Jasper Wayne McNeil Jr., a.k.a. Jazz, was born lucky. Until his father died, then his life turned into about as unlucky as one can get. His step father used him and his mother as punching bags, but it wouldn’t stop Jazz from becoming a decent young man. With the help of his best friend, Alex, his best friend’s father and the will to survive, Jazz would make it. But not before he was run out of town with the accusation of killing his best friend.

Anne-Marie, his best friends’ little sister, is now pediatrician Dr. Kincade. Not surprised with her profession since her father was a cardiologist, but surprised she came back to the little town, Jazz almost doesn’t recognize her. Jazz realizes he has deep feelings for Anne-Marie and she reciprocates. Jazz finds it difficult to believe she has faith that he did not kill her brother. She is willing to help him, but trusting others isn’t his forte.

When Jazz returns to his small town to figure out what happened that dreadful night of Alex’s death, he and the townsfolk discover that it is more complicated than what it appears to be. With the help of his cousin and sheriff, Tate McNeil, Anne-Marie and her father the mystery of that fatal night, among other secrets shall be revealed.

Shiloh Walker creates many twists and turns in this small town whodunit. For the Love of Jazz contains all of the fantastic elements of suspense, romance, love, and redemption with much depth to the main and secondary characters and storyline. Jazz is a tortured soul that doesn’t seem to get a break in life. Everyone around him dies. Anne-Marie is the towns socialite but without being snobby. Jazz and Annie have many connections from the past. Can they have a future together? I cannot express all that this novel entails without writing a few pages and possibly ruining the story. So I will say Ms. Walker is a gifted, talented, and intelligent writer. Her characters shine in For the Love of Jazz!

Reviewed by: Tracey