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Tiggy Jones Mystery #4
A Trace of DNA
A glittering reputation
A dogged amateur sleuth
Sinister secrets that won’t stay buried
When mystery author Tiggy Jones receives an email from a famous forensic scientist, she’s shocked that Dr Helena Loxton is offering her private life as the plot for her next book. Tiggy’s dangerous curiosity is piqued.
But there's a catch.
In exchange, Dr Loxton wants Tiggy to research some things she’s forgotten from her past, especially one crucial thing that’s keeping her awake at night.
Wouldn’t she do better with a private investigator?
And after too many real mysteries that have turned out to be crimes, Tiggy has sworn off acting like an amateur PI.
Hasn’t she?
Join Tiggy Jones and her dog Raider as unexpected incidents, including murder, hook them into investigating the dark secrets behind a stellar career.
Are they about to expose a public scandal of epic proportions?
Or is it something private – and shocking?
A dogged amateur sleuth
Sinister secrets that won’t stay buried
When mystery author Tiggy Jones receives an email from a famous forensic scientist, she’s shocked that Dr Helena Loxton is offering her private life as the plot for her next book. Tiggy’s dangerous curiosity is piqued.
But there's a catch.
In exchange, Dr Loxton wants Tiggy to research some things she’s forgotten from her past, especially one crucial thing that’s keeping her awake at night.
Wouldn’t she do better with a private investigator?
And after too many real mysteries that have turned out to be crimes, Tiggy has sworn off acting like an amateur PI.
Hasn’t she?
Join Tiggy Jones and her dog Raider as unexpected incidents, including murder, hook them into investigating the dark secrets behind a stellar career.
Are they about to expose a public scandal of epic proportions?
Or is it something private – and shocking?
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2024
50 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Virginia King
14 books83 followersVIRGINIA KING has lived most of her life in Sydney, but has travelled to many places. Her books blend her love of mystery, travel, psychology and folklore in a fast-paced style.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 11, 2024
4.5★s
Mystery author Tiggy Jones was working on her latest novel from a small cottage while her boathouse was renovated, accompanied by her faithful dog Raider, a spotted Dalmador, when Tiggy received an email from a famous forensic scientist, wanting to meet with her to share some of her intriguing life, which Tiggy could use in upcoming novels. Tiggy wasn't sure, but of course her curiosity was piqued and when she met with Dr Helena Loxton, she was startled by what occurred. And that was the beginning of days and weeks of stress, tension, investigating and unfortunately, murder. Tiggy was even taken into the police station and interrogated! What was happening and why was it happening?
Join Tiggy, Baxter, Rupert and Raider in the 4th of the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King - you won't regret it! A Trace of DNA (a catchy title) takes us once again to a small village outside London, where Tiggy's life has been since she inherited her grandmother's boat house. Tiggy's life is full of excitement, friends like Baxter (who is certainly growing into himself) and her special dog Raider. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning; I'm looking forward to #5 very much! Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
Mystery author Tiggy Jones was working on her latest novel from a small cottage while her boathouse was renovated, accompanied by her faithful dog Raider, a spotted Dalmador, when Tiggy received an email from a famous forensic scientist, wanting to meet with her to share some of her intriguing life, which Tiggy could use in upcoming novels. Tiggy wasn't sure, but of course her curiosity was piqued and when she met with Dr Helena Loxton, she was startled by what occurred. And that was the beginning of days and weeks of stress, tension, investigating and unfortunately, murder. Tiggy was even taken into the police station and interrogated! What was happening and why was it happening?
Join Tiggy, Baxter, Rupert and Raider in the 4th of the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King - you won't regret it! A Trace of DNA (a catchy title) takes us once again to a small village outside London, where Tiggy's life has been since she inherited her grandmother's boat house. Tiggy's life is full of excitement, friends like Baxter (who is certainly growing into himself) and her special dog Raider. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning; I'm looking forward to #5 very much! Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
March 1, 2025
The twists and turns in this mystery kept surprising me at almost every page. I love the characters, both the ongoing ones and the intriguing new ones introduced in this installment of the series. I particularly love Baxter. I'm sure I've said this before, but I appreciate him with every new book. He's the most authentically portrayed autistic character I've come across in fiction, a whole, well-rounded person, and his group of friends who are also on the spectrum play vital roles in this book.
Tiggy Jones is a genuinely motivated amateur sleuth, totally plausible in her role as a mystery author and someone whose curiosity can get her in trouble. The initial source of both mystery and curiosity in this book is Helena Loxton, a noted forensic scientist. Helena herself is a mystery, a complex and puzzling character whose behavior takes as many turns as the story, and ultimately controls many of those turns. King, to my knowledge, improvises the plot and finds out where it's going by letting the characters take charge, and I think that's one reason her books are so original. She has the insight and awareness to let the natural inclinations of these of these multi-dimensional characters drive the story. Masterful! I look forward to the Next Tiggy Jones Mystery.
Tiggy Jones is a genuinely motivated amateur sleuth, totally plausible in her role as a mystery author and someone whose curiosity can get her in trouble. The initial source of both mystery and curiosity in this book is Helena Loxton, a noted forensic scientist. Helena herself is a mystery, a complex and puzzling character whose behavior takes as many turns as the story, and ultimately controls many of those turns. King, to my knowledge, improvises the plot and finds out where it's going by letting the characters take charge, and I think that's one reason her books are so original. She has the insight and awareness to let the natural inclinations of these of these multi-dimensional characters drive the story. Masterful! I look forward to the Next Tiggy Jones Mystery.
October 21, 2024
I’m really enjoying this series about a writer, Tiggy, who gets caught up in questionable situations and compulsively investigates them, as she contemplates writing her next book. She’s helped and protected by Baxter, an insightful young man on the spectrum (who wants to become a PI) and Raider, her faithful dog (who has special instincts?). The group takes us on a journey with many twists, turns and some dangerous moments as we try to figure out the current dilemma. Reading Ms. King’s books are like watching a movie which pulls me in and keeps me guessing right up to the satisfying finish. I highly recommend all her books.
October 31, 2024
A Trace of DNA is book #4 in the Tiggy Jones Mystery Series series by Virginia King.
I was speechless after finishing this book. Tiggy Jones receives an email from a famous forensic scientist offering personal story in return for help. Could it help Tiggy with her new book? What I love about these books is that you don’t know what is going to happen, but you know it will be a thrilling experience. Just when you think you know what is going on, there is another twist taking the story in a new direction. The ending blew me away. I did not expect it and that is what I love about Virginia King’s writing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was speechless after finishing this book. Tiggy Jones receives an email from a famous forensic scientist offering personal story in return for help. Could it help Tiggy with her new book? What I love about these books is that you don’t know what is going to happen, but you know it will be a thrilling experience. Just when you think you know what is going on, there is another twist taking the story in a new direction. The ending blew me away. I did not expect it and that is what I love about Virginia King’s writing.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2024
Great 4th book in this series. I loved the DNA thread that is throughout the book. This seems to be a theme in current drama series and since I dabble in genealogy, (also popular in the genealogy crowd), I love this part of the book. We learn more about Tiggy's life in the past, and so does Tiggy. Dr. Helena Loxton is a forensic investigator and approaches Tiggy about using information about her private life in Tiggy's next book. Tiggy and Helena meet, but then Helena changes her tune and is sending mixed messages, literally about what she wants. Murder and a doppleganger come next. And Helena disappears. Raider the dog and Baxter the wannabe investigator join Tiggy. We learn more about all of the characters, with some surprises.
Good traditional mystery series that will hook you in.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
Good traditional mystery series that will hook you in.
I received an ARC and voluntarily provided this review.
October 19, 2024
Virginia King managed again to produce a unique book.
Tiggy is in a completely new situation. Confused why things are happening in the way they do and hitting a dead end in getting answer to her questions. Almost arrested for murder only has her digging more determined than ever. Her dog Raider makes her feel protected. Baxter’s confidence in his capabilities is growing and he is an immense help to bring the story to its conclusion. Twists throughout the story will keep you reading to the end. Virginia King, I hope we see more of Tiggy soon.
Tiggy is in a completely new situation. Confused why things are happening in the way they do and hitting a dead end in getting answer to her questions. Almost arrested for murder only has her digging more determined than ever. Her dog Raider makes her feel protected. Baxter’s confidence in his capabilities is growing and he is an immense help to bring the story to its conclusion. Twists throughout the story will keep you reading to the end. Virginia King, I hope we see more of Tiggy soon.
October 21, 2024
This series just keeps getting better!
Ms. King has done it again! Another twisty mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Dr. Loxton has offered up her life as the plot of Tiggy's next book. There must be a catch. Dr. Loxton is known for her DNA based forensic science and has had a brilliant career. And just what has the good doctor forgotten? Can Tiggy, Raider, and her friends figure it out without getting charged with murder? An excellent read!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Ms. King has done it again! Another twisty mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Dr. Loxton has offered up her life as the plot of Tiggy's next book. There must be a catch. Dr. Loxton is known for her DNA based forensic science and has had a brilliant career. And just what has the good doctor forgotten? Can Tiggy, Raider, and her friends figure it out without getting charged with murder? An excellent read!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
October 1, 2024
Tiggy sure met a mixed bag of characters in this adventure. I love how Baxter's character is growing in self confidence and that people, other than Tiggy, are realising his potential. There are a number of events for you to puzzle over, one of which is why Ben has suddenly begun treating Tiggy and Bazter so badly.
This is a 'must read' for anyone who enjoys good, clean, mysteries with plenty of twists. Happy reading.
This is a 'must read' for anyone who enjoys good, clean, mysteries with plenty of twists. Happy reading.
October 21, 2024
Just when I thought she could not get anymore adventuresome Tiggy just blows me away. I was enthralled from the moment I started reading and could not, I repeat, could not put the book down.
Tiggy and her friends are so intertwined in mystery and intrigue. She really has a knack for finding riddles and getting embroiled in them so much so that she cannot turn away. I would say she has missed her calling and should have been a detective, but she solves mysteries better than the detectives.
Tiggy and her friends are so intertwined in mystery and intrigue. She really has a knack for finding riddles and getting embroiled in them so much so that she cannot turn away. I would say she has missed her calling and should have been a detective, but she solves mysteries better than the detectives.
October 16, 2024
I love the Tiggy series and I think this is the best yet. Totally blew me away. Great story as always with so many possible threads to follow! I am enjoying all the new characters that are being introduced and I do hope they will appear in future stories. Baxter, as always is a star; I love that he is neurodiverse and given a chance to shine. Well done Virginia King - next one soon please!!
October 18, 2024
Once again, a fast-paced story with Tiggy and her friends on a journey to find the answers to all the questions posed by mysterious happenings - a very intricate plot, carefully woven around the action. Well done - another good read!
September 25, 2024
Wow, so many ups and downs. Just when you think you know what is going on something else happens that makes you think something else. Great characters and a very entertaining series.
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March 26, 2025a interesting read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews