Lacetown Murder Mysteries: Case TwoAn 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 … 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!
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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.
(3.5 stars)…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. 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 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!
Michael and Jazz, though they have not been together long, are solid and becoming more solid by the day. And then the music festival comes to town and brings another mystery that has the potential to drive a permanent stake between our couple.
Wow! I loved this one even more than the first. Jazz (and Michael) is still reeling from the events of the first story. He’s worried that Russell may have a large part in the newest goings on. He’s feeling guilty for bringing all this into Michael’s life, and he’s wondering if Russell will ever sign the divorce papers. His feelings for Michael are deepening, and he doesn’t want to let him go.
Michael’s feelings too are deepening and he’s falling harder. When he thinks he might lose Jazz, those feelings solidify and he knows just how deep they are. Will Jazz open up and let Michael take care of him? Does he feel the same for him that Michael feels for Jazz?
These two…I just love them together. Their chemistry is so hot, so intense and so solid, and the latest case just brings them even closer. The twists are quite crazy and I shuddered as all the details were revealed. I’d say the twistedness is upped by a large factor here. And Michael and Jazz became one of my favorite couples – they’re so perfect for each other, such sweethearts both, and their chemistry is sizzling. Although I don’t see any further installments, I certainly hope more is coming for them!
I enjoyed Murder Most Deserving. There are a lot of the same characters as in the previous book, which I enjoyed seeing again, with new characters added to the mix, keeping it fresh. As in the first book, each character has a distinct personality that delightfully muddies the investigation.
The mystery is suspenseful, creepy, and well done. I had several suspects in mind, and my feelings were validated about a particular character at the end.
I was pleased with the progress made in Jazz and Michael’s relationship in the time between books. The authors don’t let them get by without residual effects of the past driving a wedge between them. The toll taken on their romance made me nervous about them. But they don’t get a miracle solution for the stressors. I like that. It makes the book more real for me.
I look forward to more in this series.
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.
Murder Most Deserving is the second book in the Lacetown Murder Mysteries series by Hank Edwards and Deanna Wadsworth. This contemporary m/m story delivers another great adventure for Michael and Jazz. Readers are treated to a fun and suspenseful mystery to figure out and a sweet and steamy romance to enjoy. Great addition to the series and I really hope there willbe more books.