Official Review: Elephants and Chopping Blocks Retain The...

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 02 Jun 2019, 13:35

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Elephants and Chopping Blocks Retain Their Natural Color" by J. Hawki.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Heartbroken after her girlfriend decides to leave her to return home to her abusive husband and small children, Kirsten Leone, a forensic psychiatrist, heads to her parent's home for some much-needed love and support. While on the train, she has an unusual encounter with a stranger. When she gets off the train, he tries to abduct her, but her father, who believes in being prepared for anything, attacks the man and saves her.

After reaching her parent's home, Kirsten is contacted by the FBI. She had given them a profile a year earlier for a serial killer, but they had largely ignored it. Several deaths later and no closer to finding the perpetrator, they decide to try things her way. This killer has killed multiple people, of different ages and ethnicities, in a number of different ways, and in various states of the country. Kirsten finally agrees to work with the FBI to get justice for all the victims and to put an end to the bloodshed. She, her family, and her friends will soon become targets of the serial killer. Her life is about to change forever.

Elephants and Chopping Blocks Retain Their Natural Color is a novel written by J. Hawki. This book is the epitome of an action-packed, fast-paced novel as it goes from one exciting scene to the next one. Just as Kirsten gets out of one dangerous encounter, another one seems to present itself. This was my favorite part of the story. Not all the questions are answered here, but there is now a sequel, Catch an Elephant by the Tail, and I assume the problems will be resolved in the second book. I have already downloaded that one and look forward to reading it.

The main characters are all fully developed. Kirsten is a strong, confident, and self-reliant woman. I wasn’t sure I liked her much at the beginning of the book, as she seemed almost arrogant. As time went by, I began to like her more and more and was really rooting for her by the end of the story. Her girlfriend, Liz, has an opposite personality. She has been abused so much by her husband, both mentally and physically, that she is insecure, shy, and easily manipulated. You can’t help but pull for her to get out of her dangerous situation and get her life turned around. Kirsten’s dad’s character was one that I really enjoyed. He is a cursing, gun-toting, no-nonsense man who trained Kirsten early on to shoot guns and defend herself.

Family is a very important part of this story. The bonds that are formed as children impact the rest of a person’s life, whether for good or bad. This is revealed to us in the interactions of Kirsten and her family; they are always there to support her and help protect her no matter what happens. This is also explored through other characters and in other aspects of the story and the significance will become clearer as you read the book.

I enjoyed everything about this novel. As there were only a few minor errors, I gladly rate it 4 out of 4 stars. People who don’t like reading about violence or sex should steer clear of this book. It is not suitable for children. I am happy to recommend it to readers who like crime dramas, thrillers, and suspense novels.

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Elephants and Chopping Blocks Retain Their Natural Color
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 04 Jun 2019, 08:18

The summary you give of this book is compelling. It's not normally a book I would gravitate towards, and the graphic content probably means I won't read it. Still, I love that family is important in this one and that it is action-packed. Thanks for the review.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Jun 2019, 10:42

kandscreeley wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 08:18 The summary you give of this book is compelling. It's not normally a book I would gravitate towards, and the graphic content probably means I won't read it. Still, I love that family is important in this one and that it is action-packed. Thanks for the review.

It is one of my favorite books that I have reviewed. Thanks Kandscreeley for stopping by and commenting!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 04 Jun 2019, 11:15

Wow! That is not what I expected from the title. I love your description of this book and the characters. This story line intrigues me. I want to read both books! Thanks for the recommendation.

Miss_BeckyG · Post by **Miss_BeckyG** » 04 Jun 2019, 12:23

Certainly wow! I thought I'd be reading about elephants or a safari. The review made me feel like I was reading the actual story. Great job! The story sounds dark but I am compelled to read it after your review. Thanks

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 04 Jun 2019, 14:07

It sounds like the author did a very thorough job of portraying both Kirsten and Liz, and I would enjoy being introduced to the no-nonsense dad. Your review did a great job of introducing these three characters to the reader. Thank you for a very informative review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Jun 2019, 14:29

kdstrack wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 11:15 Wow! That is not what I expected from the title. I love your description of this book and the characters. This story line intrigues me. I want to read both books! Thanks for the recommendation.

I really think you would enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by and reading my review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Jun 2019, 14:38

Miss_BeckyG wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 12:23 Certainly wow! I thought I'd be reading about elephants or a safari. The review made me feel like I was reading the actual story. Great job! The story sounds dark but I am compelled to read it after your review. Thanks

Thank you so much for the nice comments! I think you would enjoy the book!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 04 Jun 2019, 14:57

Bluebird03 wrote: ↑04 Jun 2019, 14:07 It sounds like the author did a very thorough job of portraying both Kirsten and Liz, and I would enjoy being introduced to the no-nonsense dad. Your review did a great job of introducing these three characters to the reader. Thank you for a very informative review!

Thank you Bluebird03 for reading my review and commenting!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 04 Jun 2019, 18:31

I am so interested in the author's connection to elephants. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 04 Jun 2019, 21:40

Wow, your summary really piques my interest! Thanks for the excellent review.

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 04 Jun 2019, 21:59

It sounds like this book has it all! I love that it’s action packed and also has such great characters and the theme of the importance of family.

Post by **Alice Heritage** » 05 Jun 2019, 01:33

I was most intrigued by the title and cover picture. Like others, I didn't expect a thriller on the basis of those! You make this book sound very interesting. I sometimes find stories where the protagonist gets into one fix after another without being able to catch a break exhausting, though.

Fazzier · Post by **Fazzier** » 05 Jun 2019, 07:38

An epitome of action-packed and fast-paced crime dramas, thrillers and fantasy novel seems like an interesting read. Kirsten seems to be a strong woman, and I'm curious to know how things turn out now that serial killers are targeting her family and her life is about to change forever. I really enjoyed reading you review. Thank you for this wonderful review!