Dirty Devil

J.J. Graves Mystery #8

by Liliana Hart

A series of bizarre murders that are seemingly unrelated turn out to be the work of a serial killer in the newest installment of the New York Times bestselling J.J. Graves Mystery Series.

Coroner J.J. Graves and Jack Lawson investigate the murder of a victim who got exactly what he deserved. But justice is blind, and they have to put their personal feelings aside to hunt a ruthless killer.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Crime

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2020

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

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, well done. But took a star off because of the very end. It seemed false to me. Great investigator has something happen. Without considering all suspects (of which there's at least one more obvious one), jumps to conclusion that provides the most drama. Even though it's personal, we know they've dealt with personal adversity! Seems false to who they are, what they've been through, years of experience.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this is a hard one to write I have a huge amount of turbulent emotions rolling through me after that ending, the story gets 5 stars because it was amazing, totally amazing I did not pick the killer at all but what has me so gutted is the ending, I’m all for shaking things up in a series and causing a bit of drama in places but to do to Jaye what was done I’m gobsmacked and gutted and I really don’t see the need but then I’m not the author and I get that characters create their own drama but this just didn’t seem necessary at all.
I’m still looking forward to the next book and I hope Jaye kicks some butt, for now I’m just gonna be depressed over the ending and hope it turns around in the next book and maybe I can see why it was necessary.

[Helen Starbuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the entire JJ Graves series and love it. The characters of JJ Graves and Jack Lawson are great and because they're so great this book broke my heart at the end. No spoilers here, but I sincerely hope the cliffhanger is resolved in the next book.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure if I am going to want to continue onto installment no. 9. The conclusion of this installment had me instantly upset and angry! Seriously, what is wrong with Jack at that point???? J.J. and Jack have successfully solved the murder of a defense attorney not liked by many people. Someone has taken this dislike to the ultimate ending. I enjoyed this story, and having Carver back in the picture was great. Carver's nephew, Doug, is such a hoot! I'm going to risk installment no. 9, but I may quit reading it if things go sour.

[Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read I wish it was longer

I absolutely love this series but I feel like the last 3 or so books haven't been the same. I wish they were longer to make the details fuller and the storyline more realistic. The announcement of the killer was so brief and almost brushed over. This book and the last few all had editing errors too some like repeated lines which is obvious. I hope they continue but also go back to the original feel of the series.

[Michael C. Gilchrist · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate cliff hangers!!!!

I repeat I hate cliff hangers and that is what this one is. Now I have to wait until December to get the conclusion. 😡😡😡😡😡.

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

4 stars

Jack's past comes back to haunt him before the election. JJ accused of having loose lips and she packs a suitcase and leaves. December still 6 months away!

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

Well...I gotta say. All I got is YIKES.

The murder mystery was good and on par for them. The gut punch at the end. Yowza.

And don’t get me wrong. I get couples have issues but Jack is a very stupid boy.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50 / 4 Stars

I'd have popped this to 5 stars if Jack didn't behave like such an a** at the end of the book. Come one...you don't just turn on someone like that. He knows J.J. too well to behaving like that. This goes so against his character, that's not like him.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Devil

Really enjoyed being back following Jack and J.J. through another case. Unfortunately, the last page was turned and now I have to wait for the next one to come out.

[Mandy Hartie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab - can’t wait for the next instalment!

Love this series!! And what a shocker at the end when all was going perfect - wasn’t expecting it to end that way.
Can’t wait to read the next book out in December.
Great series & I also love Liliana’s Addison Holmes series as well. Highly recommend!!

[Tia Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this entire series. This is one of the best. Little extra at the ending had me downloading the next one ASAP.

[Kylie Prattley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner as always. I can't believe the ending though. Waiting for the next book to find out.

[VEL · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Another gruesome murder for J.J. and Jack to solve.

These two characters just grow on you from the start to the last page! The gruesome murders are distracting, but the small town of Bloody Mary and all the politics involved certainly keeps you intrigued to the very end!

I'm onto the next instalment!

