The Art of Murder (Jordan Jenner Mysteries #2) by J.S. Strange #TheArtofMurder @JackSamStrange @PantherPubs @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours

Posted on February 11, 2020 by lovebooksreadbooks

A classic cosy mystery set in the heart of Cardiff.

Book Blurb:

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.

Artist Xander Draper is being threatened by a dangerous group. With PI Jordan Jenner’s help, Xander hopes to remain unscathed.

But when Xander is murdered, his body displayed as his 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 him dead.

Meanwhile, Jordan’s brother Ashley has returned, and he has a secret. As time runs out to solve the murder of the famous artist, Jordan begins to fear his brother may be responsible.

My thoughts

This is the second book in the series of Jordan Jenner Mysteries and the author has come up with a really good storyline when an artist, Xander Draper, is violently murdered at his own exhibition!

There is not only Murder, attempted murder – of our lead protagonist Jordan, no less! – but also money laundering, blackmail and jealousy. Billed as a cosy murder it nonetheless has some pretty tense moments and some quite brutal murders but there is little descriptive gore.

The relationship between Jordan Jenner, who is a Private Investigator (PI), and the police is interesting. It’s friendly and supportive. Obviously the previous case, in which Jordan was officially brought in on the police investigation, has helped build trust and they are willing to work with Jordan again. However, it’s not on an official basis this time. Their investigations work in parallel but when useful they work together. In this instance it’s just as well that’s the case for Jordan who has several close shaves in this book.

Jordan Jenner is a sort of burgeoning, slimmer, Welsh version of a Poirot! He’s a bit constrained, keeping his distance between possible friendships and relationships. He is openly gay, it isn’t an issue, and he’s perfectly happy in himself as he should be. Perhaps just being a bit careful of not getting hurt. It was great to come across a main character who is comfortable with themselves and with so few hang ups. He’s a likeable character determined to find out whodunnit, especially when the victim was his original customer!

A well paced, enjoyable story with plenty of well drawn characters and heart thumping moments.

Thanks

My thanks to Emma at DamppebblesTours for the invite to join the Tour and to Panther Publishing for an eCopy of The Art of Murder by J S Strange.

BlogTour

Why not check out the rest of the Tour?

Author:

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 those reasons 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.

Strange’s previous works, such as ‘Winter Smith: London Burning’, also explored LGBT themes, and featured socialite Winter Smith escaping a zombie apocalypse. ‘London’s Burning’ became an Amazon best-seller in LGBT fiction.

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.

Jack can be reached on