What do you think?
Rate this book
Dusty Kent Mysteries #2
A Devious Mind
A callous killer taunts Dusty Kent
It was a silent death. One blow to her head was all it took. The killer struck Marcia Hamilton, a sixty-year-old grandmother of slim build, from behind. Marcia’s status as a distinguished author could not save her. The killer rolled her body, ‘like a piece of discarded junk’, down into a gully where it remained for almost two weeks.
This murder is the most heinous crime the crime of matricide. Dusty Kent is sure of that. But which of Marcia’s four offspring would be capable of such a deed? Dusty is determined to expose the murderer no matter who it is. Can she do it before the killer strikes again? Someone who’s already killed their mother would have no qualms about ‘bumping off’ a mere sibling in order to avoid exposure.
A Devious Mind is an enthralling whodunit awash with mystery and atmosphere — from the message seemingly sent by the murder victim after her death, to the intrigue of family dynamics, to the ambling lifestyle of Byron Australia’s famous beach town.
This is Book 2 of the Dusty Kent murder mysteries following Murder in Murloo.
It was a silent death. One blow to her head was all it took. The killer struck Marcia Hamilton, a sixty-year-old grandmother of slim build, from behind. Marcia’s status as a distinguished author could not save her. The killer rolled her body, ‘like a piece of discarded junk’, down into a gully where it remained for almost two weeks.
This murder is the most heinous crime the crime of matricide. Dusty Kent is sure of that. But which of Marcia’s four offspring would be capable of such a deed? Dusty is determined to expose the murderer no matter who it is. Can she do it before the killer strikes again? Someone who’s already killed their mother would have no qualms about ‘bumping off’ a mere sibling in order to avoid exposure.
A Devious Mind is an enthralling whodunit awash with mystery and atmosphere — from the message seemingly sent by the murder victim after her death, to the intrigue of family dynamics, to the ambling lifestyle of Byron Australia’s famous beach town.
This is Book 2 of the Dusty Kent murder mysteries following Murder in Murloo.
260 pages, ebook
First published February 23, 2016
162 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 30, 2019
Famous author Marcia Hamilton has been killed on her daily walk, struck on the back of the head and rolled into a gully. Her grief stricken family want answers, but the police are having trouble finding evidence against their main suspect. Enter investigative journalist turned author Dusty Kent and her trusty sidekick Sean O'Kelly.
Dusty thinks the police have it all wrong, she thinks the killer is a member of the victim's family, but which one? They all seem to have something to hide. So Dusty goes about investigating in her inimitable way, unearthing secrets, with Sean's help, and getting to the heart of the mystery as only Dusty can do.
A Devious Mind is a good quick read, I easily read it in a day. It's set in Byron Bay, and knowing the area and it's environs well I could easily picture the action in my head. Realistic characters, a wonderful setting, and a confounding mystery all add up to a satisfying novel. I'm becoming very fond of Dusty and Sean. Recommended to all mystery lovers.
Dusty thinks the police have it all wrong, she thinks the killer is a member of the victim's family, but which one? They all seem to have something to hide. So Dusty goes about investigating in her inimitable way, unearthing secrets, with Sean's help, and getting to the heart of the mystery as only Dusty can do.
A Devious Mind is a good quick read, I easily read it in a day. It's set in Byron Bay, and knowing the area and it's environs well I could easily picture the action in my head. Realistic characters, a wonderful setting, and a confounding mystery all add up to a satisfying novel. I'm becoming very fond of Dusty and Sean. Recommended to all mystery lovers.
June 1, 2019
This is the second book in this cosy crime series set in Australia. Dusty Kent is a true crime author who is becoming famous for solving cold cases and then writing about them. A clever ruse on the part of the author as each book can be set in a fresh place instead of having too many murders occurring in one small town, as often happens in these series.
For me A Devious Mind was a pleasant, entertaining and easy read. The Australian setting was good. C0nveniently Dusty's offsider is a visitor from Ireland and she is able to explain all things Australian to him which will benefit the author's overseas readers. The story is good and the ending is a bit of a surprise.
So why don't I rate the book higher? Mainly because I am struggling to like Dusty Kent herself. I will keep reading the series though. She may still grow on me.
For me A Devious Mind was a pleasant, entertaining and easy read. The Australian setting was good. C0nveniently Dusty's offsider is a visitor from Ireland and she is able to explain all things Australian to him which will benefit the author's overseas readers. The story is good and the ending is a bit of a surprise.
So why don't I rate the book higher? Mainly because I am struggling to like Dusty Kent herself. I will keep reading the series though. She may still grow on me.
March 21, 2016
Travelling around Australia on a working visa was suiting Sean O’Kelly well – after his time helping Dusty Kent six months previously in Murloo, Victoria, he’d travelled far and wide. When he heard again from Dusty, he was happy to store his recently purchased Triumph Thunderbird motorcycle near where he was camped in the Kakadu National Park and fly to meet Dusty for the cold case she’d just attached herself to in Byron Bay, NSW.
Marcia Nixon, a well-known, wealthy Australian author had been violently murdered three years previously and the police had a suspect but no evidence for a conviction. With it being a cold case, Marcia’s son Fergus had contacted Dusty to help and hopefully solve the case. Dusty’s success in previous cold cases was legendary; she was very confident of her success. Sean as her assistant meant the rhythm they’d achieved in the Murloo case would be continued.
After meeting with Fergus and the family in his luxurious home overlooking the ocean; being captivated by six year old Coco and learning as much about Marcia as they could, Dusty and Sean started digging deeply into the family history. Secrets and lies began to rear their ugly heads while Dusty’s thoughts were thrust first one way, then the other as she tried to decipher all she was learning; she was frustrated by the lack of evidence and knowing the police had come up against the same roadblock. But when suddenly the police made an arrest both Dusty and Sean were shocked – had she been so completely wrong? Was her legendary status about to be challenged?
I absolutely loved Aussie author Brigid George’s second in the Dusty Kent series – A Devious Mind. And I especially loved the precocious Coco. What an absolute delight she was. The mystery was extremely well done – I had no idea of the killer until it was revealed near the end. Well-crafted characters, the author had their traits down to a tee. I have no hesitation in highly recommending cosy mystery A Devious Mind to all.
With thanks to the author for her manuscript to beta read and ultimately review.
Marcia Nixon, a well-known, wealthy Australian author had been violently murdered three years previously and the police had a suspect but no evidence for a conviction. With it being a cold case, Marcia’s son Fergus had contacted Dusty to help and hopefully solve the case. Dusty’s success in previous cold cases was legendary; she was very confident of her success. Sean as her assistant meant the rhythm they’d achieved in the Murloo case would be continued.
After meeting with Fergus and the family in his luxurious home overlooking the ocean; being captivated by six year old Coco and learning as much about Marcia as they could, Dusty and Sean started digging deeply into the family history. Secrets and lies began to rear their ugly heads while Dusty’s thoughts were thrust first one way, then the other as she tried to decipher all she was learning; she was frustrated by the lack of evidence and knowing the police had come up against the same roadblock. But when suddenly the police made an arrest both Dusty and Sean were shocked – had she been so completely wrong? Was her legendary status about to be challenged?
I absolutely loved Aussie author Brigid George’s second in the Dusty Kent series – A Devious Mind. And I especially loved the precocious Coco. What an absolute delight she was. The mystery was extremely well done – I had no idea of the killer until it was revealed near the end. Well-crafted characters, the author had their traits down to a tee. I have no hesitation in highly recommending cosy mystery A Devious Mind to all.
With thanks to the author for her manuscript to beta read and ultimately review.
May 12, 2021
This is the second book in the Dusty Kent series.
Dusty is an Australian writer, famed for solving cold cases. In this book she is invited by the children of Marcia Hamilton to investigate their mothers murder. Marcia being a well known author leaves an extensive estate in Byron Bay.
There is a prime suspect, a local voyeur, but the police are yet to find enough evidence to charge him.
As Dusty digs away some family secrets start to come out and more than one family member also has a strong motive to potentially want to kill Marcia.
A nice relatively light read, and entertaining. I did guess the murderer quite early, but there were a few red herrings that made me doubt it at times.
Dusty is an Australian writer, famed for solving cold cases. In this book she is invited by the children of Marcia Hamilton to investigate their mothers murder. Marcia being a well known author leaves an extensive estate in Byron Bay.
There is a prime suspect, a local voyeur, but the police are yet to find enough evidence to charge him.
As Dusty digs away some family secrets start to come out and more than one family member also has a strong motive to potentially want to kill Marcia.
A nice relatively light read, and entertaining. I did guess the murderer quite early, but there were a few red herrings that made me doubt it at times.
March 16, 2017
This was ok but a bit too much dialogue for me.
June 20, 2016
I give this novel 3.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this book & it's always a joy to find an Australian Indie author, especially one who melds real life iconic surroundings with a sprinkle of fiction to make it work.
It was a remarkably quick read once I got into it & the ending took me completely by surprise. My only complaint is that for an Australian audience the explanation of Australian idioms, customs & places can come off as more than a bit cheesy; I can understand this needing to be done for an international audience though.
I really enjoyed this book & it's always a joy to find an Australian Indie author, especially one who melds real life iconic surroundings with a sprinkle of fiction to make it work.
It was a remarkably quick read once I got into it & the ending took me completely by surprise. My only complaint is that for an Australian audience the explanation of Australian idioms, customs & places can come off as more than a bit cheesy; I can understand this needing to be done for an international audience though.
December 28, 2016
The opening is like being at book-reading event.
This is an Amateur Sleuth mystery.
Dusty has started on another cold case book and Sean is by her side. This time they have to figure out who killed a famous author.
Ms. George kept me guessing until the final reveal.
Warning: Some adult language and situations. Hints of violence.
This is an Amateur Sleuth mystery.
Dusty has started on another cold case book and Sean is by her side. This time they have to figure out who killed a famous author.
Ms. George kept me guessing until the final reveal.
Warning: Some adult language and situations. Hints of violence.
January 20, 2019
A Devious Mind
What a great mystery! Many suspects were considered, but the true murderer was a complete surprise! Thanks! I loved it!
What a great mystery! Many suspects were considered, but the true murderer was a complete surprise! Thanks! I loved it!
February 4, 2019
I love a good sequel writer!
I want to read them all! A new mystery, a new country, and interesting characters! Lots to explore! This one left you guessing all the way!
I want to read them all! A new mystery, a new country, and interesting characters! Lots to explore! This one left you guessing all the way!
November 8, 2020
Left Me Cold
An author who made her name solving and writing about cold cases investigates the murder of another well known author. With her Irish research assistant she delves into the secrets and lies of the woman's family. Despite some creepy characters the trail keeps going back to the family. But messing with a murderer can be lethal.
This novel is pleasantly written and unfolds at a relaxed pace. The set up seemed contrived and it was more soap opera than suspense. Although Sean the assistant was likable I did not care for Dusty. Don't like her name or her know it all attitude. Her supposed brilliance is seriously less than impressive. Not a bad read but the characters left me cold.
An author who made her name solving and writing about cold cases investigates the murder of another well known author. With her Irish research assistant she delves into the secrets and lies of the woman's family. Despite some creepy characters the trail keeps going back to the family. But messing with a murderer can be lethal.
This novel is pleasantly written and unfolds at a relaxed pace. The set up seemed contrived and it was more soap opera than suspense. Although Sean the assistant was likable I did not care for Dusty. Don't like her name or her know it all attitude. Her supposed brilliance is seriously less than impressive. Not a bad read but the characters left me cold.
January 27, 2020
I enjoyed reading this Dusty Kent detective story set in Byron Bay. Once again Sean O’Kelly, Dusty’s assistant private investigator, narrates the story.
Acclaimed novelist and local identity in Byron Bay, Marcia Hamilton is murdered, apparently during her early morning walk. A year later when the police don’t have sufficient evidence for an arrest, the family contact Dusty Kent for her investigative expertise.
Dusty and Sean liaise with the family throughout the investigation as they pursue different leads. Surprisingly the killer was not predictable, although the connection was there.
I would recommend this story as a light read. I gave it three stars.
Acclaimed novelist and local identity in Byron Bay, Marcia Hamilton is murdered, apparently during her early morning walk. A year later when the police don’t have sufficient evidence for an arrest, the family contact Dusty Kent for her investigative expertise.
Dusty and Sean liaise with the family throughout the investigation as they pursue different leads. Surprisingly the killer was not predictable, although the connection was there.
I would recommend this story as a light read. I gave it three stars.
April 30, 2021
I loved this book
This book kept me interested and on the edge of my seat the whole time I couldn't put it down I love murder mysterious and I've read slot if them but by
Far her books are the best can't wait to read the rest and hope she keeps righting more of them I am hooked and have told all my friends and family about her books even strangers highly recommended if you love murder mysterious
This book kept me interested and on the edge of my seat the whole time I couldn't put it down I love murder mysterious and I've read slot if them but by
Far her books are the best can't wait to read the rest and hope she keeps righting more of them I am hooked and have told all my friends and family about her books even strangers highly recommended if you love murder mysterious
November 27, 2017
Great Australian mystery series
I enjoyed reading the second book in the Dusty Kent mystery series. It took place in a different location this time, so I'd like to find a good map to learn about the different areas of Australia where the murders take place.
I enjoyed reading the second book in the Dusty Kent mystery series. It took place in a different location this time, so I'd like to find a good map to learn about the different areas of Australia where the murders take place.
January 6, 2022
very excitingly read.
Goog read from start to end. The book starts with the murder already done. Then take the rest of book to solve the crime.
Goog read from start to end. The book starts with the murder already done. Then take the rest of book to solve the crime.
June 14, 2016
good story
June 24, 2016
Mediocre
The thought processes of the main characters was a bit too transparently written. Worth reading, though. Four more words required.
The thought processes of the main characters was a bit too transparently written. Worth reading, though. Four more words required.
Read
July 14, 2016Fun read.
June 26, 2016
Ok
The story needed better editing. Sentences regarding characters thoughts and perceptions were repeated unnecessary. Some of the writing was insignificant.
The story needed better editing. Sentences regarding characters thoughts and perceptions were repeated unnecessary. Some of the writing was insignificant.
July 4, 2016
Good
the murder mystery that had a whole family who lost their mother in murder .the detective and her assistant who sloved the murder.
the murder mystery that had a whole family who lost their mother in murder .the detective and her assistant who sloved the murder.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews