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Scott Drayco Mystery #3
Dies Irae
A mysterious music puzzle. A murdered co-ed. Sinister secrets.
Three years ago, Scott Drayco left the FBI after an incident involving his partner, Mark "Sarg" Sargosian. Now a freelance crime consultant, Drayco often helps law enforcement on cases, but he never imagined his estranged former partner would turn up on his doorstep, pleading for Drayco's help. A co-ed at an elite Washington, D.C., private college has been murdered, and the victim's friend - Sarg's own daughter Tara - might be the next target.
The killer left behind a puzzling music code at the crime scene, and Drayco soon learns he has two things in common with the murdered girl - a music background and synesthesia. The case takes an even stranger turn after a second murder and a second music code, with signs pointing toward a possible ritualistic killing. Then, Drayco himself starts receiving coded messages . . .
Three years ago, Scott Drayco left the FBI after an incident involving his partner, Mark "Sarg" Sargosian. Now a freelance crime consultant, Drayco often helps law enforcement on cases, but he never imagined his estranged former partner would turn up on his doorstep, pleading for Drayco's help. A co-ed at an elite Washington, D.C., private college has been murdered, and the victim's friend - Sarg's own daughter Tara - might be the next target.
The killer left behind a puzzling music code at the crime scene, and Drayco soon learns he has two things in common with the murdered girl - a music background and synesthesia. The case takes an even stranger turn after a second murder and a second music code, with signs pointing toward a possible ritualistic killing. Then, Drayco himself starts receiving coded messages . . .
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
About the author
B.V. Lawson
48 books202 followersThanks for visiting my profile! I'm an author of crime fiction, including the Scott Drayco mystery series, which has been honored by the American Independent Writers, Maryland Writers Association, named Best Mystery in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and been a finalist for the Shamus Awards, the Silver Falchion, the Daphne Awards, the Foreword Book Review Awards, and the Kindle Book Awards. Library Journal said of the series, "worth putting on your reading list," and I hope you'll think so, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 1, 2024
Has It Come to That?
Although he is no longer with the FBI, Scott Drayco is asked for help on a case by his former employer and by his ex-partner Sargosian because not only was a young co-ed stabbed with a heated knife, but a musical puzzle was found in her apartment, and they all know that Drayco is good at musical puzzles.
What writer B.V. Lawson is good at in Dies Irae is creating interest in her recurring characters. We learn more about why Drayco no longer is a G-man and why his friendship with Sarg has fizzled, and we also see Drayco vacillate between the two women whose acquaintance he made when he first arrived in Cape Unity. It is possible that some readers go for this kind of character development and the private problems of the investigator when reading mystery fiction – but, frankly speaking, I don’t so much. Instead, when reading a whodunnit, I want to be intrigued by the mysterious crime itself, finding myself collecting clues and developing theories as to who did it. Last, but not least, I want a plausible solution and a sensible motive for the killer. In Dies Irae Lawson was extremely feeble with regard to these last two points in that
All in all, Dies Irae was more of a dies somni to me.
Although he is no longer with the FBI, Scott Drayco is asked for help on a case by his former employer and by his ex-partner Sargosian because not only was a young co-ed stabbed with a heated knife, but a musical puzzle was found in her apartment, and they all know that Drayco is good at musical puzzles.
What writer B.V. Lawson is good at in Dies Irae is creating interest in her recurring characters. We learn more about why Drayco no longer is a G-man and why his friendship with Sarg has fizzled, and we also see Drayco vacillate between the two women whose acquaintance he made when he first arrived in Cape Unity. It is possible that some readers go for this kind of character development and the private problems of the investigator when reading mystery fiction – but, frankly speaking, I don’t so much. Instead, when reading a whodunnit, I want to be intrigued by the mysterious crime itself, finding myself collecting clues and developing theories as to who did it. Last, but not least, I want a plausible solution and a sensible motive for the killer. In Dies Irae Lawson was extremely feeble with regard to these last two points in that
All in all, Dies Irae was more of a dies somni to me.
January 6, 2017
When Scott Drayco's old partner from the FBI shows up at his front door, he knows trouble follows. They have not spoken to one another in over 3 years after "the incident" that had Drayco resigning from the force. But Mark "Sarg" Sargosian needs Drayco's special talent to help solve a murder at the college where his daughter goes to. A very prestigious college. The girl murdered was an opera singer, so Sarg needs Drayco to use his synesthesia abilities to figure out the messages that the girl was getting before she was killed. After all his own daughter was friends with her and could possibly be the next target. Can Drayco figure out the messages and the reason the girl was killed before anyone else gets hurt or killed? Can Drayco and Sarg mend their ways after all this time? Read this fast paced, thriller to find out.I was provided a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review
April 29, 2021
After I started reading this I realized I had read the first book in the series about a year ago, and as I kept reading, I remembered why it had left a negative rather than positive impression. I find the hero, Scott Drayco, rather cold and effete, a bit too full of himself. He's 6'4", world class pianist, super sharpshooter, former FBI all star, now doing private criminal investigations, in this episode reteaming with his old FBI partner Sarg, with whom he has some unfinished business. He has an unusual ability to both see and feel colors: when different sounds are made, the colors shift. This is his gimmick, but it's underutilized and a bit arbitrary.
Still, this time around his character has more depth, thanks to relationship issues he must reflect upon with both Sarg and a married sheriff's assistant lady from the Eastern Shore, sure to be a recurring character. The plot is more interesting, especially in the final third of the book, and I enjoyed the familiarity of the D.C. area settings for most of the action this time around.
Still, this time around his character has more depth, thanks to relationship issues he must reflect upon with both Sarg and a married sheriff's assistant lady from the Eastern Shore, sure to be a recurring character. The plot is more interesting, especially in the final third of the book, and I enjoyed the familiarity of the D.C. area settings for most of the action this time around.
November 26, 2022
Really had no idea what this book would be about and I can't remember ever reading anything from this author. I thought, What the heck, life is short but it must be lived as an adventure. I attempted to start on this adventure and I certainly was not disappointed.
I will admit this being the third book in the series I knew I was in for a bumpy story trying to figure what had gone before in the first two installments. Was a bit rough in the beginning to try to piece who and what I was reading about. But, this story just swept we right along and I had a difficult time putting it down for life many intrusions. All kidding aside I certainly enjoyed this story and learned many things about subjects I never even knew or heard the words before. Like synesthesia, have you ever heard it before? I had not but I found this a very intriguing subject. The word actually translates to occur when one stimulation (music) brings another cognitive experience into play. With former world renowned pianist Scott Drayco sees colors in the music as well as actually being able to feel the notes. With this unique ability he was a world famous pianist until a freak car accident damaged his arm. How did Scott progress from pianist to being involved with solving FBI cases only to suffer his down fall, having to resign due to his weapon being fired in questionable circumstances.
He is soon involved with a killer who is targeting college students who are being studied because of their unusual condition. Is the killer targeting these students because of the synesthesia abilities or is there another sinister factor only Scott will be able to find the logic for?
I enjoyed this mystery so much I have ordered the first two books in the series to discover how Scott went from renowned pianist, to accident, then working for the FBI to resigning due to his gun being fired in questionable circumstances.
I will admit this being the third book in the series I knew I was in for a bumpy story trying to figure what had gone before in the first two installments. Was a bit rough in the beginning to try to piece who and what I was reading about. But, this story just swept we right along and I had a difficult time putting it down for life many intrusions. All kidding aside I certainly enjoyed this story and learned many things about subjects I never even knew or heard the words before. Like synesthesia, have you ever heard it before? I had not but I found this a very intriguing subject. The word actually translates to occur when one stimulation (music) brings another cognitive experience into play. With former world renowned pianist Scott Drayco sees colors in the music as well as actually being able to feel the notes. With this unique ability he was a world famous pianist until a freak car accident damaged his arm. How did Scott progress from pianist to being involved with solving FBI cases only to suffer his down fall, having to resign due to his weapon being fired in questionable circumstances.
He is soon involved with a killer who is targeting college students who are being studied because of their unusual condition. Is the killer targeting these students because of the synesthesia abilities or is there another sinister factor only Scott will be able to find the logic for?
I enjoyed this mystery so much I have ordered the first two books in the series to discover how Scott went from renowned pianist, to accident, then working for the FBI to resigning due to his gun being fired in questionable circumstances.
July 20, 2021
While this book has some deadly crimes that can be described as horrific, there are also fascinating aspects where the killer sends messages with musical notes that Drayco deciphers for clues and people have a special talent to see things in color. Drayco definitely has his hands full trying to keep up with all that is going on and finding the murderer.
I had to keep reading to find out the next clues and what was going to happen next. It is hard to put this book down until the end which was a definite surprise.
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you for a great plot and interesting characters.
I had to keep reading to find out the next clues and what was going to happen next. It is hard to put this book down until the end which was a definite surprise.
I enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you for a great plot and interesting characters.
July 27, 2021
3 1/2 *stars REALLY
THIS IS THE 3RD INSTALLMENT IN THIS SERIES THAT I’VE READ. AFTER THE 1ST ONE I STARTED NOT TO READ ANYMORE BECAUSE I REALLY DIDN’T CARE FOR THE WRITING STYLE BUT I LOVED THE CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY SCOTT DRAYCO. FOR ME HE IS SO SEXY, I LOVE HOW HE THINKS, LOOKS, AND ALL HIS SPECIAL TALENTS, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM, HE’S SUCH A HUNK. SIGH! SO HERE I AM FINISHING THE THIRD BOOK AND YES I’LL BE READING THE NEXT BOOK TOO. I GUESS I’M JUST A PUSH OVER WHEN YOU COMBINE BRAINS WITH BRAWN, IT MAKES MY TOES CURL. IT TOOK ME ALMOST TILL THE END OF THE BOOK TO FIGURE OUT WHO THE KILLER REALLY WAS, I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. GREAT! ;D
THIS IS THE 3RD INSTALLMENT IN THIS SERIES THAT I’VE READ. AFTER THE 1ST ONE I STARTED NOT TO READ ANYMORE BECAUSE I REALLY DIDN’T CARE FOR THE WRITING STYLE BUT I LOVED THE CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY SCOTT DRAYCO. FOR ME HE IS SO SEXY, I LOVE HOW HE THINKS, LOOKS, AND ALL HIS SPECIAL TALENTS, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM, HE’S SUCH A HUNK. SIGH! SO HERE I AM FINISHING THE THIRD BOOK AND YES I’LL BE READING THE NEXT BOOK TOO. I GUESS I’M JUST A PUSH OVER WHEN YOU COMBINE BRAINS WITH BRAWN, IT MAKES MY TOES CURL. IT TOOK ME ALMOST TILL THE END OF THE BOOK TO FIGURE OUT WHO THE KILLER REALLY WAS, I LOVE WHEN THAT HAPPENS. GREAT! ;D
April 25, 2021
Drayco and Sarg his former partner team up to solve the murder of a coed at the elite Parkhurst College where Sarg’s daughter attends. Sarg requests Drayco’s input because of a puzzle posed as a musical score, Drayco being an excellent pianist before having his arm severely injured in an attack.
Drayco also has synesthesia which provides some delightful color to the description of sounds. This mystery has many twists to keep the reader wondering “whodunit.”
Drayco also has synesthesia which provides some delightful color to the description of sounds. This mystery has many twists to keep the reader wondering “whodunit.”
October 6, 2020
Plodding
Yet another mediocre mystery left unfinished. I got a third of the way through before I realized each chapter was basically the same as the last but with different suspects rehashing the same tired plotline
Drago's character was still boring even with the gimmicky synesthesia.
The guy may be a fine pianist, but he ain't no Harry Bosch.
Yet another mediocre mystery left unfinished. I got a third of the way through before I realized each chapter was basically the same as the last but with different suspects rehashing the same tired plotline
Drago's character was still boring even with the gimmicky synesthesia.
The guy may be a fine pianist, but he ain't no Harry Bosch.
March 17, 2021
Beautifully written, full of colour and emotions, giving a full experience of the senses. An interesting interplay between Drayco and his former partner Sarg, as they try to understand the purpose behind the strange musical scores and the deaths involved. Some sad moments. Twists at the end. Not who I thought was the killer!
April 29, 2021
Will read the next one in series
Enjoy this author. Like the relationships of the characters. Great dramatic build to the suspense. I also like how each book holds its own in the series, expanding storylines, without long boring background conversations
Enjoy this author. Like the relationships of the characters. Great dramatic build to the suspense. I also like how each book holds its own in the series, expanding storylines, without long boring background conversations
September 22, 2021
Quality right to the end
I have tried to imagine the ability to see sounds in colour and would love a chance of it, yet it must become quite intrusive. Absorbing book, good characters. Drayco is extremely interesting.
I have tried to imagine the ability to see sounds in colour and would love a chance of it, yet it must become quite intrusive. Absorbing book, good characters. Drayco is extremely interesting.
February 9, 2022
BV brings another twisty surprising romp
To a three point landing despite the obscuration cause by wandering cumulonimbus interference to the airway and glideslope.
Music, mystery, flirting, and aircraft .... what is not to love.
To a three point landing despite the obscuration cause by wandering cumulonimbus interference to the airway and glideslope.
Music, mystery, flirting, and aircraft .... what is not to love.
August 7, 2022
Very interesting!
Talk about jigsaw puzzles! I had to change my mind several times before getting it right, and then only half right! Nicely written. I love books that keep you guessing to the very end!
Talk about jigsaw puzzles! I had to change my mind several times before getting it right, and then only half right! Nicely written. I love books that keep you guessing to the very end!
