Reviews for Dead Light District

"If you say 'female private eyes in crime fiction', loners like Kinsey Millhone or V. I. Warshawski come to mind. Sasha's a nice counterpoint.  It's just easier to relate to Sasha" -HowMysterious.com

"Sasha Jackson is the true literary granddaughter of Sam Spade and Philip Marlowe" -Ellery Queen

"Blood and Groom was a delightful discovery, as it featured the tough-as-nails, but still self-aware and flawed Sasha Jackson as a private investigator uncovering heinous crimes. Dead Light District stays true to the character.  Edmondson keeps the tone light with occasional jokes and sarcastic wit, and her series character is worth the attention for those who appreciate contemporary P.I. fiction" Mark Rose, Bookgasm.com

"A missing-person case that goes terribly wrong will have readers chuckling and cringing as they read Jill Edmondson’s latest mystery tale...an intriguing tale. And Edmondson develops it in style with unexpected twists and turns.  Jill Edmondson is a writer  to watch" -The Guelph Mercury

 "There is still the wise cracking Sasha that was present in the first book, along with a cast of interesting characters.  I am looking forward to the next book" -Sleuth of Baker Street

 “Interesting moral ambiguities get discussed in Dead Light District, and Sasha continues to be an appealing character — growing as Edmondson keeps building her series” –Joan Barfoot, London Free Press

 “The book offers an interesting twist on a mystery.  I love books that make me think and wrestle with morality. This one clearly does.  How far one can go before they cross the line of self-defense?  While the book is well written, offers solid characters and an interesting plot, the strength of the book is based on these philosophical questions and the research that went into telling this fascinating story. Edmondson shows extreme finesse at attacking these deep subjects, while keeping the story still enjoyable to read and exciting. Five Stars out of Five”  -Lynn Farris, National Examiner.com

“This is Jill Edmondson’s second Sasha Jackson novel and it’s even better than the fast-paced Blood and Groom.  The case provides ample dilemmas for outspoken feminist Sasha. Dead Light District makes the reader adore Sasha even more. Edmondson has created the ideal character in Sasha Jackson—liberal morals, ex-drummer/singer turned PI, single woman who’s sassy and fun. Dead Light District makes the perfect summer read as it speeds along and follows Sasha’s train of thought as she works to solve the case” -Amy Steele, EntertainmentRealm.com

 “In this second installment of the Sasha Jackson mystery series, Jill Edmondson takes the reader on an engaging ride through Hogtown's red-light district. I found Dead Light District to be a fun, fast-paced read. Edmondson's characters are smart and sassy, her dialogue is snappy and her situations will make you laugh out loud. Private investigator Sasha Jackson, connoisseur of fine drinking establishments everywhere, brings a unique blend of Janet Evanovich's "Stephanie Plum" and Robert Parker's "Spencer" to the page. I gave Dead Light District "5 Stars" for humor, action, pace and characters that are sure to delight!” -Donna Carrick, author of The First Excellence ~ Fa-Ling’s Map

 “Sasha Jackson shows compassion and wits like never before in Dead Light District, the gritty yet warm portrayal of Toronto's underworld.   Dead Light District has all the strengths of its predecessor (fast pace, wry humour, a distinct sense of places) but it probes deeper emotionally both into the character of Sasha, kickass musician-turned-PI, and into the world of prostitution.   Jill Edmondson has a great sense of humour, so there are lots of funny lines that had me laughing. But this novel shows that she has compassion, too, in spades. She ultimately shows us the dark side of the city. I'm excited to see where this series takes us next. Sasha Jackson, you are one sleuth I want to watch” -Robin Spano, author of the Clare Vengel Undercover series

 “This sequel to the amusing Blood and Groom finds Toronto private investigator Sasha Jackson on the trail of a missing Mexican hooker. There’s a decent story here” -Margaret Cannon, The Globe and Mail

  "Dead Light District was sure worth the wait.  Jill writes great mystery novels. The book flows... Dead Light District is well written and very interesting.  Sasha is a good character, but the key to a good plot is a bit of surprise.  Dead Light District is a light read...  where I find the plot is good enough to sit and read it all the way through.  I didn't suspect the ending... Jill has a surprising way to keep me reading" -Rebecca Emrich, Living a Life of Writing 

"Dead Light District doesn't hesitate to show the underside of Toronto - the seedy side of this cosmopolitan city. Private investigator Sasha Jackson is asked to find a missing woman  who works for a local madam. Sasha solves the mystery but not before encountering two murders and a good look at the convoluted workings of the underground. The language makes the book more realistic and fitting for the environment and circumstances, I would recommend the book for mystery lovers who like an interesting plot and don't mind stark language" -Harvee Lau, Book Dilettante/Bookbirddog

 "Sasha Jackson is back... searching for a missing prostitute in a milieu suited to her tough girl personality.  With the book in first person narrative by Sasha I found the short first person comments of Mary Carmen made her character come alive. Mary Carmen’s painful past and ongoing desperate decisions are vividly expressed.  [The] plotting is more assured. I liked Sasha better in this book. She was wittier and a little less sarcastic, while remaining as strong willed and stubborn. Sasha reminds me of Stephanie Plum in Janet Evanovich’s series.  With the growth of Sasha’s character I am looking forward to the third in the series" -Bill Selnes, Mysteries and More

 "Sasha Jackson, is once again solving a mystery with a combination of her intelligence, tenacity, and (amusing!) snarkiness. Dead Light District is a lively and exciting read.  I recommend it for those who like a fast-paced mystery with an amusing tone. The story is about a serious subject (prostitution) but the author has balanced it with plenty of humour, quirky characters, and a compelling mystery" -Bookish Magpie  

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 Reviews for Blood and Groom

“The toughest fictional woman P.I. in Canada.”  -Bill Selnes, Mysteries and More 

" Sasha Jackson: she's tough, can drink with the best of 'em, and isn't afraid to bend the rules." (Karen Russell, HowMysterious.com) 

"Fans of stories with strong female characters and fans of detective novels will enjoy this story.  Don’t be scared off by the cover if you are averse to graphic horror scenes, this is not that kind of story.  This was a fun read, and I can’t wait to see what other kind of trouble Toronto’s sexiest new detective can get in to in her second book." (PaulTheBookGuy.com)

 “Edmondson writes a fast-moving book with a hip protagonist named Sasha Jackson.
Just when you think Sasha has hit a wall in the investigation, she comes up with a way around the block, always pushing forward on the trail of the murderer. Sasha is a PI who doesn’t listen to those who tell her “no.” She thinks on her feet and can improvise when needed. Her tenacity leads her into the world of art, insider trading, drugs, high-finance, and high-society. I liked following Sasha Jackson as she worked the case.   We get to be in her head and see how she’s thinking, which for me was an interesting experience since she’s a lot braver than I am.  I give Blood and Groom a rating of Hel-O since Jill Edmondson is a new-to-me author and Blood and Groom is a fast-paced, fun read.” (Helen Ginger, straightfromhel.com Blog)  

“Sasha Jackson is one of the best literary characters I’ve discovered of late. She’s an edgy and unconventional ex-musician turned private investigator. I completely related to her artistic sensibilities, individuality and opinionated nature. Canadian author Jill Edmondson spins a marvelous yarn with a biting sense of humor. She shines a bright light on Toronto and uses some fabulous phrasing.  Biting humor, pop references and colorful characters make Blood and Groom a fun read.” (Amy Steele, entertainmentrealm.com)  

"Blood and Groom is a sprightly read - a promising start to a new series and a fresh writing career.  (Joan Barfoot, The London Free Press)

"Blood and Groom's main character, newly licensed downtown Toronto P.I. (and former rock singer) Sasha Jackson, has enough sass and quirk to hold a reader's interest (particularly entertaining is Sasha's occasional moonlighting as a phone sex operator to stave off mounting credit card bills.)"  (Quill & Quire )

"The style is fresh, well-paced and for the most part uses dialogue that feels real. Toronto is nicely portrayed as a place fit for dispatching grooms. Edmondson shows the storytelling skill to turn this debut into a Toronto-focused series with room to grow."  (The Hamilton Spectator)

“Blood and Groom is full of down-to-earth people and pithy portrayals of some weird characters.  The dialogue is great... Conversations are snappy... it is a light, fun read and I’d be interested in seeing future stories.” (The Waterloo Region Record)

"It's a quick, entertaining read best enjoyed with double vodka tonics and morning after grilled cheeses."  (shedoesthecity.com Blog )

"Parts are very funny -- especially the sex chat and Sasha's nerdy pal Victor, and her gambler dad... Bizarre!  Not as bizarre as the ending, with romance and finance combined to deadly effect." (Lucille Redmond, Ireland Evening Herald)

"A fast-paced, soft-boiled novel with a strong, distinctive voice and a sassy protagonist."  (Jim Napier, The Sherbrooke Record).

"The book is fast-paced... and the tone is obviously intended to be the quick and funny style that appeals to fans of Janet Evanovich.   There's a lot of promise here and we'll look forward to Sasha Jackson's next adventure."  (Margaret Cannon, The Globe & Mail)

“Jill Edmondson’s Blood and Groom is a fast-paced whipcrack of a book — a little self-aware, a little edgy and a lot of fun.” (Bookgasm.com)

 "Recommended for the mystery fan who likes those touches of reality that bring true life into their world. Talented author Jill Edmondson has crafted a set of intriguing characters."  (Newmysteryreader.com)

"Edmondson's protagonist clearly recalls aspects of other female private eyes such as V.I. Warshawski." (Reviewing the Evidence)

"Good mystery plots, clever title."  (Bookbirddog.blogspot)

"Nice description of Toronto neighborhoods & bars/restaurants. Tightly written with no fluff... Interesting characters from a variety of backgrounds..." (PaperBackSwap.com)  

"It took a surprisingly long time for Toronto to come up with its own street-savvy female gumshoe, but Sasha Jackson is beginning to look like she was worth the wait.  Crafty, tough, and tenacious, and not above taking a break every now and then to knock back a cocktail or two, or to crack wise about her hometown, fledgling private eye Sasha's an interesting update on the Hammett/Chandler model.   Sasha's just hard-bitten enough to make her forays down those mean streets (and meaner malls) a worthwhile stroll, offering enough modern touches and originality (for example, she used to sing in a rock band and her well-rendered, street-level view of Toronto is refreshingly jaundiced at times) to appeal to fans of Laura Lippman's Tess Monaghan. Meanwhile the colourful supporting cast may draw in some of  Stephanie Plum's followers." (Kevin Burton Smith, The Thrilling Detective.com)

 "The protagonist, Sasha Jackson, is feisty, tough-talking, intelligent and very likeable. The author has a distinctive style with a flair for snappy, gritty dialogue and lots of humour. The plucky protagonist, Sasha Jackson, with her snarky inner thoughts and witty observations, made me laugh out loud. Her tough-talking banter with an assortment of bizarre characters plus an edgy story with a surprise ending, makes for a very entertaining read indeed. Blood and Groom is a witty, fast-paced murder mystery with an assortment of down-to-earth (quirky) characters.  If you like mysteries and you want a fast, fun read, Blood and Groom is the book for you." (Maureen, Bookish Magpie Blog)