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Scott Drayco Mystery #1-3
Scott Drayco Box Set: Books 1-3
Scott Drayco is a former classical piano prodigy turned FBI agent/private consultant who has chromesthesia (a form of synesthesia) and plays Bach to help him puzzle through cases others often don't want to touch. The Scott Drayco Box Set: Books 1-3 includes the first three stories in the mystery series:
PLAYED TO DEATH (Book 1)
Former piano prodigy turned FBI agent Scott Drayco is suffering nightmares from his last case as a private consultant. To add insult to injury, he's bequeathed an unwanted and rundown Opera House in Cape Unity, a down-on-its-luck seaside village where vacation homes were once a playground for the rich. His hopes for a quick sale are dashed when a new client with dreams of his own redemption is murdered in the Opera House, the letter “G” mockingly carved into his chest. Slowly, inevitably, Drayco is pulled into a tangled web of jealousy and betrayal that reaches across the Atlantic into some of the darkest days of human history. But will he be able to untangle the web before the tensions in Cape Unity explode into more violence and he becomes the next victim?
REQUIEM FOR INNOCENCE (Book 2)
Crime consultant Scott Drayco is in the middle of a thorny case in Washington, D.C. involving murder victims who were all wheelchair-bound. Then, out of the blue, he gets a worried call from a friend on Virginia's Eastern Shore about an attack on an innocent disabled girl. Working once again with Sheriff Sailor and Deputy Nelia Tyler, Drayco discovers almost everyone believes the girl's attack was an accident. But he begins to suspect otherwise when he crosses paths with a badly disfigured man and the man's engimatic Goth son, as well as one of the smoothest and most dangerous figures Drayco has encountered in his career.
DIES IRAE (Book 3)
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 . . .
PLAYED TO DEATH (Book 1)
Former piano prodigy turned FBI agent Scott Drayco is suffering nightmares from his last case as a private consultant. To add insult to injury, he's bequeathed an unwanted and rundown Opera House in Cape Unity, a down-on-its-luck seaside village where vacation homes were once a playground for the rich. His hopes for a quick sale are dashed when a new client with dreams of his own redemption is murdered in the Opera House, the letter “G” mockingly carved into his chest. Slowly, inevitably, Drayco is pulled into a tangled web of jealousy and betrayal that reaches across the Atlantic into some of the darkest days of human history. But will he be able to untangle the web before the tensions in Cape Unity explode into more violence and he becomes the next victim?
REQUIEM FOR INNOCENCE (Book 2)
Crime consultant Scott Drayco is in the middle of a thorny case in Washington, D.C. involving murder victims who were all wheelchair-bound. Then, out of the blue, he gets a worried call from a friend on Virginia's Eastern Shore about an attack on an innocent disabled girl. Working once again with Sheriff Sailor and Deputy Nelia Tyler, Drayco discovers almost everyone believes the girl's attack was an accident. But he begins to suspect otherwise when he crosses paths with a badly disfigured man and the man's engimatic Goth son, as well as one of the smoothest and most dangerous figures Drayco has encountered in his career.
DIES IRAE (Book 3)
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 . . .
946 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2017
98 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
B.V. Lawson
48 books199 followersThe latest installment in the Scott Drayco mystery series, Fatal Fugue, is available for pre-order! Details here.
Hey there. Thanks 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.
Hey there. Thanks 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 21, 2019
Wow. These three Scott Drayco mystery stories by BV Lawson contained a truly different and unique type of detective for sure, but, OMG, the many prior unread by me turn of phrases she uses in her writing simply blew me away. Put simply, I LOVED her writing, and I must also say that the author manages to keep the reader guessing almost up to the last minute as to who-dunnit and why. Also, this was first knowledge of the condition she portrayed her lead character with, and it was more than interesting. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.
July 19, 2019
This is a boxed set of the first three books in the Scott Drayco Mystery series and includes the books Played to Death; Requiem for Innocence and Dies Irae. The main character Scott Drayco was a musical prodigy, playing concert piano from an early age, until a violent incident put paid to any hopes of continuing. He had to change his career and chose to follow his father, Brock, into the FBI. After ten years and getting a bit fed up of the bureaucracy, he leaves and becomes an independent crime consultant. The other really interesting thing about Scott is that he is a synaesthesia. He hears sounds as colours, textures and textures.
The first story sees Scott travelling down to see an Old Opera House he has been given by a client. He is to meet up with someone early in the morning to view the Opera House and see what he wants to do with it. When he arrives, it is to find a dead body on the stage! He calls for the police and ends up with the actual Sheriff, Sheriff Sailor (great name!), coming along with a couple of deputies to do all the leg work. Drayco has to stay in town, as he is on the suspect list, especially with him finding the body. Other deaths follow him and all are somehow linked to the Opera House.
