A Dirty Job

J.J. Graves Mystery #7

by Liliana Hart

A new chapter begins...

J.J. Graves is trying to put the wounds caused by her father behind her. She and Jack have a shot at peace for the first time in their marriage, and it's new territory for them.

A mortuary convention on a South Carolina island has J.J. and Jack combining work with pleasure. But things change quickly when a tropical storm traps them--and a colorful cast of morticians--in the hotel. Murder is the last thing they expect, but a dead body killed in a way only a mortician could accomplish has them racing against the clock to find the killer.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Fiction, Crime, Audiobook

306 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2019

About the author

Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).

Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex.

Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America.

Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.

Enjoy the Adventures!

Reviews

[Ntokozo M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5! I think it’s been a while since I voraciously ploughing through the series so my love of the characters isn’t as fresh and all consuming. That being said I really enjoy JJ’s can-do attitude and how she just gets all up in the blood and gore without being squeamish! I also love her relationship with Jack, how she depends on him but also how she’s a fierce crime fighting chick all on her own. Speaking of Jack - I found his calm, steady nature a great counterpart to JJ and their married life fun to read about. The plot had me in twists and turns throughout the book and I felt like the way it wrapped up had me a little confused (that’s a me thing - I prefer when the plot unwinds slowly so I have a chance to take it all in, think about it and consider whether I find it believable). Anyway overall a good dive back into a loved series!

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Murder and mayhem at a Morticians Convention on an island during a hurricane.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is still racing from another amazingly thrilling and chilling JJ Graves mystery...

Who new a morticians conference would include the seven deadly sins in such a dramatic way...
Who new morticians were all full of drama and bed hopping...

But what I do know is the JJ and Jack always find the killer in the end and Dirty Job did not disappoint.

I think I agree with JJ that islands are definitely off the holiday list forever lol..

There was so much to love about this book and honestly the whole series is just one heart-stopping mystery after another in the most literal way.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

J.J. and Jack are at a mortuary convention and convention goers are dropping like flies. Unfortunately due to the fact the convention is on an island and there is a tropical storm brewing...no one can get off. Who's doing all the killing...and why? THAT...is the mystery.

Another good J.J. Graves story!

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dirty Job

J.J. and Jack are my favorite super couple. It seems the more cases they accidentally fall into, the better the story, and this is a really good one.

[Sandra Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

You get pulled in.

There is just something about this series !! The world disappears! I really love the main characters but the supporting ones are fascinating as well. A wonderful story!!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite of the series. Nice to see how far Jack and Jaye have come as individuals and a married, professional couple.

Full review to come.

[Cheri Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This murders in this series continue to be more gruesome but I love the characters. And it’s fun to try to predict “who done it”!

[Shazza_d2002hotmail.Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this !! Yet another instalment into the crazy lives of Dr JJ Graves and Sherif Jack Lawson. Never a dull moment with these two !! So many twists and turns and many more great new characters that will have you feeling many different emotions. Can’t wait for the next book !!

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars. Finally, newlyweds Jake and Jaye can relax now that the ordeals with her notorious parents are behind them. So together they head to an island off the coast of South Carolina for some work/sun/sex at Mortician Convention. Not quite what I would have selected for a well-deserved vacation.
Bad weather and death bodies follow them. But at least this time, people aren’t being killed in their sleepy small town.
The strange but colorful secondary cast adds entertainment to this murder mystery. The murder weapon and method of the act is not something I have ever read of in any other book, and probably never will. With Jaye being Dr. Graves, the readers get a detailed and gross descriptions of each act, which I personally skip through, to save myself from nightmares.
I must really like this author, as I rarely will pay full price for an electronic version of a book, but I often do for Liliana Hart. But who else is going to give me my favorite “supporting actor” FBI Agent Ben Carver, and a leading man that is the perfect blend of confidence, toughness, wittiness, and sexuality with a dash of sensitivity. He is a refreshing change from the standard “over the top” alpha male that is common with this genre. Plus, J.J. Graves is incomparable to another heroine. She is 100% unique! I find myself captivated with Jaye and Jack and so appreciate their crime fighting skills.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars:)

[Angela Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAVORITE BOOKS!!

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many reasons

Two of my nightmares become a very entertaining book: being stuck on a small island during a tropical storm in the midst of a conference for morticians. What's not to love? As long as Jack (sigh) and JJ are there to gather and process clues, make jokes, drink coffee and go without sleep to stop a killer all is well, mostly. Carver is still on the job from his hospital room and his sense of humor is alive and well. There are a lot of choices for the killer but every clue has to come together for Jack and JJ. I love this series, even though JJ's line of work causes an occasional desire to skip some parts, and look forward to the storyline and great characters each time.

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dirty Job on Books On Track


RTC

Previous books:
✦ Dirty Money (J.J. Graves Mystery #6) ~ ★★★★ (03/08/2023)
✦ Dirty Laundry (J.J. Graves Mystery, #5) ~ ★★★★ (02/08/2023)
✦ Dirty Deeds (J.J. Graves Mystery #4.5) ~ ★★★★ (01/08/2023)
✦ Down and Dirty (J.J. Graves Mystery, #4) ~ ★★★★ (31/07/2023)
✦ Dirty Rotten Scoundrel (J.J. Graves Mystery #3) ~ ★★★★ (31/07/2023)
✦ A Dirty Shame (J.J. Graves Mystery, #2) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2023)
✦ Dirty Little Secrets (J.J. Graves Mystery, #1) ~ ★★★★ (30/07/2023)

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this entry in the series. The serious situation with her parents has been resolved. For the first time, Jack and Jaye have stress free time together. I love both characters. As always, the the dialog is great. Jack and Jaye are at a mortuary convention on an island off the coast of South Carolina. There is a storm and no one can come on or go off the island. There is a murder. Since the island is isolated by the storm, the Savannah police allow Sheriff Jack Lawson to handle the investigation along with his wife, J.J. Graves. Soon the bodies are piling up. The murder mystery was well done and interesting (and a little gross). We got a small does of Ben Carver who I really enjoy. I think what I like most about this book was the Jack and Jaye were on page together throughout the book. I love that Jack is the one thinking about their future and is more introspective. He is also an alpha with confidence who clearly loves Jaye and respects her. Love this series.

[Andrea Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liliana Hart is one of my favorite authors, as is the very quirky J.J. Graces Mystery series and A Dirty Job was no exception!

J.J. Graves is such a unique and independent, hard-working character who doesn't take crap for anyone! I love following her interactions with Jack, and how he is the yin to her yang! They make a great team and it seem like they can't get away from murder and dead bodies, even when they travel to a mortuary convention!

I kept guessing throughout the book about the ending, but never really hit the nail on the head.

Overall, this book was hugely entertaining, captivating all of my interest! Liliana Hart, you've done it yet again! Please let there be more J.J. Graves!

[Brenda Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never thought that heading to a convention and having a little of RR at the same time would lead JJ Graves and Jack Lawson into a murder scene. JJ Graves didn't think that her convention weekend, would turn into a murder investigation with her husband. WHEN bodies started popping up - JJ and Jack are hired to find the killer or killers before the ferry comes back in service. Funny, fast pace, race against time to catch a killer. Another fantastic read from Liliana Hart, of her murder mystery J.J. Graves Series. You will want more of this loving couple that understands each other and knows their boundaries. Just LOVE IT.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever installment in the J.J. Graves series. Jack and J.J. are attending a mandatory continuing education credit convention on a South Carolina island when a massive tropical storm hits. The convention motel resort is closed to ferry traffic on and off the island, and now a murder has been committed. The island police chief is ill equipped to handle such a matter, and he enlists Jack Lawson's help. J.J. and Jack begin investigating the murder, when suddenly several more murders are committed, and it seems a serial killer is on the island. We get to know Sheldon, J.J.'s funeral home intern, better here, and it is quite entertaining. It's a quick read and fast-paced.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

Enjoyed book 8 in this series. With the story arc regarding Jaye’s father resolved in book 7 there are new fish to fry, or Murders to solve.

Jaye and Jack are on an island off the coast of SC at a mortician’s conference. They are stranded there by a storm and a body turns up. The one police officer on the island is not much of a cop, nor interested in solving a murder so Jack and Jaye are pressed into action. And the the bodies keep coming.

The mystery is intriguing and the clues keep you guessing. There are some good red herrings. It was an entertaining read and I’m going to move on to book 9 right now.

[Colleen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this eighth book of the series, it seems as if Jaye and Jack might finally have a chance at happiness, and be able to move on to the next step of their life together. However, as is always the case with this twosome, going to a mortuary convention could not just be as simple as going to a convention. First they are trapped in a tropical storm, and then there seems to be murder everywhere that they turn not to mention poor Sheldon has his whole life thrown in upheaval. Watching these two put together all the pieces and yet another mystery will bring you more of what you’ve come to love about them and about this series.

[Pontiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven deadly sins that up the body count

At a morticians conference, Jack and Jaye get stuck on an island due to a tropical storm, and a dead body gives them lots to do.

The security force, led by Jenson, a retired military man, help look after all their needs to solve the crime, but as things ramp up, more bodies and more confusion abound, as each has a word corresponding to the 7 deadly sins.

As they sort through suspects and realize there’s more than one killer, the frustration builds, until finally, it all comes together.

I love this book, and had no idea who could have done what, there were so many people lying and cheating. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I gotta say this one was a crazy runaway train. It felt like a game of clue.

Let me say that I LOVE how this author writes witty banter...she’s Jill Shalvis good at it. Jack & J.J.’s dialogue is a hoot...they just get each other. But I literally laughed out loud with the dialogue between J.J. and Sheldon. I was cackling.

And 6 murders in a locked down hotel due to a major storm on an island in Carolinas at a mortuary conference...come on...that’s just brilliant.

I’m telling you it was like a game of Clue...so good. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Find Me Behind a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! JJ Graves and her husband Jack are a master team. While at a mortician conference, on an island off the border of North Carolina, JJ and Jack get pulled into yet another murder mystery. The thing is it's not just one death they encounter but 5 others...all having to do with the 7 deadly sins. Liliana had me guessing and changing my mind throughout the book, so many possible suspects and only one true crazy person. I love that I was kept from truly knowing who the suspect was until the very end and the reason behind the murders was very interesting.

[Cathy P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dirty Job

I enjoyed this installment much more than the previous book. Lots of action in this book and JJ and Jack are jumping from murder to murder. They head to a convention for mortuary lectures, equipment, etc. Expecting some down time from their near experiences and house remodel after the explosion. Their time off turns into anything but relaxing. Storm has them sequestered to the hotel and no law enforcement can come to the island. JJ and Jack have to figure out who is killing before the storm ends and the ferry returns to the island.

[Kimberleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thankfully, the editing was slightly better in this one. There were still a few inconsistencies.

Spoiler ahead...
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The ending took my rating down a star. It had a Scooby Doo feel to it...The killer has been caught and incapacitated and proceeds to confess every single detail. I just kept waiting for her to say: And I would've gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids. The ending cheapened the story for me.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5. I freaking love these books, if ever I am in a reading slump I know J.J. and Jack will pull me right out of it. This did NOT disappoint. I don't think a single one in this series has ever really disappointed me. Now I just need to stay out of this slump until April for the next installment.

[Dawn Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew that was good

J.J. and Jack have never disappointed me. The mystery is well written with intrigue and suspense. Jack and J.J. have to work to solve the murders but their accounts for doing so are not good. I never suspected the identity of the brutal killer. Sheldon is so uniquely weird but in a sweet way and gives a little levity to the scenes.

[Ron Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fantastic story !!!

kept me on the edge tryinng to determine who was the murderer!! many different avenues but always trybto figure the end out ahead of time, but quite right!! You will be compelled to read stories, thhen you feel like you know this loving couple that is always in the thick of dead bodies!!!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this JJ Graves series. This installment was pretty intricate and not easy to figure out, especially since Jaye and Jack didn't have access to their usual resources. Thankfully, Carver was out of his coma and able to give them a little bit of help. I myself would've never figured out the killers because when you thought about motive there was no way you'd connect them.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaye and Jack are on an island off the South Carolina coast at a mortician convention. A storm has come up and the ferry to the mainland has been stopped. Then, of course, there is a murder and Jack is asked to assist (take charge) as there is only one policeman, Oliver, and he has no homicide experience. So, Jaye and Jack begin investigating. Then more bodies start dropping.