The Art of Murder – review (AD)
I was kindly given an advanced electronic copy of The Art of Murder in exchange for an honest review*.
The Art of Murder book blurb
A murdered artist. A threatening group. A brother with a secret.
Artist Xander Draper needs help. Members of The Dirty Dolly gang are threatening him, and PI Jordan Jenner is hired to find out who the members of this elusive group are.
But when Xander is killed, his body displayed as a final exhibit, Jordan realises the extent of the trouble Xander was in. Now, there are people following Jordan. They know his name, and they want revenge.
Time is running out to solve the murder of this famous artist, and find the members in the elusive Dolly gang. And with the return of Ashley Jenner, Jordan’s brother, Jordan begins to fear his brother may be responsible.
A classic murder mystery set in Cardiff, with a gay male lead. The second in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries series.
My overall thoughts of The Art of Murder
A murdered artist. A brother with a deadly secret. A group intent on killing. The Art of Murder is the second in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries series, a cosy murder mystery set in Wales.
Although part of a series this can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone book which is what I have done.
The art world is something I have limited knowledge of but Strange helps to bring it alive through this book. He convincingly showed the talent, the envy, bitterness and the wealth combined with greed and betrayal.
Because this is cosy crime the murders aren’t told in too much detail – good if you’re a bit squeamish.
I felt like Strange brought Cardiff alive to the reader – having visited a few times he captures it well within the book. It’s great that a detective mystery isn’t set in London or America as is often the case.
Private investigator Jordan Jenner is an openly gay man and I think it’s brilliant to have so many openly gay characters within the book. The sex scenes are tastefully written and not too x rated.
It’s a great whodunnit murder mystery with some good twists and turns along the way.
The dynamic between the two Jenner brothers was an interesting addition to the storyline – what is Ashley running from?
I really enjoyed this well-paced mystery and read the whole book in just two sittings.
About J.S. Strange
J.S. Strange is an author from Wales, United Kingdom. He writes crime, mystery and horror. His first novels, published in 2016 and 2017, were set in an apocalyptic London.
Murder on the Rocks, is the first in a cozy crime mystery series, featuring a leading gay male detective. Murder on the Rocks was written by Strange for many reasons. One of which was a lack of representation within the crime genre, particularly with detectives and sleuths.
Strange created Jordan Jenner, a private investigator, who lives and works in Cardiff. Murder on the Rocks was written with the intention of shining light on Cardiff, and bringing Cardiff, and furthermore, Wales, into the crime genre.
When Strange doesn’t write, he works in television. He also presents a radio show all about the paranormal. He has an enthusiasm for Britney Spears and cats.
Social media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JackSamStrange @JackSamStrange
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JackSamuelStrange/
Website: https://jackrunstheworld.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsstrange/
Purchase links
Publishing information
Published in paperback and ebook formats by Panther Publishing on 30 September 2019.
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*Disclaimer
This review has been written with 100% honesty.
I was not financially compensated for this post. I was given an advance copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed in this post are completely my own based on my own experience.
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Thanks so much, Rachael x
Ooh definitely going to have this one to my reading list, I’m intrigued!!
I added this to my books board on Pinterest. Sounds like a great story and it’s about time.
Sounds right up my street! Have downloaded a copy onto my kindle. Good review Rachael 😊
who doesn’t like a murder mystery?
It’s on my must-read list! Good review.
Sounds like an atypical mystery. And that’s wonderful for a change.