Practice the Jealous Arts

Ross Agency Mystery #2

by Delia C. Pitts

"Practice the Jealous Arts" continues the adventures of private eye SJ Rook, Sabrina Ross, and her father Norment Ross, who made their debuts in "Lost and Found in Harlem." Now Rook and his colleagues at the Ross Agency are back in two new tales of murder, violence, and dark, twisted motives.

In "Poetic License," Rook's NYPD pal Archie Lin calls in a favor when faced with a brutal murder at the Harlem Select School. Someone's bashed in the math instructor's head and Rook finds himself in a race against time before the killer strikes again -- or frames Rook for the crime.

"Watermark'd" sees Rook and Sabrina Ross heading out of town for a security job. An eccentric artist in rural upstate New York is convinced someone means him harm. But who is really most in need of protection -- the creative genius, his four equally talented daughters, or the team from the Ross Agency?

162 pages, ebook

Published February 10, 2018

About the author

DELIA PITTS worked as a journalist before earning a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. After careers as a U.S. diplomat and university administrator, she left academia to begin writing fiction. Trouble in Queenstown is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Black private investigator Vandy Myrick. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries, about a Harlem detective firm, and several short stories. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Monica **can't read fast enough**]

Delia Pitts writes in a manner that sucks me right in. Her way with dialogue is so fluid that I read her stories much faster than I actually want. This is a rare instance where I am glad that real life got in my way and I didn't get to read the second story right after finishing the first in this two story book so I got to stay in Rook's story a bit longer. I love Rook as a main character. He's complex, honest with himself about his faults and what he sees as his limitations. He has an edginess that he knows won't ever be truly smoothed out, but he's loyal and straight forward.

The are only two problem with this series 1) there is only one more book for me to read and 2) I would love to have full length books because I don't want to finish them so quickly! Fingers crossed Delia Pitts is working on more because I'm almost caught up and I'm wanting more. I was going to immediately dive into the third book but I think that I am going to wait a bit. I just don't want to be caught up yet. So now I'm not sure exactly what I am going to read next.

Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monica Is Reading*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase

[Cheyanne]

This second book takes the story of the Ross Agency and its lead detective, SJ Rook, to a new level. While the first book introduced the main characters and their Harlem community through a series of brief cases, Practice the Jealous Arts is comprised of two longer stories (or novellas), which both explore the theme of jealousy. My one quibble with the format is that I thought the second story, which explores complex relationships in a family of artists, deserved to be a full-length novel in its own right. But I'll look forward to the next installment of this series!

[D.T. Williams]

 

Still waters definitely run deep. Practice of the Jealous Arts was the perfect drama to kick off part 2 of the Ross Agency Mysteries.  Finally coming into his own as an experienced PI, Shelba Rook is thrown into a world of artistic madness as he is looked to help solve the shocking cases of the Harlem select school murders and the Nix family curse. It’s safe to say we are well past saving kidnapped dogs and have elevated to dealing with the knitty gritty of orchestrated murder. With lives in jeopardy and a hunters instinct that won’t let him give up without solving these cases, Rook navigates his way through this skillful tragedy while still hoping to retain his moral compass.

My undivided attention is what this book had from start to finish as I was introduced to some of the most unforgettable characters I have ever encountered. Let’s start with Daro, our poetic sociopath. She gave me such a Sharon Stone tease in basic instinct. Her seductive persona and need to be in control at all times definitely made me want to know more about her and what she was capable of. The chapter that described the interaction between her and Rook at the coffee shop was priceless, such a manipulative tease between the two I could barely stand it. Daro had so much to offer as a captivating antagonist, I wanted to see so much more from her.

Now to the Nix sisters, I would without a doubt place this family up there with the Manson’s.  Each one of them gave me the most ghastly feeling based off how they interacted with each other. The secrets, the scars, and lets not leave out that devil of a father.  It is no hidden secret as to why these young women were so mentally disturbed. Emotional abuse can do more harm than a punch to the face ever could. I’m sure Rook and Brina picked up on the Amityville horror atmosphere as soon as they entered the Nix family household.  Everything about this book was inconsolably tragic but I must say I fancied this read more than part 1. Rook’s inner being was roughly tested in this book whether he passed or failed is up to the reader. All in all good job Mrs. Pitts.

[Jessica]

The way that this title is worded makes it sound like this is the second book in a series. As I began reading, I realized that this was actually two novellas within one book.
Both stories are entertaining enough. It seems as though the author is going for a "hard-boiled detective" vibe with the cliches and puns that are peppered throughout the narrative. The narrator seems to possess a flair for internal dramatic dialogue that grows throughout the second story of murder and deceit. At times, he tends to let his emotions get the better of him.
By turns, the author's use of language is interesting. One example, from the first story, is "thick, greasy, salty money". I've never heard money described in that way before, it was kind of intriguing. Another expression I've never heard is "beautiful as a baby's bottom".
Both stories are very descriptive, and both seem a bit rushed at the end. The time that is taken with building up the plot and the lead up into mystery seems to lead quickly into conclusion.
Pitts does a great job with setting, though. In each story I feel as though I'm really present for everything that's happening.

[Daniel Cox]

Great Insight Into the Mind of a Harlem PI

I received a copy of this book as part of a Welcome to my Newsletter by the author.
Two novellas make up the wonderful reading package of Delia C. Pitts The Delicate Arts. I don't like to provide a synopsis of the book. I feel it is the authors job to describe the story and mine to provide an honest review.
As a former private investigator I enjoy reading different authors take point the profession and Delia hits it pretty darn close.
The book is well written, with two riveting stories. The characters are well rounded and complex while the dialogue is realistic. These are stories that take no effort to suspend disbelief and enjoy.

[Lisa Southard]

This is my second foray into the Ross Agency mysteries: no spoilers here but I wanted to say how much I am enjoying this series - just bought the next two books! Skilled writing, interesting cases, engaging characters, what’s not to love? Practice The Jealous Arts is two novellas; one with the expected urban setting, the other rural; connected by the themes of art and jealousy. Continuing my plea for this to be filmed, as long as Delia writes/approves the script. Also I really like the quirk of having themed chapter headings - I’m excited to read the next batch!

[Yvonne Glasgow]

What could be better than a well-written mystery? Two well-written mysteries in one book, of course. Delia Pitts is a talented author, and her stories are full of intrigue and plot. Her characters are interesting, and the author does well to delve into each of them, so you feel like you get to know the people you're reading about.

These descriptive stories, full of dialogue and mystery, will have guessing until the very end - who did it? You'll find it hard to put this book down.

[Jeannie Huie]

These are very interesting mysteries! The two stories revolve around the Ross Agency and the solving of interesting occurrences! I really enjoyed the unusual people and places! Definitely worth reading!

[Deanna]

Enjoyable foray into the Ross detective agency again. I like the slowly building narrative for Shelba Rook.

[Kathy]

To begin with, this is Book 2 of “Practice of the Jealous Arts”. It is totally a stand-alone story. However, I was jealous that I hadn’t already read Book 1. I was mad because I had already missed out on some great characters Delia Pitts has created in an equally good storyline. Rook, her private investigator, is just that kind I like…a little smart mouthed, funny enough to get himself in trouble now and then, and caring.

What a fun story. It really is about the arts. It’s not dry reading concerning literary fiction. It’s not a story about someone trying to authenticate a Salvador Dali painting. It’s about a lost manuscript and a wealthy, aging, and very talented maker of shoes and the worlds surrounding them both. While this is two short stories, somehow the flow of them didn’t start and stop for me. It was just as if it was another case for the Ross Agency. I think I was so engrossed in the cases I didn’t perceive it that way.

When I first began to read, I thought “well this is another Reacher character” but you know, it wasn’t true at all. Rook has his own unique personality. I found it refreshing to read about someone being a part of an agency providing security of all kinds; someone who the cops actually asked for help; someone who isn’t a mad out of control cop who left the force. It gave the author a little room to play with descriptive writing instead of having to stay within the confines of “good PI everybody thinks is a smart ass”.

I tend to be very selfish about my reading time. This was an inviting story well worth the time. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.

[Kylie]

As the second novel in the Ross Agency Mysteries series, this particular book could still thrive as a standalone novel. The first story cuts straight to the chase, beginning with murder and witty humor with a large helping of suspense thrown into the mix. Pitts has an excellent way with words, weaving in beautiful descriptions without losing the interest of readers with too much detail. I can happily say that the end of each mystery came as much of a surprise to me as I had hoped, and it takes a master of mystery to weave together such a thing.

I received a free copy of this book, and this is my honest review of it. Delia C. Pitts is a name I expect to see dominating mystery lovers' book lists in the days to come! I look forward to her upcoming works.

[Corrine Cassels]

This isn't your average detective story. Pitts is an excellent storyteller. Every character and plot line is fully developed and thoroughly entertaining. If you're a fan of whodunnits but want something with a little more sophistication, this is definitely the book to read. Everything is so detailed and descriptive and the dialogue is realistic without any melodrama. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more of Pitts work.

[Pat Eroh]

This is a great book with a wonderful storyline. I enjoyed reading both stories and I will be looking for this author's other books.