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Lacetown Murder Mysteries #2
Murder Most Deserving
An acoustic music festival comes to Lacetown, and with it, another dead body—this one found at Fleishman’s Funeral Home. Michael recuses himself from the autopsy, handing the job over to his arch-nemesis from a neighboring county.
Luckily Michael and local hairstylist Jazz are closer than ever. Between a trio of funerals, a blowout BBQ, and a couple of trips on Beulah, Jazz’s beloved scooter, Michael and Jazz do some sleuthing of their own. With the first gruesome murder still fresh in their memories, they can’t help but wonder if notorious murderer and famous author Russell Withingham might be targeting them from jail, where he’s awaiting trial.
The festival, however, brings in a veritable lineup of potential killers, including a familiar—and most unwelcome—figure from their past. As the murderer circles ever closer to Jazz and Michael, Sheriff Musgrave is quick to remind them that everyone’s a suspect until Sheriff Musgrave says they’re not!
Luckily Michael and local hairstylist Jazz are closer than ever. Between a trio of funerals, a blowout BBQ, and a couple of trips on Beulah, Jazz’s beloved scooter, Michael and Jazz do some sleuthing of their own. With the first gruesome murder still fresh in their memories, they can’t help but wonder if notorious murderer and famous author Russell Withingham might be targeting them from jail, where he’s awaiting trial.
The festival, however, brings in a veritable lineup of potential killers, including a familiar—and most unwelcome—figure from their past. As the murderer circles ever closer to Jazz and Michael, Sheriff Musgrave is quick to remind them that everyone’s a suspect until Sheriff Musgrave says they’re not!
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2020
18 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Hank Edwards
82 books229 followersHank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
April 16, 2020
***2.75***
I’m sorry. I can’t sugar coat it. The sophomore slump strikes again and I’m pretty disappointed.
This is the second book in the adventures of Michael and Jazz and takes place about two months after Murder Most Lovely. In that book they, and their small town were lovingly portrayed, imperfections notwithstanding, however the new book seems to suffer from multiple personality disorder, never sticking to a tone or theme. I know this is a review for Murder Most Deserving but I can’t see reading it without reference to the other and it suffers in comparison.
The previous book read like a small town murder mystery/cozy albeit with explicit sex. Michael and Jazz were two, older gay men, with imperfect bodies, and life baggage yet full of the hopes, dreams, and fears like anyone their age. They were adorable and I was rooting for them all the way. This book is also nominally a mystery, though I had to think a moment of who got murdered, it was that unmemorable, and there is no real investigation by any party. What we get instead are quaint scene settings of Lacetown denizens and places that add nothing to the story, and longer stretches of either Michael or Jazz thinking about the other, how lucky they are to have each other, missing each other after a few hours of separation (though that’s probably accurate of new lovers), but most egregious of all IMO is the out of character portrayal of their sex lives. I don’t like doing spoilers so all I’ll say is that the last thing I expected in a story that otherwise reads like a cozy, with almost cartoonish villains, was spanking. To me it didn’t ring true but maybe I’m wrong.
I still like Michael & Jazz very much, and I’ll probably read the next one in hopes this volume was a fluke, they deserve better. As usual YMMV.
I’m sorry. I can’t sugar coat it. The sophomore slump strikes again and I’m pretty disappointed.
This is the second book in the adventures of Michael and Jazz and takes place about two months after Murder Most Lovely. In that book they, and their small town were lovingly portrayed, imperfections notwithstanding, however the new book seems to suffer from multiple personality disorder, never sticking to a tone or theme. I know this is a review for Murder Most Deserving but I can’t see reading it without reference to the other and it suffers in comparison.
The previous book read like a small town murder mystery/cozy albeit with explicit sex. Michael and Jazz were two, older gay men, with imperfect bodies, and life baggage yet full of the hopes, dreams, and fears like anyone their age. They were adorable and I was rooting for them all the way. This book is also nominally a mystery, though I had to think a moment of who got murdered, it was that unmemorable, and there is no real investigation by any party. What we get instead are quaint scene settings of Lacetown denizens and places that add nothing to the story, and longer stretches of either Michael or Jazz thinking about the other, how lucky they are to have each other, missing each other after a few hours of separation (though that’s probably accurate of new lovers), but most egregious of all IMO is the out of character portrayal of their sex lives. I don’t like doing spoilers so all I’ll say is that the last thing I expected in a story that otherwise reads like a cozy, with almost cartoonish villains, was spanking. To me it didn’t ring true but maybe I’m wrong.
I still like Michael & Jazz very much, and I’ll probably read the next one in hopes this volume was a fluke, they deserve better. As usual YMMV.
February 27, 2020
Another fun small town mystery. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. The characters were diverse and relatable, the suspense was mild but the pace very steady. I enjoyed MCs and how organically their relationship developed. There was a bit of angst, personal issues that Jazz and Micheal had to work through in order to get to their happy place as well as light humor and a bit of suspense.
Call me morbid but I liked the mortuary and all the day to day goings on. It was fascinating. Michael was in his element and I admired his work ethics, but it got even better when Jazz came to help. Those two treated their clients with such care and respect, I liked that.
The mystery was fine and I guessed the culprit halfway through the book. But I enjoyed Jazz and Michael's short bouts of amateur sleuthing nonetheless. They were so cute and obvious while doing it! This book, told from multiple POVs, was equal parts steamy, sweet, fun and suspenseful. I am glad to say that both Michael and Jazz were very happy when it ended. I wonder if the authors are going to bring them back to solve another case in their small scenic murder town. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
Call me morbid but I liked the mortuary and all the day to day goings on. It was fascinating. Michael was in his element and I admired his work ethics, but it got even better when Jazz came to help. Those two treated their clients with such care and respect, I liked that.
The mystery was fine and I guessed the culprit halfway through the book. But I enjoyed Jazz and Michael's short bouts of amateur sleuthing nonetheless. They were so cute and obvious while doing it! This book, told from multiple POVs, was equal parts steamy, sweet, fun and suspenseful. I am glad to say that both Michael and Jazz were very happy when it ended. I wonder if the authors are going to bring them back to solve another case in their small scenic murder town. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review.
September 4, 2020
4.25 stars
dnf
May 3, 2025DNF @ 34%
I was lukewarm on the first book in this series, but thought it was promising enough to get the second one. But at a third of a way through this, there's been no sleuthing, the MCs are flat and not engaging (it probably also didn't help I remembered nothing about these characters from the first book), and the parts that were supposed to be funny just were not funny. Then there's a random POV of the supposed villain, which I ended up skipping because 1) he was annoying and gross, and 2) mysteries read better when you don't know what the suspect is doing, funnily enough. And from my review of the first book, if this works the same as that one did, that means good old Norbert isn't the whodunit and I don't need to spend more time with him than necessary. Oh, and there was a sex scene that I also skipped. I remember not being wowed by the sex scenes and skipping most of them in the first one, and the start of this one didn't look any more promising. 🤷🏻♀️
Still, tons of reviewers enjoyed this one, so maybe give it a whirl if you liked the first one.
I was lukewarm on the first book in this series, but thought it was promising enough to get the second one. But at a third of a way through this, there's been no sleuthing, the MCs are flat and not engaging (it probably also didn't help I remembered nothing about these characters from the first book), and the parts that were supposed to be funny just were not funny. Then there's a random POV of the supposed villain, which I ended up skipping because 1) he was annoying and gross, and 2) mysteries read better when you don't know what the suspect is doing, funnily enough. And from my review of the first book, if this works the same as that one did, that means good old Norbert isn't the whodunit and I don't need to spend more time with him than necessary. Oh, and there was a sex scene that I also skipped. I remember not being wowed by the sex scenes and skipping most of them in the first one, and the start of this one didn't look any more promising. 🤷🏻♀️
Still, tons of reviewers enjoyed this one, so maybe give it a whirl if you liked the first one.
June 12, 2022
This is the second book in this series. Not exactly a stand alone. You need to read the first book to know what happened in the past.
Michael and Jazz probably had a tendency to attract murders in their life.
Or maybe it's just an old problem need to be solved.
I enjoyed this one as much as the previous one. I think the plot was more deeper than the other one.
A lot things happened. But I really like a not too serious heroes when it comes to murder case . It soothes the tension a little bit.
Michael and Jazz were stronger in their relationship, maybe we need to read some more about them in the future.
Michael and Jazz probably had a tendency to attract murders in their life.
Or maybe it's just an old problem need to be solved.
I enjoyed this one as much as the previous one. I think the plot was more deeper than the other one.
A lot things happened. But I really like a not too serious heroes when it comes to murder case . It soothes the tension a little bit.
Michael and Jazz were stronger in their relationship, maybe we need to read some more about them in the future.
March 17, 2020
If you guys love murder mysteries, this is the series for you. Although, I do need to warn reader, if you have any triggers, there are some in this book. Severe homophobia, hate crime murders, religious hate, and other stuff. It gets kind of nasty at some points, so be careful if it’s an issue for you.
For me, I am in love with this series. I knew something was up with some of these people, but I had no clue how these twists were going to turn out. It was a complete surprise and I am excited that I’ve gotten to read this series. It’s amazing.
Jazz and Michael still really haven’t recovered from the last murders and who all was involved. But they are still trying to make their way forward. Until one date night, they see a ‘blast from the past’ that brings everything back to the front. And not in a good way. They are both trying to move on from it all, but when a murder ends up in Michael’s place of business, it starts a string of events that almost make them look like suspects, and the trying to find out who is really behind it all. Which means Jazz needs to make a visit he doesn’t want to. But as things keep moving on, they are finding out things aren’t adding up, and the people involved aren’t who they claim to be. And now they need to get to the bottom of things, before Jazz or Michael end up dead themselves.
I feel for these two. Jazz, I think a little more. Even though the events of the last murders and everything from the last book, involved them both, Jazz was involved in a different way. And still is. But hopefully not for long. And with the way the murderer is trying to play things now, it’s just making it worse. But when they are targeted for the murder sites, it just keeps bringing things back to them that they’d rather forget. And for Jazz, he feels like he’s done nothing but bring bad into Michael’s life. The guilt, the PTSD, all of it is causing some major issues they need to deal with. And once again, communication is the key. Until Jazz can open up and really admit how he feels, it’s going to keep getting harder on him. I hate it too, because he doesn’t deserve it. Neither does Michael. What they have is special and rare and they need to hold on to it tight and let nothing try to break it up. And hopefully, it will continue to be that way.
This series is so so so good. I can’t wait to see what comes up next. These two crack me up with their sleuthing skills. And what’s good about this series, is that even though it is a murder mystery, it’s fun too. In some ways. Jazz alone makes it hilarious with his personality. You guys really need to try this series out.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
For me, I am in love with this series. I knew something was up with some of these people, but I had no clue how these twists were going to turn out. It was a complete surprise and I am excited that I’ve gotten to read this series. It’s amazing.
Jazz and Michael still really haven’t recovered from the last murders and who all was involved. But they are still trying to make their way forward. Until one date night, they see a ‘blast from the past’ that brings everything back to the front. And not in a good way. They are both trying to move on from it all, but when a murder ends up in Michael’s place of business, it starts a string of events that almost make them look like suspects, and the trying to find out who is really behind it all. Which means Jazz needs to make a visit he doesn’t want to. But as things keep moving on, they are finding out things aren’t adding up, and the people involved aren’t who they claim to be. And now they need to get to the bottom of things, before Jazz or Michael end up dead themselves.
I feel for these two. Jazz, I think a little more. Even though the events of the last murders and everything from the last book, involved them both, Jazz was involved in a different way. And still is. But hopefully not for long. And with the way the murderer is trying to play things now, it’s just making it worse. But when they are targeted for the murder sites, it just keeps bringing things back to them that they’d rather forget. And for Jazz, he feels like he’s done nothing but bring bad into Michael’s life. The guilt, the PTSD, all of it is causing some major issues they need to deal with. And once again, communication is the key. Until Jazz can open up and really admit how he feels, it’s going to keep getting harder on him. I hate it too, because he doesn’t deserve it. Neither does Michael. What they have is special and rare and they need to hold on to it tight and let nothing try to break it up. And hopefully, it will continue to be that way.
This series is so so so good. I can’t wait to see what comes up next. These two crack me up with their sleuthing skills. And what’s good about this series, is that even though it is a murder mystery, it’s fun too. In some ways. Jazz alone makes it hilarious with his personality. You guys really need to try this series out.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 30, 2022
oh this was such a great second book in this series - I can't wait to get my hands on (hopefully soon be published) next book.
technically this can be read as a stand-alone but I think it makes much more sense to read these books in order, as the same couple are always the MCs.
In this second book in this series we get to see the development of Jazz and Michaels relationship and I loved that it did exactly that. we see the insecurities, the coming to term with their feelings, their realisation, that they have now a person to lean on. soooo many feelings and I absolutely loved it.
the mystery was also well done. honestly, I did not expect this developement but it fit and I really liked how the clues came up.
I love the secondary characters and I have to say that the Sheriff really grows on me. I think he is a fantastic supporting character for this series
there are several clues, which hint on a next book and possible developments. So I really hope,that we get another one in this series.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
technically this can be read as a stand-alone but I think it makes much more sense to read these books in order, as the same couple are always the MCs.
In this second book in this series we get to see the development of Jazz and Michaels relationship and I loved that it did exactly that. we see the insecurities, the coming to term with their feelings, their realisation, that they have now a person to lean on. soooo many feelings and I absolutely loved it.
the mystery was also well done. honestly, I did not expect this developement but it fit and I really liked how the clues came up.
I love the secondary characters and I have to say that the Sheriff really grows on me. I think he is a fantastic supporting character for this series
there are several clues, which hint on a next book and possible developments. So I really hope,that we get another one in this series.
an ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
March 19, 2020
Complex murder mystery with suspense, humor and lots of the unexpected. I enjoyed this story-line and found the mystey to keep my attention. I am really enjoying the MC's and supporting characters of this series. The writing is good and the pacing is spot on. A few places really had me on the edge of my seat. This story really showed how twisted and sick some folks motivations are as they plot murder.
Jazz and Michael continue to grow closer in this book and i really love how Jazz learns to let Michael care for him. Trust and love are beautiful on these guys.
This is book two of the Lacetown Murder Mysteries series and i recommend reading book one before you read this book for maximum enjoyment.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Jazz and Michael continue to grow closer in this book and i really love how Jazz learns to let Michael care for him. Trust and love are beautiful on these guys.
This is book two of the Lacetown Murder Mysteries series and i recommend reading book one before you read this book for maximum enjoyment.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
March 19, 2020
Everyday detectives
It’s never dull in Lacetown. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. The authors excel at making you think you know exactly who the culprit is but then throw in twists and turns arise that blow your deductions to smithereens. On the personal side of things, Jazz and Michael are still their wonderful, sexy selves and are navigating their way through their deepening relationship. Along the way, they encounter some unexpected ups and downs. It made me happy seeing them grow closer and work together in all aspects of their lives. They make an amazing team and I love their conversations, which are hilarious and enlightening. I think there are still more mysteries afoot in this town and hope to visit our fantastic detective duo again soon.
It’s never dull in Lacetown. I really enjoyed the mystery in this book. The authors excel at making you think you know exactly who the culprit is but then throw in twists and turns arise that blow your deductions to smithereens. On the personal side of things, Jazz and Michael are still their wonderful, sexy selves and are navigating their way through their deepening relationship. Along the way, they encounter some unexpected ups and downs. It made me happy seeing them grow closer and work together in all aspects of their lives. They make an amazing team and I love their conversations, which are hilarious and enlightening. I think there are still more mysteries afoot in this town and hope to visit our fantastic detective duo again soon.
October 21, 2020
I actually liked this episode better than the first. The murderer was so obvious looking back but the author's red herrings had me going in a different direction. The choice of murder weapon was very clever. Lacetown and it's inhabitants are growing on me. If there is a book 3 I wonder if it will be about a serial killer at the rest home which the author has already set up and given an obvious first suspect. The death toll there seems to be rising without the help of Covid-19.
May 6, 2021
Michael and Jazz are back a few months after the events in Murder Most Lovely. I enjoyed this book for the most part. I felt like the mystery part was a bit weak in comparison but really liked the growing relationship between Michael and Jazz. There were times were the disparate writing styles of the two different authors didn't seem to mesh. I hope that there will be another story in the series.
June 16, 2020
Two months have past and they are already in the middle of another murder. Recommend reading the first book, as it’s history is a major factor to this story. And I’m still puzzled as to how the murderer got the body from the murder scene to breaking into the hearse at the funeral pallor without anyone seeing. Oh, well. Jazz starts playing mental games and stresses out, but his snark is deadly and just plain mean when stressed. Not sure I like that. Outside of those stressed times, his remarks are funny. Overall, I love Jazz and Michael and all the wacky characters in this little town. And who can resist Mr Pickles!
February 28, 2020
This is almost two books in one. The first book is the murder mystery. A cozy that involves a serial killer, a double murder, an attempted murder, and more. The second story is the romance between Michael and Jazz—new to them, and very hot. Note: I would categorize this as an erotic romance. It’s well done, but the frequency and steaminess of the encounters are definitely not for the “sweet” romance types. The mystery part is really good with multiple suspects and red herrings throughout. There’s also a satisfying ending that makes it a good read.
What I liked: The characters, especially Michael and Jazz. And Misty. And Musgrave. And Kitty. And… well, let’s just say the characters were very well done. I also loved the cat! The murderer works out nicely with the clues given. Although it’s obviously the second of a series, there were enough clues for you to know what happened in the first book and how it affected Jazz and Michael. And there’s a HEA ending that satisfies.
What I didn’t like: Okay, there were a few things. This is obviously the second in a series that will continue. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there were more than a few threads left dangling which was frustrating. I’d love to know what the other coroner (Michael’s enemy) was allergic to. Was it the cat? We’re never quite told. The thread with Jazz and Russell hasn’t been tied up so I assume we’ll see more of that in books to follow.
Recommendation: I’d recommend you read the first book in the series first. But…that being said, you don’t *have* to in order to follow this story. But be forewarned that there are a lot of erotic sex scenes. This is a cozy mystery that gets extremely cozy.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book.
What I liked: The characters, especially Michael and Jazz. And Misty. And Musgrave. And Kitty. And… well, let’s just say the characters were very well done. I also loved the cat! The murderer works out nicely with the clues given. Although it’s obviously the second of a series, there were enough clues for you to know what happened in the first book and how it affected Jazz and Michael. And there’s a HEA ending that satisfies.
What I didn’t like: Okay, there were a few things. This is obviously the second in a series that will continue. There’s nothing wrong with that, but there were more than a few threads left dangling which was frustrating. I’d love to know what the other coroner (Michael’s enemy) was allergic to. Was it the cat? We’re never quite told. The thread with Jazz and Russell hasn’t been tied up so I assume we’ll see more of that in books to follow.
Recommendation: I’d recommend you read the first book in the series first. But…that being said, you don’t *have* to in order to follow this story. But be forewarned that there are a lot of erotic sex scenes. This is a cozy mystery that gets extremely cozy.
Thanks to the publisher for providing this book.
March 19, 2020
This is the second book in a series and you really need to read book one (Murder Most Lovely) first in order to fully appreciate the story here.
This book picks up a couple months after the events in book one. Michael and Jazz are still going strong, their relationship getting more serious. There’s another festival in town and then a dead body turns up at Michael’s funeral home…one that isn’t supposed to be there.
The mystery here is intriguing and there are some good red herrings that really throw the reader off. Just as you think you have it figured out there’s a twist and you’re second guessing yourself. The villain is not easily determined.
In between the murder investigations the book slows down though and at points I nearly lost interest. 3.5 stars...There is a lot of “woe is me” self reflection crap that made me impatient with both MCs. It got pretty old after a while. I felt that it weighed the story down and could have done with some more selective editing. Additionally I did some skimming through the sex scenes as they got to be a bit much as well. I don’t mind some hot and heavy steam but I like it to serve the story, not take away from it. Here the scenes often seemed gratuitous to me and I didn’t feel like they all contributed to the storyline.
The secondary characters again enliven the story. There is some foreshadowing for what I am guessing the next murder case will be. I just hope we’ll get more mystery and less whiny inner monologue.
*I voluntarily read an ARC, and this is my objective review *
This book picks up a couple months after the events in book one. Michael and Jazz are still going strong, their relationship getting more serious. There’s another festival in town and then a dead body turns up at Michael’s funeral home…one that isn’t supposed to be there.
The mystery here is intriguing and there are some good red herrings that really throw the reader off. Just as you think you have it figured out there’s a twist and you’re second guessing yourself. The villain is not easily determined.
In between the murder investigations the book slows down though and at points I nearly lost interest. 3.5 stars...There is a lot of “woe is me” self reflection crap that made me impatient with both MCs. It got pretty old after a while. I felt that it weighed the story down and could have done with some more selective editing. Additionally I did some skimming through the sex scenes as they got to be a bit much as well. I don’t mind some hot and heavy steam but I like it to serve the story, not take away from it. Here the scenes often seemed gratuitous to me and I didn’t feel like they all contributed to the storyline.
The secondary characters again enliven the story. There is some foreshadowing for what I am guessing the next murder case will be. I just hope we’ll get more mystery and less whiny inner monologue.
*I voluntarily read an ARC, and this is my objective review *
August 16, 2021
I think after the first book I have come more to terms with how Michael and Jazz think and what drives them. I just can’t understand why the men in these books are always eaten alive by their pasts and not concentrating on the good things they could have in their futures. Anyway...the sheriff is becoming one of the best characters in this series. He is a hoot! The mysteries in the first book as well as in this one are very good. This one had a surprising end and kept me reading. I finished it in one sitting which isn’t unusual but I usually try to drag it out with characters that I really like.
March 21, 2020
"Murder Most Deserving" is the second volume of "Lacetown Murder Mysteries" series written by Hank Edwards and Deanna Wadsworth. While reading the previous part the reader focused mainly on Michael, or at least that how it was in my case, in this installment it's Jazz who clearly comes to the fore. I really like the fact that the authors creating him in this book put a great emphasis on his psyche. Thanks to this, we really have the opportunity to get to know him better, we can see what he hides under the surface of his cheerfulness, jokes, energy. In short, we get to know his heart. That way the authors also reveal and show us his worries, uncertainties and doubts. All this makes Jazz closer to us, and as a result, our love for him is even deeper than before. I admit that in his case, just as in Michael's, we also see a large amount of innocence that makes us go weak at the knees and makes Jazz the character worth continuing our adventure with this series.
Another huge advantage of "Murder Most Deserving" is our characters' relationship. The authors present and build it in such a wonderful way that the reader falls completely in love with it. We have two wonderful characters who are made for each other, who are a perfect match. But the most important thing in their relationship is the fact that they match because they both can offer each other something the other person needs. The reader really sees how their souls intertwine in perfect harmony. Imagine two dragons that twine around each other in a loving embrace. This is the picture of Jazz and Michael's love and relationship. That's the image we see in our minds when we read "Murder Most Deserving". To be honest, I have read many novels with well-built and greatly shown relationships, but I have not come across such perfection in a long time. Jazz and Michael's dynamic is really inspiring, it fills us with optimism and positive feelings, even in a situation when bad things happen in their lives. Wow!
As for the plot of this volume, it also deserves our attention. First of all, because this time the combination of crime, slice of life theme and romantic plot is enriched with a strongly psychological vibe. On the one hand, it results from Jazz's personal problems, on the other, from murder, and there is also the problem of hatred, homophobia, and abuse. In short, this volume is even better than the previous one, it affects the reader even more, reaches deeper into our souls, moves us deeper. Believe me, after reading this novel you'll want much more, you'll want the authors to write the next part as soon as possible. Even more so because reading "Murder Most Deserving" we start to think about some of the events shown in the novel, we come up with our own "conspiracy theories." This novel you'll remember for a long time.
To sum up, "Murder Most Deserving" is a really wonderful novel, which boast interesting, suspenseful plot, excellent characters and relationship between the main two protagonists that is shown even better than before. I fell in love with this novel and I am sure that you will also fall head over heels for it.
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„Murder Most Deserving” to drugi tom serii „Lacetown Murder Mysteries” autorstwa Hanka Edwardsa, Deanny Wadsworth. O ile w poprzedniej części czytelnik w głównej mierze skupiał się na Michaelu, a przynajmniej tak było w moim przypadku, o tyle czytając tę odsłonę bezsprzecznie na pierwszy plan wysuwa się Jazz. Ogromnie spodobało mi się to, że autorzy kreując go w tej odsłonie położyli duży nacisk na jego psychikę. Dzięki temu naprawdę mamy okazję dobrze go poznać. Dowiadujemy się jaki jest pod powierzchnią swojej wesołości, żartów, energii. Mówiąc krótko, poznajemy jego serce. Autorzy odkrywają przed nami także jego zmartwienia, niepewności, wątpliwości. To wszystko sprawia, że Jazz staje się nam bliższy, a co za tym idzie, nasza miłość względem niego się pogłębia. Przyznaję, że w jego przypadku, podobnie jak wcześniej u Michaela, również zauważamy duże pokłady pewnej niewinności, która nas rozbraja i sprawia, że Jazz staje się bohaterem, dla którego pragniemy kontynuować naszą przygodę z tą serią.
Kolejną ogromną zaletą „Murder Most Deserving” jest związek naszych bohaterów. Autorzy przedstawiają go i budują w tak cudowny sposób, że czytelnik zakochuje się w nim bez pamięci. Mamy bowiem dwóch cudownych bohaterów, którzy są dla siebie stworzeni i doskonale do siebie pasują. Co jednak w ich związku najważniejsze, pasują do siebie ponieważ obaj mają sobie nawzajem do zaoferowania dokładnie to, czego potrzebuje ta druga osoba. Czytelnik naprawdę widzi, jak ich dusze splatają się ze sobą w pełnej harmonii. Wyobraźcie sobie dwa smoki splecione ze sobą w miłosnym uścisku. Właśnie taki obraz miłości i związku Jazza i Michaela pojawia się w naszej wyobraźni, kiedy czytamy „Murder Most Deserving”. Czytałam wiele powieści, w których pojawiały się doskonale budowane i ukazane związki, ale od dawna nie trafiłam na taką perfekcję. To, co jest między Jazzem i Michaelem jest dla nas natchnieniem, napawa nas optymizmem i pozytywnymi uczuciami, nawet w sytuacji, kiedy w ich życiu źle się dzieje. Wow!
Jeśli zaś chodzi o fabułę tego tomu to również zasługuje ona na uwagę. Przede wszystkim dlatego, że tym razem połączenie wątku kryminalnego, w pewnym stopniu obyczajowego i romansu zostaje okraszone silnie psychologicznym klimatem. Z jednej strony wynika on z problemów osobistych Jazza, z drugiej z morderstwa, a do tego dochodzi jeszcze problem nienawiści, homofobii, znęcania się. Mówiąc krótko, ten tom jest jeszcze lepszy od poprzedniego, jeszcze mocniej oddziałuje na czytelnika, dociera głębiej, porusza mocniej. Wierzcie mi, po przeczytaniu tej powieści będziecie chcieli więcej, będziecie marzyć o tym aby autorzy jak najszybciej napisali kolejną część. Tym bardziej, że czytając „Murder Most Deserving” czytelnik zaczyna zastanawiać się nad pewnymi wydarzeniami tam przedstawionymi, snuje swoje własne „teorie spiskowe”. Ta powieść naprawdę nie pozwoli Wam o sobie zapomnieć przez długi czas.
Podsumowując, „Murder Most Deserving” to powieść naprawdę cudowna, która może pochwalić się interesującą, trzymającą w napięciu fabułą, doskonałymi bohaterami i jeszcze lepiej niż wcześniej ukazanym związkiem naszej głównej dwójki. Ja zakochałam się w tej powieści i jestem pewna, że Wy również stracicie dla niej głowę.
Another huge advantage of "Murder Most Deserving" is our characters' relationship. The authors present and build it in such a wonderful way that the reader falls completely in love with it. We have two wonderful characters who are made for each other, who are a perfect match. But the most important thing in their relationship is the fact that they match because they both can offer each other something the other person needs. The reader really sees how their souls intertwine in perfect harmony. Imagine two dragons that twine around each other in a loving embrace. This is the picture of Jazz and Michael's love and relationship. That's the image we see in our minds when we read "Murder Most Deserving". To be honest, I have read many novels with well-built and greatly shown relationships, but I have not come across such perfection in a long time. Jazz and Michael's dynamic is really inspiring, it fills us with optimism and positive feelings, even in a situation when bad things happen in their lives. Wow!
As for the plot of this volume, it also deserves our attention. First of all, because this time the combination of crime, slice of life theme and romantic plot is enriched with a strongly psychological vibe. On the one hand, it results from Jazz's personal problems, on the other, from murder, and there is also the problem of hatred, homophobia, and abuse. In short, this volume is even better than the previous one, it affects the reader even more, reaches deeper into our souls, moves us deeper. Believe me, after reading this novel you'll want much more, you'll want the authors to write the next part as soon as possible. Even more so because reading "Murder Most Deserving" we start to think about some of the events shown in the novel, we come up with our own "conspiracy theories." This novel you'll remember for a long time.
To sum up, "Murder Most Deserving" is a really wonderful novel, which boast interesting, suspenseful plot, excellent characters and relationship between the main two protagonists that is shown even better than before. I fell in love with this novel and I am sure that you will also fall head over heels for it.
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„Murder Most Deserving” to drugi tom serii „Lacetown Murder Mysteries” autorstwa Hanka Edwardsa, Deanny Wadsworth. O ile w poprzedniej części czytelnik w głównej mierze skupiał się na Michaelu, a przynajmniej tak było w moim przypadku, o tyle czytając tę odsłonę bezsprzecznie na pierwszy plan wysuwa się Jazz. Ogromnie spodobało mi się to, że autorzy kreując go w tej odsłonie położyli duży nacisk na jego psychikę. Dzięki temu naprawdę mamy okazję dobrze go poznać. Dowiadujemy się jaki jest pod powierzchnią swojej wesołości, żartów, energii. Mówiąc krótko, poznajemy jego serce. Autorzy odkrywają przed nami także jego zmartwienia, niepewności, wątpliwości. To wszystko sprawia, że Jazz staje się nam bliższy, a co za tym idzie, nasza miłość względem niego się pogłębia. Przyznaję, że w jego przypadku, podobnie jak wcześniej u Michaela, również zauważamy duże pokłady pewnej niewinności, która nas rozbraja i sprawia, że Jazz staje się bohaterem, dla którego pragniemy kontynuować naszą przygodę z tą serią.
Kolejną ogromną zaletą „Murder Most Deserving” jest związek naszych bohaterów. Autorzy przedstawiają go i budują w tak cudowny sposób, że czytelnik zakochuje się w nim bez pamięci. Mamy bowiem dwóch cudownych bohaterów, którzy są dla siebie stworzeni i doskonale do siebie pasują. Co jednak w ich związku najważniejsze, pasują do siebie ponieważ obaj mają sobie nawzajem do zaoferowania dokładnie to, czego potrzebuje ta druga osoba. Czytelnik naprawdę widzi, jak ich dusze splatają się ze sobą w pełnej harmonii. Wyobraźcie sobie dwa smoki splecione ze sobą w miłosnym uścisku. Właśnie taki obraz miłości i związku Jazza i Michaela pojawia się w naszej wyobraźni, kiedy czytamy „Murder Most Deserving”. Czytałam wiele powieści, w których pojawiały się doskonale budowane i ukazane związki, ale od dawna nie trafiłam na taką perfekcję. To, co jest między Jazzem i Michaelem jest dla nas natchnieniem, napawa nas optymizmem i pozytywnymi uczuciami, nawet w sytuacji, kiedy w ich życiu źle się dzieje. Wow!
Jeśli zaś chodzi o fabułę tego tomu to również zasługuje ona na uwagę. Przede wszystkim dlatego, że tym razem połączenie wątku kryminalnego, w pewnym stopniu obyczajowego i romansu zostaje okraszone silnie psychologicznym klimatem. Z jednej strony wynika on z problemów osobistych Jazza, z drugiej z morderstwa, a do tego dochodzi jeszcze problem nienawiści, homofobii, znęcania się. Mówiąc krótko, ten tom jest jeszcze lepszy od poprzedniego, jeszcze mocniej oddziałuje na czytelnika, dociera głębiej, porusza mocniej. Wierzcie mi, po przeczytaniu tej powieści będziecie chcieli więcej, będziecie marzyć o tym aby autorzy jak najszybciej napisali kolejną część. Tym bardziej, że czytając „Murder Most Deserving” czytelnik zaczyna zastanawiać się nad pewnymi wydarzeniami tam przedstawionymi, snuje swoje własne „teorie spiskowe”. Ta powieść naprawdę nie pozwoli Wam o sobie zapomnieć przez długi czas.
Podsumowując, „Murder Most Deserving” to powieść naprawdę cudowna, która może pochwalić się interesującą, trzymającą w napięciu fabułą, doskonałymi bohaterami i jeszcze lepiej niż wcześniej ukazanym związkiem naszej głównej dwójki. Ja zakochałam się w tej powieści i jestem pewna, że Wy również stracicie dla niej głowę.
March 17, 2020
I really enjoyed Jazz and Michael before and was happy to see their story continue. I loved how easy they were together and happy but it seems there is always something to get them stressed out. Again, someone targets them but man o man is it not who I expected.
