Dirty Money

J.J. Graves Mystery #6

by Liliana Hart

When the past meets the present…

King George County, Virginia has it’s share of crime, but it’s generally a good place to live and raise a family. So when a string of violent murders sweeps through the county, J.J. Graves and her husband, Sheriff Jack Lawson, are left scratching their heads.

It’s soon discovered all the victims have a connection—Malachi Graves—J.J.’s father. The world thinks he’s dead, but J.J. knows that’s just another one of his lies.

The problem is the killer might not be her father, but someone staging the crimes to set up Malachi for murder. Which means she and Jack aren’t the only people who know he’s alive.

Guilty or Innocent…it’s time to bring Malachi Graves down once and for all.

Genres: Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Contemporary, Crime, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 26, 2019

About the author

Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).

Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.

Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.

Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.

Enjoy the Adventures!

Reviews

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Own in: The J.J. Graves Mysteries Box Set 2: A J.J. Graves Mystery

Stayed up way too late reading this one - I just can't seem to get enough of JJ and Jack. JJ finally gets some closure with her father and some other surprises. New secondary characters are introduced. New murders keep occurring in their county that have JJ and Jack wishing for a some time away to be alone - their honeymoon seems a distant memory while it has only been a few months. I hope to find out more about Ben's (a FBI friend of Jack's) recovery and how Doug plays a part in the next couple of books.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so as a J.J Graves book I enjoyed the endings that happened and the possible new threads but there were some parts that just didn’t feel like J.J and Jake so honestly I’m not sure how I feel about the series after this story because previously this was an absolute must read series and now after this latest story it just feels different.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio for this one but I think I prefer traditional as the story gets drawn out on audio for me. Doug was a very interesting character.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Money

I will admit I only started reading the J.J. Graves Mystery series about two weeks ago. It pulled me in quickly though and I couldn't get enough. I've just finished this latest release and while I have loved all of them, this one was my favorite. I love the relationship between Jaye and Jack and always look forward to what is coming up next.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Dirty Money is Book #6 in the J.J. Graves Mystery Series by Liliana Hart.....
With the new instalment due to release soon, I decided to revisit the series again in preparation of ‘Fighting Dirty’ – I devoured the series, back-to-back, practically inhaling them over the weekend…
The series follows “J.J.” Graves - a mortician-turned-town coroner-turned sleuth --- and as the series unfolds we not only get to investigate some intriguing cases, but also learn of the ‘tangled web’ of secrets, lies, and intrigue that form her past. She has endured, been forged in fire, and come out stronger than ever (even if she can’t see that yet). Add local Sheriff, Jack Lawson to the mix, and we get a fantastic dynamic that’s as much about their relationship as it is about solving murders.
I have devoured each instalment of this series, and happily pounce on each new one as they release, following JJ and Jack as they investigate and unravel the clues to solve the mysteries. It is an easy, fun, and familiar read – a bit like visiting family. Of course, I love our MCs, but the recurring supporting cast are really great – and the town certainly has some quirky characters.
I did enjoy revisiting JJ and Jack, and remembering just how much I love them, their bond, commitment, skills, and their trusty ‘team’ – but I need to mention that there were quite a few editing issues with this instalment, which surprised me, as the series is normally more polished. The ‘mystery’ also didn’t seem to be quite so ‘tightly woven’ as in some previous instalments. But, overall, I did enjoy the story.
While each book can be read on its own, the ongoing character development makes the series especially rewarding when read in sequential order.
Perfect for readers who don’t want anything too ‘heavy’ but love a good mix of murder, mystery, endearing characters, and a dash of romance.
Happy Reading…

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars
My only complaint is that the book was not longer. It ended at 88%.

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

An abused wife drops dead after taking a pill for pain. A rich man also drops dead after taking a pill for headaches.. Is there a connection? And between those new bodies and the ones from her last case, Dr. Jaye Graves and her husband Sheriff Jack Lawson still have to worry about the flash drives, Malachi and their good friend Ben..

What I ride!! I started the book this morning and had a lot of time since I'm currently on sick leave due to a nasty and persistent flu. So I finished this book in one go and absolutely loved it. The only bitter pill: I have to wait until the end of November to get the next one. The story was divided into the ongoing background story with Jaye's father and the new crimes and sometimes I thought it might be connected. The only thing bothering me is that the bully of one victim is still running free but hopefully Karma will catch up with him and he gets what he deserves. All in all a really great story and I love Jaye and Jack very much. Can't wait for the next book!! Maybe I try her other series meanwhile..

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

J.J.'s mother and father were killed when they committed suicide by driving off a cliff. After their deaths J.J. realizes her parents were not whom they seemed to be...

A few months earlier J.J. went to her parent's cabin, found some boxes and brought them back home. Only, there are secrets in those boxes and flash drives that are encrypted. About that time she finds out her father isn't really dead and he'll do whatever he has to to get the flash drives back. He claims it's a matter of life and death.

In the meantime folks are dying in Bloody Mary from contaminated headache medicine made by a local woman. Who could be doing this, and why?

[Andrea Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love me some J.J. Graves and this book was no exception. The way it ended has me wondering if there will actually be another book in this series, which the thought of this series ending does make me sad!

J.J. Graves is a strong but eccentric character that you can't help but adore! The mystery in this book was great and kept you guessing until the end! I definitely didn't see that ending coming!

Keep them coming Liliana Hart! J.J Graves has a lot more to tell!

[Tia Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

More of a 4.5. It’s been awhile since I read one of this series. It’s got solid characters and I enjoy the writing style. I’ve already bought the next to read and hope to enjoy it as much as this one.

[Jonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story. Love these books.

[Linda Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the series.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars;)

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written!

‘Dirty Money,’ was awesome! The J.J. Graves Mystery series is brilliantly written. The characters were incredibly complex, charming, and beautifully human. This latest novel was so engrossing and captivating, I had a hard time putting it down. I absolutely loved it!

[Arianna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Looking back on the whole series i just can’t over the fact that there is SO much blasphemy AND EXPLICIT sexual content. it’s almost as if i was reading a script of an adult film at some parts and it’s just ruins the whole mystery part of the book. so sad because it’s actually an interesting mystery but it’s just way too much explicit content.

[Angela Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliana Hart is AWESOME!! Love THIS series!!!!

[Kimberleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I took the rating down a star due to continuity errors; something that has plagued the latter half of the series.

[Brenda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, JJ Graves, you start from the beginning of the 1st book and want more? Yes, need more of this series, I love how Liliana, writes about police work and finding a killer. You find some humor in her writing. Well done Liliana, once again you start to read and you cannot put this book down because you just want to know what will happen. It's not all about a love story, but it's about how two people manage together as they work together to find the killer or killers. If you read the series from the beginning you know that Jaye father is still alive and haunting her, finding ways to get what belongs to him which are the flash drive, he's a bad, bad man and only want one thing. Everyday officer dies in the line of duty and I like how Liliana writes this into her books- it's not easy I'm sure, or any soldier that serves our country.
If you are looking for a good mystery I really recommend this book, I only wish that Roy would have got what he deserves, no man should beat his girl or any women should be abused mentally or physical - that was only issues I wish something would have happened to him. Well maybe Liliana will bring him back in the next one and something bad will happen to him. Just my thoughts.
Thank you, Liliana, hopefully, will have another JJ Grave Mystery

[Kye · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept of the plot was good in theory but it was not portrayed as well. The frenzy of the actual murders was lacklustre and the whole case was solved from the results of one single lab analysis and it was easy to connect the dots since it was laid out so obviously. There was no depth to the case which made sense because the author tried to incorporate more of the overarching subplot of the Graves parents. But again that also seemed lacklustre and didn’t have the depth and complexity that it should have been given. Since this was a plot that has extended and connected all the books up until now, the finality of it seemed rushed. There were also minor grammatical errors that appeared a couple of times that were just distracting. Overall, the plot was decent, I understand the gist of it and what the author was trying to do but it just felt like she was rushed to get it over with. Not to mention, our dynamic duo was so isolated because they were having an argument, it felt like a cheap way to carry out the plot without involving the dynamic aspects of the characters personalities like Jacks protectiveness and problem solving for example. Throughout the series I was waiting for a more grandeur ending for Malachi Graves but it was just anticlimactic.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense and exciting windup to this story arc

This a a taught, well-written, suspenseful book that ties up a story arc revolving around Jaye’s father that has gone on long enough.

Jaye and Jack are trying to settle into married life but with her
father having popped up again during their last case it’s causing lots of tension. Jack’s good friend is critically injured and in the hospital, there’s another homicide to investigate and Malachi keeps lobbing grenades into their lives.

The tense scene between Jack and Jaye was so well written that I totally absorbed it and internalized it. My husband came home from golf league and I was super annoyed at him for absolutely no reason! As I tried to think about what he had done to tick me off I realized I was just pissed at Jack from the confrontation scene in the book and it translated as “husbands are jerks.” That’s some good writing right there!

The wrap up of the story arc here still leaves Jaye with some questions but it appears that now she and Jack can finally start their life together without her past hanging over their heads. I look forward to seeing where we go from here.

[Colleen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Ben is not in good shape and JJ and Jack are worried. They know this has to be the work of Malachi, but how can they prove it?

Jaye is feeling all the guilt and taking it on her shoulders. Jack is starting to get a little concerned, fed up, and showing signs of anger because of the situation.

This series continues to captivate me and bring me such joy while reading. There is always a case of murder in addition to the story of Jaye's parents and their crimes. In this instance what’s causing the murders is a nice little hook. Malachi is getting closer and closer to ending this cat and mouse game with his daughter and Jack. However, there’s still another surprise in store for the couple and how it all plays out will have consequences for probably months and years to come.

Even with all of the stress, chaos, and mystery, this couple finds a way to make me laugh and root for them. I love all of the sub characters and how this couple has built a nice little family around themselves. I appreciate that while this book has some romance it is not the main focus of the book and you just get to enjoy a well thought out, well written, story of pure enjoyment.

[Alicia Luechtefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: Dirty Money (JJ Graves Mystery #6) by Lilian Hart

Book 20/52 for the year

Stars: 1 Time to Read: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Day

How Did I Get It? Digital Version via Kindle

Mini Review: When string of murders hits King George County, Virginia, JJ Graves and her husband Sheriff Jack Lawson are left scratching their heads. It’s then learned that all the victims have a connection to Malachi Graves (JJ’s supposedly dead dad). The killer might not be her dad but it means that someone may be framing him and that means someone else knows he’s alive.

I’ve been reading this series for some time. This book felt different than the others. It was much more serious and it feels like the series is going in another direction. It’s not so say I didn’t enjoy the book because I did. I’ll definitely read the next book in the series to see what is going to happen.

Have you read this book?

#bookstgram #books #bookworm #booksofinstagram #reading #bookreviews #bookrecommendations #readingchallenge #goodreads #amreading #currentlyreading #kindle #ebook

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am starting to feel like the further I get into this series, the more of a disconnect I feel between Jack and Jaye. It's a strange lack of connection, especially considering they are newlyweds. I thought this book was more interesting and intriguing at certain points.

The situation with Malachi finally reached its conclusion. It was the most action of the book, but still managed to be underwhelming given the buildup. I also didn't understand why anyone else had to be unalived. It would have been just as easy to never mention that person again.

There was a bit of a surprise toward the end. I had to wonder. Now that one door was closed, will the other door open? I did like Doug, and Michelle. I hope they both make future appearances in this series. I also liked Michelle. I missed Ben's wit and humor in this book, and hope to see him reappear as well.

The conclusion felt rushed and did not fully resolve all the storylines. While some elements were satisfactorily wrapped up, other plot points were left unresolved or uncertain. Rating: 3.5 stars

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Money on Books On Track


RTC

Previous books:
✦ Dirty Laundry (J.J. Graves Mystery, #5) ~ ★★★★ (02/08/2023)
✦ Dirty Deeds (J.J. Graves Mystery #4.5) ~ ★★★★ (01/08/2023)
✦ Down and Dirty (J.J. Graves Mystery, #4) ~ ★★★★ (31/07/2023)
✦ Dirty Rotten Scoundrel (J.J. Graves Mystery #3) ~ ★★★★ (31/07/2023)
✦ A Dirty Shame (J.J. Graves Mystery, #2) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2023)
✦ Dirty Little Secrets (J.J. Graves Mystery, #1) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2023)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and the character but I have to tell you I'm a stickler for consistency. The author has two big oopsies in this area right at the beginning of the book. As another reviewer summarized...
"A few months earlier J.J. went to her parent's cabin, found some boxes and brought them back home. Only, there are secrets in those boxes and flash drives that are encrypted. About that time she finds out her father isn't really dead and he'll do whatever he has to to get the flash drives back. He claims it's a matter of life and death."
This is the actual sequence of events earlier books. This book has Jaye and Jack finding the bunker TOGETHER in Jaye's BACKYARD, rather than having Jaye finding the bunker--by herself-- behind the family cabin in the Poconos. In this book (#6) the author also says that Jaye and Jack remove the body found in the bunker. Nope, not correct either. Jaye leaves the body in the bunker in the Poconos.
I have to be honest, I considered putting the book aside when I found these continuity issues. Kind of put a ding in my trust. Did anyone else notice this issue?

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am puzzled why the summary of this installment in the series eludes to JJ's long-thought dead father was the man responsible for the unusual murders that took place relatively close together in King George County, Virginia, when it's pretty clear the murders are unrelated to the lawless and terribly dangerous Malachi Graves. Regardless, still a great read. Two people have died from ingesting poison capsules, and the hunt is on to find out how the poison got into normally safe organic aspirin. While investigating this, Malachi Graves corners his daughter, JJ, several times even though she is supposed to be heavily guarded. JJ came off as careless in this book, letting herself be alone to begin with. The take down of the famous Malachi Graves has a great build up, and then BAM it's over. The person responsible for killing Malachi is a wonderful surprise.

[Susan Elizabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story in the life and times of J.J. Graves and Sheriff Jack Dawson in King George County West Virginia. A unique duo of crime investigators. They are long time friends and recently married and very much in love. And excellent detectives that combine their talents. Their lives are complicated by J.J. parents, presumed dead only to come back to life. Jaye came to find out the depth of criminal activity of her father and mother. The father left money and information in flash drives that he wants back at any cost. This situation is resolved in this edition. But at a big cost to life and safety of their friends.

Reminds me of Agent Booth and Temperance Brennan in the Fox TV series.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An abused women drops dead in her bathroom. Did the husband cause her death? Jaye discovers she died of cyanide poisoning. The another person, a very wealthy man, also dies. He’s taken two herbal aspirins, which turn out to be the same as in the first poisoning. To add to the chaos, Jaye is visited by her father who wants the flash drives. Has he poisoned the capsules to cause the chaos? One thing I found interesting, in the previous books, Betsy Clement, has been the sheriff’s secretary through several sheriffs with Jack being the latest. In the previous books she has been described as technology averse, yet she’s typing away on a computer in this one; in the previous books she was supposedly going to retire soon and had never touched the computer on her desk preferring paper files.

[Nomims · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Since the 7th book got out i finally decided to read this one.
At first i got a bit of hard time to remember but i quickly catched up.
But after the "big" fight between JJ and Jake things started going downhill. The mistery could've been good but it was stretched and fell flat...
The story around the father was what i wanted to know the most but even this one felt flat for me. There's all this suspense and then too much happening and not making any sense and then boom it's over.
And of course finally Jj and Jake make up ...
Yeah i wasn't sold and know that the chapter about her family is closed i think i'm gonna put on hold this series.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. With his best friend, Ben, in ICU, Jaye’s father on the attack, two suspicions deaths, and a teenage hacker as a house guest, it’s no wonder Jack is tense and quarreling with his bride.
The sage of Jaye’s notorious parents comes to a conclusion in the book, but no before more destruction and death. Jaye and Jack must face their greatest fears and biggest challenges to have a chance at a happy and long marriage.
I read this during the “Shelter at Home” Order due to Covid 19, so it really gave me pause and hit me hard when I read the following line, “the formula for the disease he’s getting ready to spread across Europe and cause a global panic.”