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J.J. Graves Mystery #13
Dirty Weekend
In the latest mystery from New York Times Bestselling Author Liliana Hart, it's a full moon and Friday the 13th, which means things are about to get crazy in King George County, Virginia.
J.J. Graves and her husband, Sheriff Jack Lawson, are ready to settle in and enjoy a regular weekend. But they're in for a surprise when things don't go as planned. From a supposed suicide to a shocking murder, nothing is as it seems. But one thing is for sure... Bloody Mary hasn't seen a weekend like this... ever .
J.J. Graves and her husband, Sheriff Jack Lawson, are ready to settle in and enjoy a regular weekend. But they're in for a surprise when things don't go as planned. From a supposed suicide to a shocking murder, nothing is as it seems. But one thing is for sure... Bloody Mary hasn't seen a weekend like this... ever .
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2024
About the author
Liliana Hart
363 books3,331 followersLiliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
Enjoy the Adventures!
Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.
Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.
Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.
Enjoy the Adventures!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 1, 2024
This one was bit longer than the last one which was a very good thing. Strangely, there was no Doug in it and I wondered what happened to him after the last book. The book starts a few months after the last one ended and the family plan is already under way but without any results yet but I think Jaye and Jack enjoy the practice. It starts with a full moon and Friday the 13th when people are going crazy. The weather was also a big factor as it is raining nonstop and the streets are flooded which added to Jack's workload. Then the cases pile up: First, there is a well-known and respected football coach who apparently committed suicide in a very gruesome way, then a body is found in the water, a young woman with multiple stab wounds left in the water to die and then a case of an old man who died during sex with his much younger wife. And since the night is crazy, another man is lit on fire alive and while it looks good for a moment, he also lands on Jaye's table. All these cases keep our couple and their friends busy and the book very interesting with lots of surprises in the end.
I couldn't put it down and I regret having read it already because now I have to wait until October and also have to hope that Lilian doesn't push it back. This is really mean because the ending was a cliffhanger on the private side of Jaye and Jack and now I have to wait and see if there is a baby or not. I hope the next book is also a longer one, this series is such a big entertainment for me. A bit disappointing that there is no mention of Carver or what happened to the FBI tail they had but it seemed like they gave up on getting any clue from Jaye and Jack. Still, it felt like Lilian was pushing the snooze button on the Carver case and all the mystery around Jack's election and Floyd Whatshisname. Hopefully, it's just a regroup and she gives us a book where finally all pieces fall into place and we learn what's behind all that. And of course there is the question about Cole and Lily's relationship.
All in all, with 14 books in the series, it is still as good as it was from the beginning. I might have to reread some of the books until the next one comes out.
I couldn't put it down and I regret having read it already because now I have to wait until October and also have to hope that Lilian doesn't push it back. This is really mean because the ending was a cliffhanger on the private side of Jaye and Jack and now I have to wait and see if there is a baby or not. I hope the next book is also a longer one, this series is such a big entertainment for me. A bit disappointing that there is no mention of Carver or what happened to the FBI tail they had but it seemed like they gave up on getting any clue from Jaye and Jack. Still, it felt like Lilian was pushing the snooze button on the Carver case and all the mystery around Jack's election and Floyd Whatshisname. Hopefully, it's just a regroup and she gives us a book where finally all pieces fall into place and we learn what's behind all that. And of course there is the question about Cole and Lily's relationship.
All in all, with 14 books in the series, it is still as good as it was from the beginning. I might have to reread some of the books until the next one comes out.
March 2, 2024
a bit disappointed
This is a favourite series of mine as has been from the very first book released, but this story was lacking the usual Jaye and Jack spark. The writing was confusing in parts when characters names were swapped around, It was really easy to pick the killers which is unusual and the ending didn’t leave me wanting more like normal. Hopefully the next book might spark for me.
This is a favourite series of mine as has been from the very first book released, but this story was lacking the usual Jaye and Jack spark. The writing was confusing in parts when characters names were swapped around, It was really easy to pick the killers which is unusual and the ending didn’t leave me wanting more like normal. Hopefully the next book might spark for me.
March 3, 2024
I was happy to see the author pick this series back up. It was a quick and OK read, but it was missing some sparkle. Doug is MIA and not mentioned and only one very slight mention of Carver. I feel like there are too many characters missing from the story.
April 27, 2026
*3.5 stars
This book leans into a slightly different setting and time-frame, which adds a refreshing change of pace.
The contained nature of the story creates a sense of immediacy, and the mystery unfolds in a more focused way.
Character interactions take center stage, with some fun and revealing moments that deepen the overall narrative.
While it doesn’t dramatically shift the series, it’s a solid, entertaining read.
This book leans into a slightly different setting and time-frame, which adds a refreshing change of pace.
The contained nature of the story creates a sense of immediacy, and the mystery unfolds in a more focused way.
Character interactions take center stage, with some fun and revealing moments that deepen the overall narrative.
While it doesn’t dramatically shift the series, it’s a solid, entertaining read.
August 30, 2025
4.5 Stars:)
March 1, 2024
So glad JJ and Jack are back!
Was excited when I saw that another book in this series was coming out and immediately pre-ordered it. Couldn’t wait to start it once it dropped into my library. This book is a bit different than the previous one. Instead of concentrating on one case we get Jack and Jaye working on several cases all at the same time thanks to Friday the 13th and a full moon. And to add to the fun it’s been pouring rain and there’s flooding all over the county.
This book is more procedural than most of the other books and we don’t get scenes where either of the MCs lives are in danger. That doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book as I like procedurals and seeing if I can figure out the crime(s) and I like the humor we get in less dramatic scenarios.
Each of the murder cases here are intriguing. I patted myself on the back as I figured things out before they were revealed. I enjoyed the way the author gradually peeled back the layers and exposed the truth. The book ends on a personal cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to what happens in the next book.
Was excited when I saw that another book in this series was coming out and immediately pre-ordered it. Couldn’t wait to start it once it dropped into my library. This book is a bit different than the previous one. Instead of concentrating on one case we get Jack and Jaye working on several cases all at the same time thanks to Friday the 13th and a full moon. And to add to the fun it’s been pouring rain and there’s flooding all over the county.
This book is more procedural than most of the other books and we don’t get scenes where either of the MCs lives are in danger. That doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book as I like procedurals and seeing if I can figure out the crime(s) and I like the humor we get in less dramatic scenarios.
Each of the murder cases here are intriguing. I patted myself on the back as I figured things out before they were revealed. I enjoyed the way the author gradually peeled back the layers and exposed the truth. The book ends on a personal cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to what happens in the next book.
August 17, 2024
Jaye and Jack have their hands full when it’s Friday the 13th and a full moon. The worst is a murder of their former coach and teacher from high school.
A woman who’s a law clerk is also killed, a man dies during sex with his partner, and a man is set on fire and wounded, then eventually dies. At a funeral Sheldon is running, a widow is drunk and falls into an open grave for someone else that’s all boarded up, and she dies too.
The rain won’t let up while all this is along on, causing Jack and J. J. to have to sleep at the station because of flooding. They’ve been trying to get pregnant, but it’s been 6 months of no luck. The book ends on a cliffhanger of her taking a pregnancy test and them both looking at the results.
I usually hate cliffhangers, but this is a fun one so I loved it. A really good book, with so much going on it’s like a dark comedy of errors. Through it all, Jaye and Jack and all the gang keep their senses of humour and still solve all the crimes, one by mistake.
A woman who’s a law clerk is also killed, a man dies during sex with his partner, and a man is set on fire and wounded, then eventually dies. At a funeral Sheldon is running, a widow is drunk and falls into an open grave for someone else that’s all boarded up, and she dies too.
The rain won’t let up while all this is along on, causing Jack and J. J. to have to sleep at the station because of flooding. They’ve been trying to get pregnant, but it’s been 6 months of no luck. The book ends on a cliffhanger of her taking a pregnancy test and them both looking at the results.
I usually hate cliffhangers, but this is a fun one so I loved it. A really good book, with so much going on it’s like a dark comedy of errors. Through it all, Jaye and Jack and all the gang keep their senses of humour and still solve all the crimes, one by mistake.
March 8, 2024
I wasn't sure we were ever going to get more JJ Graves books, but we did! They're back! The mysteries in the book were great and a good way to jump back into the series; although, I do wish the other cases mentioned in the book had some form of conclusion or wrap-up also. I absolutely love Jack and JJ's flirting; it's so easy and makes them even more relatable and loveable. The only thing that was kind of annoying for me were some grammar mistakes and character referencing errors (ex. said Lydia but should have been Ada). It disrupted the flow for me, and with the break between books, it seems like there could have been time to catch that before release. Especially since I don't remember that ever being an issue in the other books. But also, I'll take it any which way as long as we get more, because they're back! 😃
May 26, 2024
Sadly, mediocre at best. The mystery was alright, but the general story kind of pissed me off. Zero mention of Carver or any of his family members. What the hell happened?! Most of the book was about their struggle to get pregnant. I have enough of that garbage in my actual life. We were prepped to find out some of Carver’s secrets. But I guess the author scrapped the idea and out of the blue those characters no longer exist? It’s ridiculous. I’m still recovering from the fact that she suddenly decided to stop writing and now does but omits the most interesting characters?! 🤯😔
What’s worse is I really am a fan. I have all the JJ Graves books, physical copies, but she dips out of the complex part of the story. Where’s the loyalty? Where’s the consistency?? I’m just so disappointed with the author. 😢
What’s worse is I really am a fan. I have all the JJ Graves books, physical copies, but she dips out of the complex part of the story. Where’s the loyalty? Where’s the consistency?? I’m just so disappointed with the author. 😢
April 11, 2024
Honestly it is a filler book. It wasnt exciting. I am annoyed with the direction of Jack and JJ. What about doug a teenager they arent discussing at all like he doesn’t exist all of a sudden? I dunno the whole book was boring. I am glad we finally got another one since whatever didnt happen with the release of the other one but i just wish she would put more effort into it this series again. JJ felt tired and so did this book and then me from reading it. There are a lot of more open questions for me
JJ and Jack with doug, this baby no baby bs just so casually icky, allll the opened ended questions from the last book.
I really enjoy this series i just hope she isn’t about to stop abruptly or will do justice for these characters a bit more if she is trying to end it
JJ and Jack with doug, this baby no baby bs just so casually icky, allll the opened ended questions from the last book.
I really enjoy this series i just hope she isn’t about to stop abruptly or will do justice for these characters a bit more if she is trying to end it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
Exciting!
Crazy Friday the 13th weekend in Bloody Mary! Torrential rain has caused flooding, streets not passable, and wild celebrating during this bizarre weekend. JJ and Jack cannot get home so stay at the Funeral Home or the police station. Saturday morning brings several dead bodies, each one a unbelievable death!
Police are stressed to the max with dead bodies to investigate, trees to be cleared from the roads, stranded people to be rescued !
The reader is entertained by all the funny incidents, shocked by the brutal murders, and annoyed at the selfish , entitled toward people they consider " lesser"!
Crazy Friday the 13th weekend in Bloody Mary! Torrential rain has caused flooding, streets not passable, and wild celebrating during this bizarre weekend. JJ and Jack cannot get home so stay at the Funeral Home or the police station. Saturday morning brings several dead bodies, each one a unbelievable death!
Police are stressed to the max with dead bodies to investigate, trees to be cleared from the roads, stranded people to be rescued !
The reader is entertained by all the funny incidents, shocked by the brutal murders, and annoyed at the selfish , entitled toward people they consider " lesser"!
March 15, 2024
Another fantastic visit with JJ and Jack. The best part of this for me was how she tackled (in my mind) some very big issues in our society right now. There’s a line in the book I wish I wrote down because it so resonated with me. But basically so many think that they can do whatever they want to make the outcome they want work. No matter who has to pay and in these cases they paid with their life.
I missed this series. I love how this author writes and this is a favorite series of mine. It reminds me of Eve and Roarke In Death series by JD Robb. Such great camaraderie between this couple. And the humor cracks me up. Looking forward to more.
I missed this series. I love how this author writes and this is a favorite series of mine. It reminds me of Eve and Roarke In Death series by JD Robb. Such great camaraderie between this couple. And the humor cracks me up. Looking forward to more.
March 24, 2024
Perfect Weekend Read
So, I am no stranger to Liliana Hart's work. In fact, when she announced after her two-year sabbatical that she was releasing another J.J. Graves book, I was a little nervous.
She wrote this book like she never left! J.J. and Jack was funnier than ever! It was a weekend for the record books for them.
I enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait to read the next J.J. Graves book.
Liliana, I am SO glad that you're back on the literary scene because you were missed.
So, I am no stranger to Liliana Hart's work. In fact, when she announced after her two-year sabbatical that she was releasing another J.J. Graves book, I was a little nervous.
She wrote this book like she never left! J.J. and Jack was funnier than ever! It was a weekend for the record books for them.
I enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait to read the next J.J. Graves book.
Liliana, I am SO glad that you're back on the literary scene because you were missed.
April 7, 2025
I really enjoyed getting back to these characters. The writing and characters are consistent and well done. There is an investigation into what looks like a suicide of a beloved coach. JJ and Jack have to work together to figure out what really happened. The investigation was well written. The characters are interesting. The town is really a character in the story. I felt very satisfied with the solving of the crime. I would recommend this book to fans of the series. If you haven't read the series, I would suggest starting at the beginning to get full enjoyment.
February 27, 2024
Yay! JJ and Jack are BACK!!
The cast and crew of Bloody Mary are back and better than ever! It’s Friday the 13th and a Full Moon you know it’s gonna be crazy. The back and forth between Jaye and Jack is on par for them. I love how they work so well together. They are both so good at what they do and anticipate each other’s reactions perfectly! I love this series!! That ending though WOW!!! Can’t wait for the next one
The cast and crew of Bloody Mary are back and better than ever! It’s Friday the 13th and a Full Moon you know it’s gonna be crazy. The back and forth between Jaye and Jack is on par for them. I love how they work so well together. They are both so good at what they do and anticipate each other’s reactions perfectly! I love this series!! That ending though WOW!!! Can’t wait for the next one
April 16, 2026
As much as I like Jack and JJ, this book was missing something. Their banter didn't seem as witty. I missed some of the other characters. What happened to Doug or Carver? I even missed the sarcasm from the laptop.
This book seemed more focused on JJ getting pregnant, her being hungry, needing coffee and sugar, and Jack only drinking water. The high point of the book was the story about the widow at the cemetery.
This was a short book. Wasn't terrible, just kind of blah.
This book seemed more focused on JJ getting pregnant, her being hungry, needing coffee and sugar, and Jack only drinking water. The high point of the book was the story about the widow at the cemetery.
This was a short book. Wasn't terrible, just kind of blah.
March 1, 2024
Dirty Weekend
Jack and JJ always find out who has done it. Great storyline, and the characters are wonderful. Can not wait to see how the cliffhanger turns out. I always want more of JJ and Jack. It's one of my favorite series! Would definitely recommend to people who love a good mystery and storyline. Kudos to Liliana Hart for bringing back the JJ Graves series.
Jack and JJ always find out who has done it. Great storyline, and the characters are wonderful. Can not wait to see how the cliffhanger turns out. I always want more of JJ and Jack. It's one of my favorite series! Would definitely recommend to people who love a good mystery and storyline. Kudos to Liliana Hart for bringing back the JJ Graves series.
March 4, 2024
Invested in these characters!
I have read all of the JJ Graves books and this one is much like the rest. I was a little surprised that there wasn't as much info into some of the other characters that we are used to hearing about. Still I really enjoyed the investigations and the book. Read it in a few days, as fast as this slow reader could do!
I have read all of the JJ Graves books and this one is much like the rest. I was a little surprised that there wasn't as much info into some of the other characters that we are used to hearing about. Still I really enjoyed the investigations and the book. Read it in a few days, as fast as this slow reader could do!
