.
Taylor’s decisions in her personal life also didn’t sit well with me. Her behavior toward Memphis feels unfair to Baldwin.
The plot itself is often unrealistic. But if elements like faked deaths and switched-at-birth children don’t bother you, this might be an enjoyable read. It has all the ingredients for a great movie: a troubled cop with a complex past, wealthy and handsome men in love with her, a castle on the moors, and secrets from the past.
One aspect of this book that I didn’t enjoy was the excessive focus on non-criminal subplots, which took up nearly half of the book. I almost abandoned it because of the overwhelming ‘romantic’ elements. The main crime subplot plays out pretty quickly. I felt that the author, after delving into the characters’ emotional turmoil, suddenly realized this was meant to be a crime novel. As a result, most of the action is packed into a few chapters, seemingly to keep the book from becoming too long. The mystery had the potential for a deeper exploration of tension and madness, with shifting suspicions and a more drawn-out investigative process.
Taylor’s decisions in her personal life also didn’t sit well with me. Her behavior toward Memphis feels unfair to Baldwin.
The plot itself is often unrealistic. But if elements like faked deaths and switched-at-birth children don’t bother you, this might be an enjoyable read. It has all the ingredients for a great movie: a troubled cop with a complex past, wealthy and handsome men in love with her, a castle on the moors, and secrets from the past.
April 1, 2021
I was disappointed in this book - still gave it 3 stars because the last 3/4 of the book was just excellent.
Now for the first 1/2+ - just not what I was expecting, the subject matter was interesting at times, but was tedious, very soap-opera type book - not my thing. It could have been wrapped up sooner and then delve into the meat of the book where the story got so much better. Others may like the whole book, but again, not me.
Now for the first 1/2+ - just not what I was expecting, the subject matter was interesting at times, but was tedious, very soap-opera type book - not my thing. It could have been wrapped up sooner and then delve into the meat of the book where the story got so much better. Others may like the whole book, but again, not me.
September 21, 2011
"WHERE ALL THE DEAD LIE" BY J.T. ELLISON
Amazing, amazing, amazing! This book pulled me right in and kept a firm grip on me all the way through. The story has so much to offer, at least 3 different mysteries that lead to a grand finale of one so in depth you'll never believe it! J.T. Nelson is a fantastic writer and after this I will be looking up more of their work. You don't want to miss this one and trust me, around this time of the year this is one that will keep you on edge and keep you so wound up you'll want to scream!
Taylor is just starting to piece her life back together after taking down a serial killer know as the "Pretender." Having been shot in the head and at the door of death, she makes a remarkable recovery and decides to take a trip to Scotland to spend some alone time in a friends castle. She soon starts seeing things that lead her on a journey not only to find her voice again, but to find out the truth about what happened to her friends wife. In the meantime her fiancé' and best friend are dealing with their own criminal investigations, all on a smaller scale but just as equally exciting! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, there is no doubt you will enjoy it!
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Amazing, amazing, amazing! This book pulled me right in and kept a firm grip on me all the way through. The story has so much to offer, at least 3 different mysteries that lead to a grand finale of one so in depth you'll never believe it! J.T. Nelson is a fantastic writer and after this I will be looking up more of their work. You don't want to miss this one and trust me, around this time of the year this is one that will keep you on edge and keep you so wound up you'll want to scream!
Taylor is just starting to piece her life back together after taking down a serial killer know as the "Pretender." Having been shot in the head and at the door of death, she makes a remarkable recovery and decides to take a trip to Scotland to spend some alone time in a friends castle. She soon starts seeing things that lead her on a journey not only to find her voice again, but to find out the truth about what happened to her friends wife. In the meantime her fiancé' and best friend are dealing with their own criminal investigations, all on a smaller scale but just as equally exciting! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, there is no doubt you will enjoy it!
Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
September 19, 2016
This is the worst of the entire Taylor Jackson series. It almost feels as though the author has lost sight of the direction she intended for the main character. The beginning feels like a dragged out recap of the previous book. And half way through. I felt like I was reading a romance novel. Don't get me wrong. I love Memphis! But in comparison with earlier books, this is utterly bland. The writing itself is different from what I remembered from J.T Ellison. Her debut book followed by "14" had an excellent and vivid narrative, especially when it comes to crime scenes. Her description of murdered pregnant women left a lingering image in my own mind. The depth of her killers made me sought out her books years later, hungry for more. Sadly, I'm left sorely disappointed. This book felt cheap and lazy. It took me quite a while to read through. The build up is draggy and the climax is pretty anti-climatic. I'm not sure I would read another Taylor Jackson novel, even if there's a sequel.
November 18, 2016
This was my first book of this author and it really disappointed me. Actually I managed to read just 70 pages and even that much was enough for me. it was horrible. after 70 pages, I couldn't say about what is going on and what author really want to say. It was just a draft containing routinely day-to-day works which ordinary one can do in his/her life. it was as if I take a pen and write tweets about talking crap things with random ones and writing just for writing. there was no any plot and any direction in the story up to this point and I don't know if there was any after that page. but it was enough for me to read such a horrible story-like texts and I refund it to google play. this was a proof that higher points of a book cannot show its quality every time.
February 15, 2017
I really wanted to like this series - I read every book after all - but I can't help feeling sorely disappointed by it. Each book was more predictable than the last, and this one was no exception. I was so frustrated by the glaringly obvious conclusion that I rushed through the last quarter of the book, barely paying any attention to the words on the page. After 7 books, I still feel absolutely nothing for the main characters, Taylor in particular.
I think I'm officially done with this series.
I think I'm officially done with this series.
March 23, 2022
Ghosts, Ghouls and Murder
This seventh book in the Taylor Jackson series was quite different and very entertaining. Taylor is having a rough time adjusting to the fact that Baldwin has a son that he neglected to tell her about, so when Memphis Highsmythe suggests that she come to stay in his Scottish castle, she accepts. Thus begins her journey into hallucinations and almost insanity. The book was fast-paced and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a part of Taylor never seen before, one who is vulnerable while trying desperately to maintain her strength. The mystery was good, but I did figure out the villain before the revelation. There was a surprise twist which was a good one and totally unexpected. I checked out this book from my local library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This seventh book in the Taylor Jackson series was quite different and very entertaining. Taylor is having a rough time adjusting to the fact that Baldwin has a son that he neglected to tell her about, so when Memphis Highsmythe suggests that she come to stay in his Scottish castle, she accepts. Thus begins her journey into hallucinations and almost insanity. The book was fast-paced and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing a part of Taylor never seen before, one who is vulnerable while trying desperately to maintain her strength. The mystery was good, but I did figure out the villain before the revelation. There was a surprise twist which was a good one and totally unexpected. I checked out this book from my local library using the Libby App. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 4, 2020
3.5. Another solid story in this series, but not as exciting as the others.
January 24, 2023
Full rtc. Not at all like her other books in the series.
August 4, 2016
My take away from this? Memphis is a total and utter douchebag. Seriously. Taylor's commitment issues not withstanding, *SPOILERY stop reading if you don't want to know* The dude finds out his wife is actually still alive, his good friend drugged, tortured and kidnapped his wife, then drugged and tortured Taylor *and would have killed her* and STILL played the "well, the sex was good for you too?" card? When she was hallucinating due to aforementioned drugging, THEN, THEN, goes and tells her "naw, just kidding - it didn't happen" ??
Douche. Bag. Festering douche nozzle. That the next book published is a prequel, and doesn't pick up after that little scene is frustrating, because I want to hear Sam's response when Taylor tells her all this. Sam would verbally peel the boy's balls like grapes.
Of course when next we meet everyone, it's 2 years later and the story centers on Sam, so I will just have to be content that Taylor broke Memphis's nose and likely cheekbone. And hope T and B get couples therapy, because jeezus they need it.
Douche. Bag. Festering douche nozzle. That the next book published is a prequel, and doesn't pick up after that little scene is frustrating, because I want to hear Sam's response when Taylor tells her all this. Sam would verbally peel the boy's balls like grapes.
Of course when next we meet everyone, it's 2 years later and the story centers on Sam, so I will just have to be content that Taylor broke Memphis's nose and likely cheekbone. And hope T and B get couples therapy, because jeezus they need it.
August 8, 2017
Dit is toch zo'n goede reeks. volledige recensie binnenkort op http://sientjesboeken.com
August 21, 2013
Till att börja med måste jag säga att den här boken var en av dom svåraste böckerna jag nånsin betygsatt.
I sista delen om Taylor Jackson får vi träffa henne efter skottlosningen som gjorde att hon fick ligga i koma i 2 veckor.
TRaylor har tappat rösten, men det är inte det värsta. Hon har tappat själva gnistan till att leva. Efter alla människor hon har dödat, även om det var i självförsvar, känner hon att hennes själ hålelr på att splitras i små bitar. Att hennes fästman John Baldwin har undhållit henne att han har ett barn efter en affär med en gammal död kollega, får henne att inte vilja tala ut med honom om sina psykiska besvär, likaså hennes bästa vän sen dagis, Samantha Owens. Hade Taylor gjort allt rätt hade Sams barn fortfarande levt, inte ha blivit skuren till döds i sin mammas livmoder bara några veckan innan den lille skulle få påbörja livet.
Och vad Taylor hatar mest i världen, det är att visa hennes svaghet. Utan att kunna prata med varken Sam eller Baldwin och tvingas gå till en psykolog känner hon sig helt förudmjukad.
Men det måste hon om hon någonsin ska kunna få sitt förstånd tillbaka.
Så för att lösa sina problem flyr hon till MemphisHighsmythe i Skottland. Hans ensamma slott där verkar lockande, ett ställe där Taylor känner att hon kan att hon kan läka och få tillbaka sin röst.
Men Memphis vill vara mer än bara vänner.
Och det är där jag börjar tveka om boken verkligen är bra.
hela tiden fick man följa Taylors trånade efter honom medan hennes fästman Baldwin gjorde allt för att få henne må bra.
och så var hon otrogen. Vilket är det värsta jag vet. Jag blev rent av förbannad. Hur kan hon vara otrogen men sen skylla på piller? Att hon blev drogad till det? och sen ljuga för Baldwin och säga att allt bara var en dröm, när hon på sidan före fick veta att det verkligen hände.
Men kan man verkligen skylla en sån detaljerad historia på hallucitioner? Inte vettit tycker jag. Enligt mig var hon näst intill klarvaken och var med på det mesta och mindes det mesta. Och kund einte sluta prata om hur bra det var.
Det var det som förstörde boken. I tidigare böcker har hon planerat mord på ärkefienden Snövit, och jag tyckte att i slutet var det okej ändå.
Men att vara otrogen, njuta av det, och sen ljuga om det när du lovat att vara ärlig? nej tack. Att vara otrogen är redan det värsta en människa kan göra, men att sen ljuga om det är helt klart för mycket. Hade hon varit ärlig kan det tänkas att jag kunde ha sett lite mildare på saken, men lögnen förstörde hennes karaktär fullständigt. så nu, efter att ha gillat henne i 6 böcker, avslutar jag denna serie med att ogilla hennes karaktär och tycka att författaren "förstörde" serien på ett sätt.
Det hade kunnat vara en fantastisk bok.
Otrohet är aldrig okej.
I sista delen om Taylor Jackson får vi träffa henne efter skottlosningen som gjorde att hon fick ligga i koma i 2 veckor.
TRaylor har tappat rösten, men det är inte det värsta. Hon har tappat själva gnistan till att leva. Efter alla människor hon har dödat, även om det var i självförsvar, känner hon att hennes själ hålelr på att splitras i små bitar. Att hennes fästman John Baldwin har undhållit henne att han har ett barn efter en affär med en gammal död kollega, får henne att inte vilja tala ut med honom om sina psykiska besvär, likaså hennes bästa vän sen dagis, Samantha Owens. Hade Taylor gjort allt rätt hade Sams barn fortfarande levt, inte ha blivit skuren till döds i sin mammas livmoder bara några veckan innan den lille skulle få påbörja livet.
Och vad Taylor hatar mest i världen, det är att visa hennes svaghet. Utan att kunna prata med varken Sam eller Baldwin och tvingas gå till en psykolog känner hon sig helt förudmjukad.
Men det måste hon om hon någonsin ska kunna få sitt förstånd tillbaka.
Så för att lösa sina problem flyr hon till MemphisHighsmythe i Skottland. Hans ensamma slott där verkar lockande, ett ställe där Taylor känner att hon kan att hon kan läka och få tillbaka sin röst.
Men Memphis vill vara mer än bara vänner.
Och det är där jag börjar tveka om boken verkligen är bra.
hela tiden fick man följa Taylors trånade efter honom medan hennes fästman Baldwin gjorde allt för att få henne må bra.
och så var hon otrogen. Vilket är det värsta jag vet. Jag blev rent av förbannad. Hur kan hon vara otrogen men sen skylla på piller? Att hon blev drogad till det? och sen ljuga för Baldwin och säga att allt bara var en dröm, när hon på sidan före fick veta att det verkligen hände.
Men kan man verkligen skylla en sån detaljerad historia på hallucitioner? Inte vettit tycker jag. Enligt mig var hon näst intill klarvaken och var med på det mesta och mindes det mesta. Och kund einte sluta prata om hur bra det var.
Det var det som förstörde boken. I tidigare böcker har hon planerat mord på ärkefienden Snövit, och jag tyckte att i slutet var det okej ändå.
Men att vara otrogen, njuta av det, och sen ljuga om det när du lovat att vara ärlig? nej tack. Att vara otrogen är redan det värsta en människa kan göra, men att sen ljuga om det är helt klart för mycket. Hade hon varit ärlig kan det tänkas att jag kunde ha sett lite mildare på saken, men lögnen förstörde hennes karaktär fullständigt. så nu, efter att ha gillat henne i 6 böcker, avslutar jag denna serie med att ogilla hennes karaktär och tycka att författaren "förstörde" serien på ett sätt.
Det hade kunnat vara en fantastisk bok.
Otrohet är aldrig okej.
October 6, 2011
If you like Daphne du Maurier’s classic REBECCA, you’ll enjoy WHERE ALL THE DEAD LIE by J.T. Ellison.
While Ellison’s novel may have shadows of REBECCA, it’s in a world of its own with unique twists and turns to keep you wondering.
Not having read any of the prior books in this series, I can honestly say new readers will have no problem keeping up in this 7th installment of the Taylor Jackson series. While this story is built on the outcome of a prior book, there is enough background given. In fact, not knowing all the details of the prior case added extra mystery for me.
A good portion of the book is told from the thoughts of the main character, Nashville (TN) homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson, who has lost her speech. The author does a wonderful job of putting the reader in Taylor’s place. The reader feels the frustrations of being unable to speak while having much to say.
Taylor is recovering after a terrible case left her shot in the head, a fellow officer’s eye mutilated and her best friend kidnapped and tortured causing her to lose her unborn child. Left unable to speak, Taylor feels guilt and pain from the ordeal. With her own demons closing in, Taylor accepts the offer of Memphis Highsmythe to visit his ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands. She goes despite the concerns of her fiancé.
As the story unfolds from there readers will find themselves wondering if Taylor is losing her mind or if someone is out to get her by driving her mad. While you may figure out who is behind the troubles, there are still some surprises in store at the end.
Joyce Bean does a beautiful job of narrating this suspenseful tale. She brings Taylor’s confusion and fears to life.
WHERE ALL THE DEAD LIE is a good mix of suspense, mystery and a little Hitchcock-style intrigue on the side. A perfect book for anytime but especially on a cold, rainy night as the wind howls outside. Pull the covers up, settle in and get lost in Taylor’s mind.
Where All The Dead Lie by J.T. Ellison, A Taylor Jackson Novel, Read by Joyce Bean, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611063035, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours 15 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
While Ellison’s novel may have shadows of REBECCA, it’s in a world of its own with unique twists and turns to keep you wondering.
Not having read any of the prior books in this series, I can honestly say new readers will have no problem keeping up in this 7th installment of the Taylor Jackson series. While this story is built on the outcome of a prior book, there is enough background given. In fact, not knowing all the details of the prior case added extra mystery for me.
A good portion of the book is told from the thoughts of the main character, Nashville (TN) homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson, who has lost her speech. The author does a wonderful job of putting the reader in Taylor’s place. The reader feels the frustrations of being unable to speak while having much to say.
Taylor is recovering after a terrible case left her shot in the head, a fellow officer’s eye mutilated and her best friend kidnapped and tortured causing her to lose her unborn child. Left unable to speak, Taylor feels guilt and pain from the ordeal. With her own demons closing in, Taylor accepts the offer of Memphis Highsmythe to visit his ancestral home in the Scottish Highlands. She goes despite the concerns of her fiancé.
As the story unfolds from there readers will find themselves wondering if Taylor is losing her mind or if someone is out to get her by driving her mad. While you may figure out who is behind the troubles, there are still some surprises in store at the end.
Joyce Bean does a beautiful job of narrating this suspenseful tale. She brings Taylor’s confusion and fears to life.
WHERE ALL THE DEAD LIE is a good mix of suspense, mystery and a little Hitchcock-style intrigue on the side. A perfect book for anytime but especially on a cold, rainy night as the wind howls outside. Pull the covers up, settle in and get lost in Taylor’s mind.
Where All The Dead Lie by J.T. Ellison, A Taylor Jackson Novel, Read by Joyce Bean, Brilliance Audio, @2011, ISBN: 978-1611063035, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time: 10 Hours 15 Minutes
FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
November 28, 2020
#7 in series. Taylor is barely recovering from her gunshot to the head & frozen vocal cords and is now out of the hospital and home. Suffering PTSD and betrayal from Baldwin she decides to take Highsmythe up on his offer to stay in his castle to recover. Making the trip to Scotland, Taylor holes up in the castle and slowly starts losing her mind. Is it pills, alcohol, or Highsmythe? Starting therapy with a new Dr. friend of Highsmythes she starts making breakthroughs but something isn't right. Closed off from everyone she loves, Taylor slowly starts a descent into madness. But us she being helped along the way by power of suggestion, really seeing ghosts, or is it all in her head? Fast paced & page turner to get to the answers
July 5, 2023
Taylor Jackson is a homicide detective with the Nashville police department. She was seriously wounded, by The Pretender at the end of So Close the Hand of Death. She has recovered physically, but she's having a harder time psychologically. She still can't speak. Her fiance, Baldwin is pulling away, he is still having a hard time with the lies he's told Taylor. And Taylor can't quite bring herself to forgive him. Her best friend, Sam, is still blaming her for being kidnapped, and the loss of her unborn baby. And with no voice, she hasn't been cleared to return to work. So, she has nothing but time on her hands, time to think. Being in her head is the last place Taylor wants to spend time.
When an offer comes in from a friend, "Memphis" Highsmyth, to spend some time at his family's castle in Scotland, Taylor jumps at it. Time to get away from everyone and concentrate on healing. Memphis has a dear friend who is a psychologist and helped him through the death of his wife and son. She has agreed to help Taylor.
Things seem perfect until Taylor starts having nightmares and seeing things that are not there. She starts doubting herself and becoming more and more paranoid. She no longer knows what's real and what's not. A storm has set in and she's cut off from everyone.
If you have not read the earlier books in this series I would not start with this one. There is too much backstory missing. It is a well written story, you really feel the hopelessness and despair Taylor is experiencing. But I think the story as a whole would make more sense from the beginning. It is a great series!
When an offer comes in from a friend, "Memphis" Highsmyth, to spend some time at his family's castle in Scotland, Taylor jumps at it. Time to get away from everyone and concentrate on healing. Memphis has a dear friend who is a psychologist and helped him through the death of his wife and son. She has agreed to help Taylor.
Things seem perfect until Taylor starts having nightmares and seeing things that are not there. She starts doubting herself and becoming more and more paranoid. She no longer knows what's real and what's not. A storm has set in and she's cut off from everyone.
If you have not read the earlier books in this series I would not start with this one. There is too much backstory missing. It is a well written story, you really feel the hopelessness and despair Taylor is experiencing. But I think the story as a whole would make more sense from the beginning. It is a great series!
February 5, 2018
Well I finished the Taylor Jackson series. This final book has a very different feel than the previous. After some rather traumatic events in the prior book, Taylor is seeking refuge in Europe in Memphis' castle estate. There is a bit of a love triangle if you will, not so much on Taylor's part, definitely on Memphis' part. There is no big mystery to be solved, just some smaller independent ones. This book did nothing for me. I think the ending was abrupt. The whole storyline of Taylor getting help from Maddee is bizarre. The writing falls flat. I made up my mind to get through the whole series and I did it, but I have to say this was the hardest book to get through. I had to force myself to take time each day to get through it - I have never been like that with a book before! Well, maybe when I was little and had to read books for school assignments, but otherwise I usually can't put my books down. I would say read at your own discretion.
October 24, 2018
I really wanted to love the whole book, because I have loved the series so much but I just didn't.
What I really enjoyed was the ending, the beginning was too confusing and slow paced, little bits from the previous book were not tied off for me and it really felt off but I kept reading even though I was struggling. The middle got a little better I was starting to understand the mystery more but it was also easy to pick the baddie for me which kind of also let the whole story down as it felt too predictable and the previous books had not felt that way at all. The ending was much better and things looked good for future stories but so far there have not been anymore which is disappointing I was hoping for more like the previous stories if this ends up being the final book it will be a shame.
What I really enjoyed was the ending, the beginning was too confusing and slow paced, little bits from the previous book were not tied off for me and it really felt off but I kept reading even though I was struggling. The middle got a little better I was starting to understand the mystery more but it was also easy to pick the baddie for me which kind of also let the whole story down as it felt too predictable and the previous books had not felt that way at all. The ending was much better and things looked good for future stories but so far there have not been anymore which is disappointing I was hoping for more like the previous stories if this ends up being the final book it will be a shame.
July 25, 2023
This book was a struggle for me to read and out of the whole series was the worst ever. I just don’t understand why the author would take a character that up until this point had traits of being intelligent, strong willed, morally decent and ethical person into a clueless, wishy washy, unethical, lying, cheating, self absorbed character. Very disappointing.
March 7, 2017
Loved reading this book again! Creepy and twisty, and such a great book! Can't wait to dig into the Sam Owens series now!
*First read September 7th-13th, 2011*
Really great, all the little bits, and the wondering if there was some craziness running around...just excellent! I loved it!
*First read September 7th-13th, 2011*
Really great, all the little bits, and the wondering if there was some craziness running around...just excellent! I loved it!
August 11, 2023
This certainly was different than the rest of the series. Taylor was extremely vulnerable. My emotions were all over the place. I wasn't sure what was real. The end explained everything and what an ending it was. I loved the fact that we were taken to Scotland. It sounds so beautiful.
April 9, 2018
If this were my first book by J.T. Ellison there would not be a second. Filled with cliches and
overly dramatic scenes. At times I felt like I was reading a historical "bodice ripper". She can do better.
overly dramatic scenes. At times I felt like I was reading a historical "bodice ripper". She can do better.
April 25, 2018
I only finished this one to find out if Taylor Jackson was going to be a complete asshole and end up with Memphis Highsmythe (the dumbest name ever) or Baldwin. Normally I can ignore my annoyance with Taylor because of a decent plot. This one was just ridiculous.
February 1, 2019
I am SO done with Taylor.
Read
December 24, 2014Miniseries: A Taylor Jackson Novel
Category: Suspense
Category: Suspense
November 14, 2023
Is this where JT Ellison has lost her ability to tell a good story? I have enjoyed her previous novels and I have no problem with her writing style but this is appalling. The first half of the story is about nothing, apart from Taylor Jackson coming to terms with her assault by The Pretender, from the previous novel, whilst exploring her "Heathcliffe" obsession with Memphis Highsmythe. If you're into what I call "Emotional intelligence" rubbish, then you may like this novel, it has it all, from psychoanalysis, hypnosis and EMDR—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing as Taylor attempts to overcome her psychological problems.
Taylor Jackson shows her bitter, self absorbed traits especially concerning her partner, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, as she gives him the silent treatment both literally and metaphorically, because he has a child from a previous relationship. JT Ellison does write well and her descriptions of Scotland are good, but they also read as an American's infatuation with British aristocracy with inadequate knowledge and pure romantic imagination.
So if your still reading at the halfway point you may feel as I do that JT Ellison has probably realized that the story is going nowhere, so attempts to bring in a paranormal element by introducing the story of the "Lady in Red", the ghost of Lady Isabella Bruce, a relation of King Robert. So now JT Ellison has decided to incorporate Scottish history into the story.
By the 80% mark a mystery story starts to unwind, but I can't help but think that it is too late. Not to mention that it has elements of an old Agatha Christie novel "Hallowe'en Party" (recently made into a movie "A Haunting in Venice").
At least the novel is only 350 pages, but here lies the conundrum for myself, as this disaster for a psychological thriller and the destruction of the character Taylor Jackson would normally result in my abandoning the series, the synopsis of the next novel "Field of Graves" does sound promising. Can I overcome my annoyance of the character assassination of Taylor that has impregnated a demoralising perception of her in my mind? Another series written by JT Ellison is Samantha Owen, who is also in this novel to a small degree, and they were written after this substandard novel, thus I am hesitant to read these as well. What to do???
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Taylor Jackson shows her bitter, self absorbed traits especially concerning her partner, FBI profiler Dr. John Baldwin, as she gives him the silent treatment both literally and metaphorically, because he has a child from a previous relationship. JT Ellison does write well and her descriptions of Scotland are good, but they also read as an American's infatuation with British aristocracy with inadequate knowledge and pure romantic imagination.
So if your still reading at the halfway point you may feel as I do that JT Ellison has probably realized that the story is going nowhere, so attempts to bring in a paranormal element by introducing the story of the "Lady in Red", the ghost of Lady Isabella Bruce, a relation of King Robert. So now JT Ellison has decided to incorporate Scottish history into the story.
By the 80% mark a mystery story starts to unwind, but I can't help but think that it is too late. Not to mention that it has elements of an old Agatha Christie novel "Hallowe'en Party" (recently made into a movie "A Haunting in Venice").
At least the novel is only 350 pages, but here lies the conundrum for myself, as this disaster for a psychological thriller and the destruction of the character Taylor Jackson would normally result in my abandoning the series, the synopsis of the next novel "Field of Graves" does sound promising. Can I overcome my annoyance of the character assassination of Taylor that has impregnated a demoralising perception of her in my mind? Another series written by JT Ellison is Samantha Owen, who is also in this novel to a small degree, and they were written after this substandard novel, thus I am hesitant to read these as well. What to do???
