Motive for Murder

by Ray Collins

In Motive for Murder, rookie detective Hana Brown's traumatic past puts her front and center of the Fairfax County Police Department's media push-and gets her assigned to the gruesome murder of an Asian woman. At first the death is considered a routine gang killing. By the time the FCPD realized the victim is the first in a series of Chinese American women being murdered by someone who signs their notes "Jack the Ripper," it's too late to replace Hana. An FBI agent chosen as her deputy-despite his protests-endorses the belief that the culprit is a serial killer. But everything changes when Hana finds herself attracted to an intrepid news reporter who has advanced a competing that political intrigue is the true motive behind the murders.

318 pages, Paperback

Published December 29, 2023

About the author

Ray Collins grew up in the Midwest, attended Yale, and was drafted as an Army combat infantryman during his junior year. He married Betty Ann when mustered out of the service. Ray attended Princeton, where Betty Ann had twins (Jim and Ann) and he earned an MPA. Joining State as a foreign service officer, his first assignment was Manila, Philippines where Betty Ann had their third child (Nori). He became a Japanese language and East Asia specialist during his second assignment in Japan, where their fourth child (Susan) was born.

Reviews

[Stephanie Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy via a Goodreads Giveaway. This does not influence my review. I felt this was a well written story. In fact, as I finished it, I reread the cover and had forgotten this was a male author. Ray Collins' ability to write from a female detective's point of view was adept. I enjoyed the political and international storyline and the whodunnit was well executed though the Jack the Ripper take was unnecessary in the grand scheme of the story. I will likely read Ray's first book in the near future.

[Kristyn Laviola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a Little Free Library. For some reason I had a hard time following what was going on the entire time of this book. I loved the short chapters. I’m giving it 5 stars though since there isn’t a lot of ratings! Would probably give it a 3/5.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written story and very interesting Chinese information.

[Ray Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am the author and I recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries or thrillers.