March 4, 2024
Misdirection and murder
Jaye and Jack had their hands full with this one, with four dead bodies right off the bat. There were surprises and misdirections before reaching a very satisfying conclusion. I love Ms. Hart's writing style and her characters--they have some crazy conversations I can relate to and enjoy. And you have to love the cemetery scene! Highly recommended.
Jaye and Jack had their hands full with this one, with four dead bodies right off the bat. There were surprises and misdirections before reaching a very satisfying conclusion. I love Ms. Hart's writing style and her characters--they have some crazy conversations I can relate to and enjoy. And you have to love the cemetery scene! Highly recommended.
March 12, 2024
Welcome back JJ and Jack!
So happy to be back in Bloody Mary with my favorite crime duo! The twists and turns kept me engrossed. I could barely take a break.
The beautiful forensic detail shows Liliana has taken the time to research thoroughly. It's much appreciated. Can't wait for book 15.
So happy to be back in Bloody Mary with my favorite crime duo! The twists and turns kept me engrossed. I could barely take a break.
The beautiful forensic detail shows Liliana has taken the time to research thoroughly. It's much appreciated. Can't wait for book 15.
November 5, 2024
Friday the thirteenth and a full moon; the high school coach has committed suicide, the body of a young woman has been discovered in the Gambo River and a man has been set on fire. And so the weeken begins for Jaye and Jack. Oh, and the sheriff’s secretary, Betsy Clement, is back to never touching a computer.
February 29, 2024
And she's back!!
I can't tell you how much I've missed Lilliana Hart and J J Graves!! The story and characters are amazing. So easy to get immersed in the plot and follow it through to the end.
I can't tell you how much I've missed Lilliana Hart and J J Graves!! The story and characters are amazing. So easy to get immersed in the plot and follow it through to the end.
March 2, 2024
I love JJ and Jack!! So happy they are back. It’s Friday the 13th and a full moon, not to mention a lot of rain. A few deaths to solve, and they do it together. The ending is crazy! Can’t wait for the next book!!
March 2, 2024
I love reading the JJGraves series. I think I’ve read them all. So this one was a must read. I enjoy Liliana’s detail in Jaye’s work as a coroner. And her detail in J.J. And Jack’s crime solving. This time they have 3 dead bodies on a rainy weekend to solve. Two are homicides and one accidental. But at the end of the weekend they solve both of them. We are left with a small cliffhanger though. I can’t wait for the next one in the series and I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
March 4, 2024
fantastic
Absolutely fantastic book! Could not put it down, it was totally riveting! Of course, you chose to be a little cruel with the ending, lol! Now we will all be anxiously waiting for the next one. Great story!
Absolutely fantastic book! Could not put it down, it was totally riveting! Of course, you chose to be a little cruel with the ending, lol! Now we will all be anxiously waiting for the next one. Great story!
March 10, 2024
Another great installment of JJ and Jack. The multiple murders to solve kept the reader on their toes. I have to admit, the lawyer murder was a tough one. Loved the cliffhanger! Fingers crossed there is good news in the next book.
March 24, 2024
I've read all 14 of these books, and they never fail to grab and pull me in. I can't wait for October for book 15! This is one of the best series I've ever read!!!
Best line of the book:
“I picked the wrong day to throw away my donuts.” 🤣🍩
Best line of the book:
“I picked the wrong day to throw away my donuts.” 🤣🍩
March 29, 2024
Love the series but I felt a little unsettled. Where is carver? where is Doug? Where did all the witty banter between the characters go? I love this series and I need to know what happened to make carver run. Please tell we will find out.
April 8, 2024
I love the JJ Graves series, but they are never long enough. The price of the books keeps going up but the pages do not. And to end the epilogue the way Liliana did, was cruel! Now I can’t wait until the next book to find out the answer.
February 28, 2024
worth the wait
JJ and Jack had a most excellent come back! Suspense around every corner. Liliana is a talented and skilled writer.
JJ and Jack had a most excellent come back! Suspense around every corner. Liliana is a talented and skilled writer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews