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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
This series is becoming one of my favorite!
Excited to read next one!
Excited to read next one!
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Review from 2018
I've given this an A+ for narration and an A for content at AudioGals.
Please note that there will be spoilers for Fish Out of Water in this review.
Amy Lane’s [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1467239908l/30813756._SY75_.jpg|51402108]was a fabulous listen; an exciting, fast-paced suspense story, interwoven with a steamy, opposites-attract romance laced with plenty of snark and quieter moments of emotional insight and intensity. Needless to say, Greg Tremblay hit the narration out of the park, so I eagerly jumped into the sequel, Red Fish, Dead Fish, which picks up the story a couple of months later. Following a(nother) near-fatal shooting, private investigator Jackson Rivers is still (and, he insists, temporarily) living with his lover, defense attorney Ellery Cramer, while his house – which was shot to bits in the drive-by in which he was wounded – is set to rights. He’s impatient with his convalescence, he’s jonesing to get back to work and he’s on edge about the status of his… whatever it is with Ellery; Jackson doesn’t do permanence and the deep-seated insecurities that tell him he’s bad news and not good enough for anyone to bother with have him pretty much always poised for flight. Fortunately for Jackson, Ellery has him pegged and is well aware that deep down, Jackson is scared of what’s happening between them and that he’s looking for excuses to run. At least – for the moment – Jackson has nowhere to run TO, and Ellery’s patience and gentle, but inexorable persistence seem to be inexhaustible. Not that Jackson doesn’t drive him nuts at times – he absolutely does – but Ellery is every bit as stubborn as he is, doesn’t take any crap and is prepared to wait for Jackson for as long as it takes.
At the end of Fish Out of Water, Jackson and Ellery had brought down the police corruption ring which had seen Jackson’s brother framed for the murder of a young police officer. But that isn’t quite the end of the matter, because one of the group – the man who is responsible for shooting Jackson and is suspected of being responsible for a number of other murders – has escaped and is still at large. Jackson and Ellery have made the police aware of their suspicions, insisting that Tim Owens is dangerous and should be the focus of an investigation, but they have no concrete evidence – and law enforcement is reluctant to move on Owens as it would then call his arrest records into question and open a massive – different – can of worms. Frustrated, but not giving up, Jackson and Ellery continue to look for information and evidence on their own time, evidence which clearly points towards the fact that Owens has killed many times and isn’t going to stop any time soon. His former partner – part of the corruption ring – may have reined him in somewhat while Owens was on the job, but now, he’s off his leash and is escalating, his preferred victims generally being young, pretty and living on the edge, often having just started turning tricks or taking drugs – and they’re beaten, sexually abused and mutilated before being killed. (I’ll say now that there are some scenes in the story that make for gruesome listening, but there’s nothing worse than anything you’ll have read or listened to in most mystery or romantic suspense novels).
But Owens’ next victim is different – and signals clearly that he has Jackson in his sights. And Jackson – still recovering from physical wounds, emotionally battered as he tries to process the unwanted feelings assailing him in the wake of the death of the woman he can’t call his mother – is vulnerable in a way he’s never been before. While Ellery wants – needs – to somehow prevent Jackson from self-destruction, or at the very least, make sure he comes back to him all in one piece.
Amy Lane has once again done a superb job with the different aspects of this story. The suspense plot is really well put-together – fast-paced, full of action and including some real, tense, edge-of-your-seat moments. And the romance… *sigh*. Jackson and Ellery are terrific together; they’re both strong and stubborn, but in different ways and they complement each other perfectly. We learn more about Jackson’s hellish childhood in this book, and his conflicting emotions about the woman who gave birth to him but who was never his mother, are superbly conveyed and utterly realistic. He’s scarred, and he’s damaged, but he’s not irretrievably broken, even though his conviction that nobody could possibly “want to keep him” makes him do some dumb things in the attempt to pre-empt the break up with Ellery that he’s sure must be coming. Thankfully, Ellery is wise to this and sees through Jackson’s passive-aggressive efforts to put him off, although he does recognise that there might come a time when Jackson really will leave.
“If I come home and the cat’s gone,” he said softly. “Then I’ll know you mean it.”
In between all the gore and the chasing after the bad-guy and Jackson struggling to deal with shit on so many levels, there is still time for some beautifully judged snark:
“Are we going to live?” Ellery asked, acid in his voice.
“Probably not – but I may like you more than anyone else I’ve ever killed.”
and some beautifully sweet moments between our two heroes:
“Because the duplex isn’t mine anymore,” Jackson said softly. “And…and if this place isn’t home, I don’t have anywhere to go.”
Oh, and the steamy sex. Can’t forget the steamy sex :P
Greg Tremblay delivers yet another superlative performance that had me laughing, sighing, biting my nails and tearing up a little bit by turns. I just love his portrayals of the two principals – the slightly gravelly edge he gives to Jackson’s voice brings him vividly to life as this no-fucks-left-to-give sort of guy who protects himself in layers of deadpan snark and sarcasm, but who, beneath it all is a warm, generous human being who – forgive the cliché – wants and needs to be loved. Ellery badly wants to fulfil that function, if only Jackson will let him, and Mr. Tremblay perfectly conveys his frustration over Jackson’s destructive streak, the depth of his affection and longing for Jackson to accept what he is so willing to offer in a lighter, often affectionately exasperated tone that can turn into steely-scary when needed. As is always the case with this narrator, his vocal acting, pacing, differentiation and characterisation are all flawless, and he is an absolute delight to listen to. All the secondary characters are just as impeccably and consistently portrayed; Mr. Tremblay mixes things up by using a variety of accents that feel appropriate, even when they’re not referred to in the text, and his female voices are among the best I’ve heard from a male narrator. Ellery’s formidable mother – nicknamed “Lucy Satan” by a doped-up Jackson in the previous book – makes another appearance, and she’s fabulous – cool, collected and clear-sighted, a tower of strength just when Ellery needs it most.
I read somewhere that there are going to be more books in the series, and I have no doubt that I will gobble them up as soon as they appear; part of the storyline here hints at the involvement of a shady government agency which I am guessing may take a greater role in the next book, and I’m already chomping at the bit. Red Fish, Dead Fish is highly recommended, and I WANT MORE!
I've given this an A+ for narration and an A for content at AudioGals.
Please note that there will be spoilers for Fish Out of Water in this review.
Amy Lane’s [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1467239908l/30813756._SY75_.jpg|51402108]was a fabulous listen; an exciting, fast-paced suspense story, interwoven with a steamy, opposites-attract romance laced with plenty of snark and quieter moments of emotional insight and intensity. Needless to say, Greg Tremblay hit the narration out of the park, so I eagerly jumped into the sequel, Red Fish, Dead Fish, which picks up the story a couple of months later. Following a(nother) near-fatal shooting, private investigator Jackson Rivers is still (and, he insists, temporarily) living with his lover, defense attorney Ellery Cramer, while his house – which was shot to bits in the drive-by in which he was wounded – is set to rights. He’s impatient with his convalescence, he’s jonesing to get back to work and he’s on edge about the status of his… whatever it is with Ellery; Jackson doesn’t do permanence and the deep-seated insecurities that tell him he’s bad news and not good enough for anyone to bother with have him pretty much always poised for flight. Fortunately for Jackson, Ellery has him pegged and is well aware that deep down, Jackson is scared of what’s happening between them and that he’s looking for excuses to run. At least – for the moment – Jackson has nowhere to run TO, and Ellery’s patience and gentle, but inexorable persistence seem to be inexhaustible. Not that Jackson doesn’t drive him nuts at times – he absolutely does – but Ellery is every bit as stubborn as he is, doesn’t take any crap and is prepared to wait for Jackson for as long as it takes.
At the end of Fish Out of Water, Jackson and Ellery had brought down the police corruption ring which had seen Jackson’s brother framed for the murder of a young police officer. But that isn’t quite the end of the matter, because one of the group – the man who is responsible for shooting Jackson and is suspected of being responsible for a number of other murders – has escaped and is still at large. Jackson and Ellery have made the police aware of their suspicions, insisting that Tim Owens is dangerous and should be the focus of an investigation, but they have no concrete evidence – and law enforcement is reluctant to move on Owens as it would then call his arrest records into question and open a massive – different – can of worms. Frustrated, but not giving up, Jackson and Ellery continue to look for information and evidence on their own time, evidence which clearly points towards the fact that Owens has killed many times and isn’t going to stop any time soon. His former partner – part of the corruption ring – may have reined him in somewhat while Owens was on the job, but now, he’s off his leash and is escalating, his preferred victims generally being young, pretty and living on the edge, often having just started turning tricks or taking drugs – and they’re beaten, sexually abused and mutilated before being killed. (I’ll say now that there are some scenes in the story that make for gruesome listening, but there’s nothing worse than anything you’ll have read or listened to in most mystery or romantic suspense novels).
But Owens’ next victim is different – and signals clearly that he has Jackson in his sights. And Jackson – still recovering from physical wounds, emotionally battered as he tries to process the unwanted feelings assailing him in the wake of the death of the woman he can’t call his mother – is vulnerable in a way he’s never been before. While Ellery wants – needs – to somehow prevent Jackson from self-destruction, or at the very least, make sure he comes back to him all in one piece.
Amy Lane has once again done a superb job with the different aspects of this story. The suspense plot is really well put-together – fast-paced, full of action and including some real, tense, edge-of-your-seat moments. And the romance… *sigh*. Jackson and Ellery are terrific together; they’re both strong and stubborn, but in different ways and they complement each other perfectly. We learn more about Jackson’s hellish childhood in this book, and his conflicting emotions about the woman who gave birth to him but who was never his mother, are superbly conveyed and utterly realistic. He’s scarred, and he’s damaged, but he’s not irretrievably broken, even though his conviction that nobody could possibly “want to keep him” makes him do some dumb things in the attempt to pre-empt the break up with Ellery that he’s sure must be coming. Thankfully, Ellery is wise to this and sees through Jackson’s passive-aggressive efforts to put him off, although he does recognise that there might come a time when Jackson really will leave.
“If I come home and the cat’s gone,” he said softly. “Then I’ll know you mean it.”
In between all the gore and the chasing after the bad-guy and Jackson struggling to deal with shit on so many levels, there is still time for some beautifully judged snark:
“Are we going to live?” Ellery asked, acid in his voice.
“Probably not – but I may like you more than anyone else I’ve ever killed.”
and some beautifully sweet moments between our two heroes:
“Because the duplex isn’t mine anymore,” Jackson said softly. “And…and if this place isn’t home, I don’t have anywhere to go.”
Oh, and the steamy sex. Can’t forget the steamy sex :P
Greg Tremblay delivers yet another superlative performance that had me laughing, sighing, biting my nails and tearing up a little bit by turns. I just love his portrayals of the two principals – the slightly gravelly edge he gives to Jackson’s voice brings him vividly to life as this no-fucks-left-to-give sort of guy who protects himself in layers of deadpan snark and sarcasm, but who, beneath it all is a warm, generous human being who – forgive the cliché – wants and needs to be loved. Ellery badly wants to fulfil that function, if only Jackson will let him, and Mr. Tremblay perfectly conveys his frustration over Jackson’s destructive streak, the depth of his affection and longing for Jackson to accept what he is so willing to offer in a lighter, often affectionately exasperated tone that can turn into steely-scary when needed. As is always the case with this narrator, his vocal acting, pacing, differentiation and characterisation are all flawless, and he is an absolute delight to listen to. All the secondary characters are just as impeccably and consistently portrayed; Mr. Tremblay mixes things up by using a variety of accents that feel appropriate, even when they’re not referred to in the text, and his female voices are among the best I’ve heard from a male narrator. Ellery’s formidable mother – nicknamed “Lucy Satan” by a doped-up Jackson in the previous book – makes another appearance, and she’s fabulous – cool, collected and clear-sighted, a tower of strength just when Ellery needs it most.
I read somewhere that there are going to be more books in the series, and I have no doubt that I will gobble them up as soon as they appear; part of the storyline here hints at the involvement of a shady government agency which I am guessing may take a greater role in the next book, and I’m already chomping at the bit. Red Fish, Dead Fish is highly recommended, and I WANT MORE!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Before I dove into ‘Red Fish, Dead Fish’, book two in Amy Lane’s awesome series revolving around a private investigator and a defense attorney, I thought I'd better skim through book one, ‘Fish Out of Water’, just to ensure my faulty memory wouldn't have me tripping over anything. Well, I should have known better. Instead, I ended up rereading book one. I'm not surprised though, because I loved it, and this author has a way of sucking me in and working me over until I'm a dried husk. And, between Jackson and Ellery, I also tend to be a bit of a limp noodle. Sigh.
“Ellery and Jackson had done their bit to get rid of the corruption, and neither of them suffered incompetence well. It was the other stuff they were having problems with, and the horrible, godawful fact of the matter was… More people were going to have to die before somebody besides Kryzynski looked up and saw the monster.”
And a truly horrible monster it is. Owens is still on the loose and both Ellery and Jackson believe he was more involved in the corruption they found in the previous book, and that he's the sniper who shot and almost killed Jackson, eight years prior. He was a cop and he's obviously very disturbed as they've narrowed down a link between Owens and quite a few murdered and grossly violated young victims. Of course, because he was a former boy in blue, nobody wants to look into these murders, or look too hard at finding him. Except for Ellery and Jackson.
I'm pretty certain that I've always been up front and honest about my liking for very psychologically damaged characters. Jackson is a doozy and I'm very glad that the author is showing me more of his issues, his vulnerabilities, and his strengths. So much of Jackson is tied up in a rotten childhood, a horrible parent (he doesn't call her mom because that title belonged to Kaden and Jade’s mother), and a self-destructive tendency based on his feelings of low worth. Some of the things Ellery deals with on the road to happiness for them both would have killed a weaker man.
“But first he needed… needed to get out of these fucking clothes. He couldn’t walk into Ellery’s house like this, covered in vomit and a serial killer’s semen. He couldn’t talk to Jade or Mike like this. His entire life felt like a violation right now. He’d been violated and soiled, and he soiled the people he loved just by breathing near them.”
If you read my review for book one, I called it murder light. In this second novel, the author pulled out all the stops and gave me a psychotic (BEYOND BELIEF) serial killer. One, originally trained by a sadist in the military, so he's smart and canny. But he's got nothing on Jackson and Ellery when they put their minds together. Two smart men, trying to do the right thing and bring justice down on the head of the depraved, is a very sexy thing.
I'm pretty much stunned after finishing this read. In my opinion, this book is even better than the first in the series, and now I'm really going to nag for another installment. I know Ellery and Jackson will want to look more deeply into Captain Karl Lacey, the man who may, or may not, have been responsible for creating what Tim Owens became. I'm also interested to see if I can get some more glimpses into two characters from another of this author's work - two men whose story captured my heart. You did yourself proud, Ms. Lane, this one nailed it all!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review
“Ellery and Jackson had done their bit to get rid of the corruption, and neither of them suffered incompetence well. It was the other stuff they were having problems with, and the horrible, godawful fact of the matter was… More people were going to have to die before somebody besides Kryzynski looked up and saw the monster.”
And a truly horrible monster it is. Owens is still on the loose and both Ellery and Jackson believe he was more involved in the corruption they found in the previous book, and that he's the sniper who shot and almost killed Jackson, eight years prior. He was a cop and he's obviously very disturbed as they've narrowed down a link between Owens and quite a few murdered and grossly violated young victims. Of course, because he was a former boy in blue, nobody wants to look into these murders, or look too hard at finding him. Except for Ellery and Jackson.
I'm pretty certain that I've always been up front and honest about my liking for very psychologically damaged characters. Jackson is a doozy and I'm very glad that the author is showing me more of his issues, his vulnerabilities, and his strengths. So much of Jackson is tied up in a rotten childhood, a horrible parent (he doesn't call her mom because that title belonged to Kaden and Jade’s mother), and a self-destructive tendency based on his feelings of low worth. Some of the things Ellery deals with on the road to happiness for them both would have killed a weaker man.
“But first he needed… needed to get out of these fucking clothes. He couldn’t walk into Ellery’s house like this, covered in vomit and a serial killer’s semen. He couldn’t talk to Jade or Mike like this. His entire life felt like a violation right now. He’d been violated and soiled, and he soiled the people he loved just by breathing near them.”
If you read my review for book one, I called it murder light. In this second novel, the author pulled out all the stops and gave me a psychotic (BEYOND BELIEF) serial killer. One, originally trained by a sadist in the military, so he's smart and canny. But he's got nothing on Jackson and Ellery when they put their minds together. Two smart men, trying to do the right thing and bring justice down on the head of the depraved, is a very sexy thing.
I'm pretty much stunned after finishing this read. In my opinion, this book is even better than the first in the series, and now I'm really going to nag for another installment. I know Ellery and Jackson will want to look more deeply into Captain Karl Lacey, the man who may, or may not, have been responsible for creating what Tim Owens became. I'm also interested to see if I can get some more glimpses into two characters from another of this author's work - two men whose story captured my heart. You did yourself proud, Ms. Lane, this one nailed it all!
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review
I recall reading some months ago, maybe it was on Twitter or maybe it was on Facebook, but Amy Lane, rather gleefully, mentioned that she was torturing Jackson and Ellery again. And boy does she! I swear, Jackson must have nine lives like his beat-up cat, Billy Bob, because I'm amazed he lived through all that!
Red Fish, Dead Fish is a continuation of the story that began with [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467239908s/30813756.jpg|51402108]. In my opinion, Red Fish, Dead Fish doesn't really stand alone. The story is romantic-suspense (heavy on the suspense) and Jackson is my kind of alley cat. He's sarcastic and barely domesticated and Ellery is completely besotted and rather uptight, in a proper kind of way. And though they don't often do "sweet", I've got to say, there is a sweetness to them that really shone through all the sarcasm. I rather loved it.
Throughout the story, Jackson and Ellery are trying to track down the rogue cop from [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467239908s/30813756.jpg|51402108], that, as it turns out, is a sociopath and a serial killer. Fun times, yeah? And this dude is sick...and not the good kind of sick that all the kids mean when they say "that's sick.". No, this guy is the thing that nightmares are made of. And Jackson is in his sights.
That particular story arc does get resolved, so we're not left hanging. Well, the serial killer part, anyway. Turns out that there is much more for them to look into, so they're not done. Amy Lane has assured us that Jackson and Ellery will have many adventures, so if you're like me, that is good news, indeed! Especially as Red Fish, Dead Fish did not end on a cliffie, or at least much of one. The next book is set up, so we have much to look forward to. And I hope that Jackson's insurance is paid up!
Regarding the relationship aspect of the story, Jackson is settling into his relationship with Ellery, quite nicely. They are both strongly committed to their relationship by the end of the book, so we're not left hanging there, either, thankfully.
Also, I feel the need to mention that I absolutely love the secondary characters that I've met, so far, in this series. Jade, Kaden, Mike, Ellery's mom -- Taylor -- whom Jackson lovingly calls "Lucy Satan", and the nurses, Dave and Alex, at the hospital where I hope that Jackson gets a frequent flyer discount. They are, all of them, good people who -- amazingly enough -- not only put up with Jackson, but really like him (I admit, I adore Jackson, too, so it isn't such a stretch).
I've really enjoyed what I've seen of this series, so far. I'm happy that Amy Lane has entered the romantic-suspense genre and I'm looking forward to more!
Recommended!
-------------------------
ARC of Red Fish, Dead Fish was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Red Fish, Dead Fish is a continuation of the story that began with [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467239908s/30813756.jpg|51402108]. In my opinion, Red Fish, Dead Fish doesn't really stand alone. The story is romantic-suspense (heavy on the suspense) and Jackson is my kind of alley cat. He's sarcastic and barely domesticated and Ellery is completely besotted and rather uptight, in a proper kind of way. And though they don't often do "sweet", I've got to say, there is a sweetness to them that really shone through all the sarcasm. I rather loved it.
"I love you. I’ve never loved another man like I love you. This thing that just happened to you, it feels like the end of the world. But the man in my arms?” Ellery squeezed him tighter, knowing that even if it hurt, Jackson could take it. “He’s still strong. Still good inside. It hasn’t stopped how I feel about him. It doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
Throughout the story, Jackson and Ellery are trying to track down the rogue cop from [b:Fish Out of Water|30813756|Fish Out of Water (Fish Out of Water, #1)|Amy Lane|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1467239908s/30813756.jpg|51402108], that, as it turns out, is a sociopath and a serial killer. Fun times, yeah? And this dude is sick...and not the good kind of sick that all the kids mean when they say "that's sick.". No, this guy is the thing that nightmares are made of. And Jackson is in his sights.
That particular story arc does get resolved, so we're not left hanging. Well, the serial killer part, anyway. Turns out that there is much more for them to look into, so they're not done. Amy Lane has assured us that Jackson and Ellery will have many adventures, so if you're like me, that is good news, indeed! Especially as Red Fish, Dead Fish did not end on a cliffie, or at least much of one. The next book is set up, so we have much to look forward to. And I hope that Jackson's insurance is paid up!
Regarding the relationship aspect of the story, Jackson is settling into his relationship with Ellery, quite nicely. They are both strongly committed to their relationship by the end of the book, so we're not left hanging there, either, thankfully.
Also, I feel the need to mention that I absolutely love the secondary characters that I've met, so far, in this series. Jade, Kaden, Mike, Ellery's mom -- Taylor -- whom Jackson lovingly calls "Lucy Satan", and the nurses, Dave and Alex, at the hospital where I hope that Jackson gets a frequent flyer discount. They are, all of them, good people who -- amazingly enough -- not only put up with Jackson, but really like him (I admit, I adore Jackson, too, so it isn't such a stretch).
I've really enjoyed what I've seen of this series, so far. I'm happy that Amy Lane has entered the romantic-suspense genre and I'm looking forward to more!
Recommended!
-------------------------
ARC of Red Fish, Dead Fish was generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I’m really impressed with this series. Book 2 continues to deliver. The overall plot carries on and we get to see some serious relationship progression for Jackson and Ellery. Whilst this series is a fun , snarky read, it is also full of emotion and sadness. Whilst Jackson clearly still has ways to go with his recovery , it’s great to see the healing process begin. Ellery just wins all the awards for me. Lucy Satan, Billy Bob and all the extras are amazing too. Lots of character packed into these books.
Onto the next book
Onto the next book
This book has some heart-wrenching moments. The core plot of the Fish Out of Water is about family, the family we create and the family we are given. Jackson will do anything to protect his family even if that means taking a step away from them.
Amy Lane does a wonderful job of showcasing how our life experiences can influence the decisions we make when we try to create our families.
The narration was a wonderful addition to this story, and I will listen to this one many times.
Amy Lane does a wonderful job of showcasing how our life experiences can influence the decisions we make when we try to create our families.
The narration was a wonderful addition to this story, and I will listen to this one many times.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It have been a slow one compared to the previous one. The action was very slow and it got me bored. I help so bad for Ellery because this man was so patient and kind and understanding and loving with Jackson in a manner I couldn’t imagine being. Even though Jackson have been in the most fights, Ellery has always had the most hurtful parts of the story and relationship.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Red Fish, Dead Fish is Book 2 in Amy Lane's Fish Out of Water series. This book is a continuation of the story and the MC's introduced in the first book, so I absolutely believe you need to read these in the appropriate order! The first book, Fish Out of Water, introduced us to Jackson and Ellery. This was no easy, quick overnight, happily ever after story. In fact, there was never an I love you in the first book. Jackson is a self-proclaimed tom cat, and thinks he can't be tamed. Of course, Ellery proved differently when he had Jackson's tom cat Billy Bob neutered. Tom cats can become loving lap cats with persistence and Ellery certainly has plenty of that. Ellery knows Jackson, he knows how his mind works and has to be a step or two ahead of him to keep their relationship going. Though no I love you's have been said, only a man in love would work as hard as Ellery does to keep Jackson from bolting at the smallest provocation. And though Jackson claims to be a tom cat, since being with Ellery, he's stopped sleeping with anyone who offers.
As shown in the first book, Jackson and Ellery (and Jade) are an amazing team, and are able to take all the clues and put them together. Unfortunately, they've put these clues together on serial killer Tim Owens and the police and DA aren't listening, leaving Jackson and Ellery to hunt down a serial killer. They are running down leads and working cases, but then people Jackson cares about are targeted, upping the pace of the case. And if you read Fish Out of Water, you'll know Jackson is also like a cat in having nine lives, though that number is running out as he survives everything he goes through. Jackson faces new personal struggles in this story, and Ellery, doing what he does best, continues to hold Jackson up, support him, keep him going, and loving him unconditionally. Even at the toughest moments, Ellery continues to prove to Jackson that he can be counted on, something Jackson desperately needs outside of his self-made family.
The hunt for the serial killer is not easy, and there are a lot of disturbing pieces that go with it, including drug use and rape. These are difficult topics for any book, but I think the author does a great job of not letting this be an overwhelming, heavy topic in this story. You know it's there, but for the most part, you aren't reading about the rape and killing.
As much as I love the main characters in this story, there are also a lot of strong secondary characters that I love. Jackson's self made family of Mike, Jake, Kaden and his family is always going to be a huge part of Jackson's life and they bring so much to the story. We continue to see more of Jackson's childhood which sucked until Jade and Kaden's mom brought him into their family. And I absolutely love Ellery's mom, Lucy Satan. She is a snob, wealthy, pure lawyer but man, she is just fantastic! Despite her being all business, she absolutely loves Ellery, Jackson and even Jackson's family. She is a great support to all of them!
This is a fast paced story! Once I started reading, I did not want to put the book down! I highly, highly, highly recommend you read this series! The author does such a fantastic job with this story. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
Rating: 5 stars!!!