Tailypo: Book One of the Tess Trilogy of the Sourwood Mountain Series

by Jenni Lorraine

She's been told time and again to stay out of the woods and away from the old mine, but eleven-year-old Tessie Rowe has an imagination bigger than her mother's back yard. Since she was old enough to read, she's done nothing but absorb information about monster lore from across the globe- and she's become convinced that the area surrounding her tiny hometown of Adelaide, Virginia has just about one of everything.




Now Tessie and her friends have set out to prove once and for all that the creatures of Tessie's imagination really do exist. As soon as they get started, though, they find the skeletal remains of a young woman washed up on the shores of Pichol Creek.




With no reports of missing persons, Sheriff Alan Cline is stumped- that is until the post-mortem reveals the identity of the young woman and points to foul play. With a growing list of suspects who all have seemingly iron-clad alibis, Alan must turn to the young monsters hunters to share clues.




In a case where nothing appears as it seems, only one thing can be known for The true beasts of Adelaide are about to be revealed.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2023

Reviews

[Mercedes · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I bought this book I admit I did so based on the title. I love the Tailypo legend. This was a fast read, I did in two days. I wasn't expecting this to be a series book. The monsters are like the side story of this book. It's told from a child's POV and in the child's voice. There were many times I had to re-read the lines because of the wording. I also found many names not tied to the right character talking. There were a number of other errors that did distract from the story. The story is a murder mystery and there are ALOT of characters to try and keep straight. Overall, it was an okay read, but I have no desire to continue the story in the next book and wasn't really thrilled with this book.

[Mickey White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like stepping back in time

I went back and forth about this book. When I started it, I thought it needed a good edit. It took me a minute to realize that the mistakes were on purpose as a part of the writing style. That style helped reiterate the nostalgia factor. I felt like I was back in 1995 exploring the woods by my house with my friends. Made me miss a simpler time. Pretty good book. Those kids sure are brave. Was I ever that brave?

[Gerald Dude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this first of three mysteries in a rural Virgina setting. Interesting premise with children exploring the woods looking for monsters but finding a skeleton! Liked the characters and the backwoods feel to the story.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Ruby and why??? Thank you Job for finding her!!! Oh, Job!!! Who did what to whom??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Beth Castrodale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this trilogy, and I'm looking forward to reading the next installment.