The second story has Drayco lured back to the town in the eastern shore of Virginia, by the owner of the local B&B he stayed in previously. She called him about a young disabled girl, called Virginia, whose wheelchair was pushed either accidently or on purpose, into busy traffic during a festival weekend. Drayco is already consulting on a case for a friend, where the man’s brother, who was wheelchair bound, was strangled to death. A death that is one of four so far, that seem to be linked by the method and victim criteria similarities. Drayco doesn’t expect the case is linked, but doesn’t want to ignore it, when it comes from a lady he has a good opinion of.
Family secrets and scandals, long kept lies and attempts at seduction, all mix together to keep the girl, Virginia, in danger. There are some actual murders, all linking towards a local, killed in the same manner as those in DC that Drayco was looking into. Some are very close to Virginia and her mother Lucy. There are a few strange and weird members of the community and others that are high class, super rich, or still trying to seem to still be and keeping up appearances. Drayco sorts out the DC murders using his affinity to music to let his mind puzzle over the cases and connect all the clues and find the culprits. The safety of the girl in the beach side town sits on Drayco’s shoulders.
The third story is one he is brought into by his old FBI partner, Sarg, who he hasn’t seen or spoken to for three years, since he himself left the FBI, somewhat under a cloud. A young college student has been found dead and because her family have some links to the government and FBI, this has been put into the FBI’s hands. Apparently this student had received a few musically coded messages, which no-one has managed to decipher. Drayco is called in to see if he can decipher it. She isn’t the only person to receive a letter. There are possible suspects with a college bully, a recent split from a boyfriend and others.
She was taking part in a study for a PhD student, who was researching people with synaesthesia. Whether this was linked to the cases or not is not clear. Another victim is found, simplifying the suspect list. The killer is playing games, leaving further notes of a musical nature. Is it a serial killer, someone with distorted religious views, or with links to voodoo? Drayco has to figure out what links the murders and who could be responsible for them. He gets a letter and is left wondering if someone close to him or a random victim is going to be chosen, or if the killer is finished. This one definitely leaves you with a good shock at the end, when the reveal is done.
These were three really involved and interesting mysteries. The main character has a load of investigative experience behind him, but also this strange talent for words and sounds. He doesn’t like noisy places and some people’s voices are really grating on him. He uses playing music on the piano as one of his ways to get his mind focused and relaxed, letting the cases trickle through his conscious and often managing to figure out clues and come to his conclusions, which solve the case! Thoroughly enjoyable. I had already bought book one and was offered an ARC copy of the boxed set of books 1-3 and I have freely given my own opinion of the books above.
The first story sees Scott travelling down to see an Old Opera House he has been given by a client. He is to meet up with someone early in the morning to view the Opera House and see what he wants to do with it. When he arrives, it is to find a dead body on the stage! He calls for the police and ends up with the actual Sheriff, Sheriff Sailor (great name!), coming along with a couple of deputies to do all the leg work. Drayco has to stay in town, as he is on the suspect list, especially with him finding the body. Other deaths follow him and all are somehow linked to the Opera House.
The second story has Drayco lured back to the town in the eastern shore of Virginia, by the owner of the local B&B he stayed in previously. She called him about a young disabled girl, called Virginia, whose wheelchair was pushed either accidently or on purpose, into busy traffic during a festival weekend. Drayco is already consulting on a case for a friend, where the man’s brother, who was wheelchair bound, was strangled to death. A death that is one of four so far, that seem to be linked by the method and victim criteria similarities. Drayco doesn’t expect the case is linked, but doesn’t want to ignore it, when it comes from a lady he has a good opinion of.
Family secrets and scandals, long kept lies and attempts at seduction, all mix together to keep the girl, Virginia, in danger. There are some actual murders, all linking towards a local, killed in the same manner as those in DC that Drayco was looking into. Some are very close to Virginia and her mother Lucy. There are a few strange and weird members of the community and others that are high class, super rich, or still trying to seem to still be and keeping up appearances. Drayco sorts out the DC murders using his affinity to music to let his mind puzzle over the cases and connect all the clues and find the culprits. The safety of the girl in the beach side town sits on Drayco’s shoulders.
The third story is one he is brought into by his old FBI partner, Sarg, who he hasn’t seen or spoken to for three years, since he himself left the FBI, somewhat under a cloud. A young college student has been found dead and because her family have some links to the government and FBI, this has been put into the FBI’s hands. Apparently this student had received a few musically coded messages, which no-one has managed to decipher. Drayco is called in to see if he can decipher it. She isn’t the only person to receive a letter. There are possible suspects with a college bully, a recent split from a boyfriend and others.
She was taking part in a study for a PhD student, who was researching people with synaesthesia. Whether this was linked to the cases or not is not clear. Another victim is found, simplifying the suspect list. The killer is playing games, leaving further notes of a musical nature. Is it a serial killer, someone with distorted religious views, or with links to voodoo? Drayco has to figure out what links the murders and who could be responsible for them. He gets a letter and is left wondering if someone close to him or a random victim is going to be chosen, or if the killer is finished. This one definitely leaves you with a good shock at the end, when the reveal is done.
These were three really involved and interesting mysteries. The main character has a load of investigative experience behind him, but also this strange talent for words and sounds. He doesn’t like noisy places and some people’s voices are really grating on him. He uses playing music on the piano as one of his ways to get his mind focused and relaxed, letting the cases trickle through his conscious and often managing to figure out clues and come to his conclusions, which solve the case! Thoroughly enjoyable. I had already bought book one and was offered an ARC copy of the boxed set of books 1-3 and I have freely given my own opinion of the books above.
June 17, 2019
This 3-book set includes Played for Death, Requiem for Innocence, and Dies Irae.
These musical mysteries will keep you guessing as the suspect lists get smaller and then larger again. Lots of twists and turns make for very exciting reading.
I will continue to look for books by BV Lawson as they are very intriguing and the writing style is wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
These musical mysteries will keep you guessing as the suspect lists get smaller and then larger again. Lots of twists and turns make for very exciting reading.
I will continue to look for books by BV Lawson as they are very intriguing and the writing style is wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2019
Complicated, first-rate whodunit
There is a musical theme throughout the books which gives them a unique feel. The author describes things so vividly you can imagine yourself amongst the characters. There is betrayal, family feuds, secrets, and murder. Each novel builds on some of the main characters backstories and relationships evolve. The mysteries are complex and I was unable to figure out who the culprits were before the big reveal. Great series!!
There is a musical theme throughout the books which gives them a unique feel. The author describes things so vividly you can imagine yourself amongst the characters. There is betrayal, family feuds, secrets, and murder. Each novel builds on some of the main characters backstories and relationships evolve. The mysteries are complex and I was unable to figure out who the culprits were before the big reveal. Great series!!
June 29, 2019
This box set is the 1st time I've read anything written by BV Lawson; she has done an excellent job at writing a good set of books; I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story lines caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this box set via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story lines caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this box set via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2019
A well written private investigative series
These are the first 3 of BV Lawson's series of murder mysteries featuring Scott Drayco. He used to work in the FBI. After a case went badly, he now works as a PI. All three stories in this collection are well written and populated with engaging and credible characters. The plots flow naturally. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves good mystery novels.
I read an ARC version of this book and I choose to provide my honest opinion.
These are the first 3 of BV Lawson's series of murder mysteries featuring Scott Drayco. He used to work in the FBI. After a case went badly, he now works as a PI. All three stories in this collection are well written and populated with engaging and credible characters. The plots flow naturally. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves good mystery novels.
I read an ARC version of this book and I choose to provide my honest opinion.
April 28, 2020
I received a free ARC of this novel via Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review. My opinion is my own.
I had never read anything by this author before but I am glad that I took the time to due so. The way that the she builds her stories is a bit different but I found it very appealing. The way she builds suspense into the story kept me coming back for more. I liked being surprised and I look forward to reading more by her in the future.
I had never read anything by this author before but I am glad that I took the time to due so. The way that the she builds her stories is a bit different but I found it very appealing. The way she builds suspense into the story kept me coming back for more. I liked being surprised and I look forward to reading more by her in the future.
June 23, 2019
Greatly and well-written mysteries, these stories kept me on the edge of my seat. Such a wonderful writer, this author has created wonderful characters that I feel very close to and stories that I can not put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2020
Wonderful Murder Mystery Set
As a musician and a murder mystery man, the fact that there personify is a pianist/detective was very appealing. I love the amount of detail in the narrative and the twists that keep you wondering until the very least minute who's the culprit. I totally recommend these books.
As a musician and a murder mystery man, the fact that there personify is a pianist/detective was very appealing. I love the amount of detail in the narrative and the twists that keep you wondering until the very least minute who's the culprit. I totally recommend these books.
October 15, 2025
spend an entertaining time with Scott Drayco
The series is literate, informative and entertaining. I was swept up in the plot of each book in the series, nor wanting to put my reader down. Scott Drayco is an interesting character, well drawn and the plotting is compelling while the reader has an insider’s perspective of classical music and complex murder mysteries. Well done!
The series is literate, informative and entertaining. I was swept up in the plot of each book in the series, nor wanting to put my reader down. Scott Drayco is an interesting character, well drawn and the plotting is compelling while the reader has an insider’s perspective of classical music and complex murder mysteries. Well done!
July 13, 2019
I enjoy the way these stories are written. Each one has a life of their own, yet the one thing that ties them all together is the main character. A very enjoyable box set. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this set from Hidden Gems.
February 7, 2023
Great series l
Thoroughly enjoyed the three books ! Interesting characters and plots with surprising endings , with not all being predictable. Good reads all around !
Thoroughly enjoyed the three books ! Interesting characters and plots with surprising endings , with not all being predictable. Good reads all around !
June 16, 2019
I loved the stories it contained in this 3 book box set which drew me in, and the characters were wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2020
Excellent read
The writing and plot were excellent. The book never lagged in interest. This series keeps you wanting more. The characters are well developed.
The writing and plot were excellent. The book never lagged in interest. This series keeps you wanting more. The characters are well developed.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews