The Gin Girl

The Gin Girl is an all-too-rare find: a book that draws you into its world so completely that every person and location becomes real. Ostensibly a murder mystery set on an island with an odd cast of characters, the novel follows a flawed and emotionally broken (but still likeable) protagonist as she becomes part of a community and searches for answers that will never be good enough. The Gin Girl features lush, descriptive language and pacing that appears languid, but keeps a steady rhythm that perfectly matches the semi-tropical setting and the realistically slow rate of healing and discovery. A gem.

I could not put this book down. I simply loved it! What's more is I've met the author and I can actually tell her in person how.good this book is. It had so many unexpected things happen, a lot.of twists and turns. Some subtle and some like bam!! Either way I loved this book and can't wait to read more of her books. It has a really unique sender of humor to it as well which I also really loved

I loved this book and I'm picky! It has a soulful, visceral quality that is hard to describe. Great inter-weaving of Southern atmosphere and characters. I was given a copy of another of the author's books, Saints in Limbo. After reading that I ordered all of her books, including this one, and am anxiously awaiting the September new release. This was a surprise favorite, this author needs to be more famous...read all her books.

Excellent story. Complicated, mysterious, fantastic characters. This one deserves a sequel (hear that River Jordan?)!! Pay close attention to the twists, all of them, right to the end.

This book had me hooked from the beginning with its' use of words to evoke a mood of mystery and characters that were larger than life. At times I was reminded of John Steinbeck's characters that were so unique and wonderful. At times shades of darkness were like King. But in the end it was the authors voice that painted a world you cared deeply for and wanted to go on forever. One of the best written books that I've read in a long time.

At first I thought it was going to be a nice Southern fiction, chick lit type book. With interesting characters and little slice of Southern life. But it soon became apparent that it was more than that. The writing was very good, one of those where you need a notebook nearby to jot down your favorite parts. The main character is Mary, who comes back to the town where she grew up, Toliquiloh. It is filled with quirky, but believable characters. One of those characters is Edna, the one armed diner owner. Mary's first encounter with Edna: "What'll it be?" "Burger, fries, and a cold beer." She let out a breath that she never took in and said, "I don't like frying on Tuesdays," and placed her one hand on a round of hip. I was thinking of, maybe, tuna, but then reconsidered. "But it's Friday." I said. Then both of us concentrated on the days of the week until Edna replied, "So it is," and moved off to the kitchen. When you only have one arm, it doesn't swing when you walk. If the book had been filled with nothing but that, it would have been good, but it went further and included a murder mystery. A very good murder mystery that kept me guessing the whole time. Excellent writing, excellent characters, humor, mystery. What more could you ask for.

Enjoyable reading. Nice little story great storyline. A heroine that I can relate to.

The Gin Girl is the finest example of true writing ability in a new author that has come down the pike of late! The plot is gripping, the tension constant, and the answer to the mystery is always hiding just out of reach. How this author could have accomplished all of this and......what?..not one word of profanity in the whole book?!? No kidding! What a gifted author!! Myself and my reading buddies are still awaiting the sequel, Ms. Jordan, you CANNOT leave us hanging any longer, PLEASE! We want to know the "rest" of the story!