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Jamie Richmond Mystery #1
Devious
Jamie Richmond, reporter turned author, is doing research for her next book. Attempting to capture the realism of a police officer’s duties while on patrol, she manages to tag along for a shift with a state police trooper. A few traffic stops and a high speed chase later, Jamie’s ride takes an unexpected turn when she witnesses the trooper being shot.
Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her.
Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?
Although it is not a fatal injury, Jamie becomes obsessed with unraveling the facts behind this violent act. While she is trying to sort out this puzzle, she becomes romantically involved with Malone, another trooper with a few mysteries of his own. Now Jamie’s attention is divided between a blooming romance and solving the crime which is haunting her.
Jamie begins to question the events that took place and exactly who could be behind the shooting. It was a devious mind. But who?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2009
58 people want to read
About the author
Mark Love
17 books52 followersMark Love lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption were always prevalent. A former freelance reporter, Love honed his writing skills covering features and hard news.
Love is the author of three Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, "Devious", "Vanishing Act" and "Fleeing Beauty". "Chasing Favors" and the novella "Stealing Haven".
He also writes the Jefferson Chene mystery series, which includes "Why 319?", "Your Turn to Die" and "The Wayward Path".
Love also wrote the novel "Rules of Desperation" which is a standalone mystery/thriller.
His latest work is the novella "Part-Time Criminal" was published in 2025.
Love resides in west Michigan with his wife, Kim. He enjoys a wide variety of music, books, cooking and the great outdoors. Love is currently working on his next novel.
Love is the author of three Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, "Devious", "Vanishing Act" and "Fleeing Beauty". "Chasing Favors" and the novella "Stealing Haven".
He also writes the Jefferson Chene mystery series, which includes "Why 319?", "Your Turn to Die" and "The Wayward Path".
Love also wrote the novel "Rules of Desperation" which is a standalone mystery/thriller.
His latest work is the novella "Part-Time Criminal" was published in 2025.
Love resides in west Michigan with his wife, Kim. He enjoys a wide variety of music, books, cooking and the great outdoors. Love is currently working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 16, 2014
3.5/5.0
Devious enjoyably mixes romance and mystery.
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Devious enjoyably mixes romance and mystery.
Read full review in the 2013 June issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 28, 2015
4 1/2 stars
Devious is a Romantic Suspense that I really enjoyed. I did not want to put it down. It had both Suspense and Romance (hence, why it's called a Romantic Suspense right?) It also had some comical moments, a teeny bit of heart break but that was quickly rectified and did end in a HFN ending. Since this is part of a series, about Jamie, I assume the next book will have more of Jamie and Malone so I won't say HEA just yet.
Written as a first person - Single pov. I would loved to have seen some of Malone's pov as well. Did not having Malone's pov take away from the story? No, not at all, it just would have been a nice addition to have because I personally love multi pov.
The story line was well written, the characters were engaging and easy to fall into like with, the descriptions to details were done nicely and easy to visualize and feel as if I was part of the story and the dialogue between the characters was engaging and felt as if I was part of their conversation.
No heart twinge or teary eyed moments. There were a few heated moments but nothing pantie melting.
All in all, a really good read that I look forward to reading more.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
Devious is a Romantic Suspense that I really enjoyed. I did not want to put it down. It had both Suspense and Romance (hence, why it's called a Romantic Suspense right?) It also had some comical moments, a teeny bit of heart break but that was quickly rectified and did end in a HFN ending. Since this is part of a series, about Jamie, I assume the next book will have more of Jamie and Malone so I won't say HEA just yet.
Written as a first person - Single pov. I would loved to have seen some of Malone's pov as well. Did not having Malone's pov take away from the story? No, not at all, it just would have been a nice addition to have because I personally love multi pov.
The story line was well written, the characters were engaging and easy to fall into like with, the descriptions to details were done nicely and easy to visualize and feel as if I was part of the story and the dialogue between the characters was engaging and felt as if I was part of their conversation.
No heart twinge or teary eyed moments. There were a few heated moments but nothing pantie melting.
All in all, a really good read that I look forward to reading more.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading & Review
www.facebook.com/sassybetareading
October 18, 2020
After reading Mark Love's other books such as "Why 319?" and "Your Turn to Die", I decided that it was time to get into the Jamie Richmond series. Leave it to Mr. Love to present an engaging dual plot and an intriguing and charismatic character of Jamie Richmond. Jamie is a fiery redhead who's intelligent, smart and exudes charm. But, she has her moments of doubt and is shy, which has been captured well in this book. Solely narrated by her, I was hooked right from the start and with every page, I got to know a little more about her through her habits. One thing is for sure is that she's feisty, stubborn and persistent. Her relationship with her step-father, Bert was endearing and realistic and one of my favourites. Her chemistry with the stoic and calm Sargent Malone is off the charts; both are perfect for each other for they balance each other out. Their banter is remarkable, and their romance is passionate, sprinkled with fun. Ace Richmond, Private Eye excels at putting puzzle pieces together, and she and Malone make a great team. There were moments where I had to put down to enjoy a giggle or two. This book is a wonderful fusion of romance and suspense. I look forward to reading books two and three of the series.
August 11, 2019
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This was an enjoyable mystery that was hard to put down. Jamie is a character that pulls you into the story immediately. I am ready to read the other two in the series but know I will be not be doing much but reading. I live a good page turner and mystery challenge. I did enjoy the author's Why 319 book, too. Mark Love is a good author to follow.
This was an enjoyable mystery that was hard to put down. Jamie is a character that pulls you into the story immediately. I am ready to read the other two in the series but know I will be not be doing much but reading. I live a good page turner and mystery challenge. I did enjoy the author's Why 319 book, too. Mark Love is a good author to follow.
April 28, 2021
Really liked the characters. Read book in 2 sittings, easily absorbed by the story.
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book and the characters in it. I could relate to Jamie on many levels.
September 17, 2023
Really enjoyed this book!! Enjoyed the mystery and romance !! Cant wait for book 2!!
September 14, 2024
Devious
Mark Love this is amazing writing. I didn't want to put this down.
I can't wait to Continue with book 2.
Mark Love this is amazing writing. I didn't want to put this down.
I can't wait to Continue with book 2.
June 15, 2023
Doing research for her next mystery novel puts Jamie in the crosshairs of someone devious. I’m a huge mystery reader and from the first chapter, I was hooked. Jamie is a clever main character with an eye for detail. She makes an idea amateur detective. She and Malone light the sky with their chemistry. Then, there’s the person behind the attempted killing of a trooper. Are you hooked yet? No? Well, read on.
It starts and ends with the characters. Jamie makes this mystery exciting to read. She’s an author/reporter which is a huge plus for me. Her inner dialogue is at times funny, at times insightful, and at other times profound. She has a quick wit and thinks fast on her feet. Her relationship with Malone is complex yet makes for excellent reading. The other characters are well-written, and I found them interesting.
The mystery itself is professionally written and is easy to follow along. Mark Love throws in clues along the way but never reveals too much. I kept trying to solve the mystery before Jamie did, and gasped aloud when it was revealed. Well done.
The setting and descriptive narration round out this book nicely. The descriptive narration is intricate with language any reader can understand. The setting is very detailed which immersed me into the story. After a little while, I forgot I was reading fiction. It read like a crime drama on tv.
If you’re a mystery reader, stop what you’re doing and pick up Devious. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for me.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
It starts and ends with the characters. Jamie makes this mystery exciting to read. She’s an author/reporter which is a huge plus for me. Her inner dialogue is at times funny, at times insightful, and at other times profound. She has a quick wit and thinks fast on her feet. Her relationship with Malone is complex yet makes for excellent reading. The other characters are well-written, and I found them interesting.
The mystery itself is professionally written and is easy to follow along. Mark Love throws in clues along the way but never reveals too much. I kept trying to solve the mystery before Jamie did, and gasped aloud when it was revealed. Well done.
The setting and descriptive narration round out this book nicely. The descriptive narration is intricate with language any reader can understand. The setting is very detailed which immersed me into the story. After a little while, I forgot I was reading fiction. It read like a crime drama on tv.
If you’re a mystery reader, stop what you’re doing and pick up Devious. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for me.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 11, 2025
Amazing book! Can't wait tonready the rest
May 4, 2016
(Review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)
Just a heads up, this book DID NOT portray cops in a positive light at all. With that out of the way, let me address the plot.
It was pretty easy to guess what the heck was going on and why. A real no-brainer (IMHO).
I will say, I hope things like that (the plot) don't occur in the real world. If they do..... I just don't want to think about it. (Yes, I'm being vague on purpose to avoid issuing out spoilers.)
Plot and deceit aside.... let me touch on what bothered me most about Devious. WHAT THE HECK IS MALONE'S FIRST NAME!?!
He won't tell Jamie. Her police captain/stepdad Bert won't tell her. A friend of Malone's won't tell her either. They all claim he is just Malone or Sergeant. Come on, really!!
Even after they decide to move in together, he keeps this secret. Standard response to her inquiry, "What's in a name?"
If a man is gracing my bed repeatedly, moving into my place, then I deserve to know his full name. Heck, I would want to know more than just that but a first name would be top of the list.
Don't you agree?
I understand keeping things 'close to the vest' to add mystery to a relationship, but your name. Call me old fashion but my legs would've stayed closed until he fessed up.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
Just a heads up, this book DID NOT portray cops in a positive light at all. With that out of the way, let me address the plot.
It was pretty easy to guess what the heck was going on and why. A real no-brainer (IMHO).
I will say, I hope things like that (the plot) don't occur in the real world. If they do..... I just don't want to think about it. (Yes, I'm being vague on purpose to avoid issuing out spoilers.)
Plot and deceit aside.... let me touch on what bothered me most about Devious. WHAT THE HECK IS MALONE'S FIRST NAME!?!
He won't tell Jamie. Her police captain/stepdad Bert won't tell her. A friend of Malone's won't tell her either. They all claim he is just Malone or Sergeant. Come on, really!!
Even after they decide to move in together, he keeps this secret. Standard response to her inquiry, "What's in a name?"
If a man is gracing my bed repeatedly, moving into my place, then I deserve to know his full name. Heck, I would want to know more than just that but a first name would be top of the list.
Don't you agree?
I understand keeping things 'close to the vest' to add mystery to a relationship, but your name. Call me old fashion but my legs would've stayed closed until he fessed up.
(See more reviews/ratings at www.superkambrook.com)
August 24, 2014
Devious was a breath of fresh air. I've been too immersed in normal romances and Devious provided a welcome change.
An engrossing romantic suspense, I couldn't put it down. The interaction between the characters was fresh and intense. Their exchanges were amusing and made Devious seem too short. Well paced action interspersed with romance and the mundane kept me reading.
Jamie cracked me up. Nothing, nothing would stop her until she had her answers. She reminded me of a terrier. Just don't get in her way, and the consequences be damned.
Malone, just Malone, was a perfect foil for Jamie. Solid and always there for her, he seemed to instinctively know what to do to keep Jamie on the hook. A quiet man with a deep sense of humor, I loved his character. That he's on cop on top of that? Oh yeah!
Devious will wrap itself around your mind. The intensity and bursts of humor make for a fantastic romantic and suspenseful book. The ongoing joke (read it and you'll know!) through out made me hope there would be more of Jamie and Malone to come. THEN I find out there is! So, I'm hooked and will read on!
An engrossing romantic suspense, I couldn't put it down. The interaction between the characters was fresh and intense. Their exchanges were amusing and made Devious seem too short. Well paced action interspersed with romance and the mundane kept me reading.
Jamie cracked me up. Nothing, nothing would stop her until she had her answers. She reminded me of a terrier. Just don't get in her way, and the consequences be damned.
Malone, just Malone, was a perfect foil for Jamie. Solid and always there for her, he seemed to instinctively know what to do to keep Jamie on the hook. A quiet man with a deep sense of humor, I loved his character. That he's on cop on top of that? Oh yeah!
Devious will wrap itself around your mind. The intensity and bursts of humor make for a fantastic romantic and suspenseful book. The ongoing joke (read it and you'll know!) through out made me hope there would be more of Jamie and Malone to come. THEN I find out there is! So, I'm hooked and will read on!
August 11, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! Normally I dislike books where citizens think they know more than the police, and go after the bad guys on their own, but this one had a fresh feel to it. Jamie's a writer who witnessed a shooting, and can't get the image out of her brain. As she's making notes for an upcoming book, her brain begins to pick out the inconsistancies of the event, and brings them to her new lover's attention, who happens to be on the police force.
I didn't know whether or not to be suspicious of the love interest, and was relieved when this had a HEA. Though it's never a good idea to suddenly spring the fact you've bought a house w/o your lover knowing in advance, ha ha!
Excellent story; I only give 4 stars because I had no problem putting the book down each night. Well done, Mark!
I didn't know whether or not to be suspicious of the love interest, and was relieved when this had a HEA. Though it's never a good idea to suddenly spring the fact you've bought a house w/o your lover knowing in advance, ha ha!
Excellent story; I only give 4 stars because I had no problem putting the book down each night. Well done, Mark!
Want to read
August 12, 2016Free 06-13-14 (Romantic Suspense)
http://www.amazon.com/Devious-Mark-Lo...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews