Two Parts Bloody Murder

Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries #4

by Jen J. Danna, Ann Vanderlaan

Prohibition was a time of clandestine excess--short skirts, drinking, dancing . . . and death. But a murder committed so many years ago still has the power to reverberate decades later with deadly consequences.

It's a double surprise for Trooper Leigh Abbott as she investigates a cold case and discovers two murder victims in a historic nineteenth-century building. Together with forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell and medical examiner Dr. Edward Rowe, she uncovers the secrets of a long-forgotten, Prohibition-era speakeasy in the same building. But when the two victims are discovered to be relatives--their deaths separated by over eighty years--the case deepens, and suddenly the speakeasy is revealed as ground zero for a cascade of crimes through the decades. When a murder committed nearly forty years ago comes under fresh scrutiny, the team realizes that an innocent man was wrongly imprisoned and the real murderer is still at large. Now they must solve three murders spanning over eighty years if they hope to set a wronged man free.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Procedural

281 pages, Hardcover

First published February 18, 2015

About the author

Jen J. Danna is the author of the FBI K-9s and NYPD Negotiators thriller series as Sara Driscoll and the coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books at www.jenjdanna.com.

Reviews

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Jen Danna for advancing me a free copy (advance uncorrected proof) of her latest novel in exchange for my honest review.

How I love this series. It just gets better and better with each installment. Jen Danna (“Danna”) once again delivers an engaging and well-written novel full of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and a little romance. All the key players are present once again; Leigh, Matt, Kiko, Paul, and Juka. As Leigh investigates one murder, she discovers a second body at the same location hidden behind a brick wall. Turns out while her first murder victim has been dead for about 12 hours, the second victim’s been dead for decades. Leigh doesn’t believe in coincidences, and when it turns out that both victims were related, she knows this is just the beginning. As the investigation becomes more complex, Leigh knows in order to solve the two crimes she’s going to need the help of her forensic team. Thru their investigation they learn of another murder that took place almost forty years ago, which is also connected to the two bodies. Upon learning that an innocent man is serving a life sentence behind bars for a crime he did not commit, Leigh knows she needs to find the murderer(s) fast. Not to be forgotten, the mystery that began in book 3, “A Flame in the Wind of Death” where Leigh received threatening letters at the precinct, another package is delivered this time to her home. Whoever’s behind it threatens to reveal how corrupt Leigh’s father was and that Leigh herself will pay for all his sins. I love this mystery that Danna has neatly integrated with the main plot. I can only hope this story will be explored a lot more in the next installment. Danna does a brilliant job intricately weaving all the mysteries to flow smoothly; making it easy to follow how they’re all connected; who all the key players are; and why the crimes were committed. Like always, the forensic details are clear and concise giving the reader a clear understanding of how each victim was killed, and how it may lead to the killer(s).

I love how far Leigh has come since book 1, “Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It.” Not only is she making a name for herself at her department, you can actually feel how more confident and happier she is, which I believe is because of her relationship with Matt. The word “happy” came to mind as for the first time Leigh’s one-track mind actually goes off-track for a few seconds.

“Rowe gave a short bark of a laugh. “As an ex-Marine medic, Lowell knows his way around a body.”

Leigh dropped her head to hide the warmth brightening her cheeks. He certainly knew his way around hers.”

Leigh and Matt are so great together. I love how the author has spent more time developing their relationship with each passing novel, at the same time ensuring that their relationship doesn’t overshadow the main story at any time. I’m so looking forward to reading more about their relationship.

This is a must-read series for all of those who love reading intriguing (forensic) mysteries that are developed and written so well that it keeps the readers engaged right from the start. As always, I look forward to book 5 which can’t come soon enough.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a good read, it's a GREAT read! Loved it! Enjoyed the perfect balance of science and actual story telling. I'm afraid some authors rely too much on graphs and illustrations and by the time you understand them you've forgotten what you were reading about in the first place. You won't find that to be the case here though.
A lot of research went into the writing of this book and it shows. Peppered with interesting facts pertaining to the prohibition era and the making of bootleg liquor the authors do a superb job at really immersing you into another world.
This book is number four in a series. I have not read the others (but definitely plan to now.) I can say this book does stand up well on its own. Only once was a previous case mentioned but enough information was given so I didn't feel like I was missing anything. So bottom line, if you can get your hands on any of the four, do it because reading them in order doesn't appear to be a necessity. (Unless like me you are practically OCD about it, in which case you've already ordered the other three lol)

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from this excellent series! The story line takes place across a large time line - connecting an old murder/missing person to present day.

The murder/missing person takes place around Prohibition times, and deals with some very interesting facts/stories about moonshine, bootlegging, and the notorious speakeasies. Love how these authors bring together a captivating story infused with facts.

Lots of background on fingerprinting - how to properly take fingerprints and when the process first started being used!

A must read for fans of forensic mysteries!

2 thumbs up and 4.5 stars.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing and twisty, turny mystery

4.5 stars…I love a good mystery, and especially love one that teaches me things in the process of telling the tale. I learned about the history of Prohibition, fingerprints and their analysis, bad photoshopping, and lots of trivia at the start of each chapter about things related to alcohol and Prohibition. So the mystery was entertainingly informative.

The crimes here are well plotted out and the story arc moves well. The crime investigation process is interesting and appears realistic. The ongoing story makes some interesting steps forward here but it’s getting frustrating so I hope we make considerable progress in the next book. In this book I found it actually detracted from the main story as that story was intriguing and the secret packages story I have found distracting and, frankly, boring.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Parts Bloody Murder was a quick read for me. I loved the characters, and was intrigued bythe murders being intertwined and linked to a speakeasy. Through the chapter introductions, I really learned quite a bit about the distillation and processes of making booze and the jargon associated with same. Those bits of trivia tickled my fancy so that I found myself sharing the info with my family as I read just because it tended to be amazing to me. Great job, ladies!

Now that I have read the 4th installment of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries, I am looking forward to finding the first three and devouring them as well. If you enjoy Kathy Reichs forensic novels ("Bones" series), I can guarantee that you will love these as well. Pick up one or more and have a great read!

[Dlora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great title taken from 1911 Ambrose Bierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary, entry on “Brandy.” Two Parts Bloody Murder is a police procedural spiced with forensic anthropology and fun tidbits of information about the Prohibition and alcohols lore. The author’s comment on police work and military service is a tad true of the book: “it’s ninety percent pure boredom punctuated by ten percent sheer terror.” The story starts with a dead desiccated body immured behind the wall of a speak easy dating from the 1930s. Mix that with a live fresh murder from the present and you have your two parts bloody murder—and more.

[Alma Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Jen did good! I really enjoyed this book in this series. I really enjoy the relationship between Leigh and Matt and also with Matt's students.

Together with forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell and medical examiner Dr. Edward Rowe, she uncovers the secrets of a long-forgotten, Prohibition-era speakeasy in the same building. But when the two victims are discovered to be relatives—their deaths separated by over eighty years—the case deepens, and suddenly the speakeasy is revealed as ground zero for a cascade of crimes through the decades. Plus, they are still trying to solve the mystery of the packages that Leigh keeps receiving about her Father's death.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun mystery to read (if death and revenge can be considered fun!). I really like the characters Leigh and Matt, their connection and chemistry, and the rest of their team. The coincidences kept piling up with each new discovery in this mystery, and the connections to Prohibition (and the facts presented about that era) made this an entertaining and fast-paced who-done-it. Well done!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leigh and Matt

A long dead body is found behind a wall of an old building in which a fresh body was found. The body in the wall has been there for 40 years. I have enjoyed this series - so far!! Keep them coming!!!

[Wysteria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too much going on, first one murder than another then a third and oh a fourth! Stick to a single story please.

[Aj Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of the book made this one of the last books I read on my holidays. I thought I wouldn't enjoy it very much but it was a good read. I enjoyed learning more about the time of prohibition.

[Eydie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE the Abbott and Lowell series, if you like forensics and a good detailed read this is for you!! I currently read everyone is order and LOVED THEM!!

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the better of the 3 I’ve read…Not too much forensic involved but ok..

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren’t a lot of guarantees in life or reading, and when a sure thing comes along, it’s reason to celebrate. So it is with each new novel in the Abbott and Lowell forensic mystery series by Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan. Nothing is more satisfying for mystery series readers than finding a series that consistently delivers, and with the fourth installment in this series, absolute satisfaction is well established. Danna has developed the main characters of Massachusetts State Trooper Leigh Abbott and forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell in well-paced, intriguing plots that smoothly blend their personal and professional relationships. The story lines are especially fascinating with the ability of forensic anthropology to supply answers for crime solving being written in a complete, yet understandable manner for readers who enjoy their mysteries having history hidden in its bones. The supporting cast of characters continues to be amazing, with Matt’s team diverse in both personality and ethnicity, and playing off of each other in such a spirited way. Dr. Rowe is a welcome increased presence in this book, and Leigh is finding some support in her co-workers, who are featured more, too.

This fourth novel in the series is full of captivating history with dark, multi-generational secrets. A hidden speak-easy from the 1930s, a Poe-terror of a body in a bricked-up false wall, and murders that follow the revenge as a dish served cold philosophy. Every element of this novel gives a thrill of excitement that is maintained throughout the entire story. If you enjoy learning your history through the great art of storytelling, prepare to enter into the 1930s world of prohibition and illegal booze as Abbott, Lowell, and Lowell’s eager team of assistants dig deep into the past to solve murders both past and present. The characters encountered along the way are brilliantly developed, with secrets having been built on secrets finally seeing the light of day, and relationships that are at first glance unlinked or unremarkable being revealed for the unrelenting connections they are.

Two Parts Bloody Murder begins when Trooper Abbott arrives at a landmark building in Lynn, Massachusetts to follow up on a tip from a senior citizen in a nursing home about a hidden body there, a body that would have been there for decades. Upon her arrival, however, she had discovered a recently killed victim. As ME Dr. Edward Rowe examines the man’s body, Leigh scouts around for any hidden places where an older victim might have been stashed. What her prodding yields is beyond anything she could have imagined, a secret door leading to a basement level where a speakeasy from the 1930s is suspended in time. Rowe is quickly on the scene, too, and with his expertise about this particular period of history in Boston, he and Abbott determine that there is indeed another body, remains secreted behind a literal brick wall. With this development, Matt and his team are called in to join forces with Leigh, and the fun begins on getting the bones to talk. Of course, Leigh also has the new case of the dead guy above ground, too. Two separate cases, or not? DNA from Matt’s skeleton and Leigh’s corpse prove to have quite the interesting link. So, the search begins for clues that go back 80 years to solve the two murders. The search and subsequent answers are cleverly constructed by the author to keep the reader in a delicious state of suspense, a beautifully layered, smart plot that will thrill to the very last page.

A subplot that continues in this addition to the series is that of Leigh’s late father’s position in the Massachusetts State Police, as she receives more cryptic messages concerning his tenure and hints at improprieties. With Leigh and Matt having established their personal relationship, Matt is there to support her in this matter and to call in some much needed help. This problem seems to be coming to a head, but with excruciating slowness for Leigh.

At the beginning of each chapter is a very brief explanation of a term dealing with prohibition, alcohol, effects and methods of “moonshine” alcohol. These relate to the chapters and story line, flowing smoothly into the reader’s journey of discovery and providing a better understanding of the terminology of the era.

Everything is done so well in these novels that it truly is a reading experience of pure satisfaction and excitement. Jen Danna and Ann Vanderlaan are a reader’s dream come true, and this series is one that will become a favorite for all fans of mysteries with buried secrets.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This most recent addition to the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries series from Jen J Danna with Ann Vanderlaan, ‘Two Parts Bloody Murder’, maintains the high standard of storytelling I have come to expect from this unique writing team. A perhaps more deliberate embodiment of its tumblingly-paced predecessors, ‘Two Parts Bloody Murder’ offers a brain-teasing, sinuous plot that weaves itself through several generations of upright –- and not-so-upright -- Massachusetts citizens.

Against a shadowy baseline of gin mills and clip joints, Trooper Leigh Abbott and her partner, forensic anthropologist Dr Matt Lowell, are propelled into an investigative maze sprinkled with seemingly unrelated clues. Two bodies are found, their times of death eighty years apart. With the assistance of their friend and colleague Dr Edward Rowe (a personal favourite of mine whose repeat appearance in this volume and deeper involvement in the investigation was very welcome) Abbott and Lowell are initially unaware of any connection between the deaths. But the cleverly constructed parallels that surface along the way hint at a far more complex explanation for the crimes they’re investigating. The crescendo of the final resolution of the mysteries is both exciting and surprising!

I liked that the relationship between Leigh and Matt is again subtly explored; their mutual trust and respect is burnished by their continuing closeness, both on and off the job. There is now a sense of them being a couple, and they make an attractive couple, each with their own interesting layers that together make a story in its own right, distinctively shaping the way they approach the events that transpire along the way.

The sub-plot that has continued to build in each volume of the series regarding Leigh’s police officer father (deceased) advances even more, exposing some tantalising developments that I found intriguing. I can’t wait to find out the truth behind it all.

Each of the characters in this book is well rounded, nicely developed and interesting. I think this is one of the strengths of this series; the investigative team complement each other exceptionally well. They’re not perfect, but they’re clever, resourceful, share common goals and similar moral compasses, and I care about each of them, which I think is the ultimate compliment to a well written character.

But that’s only a part of the appeal of ‘Two Parts Bloody Murder’. We as readers reap the benefit of not just a terrific mystery, but the attention to detail, the ingenious construction, fascinating forensic elements and addition of the clever descriptors at the beginning of each chapter add up to a mystery that delivers on every level.

Congratulations once again to Danna and Vanderlaan on an outstanding new instalment to the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries series. I highly recommend it.

[Mendenbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do you read a murder mystery? Is it a carefully plotted story full of intricacies and an intriguing setting? An author who is honest with his/her fans, never coming up with a surprise clue to solve the mystery at the end that you can't find anywhere in the book? One who gives you as much chance to solve the puzzle as the detectives?A group of characters who are believable as well as capable? All these things are to be found in Jen J. Danna's latest, Two Parts Bloody Murder. Trooper Abbott and Forensic Scientist Lowell find themselves working together again on a mystery that brings back a cold case from the days of Prohibition and follows it through to an amazing reveal that I am afraid to even hint at. There is murder, revenge, justice, technology, history and so much more tangled up in the plot of this mystery. Every new story by Danna and Vanderlaan just gets better and better. I've read this one three times and I find something new every time. It's my go to book.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. This is the 4th book in the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries series. Massachusetts State Trooper Leigh Abbott is following up on a tip that there's an old building with a long dead body in it. She responds, and finds a newly murdered victim, in addition to the long dead one. Are the two murders connected? Danna and Vanderlaan weave an entertaining tale of Boston's history during the Prohibition, while adding interesting forensic details contributed by Abbott's beau Matt Lowell, and his students. When Leigh finds another long closed case has ties to her current murders, and realizes there has been a great miscarriage of justice, she will stop at nothing until all 3 murders are solved.

This is a great series that readers who enjoy forensic mysteries will love.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want a glimpse into the world of zozzled flappers and their jelly beans who imbibed illegally on some foot juice with a little murder and mayhem on the side? Then you want to read Jen J Danna & Ann Vanderlaan’s latest Abbot & Lowell mystery ‘Two Parts Bloody Murder’.

Trooper Leigh Abbot seems to have stumbled upon two murders separated by decades but quite possibly linked by an old family feud. And it will take not just her dedication to finding the truth but the know-how of Matt Lowell and his team of students to lay some old ghosts to rest. In the process, maybe Leigh can also deal with the ghosts that are haunting her as well.

From the hidden speakeasies of Boston’s past, to the old money families of high society, Leigh and Matt take us on a yet another journey. One that I can’t wait to resume in Danna & Vanderlaan’s next installment!.

[Alanna Pfeifler-McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling installment in the Abbott and Lowell mystery series! Matt and Leigh are quickly climbing the ranks on my list of Top 10 crime-solving duos, and 'Two Parts Bloody Murder' is no exception.

After discovering a long-forgotten speakeasy, Lowell enlists the help of Matt and his trusty lab sidekicks to look into case of a body hidden behind a wall. When it's discovered this victim and a more recent murder are relatives, the mystery is ratcheted up to a new level.

I will never tire of the wonderful chemistry between Matt and Leigh, as well as the relationships built between this dynamic duo and the secondary characters (namely Juka, Kiko and Paul).

Once again, I'm already counting down the days until the next book. :)

[Argum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads Program.

The premise appealed to me in reading the blurb - a fresh body tied to a Prohibition era body in the same place. As I began reading I was a little worried that it was a Bones ripoff - anthropologist cop buddy team romantic entanglement with the gender switched. As soon as I got to know the characters I forgot all about that and want to read the earlier entries into the series. I want to know more about the strange envelopes about Leigh's dad. I enjoyed the case in the book and am putting the rest of the series on my to read list.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an all right mystery story that did a pretty good job of hanging together - maybe better than many. My read may have suffered from randomly picking up book #4 of a series, but it was a little...flat. Possibly just because I didn't have the background for the characters, so things like the romance subplot weren't as interesting as they might have been if I'd been reading along from book #1.

[Paulina D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The newest book in the Abbott and Lowell series is full of plot twists and turns as the two victims found in the same historical building end up sharing much closer ties to each other than expected. The intricate storytelling weaves in historical tidbits and clear explanations of the science involved in catching the killers, and was a brilliant read from cover to cover.

[Victoria Goldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another great book in the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries series - this is the fourth book in the series.

A wonderful mixture of historical information, a well-written plotline, forensics and romance. I like the way each chapter starts with a historical fact and how the authors describe the forensics in layperson's terms.

I look forward to the next book.

[Harold Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A GoodReads GiveAway

Here's a thing I liked about this book. The author(s) didn't over do it with the forensic details. I also liked the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter. Well, yes, of course I liked the well-spun yarn and I'd read another Abbot and Lowell mystery.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best of the series.

[Portia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was unusual but it was very well handled. I recommend
the book for mystery lovers and forensic fans.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying these! Love all the characters except, of course, those I'm supposed to hate. :-)

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Abbott and Lowell Forensic

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5