Judas Kiss

Praise for J.T. Ellison’s debut novel

ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS

“A terrific lead character, terrific suspense, terrific twists…

a completely convincing debut.”

—Author Lee Child

“Creepy thrills from start to finish.”

—Author James O. Born

“[All the Pretty Girls]] has the attention to detail, unexpected twists and puzzles that are vital to topflight crime fiction.”

—Nashville City Paper

“Relentlessly paced and intricately plotted—

and it features a villain who will have readers looking over their shoulders, even in the daylight.”

—Romantic Times BOOKreviews (four stars)

“With this debut thriller, Ellison puts her mentoring by Lee Child to good use.”

—Library Journal

“Complex and sharp-tongued, Taylor Jackson is destined to become an icon in crime fiction.”

—Author Kristy Kiernan

“The book is taut, tense and suspenseful. The best part of All the Pretty Girls, though, is its breathless pace.”

—The Te

“A turbocharged thrill ride of a debut.”

—Author Julia Spencer-Fleming

“Ellison hits the ground ru

—Author J.A. Konrath

“Southern readers will find All the Pretty Girls a thrilling ride through a well-known locale, and the rest of the country will get a closer view—

and a different perspective—of Music City.”

—BookPage

“Fast-paced and creepily believable.”

—Author M. J. Rose

“A spine-tingling thriller you will not want to miss.”

—Romance Reviews Today

“Ellison’s talent is evident not only in her ability to create nail-biting suspense, but also in her vivid characters.”

—Author Tasha Alexander

“J.T. Ellison’s fast-moving debut is as smooth as fine Kentucky bourbon.”

—Romance Reader at Heart

“Ellison’s characters—whether major players or quiet students—will stay with you long after you close the book.”

—Author Pari Noskin Taichert

Also by J.T. Ellison

14

ALL THE PRETTY GIRLS

®

To Del Tinsley,

without whom none of these books would see the light of day. And for my Randy,

without whom I would be lost.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

While the execution of the words belongs to the author, we can’t make the books come alive without our research, our cheering sections and our inspirations. Thanking people is truly one of the most exciting steps in writing these books. So please indulge me while I wax poetic about my team.

My incredible agent Scott Miller, of Trident Media Group, who always knows exactly what to say and when to say it, and Stephanie Sun, who makes every exchange a pleasure. My extraordinary editor Linda McFall, the woman who makes these manuscripts into coherent books. I couldn’t do it without you. And a special thanks to assistant editor Adam Wilson, who makes the business end so much fun. Between the two of them, they turn my words into magic, for which I will be forever grateful.

The entire MIRA Books team, especially Heather Foy, Don Lucey, Michelle Renaud, Adrie

My independent publicist Tom Robinson, who is truly a master at finding just the right spot to place me. Thank you for everything!

The librarians across the country who’ve seen fit to order my books—it warms my heart every time someone says they found me in their local library!

Detective David Achord of the Metro Nashville Homicide Department, my go-to, my first resource, my friend. He helps Taylor come to life in ways I never could. Dr. Vince Tranchida, Manhattan Medical Examiner, who makes sure Sam does everything right.

Duane Swierczynski, for not knowing Polish. Elizabeth Fox, who stu

And an especial thanks to J.B., who always helps me get these pages ready for New York’s eyes.

Laura and Linda, my goddesses at Borders—Cool Springs, who welcomed a new local author with open arms, and staff recommendations! Thanks, ladies!

First reader Joan Huston needs a special thanks this time as well, for making me worry about my opening in this book. It’s stronger because of her concerns. My dear Tasha Alexander, the only woman who can actually keep me on the phone instead of at the keyboard, though many times we can do both at once. I love you, honey!

My esteemed fellow authors Brett Battles, Rob Gregory-Browne, Bill Cameron and Dave White, for the IMs; Toni Causey, Gregg Olsen, Kristy Kiernan for constantly cheering me on and making me laugh, and all my Killer Year mates for being such amazing influences on me.

My fellow Murderati bloggers, who inspire me daily, especially Pari Noskin Taichert, the best sounding board out there.

Lee Child and John Co

My parents are the most enthusiastic cheerleaders for my novels, and need to be paid a commission on their book sales. Their love and support is phenomenal. My wonderful brother Jay, and Kendall, Jason and Dillon, for putting up with their wayward aunt. My other wonderful brother Jeff, who always, always makes me laugh. And where would I be without my darling husband to keep me grounded? Thank you, baby, for not letting me float away. You make all of this worthwhile. Nashville is a wonderful city to write about. Though I try my best to keep things accurate, poetic license is sometimes needed. All mistakes, exaggerations, opinions and interpretations are mine alone.

Prologue

Blood.

It was everywhere. The floor, the walls, the body. All over the jeans and T-shirt too. Damn, how was that going to come out? With a grimace, the killer set down the weapon and stood over the now inert body. No more arguments. No more screaming about failure, lost promise, disappointments. The wail of a child built in the distance, drowned out by the fury humming in the killer’s ears. A smile broke.

“You horrendous bitch. This is exactly what you deserve.”

Ten hours later

“Mama?

“Mama, Mama. Hungy. Cookie, Mama. Cookie.

“Wake up, Mama, wake up.

“Went potty, Mama. Good girl.

“Mama?

“Mama owie? Owie? Boo-boo? Mama fall down?

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J.T. Ellison

“Bankie, Mama.

“Bankie. Teddy.

“Mama! Mamaaaaaaaaaaa.

“Night-night, Mama. Bye-bye.”

Monday

One

Michelle Harris sat at the stoplight on Old Hickory and Highway 100, grinding her teeth. She was late. Cori

Their match was in an hour. They had plenty of time, but Cori