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Tyrone Swift #3

Two Lovers, Six Deaths

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A MAN STABS HIS GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH, THEN HANGS HIMSELF, LEAVING A NOTE CONFESSING TO THE MURDER. OPEN AND SHUT CASE? NOT FOR DETECTIVE TYRONE SWIFT.

Dominic Merrell’s estranged wife Georgie doesn’t believe that he could have done it. Detective Swift discovers that Dominic was a reliable, devoted husband and father for eighteen years until he met the beautiful, charismatic Lisa, who he left his wife for. No one can believe that Dominic was capable of murder. But if it wasn’t him, then who killed the seductive but chaotic Lisa?

Dominic and his murdered girlfriend harbour dark secrets from their turbulent pasts. How can two lovers cause so much destruction?

Tyrone Swift will do anything to uncover the truth about a case that has uncomfortable parallels to his own troubled personal life. In a shocking ending, those with much to hide will do anything they can to stop him.

TWO LOVERS, SIX DEATHS is a beautifully written mystery that will have you gripped from start to heart-stopping finish.

THE DETECTIVE
Tyrone Swift is an ex-police detective who now works privately. He’s survived a stabbing and his fiancée running off with another man. Swift's personal life is complicated. He is still involved with his ex, Ruth, who is expecting their child, but living with another man. And it’s just about the worst time to begin another relationship, but he is tempted by the attractive police detective Nora Morrow.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2016

294 people are currently reading
124 people want to read

About the author

Gretta Mulrooney

40 books131 followers
Gretta Mulrooney (1952-2023) was a British author of mystery, thriller, and crime novels. Born and raised in London to Irish parents, Mulrooney began publishing novels in her 30s, working with publishers such as Poolberg Press, Harper Collins, and Joffre Books.

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5 stars
301 (44%)
4 stars
260 (38%)
3 stars
94 (13%)
2 stars
17 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Cheryl .
2,395 reviews80 followers
May 14, 2018
This is a 4.5 star read.

Two Lovers, Six Deaths is my favourite of the three Tyrone Swift books that I have read so far, for a variety of reasons. It has benefitted remarkably from having a pared down cast of characters, enabling the reader to tightly focus on the solving of the crime, along with more simple subplots. The story is faster paced and the more upbeat feel surrounding Ty's personal life made for an exceptionally quick read.
The premise of the story is interesting in that estranged wife Georgie doesn't believe her husband Dominic capable of killing anyone, let alone Lisa, his girlfriend, whom he worships. As Ty begins the arduous task of reinvestigating the original murder and the suicide hanging of Dominic he is soon left with confirmation that nobody thinks Dom capable of murder, but that there are plenty who would have wanted Lisa dead. Hⁿⁿer seductive chaos ruined many lives and her narcissism left her unaware of her destructiveness. Who really stabbed her and why did Dominic feel the need to take the blame?
There are red herrings aplenty and a few finely woven subplots to provide competition. But it is Ty's personal life that provides an upbeat alternative to the melancholy conclusion in this story. The final scene sees him depart in haste as his ex-fiancé goes into labour - with his child. I can't wait to see what happens in the next novel and how the birth of his daughter affects him!
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,708 followers
November 28, 2016
Dominic Merrell stabs and kills his girlfriend. He then writes a note confessing his guilt and then hangs himself. Case closed .. right?

Wrong! Dominic's wife doesn't believe for a moment that he could have killed anyone. She goes to Private Detective Tyrone Swift and asks him to investigate. She feels the police took everything at face value and never bothered to look for anyone else.

Upon talking to Dominic's friends and co-workers, they all say the same thing ... he loved his children, he was a devoted husband until he met the beautiful victim. So if he didn't kill her ..who did? And why would be confess to a crime he didn't do?

But then everyone has secrets .. especially the victim and Dominic .. secrets that have not seen the light of day. As Swift investigates, there are more deaths. How can two lovers create such chaos and destruction? Tyrone Swift will do anything to uncover the truth.

This is the 3rd in this series featuring Tyrone Swift. Swift is a man who has survived all sorts of tragedies ... he's been stabbed, his fiancee has run away with another man and she is now pregnant with Swift's baby. But as a detective, he lets nothing deter him in any way. He makes a terrific series character.

The mystery is well thought out, well-written. It quietly progresses without forensics, just good old fashioned detective work in rooting out hidden secrets. It builds in suspense to a surprising ending.

There are a few references to things that happened in previous books, so I would recommend reading the series in order.

Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Ashley Gillan.
831 reviews22 followers
December 12, 2016
I'm torn about this one. I truly am.

On one hand, it's a solid mystery that kept me reading to find out what happened. But on the other - the titular "twist" was a dud, and I can't account for two of the "six deaths." So....yeah.

The book opens with the suicide note written by Dominic Merrell, in which he confesses to killing his girlfriend. However, his estranged wife (who Merrell had left for the now-dead girlfriend), doesn't believe he had it in him and hires Tyrone Swift to investigate. Swift learns that no one believes Dominic could have murdered his young, but mysterious girlfriend. So who did? And why? That is the central mystery of the novel, of course.

It wasn't a bad plot either. It's a classic who-dunnit, with some good turns to keep things moving along. I enjoyed it. But it certainly was no twist-filled thriller. Part of the picture would emerge, then another, then ok, we were done. I actually was waiting for the twist to come when the book ended. Like, I thought I missed something.

Everything turned out tidy - nice and cozy, in terms of a subplot involving a Syrian teenager who needed help - but I certainly wouldn't say the plot was a shocker.

Also, I could have done without the personal storyline between Swift and his former lover, who is back with her husband but pregnant from a one-night stand with Swift. It was too melodramatic and I, frankly, didn't find myself rooting for anyone involved. I was hoping Swift would get some sense knocked into him and forget about Ruth, only contacting her to set up visits for the baby. But that wasn't the case. Unfortunately.

So, proceed with caution on this one. It's worth the read for the solid mystery and to see if you can figure it out before the big reveal - but it's not going to knock your socks off.
Profile Image for Pia.
236 reviews22 followers
October 26, 2017
I have a love-hate relationship with these series.

For one, the plots are very good! In book 3, Tyrone Swift is asked by the ex-wife and now widow of a man that has just killed himself to find out what really happened, as he was accused of killing his girlfriend. Sounds complicated, but it's very well developed and the characters are extremely well constructed.

The hate part refers to Swift's private life. The relationship with Ruth, his ex girlfriend and the relationship she has with her awful husband are just not very believable. Sure, I've heard about co-dependency, but this takes it too far. How can a strong man like Swift be such a wimp when it comes to Ruth?
Anyway, it's a series I like and I look forward to new books in it,

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,216 reviews69 followers
December 10, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for a review copy of Two Lovers, Six Deaths, the second novel in the PI Tyrone Swift series.

Georgie Merrell approaches Ty and asks him to make enquiries into the death of her estranged husband, Dominic, who committed suicide, leaving a note confessing to the murder of his girlfriend, Lisa, a few days before. With the note the police have their solution to Lisa's murder and are not looking any further despite Georgie's insistence that Dominic was not a killer. As Ty pursues his enquiries no one he meets believes Dominic was a killer but with so many people having both secrets and a motive it becomes difficult to work out exactly what happened and why.

This is a very readable novel. Ty is an engaging protagonist and you can't help warming to him, despite his messy life - his ex fiancée is about to give birth to his child although she lives with her husband, the man who got Ty's girlfriend killed last and his lodger, Cedric, has adopted a young Syrian refugee who has bad men looking for her after she escaped from a brothel in Bolton. Keep up! As you will guess it is a fairly detailed novel with a myriad of personal stories and details to keep track of so it is quite absorbing, fast paced and never boring.

I have come to love the Joffe Books imprint. They publish very solid, readable crime fiction which holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages. Two Lovers, Six Deaths is another welcome addition to their cannon so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.
Profile Image for Jo.
1,291 reviews84 followers
November 27, 2016
So I think when you advertise a huge twist in your title, you better deliver. While this was an enjoyable read, I don't think the twist was all that shocking. I will be looking up the first two books in this series knowing that they will be good reads, but not necessarily a "huge twist."
Profile Image for Mystic Miraflores.
1,402 reviews7 followers
October 13, 2022
This was basically a good mystery with good descriptions of the various characters. However, the plot line with Ruth is tedious and not one I like. I wish Ty could find a woman he could be happy with. I wish Kris Jelen didn’t have to be killed off in a previous book.
Profile Image for Hannelore Cheney.
1,550 reviews30 followers
November 29, 2016
The 3rd in the P.I. Tyrone Swift series and the best yet. Swift is hesitant about taking on the case of Dominic, who committed suicide by hanging after confessing to the murder of Lisa, the woman he left his wife and two boys for. He was totally smitten, blind with love, doing the unthinkable: leaving his family without looking back. But Georgie, his wife, wants Swift to prove Dominic did not commit the murder, to clear his reputation. He was in no way a murderer and it's important to Georgie her two sons will know their father was a good, kind man, definitely not a murderer.
Swift delves into the relationship between Lisa and Dominic, finding out it was probably over and that Dominic was in debt due to Lisa's lifestyle. Lisa was beautiful, willful, selfish and seductive, a deadly mix.
The ending was a surprise and actually quite moving.
I love Swift , he is a very sympathetic character, a good man who is undergoing some private pain and therefore sees the pain in others and does his best to right wrongs as best he can. Can't wait for no. 4 in the series and would love it if they made a TV series.
Thank you Netgalley, Joffe Books and Gretta Mulroney for the ARC.
Profile Image for Andrew.
630 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2016
This is the third book in the series featuring private investigator Tyrone Swift.

It is the second book which I have read by Great Mulrooney.

Often I feel that reading a book featuring the same investigator/detective, which is out of sequence, can spoil the story.

In the case of this book it is fully capable of standing out on its own merits.

There is a huge cast of characters, each well created and developed.

The story starts with a murder and a suicide. However Georgie Merrell, the ex-wife of the suicide, Dominic calls on the services of Tyrone Swift, ex-detective and now a private investigator. She is not satisfied that all is what it seems.

At times I thought that this was becoming a predictable story, but as the novel progressed each potential suspect was shown to have at least on secret to hide.

This kept the pace going and provided sufficient twists to provide the expected twist towards the end.

My thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for a copy in exchange for this review.
Profile Image for Scott Kalas.
536 reviews10 followers
April 30, 2021
Just boring🥱. It was more like a soap opera. Maybe if I could recall what happened to Lisa(?) and how Emlyn was the cause of her death, might add some depth, but despite his love for her he still over his ex who still over him and is carrying his baby, but yet still loves Emlyn her current husband 🤪

It seems like every character is new age or something and it seems like Tyrone notices things I as a guy I think a women would notice but not a guy who worked for Interpol and as a cop. He came across to me as feminine. Perhaps the authors image of what her ideal man would be. Who knows 😝

I don’t know it all added up to a boring soap opera and I quit as about 40% and it is very unlikely I’ll start reading it again.

I gave it two stars but I think if I was to read it to the end it would one star.
Profile Image for Victoria Slotto.
Author 4 books9 followers
February 8, 2021
I'm growing to really appreciate the work of this author. Her descriptions place one right in the scene. Characters are well-rounded which makes me able to both cheer for them and admonish their flaws. Relationships are complex, as is her ability to create riveting plots that leave me guessing. I feel that there is a strong element of literary fiction in this series, creating a blend of genres. As I read these books one after the other, the dates are not correct. Recommended for those who enjoy both mysteries and literary fiction. My only complaint is related to characters I enjoy being taken out by the bad guys!
Profile Image for Vicky.
887 reviews
November 19, 2023
I'm enjoying this series even more since I moved to London. I have a better appreciation for the locations discussed as Swift travels around the city - often on public transport, just as I do.
In this story, he is investigating the apparent suicide of a man, following the murder of his girlfriend. Who killed her, and did he kill her and then himself?
Two people died long before this and two more will die before the book ends, hence the title... but I won't give away more than that.
At the same time, Swift is dealing with the death of his own girlfriend and the impending birth of his first child... but to his ex. Life is complicated, but perhaps even more in novels.
25 reviews
June 29, 2020
Why did his wife doubt he did it?
This book shows that once youve loved and married someone you understand everything they'd do, and even though you may be right they may also have behaviours that shock you

Such a compelling and easy to follow read, with many twists and turns along the way and an ending I never saw coming!

I'm a big fan of the Tyrone Swift series and would highly recommend them to anyone with an interest in crime novels, looking forward to reading more for the series and getting more of an insight into Tyrone Swifts life as a private detective
7,757 reviews50 followers
September 27, 2020
Wife who comes to Swift, not believing in her husband suicide, the cat if characters for this story is small, dealing with flirtation, lies. Dominic leaves his wife and two boys, for Lisa. A woman who loves to flirt and the parties. He is quiet and reserved and deeply infatuated with her. A tragic ending, and Swift uncovers that others had been caught by her and the lies.
A tragic ending for many, and a healing for the ex wife and two sons.
2,102 reviews38 followers
October 29, 2022
Lisa was the nexus as well as the catalyst that let loose the tragic events of this story. Like most beautiful and attractive magnetic personalities, Lisa could make or break other people's dreams... other people's lives. She may not mean to hurt but where men were concerned, she set out to charm them and when they were well and truly at her toils, she inevitably got tired of them. Wasted lives... wasted dreams... no wonder someone stabbed her twice to death. A bloody mess... a bloody waste.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,628 reviews39 followers
July 30, 2020

I DON’T KNOW HOW TY CAN STILL LOVE OR CARE ABOUT RUTH, SHE IS THE DEFINITION OF A BITCH. SHE PLAYS TY LIKE A FIDDLE I REALLY HATE HER, A CRUEL SELFISH COW. I WISH TY COULD FIND SOMEONE WHO REALLY LOVES, HE IS SUCH A GREAT GUY. I HOPE ALL GETs BETTER FOR SWIFT, HE DESERVES IT, SOMETHING LASTING. ONTO BK#4. ;D
Profile Image for Emlyn Lunn.
130 reviews
December 19, 2021
Intriguing Plot

A good page turner that keeps you wanting more. The characters really come to life in this book. Swift, the main character, personality really comes out well in this second book. It is a good mix of murder and the personal of the characters. Definitely a good read
Profile Image for Jane.
1,266 reviews16 followers
December 31, 2021
Georgie Merrell has hired Tyrone Swift to look into the death of her husband, Dominic Merrell who allegedly handged himself at his place of work. He left a signed confession saying he brutally murders his girlfriend Lisa Eastwood three days earlier.
Soon after the victims son Harry’s body is discovered in their family garage. Apparently he’d been stabbed to death.
8 reviews
May 20, 2018
Interesting .! Check this one out !

Well written mystery novel . Very hard to put down . Keeps you guessing who all was involved in the crimes ... Surprise ending .. Enjoyed Ms. Mulrooney ' s novel.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
1,129 reviews62 followers
October 28, 2018
Really enjoyed this novel and certain had be gripped from beginning to end I haven't read the previous two books, which i hope to read in the near future. Recommended.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tracey.
Author 15 books17 followers
April 15, 2020
Two Lovers, Six Deaths

Tyrone Swift is hired to look into the suicide of a man and his confession that he had murdered his girlfriend.
Gretta Mulrooney has written another cracking Tyrone Swift novel. The storyline is taut and the characters perfect.
Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,098 reviews19 followers
February 22, 2022
Dominic was well lived and no one would believe he would kill any one. Tyrone Swift is drafted in to investigate.
This was a good read but I wish I had read the previous books in this series. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
278 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2020
Excellent plot and characters, nicely woven together.
Profile Image for Sally-Ann.
65 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2021
This story was not as good as the previous two. There was too much concentration on personal bits and not enough on the murders, which by the way I cannot make reach six. I only make it four! A this is the last book that i've bought for this series, I probably won't bother buying the next ones.
Profile Image for Jilly.
120 reviews
January 26, 2022
I really like this Tyrone Swift series. But I can't think of 6 deaths! I can only think of four. Can anyone help?
63 reviews
June 29, 2025
A beautiful Woman

Just lovely this novel couldn't put it down great story line with its twist and turns Gretta Mulrooney at her best
Profile Image for David Stimpson.
991 reviews19 followers
July 9, 2024
Pretty gòod story .. I did struggle a little but I got there in the end and I will look forward to seeing what our PI Does next
Profile Image for Jean.
470 reviews72 followers
April 21, 2017
Dominic Merrell was found hanged at his place of work. He left a signed confession to the brutal murder of his live-in girlfriend, Lisa Eastwood. Even though Dominic had left her and their two sons for this other woman, his estranged wife, Georgie, does not believe that the man that she is still married to, could commit this atrocity. Georgie hires a private investigator to find out the truth.

This was an ok whodunnit mystery. There were some surprises but no twists and turns that makes you say wow. After reading the reviews, I found out that this is book 3 in a series. I did not read the prior two books which would have helped to know their background. There was a lack of character development and I was a little confused on who some of the other characters were in the story. I also do not like the title of the book. There were definitely more than two lovers and I'm not even sure who the six deaths are (I guess we are counting the deaths that happened over 35 years ago?).

Thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and Gretta Mulrooney for the opportunity to read and review "Two Lovers, Six Deaths".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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