February 4, 2023
Drayco and Sarg are well developed characters - recovering their connection after problems 3 years ago.
I was interested in the examination of synesthesia - something that I can only theorise since I 'see' nothing in my mind's eye (aphantasia).
Lots of options for the killer and reason.
I was interested in the examination of synesthesia - something that I can only theorise since I 'see' nothing in my mind's eye (aphantasia).
Lots of options for the killer and reason.
September 7, 2017
I've enjoyed reading about Scott and his many twist and turns. I am now looking for the next one.
July 21, 2018
Great series.
Read
September 27, 2019Good
This is my third Scott crack novel. I have enjoyed them all. Looking forward to the next one. Good read.
This is my third Scott crack novel. I have enjoyed them all. Looking forward to the next one. Good read.
April 28, 2021
Hard to put down
I liked learning about new words and their meanings. I liked the fast pace and I liked the ending of the book
I liked learning about new words and their meanings. I liked the fast pace and I liked the ending of the book
May 5, 2021
This book was interesting but not predictable. Kept my interest all the way through.
May 11, 2021
Quirky ex concert pianist and ex FBI now PI called on to help his former FBI partner solve music related murder. Good story and good conclusion.
May 12, 2021
Some characters have a condition that I have barely heard of, but knew little about. It was interesting to learn more and see how the author wove this into the story.
June 9, 2021
Really good read
First book I have read by this author. It was a really good read. A book gets you hooked and don’t want to stop reading. Recommend
First book I have read by this author. It was a really good read. A book gets you hooked and don’t want to stop reading. Recommend
October 21, 2023
Loving this series
Fun, fast, entertaining reads. Love the characters for the most part, the plots are just twisted enough to keep me guessing. On to the next!!
Fun, fast, entertaining reads. Love the characters for the most part, the plots are just twisted enough to keep me guessing. On to the next!!
October 17, 2015
Ms. Lawson has woven together intriguing characters, unexpected twists and turns, and complicated relationships. This book is well thought out and interesting mystery, with a good story line and excellent character development. The story is engrossing that kept me guessing who the villain was until the very end. As with the two books in this series, the plot is somewhat complex and it kept me on my toes and held my interested. Ms. Lawson tied up all the loose ends and did not leave me hanging. I hope there will be many more books in this series. This is a very enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.
Scott Drayco, former FBI agent, is now a freelance crime consultant. His estranged former FBI partner, Mark "Sarg" Sargosian shows up on his doorstep, pleading for help when co-ed at an elite private college is murdered. Sarg is worried that his daughter, Tara, might become a victim since she attends the same school. Scott discovers he has two things in common with the murdered girl (music and synesthesia). The killer sends a puzzling music code messages and Scott is determined to solve the codes and find the killer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Scott Drayco, former FBI agent, is now a freelance crime consultant. His estranged former FBI partner, Mark "Sarg" Sargosian shows up on his doorstep, pleading for help when co-ed at an elite private college is murdered. Sarg is worried that his daughter, Tara, might become a victim since she attends the same school. Scott discovers he has two things in common with the murdered girl (music and synesthesia). The killer sends a puzzling music code messages and Scott is determined to solve the codes and find the killer.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2016
This is another excellent tale in the Scott Drayco series. He is an intriguing character, who is never fully described, other than him having beautiful eyes and being tall. I love the way the stories take him back to the first story, and his inheritance of an old Opera House, but while still keeping the story moving at a great pace. The intriguing condition of synesthesia is also an attraction, as it is not made a huge deal of, but is delicately and deftly woven into the story. I can't wait for the next in this series - a definite buy for me.
October 25, 2015
In this book Scott Drayco reconnects with his old partner Sarg. Sarg seeks out Drayco's help when his daughter Tara's friend Cailan is found murdered on a college campus. Before the murder the girl had received a series of musical puzzles. Can Drayco and Sarg solve the musical puzzles and get to the bottom of the case before someone else is murdered? Third in the series but each book can be read as a stand alone.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2016
Very exciting read with unexpected twists and turns. Interesting character development and just enough mystery to throw the reader off as to the culprit(s) until the very end. Relationships between the characters are very unique leaving the reader wanting more.
December 23, 2016
Continue to enjoy the musical references which remind me of the numerous gaps in my own music education. Actually tried salt in my coffee this morning! How long before I order some Manhattan Special... Something for the New Year!
November 14, 2015
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book. I think Drayco is a wonderful character
November 16, 2015
This book was a little slow in some parts but on the whole it was a good read. I received this book from Good Reads.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews