ARA Review by Linnea Tanner of Murder and Lyrics
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Linnea Tanner
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ARA Review by Linnea Tanner of Murder and Lyrics
[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Murder and Lyrics.]
"Murder and Lyrics" is a romantic suspense novel by Lacynda Matres, in which family histories provide clues to resolving modern-day murders. The book centers around Sergeant Gavin Mahoney, a former detective who has just accepted a position to teach in the Criminal Justice at the University of Mary Washington. However, he is pulled into a serial murder case by the local authorities who want to use his expertise. He must resolve how lyrics from songs given to the families of victims before their murders will lead to the identity of the serial murderer. As he struggles to piece the clues together from other unresolved cases, he also faces difficulties in his relationship with Deb who has a young son with her former husband, Detective Dan Bradley. Gavin must delve into his past not only to solve the murders but to gain insight into himself to build a stronger bond with the love of his life.
Overall, "Murder and Lytics" is smoothly written with a fast clip and natural dialogue. The premise that events from Gavin's past provide clues to the present-day serial murders is intriguing. It also provides insight into Gavin's characterization and his congenial relationship with Deb's former husband. The theme of connecting events from the past to solve modern-day mysteries works well.
Unlike other books by Author Lacynda Matres, "Murder and Lyrics" delves more into the relationship between Gavin and Deb instead of building suspense to solve the serial murders. Although this book can be read as a standalone, it would be helpful to read the author's earlier books to become familiar with the myriad of characters. After having read Lacynda Matres' previous books, I became intrigued by Gavin's mysterious past and stoic mien as he became attracted to Deb while investigating the murder of her former lover, Mark.
However, the focus on the relationship between Gavin and Deb detracts from the suspense of the murder mystery. He tries to reassure her that his previous toxic relationship is over. However, when his former lover reappears, Deb's jealousy bubbles up. I felt that Gavin’s and Deb’s interactions with his former lover are immature and out of character. As a result, this book was less compelling for me than the author's previous books.
"Murder and Lyrics" will appeal to readers who like a story to focus on romance with elements of suspense. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars because the book is written smoothly with minor editorial issues. The premise of connecting events from the past to solve the current crime works well. However, I deducted a star because the focus on the conflicting relationship between Gavin and Deb detracted from the suspense of his solving the serial murder mystery.
***
View Murder and Lyrics on Bookshelves
"Murder and Lyrics" is a romantic suspense novel by Lacynda Matres, in which family histories provide clues to resolving modern-day murders. The book centers around Sergeant Gavin Mahoney, a former detective who has just accepted a position to teach in the Criminal Justice at the University of Mary Washington. However, he is pulled into a serial murder case by the local authorities who want to use his expertise. He must resolve how lyrics from songs given to the families of victims before their murders will lead to the identity of the serial murderer. As he struggles to piece the clues together from other unresolved cases, he also faces difficulties in his relationship with Deb who has a young son with her former husband, Detective Dan Bradley. Gavin must delve into his past not only to solve the murders but to gain insight into himself to build a stronger bond with the love of his life.
Overall, "Murder and Lytics" is smoothly written with a fast clip and natural dialogue. The premise that events from Gavin's past provide clues to the present-day serial murders is intriguing. It also provides insight into Gavin's characterization and his congenial relationship with Deb's former husband. The theme of connecting events from the past to solve modern-day mysteries works well.
Unlike other books by Author Lacynda Matres, "Murder and Lyrics" delves more into the relationship between Gavin and Deb instead of building suspense to solve the serial murders. Although this book can be read as a standalone, it would be helpful to read the author's earlier books to become familiar with the myriad of characters. After having read Lacynda Matres' previous books, I became intrigued by Gavin's mysterious past and stoic mien as he became attracted to Deb while investigating the murder of her former lover, Mark.
However, the focus on the relationship between Gavin and Deb detracts from the suspense of the murder mystery. He tries to reassure her that his previous toxic relationship is over. However, when his former lover reappears, Deb's jealousy bubbles up. I felt that Gavin’s and Deb’s interactions with his former lover are immature and out of character. As a result, this book was less compelling for me than the author's previous books.
"Murder and Lyrics" will appeal to readers who like a story to focus on romance with elements of suspense. I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars because the book is written smoothly with minor editorial issues. The premise of connecting events from the past to solve the current crime works well. However, I deducted a star because the focus on the conflicting relationship between Gavin and Deb detracted from the suspense of his solving the serial murder mystery.
***
View Murder and Lyrics on Bookshelves
