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A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet: A Crime Novel
The world has changed. Thanks to Lazarus 44, death has become a consumer product. Rebecca St. Valentine is a saint. A TV show tells her story. A museum preserves her suffering behind glass. But even death conceals a darker side.
Private investigator and journalist Kerius Daedrick heads to the opening day of the Dimick Truth Museum for what he expects to be a routine assignment. Strolling through the galleries, he comes face to face with retired detective Jude Finnegan, standing alone before Rebecca's handwriting. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something far more dangerous with the return of Finnegan's former partner, Bunny—carrying a year's worth of answers none of them are prepared for. Together, they come face to face with Lazarus a revolutionary and terrifying process of transferring one human consciousness permanently into another body.
One man seeks redemption for his past. One hunts for the truth. And a woman—trapped inside a body she didn't choose—fights to survive a world that has already decided what her story means.
Death isn't the end. It's just the beginning.
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the unsettling second volume of E.P. Lane's duology, and the sequel to The Death of a Starlet.
Private investigator and journalist Kerius Daedrick heads to the opening day of the Dimick Truth Museum for what he expects to be a routine assignment. Strolling through the galleries, he comes face to face with retired detective Jude Finnegan, standing alone before Rebecca's handwriting. What begins as a chance encounter becomes something far more dangerous with the return of Finnegan's former partner, Bunny—carrying a year's worth of answers none of them are prepared for. Together, they come face to face with Lazarus a revolutionary and terrifying process of transferring one human consciousness permanently into another body.
One man seeks redemption for his past. One hunts for the truth. And a woman—trapped inside a body she didn't choose—fights to survive a world that has already decided what her story means.
Death isn't the end. It's just the beginning.
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the unsettling second volume of E.P. Lane's duology, and the sequel to The Death of a Starlet.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
E.P. Lane
8 books7 followersE.P. Lane is a 27-year-old poet, paperback writer, and practicing pariah who currently lives in Washington (state!) with his daughter and best friend when he’s not inhabiting dreamland. His published works of literary genius prove that he rightfully earned his English Literature degree from Louisiana Tech (he tells himself as he edits obsessively through the night). Currently crafting his next masterpiece that will without question blow your [bleeps]ing mind, he solemnly swears his writing is improving faster than his mental state is deteriorating. If you blink, you’ll miss him or whatever.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 25, 2026
This book is “death is now a subscription service and trauma is a museum exhibit” energy, and honestly, I was both fascinated and mildly disturbed in the best way.
We’re in a world where Lazarus 44 has turned death into a consumer product — like “would you like fries with your consciousness transfer” levels of dystopian. Rebecca St. Valentine is basically a martyr‑celebrity; her suffering is preserved behind glass like she’s a historical artifact instead of a human being. The whole setup is unsettling in that delicious, skin‑prickling way where you know the author is about to drag you somewhere dark.
Enter Kerius Daedrick, private investigator and journalist, who thinks he’s just covering the opening of the Dimick Truth Museum. Cute. Adorable. He has no idea he’s about to get yeeted into a conspiracy with teeth. He runs into retired detective Jude Finnegan — who is absolutely giving “I’ve seen too much and I’m not done suffering” energy — and then Bunny shows up with a year’s worth of answers that absolutely no one is emotionally prepared for.
And THEN we get the big twist: Lazarus isn’t just a product. It’s a process. A horrifying, revolutionary, consciousness‑transfer nightmare that traps one woman inside a body she didn’t choose while the world decides what her story means. It’s creepy. It’s tragic. It’s morally messy in the best way.
The whole book feels like a fever dream of noir shadows, ethical horror, and characters who are all one bad decision away from collapsing. Kerius wants truth like it's oxygen. Jude wants redemption like it’s the only thing keeping him upright. And the woman at the centre of it all? She wants to survive a world that already wrote her ending.
It’s atmospheric, sharp, and unsettling — the kind of story that makes you sit back and go “okay, but what if this actually happened.” The pacing is quick, the worldbuilding is eerie, and the emotional beats land… but it’s also a little chaotic in structure, which is why it sits at that 3.5 sweet spot. Not bad, chaotic — just “my brain is sprinting to keep up” chaotic.
Still, it’s gripping, weird, and absolutely committed to its own dark vibe. A solid, eerie, twisty continuation of the duology that leaves you thinking long after the last page.
We’re in a world where Lazarus 44 has turned death into a consumer product — like “would you like fries with your consciousness transfer” levels of dystopian. Rebecca St. Valentine is basically a martyr‑celebrity; her suffering is preserved behind glass like she’s a historical artifact instead of a human being. The whole setup is unsettling in that delicious, skin‑prickling way where you know the author is about to drag you somewhere dark.
Enter Kerius Daedrick, private investigator and journalist, who thinks he’s just covering the opening of the Dimick Truth Museum. Cute. Adorable. He has no idea he’s about to get yeeted into a conspiracy with teeth. He runs into retired detective Jude Finnegan — who is absolutely giving “I’ve seen too much and I’m not done suffering” energy — and then Bunny shows up with a year’s worth of answers that absolutely no one is emotionally prepared for.
And THEN we get the big twist: Lazarus isn’t just a product. It’s a process. A horrifying, revolutionary, consciousness‑transfer nightmare that traps one woman inside a body she didn’t choose while the world decides what her story means. It’s creepy. It’s tragic. It’s morally messy in the best way.
The whole book feels like a fever dream of noir shadows, ethical horror, and characters who are all one bad decision away from collapsing. Kerius wants truth like it's oxygen. Jude wants redemption like it’s the only thing keeping him upright. And the woman at the centre of it all? She wants to survive a world that already wrote her ending.
It’s atmospheric, sharp, and unsettling — the kind of story that makes you sit back and go “okay, but what if this actually happened.” The pacing is quick, the worldbuilding is eerie, and the emotional beats land… but it’s also a little chaotic in structure, which is why it sits at that 3.5 sweet spot. Not bad, chaotic — just “my brain is sprinting to keep up” chaotic.
Still, it’s gripping, weird, and absolutely committed to its own dark vibe. A solid, eerie, twisty continuation of the duology that leaves you thinking long after the last page.
May 20, 2026
This is the second book in E P Lanes The Jude Finnegan duology. I would recommend reading these books in order so it is best to start with The Death Of A Starlet. This is a crime story which like the first book takes you on a journey filled with twists and turns. As mentioned before I love a crime reader where the author keeps me hooked and guessing what will happen next and these book do exactly that.
We are back with Detective Jude Finnegan, his former partner bunny and private investigator/journalist Kerius.
Kerius goes to the opening day of a museum created to remember the starlet Rebecca and the crazy scientist that took her life. While there he sees Jude starting at some of Rebecca’s handwriting and so they meet to talk. What neither expects is Bunny to show up. Not only does she show up but she has a lead on what really happened to the person responsible for Rebecca’s death. Now they are working together to finally get to the bottom of this case. Is Rebecca really dead? Is the killer really in a secure mental hospital like everyone thinks? And with Lazarus 44 being a product widely available to everyone what will be the consequences of it? As the team work together to get answers they uncover things they never thought possible and come to realise that the transferring of someone conscious into another body maybe happening more often than they think.
I really enjoyed this gripping book. The authors creativity made this book unique and also gave me as a reader the feeling of wow with science and tech developing as it is could something like this really happen.
If you enjoy a crime mystery with a twist that will grip you from the first page I recommend reading these books
We are back with Detective Jude Finnegan, his former partner bunny and private investigator/journalist Kerius.
Kerius goes to the opening day of a museum created to remember the starlet Rebecca and the crazy scientist that took her life. While there he sees Jude starting at some of Rebecca’s handwriting and so they meet to talk. What neither expects is Bunny to show up. Not only does she show up but she has a lead on what really happened to the person responsible for Rebecca’s death. Now they are working together to finally get to the bottom of this case. Is Rebecca really dead? Is the killer really in a secure mental hospital like everyone thinks? And with Lazarus 44 being a product widely available to everyone what will be the consequences of it? As the team work together to get answers they uncover things they never thought possible and come to realise that the transferring of someone conscious into another body maybe happening more often than they think.
I really enjoyed this gripping book. The authors creativity made this book unique and also gave me as a reader the feeling of wow with science and tech developing as it is could something like this really happen.
If you enjoy a crime mystery with a twist that will grip you from the first page I recommend reading these books
May 22, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet: A Crime Novel by E. P. Lane.
4 of 5 Stars.
This is the gripping second book in ‘The Jude Finnegan Duology’, and the sequel to ‘The Death of a Starlet’, which I recommend reading first. Rebecca St. Valentine is now a saint, with a TV show and a museum telling her story and preserving her suffering. The world has also changed, with the drug Lazarus 44 being widely available, making death a consumer product. When Private investigator and journalist Kerius Daedrick goes to the opening day of the Dimick Truth Museum on a routine assignment, he has a chance encounter with retired detective Jude Finnegan. Finnegan is looking at some of Rebecca’s handwriting, when his former partner, Bunny arrives with answers none of them were prepared for.
The trio then come face to face with a terrifying and revolutionary process, known as Lazarus Infinity, which can transfer one human consciousness into another body, permanently. With one man hunting for the truth, another seeking redemption, and a woman trapped inside a body she didn’t choose, they are fighting to survive in a dangerous new world. This is a fast paced, page turner, full of twists and turns which kept me hooked throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story.
4 of 5 Stars.
This is the gripping second book in ‘The Jude Finnegan Duology’, and the sequel to ‘The Death of a Starlet’, which I recommend reading first. Rebecca St. Valentine is now a saint, with a TV show and a museum telling her story and preserving her suffering. The world has also changed, with the drug Lazarus 44 being widely available, making death a consumer product. When Private investigator and journalist Kerius Daedrick goes to the opening day of the Dimick Truth Museum on a routine assignment, he has a chance encounter with retired detective Jude Finnegan. Finnegan is looking at some of Rebecca’s handwriting, when his former partner, Bunny arrives with answers none of them were prepared for.
The trio then come face to face with a terrifying and revolutionary process, known as Lazarus Infinity, which can transfer one human consciousness into another body, permanently. With one man hunting for the truth, another seeking redemption, and a woman trapped inside a body she didn’t choose, they are fighting to survive in a dangerous new world. This is a fast paced, page turner, full of twists and turns which kept me hooked throughout. Once again the descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story.
June 2, 2026
Private investigator and journalist Kerius Daedrick thinks he is just on a routine assignment, it is opening day at the Dimick Truth Museum. He runs into a detective, though retired, Jude Finnegan, in front of Rebecca St. Valentine's handwriting. It is a coincidence that these two run into one another as plenty of people go to museums, however it becomes much more when Bunny, Jude's former partner shows up. This trio comes face to face with Lazarus Infinity, a revolutionary yet terrifying process that can transfer one human consciousness into another human body. Why is is revolutionary? Being able to explore the world through another's eyes is of itself something amazing. Why is it terrifying? It would be permanent. There is no going back to what you had or who you were before the transition. They way the author writes draws you in and you start to question reality. Could this really happen? I do highly recommend reading The Death of a Starlet first to fully immerse yourself and enjoy this story.
May 20, 2026
This is the second book in this series in which I enjoyed reading just as much if not more than the first. I highly suggest reading the first book before this one to help your enjoyment of this author’s writing skills and characters. One of the things I enjoy about this author is their ability to pull me into the story from the start. Their creative details keep me engaged throughout the story and make me feel as if I am part of the story. This story is no different. This is a story about a woman who is trapped inside a man's body and another who is looking for redemption for the past. I enjoyed all the characters in this story. They made me want to know more about what would happen to them next. They are strong, connectable and I enjoyed watching their growth from beginning to end. This is a story that is fast paced and hard to put down. An entertaining story that is a great story and one you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend this story and series.
May 26, 2026
3.5 Stars
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the second book in The Jude Finnegan Duology by E.P. Lane. It is a deliciously atmospheric crime novel that blends sharp wit, intricate plotting, and a touch of the theatrical. From the very first page, we are drawn into a world where elegance and danger walk hand in hand, and every character seems to be hiding more than they reveal.
The story follows Jude Finnegan, a detective whose charm is matched only by his knack for stumbling into the most peculiar of mysteries ….. and let’s just say that this is definitely a ‘mystery’ he never saw coming, nor is he quite prepared for where things will lead him. Strap in for a clever, witty, tense, and emotional story with a dash of eccentricity that makes for a great read.
Note: I highly recommend reading Book #1 of this duology first, as knowing what has happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book.
Happy Reading…
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the second book in The Jude Finnegan Duology by E.P. Lane. It is a deliciously atmospheric crime novel that blends sharp wit, intricate plotting, and a touch of the theatrical. From the very first page, we are drawn into a world where elegance and danger walk hand in hand, and every character seems to be hiding more than they reveal.
The story follows Jude Finnegan, a detective whose charm is matched only by his knack for stumbling into the most peculiar of mysteries ….. and let’s just say that this is definitely a ‘mystery’ he never saw coming, nor is he quite prepared for where things will lead him. Strap in for a clever, witty, tense, and emotional story with a dash of eccentricity that makes for a great read.
Note: I highly recommend reading Book #1 of this duology first, as knowing what has happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book.
Happy Reading…
June 4, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet: A Crime Novel by E. P. Lane. This is the second book in the Jude Finnegan Duology and I highly recommend reading the first book and then this one. This book picks right up where we left off. Its the continuing story of Jude who is a retired detective and somehow always finds himself in the middle of messes. In this world Rebecca is a martyr celebrity and she has been tortured time after time and its all on display. When PI Kerius goes to the opening day of the Dimick Truth Museum for an assignment he meets Detective Jude and the detective is looking at some of Rebecca's handwriting when someone arrives with answers for them that none of them saw coming. While digging deeper into the case they come across Lazarus Infinity which is the process of changing one human consciousness into another body.While they three of them are all looking for answers to different questions will they survive to find out those answers. Such a fast paced, thriller.
June 6, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is a continuation of The Jude Finnegan Duology Book series by E.P. Lane. Nothing has ever been the same since Lazarus 44 became a product that can be purchased everywhere, including on the street from vendors selling their own versions of this new-wave medication. Rebecca St. Valentine, our main character from the first story, has become the avenging angel of the world; she's the person that everyone looks up to as the sacrifice for the greater good. Little does anyone know that she was not a voluntary participant, and that she exists in body, but not in soul. This continuation story was such a huge trip to read. It moves quickly and makes the reader ponder what the world would be like if Lazarus 44 were a real product on the market. Will Rebecca St. Valentine finally get redemption from having her body stolen from her, or will she forever have her body hijacked by the crazy doctor who invented this "miracle treatment"?
@Brandy Rymer
06/2026
@Brandy Rymer
06/2026
June 6, 2026
Again, I am not the target audience for this book, but I'd read the first of the duet and couldn't just... NOT read the conclusion. So here I am with my thoughts on this one:
First, read The Death of a Starlet first. Trust me.
Second: So much happened within these pages, and I felt a bit metaphorically winded by the time I finished. Nothing ever added up until it did. As in the first book, the writing is nearly impeccable, drawing a reader in to the very last syllable. The tense atmosphere added to the horrors of the plot. The premise was utterly fascinating. Death becoming commercialized and consciousness transfer? How very intriguing, even if unsettling to think about.
I do recommend this thrilling conclusion to the duet. Truly. (I may never reread it, but I definitely have no regrets about having read it at least once.)
First, read The Death of a Starlet first. Trust me.
Second: So much happened within these pages, and I felt a bit metaphorically winded by the time I finished. Nothing ever added up until it did. As in the first book, the writing is nearly impeccable, drawing a reader in to the very last syllable. The tense atmosphere added to the horrors of the plot. The premise was utterly fascinating. Death becoming commercialized and consciousness transfer? How very intriguing, even if unsettling to think about.
I do recommend this thrilling conclusion to the duet. Truly. (I may never reread it, but I definitely have no regrets about having read it at least once.)
May 20, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet was a dark, thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that really pulled me in with its unique concept and haunting atmosphere. The idea of death becoming commercialised and consciousness transfer being possible was both fascinating and unsettling in the best way, and the story balanced mystery, suspense, and emotional depth really well. I enjoyed the layered characters, especially the way their personal struggles tied into the bigger ethical questions surrounding Lazarus Infinity. The world-building felt immersive and cinematic, and the twists kept me curious the entire time. Overall, it was an engaging and imaginative sequel that delivered plenty of intrigue while leaving me thinking about its themes long after finishing it.
May 31, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is a captivating mystery filled with secrets, suspense, and plenty of unexpected turns. E.P. Lane does a wonderful job creating an atmosphere that feels both haunting and intriguing, pulling readers deeper into the story with every chapter. The characters are complex and believable, and the emotional layers add depth beyond the mystery itself.
I especially enjoyed how the story balanced suspense with thought-provoking themes about grief, truth, and the masks people wear to hide their pain. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending left a lasting impression. If you enjoy mysteries with strong characters, rich atmosphere, and a touch of the unexpected, this is definitely a book worth picking up
I especially enjoyed how the story balanced suspense with thought-provoking themes about grief, truth, and the masks people wear to hide their pain. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending left a lasting impression. If you enjoy mysteries with strong characters, rich atmosphere, and a touch of the unexpected, this is definitely a book worth picking up
May 27, 2026
As the second book in the series, this book is a great follow up to the first one. I was pulled right back into the characters and the world the author has created with such ease. I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one as it will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of this book.
The book was as well written and intriguing as the first one. I really enjoyed the overall premise of this book and I found myself eager to know what was going to happen next. The character development really complemented the storyline and meant I engaged with both even more. This was a great addition to the series and another brilliant book by this author.
The book was as well written and intriguing as the first one. I really enjoyed the overall premise of this book and I found myself eager to know what was going to happen next. The character development really complemented the storyline and meant I engaged with both even more. This was a great addition to the series and another brilliant book by this author.
June 5, 2026
4 Stars
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet: A Crime Novel (The Jude Finnegan Duology Book 2) By E.P.Lane
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the second book in The Jude Finnegan Duology . I honestly couldn’t get into this book I was lost with what was going on and slightly confused. The more I Red the more confused I got. Im definitely going to revisit this. This author is fairly new to me so I’m guessing I need to read the first book and maybe things will make more sense. By the end I was fascinated but still in a state of confusion. Im going to come back and give it another go . I do look forward to reading more from this Author.
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet: A Crime Novel (The Jude Finnegan Duology Book 2) By E.P.Lane
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the second book in The Jude Finnegan Duology . I honestly couldn’t get into this book I was lost with what was going on and slightly confused. The more I Red the more confused I got. Im definitely going to revisit this. This author is fairly new to me so I’m guessing I need to read the first book and maybe things will make more sense. By the end I was fascinated but still in a state of confusion. Im going to come back and give it another go . I do look forward to reading more from this Author.
June 4, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet is the 2nd book in the Jude Finnegan duology. You probably won't understand this book without reading the first. I did read the first book and still not sure I entirely understood everything! The book held my interest and there was there was a lot going on to keep readers engaged. The plot is very creative, mixing crime thriller with sci fi. It definitely had me analyzing and re reading sections in the days after finishing, and then going back and re-skimming.
June 5, 2026
So …. This is book two in The Judge Finnegan Duology. I don’t know what my obsession this year has been but I keep picking book 2 in series. But if you love subscription boxes imagine my surprise when it’s giving that but with death (swooning ☺️☺️) I’m not going to lie you will absolutely appreciate this author’s style of writing and the characters if you read this as a series and not a standalone.
I’m telling you if you have ever wanted to walk a mile is someone else’s shoes , this is the book for you. Just remember the grass isn’t always greener and some choices can’t be undone.
I’m telling you if you have ever wanted to walk a mile is someone else’s shoes , this is the book for you. Just remember the grass isn’t always greener and some choices can’t be undone.
June 6, 2026
I was hoping this one would be a little bit easier to digest than the first, but it is also not an easy read. I had to re-read quite often throughout to follow along. The world building is great, the details to the science behind this nightmare is incredibly thought out. I wish I liked the book more than I did because the whole plot is absolutely terrifying, and I really did enjoy it when the storyline actually got moving.
June 3, 2026
First I have to say I highly recommend reading the first book to this duology. That said you fall right back into Jude Finnigan’s mystery from the first nove and I couldn’t wait to find out what happened to everyone. The characters and plot are very well written. I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 5, 2026
A Lady Always Veiled in Red Velvet has that perfect mix of mystery, romance, and old‑world charm. The atmosphere pulls you in right away; secretive glances, hidden motives, and a heroine wrapped in more than just red velvet. The pacing feels easy to fall into, and the unfolding secrets keep the story moving without ever feeling heavy.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews