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J.J. Graves Mystery #16
Dirty Valentine
New York Times Bestselling Author Liliana Hart weaves a tale of betrayal, intrigue, and a murder that goes back to the Revolutionary War in the latest J.J. Graves crime caper. "If you love fast-paced crime thrillers with great characters, this series is a must read (Goodreads)."
When a brutal present-day murder in the historic town of Bloody Mary seems out of place, coroner JJ Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson are thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
As they delve deeper, they uncover connections to a chilling two-hundred and fifty-year-old murder. With dark secrets and hidden truths surfacing, JJ and Jack race against time to piece together clues spanning generations. The town of Bloody Mary, renowned for its historical roots, becomes a treacherous ground where past and present collide.
With each revelation, the danger intensifies, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Will JJ and Jack unravel the truth before it's too late, or will Bloody Mary be forever haunted by its bloody past?
Join JJ Graves in this heart-pounding crime thriller, where betrayal, dark secrets, and suspense collide in a web of danger and deception.
When a brutal present-day murder in the historic town of Bloody Mary seems out of place, coroner JJ Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson are thrust into a high-stakes investigation.
As they delve deeper, they uncover connections to a chilling two-hundred and fifty-year-old murder. With dark secrets and hidden truths surfacing, JJ and Jack race against time to piece together clues spanning generations. The town of Bloody Mary, renowned for its historical roots, becomes a treacherous ground where past and present collide.
With each revelation, the danger intensifies, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Will JJ and Jack unravel the truth before it's too late, or will Bloody Mary be forever haunted by its bloody past?
Join JJ Graves in this heart-pounding crime thriller, where betrayal, dark secrets, and suspense collide in a web of danger and deception.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
87 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Liliana Hart
207 books3,307 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 35 reviews
October 11, 2025
Love this history.
Love JJ Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson, what a great couple and what a good book. Love the delving back into history of King George County and the town of Bloody Mary.
Love JJ Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson, what a great couple and what a good book. Love the delving back into history of King George County and the town of Bloody Mary.
December 6, 2025
5 Stars:)
October 25, 2025
not as enjoyable as previous
Well this one in this series had an interesting plot- kind of unusual- it just didn’t flow well. As others have said,way too many references to the watercolor looking rain soaked countryside -once would’ve been great use of imagery but it was way overused and should’ve been edited out half the time at least. And though you get an inkling of who done it halfway through, it does seem like the ending wraps up too quickly. Although I liked the couple extra twists and turns after I thought I’d figured out who done it, so at least the ending was interesting.
Well this one in this series had an interesting plot- kind of unusual- it just didn’t flow well. As others have said,way too many references to the watercolor looking rain soaked countryside -once would’ve been great use of imagery but it was way overused and should’ve been edited out half the time at least. And though you get an inkling of who done it halfway through, it does seem like the ending wraps up too quickly. Although I liked the couple extra twists and turns after I thought I’d figured out who done it, so at least the ending was interesting.
January 20, 2026
4 Stars
Dirty Valentine is Book #16 in the J.J. Graves Mystery Series by Liliana Hart.....
With the new instalment due to release soon, I decided to revisit the series again in preparation of ‘Fighting Dirty’ – I devoured the series, back-to-back, practically inhaling them over the weekend…
The series follows “J.J.” Graves - a mortician-turned-town coroner-turned sleuth --- and as the series unfolds we not only get to investigate some intriguing cases, but also learn of the ‘tangled web’ of secrets, lies, and intrigue that form her past. She has endured, been forged in fire, and come out stronger than ever (even if she can’t see that yet). Add local Sheriff, Jack Lawson to the mix, and we get a fantastic dynamic that’s as much about their relationship as it is about solving murders.
I have devoured each instalment of this series, and happily pounce on each new one as they release, following JJ and Jack as they investigate and unravel the clues to solve the mysteries. It is an easy, fun, and familiar read – a bit like visiting family. Of course, I love our MCs, but the recurring supporting cast are really great – and the town certainly has some quirky characters.
I did enjoy revisiting JJ and Jack, and remembering just how much I love them, their bond, commitment, skills, and their trusty ‘team’.
While each book can be read on its own, the ongoing character development makes the series especially rewarding when read in sequential order.
Perfect for readers who don’t want anything too ‘heavy’ but love a good mix of murder, mystery, endearing characters, and a dash of romance.
Happy Reading…
Dirty Valentine is Book #16 in the J.J. Graves Mystery Series by Liliana Hart.....
With the new instalment due to release soon, I decided to revisit the series again in preparation of ‘Fighting Dirty’ – I devoured the series, back-to-back, practically inhaling them over the weekend…
The series follows “J.J.” Graves - a mortician-turned-town coroner-turned sleuth --- and as the series unfolds we not only get to investigate some intriguing cases, but also learn of the ‘tangled web’ of secrets, lies, and intrigue that form her past. She has endured, been forged in fire, and come out stronger than ever (even if she can’t see that yet). Add local Sheriff, Jack Lawson to the mix, and we get a fantastic dynamic that’s as much about their relationship as it is about solving murders.
I have devoured each instalment of this series, and happily pounce on each new one as they release, following JJ and Jack as they investigate and unravel the clues to solve the mysteries. It is an easy, fun, and familiar read – a bit like visiting family. Of course, I love our MCs, but the recurring supporting cast are really great – and the town certainly has some quirky characters.
I did enjoy revisiting JJ and Jack, and remembering just how much I love them, their bond, commitment, skills, and their trusty ‘team’.
While each book can be read on its own, the ongoing character development makes the series especially rewarding when read in sequential order.
Perfect for readers who don’t want anything too ‘heavy’ but love a good mix of murder, mystery, endearing characters, and a dash of romance.
Happy Reading…
October 9, 2025
The revenge of the descendants of a woman unfairly killed in King George county 300 years ago leads to gruesome killings of many people from influential families.
Seven tombstones are marked, with Jack’s ancestor being one of them, and the history of the witch’s story is gathered. It seems the trial was rigged and after her death, her husband and daughter escaped and others split up her land.
Jack’s ancestor actually refused a share and wasn’t present for the trial, but would have opposed the witch hunt.
One victim manages to escape and is hospitalized, and Sheldon’s new girlfriend is goth and has a lot of interest in the case too. There’s a woman who lives on the woods who also has a lot of herbs and healing remedies, much like the witch in the past.
Eventually it’s concluded that there isn’t one killer, but several, and the leak about details of the killings is also solved.
I love this story, with the historical element of unfair treatment of female healers and midwives woven into a mystery about greed and power creating revenge by someone centuries later.
Sheldon is great comic relief with his penchant for strange women, hopefully he features in more books. Not sure why this was Valentine, though, it doesn’t fit with the theme, more like Halloween.
Seven tombstones are marked, with Jack’s ancestor being one of them, and the history of the witch’s story is gathered. It seems the trial was rigged and after her death, her husband and daughter escaped and others split up her land.
Jack’s ancestor actually refused a share and wasn’t present for the trial, but would have opposed the witch hunt.
One victim manages to escape and is hospitalized, and Sheldon’s new girlfriend is goth and has a lot of interest in the case too. There’s a woman who lives on the woods who also has a lot of herbs and healing remedies, much like the witch in the past.
Eventually it’s concluded that there isn’t one killer, but several, and the leak about details of the killings is also solved.
I love this story, with the historical element of unfair treatment of female healers and midwives woven into a mystery about greed and power creating revenge by someone centuries later.
Sheldon is great comic relief with his penchant for strange women, hopefully he features in more books. Not sure why this was Valentine, though, it doesn’t fit with the theme, more like Halloween.
February 13, 2026
I always like to spend time with JJ, Jack, and the gang. Poor Sheldon was put through the wringer in this book. I enjoy all of the characters in Bloody Mary. Jack and Jaye's relationship is sweet and romantic which is unique considering their type of work.
