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Jeff Woods Mystery #3
Swordplay
Sequel to Sacrifices
A Jeff Woods Mystery
After leaving his dream job as an Atlantic City detective, Jeff Woods has moved to Washington DC with his life partner, Alex Fisher, and Alex's disabled little brother Sean. Parker Trenkins, Jeff’s ex-partner on the force, has made the move as well, along with his significant other David. Jeff and Parker partner up once again, but in a new way, as owners of their own detective agency.
Life is difficult at the best of times. Sean loses sight in one of his eyes, a direct result of being pushed into the Atlantic by a homicidal maniac a year ago. In his struggle to deal with everything, a restless Alex enrolls in tai chi classes at a nearby school.
As it happens, a murder case Jeff and Parker take involves the head of that very tai chi school, Charles Cooper. Cooper is a suspect in the murder of a financial corporation official. He appears to have motive. Jeff and Parker's investigation arouses the real killer’s interest, and if they don't uncover his identity soon, it may be too late for them.
A Jeff Woods Mystery
After leaving his dream job as an Atlantic City detective, Jeff Woods has moved to Washington DC with his life partner, Alex Fisher, and Alex's disabled little brother Sean. Parker Trenkins, Jeff’s ex-partner on the force, has made the move as well, along with his significant other David. Jeff and Parker partner up once again, but in a new way, as owners of their own detective agency.
Life is difficult at the best of times. Sean loses sight in one of his eyes, a direct result of being pushed into the Atlantic by a homicidal maniac a year ago. In his struggle to deal with everything, a restless Alex enrolls in tai chi classes at a nearby school.
As it happens, a murder case Jeff and Parker take involves the head of that very tai chi school, Charles Cooper. Cooper is a suspect in the murder of a financial corporation official. He appears to have motive. Jeff and Parker's investigation arouses the real killer’s interest, and if they don't uncover his identity soon, it may be too late for them.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2014
2 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Chris T. Kat
26 books208 followersChris T. Kat lives in the middle of Europe, together with her husband of many years and their two children. She stumbled upon the M/M genre by luck and was swiftly drawn into it. She divides her time between work, her family—which includes chasing after escaping horses and lugging around huge instruments such as a harp—and writing. She enjoys a variety of genres, such as mystery/suspense, paranormal, and romance. If there's any spare time, she happily reads for hours, listens to audiobooks, or crafts.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 25, 2015
Reviewed at The Blogger Girls.
Moving to Washington DC might have been the best decision for Alex, Sean and Jeff. Not to mention that David and Parker are there as support especially when they learn Sean’s losing sight in one of his eyes. They’ve had a chance to start over, though, and now Jeff and Parker are once again working together as private detectives for their own agency. When they get a case involving a beheading and the suspect is Alex’s well-known tai chi instructor, it puts Jeff in a horrible situation because of his need to protect Alex from harm. As the case progresses, lies and deception start to come out and before they know it, they’re caught in something way more complex than they were expecting.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since I finished the last one. I couldn’t wait to see where Jeff and Alex went to next and how their lives would change. For the most part, their lives are better. Jeff is more open with Alex and their relationship is stronger than ever. But things aren’t all that great because when it comes to Sean, he’s having the worst luck. It’s heartbreaking to read about that because Sean’s had it very rough especially since he’s already disabled.
It really affects Alex and Jeff but it also brings them closer together because they have to lean on one another. It’s sad because they left Atlantic City to get away from all the hurt caused there but it just seems to follow them anyway, they just can’t catch a break! Still, I adored them as characters. Sean is adorable and Jeff creates more of a connection with him daily. But also, Alex is starting to learn he doesn’t need to do everything on his own anymore and now has family to pick up the slack. Jeff is starting to realize that to keep Alex he has to stop being so overbearing. It was interesting to see all that play out especially because Parker and David were there as well.
I really enjoyed this continuation to the series but I missed the action and suspense I’ve come to expect when reading a Jeff Woods Mystery. In previous books, I was always on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next and while I still love Jeff and Alex, I wanted more of the action I’ve come to expect. As it was, the action didn’t show up until the very end. One thing that did nag me was the fact that they were essentially broke and counting their pennies… but Alex was attending tai chi school, which couldn’t have been cheap. I could understand why he needed it but, for someone who counts her own pennies, I found that a little strange as it definitely wasn’t helping their financial situation.
All in all, this was still a great continuation to the series. I loved seeing more of Jeff and Alex and also Parker, David & Sean. This one was a little more sad than the others because Sean’s condition is getting worse, so it’s more emotional than previous books. Still, I found the mystery intriguing and I adored the way Alex and Jeff have grown as a couple. I’m eager to see what happens next in their future!
Moving to Washington DC might have been the best decision for Alex, Sean and Jeff. Not to mention that David and Parker are there as support especially when they learn Sean’s losing sight in one of his eyes. They’ve had a chance to start over, though, and now Jeff and Parker are once again working together as private detectives for their own agency. When they get a case involving a beheading and the suspect is Alex’s well-known tai chi instructor, it puts Jeff in a horrible situation because of his need to protect Alex from harm. As the case progresses, lies and deception start to come out and before they know it, they’re caught in something way more complex than they were expecting.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this book since I finished the last one. I couldn’t wait to see where Jeff and Alex went to next and how their lives would change. For the most part, their lives are better. Jeff is more open with Alex and their relationship is stronger than ever. But things aren’t all that great because when it comes to Sean, he’s having the worst luck. It’s heartbreaking to read about that because Sean’s had it very rough especially since he’s already disabled.
It really affects Alex and Jeff but it also brings them closer together because they have to lean on one another. It’s sad because they left Atlantic City to get away from all the hurt caused there but it just seems to follow them anyway, they just can’t catch a break! Still, I adored them as characters. Sean is adorable and Jeff creates more of a connection with him daily. But also, Alex is starting to learn he doesn’t need to do everything on his own anymore and now has family to pick up the slack. Jeff is starting to realize that to keep Alex he has to stop being so overbearing. It was interesting to see all that play out especially because Parker and David were there as well.
I really enjoyed this continuation to the series but I missed the action and suspense I’ve come to expect when reading a Jeff Woods Mystery. In previous books, I was always on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next and while I still love Jeff and Alex, I wanted more of the action I’ve come to expect. As it was, the action didn’t show up until the very end. One thing that did nag me was the fact that they were essentially broke and counting their pennies… but Alex was attending tai chi school, which couldn’t have been cheap. I could understand why he needed it but, for someone who counts her own pennies, I found that a little strange as it definitely wasn’t helping their financial situation.
All in all, this was still a great continuation to the series. I loved seeing more of Jeff and Alex and also Parker, David & Sean. This one was a little more sad than the others because Sean’s condition is getting worse, so it’s more emotional than previous books. Still, I found the mystery intriguing and I adored the way Alex and Jeff have grown as a couple. I’m eager to see what happens next in their future!
December 30, 2014
I stumbled upon this series over a year ago and just fell in love with it. I do feel it important to start this review off with saying, that I don’t really like murder mystery books. For some reason, I have never been able to get into the stories that much and usually they end up bugging me more than anything. That was not the case, AT ALL, with this series. I just love the way that Ms. Kat has written this word, and the characters, and has made me fall in love with them with each book.
My favorite character would have to be Jeff, because you can see the way that he changes, the way that he improves himself as the story progresses. I loved Alex as well. With the way that he is described, you would think that he is a complete pushover and wouldn’t stand up for himself. However that isn’t the case. He is one of the strongest characters that I have read in a very long time. And of course, you can’t forget Sean who has such an important role in the books. Without him, they just wouldn’t be the same.
I love how different this story is compared to what is out there right now. This book certainly stands on its own and I really hope that we get to see more of Jeff and Alex in the future. I even hope that David and Parker will get their own series because they are both very interesting characters, who added a lot to this story.
If you enjoy murder mysteries that also have a good bit of smut, and teaches you the true meaning of love, friendship, and family then be sure to check this one out.
Oh, and while this is part of the series, I do feel as though you could read it as a standalone, but trust me, once you meet these guys, you will want to read more about them!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review but I would have bought it anyway!*
My favorite character would have to be Jeff, because you can see the way that he changes, the way that he improves himself as the story progresses. I loved Alex as well. With the way that he is described, you would think that he is a complete pushover and wouldn’t stand up for himself. However that isn’t the case. He is one of the strongest characters that I have read in a very long time. And of course, you can’t forget Sean who has such an important role in the books. Without him, they just wouldn’t be the same.
I love how different this story is compared to what is out there right now. This book certainly stands on its own and I really hope that we get to see more of Jeff and Alex in the future. I even hope that David and Parker will get their own series because they are both very interesting characters, who added a lot to this story.
If you enjoy murder mysteries that also have a good bit of smut, and teaches you the true meaning of love, friendship, and family then be sure to check this one out.
Oh, and while this is part of the series, I do feel as though you could read it as a standalone, but trust me, once you meet these guys, you will want to read more about them!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review but I would have bought it anyway!*
May 1, 2016
Jeff Woods returns in this third exciting mystery. No longer an Atlantic City detective, Jeff and his partner, Alex Fisher, as well as Alex’s disabled little brother, Sean, have moved to Washington D.C. His ex-partner, Parker Trenkins also made the move along with his life partner, David. Together, Jeff and Parker have their own detective agency.
Life is difficult for Alex and Sean as Sean loses sight in one eye as a result of being pushed into the Atlantic. Alex struggles to deal with the changes and takes up tai chi to help him cope.
Jeff and Parker take on a new case involving the owner of the very same tai chi school. It would appear as if Charles Cooper, the owner, may be involved in the murder of a financial corporation employee. As the investigation proceeds and they get closer to the suspect, it appears that they have captured the attention of the murderer and if they do not solve it soon, it may be too late.
The dynamics of the relationship between Alex and Jeff as well as Parker and David is so much fun to see. The two men have unique relationships that work for them. The love is there but so, too, is a touch of insecurity. No problem as they are up to the challenge. From the first book to this one, it is wonderful to watch how much the men have grown. The plot is well-done and is revealed gradually as the book progresses. More than a few surprises are included to keep us on our toes. A Jeff Woods mystery goes on my keeper shelf. I am hoping there will be more.
Life is difficult for Alex and Sean as Sean loses sight in one eye as a result of being pushed into the Atlantic. Alex struggles to deal with the changes and takes up tai chi to help him cope.
Jeff and Parker take on a new case involving the owner of the very same tai chi school. It would appear as if Charles Cooper, the owner, may be involved in the murder of a financial corporation employee. As the investigation proceeds and they get closer to the suspect, it appears that they have captured the attention of the murderer and if they do not solve it soon, it may be too late.
The dynamics of the relationship between Alex and Jeff as well as Parker and David is so much fun to see. The two men have unique relationships that work for them. The love is there but so, too, is a touch of insecurity. No problem as they are up to the challenge. From the first book to this one, it is wonderful to watch how much the men have grown. The plot is well-done and is revealed gradually as the book progresses. More than a few surprises are included to keep us on our toes. A Jeff Woods mystery goes on my keeper shelf. I am hoping there will be more.
March 31, 2016
*This review will be word-for-word as that contained within the Collection - Jeff Woods Mysteries*
As expected, all the small problems of the previous books levelled out here – the imbalance between home and work, as well as the progression of the characters personalities.
I really liked how Jeff, Alex, Sean, Parker and David became a full, proper family together, sharing a building while living separately. The personalities and relationships of the characters has really grown and shown the progression of understanding and acceptance of all the characters involved. Sean's conditions are never easy to deal with, but Parker and Jeff's prejudices fade away in light of his warmth and his slow acceptance of them.
Plot wise, the emotions that were flying around were well founded this time, without seeming overblown or under-reactive. Alex wasn't too clingy or emotional in this one. He didn't go looking for trouble either. The only problem I had was that, whenever they started reminiscing about all the bad stuff they'd survived and been through, they remember the gun-to-head incidences, but never Brok, who sexually assaulted Alex and totally terrified him. It makes no sense to me.
As for the mystery, I can admit that this one was much more developed and had so many suspects that it wasn't always clear who the killer was. There was no obvious killer, just because it couldn't be anyone else.
As expected, all the small problems of the previous books levelled out here – the imbalance between home and work, as well as the progression of the characters personalities.
I really liked how Jeff, Alex, Sean, Parker and David became a full, proper family together, sharing a building while living separately. The personalities and relationships of the characters has really grown and shown the progression of understanding and acceptance of all the characters involved. Sean's conditions are never easy to deal with, but Parker and Jeff's prejudices fade away in light of his warmth and his slow acceptance of them.
Plot wise, the emotions that were flying around were well founded this time, without seeming overblown or under-reactive. Alex wasn't too clingy or emotional in this one. He didn't go looking for trouble either. The only problem I had was that, whenever they started reminiscing about all the bad stuff they'd survived and been through, they remember the gun-to-head incidences, but never Brok, who sexually assaulted Alex and totally terrified him. It makes no sense to me.
As for the mystery, I can admit that this one was much more developed and had so many suspects that it wasn't always clear who the killer was. There was no obvious killer, just because it couldn't be anyone else.
August 10, 2015
Another great story featuring Jeff and Alex. Definitley better for having read the series but capable of being read standalone.
The mystery element was good, with plenty of suspects and unsolved questions - unfortunately some of these kind of carried through. The investigation was the main theme at the start of the book, Jeff Alex and Sean took over most of the rest and then it all came together, literally, right at the end.
The best thing about the series has been seeing Jeff develop as a human being - from being very contained and critical and uptight, to being so much better. Still a work in progress but miles better!
David and Parker are fun, and Jeff and Parker working together are quite amusing at times!
The ending was suitably lovely and whilst I would hope for more from Jeff Alex and Sean, this was a good ending if it all finishes here.
The mystery element was good, with plenty of suspects and unsolved questions - unfortunately some of these kind of carried through. The investigation was the main theme at the start of the book, Jeff Alex and Sean took over most of the rest and then it all came together, literally, right at the end.
The best thing about the series has been seeing Jeff develop as a human being - from being very contained and critical and uptight, to being so much better. Still a work in progress but miles better!
David and Parker are fun, and Jeff and Parker working together are quite amusing at times!
The ending was suitably lovely and whilst I would hope for more from Jeff Alex and Sean, this was a good ending if it all finishes here.
November 11, 2015
Another enthralling story about these MC's. This is the 3rd book in the series and last so far. It's a great series and each book continues on from where the first previous one left off so they really should be read in order.
January 9, 2016
Maybe more like 4.5 stars. But really only because I loved seeing the interactions between Alex & Jeff, David & Parker, and Sean. Once again the story is realistic in its portrayal of special needs children. And of course there's a murder mystery to solve.
January 24, 2015
This was really good. I loved the ending. Great way to end the series (if this is the end).
October 15, 2015
Excellent series!
April 12, 2016
The Jeff Woods Mystery Series is a must read for romantic suspense readers! http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/reviews/...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews