Respected and successful barrister Bernadette Wiseman is dead, hanged in the hall of her home. With no sign of foul play and no note, the question raised is why? The police believe it was suicide, but Bernie’s partner, Annie, won’t accept that and instructs JJ Jenson to investigate. As JJ and his sidekick, Davie, dig around in Bernie’s apparently perfect life, they discover professional jealousies, sinister threats and dangerous enemies, but can they establish what actually happened? And more importantly, to honour Bernie’s own dedication to justice, can they prove it? When JJ begins to question whether Bernie’s life was as perfect as she liked people to believe, he sets off a dangerous chain of events, putting his own life in danger. But who is he up against?
Having worked in the property industry for most of her adult life, latterly at a senior level for a corporate agency, Marcia finally escaped in 2010. Whilst she still works as a consultant for several independent agencies, she can now dedicate the bulk of her time to writing and of course reading.
Misplaced Loyalty was her debut novel in published format, and introduced the popular Meredith & Hodge Crime series. In 2017 Marcia published Witness for Wendy the first in the Bearing Witness series. She has also written several stand alone novels.
Marcia is married with two children and lives in Bristol UK. Marcia can be contacted at www.mkturnerbooks.co.uk
A prominent barrister is found hanged in the front hall of her home. There’s no note, and no sign of foul play, and while the police are inclined to put it down as a suicide, the barrister’s partner won’t accept that and asks JJ Jensen, former police officer turned photographer and sometimes investigator, to look into the matter. As JJ and his sidekick, Davie, look into the victim’s seemingly perfect life, they discover jealousies, threats, and enemies. Their investigation even puts JJ in personal danger and earns him a trip to hospital.
This was a complete pleasure to read. JJ is a complicated character with a fascinating backstory (a tragedy on the job drove him into organized religion for a time, then he found solace in photography, and he can’t quite let go of helping people). I like his relationship with his companion, Sharon, a retired teacher. And the back-and-forth between JJ and Davie is entertaining.
The author did an excellent job of filling in the backstory from books 1 and 2, adding depth to the characters and the story. The plot held my interest all the way through and the ending was a surprise. I eagerly await the next installment of the JJ Jensen story.
Please note that this is book 3 in the series. This review might contain spoilers if you have not read the first two books in the series. 😉 Haha, ok, imagine your name is J. Jensen or J.J., and you are reading about J.J. Jenson. Well, I did have a book mail this week for J. Jenson…
In a cottage, J.J. and his Sharon live happily. They have a houseguest as well, Davie. I do not think this could have worked out for perfectly with any other cast. What they did before becoming private investigators makes them quite the team. They even have help from surprising places and friends. I love their friendly banter, as if they had been married for 50 years and not just living together. 😂
A highly successful barrister, Bernadette Wiseman is dead. The police have ruled it an action of her own. Her partner, Annie, hires our dynamic duo to solve the case as she is convinced that is not what actually happened.
As they slowly unravel the mess that I envisioned as one of those balls of Christmas lights, the more dangerous this all becomes. What will we get first? The answer to all of our questions? Or another death?
Guess who needs to check out the two first books?🤗
I am so much an MK Turner fan. I am always amazed at the story lines and characters and this was an amazing book. From the opening there is angst and mystery and strife....but also compassion, humor and adventure. The gift is that Lee Beddow and Predita Lawton do such an incredible job of combining their talent as narrators to bring MK's characters to life. This book was so engaging and had me running the gambit of emotions. The JJ Jenson series is personable in a way that I don't find most of my reading material. I am not sure that description is one that folks will find helpful but it is the best word I can find to illustrate the realistic and comfortable way this story flows. Emotions many, but not so intense as to cause me to push the pause button for a breather. I think this series would be best experienced if read in the order written. I am hoping for more of JJ Jenson and his companions in the future. Definitely a worthwhile read as always excellent writing and presentation. WOW Twists and turns galore
Firstly many thanks to MK Turner for reaching out to me again to be one of your advanced readers. I’m a huge fan so it’s always a pleasure. Book 3 in the JJ Jenson series. A perfect whodunnit with a plot that kept me guessing till the very end, the writing is so good that my theories were totally not on track. I love JJ and with his sidekick Davie there is plenty of humour injected into the storyline.It was great to see JJ’s partner Sharon being involved more and the character Terry who we met in book 2 is back which I’m pleased about as he was one person I wanted to read more about after book 2,so I’m happy he has a more central role, they all make a brilliant team. My only gripe is having to wait for book 4 😊 A highly recommended series.
This is Book Three in 'JJ Jenson' series. I've had the pleasure of reading and review 'An Ill Wind' and 'To Kill To Birds'. Barrister Bernadette Wiseman is found hung in the hall of her home. The police think it's a suicide, but her partner Annie thinks there is something not right about it and turns to the one person she knows will find out the truth, JJ Jenson and Davies his sidekick. It's not long before JJ finds things about Bernadette and not everyone liked her. The deeper JJ and Davie dig into Bernadette's past the more dangerous things become. But who has Bernadette upset enough for her to be killed and also why? Another great storyline with the characters we love. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I love this series! If you like a fun mystery this one is for you. The characters are lovable & I really enjoy the relationships the author has created for them. This is book 3 in this series, I would highly recommend reading the first 2 books to get a sense of the characters. I am a big fan of M.K. Turner & have enjoyed all her books. If you like a good murder mystery with a sense of humour I would suggest reading any of her other series.
This is the third book in the JJ Jenson series and having read the first two books over the last few months - An Ill Wind and To Kill Two Birds - I didn't have long to wait, to dive back in and see what was in store for JJ this time.
Although this is the third in the series, I do feel as though these books would work ok as a standalone read - each case is complete and there are some references to previous events, but these tend to be little recaps rather than confusing.
However, with such a well written and interesting series, I'd definitely still recommend that you read these in order just to get the most out of the brilliant character development which runs throughout.
It was great to be back with the team again and here we were with another intriguing case. Barrister Bernie was found at home hanging. Although police see nothing suspicious, her partner Annie needs to get to the bottom of why or maybe who would have done this.
I love that we are plunged straight into this from the first page which had me hooked straight away. The short chapters are perfect for keeping me immersed and racing ahead - even when I should have been getting on with other things! - I just couldn't put it down and had to know the outcome.
It was great to see more of JJ and Davie - the dynamics of the group are coming together nicely and I love their determination to get answers and fight for justice together.
This was another well planned case and once again, I was kept guessing right to the end. Plenty of twists to keep those theories chopping and changing.
A great read and I'm excited to see where book 4 will take us!
I am so thrilled to be reunited with JJ and the gang for book three in the JJ Jenson series, I loved the first two books and the third installment did not disappoint!
Too Many Times kicks off with a whopping bang, what a cleverly intriguing first chapter. I challenge anyone who reads it not to feel compelled to read on, and when you do you will be in for a treat.
It is the characters that really make this series stand out, for me. With each book we get to know more about who they are and the things they have been through, as more of their backgrounds and personalities are revealed with each page. I have grown very fond of them all and I want to join their team, please Marcia. The dynamic between JJ, Davie, Sharon and co is so endearing and is a real joy to read.
Not only does this series have richly developed, complex yet relatable characters, it also has perfectly paced plots that keep you guessing throughout and book three is no exception. I was hooked from the first page and every twist and turn kept me engaged and desperate to crack the case...which I did not! I had many theories, none of which were right and I was surprised by what unfolded!
There is also a depth to these books that I really enjoy, such as highlighting the flaws of the criminal justice system and having you reflect on those grey areas between right and wrong, just and unjust.
I was beyond excited to see that words from my previous reviews (circled in orange in the photo) have made it onto the back of Too Many Times. Never, ever did I imagine words written by little old me would make it onto a book 🥺 but a true testament to how much I have loved this series.
Another brilliant book, counting down the days until book four!
A huge thank you to @mkturnerauthor for sending me a copy of this one, don't they all look stunning together! Thank you also @randomthingstours for having me on the tour for the third instalment of the series. Please check out the rest of the blog tour posts as they come out over the next week or so.
Book 3 in the JJ Jensen series and the former police officer, now private investigator, and his friend and associate, journalist Davie George, are asked to investigate the death of a barrister. The police have ruled as suicide but the barristers partner is adamant that it was murder. The book opens with Bernadette Wiseman letting someone into her home and after a few minutes she walks up the stairs to the noose that had been put there, puts it round her neck and jumps! Not having read the previous books I did find it did take a few chapters to get my head around who was who, although the author does mention events from earlier books.
Briefly, with help from Terry, a wizard with computers and JJ’s partner Sharon, they soon start to uncover things that puts doubt in their minds over the suicide verdict. A trip to Bernie’s home to find an intruder escaping over the fence adds to the weight of evidence in favour of murder! Working in tandem with the police JJ and Davie continue their investigations but someone is trying to stop them…
I did like the characters in the book, and their backstories seemed interesting, so I would definitely read further books in the series. A good plot with twists and turns that kept me guessing almost until the reveal, some great misdirection. Enjoyable read.
Absolutely loved this incredible third book in the J J Jenson series and could not put it down from the moment I read the first page until I finished it in the small wee hours of the following day. The characters are really well developed now and JJ , Davie and Sharon feel like they have been a part of my life for a long time now.
This is one of those murder mysteries which will have you thinking you know the ending and who was involved right up until the very last couple of pages when you think “Whoa I didn’t see that one coming !!!!!!!”
Davie’s character is brilliant and his persuasive personality compared to JJ’s more reticent one really work well together in providing two super sleuths .
M.K Turner has really got into her stride with this series and I am really hoping , and begging, that there are many more to follow in the not too distant future.
I have read the audio version of this book. It is great to catch up with JJ, Davey, Sharon, and of course 7 year-old Luke who continues to bring a unique spark to the story. "Too Many Times" is well-paced with plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way to the end. The dual narration by Lee Beddow and Perdita Lawton was spot-on and brought the characters to life brilliantly. A great addition to the JJ Jenson series, highly recommended for fans and new listeners alike! Although this would work as a stand alone it would be better to read books 1 and 2 first as there is a back story, especially with Davey.
Bernie Wiseman, lawyer, commits suicide, but her partner doesn't believe it. JJ and Davie, along with JJ's girlfriend, Sharon, and a few other new characters, are asked to look into her death.
M.K. leads us through some interesting twists and turns in this book, but I figured out who the culprit was by Chapter 20 - only a couple of chapters from the end.
JJ and Davie look into Bernie's death and who would want her dead. The series keeps getting more and more detailed as the characters evolve and the investigation 'agency' gains momentum. Another good story and I look foward to more in this series
I really enjoyed this excellent novel from M K Turner, who is one of my favourite authors. This is the third outing for JJ and his sidekick Davie and the assorted rag tag bag of helpers.
Synonymous with all Marcia’s other works, this was an excellent who dun it. It rattled along at an excellent pace, with all the twists and turns you would expect from her novels. A real page turner.
Marcia has done it yet again with this the third in her JJ Jenson series. Not just a "who dun it" but a "why did she do that"? We are, of course, kept guessing till the very end to find the answers, but so worth the wait. I enjoyed catching up with JJ, Davie, Sharon and, new recruit Terry. Kept me turning pages until the early hours!
Another good story from M K Turner in the JJ Jenson series. We learn more about JJ and his sidekick Davie, as they investigate the apparent suicide of Bernie, a local barrister. She was found hanged but did she commit suicide or was she forced? If so, by who?! A good thriller with lots of twists.
This is a really well paced story that had me hooked from the beginning. I thought I had the villain figured out several times but JJ & Davie are obviously far better detectives than me as I was wrong as usual. The characters in JJ's "team" are all very believable and they all work well together. As in the first two books there are red herrings and twists that add to the plot making this an excellent book. Highly recommended. The narrators, Lee Beddow & Perdita Lawton bring the characters to life with each one having their own unique voice. A pleasure to listen to.
I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and am voluntarily writing an honest and unbiased review.
I really enjoyed this book. Bernie hanged herself but was it suicide or something else? Bernie's partner doesn't believe she did it so she asks JJ and Davie to look into it. What will they find Bernie's life wasn't as perfect as she made it out to be.