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Murder by Design
FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR J.P. BOWIE
An unexpected meeting in a bar gives Detective Sam Walker a real chance of finding long-awaited happiness. All he has to do is stay alive.
Detective Sam Walker gets a surprise phone call the day he wakes up with the hangover from hell. The caller informs him that his name is Justin and that they met the night before in a gay bar. Not only met, but kissed and traded phone numbers and Sam has no memory of it at all. Intrigued, Sam wants to meet Justin again, but any chance of that is delayed when he and his partner are assigned a murder investigation and told to take care of it ASAP.
Sam has a problem, a deeply personal one that he doesn’t talk about, but when he’s with Justin the problem seems to disappear and he’s convinced he’s been given a new lease on life. His elation is short-lived, however, when the case he and his partner are working on takes a dark turn.
Justin also has a problem…Maria Esteban, a fiery-tempered Puerto Rican who owns the fashion company Justin designs for. Theirs is a volatile relationship and when tragedy strikes, the finger of suspicion points at him.
Can Sam save Justin not only from a bigoted detective intent on cracking the case quickly, but from a new and unexpected source, too? Or is their love affair doomed before they can truly savor Sam’s newfound freedom from the past?
An unexpected meeting in a bar gives Detective Sam Walker a real chance of finding long-awaited happiness. All he has to do is stay alive.
Detective Sam Walker gets a surprise phone call the day he wakes up with the hangover from hell. The caller informs him that his name is Justin and that they met the night before in a gay bar. Not only met, but kissed and traded phone numbers and Sam has no memory of it at all. Intrigued, Sam wants to meet Justin again, but any chance of that is delayed when he and his partner are assigned a murder investigation and told to take care of it ASAP.
Sam has a problem, a deeply personal one that he doesn’t talk about, but when he’s with Justin the problem seems to disappear and he’s convinced he’s been given a new lease on life. His elation is short-lived, however, when the case he and his partner are working on takes a dark turn.
Justin also has a problem…Maria Esteban, a fiery-tempered Puerto Rican who owns the fashion company Justin designs for. Theirs is a volatile relationship and when tragedy strikes, the finger of suspicion points at him.
Can Sam save Justin not only from a bigoted detective intent on cracking the case quickly, but from a new and unexpected source, too? Or is their love affair doomed before they can truly savor Sam’s newfound freedom from the past?
- GenresM M RomanceMystery
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
About the author
J.P. Bowie
137 books232 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 6, 2019
***3.5***
Sam Walker left Texas, fleeing a small town life that threatened to kill him figuratively, possibly literally, and a family that rejected him for being gay. He made his way to Los Angeles, and at 30 has carved out a career for himself as a Detective in the LAPD, found friends and been embraced by the family of his work partner Martin McCready. His life is nice. Fine. Really. Except he’s lonely. But all that is about to change.
After a night of drunken celebration Sam gets a call from Justin, a guy he chatted up at a bar, but doesn’t remember. Justin isn’t offended on account of Sam being a fantastic kisser. They exchange a few steamy phone calls, meet, and it’s all happy sailing. There really is no conflict between these two, they’re exactly what cranks each other’s engine. Actually Justin turns out to be the cure for Sam’s “ailment”, sort of like magic D but in reverse. Sure. It could happen. It could also be that time has healed Sam and that Justin is the person who tics his boxes. Just a thought. I didn’t hate the idea, because I’m a romantic at heart.
At this point you may be wondering “what about the mystery?” Well … there isn’t one. Not really. The prologue teases the case you think the story will be about, but the bulk of the book, probably 80% deals with a different case that Sam & Martin catch (a young hustler found murdered in a known cruising park), Sam’s relationship with Martin and his family, the casual homophobes at work, but also the staunch allies, Justin’s work woes, Justin’s relationship with his own family, and primarily with Sam and Justin’s romance, which is on the fast lane to love with zero bumps or stops. The Case, when it comes, is fairly straightforward, and perhaps a bit anticlimactic. But the rest of the story was nice. Cozy.
This is my first J. P. Bowie and I think the author, in this instance, just uses the template of a murder mystery to do some character & societal portraits. I liked that Sam & Justin don’t seem to be the result of what’s trending or hot in the romance world. In fact, they’re pretty traditional in their roles (save for the gay thing), and Justin’s speech, in particular, is peppered with old-fashioned expressions, like “Put me down, varlet,”, who says that? Granted, he is a designer, but he’s like 26? On the plus side I learned what a kirby grip is. I liked the other characters, particularly Martin and his family, and I liked the accurate sense of place.
If you're looking for something low-angst and well written to fill a couple hours this could be it. I don’t know if you’ll remember it later, but that’s what re-reads are for.
Sam Walker left Texas, fleeing a small town life that threatened to kill him figuratively, possibly literally, and a family that rejected him for being gay. He made his way to Los Angeles, and at 30 has carved out a career for himself as a Detective in the LAPD, found friends and been embraced by the family of his work partner Martin McCready. His life is nice. Fine. Really. Except he’s lonely. But all that is about to change.
After a night of drunken celebration Sam gets a call from Justin, a guy he chatted up at a bar, but doesn’t remember. Justin isn’t offended on account of Sam being a fantastic kisser. They exchange a few steamy phone calls, meet, and it’s all happy sailing. There really is no conflict between these two, they’re exactly what cranks each other’s engine. Actually Justin turns out to be the cure for Sam’s “ailment”, sort of like magic D but in reverse. Sure. It could happen. It could also be that time has healed Sam and that Justin is the person who tics his boxes. Just a thought. I didn’t hate the idea, because I’m a romantic at heart.
At this point you may be wondering “what about the mystery?” Well … there isn’t one. Not really. The prologue teases the case you think the story will be about, but the bulk of the book, probably 80% deals with a different case that Sam & Martin catch (a young hustler found murdered in a known cruising park), Sam’s relationship with Martin and his family, the casual homophobes at work, but also the staunch allies, Justin’s work woes, Justin’s relationship with his own family, and primarily with Sam and Justin’s romance, which is on the fast lane to love with zero bumps or stops. The Case, when it comes, is fairly straightforward, and perhaps a bit anticlimactic. But the rest of the story was nice. Cozy.
This is my first J. P. Bowie and I think the author, in this instance, just uses the template of a murder mystery to do some character & societal portraits. I liked that Sam & Justin don’t seem to be the result of what’s trending or hot in the romance world. In fact, they’re pretty traditional in their roles (save for the gay thing), and Justin’s speech, in particular, is peppered with old-fashioned expressions, like “Put me down, varlet,”, who says that? Granted, he is a designer, but he’s like 26? On the plus side I learned what a kirby grip is. I liked the other characters, particularly Martin and his family, and I liked the accurate sense of place.
If you're looking for something low-angst and well written to fill a couple hours this could be it. I don’t know if you’ll remember it later, but that’s what re-reads are for.
June 18, 2019
My first try with this author. And lucky me, I was in the mood for something low-key, with no angst and some sweetness.
Sam is a sweet detective : he’s law-abiding and has empathy for victims, a reflexion of his character : despite his big bulk, he doesn’t have a bad temper at all and enjoys being the “uncle” of his police partner’s kids. He’s also very insecure, for reasons, when it comes to his personal life. Being drunk one night ends up being a good fate for him as he dares flirting with the colourful and joyful Justin, luckily not deterred by Sam’s state.
And while going through cases, one unfortunately involving Justin, Sam is beginning to think that he found the right partner and takes a chance.
A tiny bit fast on the romance, smooth and way too fast on solving Sam’s issues (quite unsettling for me), but if in need of some relaxing time with goodness, two sweet characters, and a bit of heat, this book will do the trick.
ARC of “Murder by Design” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Sam is a sweet detective : he’s law-abiding and has empathy for victims, a reflexion of his character : despite his big bulk, he doesn’t have a bad temper at all and enjoys being the “uncle” of his police partner’s kids. He’s also very insecure, for reasons, when it comes to his personal life. Being drunk one night ends up being a good fate for him as he dares flirting with the colourful and joyful Justin, luckily not deterred by Sam’s state.
And while going through cases, one unfortunately involving Justin, Sam is beginning to think that he found the right partner and takes a chance.
A tiny bit fast on the romance, smooth and way too fast on solving Sam’s issues (quite unsettling for me), but if in need of some relaxing time with goodness, two sweet characters, and a bit of heat, this book will do the trick.
ARC of “Murder by Design” was generously provided by the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
Start with a hunky cop named Sam who nevertheless suffers from ED and low self-esteem. Stir in a handsome fashion designer, Justin, whose shrewish boss does her best to cut him off at the scrotum while trying to steal his genius-level work. Add Sam’s cop partner Martin, a compassionate friend and family man who just happens to be a black man too.
The story begins the morning after Sam and Justin meet at a bar and share a kiss. Sam, with the hangover from hell, has forgotten the encounter until he gets a phone call. It’s Justin, telling him the impossible—that he lip-locked with this sexy-sounding stranger, and does he want to meet again? For the first time in many years, Sam feels an authentic sensual response to a man —one who’s only a husky voice. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes, he will meet this unknown kisser.
And so the story begins…
Two gays, a Black lawman, a dirty and homophobic cop, a few drug dealers who lash out at a desperate street boy, a shrill and selfish boss, a premeditated murder—wow, this story has a heady mix of real-world grit and grime, with a deep undercurrent of passion and joy.
One of J.P. Bowie’s enviable talents as a writer is his ability to mix the erotic with the down-and-dirty of real life. In MURDER BY DESIGN we have a combo murder mystery/love story/morality play that should remind us that no one is too heavy, if he’s our fellow human being. Bravo, Mr. Bowie, you've crafted another winner!
The story begins the morning after Sam and Justin meet at a bar and share a kiss. Sam, with the hangover from hell, has forgotten the encounter until he gets a phone call. It’s Justin, telling him the impossible—that he lip-locked with this sexy-sounding stranger, and does he want to meet again? For the first time in many years, Sam feels an authentic sensual response to a man —one who’s only a husky voice. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes, he will meet this unknown kisser.
And so the story begins…
Two gays, a Black lawman, a dirty and homophobic cop, a few drug dealers who lash out at a desperate street boy, a shrill and selfish boss, a premeditated murder—wow, this story has a heady mix of real-world grit and grime, with a deep undercurrent of passion and joy.
One of J.P. Bowie’s enviable talents as a writer is his ability to mix the erotic with the down-and-dirty of real life. In MURDER BY DESIGN we have a combo murder mystery/love story/morality play that should remind us that no one is too heavy, if he’s our fellow human being. Bravo, Mr. Bowie, you've crafted another winner!
July 9, 2019
I already loved Mr. Bowie’s The Vampire and… series, so I didn’t hesitate to pick this one up. I was not disappointed, as this has the same easy going style that makes it enjoyable regardless of the plot.
Sam had been out celebrating solving a big sex trafficking case, but when he wakes up the next day to a phone call from a stranger with whom he uncharacteristically apparently hit on, kissed, took a selfie with and instructed to call, he is a bit thrown for a loop. But, he decides to take a chance and meet up under better circumstances. The attraction is still there, as is a definite connection, and they seem to fit in the best ways.
Sam has dealt with ED due to a traumatic event in his past. It has cost him numerous boyfriends, including his last who was a bit of a jerk. Needless to say, he doesn’t seem to have that problem with Justin, so their relationship starts with Sam taking advantage of that, although Justin is fully on board from the get go. Unfortunately, Sam and his partner get a new case that limits his social time.
Meanwhile, there is trouble at Justin’s work when the boss he has had a tumultuous work relationship is murdered and Justin is the one accused. There are, as expected, a few bigoted, homophobic cops involved who make things difficult, but there are just as many fabulous characters to make up for it. Sam’s partner and his family are amazing. Not only are he and Sam best friends, but they took Sam into their family (his own disowned him when he came out in his teens). Justin’s family was supportive as well, which was nice.
I enjoyed watching the cases get solved, especially the murder of the young hustler, although I thought the murder involving Justin was a bit over the top making it difficult to take seriously. However, it was the chemistry and budding relationship between Sam and Justin that I really enjoyed. Justin was such a total sweetheart and there was very little angst where their relationship was concerned. I’m not usually a fan of insta-love, but it totally worked here. They were honest, supportive and open with each other pretty much as soon as that initial lust was sated, and it just continued from there. I was a little disappointed this was a stand-alone story, because I would love to see more of these guys and the other characters as well. I definitely recommend this if you’re looking for an easy, smooth reading story that has a few difficult aspects but which the focus remains on the relationship without being obvious about it.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
May 22, 2019
❤🔥🔥This book is a gorgeous story for these two Goofballs lol I loved all of the characters in this including the secondary ones. A blurb included at the start I LOVED that. The story is written so that it got me in at the start. I loved the funny banter between Sam, Martin and Liz. Hot sexy scenes in the first half but then things get dangerous for all. I didn't like Justin's employer at all she's just nasty. I've laughed and really loved this book.
Includes sexy banter over the phone, unsolved murder, a horrific past rape relived and bashing, drama and murder and much more included.
Detective Sam 30 yrs receives a call from a guy after a big night he couldn't remember. A case over an done he and his partner, Martin ready to see would come next. Justin had swapped phone numbers with Sam and wanted to remeet up. Justin's working for a trident lady his boss Maria as designer gave him lots of bad days.
Includes sexy banter over the phone, unsolved murder, a horrific past rape relived and bashing, drama and murder and much more included.
Detective Sam 30 yrs receives a call from a guy after a big night he couldn't remember. A case over an done he and his partner, Martin ready to see would come next. Justin had swapped phone numbers with Sam and wanted to remeet up. Justin's working for a trident lady his boss Maria as designer gave him lots of bad days.
October 12, 2020
Much more a romance than a murder mystery, though we have two murders to be solved by Sam and Martin.
Sam and Martin have a great working relationship and friendship and his family gives Sam his family.
Sam and Justin meet while Sam is drunk, which was amusing and a good job Justin is still keen!
They get hot and heavy very quickly, despite Justin being being a suspect.
The second murder is a bit more obvious as to the who despite them framing Justin.
Light, pacy read.
Sam and Martin have a great working relationship and friendship and his family gives Sam his family.
Sam and Justin meet while Sam is drunk, which was amusing and a good job Justin is still keen!
They get hot and heavy very quickly, despite Justin being being a suspect.
The second murder is a bit more obvious as to the who despite them framing Justin.
Light, pacy read.
November 10, 2020
Bowie's best novel yet. Good pacing and strong characterizations of people. Nice blend of police procedural and budding relationship between Detective Sam Walker and Justin, the young man whom Sam met out and about. Although the culprit to the second murder investigation is obvious, watching Sam do his job is entertaining. Excellent writing, as always.
June 22, 2019
** 3.5 Stars **
July 16, 2022
I have always Mr. Bowie's book; they are well-written with great characters that I remember fondly. Loved Sam and Justin--they were perfect for each other. Recommend reading.
May 22, 2019
I like the characters a lot in this book. Justin and Sam are a cute couple that I can just about see hearts and flowers spinning around their love struck heads. Martin and Sam have the perfect cop/brother type relationship as well. I also liked the smaller problems like Sam working on his case and Justin having problems with his boss as that go on in the background of the story to the two of them falling in love. What threw me off this book was adding in the murder plot for Justin. This books worked very well as a romance between a cop and designer. It didn't work very well it tried to blend the two. It was very obvious who the murder was and just felt out of place. I also don't like how Justin "cured" Sam of his trauma so easily.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews