Jan Notzon's Blog, page 3

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Logan Reed: I’ll be honest: at first, I rolled my eyes at the ghostly narrator. It felt gimmicky. But the longer I read, the more it grew on me. There’s something eerie about hearing the confessions of a man who already knows how the story ends. The prologue hooked me with its melancholy tone, and by the time Chris Caballero was revealed as a cartel boss, I was fully invested.

What surprised me was how much empathy the author gives to flawed characters. Even the ‘bad guys’ aren’t drawn in black and white. My main critique is that some passages meander in philosophical musings when I wanted more plot. Still, it’s a unique take on the crime genre, and I can’t say I’ve read anything quite like it.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Ava Montgomery: This novel isn’t just about crime; it’s about meaning. When Justin’s spirit speaks from the other side, it frames everything we see as part of a bigger, cosmic mystery. The book quotes Frost and meditates on paradoxes, which made me stop and reread certain passages. I felt like I was being asked: what are my choices leading to? How will I be remembered? That existential weight makes this story special. I didn’t just finish a novel; I finished a sermon disguised as a crime saga. It’s rare for fiction to blend philosophy, religion, and gritty realism so smoothly. Some readers may find it too heavy, but for me, it was nourishment.

And Ye Shall Be as Gods

Book Reviewer
4,389 reviews
And Ye Shall Be as Gods by Jan Notzon presents a compelling blend of narrative, philosophical exploration, and elements of mystery. The story centers around Jacob Kazmareck, who embarks on a multifaceted journey of self-discovery, healing his adoptive sister, and grappling with his relationship with God. Throughout the novel, readers are introduced to significant philosophical questions. Notzon addresses these questions in a personal and comprehensible manner, offering their own interpretations while leaving room for reader engagement.

The novel delves into the theme of anti-Semitism, making it particularly pertinent in today's context. It encourages readers to reflect on profound human questions, similar to those that Jacob confronts: the essence of humanity, our inclination towards accepting hatred as a norm, and the nature of good and evil. Jacob's intricate thought processes and his philosophical quest for truth are portrayed, culminating in the revelation that the pursuit of certainty is, ironically, one of the greatest evils. This theme resonates with the book's title, which alludes to Satan's promise to Adam and Eve, suggesting a parallel between humans and deities in their capacity for pettiness and hate.

While the book invites readers to engage more deeply, Notzon's rich and advanced vocabulary, used creatively, adds a unique layer to the reading experience. This is evident in phrases like "insouciant nutmeg," which offer a distinctive twist to conventional descriptions. Blending sophisticated language with diverse subjects enriches the narrative and encourages readers to explore the text more thoughtfully, even if it occasionally presents interpretative challenges.

And Ye Shall Be as Gods depth and thought-provoking nature reward the reader with a rich story that encourages introspection and personal interpretation of the philosophical queries it raises. The book offers a unique and reflective journey for those willing to navigate its complex language.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Ethan Brooks: I’ve read a lot of cartel thrillers, and honestly, most of them lean on gunfights, betrayals, and clichés. This one is different. ‘To Sing Like a Mockingbird’ is slower, more lyrical, almost poetic at times. The danger is there: drug trafficking, lawmen going corrupt but the real story is about friendship and how it unravels.

Iggy Valdez was my favorite character because he’s caught between two worlds: his role as sheriff and his ties to people pulling him under. The book also explores small-town Texas life with an eye for detail that feels authentic. I could almost smell the dust and hear the local gossip. If you want nonstop action, this isn’t your book. But if you want a crime novel with heart, depth, and soul, this is it.

And Ye Shall Be as Gods

Gwen: A haunting book with a story that makes the reader examine his or her own life as well as the life of the protagonist. The book is about a man, the trauma his sister is going through and his way of helping her. It is also about the man's love interest and her secret. All things are woven together in a delicious story.

I recommend this book highly.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Lio: From the moment I picked this book up, I knew it was going to be special. The cover is striking, but it’s what’s inside that truly impressed me. Justin Kopechne’s struggle to bring hope and change into a world weighed down by corruption, crime, and personal conflict had me hooked from the first page. It’s rare to find a story that balances grit with so much heart, but this one does it beautifully.

The writing is sharp, emotional, and deeply human. Every character feels authentic, every choice meaningful. I admire how the author managed to capture both the harsh realities of life in small-town Texas and the resilience of someone who refuses to give up. It’s not just a good story, it’s a thought-provoking one that lingers.

Hats off to the author for creating such a powerful, layered narrative. This is a book I’ll be recommending to friends for a long time.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Emilia: The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover, it’s bold, striking, and promised a powerful story. And it absolutely delivered. Justin Kopechne’s journey really spoke to me: an idealist trying to bring light into a dark place, fighting for kids who’ve been written off, while facing corruption, danger, and the strain on his own family.

What I loved most was how real the characters felt. No one is one-dimensional; even the people making questionable choices had depth, which made me think about the “why” behind their actions. The tension between doing what’s right and what’s easy was captured so well.

This is the kind of book that stays with you, both because of the story and the questions it raises. I couldn’t put it down, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a gripping, character-driven read with heart.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Susan Butwin: To Sing Like a Mockingbird is a rare novel that managed to feel both intimate and epic. What struck me most was the way Justin Kopechne narrates from beyond the grave, with a voice that’s equal parts weary, wise, and wounded. I didn’t expect a crime novel to begin with a meditation on life and death, yet that choice hooked me.

Watching Chris Caballero transform from a man of intelligence and charm into a Sinaloa cartel leader was unsettling, especially because the book doesn’t sensationalize him, it mourns what he became. Iggy Valdez, the sheriff-turned-pawn, embodies how power and loyalty can corrode under pressure. For me, the strength of this book lies in how it refuses to give easy answers. It asks what we truly seek in life and whether honor can survive in the messiness of real choices. I finished it feeling haunted but strangely grateful.

To Sing Like a Mockingbird

Robert: I didn’t expect this book to hit me as hard as it did. Justin Kopechne’s fight to reform young offenders in a small Texas town is both inspiring and heartbreaking. He’s an idealist walking straight into a storm of corruption, crime, and personal struggles, and watching him refuse to back down kept me hooked.

And Ye Shall Be as Gods

Amy Shannon: This is one of those stories, filled with metaphors as it examines (or the character examines) good and evil, and light and dark. The story weaves a great tale of trauma, drama and character depth. Jacob is one of those characters that has made choices in his life, and learns how other's lives affect his and are affected by evil and darkness. It's very well put together and story shows the life of Jacob, rather than telling us about him.