And while I liked this story I couldn’t help but feel there were still a few loose ends and maybe one or two will be tied up in another book.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
And while I liked this story I couldn’t help but feel there were still a few loose ends and maybe one or two will be tied up in another book.
I received a copy of this book and am giving an honest review.
March 14, 2021
A fairly decent follow-up mystery starring 'Mr Popular' Jazz and his 'Master Mortician' boyfriend Michael as they're dragged into investigating a string of nasty deaths that look like a serial killer is going amok in the sleepy but deceptively named 'Lacetown' amidst yet another town festival.
July 6, 2022
Reviewed for Love Bytes = 2.5 hearts
A music festival is in town. Events take a sinister turn when, before long, a body ends up in Michael’s hearse that wasn’t meant to be there. Unfortunately, everyone in town seems a suspect as they all have six degrees of separation from Russell, Michael, Jazz and the previously murdered Dylan from book one.
Now then, the blurb for this book gives the game away for the ending of the previous book – which may have affected my reading pleasure, as I received both manuscripts for review simultaneously. However, having read the story, it was possible to keep the enigma going without mentioning Russell in the blurb – which left me confused.
Murder Most Deserving was a book that I desperately wanted to like more. However, I found it to be a story of extremes and somewhat messy, which some readers may like. But, something about this story simply didn’t click with me. Nevertheless, there were parts that I liked, others that annoyed me, and bits that confused me.
I will attempt to explain but may fail.
On the positive side: -
There were plenty of suspects, misdirection and misinterpretation, and an eclectic range of characters, from the religiously obsessed to the full-of-lifers. Some character relationship developments were amusing. Grandpa was always a welcome addition to any scene, and I wished he had more airtime. Hilton’s experiences with his growing up daughter. The story contains some details I haven’t read before – so different is good. Can be read as a standalone, although reading it as a series would give more insight. I liked that the drama was show and not tell, as I could live it along with the characters.
Parts that I wasn’t overly keen on: -
The inept police department didn’t seem as though they did any investigating. They only repeated, ‘everyone’s a suspect until Sheriff Musgrave says they aren’t.’ Almost everyone in town can be seen as a suspect, which was too many for me, especially with all the misdirections. Clues fell into laps rather than being an investigated process, and only Michael or Jazz seemed to uncover anything. Multiple viewpoints added to the confusion as there was enough misdirection without them. Initially, lots of mutual appreciation and expressions of luck were good, but then they were overused, decreasing their effectiveness. Some of the humor was from the early eighties and somewhat offensive.
The blurb says that the relationship between Michael and Jazz is stronger than ever, but then the sub-text throws in all sorts of personal doubts. To some extent overthinking is expected given the circumstances, but I wasn’t prepared for the volume of uncertainty – It was a case of I’m lucky to have him, but…
What had me confused: -
There was a lot of everything, mounting into a jumble of a mystery that the police seemed to have no hand in solving. So many questions and precious few answers until the end. For me, too much needed answering before the balloon popped and everything suddenly got straightened out, and then I had a WTF moment. I had to wonder if everything that needed answers got them. Maybe this breed of story is simply one my brain can’t comprehend and, instead, is a piece of genius. Then again - if I am feeling like this – others will too.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
A music festival is in town. Events take a sinister turn when, before long, a body ends up in Michael’s hearse that wasn’t meant to be there. Unfortunately, everyone in town seems a suspect as they all have six degrees of separation from Russell, Michael, Jazz and the previously murdered Dylan from book one.
Now then, the blurb for this book gives the game away for the ending of the previous book – which may have affected my reading pleasure, as I received both manuscripts for review simultaneously. However, having read the story, it was possible to keep the enigma going without mentioning Russell in the blurb – which left me confused.
Murder Most Deserving was a book that I desperately wanted to like more. However, I found it to be a story of extremes and somewhat messy, which some readers may like. But, something about this story simply didn’t click with me. Nevertheless, there were parts that I liked, others that annoyed me, and bits that confused me.
I will attempt to explain but may fail.
On the positive side: -
There were plenty of suspects, misdirection and misinterpretation, and an eclectic range of characters, from the religiously obsessed to the full-of-lifers. Some character relationship developments were amusing. Grandpa was always a welcome addition to any scene, and I wished he had more airtime. Hilton’s experiences with his growing up daughter. The story contains some details I haven’t read before – so different is good. Can be read as a standalone, although reading it as a series would give more insight. I liked that the drama was show and not tell, as I could live it along with the characters.
Parts that I wasn’t overly keen on: -
The inept police department didn’t seem as though they did any investigating. They only repeated, ‘everyone’s a suspect until Sheriff Musgrave says they aren’t.’ Almost everyone in town can be seen as a suspect, which was too many for me, especially with all the misdirections. Clues fell into laps rather than being an investigated process, and only Michael or Jazz seemed to uncover anything. Multiple viewpoints added to the confusion as there was enough misdirection without them. Initially, lots of mutual appreciation and expressions of luck were good, but then they were overused, decreasing their effectiveness. Some of the humor was from the early eighties and somewhat offensive.
The blurb says that the relationship between Michael and Jazz is stronger than ever, but then the sub-text throws in all sorts of personal doubts. To some extent overthinking is expected given the circumstances, but I wasn’t prepared for the volume of uncertainty – It was a case of I’m lucky to have him, but…
What had me confused: -
There was a lot of everything, mounting into a jumble of a mystery that the police seemed to have no hand in solving. So many questions and precious few answers until the end. For me, too much needed answering before the balloon popped and everything suddenly got straightened out, and then I had a WTF moment. I had to wonder if everything that needed answers got them. Maybe this breed of story is simply one my brain can’t comprehend and, instead, is a piece of genius. Then again - if I am feeling like this – others will too.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
June 23, 2022
Review - 2nd edition.
I enjoyed the second of this small town murder mystery series. Already knowing the characters was an advantage, and I liked catching up with not just Michael and Jazz, but the others in their community. As this directly follows on from the first book, I’d recommend reading that one first.
I liked how far Michael and Jazz have come with their relationship since the events of the last book, although considering everything they’ve been through, Jazz’ fear that he’s leading Michael into danger by being with him is understandable. I love how Michael is still obsessed with murder mysteries, and how the podcast he listens to connects with this story. He’s sweet, caring and thoughtful, and I think he and Jazz are perfect together.
Norbert is even more unpleasant and slimy this time round, as is the self-righteous Misty’s cousin by marriage. Michael’s arch-nemesis is horrible! I loved Musgrave and his trying to understand his daughter, and failing. He’s turning into one of my favourite characters in this series. I love Joel, Michael’s grandfather too.
I liked the friendships between Michael and his employees, who feel more like family. The authors do a great job in capturing the feel of the cozy mystery genre.
I thought the murderer reveal was very clever as was how the crimes were committed, although the description of the murder weapon niggled at me a little, especially with the comparisons between it and something else which is made of a very different material. I liked the sprinkling of red herrings, which had me trying to guess the identity of the murderer.
I liked how there is still an ongoing something weird going on at the retirement village and I hope there’s another in this series so we can find out what, and catch up with Michael, Jazz, and the other inhabitants of Lacetown.
I enjoyed the second of this small town murder mystery series. Already knowing the characters was an advantage, and I liked catching up with not just Michael and Jazz, but the others in their community. As this directly follows on from the first book, I’d recommend reading that one first.
I liked how far Michael and Jazz have come with their relationship since the events of the last book, although considering everything they’ve been through, Jazz’ fear that he’s leading Michael into danger by being with him is understandable. I love how Michael is still obsessed with murder mysteries, and how the podcast he listens to connects with this story. He’s sweet, caring and thoughtful, and I think he and Jazz are perfect together.
Norbert is even more unpleasant and slimy this time round, as is the self-righteous Misty’s cousin by marriage. Michael’s arch-nemesis is horrible! I loved Musgrave and his trying to understand his daughter, and failing. He’s turning into one of my favourite characters in this series. I love Joel, Michael’s grandfather too.
I liked the friendships between Michael and his employees, who feel more like family. The authors do a great job in capturing the feel of the cozy mystery genre.
I thought the murderer reveal was very clever as was how the crimes were committed, although the description of the murder weapon niggled at me a little, especially with the comparisons between it and something else which is made of a very different material. I liked the sprinkling of red herrings, which had me trying to guess the identity of the murderer.
I liked how there is still an ongoing something weird going on at the retirement village and I hope there’s another in this series so we can find out what, and catch up with Michael, Jazz, and the other inhabitants of Lacetown.
July 1, 2022
Are we having fun yet? It's best to read the stories in order. Michael and Jazz are still happily mosying along. This time, there's a murder at Michael's funeral home. He is forced to recuse himself. Russell, Jazz's soon to be ex husband, has been dealth with, or so they thought. There are a lot of new people in town for the Acoustic Music Festival. A few of the performers and our Michael and Jazz, meet up at Gruff's for a meal. Gruff is a stand up guy who doesn't take any poo. Then Norbert, Russell's former publicist comes into Gruff's cafe and has an encounter with one of the performing groups. He surprises Michael and Jass with a bit of reveal of his history with one group of performers. The town hasn't seen so much excitement. There are murders scattered all over. The question of 'who done it' is fascinating and not as easy as you would think. Sheriff Hilton, is still providing his crack Sheriff Andy investigative skills. The cast of characters is fun and a bit creepy. Michael and Jazz, totally compliment each other. Russell is like a ghost floating around. This story has grusome moments and does not disappoint. Does Sheriff Hilton learn any lessons? Does the team start to jell with more experience? Is the killer a surprise? Good mystery. Great characters. Nicely done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2020
Another festival at Lacetown... another series of gruesome murders, and of course, Michael and Jazz are willing to help...
Trouble seems to follow Jazz and Michael wherever they go. At least, that's what Sheriff Musgrave thinks after finding yet another corpse in near proximity of these two. And it is not the only one. Soon, bodies pile up and it is clear that there is a murderer on the run... One who won't hesitate destroying everybody and everything that gets in his way...
The second instalment of the Lacetown Murder Mysteries is as crazy and entertaining as the first one. Jazz and Michael's relationship progresses smoothly, but they both have issues the have to work through before moving another step. Michael's insecurities and Jazz' problems assuming his ex is a heartless murderer are preventing them from move on. But a new mystery brings back the joy of chasing the murderer together. But also the dangers ...
There are new characters to add animation to the story, the murder also feels less convoluted and more rational... I am really looking forward what awaits in the future to these two very special characters
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trouble seems to follow Jazz and Michael wherever they go. At least, that's what Sheriff Musgrave thinks after finding yet another corpse in near proximity of these two. And it is not the only one. Soon, bodies pile up and it is clear that there is a murderer on the run... One who won't hesitate destroying everybody and everything that gets in his way...
The second instalment of the Lacetown Murder Mysteries is as crazy and entertaining as the first one. Jazz and Michael's relationship progresses smoothly, but they both have issues the have to work through before moving another step. Michael's insecurities and Jazz' problems assuming his ex is a heartless murderer are preventing them from move on. But a new mystery brings back the joy of chasing the murderer together. But also the dangers ...
There are new characters to add animation to the story, the murder also feels less convoluted and more rational... I am really looking forward what awaits in the future to these two very special characters
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
I thought this was a very satisfactory follow-up to book number one Murder Most Lovely. This is, at it's core, a cozy mystery with a strong romantic sub-plot. It's set in a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan, with a higher than usual propensity for murders that involve the two main characters, Michael and Jazz, and a cranky sheriff. All the boxes are checked.
What I enjoy about this one is how different Jazz and Michael's personalities are, and how well they mesh. There is the perfect amount of romantic angst without any Big Misunderstandings, and their both hedging around trying to navigate a new - and sincere - relationship.
Their relationship dance is nicely balanced by the supporting characters - Jazz's friend at the salon, Michael's "arch-nemesis" (a neighboring funeral director), and the various Lacetown residents.
This was a fun, engaging and quick read. Perfect for a commute, a rough day after work, or curling up inside during bad weather. I do recommend reading book one first to establish the setting and characters.
What I enjoy about this one is how different Jazz and Michael's personalities are, and how well they mesh. There is the perfect amount of romantic angst without any Big Misunderstandings, and their both hedging around trying to navigate a new - and sincere - relationship.
Their relationship dance is nicely balanced by the supporting characters - Jazz's friend at the salon, Michael's "arch-nemesis" (a neighboring funeral director), and the various Lacetown residents.
This was a fun, engaging and quick read. Perfect for a commute, a rough day after work, or curling up inside during bad weather. I do recommend reading book one first to establish the setting and characters.
July 1, 2022
An acoustic music festival arrives to town and with the influx of people comes murder. A body has been found inside the mortuary, because of that Michael excuses himself and invites his competition to work alongside the sheriff to solve the murder.
I have to say I had expectations about this book after reading Murder Most Lovely because it was my first book from these authors, usually books get better but to me, that didn't happen here. I was really annoyed with Jazz, it was like all the issues that people usually have before getting together with someone just exploted after they became more close. I felt like that part of the story was just not necessary, it felt like a filler instead of adding to the story. I was a fan of Michael this time around, I liked him in book 1 but I felt like he shined in this one. Overall this was an ok read for me.
I have to say I had expectations about this book after reading Murder Most Lovely because it was my first book from these authors, usually books get better but to me, that didn't happen here. I was really annoyed with Jazz, it was like all the issues that people usually have before getting together with someone just exploted after they became more close. I felt like that part of the story was just not necessary, it felt like a filler instead of adding to the story. I was a fan of Michael this time around, I liked him in book 1 but I felt like he shined in this one. Overall this was an ok read for me.
March 16, 2020
The Lacetown Murder Mysteries are well-written books with fully realized characters and world-building. There's no denying that the authors are masters at both planning and telling their stories. Their writing skills deserve 5 stars, no doubt. The romance portion of the story also deserves 5 stars, as I love Jazz and Michael together.
What I just didn't like about this book or the last was the mystery portion. It was just kind of boring and drawn out, much ado about nothing as it were, and I did a lot of skimming through it. I also wasn't crazy about the authors taking potshots at their reader demographic. Perhaps they do really find it strange that women enjoy m/m romance, but since it can't be denied that women make up most of their fan base, maybe they should pull back on that a bit?
At any rate, the book was just okay for me. I've read a lot of mystery in my life but I freely admit that it's not my favorite genre, so reader mileage will vary on this one I'm sure.
What I just didn't like about this book or the last was the mystery portion. It was just kind of boring and drawn out, much ado about nothing as it were, and I did a lot of skimming through it. I also wasn't crazy about the authors taking potshots at their reader demographic. Perhaps they do really find it strange that women enjoy m/m romance, but since it can't be denied that women make up most of their fan base, maybe they should pull back on that a bit?
At any rate, the book was just okay for me. I've read a lot of mystery in my life but I freely admit that it's not my favorite genre, so reader mileage will vary on this one I'm sure.
March 21, 2020
This author's Snowflakes and Song Lyrics was one of my favorite reads from last year. The romance was gentle yet hot and the secondary characters were very well drawn and distinct. Those same attributes are present here, but now combined with my favorite reading genre (tied with MM romance) the cozy mystery. I love that the two main characters don't have your usual jobs and Michael's job as mortician/coroner provides a rationale for how he would become involved in the murder. The two characters Michael and Jazz make a delightful couple, the villain and his motivation was a surprise and the way he got his comeuppance was most satisfying. These are less hard edged than the Paul Monroe series by A.P. Eisen or anything by Gregory Ashe and more in tune with Josh Lanyon's Secrets and Scrabble series or to come out of MM territory, the feel is similar to the Charlotte MacLeod mysteries. I will definitely be look forward to more in this series.
July 4, 2022
An awesome follow up to the “Murder Most Lovely” case in the “Lacetown Murder Mysteries” series! This one was very entertaining for me. I couldn’t stop devouring the pages…turning each page to find out whodunnit!!! I am so looking forward to LMM Case 3!!!! Authors, hint, hint!
This is Case 2 which features the awesome Michael Fleishman and Jasper “Jazz” Dilworth along with (gasp) Russel Withingham who was in jail for the murder in Case 1. This story centers on Lacetown’s Musical Festival so there are new characters along with the first body that was found at Michael’s mortuary. We are also introduced to Jazz’s beloved scooter, Beulah which transports Jazz and Michael all over the town trying to nab some suspicious characters. Throw in Sheriff Musgrave, a comical character for sure and you got a great story to read! Again, I’ll reiterate that it should be made into a TV Movie series for those who love M/M stories!
This is Case 2 which features the awesome Michael Fleishman and Jasper “Jazz” Dilworth along with (gasp) Russel Withingham who was in jail for the murder in Case 1. This story centers on Lacetown’s Musical Festival so there are new characters along with the first body that was found at Michael’s mortuary. We are also introduced to Jazz’s beloved scooter, Beulah which transports Jazz and Michael all over the town trying to nab some suspicious characters. Throw in Sheriff Musgrave, a comical character for sure and you got a great story to read! Again, I’ll reiterate that it should be made into a TV Movie series for those who love M/M stories!
February 21, 2020
I was so excited to go back to Lacetown with Jazz and Michael. While the two were ready to head into coupledom bliss, unfortunately their pasts continue to haunt them; and with a murderer loose in Lacetown again with what seems to be a personal vendetta agains the two, their relationship is being put to the test. Edwards and Wadsworth do a phenomenal job of intertwining the romance and the mystery to where both parts were compelling and kept me flipping through pages as quick as I could. I love how the mystery is written, there are so many red herrings that I completely fell for, and I was constantly guessing. The romance was equally amazing with a lot more completely dirty sexy times. If this is the end of the series, I will be extremely sad; but will definitely revisit these two books often.
March 10, 2020
Michael the mortician and Jazz the hair stylist walk into a greasy spoon (sounds like the start of a bad joke). That’s kind of where their story starts this time around though.
Seriously, they are very happy with their relationship and the fact that they are so incredibly sexually compatible. If nasty people and dead bodies would just quit interrupting their lives.
This was another twisty turny story. If it was set in an earlier timeframe I’d call it madcap. Really nice continuation of the character development. The detective aspect of the story didn’t take away from the steamy times between Michael and Jazz.
Even though Lacetown seems to have more than it’s fair share of deaths, this is basically a love story... with bodies, crazies being crazy, a to be ex from hell, and various small town problems that our heroes deftly handled.
I received an arc of this book.
Seriously, they are very happy with their relationship and the fact that they are so incredibly sexually compatible. If nasty people and dead bodies would just quit interrupting their lives.
This was another twisty turny story. If it was set in an earlier timeframe I’d call it madcap. Really nice continuation of the character development. The detective aspect of the story didn’t take away from the steamy times between Michael and Jazz.
Even though Lacetown seems to have more than it’s fair share of deaths, this is basically a love story... with bodies, crazies being crazy, a to be ex from hell, and various small town problems that our heroes deftly handled.
I received an arc of this book.
March 29, 2020
This is a terrific follow-up to Murder Most Lovely. Michael and Jazz are enjoying their growing relationship, and they are so good for each other. Their friends are always there for them, and even the sheriff is trying to be less of a jerk, at least some of the time.
As in book one, there is sadness mixed in with humor, and there is an engrossing murder mystery. I enjoyed every minute of this story, and I loved seeing Jazz and Michael grow even closer in the midst of fear and tragedy.
While I was very happy with how the mystery in this book was solved, I was also left anxious by another storyline that has only been hinted at so far. I need that mystery solved quickly, so I hope book three addresses that one directly. I will be first in line to read the next one. I am loving this town and its quirky characters, and I love Michael and Jazz!
As in book one, there is sadness mixed in with humor, and there is an engrossing murder mystery. I enjoyed every minute of this story, and I loved seeing Jazz and Michael grow even closer in the midst of fear and tragedy.
While I was very happy with how the mystery in this book was solved, I was also left anxious by another storyline that has only been hinted at so far. I need that mystery solved quickly, so I hope book three addresses that one directly. I will be first in line to read the next one. I am loving this town and its quirky characters, and I love Michael and Jazz!
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