The Art of Murder

A Parker Lee Mystery #1

by M.P. Black

When journalist Parker Lee covers a national symposium on a local painter, she expects nothing but endless lectures and stuffy academics. Instead, she uncovers nasty rivalries, art theft, and – the biggest scoop of all – murder.

A stranger lurking around the Lakeview Inn discovers a long-lost painting by the local artist, Julia Larke. But is it the real thing? Someone must think so, because within hours a thief tries to snatch it – and leaves a dead body behind.

Now, Parker must expose the culprit, before the murder kills her beloved town’s reputation.

In Allington, if your last name is Lee, murder’s a family affair. Join Parker Lee and her big, quirky family for a cozy mystery set in the small town of Allington – a perfect setting for a puzzling murder.

What readers say about M.P. Black’s
★★★★★ “If you enjoy mysteries, this is a must-read!”
★★★★★ “A great adventure, looking forward to reading more from this author.”
★★★★★ “The story unfolded straight away, and I wanted to get to know all the people.”

Genres: Mystery

141 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2024

About the author

Hey there — I’m M.P. Black, and I write fun cozies with an emphasis on food, books, and travel. And, of course, a good old murder mystery.

Reviews

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't going to write a review for this book because I don't have any good things to say. Sadly, I am disappointed in it because I expected better. I read one of his books before called A Bookshop To Die For and absolutely loved it! This one was slow moving, confusing because too many characters to keep track of and almost didn't finish it a few times.

If it's on your reading list, please read it and hopefully you'll enjoy it much more than I did! For me, onto better books 📚!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨

[Febritri · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ART OF MURDER
By M.P. Black

In the small town of Allington, a major art symposium is being held. It commemorates and introduces a local artist named Julia Larke. Larke's works are beginning to gain public attention and command fantastic prices. One of her most famous works is "Three Sisters," a painting composed of three separate paintings. Unfortunately, as the symposium nears its climax, an unexpected event occurs. Someone is murdered. And beneath the body, one of Larke's paintings is discovered.

One of my favorite cozy mystery books. It's a light read and the book is thin, under 200 pages. The MC, Parker Lee, is portrayed as a young woman working in journalism who suddenly encounters a murder case before her eyes. Parker, along with her mother, a police chief, work together to uncover the perpetrator and their motive.
The topic is actually quite commonplace, nothing new. However, it's perfect for a break from heavy reading.


Rating: 4/5

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This is the second cozy mystery by M. P.Black that I have read and enjoyed. In The Art of Murder, Parker Lee, her parents, and her siblings live in the city of Allington. Mom, Charlie Lee, is the Chief of Police while Parker works with her dad on the local newspaper he runs--The Allington Gazette. Parker is at Lake House covering a symposium of art historians discussing the works of Julie Larke. Putting a damper on the symposium, one of the attendees is found dead with what looks like a painting he was trying to steal underneath his body. Parker and her Mom go into sleuth mode to try to discover what happened. What ensues is a fun story with interesting characters, lots of possible suspects, and a happy ending. M. P. Black's books are well written and have a good flow. His characters are people that I would like to meet and spend time with.

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't think a book this short could be slow, but here we are. A pretty cover with very little inside - typos, predictable storylines, weird side-plots that added nothing. Yawn.

[Alayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing murder mixed with art mystery, and I had a choice between 4 possible killers, and didn't really pick the actual murderer. Engrossing.

[Madcow Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book. My brain simply like the way M.P. Black writes. He is becoming a "go-to author" for me.

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure I've read others of M. P. Black's mysteries, though I wasn't bowled over by the similarities. This one contains all the elements of a good cozy -- situations that are more important than they need to be, journalists with connections and who can somehow make a living at a small-town weekly (I guess it's easier if your father is the editor-in-chief and your mother the chief of police), the insular families, the characters unconstrained by time and responsibilities.

This one does include a surprise villain with the cliche entrepreneur and the organize-as-you-go-so-one-draft-is-enough writer, and is overall an enjoyable story.