http://www.hatcheckkelly.com/

Book Review by Kathie Berry aka Damsel

At first glance, I was immediately intrigued. The novel takes place in Louisiana, a favorite spot of mine where wispy Spanish moss festoons stately oaks and rich history permeates the very air that you breathe. As I read further, I was definitely hooked. A graphic novella is a joy to behold and this author has outdone himself in creating a story full of intrigue and humor as well as every page being filled with rich graphics. To my delight I also found liberal sprinklings of  the  jargon and culture that make Louisiana a magical land unto itself

The book opens upon  Kelly, a gorgeous brunette who has taken over Kelly & Kelly Investigative services trodding in the footsteps of her famous father, Hat Check Kelly. She is accompanied by Nicky, a beautiful blonde who possesses a somewhat kinky sense of humor along with being  Kelly's best friend and compadre. We find the girls heading to Grande Isle where a mystery is unfolding that involves family and dark secrets. 

The sometimes sarcastic but always funny humor that the girls possess makes for outright laughter interspersed along their adventures. We follow them on their quest to unravel more than one mystery that awaits them in the dark Bayous of Louisiana. The novel is full of twists and turns that keep you reading quickly to see what's next as you travel the dangerous paths through the swamps.  You'll find that the girls encounter more than one unsavory character from the city streets to the dark banks of the bayous teeming with life and sometimes death, as well as making new friends and renewing family ties.

While Kelly handles things in the city,  Nicky is thrown unexpectedly into a situation far from her comfort zone in the backwaters of a treacherous swamp, she finds herself thrust into the hands of a young sprite named Cee Cee. Somewhat reluctantly, they form a team in order to overcome the perils that await them. Soon, Nicky and Cee Cee are facing situations together working as a well oiled if somewhat unlikely team. I found Cee Cee's character to be a perfect foil for Nicky's wry sense of humor. She is true to form for a young girl brought up in the Louisiana swamps with a sixth sense for sensing danger and an innate knowledge of the swamps and how to cope with it's inhabitants. Cee Cee quickly becomes an integral part of the mix and Nicky finds that their collaboration spurs her onward to tackle situations in the back waters that would have overwhelmed her earlier.  Many surprises emerge along the way as well as rich culture and downright funny circumstances and people. Just when you relax enough to chuckle however, don't be surprised when dark and deadly characters enter to wreak havoc on their plans.

The story produces a great mix of mystery and humor as well as showing everything from the local cuisine to the bittersweet history and music of Evangeline and the beautiful but sometimes deadly rich bayou country. 

It’s my feeling that the author not only gave us a wonderful and entertaining story, but he has shown us the beauty of one of our states that is rich in culture and history as well as a group of people whose heritage is a patchwork quilt stitched with humor, savory foods, deep family ties and unique ways of life.  I highly recommend this graphic novel for a great read and a treat for the artist in all of us. This is my first reading of a graphic novel and I can tell you it won't be my last. I can't wait for the further adventures of Kelly and her friends as they tackle new mysteries!

Kathie Berry

aka Damsel

About The Author

JJE Graphics
Brighton, MA 02135
(617) 620-5643