Night Kill: A Zoo Mystery

by Ann Littlewood

Book Overview

Night Kill is a mystery set in fictional Finley Memorial Zoo in Vancouver, Washington, seen from an insider perspective on the challenging and dangerous world of zoo keeping. Iris Oakley, a young... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590585046
• ISBN13: 9781590585047
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 229 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Writing Plus Milieu

I really enjoyed Night Kill. I'm a professional writer myself and really appreciate a book that brings together good writing, strong characters, and an interesting milieu. Many books founder in one of these categories. What a satisfying whodunnit, with a great 'inside look' at the zoo, as well. Mary Freeman Rosenblum

Gripping zoological mystery that leaves you begging for more

Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08) "Night Kill" centers on Iris Oakley who is a zookeeper at the Finley Memorial Zoo in Vancouver, Washington. Her specialty is taking care of the felines including lions, tigers, and clouded leopards which she enjoys. However, her personal life is in turmoil as her husband, Rick, is a recovering alcoholic with whom she hopes to reconcile. This hope comes to a tragic end as a few days later Rick is found dead in her lion exhibit. Iris immediately starts investigating her co-workers as well as finds suspicious items in her husband's locker which become significant later. The interrogations of her fellow zookeepers lead Iris to survive a series of near-fatal accidents including one with her beloved felines. Iris tries her best to continue working, but cannot get past these terrible events. Seeing this, her boss, moves her to several other exhibits while trying to get her transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo. When Iris makes a trip there with some precious penguins, she discovers information leading her to believe that Rick's death was no accident. She enlists the help of her friends Denny and Marcie who discover bazaar happenings at the construction site of the new zoo exhibit. At this point, everyone at the zoo becomes a suspect, and it's up to Iris to find out whom without getting killed in the process. This is the first time I have read a mystery with a zoological theme. Because the author is a former zookeeper, she weaves in the elements of the hard work and dedication it takes to be in this position. As we see in today's headlines, it is a very rewarding, but also dangerous job. This paired with the mystery and "edge of your seat" elements make this a well-rounded story suitable for both men and women. "Night Kill" is one of those books that you don't want to put down because you want to know what happens next. Because I am an animal lover, it pulled at my heartstrings to see Iris's passion for her felines as well as her two dogs Ranger and Winnie. I was so disappointed to see this book end. I am definitely part of the Iris Oakley fan club and can't wait for the next book. Bravo Ms. Littlewood!

TOO GOOD TO BE NEW

Night Kill is supposedly Ann Littlewood's first novel, but I'm having a hard time believing it. The prose is just too rich and the dialogue too true to be the work of a newcomer. Maybe she's been working under another name, writing science fiction or romance or those skinny little literary novels that pack such an emotional punch. Whatever, Littlewood's found her true calling with the mystery, and I'm glad to see it. In a sense, Night Kill is all dialogue, because it's told in first person by zookeeper Iris Oakley. Iris has her own way of way of storytelling and is entertaining from start to finish. She's witty, feisty and laconic. She has an opinion on just about everything and doesn't mind sharing. And we're along for the ride as she grows into the person she must become to deal with the murder of her husband. In the process of spinning this compelling tale of detection and self-discovery, she reveals more about the life of a zookeeper than you could find in Zookeeping For Dummies. A friend of mine likes to say that mysteries educate you, while science fiction broadens you. Night Kill is that rare mystery that manages to do both.

A fine novel - and a mystery too!

Look, I know this book is fiction. It's a mystery novel, and therefore what snootier readers might call `light fiction.' But Night Kill is more than that. It's the story of a real woman, with a real gone-south relationship, a real career and real problems. And into that real life comes the biggest problem she's ever faced - her husband Rick is found dead, mauled by lions, in what appears to be an act of drunken negligence. Contrary to what you'd expect of your average fictional heroine, Iris Oakley does not dash off half-cocked, determined to prove Rick was murdered. Instead, real person that she is, she grieves, tries to cope and struggles to bring her life back into balance. Left alone, Iris would likely have accomplished just that. But harder times keep coming her way, and a series of near fatal accidents forces her to re-examine her assumptions about Rick, their life together, and his untimely demise. Step by step, she comes to the conclusion his death was no accident, and it's up to her to do something about it. One thing that makes Iris so real is her job. She's a zookeeper who lives and breathes the care of exotic animals. She knows their wants, needs and quirky personalities as well as she knows those of her parents, friends and co-workers. This gives her rare and often comical insight into the human condition (as seen in animal terms), and into the animal condition (as seen in human terms). Mixed with the inner workings and day-to-day procedures of the zoo, Iris Oakley's unique perspective on life provides a consistently thoughtful and entertaining backdrop to the story. Ann Littlewood is to be applauded for this work - something truly different in the world of mysteries. Give us more, Ann!

SMART, FRESH, FUN AND AUTHENTIC

Ann Littlewood is a fresh new voice in the mystery field, and her debut novel takes us to new territory - behind the scenes at a metropolitan zoo. Our guide is Iris Oakley, a feline keeper whose husband is mauled to death by lions. Everyone but Iris believes it was an accident, and even she is almost convinced until someone sets fire to her house and tries to electrocute her in an aviary. Armed with such clues as a mysterious tooth and an illicit love affair, Iris is compelled to set a trap - with herself as bait - to bring her husband's killer to justice. Along the way, we are treated to a wealth of wry humor and smart dialogue. The supporting cast of zookeepers and administrators are sharply drawn and consistently entertaining. Ann Littlewood is a former zookeeper herself, and obviously knows her stuff. The passion Iris feels for her profession, and the depth of detail, ring with true life experience. Night Kill feels like the first in a series. I hope so. I look forward to spending more time with Iris Oakley at the zoo.