by: Tamron Hall
published: March 12, 2024
genre: Thriller, Mystery
384 Pages, E-Book courtesy of NetGalley
GoodReads Link
Jordan Manning #1, “As the Wicked Watch“
Synopsis
After dropping her child off at preschool, Marla Hancock, a stay-at-home mother, disappears. She had recently left her verbally abusive husband in rural Indiana and moved in with her sister, Shelly, who simply can’t believe that her sister would ever willingly vanish without her children. But with limited support from the town’s police department or media resources, Shelly fears that Marla’s disappearance won’t get the attention it deserves, or worse, will go unsolved. So, several weeks after filing a missing person’s report, she reaches out to TV journalist Jordan Manning for help.
After her investigative and reporting skills helped solve multiple murders, Jordan Manning’s career in the newsroom is on the rise. She has gained a reputation as more than your typical news reporter: a “fixer” with a vigilante edge, dogged and undeterred to seek the truth. Jordan’s search twists and turns in ways she could never have imagined, illuminating scandals and secrets that place her own life in grave danger.
I. Overview
In “Watch Where They Hide,” Jordan Manning, a journalist with a knack for entangling herself in police investigations, is juggling her newsroom responsibilities and personal life when she, receives a distressing call from Shelly Biltmore concerning her missing sister, Marla Hancock.
Marla, a stay-at-home mother seeking independence, has mysteriously disappeared, prompting Shelly to seek Jordan’s assistance. However, Jordan’s involvement becomes all-consuming, putting her squarely amid the unfolding drama. As the narrative evolves, layers of complexity emerge, leaving readers questioning whether the plot intricacies are intentional or a result of subpar writing.
II. The Characters
Jordan Manning remains a familiar yet frustrating protagonist, maintaining her self-absorbed and reckless tendencies from previous installments. Joey makes a return but still allows Jordan to dominate him. A new addition to the story is Nate Fisher, a patient love interest who contends with Jordan’s challenging demeanor. Despite his admirable qualities, Jordan’s reluctance to reciprocate complicates their dynamic.
Other characters like Shelly fail to leave a lasting impression, with erratic behavior that initially hints at involvement in her sister’s disappearance but ultimately serves little purpose.
III. The Writing
While I granted Tamron some leeway with ‘As the Wicked Watch,’ I find ‘Watch Where They Hide’ equally lacking in terms of writing quality. Tamron’s approach to introducing characters remains verbose and superfluous.
Deputy Cole, the gatekeeper over this little fiefdom, was a thirty-year veteran of the force. And during that time, she had become a grandmother and earned a reputation as someone not to be played with. She was no rule-breaker, though. She had her favorites; I just happened to be one of them.
Chapter 2
While the book maintains a quick pace, the writing quality remains a significant drawback.
IV. My Final Thoughts
Regrettably, “Watch Where They Hide” failed to capture my enjoyment. The plot, seemingly disjointed, introduces an early murder that adds little substance to the main storyline. Jordan’s ego-driven actions, coupled with unrealistic scenarios and an apparent lack of police competence, detract from the overall believability of the narrative.
Jordan’s disregard for personal commitments, including her role as a maid of honor and her friendship, further emphasizes her self-centered nature. The portrayal of her silent competition with fellow reporters and frustration at being outdone by a rookie lacks nuance, contributing to an unappealing character dynamic.
In conclusion, if Tamron desires to elevate Jordan to the status of a Midwest Olivia Pope, a more refined narrative approach is essential, perhaps enlisting the expertise of a seasoned writer like Shonda Rhimes for future installments.
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