This particular murder mystery stemming from 300 years ago was particularly interesting. The first chapter pulled me in mostly because I could not imagine where we would go from there. I also could not imagine the string of murders to follow.
This was also entertaining because I was very suspicious of a particular person but had no idea that person would be as involved as the person ended up being with the crimes. I am not sure if I missed something from listening to the audio book because I am not sure what happened to one of the characters. Maybe the character slipped under my radar while I was listening.
There is a level of warmth, friendship, family, witty banter, and loyalty among the characters in this book. I think that's what keeps me coming back for more.
This particular murder mystery stemming from 300 years ago was particularly interesting. The first chapter pulled me in mostly because I could not imagine where we would go from there. I also could not imagine the string of murders to follow.
This was also entertaining because I was very suspicious of a particular person but had no idea that person would be as involved as the person ended up being with the crimes. I am not sure if I missed something from listening to the audio book because I am not sure what happened to one of the characters. Maybe the character slipped under my radar while I was listening.
There is a level of warmth, friendship, family, witty banter, and loyalty among the characters in this book. I think that's what keeps me coming back for more.
September 30, 2025
Wow!
Very different from usual investigations but just as exciting! This is an outstanding series written by a very talented author! I have read all her series and enjoyed them all!
Read series in order due to continuing events and characters lives. Each story is complete, however, with no cliffhangers! This story involves the history of Virginia, founding families of the county , and negative acts then that impact the current day ! I am a history lover so especially enjoyed this book!
Very different from usual investigations but just as exciting! This is an outstanding series written by a very talented author! I have read all her series and enjoyed them all!
Read series in order due to continuing events and characters lives. Each story is complete, however, with no cliffhangers! This story involves the history of Virginia, founding families of the county , and negative acts then that impact the current day ! I am a history lover so especially enjoyed this book!
February 10, 2026
Bridget Ashworth was crushed to death for, supposedly, being a witch. Then her land was divided amongst her accusers. Now three hundred years later, someone is killing the accusers’ descendants. Jack Lawson, sheriff, and his wife, J.J. Graves, coroner, are on the case. Will they find the killer?
Two things bothered me: 1. J.J. is pregnant, but keeps drinking coffee - a definite no-no during pregnancy, and 2. Cole had injured ribs, yet he is rowing a boa5 a couple of days later - seriously?!
Two things bothered me: 1. J.J. is pregnant, but keeps drinking coffee - a definite no-no during pregnancy, and 2. Cole had injured ribs, yet he is rowing a boa5 a couple of days later - seriously?!
October 3, 2025
Twisted revenge
Jack and JJ are at it again, this time with a Colonial mystery thrown in. Three hundred years earlier, a travesty occurred and the descendants of those victims want revenge on the descendants of the original perpetrators. I loved the twists and figuring out whodunit! Another well-written tale with a fine cast of supporting characters and criminals and such descriptive details. Highly recommended.
Jack and JJ are at it again, this time with a Colonial mystery thrown in. Three hundred years earlier, a travesty occurred and the descendants of those victims want revenge on the descendants of the original perpetrators. I loved the twists and figuring out whodunit! Another well-written tale with a fine cast of supporting characters and criminals and such descriptive details. Highly recommended.
October 4, 2025
Another Dirty Hit
I never tire of this series, but this particular book combined evil from the past and the present into a chilling and fascinating tale of blood and betrayal. Jaye and Jack are a great couple, each with their own strengths, and their love and support for each other runs like a thread of sweetness throughout the story. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire J.J. Graves series.
I never tire of this series, but this particular book combined evil from the past and the present into a chilling and fascinating tale of blood and betrayal. Jaye and Jack are a great couple, each with their own strengths, and their love and support for each other runs like a thread of sweetness throughout the story. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire J.J. Graves series.
October 11, 2025
outstanding
I have read Ms. Harts books for sometime they get better every year. The vivid details of how she writes gives you a feeling as if you can actually see what’s being described in your minds eye. This book was excellent I love JJ and Jack their relationship has continued to grow and mature as they know what the other is thinking.
