Review: Ain't Nobody Nobody

In Ain’t Nobody Nobody by Heather Harper Ellett, we meet Randy Mayhill, a “retired” sheriff who is living his life of solitude until a dead body appears…and then disappears on the fence outside his home.

Ellett’s debut novel is full of wit and twists. I found the characters to be quite charming, something that I sometimes find missing in mystery novels. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find myself feeling attached to these characters. Ellett’s writing gave them, not only life, but warmth - something I find can’t be ignored. I find characterization to be so important…if I don’t care about the characters, I have difficulty caring about the story.

Ellett’s writing is truly enjoyable, alternating between humor and wisdom. We feel what the characters are feeling - the guilt, loyalty, and eventually their sense of community. I appreciate writing that places you, not only in the scenes of the books, but engulfed in the feelings of the people. Mayhill takes us on a journey with him as he unofficially comes back from “retirement” in order to solve the mystery that hits way too close to home.