Fighting Dirty

J.J. Graves Mystery #17

by Liliana Hart

In this electrifying new J.J. Graves mystery, New York Times bestselling author Liliana Hart weaves a heart-stopping tale of greed, loyalty, and survival, where fighting dirty is the only way to win.

In King George County, Virginia, where secrets run as deep as the tunnels beneath its streets, coroner J.J. Graves and Sheriff Jack Lawson uncover a brutal truth that threatens to tear their world apart. When a young ex-Marine is found dead in a dumpster behind an abandoned auto shop, his body bearing the marks of days of torture and a bullet to the back of the head, J.J.'s autopsy tells a chilling story. A disciplined fighter living a double life. Hidden cash. And an underground fighting ring run by a ruthless kingpin who rules through blood and fear.

As J.J. and Jack infiltrate a world of rigged bets, broken bones, and dirty money, they quickly discover that no one in this fight plays fair. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous the game becomes, and it's clear that someone on the inside is making sure the wrong people stay one step ahead. With enemies closing in from every direction and more to lose than ever before, J.J. and Jack must go all in to bring justice before they're counted out for good.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Liliana 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!

Reviews

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Cannoli…

Every single book in this series gets better and better. This one literally made me sit on the edge of my seat. If she breaks my heart. I am going to be so mad. Man, this one was a ride.

And what I think I love most about this series is how the author writes such intense thrilling scenes evolving around the murder mystery. Simultaneously giving us a love story for the ages. The way she writes Jack and Jaye’s romance is just epic. This series is so dang good. It’s Eve & Roarke good. IYKYK

[Lynette Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

well done !
I was not expecting that at all ,you have away of leaving us on the edge of our seats.i am glad Cole didn't die as I want to follow his and Lily's story.Lilian Hart has a way sucking you into her books it doesn't matter which books or the subject .JJ and Jack are my go to books as well has her series Gravediggers which I am patiently waiting for the next book.The plots in all her books are complex and completely different on each page ,you get invested with the side characters and enjoy every detail that pops out within the book.Please keep writing about JJ and Jack .This is my personal opinion .

[Jennifer Artiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Underground fighting

JJ and Jack face the murder of a young boxer and all that goes on underneath the scene of illegal boxing matches mixed with assorted other crimes. At the same time, JJ is pregnant and finally past the morning sickness stage, but they're still not telling anyone.

I love how the two of them function as a unit, with their humor and wit, as well as all the secondary players who make up their found family. This is a truly wonderful gathering of characters. Ms. Hart is one of my favorite authors and I hope she continues for a long time to come. Highly recommended.

[Barbara Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIGHTING DIRTY REVIEW

Well, Liliana Hart has done it again! She knows how to put a story together that does not Disappoint! If you haven’t started the A J.J Graves series, then you are missing a Real Treat! Characters that leap from the pages and pull you in on an epic journey of pure adrenaline. I could not put this book down, and Ready for the next installment Right Now! I am a Fan for Life of this author! KEPP’EM COMING LILIANA, CAUSE I’M READING THEM!

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another awesome read in this series. It has such great detail and a real page turner with lots of suspense. I love how Jack and Jaye work together to solve each murder case. I enjoy the dialogue between them and all the continuing characters she brings into this series. Liliana Hart is one of my favorite authors when it comes to mystery and suspense. I highly recommend this series if you love this genre. I look forward to the next one.

[April Mollenkopf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

This one had me on the edge of my seat. I was constantly flipping to the next page because I NEEDED to know what was going to happen next. This entire series is one of my favorites. It is sooo good. I don't want to wish the summer, that hasn't started yet, away, but September can't come soon enough.

[Deana Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting Dirty! J.J. Graves Mystery

OMG! Book 18 and you still manages to surprise me. If you have not read this series please start from the beginning! It’s one of my favorite series! Liliana Hart has a way with keeping you always guessing what going to happen but then throws you a cliffhanger in. Love it! Can’t wait for Book 19!!

[Kelly Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was FANTASTIC! So suspenseful-and the ending was an explosion.💥 I just love this series and all the characters woven into Jack & Jaye’s life. Hoping Carter comes back in the mix down the road. Seeing them with a baby though…that’s going to be an epic adventure! Can’t wait for #19!

[Pamela Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another non-stop homerun

Riviting story. Couldnt read fast enough through blurry eyes. Waiting on pins and needles for her next spellbinding read. I'm forced to read other authors until she finish the next. I've read ALL her others twice,not just JJ😉. Hurry up Lillian.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an ending, loved this story.

What a fantastic ending, OMG I was not expecting that but I should have guessed.
Jaye and Jack are a great couple and have an amazing team around them.
The book was a little slow in some points but overall, I loved it.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

Wow these books just keep getting better and better. What a ride so much fun whilst also being heartbreaking and quite disturbing lol. Highly recommend. Many thanks Liliana
PS can’t wait for next one woo hoo long may the continue

[Darlene Mastin]

Illegal fighting

I have purchased and read every one of these books, I consider this one of the best. The story keeps you engaged from start to finish. Looking forward to next one. Great writing!!!!

[Susan M Koch · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.J. Graves and Jack Lawson..awesome team

Each book in this series just keep
s getting better and better. Each character makes the stories worth reading and they are never boring. I love this series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

JJ Graves is the best!

I thinks this is one of favorite JJ books. I always enjoy Jack and JJ and their crime solving dynamics. Doug and Margot always make me laugh and not to mention Sheldon and his quirky knowledge.
Highly recommend the whole series.

[Annette Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally a cliffhanger . . . Oh my goodness. This series packs such a punch in so few pages - proving time and again that a great mystery/story doesn't have to be long and 400+ pages. I cannot wait until the next book is out!

[Sharon]

Purchased in epub format from Barnes and Noble for my Nook.

[Judy Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

A+ Best ever. More and more! Please Liliana never stop writing. I am your one fan!
Best Wishes
Judy Johns

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is an excellent series and this book was a great addition. I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the next adventure.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of her better books. Has an explosive ending. Can't wait for the next book.

[Miss Shelagh McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a climax!!

J J Graves never disappoints and never fails to deliver an action-packed , explosive story for us avid readers. I think Fighting Dirty is the best one yet.

[Ellie Arnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

A great book. Kept me on the edge of the pages. Looking forward to read the next book. Another winner!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm anxiously awaiting book 18!

[jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read

I hate having to wait for the next book. I love this series. Another Fantastic book. Hate the cliffhanger! We need the next book now!

[Ron Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Best!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed tis story so much!!!! Spellboanding exciting so well.written!! A story I could put sown a must read !!! What's next !!!!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars:)

[Alicia Luechtefeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting Dirty by Lilian Hart is the 17th book in the JJ Graves Mystery. I’ve been reading this series since the beginning and am always ready for a JJ and Jack mystery.

I really enjoyed the mystery in this one. I loved guessing the twists and worrying that something bad was going to happen. Lilian did it again! I do wish we would get Carver back and deal with his story. But this was still a good one and can’t wait to read the next especially after the ending! 💥