As the Wicked Watch: The First Jordan Manning Novel

Tamron Hall dedicates her first in a series book to all of the countless children missing or taken. Indeed, during the story, she points out that many, many Black girls just disappear and little is done to find them. For me, I had become aware of the sad tale of some police actions against Black young boys due to bias, but, I must say, that the tragedy of lost girls had escaped my awareness, except, of course, in a general sense, knowing about the Human Trafficking problem that America faces... And, once again, I wonder--Why is that?! But I learned that Tamron not only had a personal tragedy in her family, but also has hosted a real crime television program, quite different from the talk show host that we all know and love...Jordan Manning is a young crime reporter who has gone the extra mile to become certified in forensic investigations--so much so that when the latest case comes to her attention, she is caught with a very real need to begin to handle the actual investigation herself! Thankfully, she has been able to build a local community of friends and confidential confidants who were there when she most needs them. Already, I am wondering if, during the series, she might actually cross over into the investigative side because, certainly, she has the interest and the skills.When a young girl, just 15 disappears, Jordan became involved, even to the extent that she personally talked with the girl's mother often, even when there was no news to report. In fact, the girl was gone for months and the police had made a decision that it was a run-a-way case and did little to actually work the case. Until, finally, a body was found in a nearby but totally neglected children's park--a park where parents had been trying to gain local officials to clean up the vermin-infested location, but were ignored. Was it because it was a primarily Black community?Jordan was the only Black reporter where she worked. Her friends in the area came through their personal connection--her guard where she lived who she had begun to see as a younger brother... And it was, Bass, with a nickname that evolved from his background, who, when Jordan who had gotten too close to the truth, actually saved Jordan from what could have been her death by the guilty criminal. Instead, he was stabbed and was rushed into surgery immediately afterward, in critical condition for weeks after.Jordan's injuries were intentional, I believe, and were aimed at her face--the face she needed to be sharing live news. She was forced off for a time, but continued to work the case, interviewing people, tracking down leads. Leads that were not even on the police's radar... And, which, they paid little attention because they had already arrested who they thought were guilty--three Black boys, ages 12 and 13! And the older one, 13, was to be tried as an adult! Put in regular jail--and beaten! But then another girl was found with the same markings... The Black community was more than angry...I have purposely not talked about the victim(s) or the villain(s) or the modus operandi used. Hall has kept her readers working right along with her main character to find out the Truth! And Truth will come out in one way or another if a crime has indeed been committed. Tamron Hall's experience as a journalist, as a television host for true crime, et.al., has certainly given her the ability to move right into a top-notch fiction crime writer! Kudos Tamron! I now truly am a member of your TamFam, and for, especially, Jordan Manning!GABixlerReviews

I pre ordered the next book in this series.

The book was action driven and detailed oriented. It kept you engaged and the plot was easy to follow. I liked the fact that it had turns and twists and kept you guessing. The characters were realistic as well as the setting of the story.

It seemed to me that the author was revealing something about her self. A nice mystery and a page turner. Looking forward to the novel.

The storyline is an important one, sense it is relevant to what is happening currently in this world. However, it drags on too much for my liking. I found it hard to read due to unnecessary and repetitive information.

This is not my kind of read but I often tune in to watch the Tamron Hall show. One day she talked about the book she wrote so I decided to try it and I wasn’t disappointed. Jordan is a phenomenal reporter and she’s meticulous in her investigations leading herself often into danger to make sure the innocent are set free and the guilty go to jail.

This novel kept me engaged, and face me a perspective about journalism I'd never thought of. MC's reckless determination kept the story moving me and turning pages. I'll be reading the next one.

I kept putting off getting this book, so glad I have it now.

I am not interested in this. I ordered it I error.