Book Review: Covey Jencks by Shelton L. Williams
COVEY JENCKS
by
SHELTON L. WILLIAMS
Narrated by Kathy James
Genre: Mystery / Social Thriller
Publisher:
Southern Owl Publications, LLC
Publication Date: February 10, 2018
Number of Pages: 229
pages
Audio Book Length: 6 hours, 38 minutes
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
Covey Jencks is a murder mystery with a social conscience. Set in West Texas with a cast of colorful and humorous characters, it follows a young lawyer from Washington, DC back to his hometown of Odessa, Texas. He wants and needs to solve a murder case from 1979 in 1993. The problem is that the Odessa Police Department has already found its man, and no one wants to re-visit the case of a black prostitute whose life was seemingly of no consequence to anyone. But Freddie Mae Johnson’s death matters to Covey, and eventually he discovers an old flame, JayJay Qualls, who also knew and loved Freddie. Together they undertake an investigation that uncovers not only the truth about Freddie but also the secrets of Odessa’s south side, Mexican gangs, a Boston mobster, and the fallacy of unexamined assumptions. Finding out who killed Freddie is one thing, but preventing their own demise is quite another!
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PRAISE FOR COVEY JENCKS:
Williams seamlessly braids a murder mystery with a love story and a drama about the pervasiveness of racism in the South... The author’s prose is buoyantly eccentric, both insightful and self-effacingly humorous. And the clues Covey and JayJay track down are meted out to readers with impressive judiciousness: The author never prematurely surrenders so much information that the conclusion is rendered foregone while the tale’s swift pace prevents it from becoming tedious. An engrossing crime drama that’s both entertaining and provocative. -- Kirkus Indie
Shelton L. Williams (Shelly) is founder and president of the Osgood Center for International Studies in Washington, DC. He holds a PhD from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and he taught for nearly 40 years at Austin College in Sherman, Texas. He has served in the US Government on 4 occasions and he has written books and articles on nuclear proliferation. In 2004 he began a new career of writing books on crime and society. Those books are Washed in the Blood, Summer of 66, and now Covey Jencks. All firmly prove that he is still a Texan at heart.
My first part time job while I was in high school was announcing at the local radio station, and I had fun being "on the air” and using my sarcastic sense of humor. I worked in the radio business for more than twenty years. My favorite pastimes are teaching figure skating, getting lost in a great book, and watching movies. I narrate and produce audio books in my home studio, and I truly enjoy bringing an author’s characters to life with an audio book. I currently reside in Minnesota with my slightly overweight cat and two childlike golden retrievers.
What Was Enjoyable
I always like to do my reviews, what was enjoyable, least enjoyable and over. The first thing that I need to point out that was enjoyable while reading was all the Texas puns! As you all may know, or not know, I live in the Lone Star State and loved all the Texas puns, jokes and relatable Texas jargon. When one is reading a book based off their hometown or home state, it's a nice feeling and creates a comfortable feeling for the reader from the beginning.
The scenery that the author amazingly paints is just incredible. The details of the places and towns and scenes are all written out thoughtfully and is very helpful for those who may not know a lot about west Texas.
The reader might also really enjoy the timeline. There are a couple of timelines that the book goes through and it's so interesting how the author goes through the timelines so well. It's really a skill when you can go in and out timelines because not everyone can write it well, but Williams does an awesome job of that!
They seem fixated on the Music City Mall, football, and whatever gadget or obsession can pass their time of day before they "can get out of this damned place." - Covey 67
What Was Least Enjoyable
Though this is great storytelling, there are some typos now and then. None of them are really damaging to the overall quality of the book, but I mention them as the only place where improvements could be made to this already great book.
Overall
Overall, I give Covey Jencks a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. It's a great read that both native Texans and non-natives will enjoy and want to put on their shelves. If you're into mysteries and solving murders, or know someone who is, consider buy for a stocking stuffer! Until next time, Happy Reading! And be sure to enter into the contest below!
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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
FIVE WINNERS!
One Winner: Get One Signed, Print Copy & Give One to the Library of Your Choice
Two Winners: Audible Audio Book Copies
One Winner: Get One Signed, Print Copy & Give One to the Library of Your Choice
Two Winners: Audible Audio Book Copies
Two Winners: eBook Copies
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 6, 2018
NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 6, 2018
(U.S. Only)
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Great review! And yes! Books make great gifts! This one is on my list!
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