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One for sorrow, two for spice triggers a game of three blind mice.

While vacationing in New England, PI Jax Diamond and his courageous canine partner, Ace, bite off more than they can chew when two small town deaths reveal two big time killers, and the locals don’t take too kindly to strangers.

Laura Graystone, Broadway star, auto expert, and Jax’s heartthrob, is once again front and center digging for clues while trying to ditch an old boyfriend. That is, until her brother becomes Jax’s prime suspect. Then all hell breaks loose, and Ace is left in the lurch, tracking down leads with his new sidekick, Susie.

A crazy duet of crimes sends Jax, Laura and Ace into a tailspin in small-town USA during the Roaring Twenties. Where no one is above the law, everyone is a suspect, and time is running out before the clock strikes one.

215 pages, ebook

Published September 20, 2022

62 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Gail Meath

21 books296 followers
Gail Meath is the author of the multi-award-winning Jax Diamond Mysteries, a fun 1920s series about wise-cracking PI Jax Diamond, his courageous German Shepherd partner, Ace, and Broadway star Laura Graystone, as they, along with a crazy group of friends, solve some of the toughest crimes in New York City. She is alternating that series with her new 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood mysteries series, Stone & Steele, starring Vivian Steele, a widow seeking justice, and Preston Stone, a playboy vigilante. As always, she blends the most lovable characters with a good, solid mystery.

Gail also has a list of other award-winning historical romances, westerns, and fictional biographies of true heroines. She lives in a small village in Upstate New York with her husband and their sweet Boston Terrier, and she spends loads of time with her grandchildren. Connect with Gail at www.gailmeath.com or Facebook @GailMeathAuthor.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Gail Meath.
Author 21 books296 followers
September 22, 2022
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
If you're a fan of whodunnit murder mysteries, you're going to have an absolute blast with Deuce: Jax Diamond Mysteries. Author Gail Meath takes readers through an intricate plot with interweaving twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The characters feel well-fleshed out, with distinct traits and personalities that create a compelling dynamic when they interact with each other. The realistic tone of the narrative heightens the stakes, and you will find yourself on the edge of your seat multiple times during the story. Jax, Laura, Tim, and Ace make a formidable team, and I can't wait to follow their next adventure. Recommended to murder mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Louise Bélanger.
Author 4 books113 followers
September 14, 2022
Deuce is the third book in the Jax Diamond Mysteries series. Jax, Laura and Ace are back to entertain us with a new aventure as they decide to take a vacation. What could go wrong? Right?

This is a cozy mystery set in the 1920s that has a multi-layered plot. So enjoyable, I found it the best in this series. A crazy duet of crimes is exactly that, as describe by this gifted author. Full of mystery, lovable heroes, and warm small-town folks. Some of the dialogues, situations, actions and descriptions will make you laugh. I truly enjoyed it, tremendously. I didn’t want it to end. And the best news is that this loveable trio will be back with 2 more books. I can’t wait. Bravo Gail!
149 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2022
The third installment in the Jax Diamond series, we find Jax and Laura travelling to Laura's home town of Millbury to visit her family. Of course, wherever Jax goes, his loyal companion and partner in crime-busting, Ace the German Shepherd, isn't too far away.

And of course wherever Jax goes evil seems to lurk and we soon find Jax, Ace and Laura surrounded by murder and mystery, into which they naturally get drawn. When the police hastily declare the case solved, Jax isn't convinced, so he and Laura continue in their quest to find the real answer. Of course nothing would be solved without Ace being an integral part of the team - I love Jax's conversations with Ace, if you didn't know better, you wouldn't know he is a dog!

This book carries the same "Bugsy Malone" 1920s theme/feel as the previous books in the series, and it was a delight to read. Looking forward to what comes next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Beverly Laude.
2,255 reviews45 followers
September 17, 2022
Jax Diamond is a private investigator based in New York City. When his girlfriend, Laura Graystone, invites him to go visit her hometown in New England, he expects a relaxing time, meeting Laura's family and seeing the place where she grew up. Instead, they find themselves involved in a series of violent crimes that seem to involve people close to Laura.

Jax also has a partner, Ace, who is a smart as a whip German Shepherd. The trio, along with Jax's former partner, Tim, try to discover who is committing crimes that seem to be more like those found in NYC rather than small town new England.

I have fallen in love with these characters and the author has really brought them to life. Her descriptions of small town America in the 1920's, along with the fashions and music, really adds a lot to this book. And, Ace is one of the best canine characters I have found in a long time!

I also enjoyed the fact that Ms. Meath put links to the songs she mentions in the book at the back so that the reader can have the added pleasure of watching and listening to them. I look forward to more adventures with Jax, Laura, and Ace and hope that the author keeps writing books in this series for a long time.

Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
February 15, 2023
Jax and Laura - and Ace - head home to Millbury to visit Laura's family, and to look into the untimely death of Laura's father, twelve years before.

Expecting a peaceful family visit, Jax isn't prepared to find a corpse the first time he takes Ace for a walk through the woods. Nor is he prepared for that corpse to disappear before the Sheriff and his obnoxious Deputy arrive.

Old fashioned superstitions and a few long dead bodies team up to take Jax, Ace, and crew on a merry chase to find the killer. Can they do it before someone else dies? You're going to love this one!

[I received a copy of this book from the author through Kindle Unlimited, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Deuce by Gail Meath is one of the selections in the 2023 Winter Games Reader Challenge. There are close to 50 entrants in several genres and anyone can participate. Check it out on Facebook!]
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,715 reviews50 followers
September 15, 2022
Deuce is Book 3 in the Jax Diamond Mysteries by Cail Mcalh. This is a very enjoyable series. Jax Diamond is a good main character, but, Ace his German shepherd is a fantastic partner! Jax, Tim, Ace along with Laura are going to Laura's home to look at her father's death. I found the mystery to be so good. I thought that the author wrote an outstanding story that was interesting and unfolded murder clues perfectly. Of course, Ace is the star with the "human" characters helping him. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
944 reviews9 followers
November 15, 2022
Another great mystery in the Jax Diamond series! As Jax, Ace, and Laura travel to Laura's hometown for some much needed R&R after their last adventure, danger, dead bodies, and oddities start appearing. What in the world? Not 1 murder but two?? Not much of a vacation for Laura and Jax as they become inundated with it all and Jax calls in his friend Murph for assistance. Suspicions abound, and secrets are revealed (hint: everything is not as it seems). I loved that amidst all the fast-paced danger, Jax's opinions and comments still contain that bit of humor that compels the reader to smile! And how sweet when Ace helps save his new little friend Susie! Combined with the twists and turns, Deuce is another great story by Ms. Meath. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
77 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2022
Laura takes Jax home

Ms. Meath wrote another fantastic "who done it." Jax , Ace, and Laura visit Laura's hometown.
A murder is discovered. Cab Jax convince the small town Police Cheif to let him help with the investigation?
Suddenly not one murder, but multiple murders have been identified.
Small town America, in the 20s was written charmingly.
Ms. Meath sets the stage so vividly you can almost smell the morning coffee.
I was gifted this book by the author. This review is unbiased.
I gave this book 5 stars. I absolutely loved this series
Profile Image for Mrs LIR Linda.
389 reviews13 followers
September 16, 2022
I have previously read the first 2 books in this series. The books can be read as a standalone - however I think that the enjoyment is heightened by the back story of the 3 main protagonists: Jax (a private detective with an orphan background), his dog ACE (the star - a German Shepard) and his girlfriend Laura (an upcoming Broadway star). The first two books were based in New York of the 1920s. This book moves away from New York to the small town upstate residence of Laura's family.

The historic details are superb. The characterization is engrossing and the mysteries (past and present) are well depicted. The addition of a 9 year old girl who is visiting her family in the same town is a bonus and the author captures the mannerisms and thoughts of the young girl brilliantly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
169 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2023
Very very nice

A nice, wholesome book that was also quite a good mystery. I really enjoyed reading this book and liked the characters, especially Ace. I would definitely recommend this book and author.
Profile Image for Bec.
238 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2022
It’s a sure bet that you’ll come out the winner when you read Gail Meath’s newest cozy historical murder mystery: “Deuce”.

Laura has her own agenda for returning to her home in Millbury, MA, as she wants to try and discover who may have actually murdered her father during an Independence Day car race when she was just eleven years old. Everyone said it was an accident, but Laura just can’t believe it. Her daddy was just too good of a driver.

The “Joker” card is revealed when Jax, Laura and Ace find themselves immersed in not one, but possibly two, small town murders. Someone wants to try and make Jax look like a fool, and before Jax can even unpack his suitcase, his canine partner, Ace, finds a dead body, practically in Laura’s backyard. But when Jax brings back the local sheriff, the body is nowhere to be found!

This sets up a whole bunch of twists and turns, and another murder or two just for good measure, that are all interspersed within the excellent historical settings of a New England town in 1923. You’ll feel the dust, the heat, smack off some mosquitoes, and pray you don’t end up with poison ivy as you chase after the clues. And it’s all happening over Millbury's Independence Day weekend of festivities.

As in Gail Meath’s first two Jax Diamond Mysteries books, “Songbird” and “Framed”, I was once again stumped as to “who done it” until the very end! I continue to be impressed with the historical accuracy of the time period Gail has chosen for this series. The romance between Jax and Laura is sweet, and the characters overall are engaging and will provide hours of good time reading fun and mystery.

As Ace would say, "Wolf! Wolf!" That's dog speak for "Once again… Well done Ms. Meath!"

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
292 reviews14 followers
September 18, 2022
Another thrilling story in Book 3 of the Jax Diamond Mysteries

After Jax, Laura, and Ace finish dealing with the stressful goings on in “Framed” they head off to Laura’s hometown of Millbury for a well earned rest.
Things don’t go to plan from the start, with Jax’s car breaking down, but they weather that storm easily enough, as both Laura & her brother Tommy are excellent mechanics.
When they eventually arrive at Laura’s home, they learn that the next door neighbour is missing, but no one is unduly worried, as it’s a regular occurrence.
Jax and Ace set off for a stroll through the woodland at the rear of the house, and Ace comes across something sinister, which sets off a chain of startling events, in which Jax can’t help himself from getting involved, despite not intending to. The local Sheriff and his Deputy are very cynical and don’t like Jax trying to help solve the case, and so he calls on the help of his best friend Tim, now a Police Lieutenant in New York. Together with Laura, they start their own investigation, which leads them into more and more bizzare situations, involving car collisions, bootleggers, Red Herrings, and July 4th celebrations, and Laura finally getting answers to her own mystery.
Yet again, as I am coming to expect from this author, I could hardly put this book down, and I was on tenterhooks until the final chapter, when all was revealed.
Great story, great characters, and a pleasure to read.

I received an Advance Review Copy of this book and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
















Profile Image for Janalyn, the blind reviewer.
4,605 reviews142 followers
September 24, 2022
Laura finally gets her long time beaux Jax, to take a long overdue trip to New England to visit her mom and brother. Jack’s loves her mom and thinks she’s just as beautiful as Laura but her brother is a bit much to take. He is surly and rude and doesn’t give the New York detective even a passing glance but when he also gives ace the cold shoulder he knows this man can’t be trusted. That isn’t why her brother becomes a main suspect they’ll win on a walk he find a dead body. It’s already hard being the big detective from the big city in a little town he’ll get help from the most unlikely of places and he’ll need it. Can jacks solve the murder before someone else is killed and did Laura’s brother do it? I love this book I love ace I love Laura and Jack’s I love how the story continues yeah that’s totally different this is a great mystery series Buy an author whose books I love. I highly recommend this book if you love mysteries that are the same old mysteries that you cannot solve Long before the ending in or not predictable you’ll love this book I received this book from the Author anyon Brooke Sirens but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind to dictate my review.
Profile Image for Nancy Garbe.
468 reviews6 followers
September 22, 2022
The Jax Diamond series is true to the 1920s, always witty, romantic and suspenseful. “Deuce” succeeds in all areas and the focus being on Jax’s partner (his ever-faithful German Shepherd) makes the story even sweeter and more of a nail-biter.

The plot takes place in a rural town where Jax is visiting his girlfriend, Laura’s, family. It involves the murder of a neighbor and friend of the family and the local police bristle at the assistance offered by Jax and even more when Jax enlists the help of his friend and New York City policeman, Tim. The plot becomes more complicated with suspects and additional victims from years ago, not to mention the challenge for Laura’s attention by a local officer.

I received an ARC of this book from Book Sirens and the author for my voluntary honest review. I have enjoyed this book as much as the two previous books in this series (possibly even a bit more), with the leading character being a remarkably well-trained and extremely charming dog. The story is very well-developed with a few twists and unexpected turns and I highly recommend the entire series.
Profile Image for Lynda.
2,206 reviews118 followers
November 21, 2022
Book 3 in the Jax Diamond Mysteries and another lovely cosy read with the star of the show, as always being Ace, detective extraordinaire! This time our detective duo have left New York with Laura Graystone to visit her family in New England. But you can bet something will go wrong - trouble seems to follow Jax. Well written and enjoyable romp through the countryside, with a few bodies thrown in, and the addition of a super cute girl called Susie, made this a quick and fun read.

Briefly, not long after arriving at Laura’s mothers home Jax is walking Ace when her finds a body, which then disappears before the local police arrive, only to be found later near Laura’s brothers workshop. There are strange clues which appear to be aimed at Jax left with the body. Despite himself Jax has to investigate- well that’s what he does and when a second body is found, once again by Jax and Ace he is in full PI mode.

The holiday that wasn’t a holiday! There’s a bit of everything in this, family drama, murders, romance, children and dogs - what more could you want. A really enjoyable easy read but with enough mystery to keep you guessing.
334 reviews16 followers
November 24, 2022
I loved the idea of a private eye and his trusty canine sidekick Ace. Add in Laura, a broadway star and Jax Diamond’s tough cookie girlfriend and I knew this was going to be a great read.
A break to visit Laura’s home town finds them quickly embroiled in the search for a killer. For a small town there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing, especially as Jax seemed to be targeted and taunted by the killer. The description of Millbury is wonderful and I felt like I was there with them as they prepared for the town’s celebrations, and the interaction between all the characters made for very enjoyable reading, but the one I loved the most was the friendship between Ace and a small girl. I also appreciated the fact that Laura isn’t just there as an accompaniment to Jax, spirited and determined, she is one sassy lady. There’s plenty of drama and action as well as a few comedy moments.
I found Deuce to be a very easy and highly enjoyable book and can’t wait for the next instalment of this fabulous series.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews34 followers
December 3, 2022
Tangled web of crime unraveled

Gail Meath makes small town Massachusetts in the Prohibition Era the vividly described setting for Jax Diamond's third story, a multiple murder mystery compounded by bootlegging, kidnapping, car engine tampering, red herrings and false guilt. Jax's girlfriend takes him home to meet the folks for the 4th of July celebration and a little sleuthing of her own, regarding her father's death. Jax's canine partner, ace, is along for the ride, and plays a pivotal role in the complicated case. The outcome is one I never expected, and neither did the good townsfolk of Millbury, but it was fascinating to follow Jax's thinking as the danger mounted along with the body count. Historical mystery fans will love this one as much as I did. This has been a voluntary ARC review.
Profile Image for Donna Morfett.
Author 9 books71 followers
November 25, 2022
I am a huge fan of Gail's books since I first read Songbird as part of a blog tour. Set back in the twenties, they are a wonderful nostalgic look back at when times were simpler.
This time Jax Diamond, his faithful dog Ace and Laura leave the big city and go home to Laura's family for thanksgiving. Unfortunately within a day a dead body is found.
The team are left chasing their tails as the killer seems to be always one step ahead and even taunting them.
I love this little team, and this time a young girl called Susie stole my heart. The action was full on and you learn more about Laura, her childhood and persistent ex boyfriends.
This is a relatively short read and I couldn't put it down. It can be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading them all just because they are so brilliant.
954 reviews14 followers
February 21, 2023
Jax is not in New York anymore and feels less than welcome by some in girlfriend Laura's hometown. He is greeted by finding a body which subsequently disappears. The local police are quick to dismiss it so Jax, his dog Ace, and Laura find themselves looking for answers. Jax asks for help from a friend and colleague Tim and things really heat up. This multi-faceted whodunit brings us to small town America in the 1920's. Are there connections to the current murders and the past? And what secrets do the townsfolk hold? This is a great series that I recommend for mystery lovers especially those who love old-fashioned detective stories. I am looking forward to reading more adventures of Jax and his lovable dog Ace!
150 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2022
Another great Jax Diamond mystery. Jax and Laura have to solve another mystery in her home town. Their relationship grows stronger and deeper as the plot surrounding her father’s death thickens. Love the change of scenery and the new characters. Can’t wait for the next installment in the series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Fred Fanning.
Author 46 books53 followers
October 21, 2022
I read book two then went back to book one. I like the series so much that I bought book three. I am glad I did. Deuce is excellent and very entertaining. I like everything about the book. The story and characters are interesting and do some outrageous things. The book is great entertainment, and I can't wait to read book four.
945 reviews11 followers
December 30, 2022
Aww, this cover! Even if I didn't know that Gail Meath writes awesome books, I would want to read this book. Ace is beautiful and intelligent and a wonderful partner for Jax. I love all the lead characters, but he is my favourite. The story is suspenseful and entertaining, as I have come to expect from this author. A must read!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Katarina (kekii).
46 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
Every book in the Jax Diamond Mysteries keeps getting better. This one is my favorite so far. I loved the story, the chase, the questions it answered, and the questions it opened. It's full of plot twists, hard-to-crack clues, danger, and great team work. Can't wait to see what else is in store!
Profile Image for Danette Fowlie.
219 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2022
I absolutely loved this historical romance, the characters are great and the descriptions had me imagining how it all took place. This was the first book I've read from this author and will be reading more as they come.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Susan.
7,242 reviews69 followers
September 25, 2023
1923 Jax Diamond is visiting the home of his girlfriend Laura Graystone in the quiet town of Millbury. Laura wants to finally find out how her father died 12 years ago, while Jax is on a walk with Ace they discover a body. Only on informing the sheriff, they find the body gone. Can Jax solve the mysteries.
An enjoyable historical mystery.
Profile Image for Celest.
713 reviews8 followers
January 17, 2025
Another Exciting Adventure

There was a lot of intriguing moments in this book and some of it was very personal for Laura. Great mysteries to try to solve, loved it. Moving on to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Emily Gawlak.
116 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2025
Deuce deserves two thumbs way, way up! Deuce is enthralling! So many plot twists! It holds your attention from the very beginning to the end. Meath does an excellent job of shifting the plot, just when you think it’s figured out or they might have the upper hand, there’s a shift in the direction of the story. One of the reasons I love Meath’s books is because she does an exquisite job of writing a gripping mystery that’s not easily figured out. I thought I figured out who it was, but boy was I wrong!

Deuce does an excellent of keeping the two plots separate but also brings them together at the perfect time. With this book, there isn’t confusion between the past and the present. There is so much character development and growth.

Ace steals the show again! Ace, along with Jax and Laura, work to solve a murder from the past, in addition to those that happen once they arrive in Laura’s hometown. Jax and Laura work beautifully together. I also love seeing Jax and Murph working together, but especially Ace and Murph. Let’s not forget about Jeanie, she’s always a joyous addition to the story. Plus, Ace’s friendship with Susie will warm your heart like no other.

There are many events that take place, all being essential to the basis of the story. One of the biggest undertones i found is book shows how easy it is to brush a comment to the back of your mind and forget to follow up on it. This story shows how imperative it is to alway take information to heart, no matter the source. I love how every character is essential to the story. There aren’t any distracting subplots or varying interpretations of the same scenario. Everything goes in sequential order, all adding up to the big reveal.

Overall, Deuce is amazing! I highly recommend Deuce and the Jax Diamond series to any mystery fan. Deuce is a well developed, extremely thorough, gripping historical cozy mystery. I highly recommend Deuce!

Happy reading! 📖
Profile Image for Isabel Nicholson.
490 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2023
The return of Jax, Laura and Ace might have a new, smaller location but the trouble and danger is still huge. I enjoyed the switch of location for the third book. It created a change of pace and the element of unfamiliarity outside of the big city. The plot is engaging from the beginning and there are some unusual twists and unexpected turns as the story develops.
As always the characters are great. Jax and Laura are always fun to read about and they compliment each other. It was interesting to see her in a setting where she knew more and was more comfortable than Jax as it added another layer to their relationship. Murph coming to support Jax also showed new elements to their friendship. As always Ace often steals the show but he’s especially loveable around Susie throughout the book.
I enjoyed seeing the small town side characters as there are recognisable and eccentric individuals that add colour and drama to the proceedings. It will be interesting to see if any of them do make an appearance in the big city in future books.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
October 8, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

This is a new series for me but I must say it is highly enjoyable. Jax is a P.I. that is trying to go on vacation but of course a murder had to happen dragging him into it. Set in the twenties we get a different era for the story to revolve around giving a fun take on the setting. Add in the adorable dog who helps investigate and you get a great cozy that will have you hooked on the story until the end where the slightly surprising reveal wraps things up quite nicely. A great choice for those looking for a pleasant afternoon read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Celia Martin.
Author 9 books42 followers
January 2, 2023
Deuce by Gail Meath is the third in her series and is a delight. I have read them all and I'm eager for the next book. Her short story called 'Two of a Kind' tells how the hero Jax and his dog Ace found each other. Ace is a remarkable dog, and I'm not sure Jax would be as successful as he is in his investigations, but successful he is in 'Deuce' despite the prejudices of a small town. Meath keeps the tension through out the book. Not a dull moment. You'll love them all.
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