Night Kill (Iris Oakley Series Book 1)

Ann Littlewood
Poisoned Pen Press (2008)
ISBN 9781590585047
Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (5/08)


“Night Kill” centers on Iris Oakley who is a zookeeper at the Finley Memorial Zoo in Vancouver, Washington.  Her specialty is taking care of the felines including lions, tigers, and clouded leopards which she enjoys.  However, her personal life is in turmoil as her husband, Rick, is a recovering alcoholic with whom she hopes to reconcile.

This hope comes to a tragic end as a few days later Rick is found dead in her lion exhibit.  Iris immediately starts investigating her co-workers as well as finds suspicious items in her husband’s locker which become significant later.  The interrogations of her fellow zookeepers lead Iris to survive a series of near-fatal accidents including one with her beloved felines.  Iris tries her best to continue working, but cannot get past these terrible events.  Seeing this, her boss, moves her to several other exhibits while trying to get her transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo.  When Iris makes a trip there with some precious penguins, she discovers information leading her to believe that Rick’s death was no accident.  She enlists the help of her friends Denny and Marcie who discover bazaar happenings at the construction site of the new zoo exhibit.  At this point, everyone at the zoo becomes a suspect, and it’s up to Iris to find out whom without getting killed in the process. 

This is the first time I have read a mystery with a zoological theme.  Because the author is a former zookeeper, she weaves in the elements of the hard work and dedication it takes to be in this position.  As we see in today’s headlines, it is a very rewarding, but also dangerous job.  This paired with the mystery and “edge of your seat” elements make this a well-rounded story suitable for both men and women.

“Night Kill” is one of those books that you don’t want to put down because you want to know what happens next.  Because I am an animal lover, it pulled at my heartstrings to see Iris’s passion for her felines as well as her two dogs Ranger and Winnie.  I was so disappointed to see this book end.  I am definitely part of the Iris Oakley fan club and can’t wait for the next book.  Bravo Ms. Littlewood!

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