This week’s Monday post is dedicated to telling you about Ain’t Nobody Nobody, a fantastic new mystery novel by first time author Heather Harper Ellett. It comes out tomorrow, 9/24.

I reviewed the novel for Criminal Element. Click here to read my review.

Here’s the blurb from the publisher, Polis Books:

Still reeling from the scandal that cost him his badge, Randy Mayhill―fallen lawman, dog rescuer, Dr. Pepper enthusiast―sees a return from community exile in the form of a dead hog trapper perched on a fence. The fence belongs to the late Van Woods, Mayhill’s best friend and the reason for his spectacular fall.

Determined to protect Van’s land and family from another scandal, Mayhill ignores the sherriff who replaced him and investigates the death of the unidentified man. His quest crosses with two others: Birdie, Van’s surly, mourning daughter, who has no intention of sitting idly by and leaving her father’s legacy in Mayhill’s hands; and Bradley, Birdie’s slow, malnourished but loyal friend, whose desperation to escape a life of poverty has him working with local criminals, and possibly a murderer.

A riveting debut novel about family and loyalty, old grudges and new lives, AIN’T NOBODY NOBODY is like a cross between Faulkner and “Breaking Bad”, from a talented new writer with an authentic Texas voice.

I haven’t read Faulkner and I’m not a fan of “Breaking Bad” (I couldn’t get through the first episode), so don’t let those comparisons put you off if those things aren’t your cup of tea either.

Ain’t Nobody Nobody is a great read for those who like gritty mysteries with unique characters and a strong sense of place. Ellett is now on my short list of authors to keep any eye on. Head over to Criminal Element to see why I enjoyed her first novel so much.