Tami Hoag's The 9th Girl is a police procedural and thriller featuring Detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska of the Minneapolis Police Department (available June 18, 2013).
The 9th Girl is a hybrid story. First, there's the story of the girl herself. She's a Jane Doe (thus the title), possibly—but possibly not—the ninth victim of a serial killer known around the police department as “Doc Holiday” because he kills on the holidays. In fact, the girl is so badly disfigured that she gains the media nickname “Zombie Doe.” The details of the murder are not for the faint of heart.
All eyes went to the horror-movie still of Zombie Doe’s face taped to the wall as the centerpiece of a macabre montage.
“God help us,” Tinks muttered.
“He’d better,” Kovac said. “He already missed his chance with her.”
Because of the disfigurement, identifying the girl takes longer than one might imagine and it is in the search for her identity, as much as in the search for her killer, that Sam and Nikki really shine.
This was what it would take, she knew. This was what they would have to do. They had to become this girl’s family. They didn’t know her name or the circumstances of her life or her death, but they had to become her family. They had to be the first line to keep her connected to the world of the living, or else she simply ceased to exist and the universe closed the tiny void left by her light going out, and it would be as if she never mattered. No one should ever die as if his or her life never mattered. Until they found a family to mourn her, the people dealing with her case would be her family.
As much as we can feel their sensitivity, we can also feel their anger over the waste of a precious young life.
“It doesn’t matter what I want,” Kovac said. “I want world peace. I want not to have acid reflux after eating pizza. Nobody gives a shit what I want. I want the truth. I want to know who this girl is and who killed her.”
There is a mystery here that needs to be solved, but this is primarily a book about people, not puzzles. People are at the heart of the book. We see more of Nikki's family than I recall from other books (though it has been a few years since the last Liska and Kovac book, so I could be wrong). Her children are growing up, and they don't have it easy. She feels guilty for leaving them, especially since her older son is having trouble at school with bullies. There is a flavor of desperation to her desire to help someone else's family as her own goes off the rails.
Meanwhile, Kovac is…Kovac.
“It’s an artistic form of self-expression,” Elwood said. “Tattoos are a road map of the bearer’s personal journey.”
“The kid who works the counter nights at my local convenience store has a tat of a snake wrapped around his throat,” Kovac said. “Apparently, his personal journey took a detour through hell.“
Kovac's humor is apt to be grim and deadpan, but it lightens the narrative nonetheless.
But this is not just a police procedural with a mystery to be solved. As I said, there is a second track. And on that track, the thriller track if you will, we meet ”Doc Holiday“ himself. If you read the short story that serves as the prequel to this book (The 1st Victim), you already know who the killer is. At least, you know his name and occupation and the like. And he has his own narrative that winds through The 9th Girl. But although readers know who he is, they don't know (at least for quite some time) whether he is responsible for Zombie Doe's murder.
While I found Doc Holiday's storyline the least interesting part of the book, I really enjoyed the whole ”did-he-or-didn't-he” aspect. It was something I'd never seen. And I do hope Liska doesn't worry so much about her family that she gives up being a detective…I, for one, would miss her.
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Laura K. Curtis lives in Westchester, N.Y., with her husband and two madcap Irish Terriers who’ve taught her how easily love can co-exist with the desire to kill. She blogs at Women of Mystery and maintains a website at laurakcurtis.com. She can also be found on Twitter and poking her nose into all sorts of trouble in various spots around the web.
T. Hoag’s books are great
Tami Hoag-Yes!
Hoag writes damn good police-procedural thrillers.
Great to see a new book from her!
Would like to read it
oooohhhh i can’t wait! i love her books!
Tami Hoag is one of my favorite authors! This one sounds just as awesome as the rest of her books.
I’ve have never read a Tami Hoag Book but have wanted to. Hope this will be my chance to do so.
I can’t wait to check this out!
I can’t wait to check this out!
Zombie Doe + Tammy Hoag? I’m in, thanks for including me.
Sounds intriguing
looks like a good read
Looks like a good summer afternoon read.
yup sounds interesting!
I’ve read a lot of her books and liked them all. She’s a great writer. Would love to read her newest one
WOW, I would love to win this. Love Hoag.
thanks for the opportunity to win this book
looks fantastic.
I really Hope i win this one.
Tami Hoag’s books are so suspenseful, they keep me up at night!
A very interesting storyline. I think I might like reading this book.
I am a real fan of Tami Hoag and look forward to reading her latest.
I have loved Tami Hoag’s books for a long time, and would love to win this one!
Love Tami’s books!
Long Live TH!
Hoping to win this, but if I don’t, I’ll just have to buy it!! I’m a fan!!
I read the 1st Victim short story preceding this – it was marvelous! I’d love to know what happens! It’s the first of her work I’ve read!
I love Tami Hoag’s books. Would so love to win!
Tami Hoag + Tattoo = Me loving this book already!
This looks like a great read!
Can’t wait to read Tami Hoag’s new book. It sounds very interesting!
Love Hoag’s books.
want to read it now!
Love Tami Hoag’s books. Never end like you think they will. Once I start I can’t stop reading until the end.
Love Tami Hoag…her books are so vivid, heartbreaking, and entertaining all at the same time 🙂
Would love to win this. Just finished two of her books, Deeper than the Dead and Secrets to the Grave, now I’m waiting for Down the Darkest Road, the Oak Knoll series. They’re great. Hope I win!!
I would love to read this book
sounds good, I live in the Twin Cities and need me some “Tami Crime”!
I love Tami Hoags books
Have never been disappointed by a Tami Hoag book. Thank you for this marvelous giveaway.
Every Jane Doe is a heartbreaker.
Looks like it will be another great Tami Hoag read.
Can’t wait to read the new Tami Hoag book
Several friend have recommended this author. I think it is time I start reading the books.
I love Tami’s books, and this one sounds so good. I would love to read it. Thanks for this chance.
Would love to win this. Sounds really good.
A new Tami Hoag book is ALWAYS good news—thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
I love a good mystery and Tami writes them!
I would love to read & review a great mystery/suspense right now!
Tami Hoag is always fun.
I’m a fan of her books and am anxious to read this one.
I have not read any of her work, but am willing to try!
Love Tami’s books
I’ve read Tami Hoag for years, Love her books !
I’ve read her work and I’ve enjoyed it. Not sure if I’ve read any of this series, because I think she has written stand alone books. Still, would love to add this book to my library.
Sounds like a good read. Haven’t read any of her books recently
I’m always excited when I see a new book by Tami Hoag come out.
I love Tami’s books and always wait with anticipation for the next release. I’m looking forward to reading this.
I love Tami’s books. I have read all of them. I would be happy to win her new one otherwise I will have to wait and buy it.
Love her books. I Can’t wait to read the latest.
Heard of Tami. Heard great things about her. But, in the last 10 years of avid reading, I haven’t READ Tami yet. This sounds like a great way to start!
always enjoy Tami Hoag books
Great giveaway..I would love to win 🙂
This looks like a great book! Also, I love to read books that are set in Minnesota, an area I know well.
Tami Hoag has held my attention, appreciation and avid interest for many years. Her skill in the craft of mystery writing far exceeds the majority of others in the field. “Gifted” would be the most succinct assessment. Continued success to you Tami!!!!
sounds awfully good
[b]A favorite author, would love to continue the story!![/b]
Can’t wait to read Hoag’s latest- would love to win it!
Should be an interseting read from a very good writer.
Can’t wait to read her newest! I’ve been reading her books since the beginning! 🙂
A friend gave me a book of hers awhile back to try, and I’ve been hooked ever since! They’re always a great read!
A friend gave me a book of hers awhile back to try, and I’ve been hooked ever since! They’re always a great read!
I can’t wait to read this book. Have read all her othr books.
Although I haven’t read all her books, I am a huge fan of Tami Hoag’s. I always “forget” how surprisingly engaging her stories are, and how much I enjoy her writing, until I read another of her books! I’d love to add 9th Girl to my library! Thanks for all you do!
I’m a huge fan of Tami Hoag and have been waiting for her new book.
I have been reading and enjoying Tami Hoag since her Loveswept days.
I haven’t read any of her books in a few years, but read them avidly awhile back. Now I remember why–and here’s a chance to get back to them!
I have patrons at my library who would kill to get their hands on this book
Looks like just the kind of book I like!
Hoag always spins a gripping story.
Hope I win, looks good.
I think this be a great book to read. Thanks, for doing the giveaway.
I love Tami’s books!
I have never read anything by Tami Hoag, but this would be a great chance to dive in. Thanks.
ive alwas enjoyed her work
Thanks for the review – I enjoy Tami Hoag’s book.
Looking forward to another Tami Hoag book.
I’m ready to read this book.
Love her books and would love a copy of this one
I love all of her books
Love all the Tami Hoag books I have read so far, and am always looking to add to my collection.
I’m looking forward to this one!
love this author! Thanks for sharing!
I have enjoyed the books by Tami Hoag that I have read. The review makes meant to read this one, too.
Enjoyed the excerpt! Looking forward to reading this… Thanks for the chance!
I love Tami Hoag
One of my favorite authors! Can’t wait to read this!
I look forward to reading the new Tami Hoag book.
I would love to read this. It sounds terrific.
I’m always glad when Tami Hoag has a new book coming out. Her books never let me down.
Whoot – I’m really looking forward to this one!
Sounds like another great read! Love, love, love Tami Hoag!!!!
I really enjoy Tami Hoag’s work. Would love to win this one!
As I shelf in our local library, I can see how popular Tami Hoag is and would like to try a book of hers myself.
Haven’t read anything by Tami Hoag before but this sounds really interesting. Will definitely check it out.
I have never read Tami Hoag, but would like to!
Would love to read this!
always enjoy tami hoag books
I love Tami Hoag and am excited for this book!
I haven’t read a Tami Hoag book in a long time. This reminds me that I have been missing out.
Another good read!
Looking forward to reading Tami Hoag’s book
I feel lucky.
Cool!
I, too, am looking forward to reading Tami Hoag’s new book.
Love her books -this one sounds great
I enjoy her books, no doubt this one will be very entertaining.
Count me in, please!
Tami Hoag is a master of suspense!
Looking forward to the next Tami Hoag story.
Looking froward to the next Tami Hoag story!
Love her books!
Sounds like a really great read. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Tami Hoag has been a favorite author of mine for many years. She writes a great book and I’m never disappointed. Hope I win this one.
Liska and Kovac ate back? I want so bad.
Bruce
I have been a fan of Tami Hoag since the early 90’s can’t wait to start this one…perfect for a summer read.
would love to read this book!
I’m a fan of this authors work.
Yay Tami Hoag!
Tami Hoag is an awesome writer. Excitied about the giveaway!
Nothing like a great summer read of a police procedural by an author who knows how to keep your heart pumping in suspense.
this looks like the perfect summer read…Cabin time on the lake
I love Tami Hoag and would love to win her new book : )
This sounds so good. I’d love to read it!
I love her books – this one sounds like a great read as well!
I love her books and this one sounds great!
Perfect Beach Read.
I enjoy Tami Hoag’s books immensely. THE 9TH GIRL sounds fantastic! This girl would love to win a copy!! 🙂
I enjoy mysteries that also delve a great deal into character which distinguishes them from strictly being police procedurals (and of course there’s nothing wrong with a good, gripping police procedural as well!). This one sounds suitably perplexing, one that could keep a reader guessing!
Very nice!
Tami Hoag has a new book ~ yipee!
I’ll be very happy if this comment works!
I’d like to read Tami Hoag.
I love a good murder mystery. Thanks for the Tami Hoag giveaway.
Been awhile since I read a Tammy Hoag book, but looking forward to reading this one *S*
A book by Tammy Hoag is a super read.
This one looks great. I can’t wait to read it!
seems to be a good read
This appears to be another great novel from the author Hoag. . .
i would love to read this!
I have been a fan for years
Sound great
sounds like a fun one!
I’m a fan of her books
I love Tami Hoag books. Would love to add this one to my collection!!
Thank you for the great giveaway please count me in 🙂
I would love to read the work of Tami Hoag!
love it
I like the “family” aspect of this book…
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
This seems like it will be a good read.
Awesome!
Sounds like a really good read.
A book I will certainly read, regardless!
I would love this
Love a who dunnit!
This looks great
I haven’t read any of the author’s books but they sound great. Thanks.
This sounds like a good one!
Count me in!
I love Tami Hoag! Would love to read this book!
Scary! Count me as part of this one!
sounds like a great book
I would love to read this book!
Don’t think I have read anything of Hoag’s–might be a good one to start with.
I love Tami Hoag books!
thanks so much
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Tami Hoag books are great….this one will be a wonderful addition
i would love to read this
sounds exciting….I’m looking forward to it…
Will you be posting the winner of this sweepstake?
KK — all winners are notified via email. Check the complete rules for the details!
Please enter me.
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a great book!