November 3, 2020
How far would you go to get what you deeply desire? This a question that Ellison evoked in me while I devoured her works. So how far would you go?
This narrative is told from a 1st person point of view with the main characters weaving a succinct but diabolical world into the readers imagination with their thoughts and actions. As mighty, lovable, successful, vivid but raw as they're are they show how human can be prone to the negations of life. How forgiveness is essential as well as love and family.
Ellison does an amazing work of filling us up on the back-story that makes up Taylor Jackson and his world. Thus can be read as a Standalone. She even intrigues me further because the previous books touches on the serial killer, The Pretender, and the havoc he brought into her world to the point she was speechless.
It was a 1st for me to read a narrative spewed by an unreliable narrator but not because Jackson chose so. But where she is in Edinburgh (where the Dead lay after the war that spew plenty of blood) I did not know if it was the ghosts that came to avenge or if it was one of the vivid hallucinations Taylor had thanks to a devious fiend.
Themes of violence, love, family, betrayal, forgiveness, hope, redemption, fear power are clearly depicted here while the writing style was a bit foreign to begin with (Nashville meets London lingo) I adjusted well.
And yes, the desired effect I wanted with this book was well meet for me to want more & more of her works. More adrenaline rush from you mami is well welcomed.
This narrative is told from a 1st person point of view with the main characters weaving a succinct but diabolical world into the readers imagination with their thoughts and actions. As mighty, lovable, successful, vivid but raw as they're are they show how human can be prone to the negations of life. How forgiveness is essential as well as love and family.
Ellison does an amazing work of filling us up on the back-story that makes up Taylor Jackson and his world. Thus can be read as a Standalone. She even intrigues me further because the previous books touches on the serial killer, The Pretender, and the havoc he brought into her world to the point she was speechless.
It was a 1st for me to read a narrative spewed by an unreliable narrator but not because Jackson chose so. But where she is in Edinburgh (where the Dead lay after the war that spew plenty of blood) I did not know if it was the ghosts that came to avenge or if it was one of the vivid hallucinations Taylor had thanks to a devious fiend.
Themes of violence, love, family, betrayal, forgiveness, hope, redemption, fear power are clearly depicted here while the writing style was a bit foreign to begin with (Nashville meets London lingo) I adjusted well.
And yes, the desired effect I wanted with this book was well meet for me to want more & more of her works. More adrenaline rush from you mami is well welcomed.
November 15, 2017
I haven’t read any other Taylor Jackson novels but have read all the Dr Sam Owens ones, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was interested enough to read this quickly and liked that it was set in Scotland. Taylor Jackson seems like a strong personality and a very good police officer.
The premise: while recovering from a serious injury resulting from her last case, Taylor is encouraged to go stay in a Scottish castle, owned by her friend, a detective working out of New Scotland Yard. Memphis, had met Taylor when he was helping on a case in the US. He was quite taken with her. Of course he has an ulterior motive: perhaps he can persuade her to ditch her fiancé, Baldwin, and start a relationship with him.
There are several issues addressed during the telling of this story: Memphis’ wife’s death, Baldwin’s secret son and Taylor’s recovery.
I did anticipate one twist in the tale but there are others that came as a surprise.
Worth reading.
I was interested enough to read this quickly and liked that it was set in Scotland. Taylor Jackson seems like a strong personality and a very good police officer.
The premise: while recovering from a serious injury resulting from her last case, Taylor is encouraged to go stay in a Scottish castle, owned by her friend, a detective working out of New Scotland Yard. Memphis, had met Taylor when he was helping on a case in the US. He was quite taken with her. Of course he has an ulterior motive: perhaps he can persuade her to ditch her fiancé, Baldwin, and start a relationship with him.
There are several issues addressed during the telling of this story: Memphis’ wife’s death, Baldwin’s secret son and Taylor’s recovery.
I did anticipate one twist in the tale but there are others that came as a surprise.
Worth reading.
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