I have read Ms. Harts books for sometime they get better every year. The vivid details of how she writes gives you a feeling as if you can actually see what’s being described in your minds eye. This book was excellent I love JJ and Jack their relationship has continued to grow and mature as they know what the other is thinking.
October 24, 2025
This was an interesting mystery tied to a woman who was convicted of witchcraft in Virginia. Jaye and Jack are working hard to prevent additional murders. Things hit very close to home. I enjoyed the character and relationship growth of the main and side characters. An interesting read that brings historical events in to today's world.
October 3, 2025
No words
Trying to critique a book that contains so much passion and information is almost impossible. Character development was as expert as anyone could accomplish. All I can say is read the book and experience it for yourself.
Trying to critique a book that contains so much passion and information is almost impossible. Character development was as expert as anyone could accomplish. All I can say is read the book and experience it for yourself.
October 7, 2025
I usually love each book in this series but this one felt like it had a lot of filler about the weather and an express wrap up of the case like the author needed to hit a deadline. Carver & Vaughn didn’t make an appearance. Hopefully the next one has less filler and more story.
October 9, 2025
This is another awesome book in this series. I can’t get enough since I started reading it. Liliana does such a great job of getting me into the mystery and suspense of Jaye Graves and Jack Lawson solving murder in King George County. She has such detail and also a bit of humor. I love the banter between all of her characters in this series. I am so looking forward to the next one.
October 10, 2025
the past will find you out
Another mystery solved by our intrepid couple. Lots of imagination in revealing a 300 year old injustice and descendants prepared to do anything to correct the sins of the past, in so doing, continuing the evil!
Another mystery solved by our intrepid couple. Lots of imagination in revealing a 300 year old injustice and descendants prepared to do anything to correct the sins of the past, in so doing, continuing the evil!
December 26, 2025
Love, love this series! They pack in so much mystery, thrill, drama in under 300 pages - what's not to like? Nothing juicier than Southern Colonial history and all it's long ties to the present . . . with a few diversion on those family trees. This was a great story!
January 4, 2026
Okay, we ALL got it. It RAINED - a lot. Enough already and could have cut pages out of this read. I love the series, but this one dragged. I was also confused by the title. Anyone have an idea how that related to the story? Hope the next book is more like the first 15.
Want to read
July 11, 2025Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.
October 4, 2025
Great book!
I just finished it, and now I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
I just finished it, and now I can’t wait for the next one in the series!
October 6, 2025
This was absolutely fantastic. A great addition to the series. Jaye & Jack are such a dynamic duo. And this was interesting to read this time of year. I can’t wait for more.
October 6, 2025
This was a story. There are a lot of twists. For me, some unanswered questions. Quick rapup at the end.
October 7, 2025
Hard to put this one down once I started reading... Ending left me with questions that maybe Margot could
October 9, 2025
amazing
I am in awe of the twists and turns of this book
I love this series and cannot wait for the next book
I am in awe of the twists and turns of this book
I love this series and cannot wait for the next book
October 13, 2025
A great series!!!:)
October 18, 2025
thrilling, gripping, excellent read
Love the plot. Characters, Twists and turns, unexpected ending. Found it be thrilling, gripping storytelling this was an excellent read
Love the plot. Characters, Twists and turns, unexpected ending. Found it be thrilling, gripping storytelling this was an excellent read
October 21, 2025
Having read all the series there are only a few that were "can't put down until I find out...." this is definitely one. History, murder, twist and turns..... a good read read for sure
October 29, 2025
My first J.J. Graves mystery, 17th in the series, but it won't be my last!
October 30, 2025
great story, it was a real thrill ride...
November 11, 2025
Great book!
Love this series and this book did not disappoint!! Jack and Jaye are the perfect duo. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Love this series and this book did not disappoint!! Jack and Jaye are the perfect duo. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews