THE WRONG SIDE OF REVELRY
The Wrong Side of Revelry by Jeffry A. Head is a captivating crime fiction novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story follows Detective Decker as he delves into the dark and twisted world of murder and deception.
In the chaotic world of New Orleans, Detective Decker is assigned to investigate the death of the Queen of Carnival, killed during the Rex Ball. He soon finds himself embroiled in a web of intrigue. Meanwhile, a shooting at a local temple leaves a trail of dead Jews in its wake. Decker teams up with the feisty Gail, who suspects foul play in the death of her partner's daughter. As more people wind up dead, are these cases all connected?
The author does an excellent job of building tension and suspense throughout the novel. The pacing is spot-on, with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing. One of the standout aspects of the book is the attention to detail that the author brings to the story. The descriptions pulled me into the gritty world of the investigation. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, adding depth to the characters and making the interactions between them feel authentic.
The author's depiction of sexual violence, racism, and anti-Semitism is a crucial aspect that adds depth and complexity to the narrative. The exploration of these themes provides valuable insights into these societal issues, making the story more thought-provoking and engaging for readers. The intertwining of these themes with the central plot creates a multi-layered and compelling narrative. By addressing these challenging themes with sensitivity and insight, he creates a compelling and thought-provoking read that resonates with readers on a deeper level.
Detective Decker was my favorite character. He was a complex and compelling character, whose backstory added depth to the story. His determination and grit made him an inspiring protagonist. The way the author handled the character's backstory and emotional journey was masterful.
The only aspect I did not like was the influx of characters. The author introduced a large number of characters from the very start, which was overwhelming and confusing. This took away from the enjoyment of the story and made it difficult to follow the plot. While the story is full of intrigue and suspense, the large cast of characters can make it difficult to fully appreciate.
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. My dislike was not enough to detract a star. It was professionally edited, as I found some errors. This book is a gripping and intense read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction. If you are looking for a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end, then this is the book for you.
****** ONLINEBOOKCLUB.ORG REVIEW
A NEW NOVEL BY JEFFRY A. HEAD
CRIME FICTION
The Queen of the Rex Ball at Mardi Gras- beautiful, vibrant and dressed in an ivory silk lamé gown with chevrons and gold beading collapses and dies. Was foul play involved? Decker O’Day must find out, while battling displaced anger and bad memories of his childhood. Jenna Depreaux is rich, white and smart. She may also be a killer- too clever to be caught. Gail Waites is searching for answers as she tries to leave the ghetto and her scars from it behind. Her friend’s daughter is found naked, drugged and dumped on Tulane Avenue near University Hospital; just another dead black girl to the police. Two professional gunmen kill 53 at a Jewish Synagogue. New Orleans and the country are stunned. The pressure is on to find and bring to justice those responsible. Are these events connected? As the wealthy in New Orleans close ranks, conflicts arise and tempers flare in this psychological thriller.
5.0 out of 5 stars "The Wrong Side of Revelry" is a gripping read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2024
"The Wrong Side of Revelry" is a gripping read. It intertwines the enigmatic atmosphere of Mardi Gras with a series of perplexing crimes. The setting of New Orleans adds an extra layer of intrigue and cultural depth to the story.
The character dynamics are rich and complex, especially with Jenna Depreaux's sense of entitlement juxtaposed against Detective O'Day and Detective Waites' struggles and determination to uncover the truth. Each character seems to have their baggage, which adds depth to their motivations and actions throughout the investigation.
The multiple crimes co-occurring create a sense of urgency and complexity, leaving readers wondering whether they are interconnected or coincidental. Including real-world issues such as racism, homophobia, and social inequality adds depth and relevance to the narrative, grounding the story in the complexities of modern society.
Overall, "The Wrong Side of Revelry" is a thrilling and thought-provoking read, exploring themes of identity, justice, and the dark underbelly of a vibrant city during its most celebrated event.
Alan R. Warren
NBC Newstalk Radio
House of Mystery
KCAA 106.5 F.M. Los Angeles
best Selling Author
Hi Jeff-
Just finished your new book. As usual, you tell a gripping tale and your dialogue was spot on! It kept me interested the entire read.
— Marguerite Brody, free lance journalist in Atlanta
This guy knows crime fiction. The action is nonstop from start to finish. Reminiscent of John Sandford, a gritty tale of the search for a killer. Harry Fairburn
“Riveting. This book was impossible to put down.”
Charlie Jackson, reader
About Jeff
Jeff is a long time lawyer and true crime buff. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia, Cumberland School of Law, and has a Masters in Taxation from New York University (NYU). At 68 he began boxing to battle complacency and maintain self-discipline. So far no one has been able to knock any sense into his head. He is proud to be a Dawg. In addition to his crime novels, he is a poor man’s humorist, having authored I’M A DAWG, YOU’RE A DAWG AND WE ALL PICKED UP SOME FLEAS IN ATHENS. Saturdays in the fall will usually find him delivering donuts to his “granddawgters” and watching SEC football. He lives in Mobile, Alabama with his wife Luvie.
LUNCH AND A COOKIE
SEE OTHER BOOKS BELOW
Who let the Dawgs out? UGA in the mid-seventies; the Dawgs were loose. No dawg catcher in Athens could keep pace with this pack of Red Clay hounds and the tall tales they lived at Georgia Alpha chapter!
The radical sixties had ended. The wide open seventies followed. You saw the movie Animal House. Jeff Head lived it. Return to the University of Georgia campus from 1974 to1977. You will be transported to the corner of Baxter Street and Lumpkin Street, cater-corner from old Stegeman Hall. A stone’s throw from the UGA Bookstore; and a short stroll to historic Sanford Stadium. You will be treated to tall tales, all true. Like nothing you have read since Lewis Grizzard, enjoy THE PLUSH TAIL, OBNOXIOUS NINE, BANNAS FOSTER, STREAKING UGA STYLE AND MUCH, MUCH MORE. If you like a good belly laugh, this book is for you. If you are a wallflower, get an old copy of Ladies Home Journal. But for the guys and girls who enjoy living life to the fullest, get ready for a full body laugh.
“There’s only one way to be a DGD...and that’s to pick up a flea or two...and Jeff’s stories are Dawg-gone funny...and awfully close for comfort for every UGA grad...and parent! A carefree, fun read that's sure to take you down memory lane...or at least Baxter,Lumpkin, and Milledge! Enjoy!”
CHIP CARAY
"With the humor and deadpan of Lewis Grizzard, Jeffry Head takes us all down memory lane and rekindles the UGA memories we cherish--and some we tried to forget. I'm a Dawg, You're a Dawg is a hilarious read." Mark Schlabach