[Cathy P · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not happy - cliffhanger and discord

I love this series. Jack and J.J. are two of my favorite characters and their relationship is beyond reproach. He knows her better than she knows herself, so this ending just doesn't mesh with an entire series worth of data. To drop that information/situation in a cliffhanger is unfair to the reader. I have every book, but this may be my last one. I don't mind foreshadowing, but the bomb the author dropped and we have to wait until December??? I wish I had read the reviews first. This series is normally one click for me.
The story itself was not without issues. The investigation lagged, but then ended abruptly. We were lead down several possible avenues, but the guilty party wasn't a consideration. There were no clues to lead you to that person. Other than the use of creepy Magnolia, what was the point of Carver and Doug being there? I love both of this characters and enjoy their sarcastic and fun comments. There were about five other side stories that didn't really add anything but filler.
There were wrong words in places and needs better editing, but those don't detract from the story and I never count off stars for that. It's the editors job for that and the authors to provide the story itself. Hoping comment is seen though so it can he cleaned up a little.
Over all I'm disappointed. I do not read series that aren't completed or books that end in cliffhangers. This series used to end each book completely, even if there was an overall ARC that was ongoing.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good book. The suspense remained until the very last chapter and the story itself was quite intriguing. But this was such a fast read, I wish it had been a little longer.

As for the cliffhanger - its a good one, will definitely keep me hooked waiting for the next one. But it felt sort of manufactured drama for the sake of drama.

Overall a good book & and a great addition to the series.
Always want more of JJ & Jack.

[Pandora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly worthwhile series,strong storyline

Ms. Hart has created a wonderfully adventurous series with strong lead characters. I always want to savor the book by not reading it immediately, so I reacquaint myself with the previous story. Pure enjoyment!

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dirty Devil on Books On Track


RTC

Previous books:
✦ A Dirty Job (J.J. Graves Mystery #7) ~ ★★★★ (03/08/2023)
✦ 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)

[Pontiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death well deserved, and an upcoming election

A dirty lawyer is killed and strung up like a scarecrow in a farmer’s field, and this unusual murder leads Jaye and Jack to tracking down a serial killer.

They both know and dislike the victim, as does everyone they talk to, except one woman who understood him and knew he was bad for her, so she kept from getting too close.

The reading of his will brings his exes, his current gold digging girlfriend, and his staff together. They’re all good, caring people, and take his will with humour, except the gold digger.

Carver and his super computer find the common thread, or on this case, wire, that leads them straight to the killer and his revenge.

Meanwhile, the election for sheriff is coming up, and Floyd Parker, a nasty reporter, finds dirt on Jack, leading Jack and Jaye to argue and her to leave.

I love the drama in this book regarding the will, and I loved hating the dead guy, whom everyone agreed got what he deserved.

Looking forward to the next book.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to get back to Bloody Mary and visit with Jack and JJ. Wow, there was a lot going on in this book. We find out that the election for Sheriff is fast approaching and Floyd Parker of the Gazette has thrown his hat in the ring. He is always trying to cause trouble with Jack and Jaye. The crime is the murder of a local attorney who always got the bad guy off. As such Jack had little sympathy for his death because he was pretty despicable. But, Jack is definitely a law and order type so he and JJ work to find the killer. The investigation is very interesting and with the help of Ben Carver of the FBI they are able to link the murder to three others. It was great to see Ben and his nephew again. As always I enjoyed the conversations that Jack and Jaye have. They are clever. The book ends with a cliffhanger that was pretty stunning. Of course, that makes the next book a must read.

[Chrystal M Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirty Devil, I feel is a test for Jack & JJ to be objective because of the reputation of the victim. Jack knew him personally and disliked him, while JJ just knew of him and had a dislike for him. As per usual, they are trying to find Jack Donnelly’s killer, but when interviewing a potential suspect she says something that makes JJ realize that haven’t actually been trying their hardest because of their dislike for the victim who was also a victimizer. The killer was hiding basically in plain sight and no one was the wiser until Carver and Doug came for a visit to help out. Using Magnolia, Carver’s computer, they were able to find connections from past victims. The killer was a surprise, but also at the same time not. Jack and JJ make the perfect team, but add in Carver and now his nephew Doug and I think they’ll be unstoppable.

[Piseog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine. I mean all the JJ Graves books are fine. You get a good murder mystery with a likeable protagonist. However, we are 8 (maybe 9, depending on how you see the novella) books in now and nothing is really happening with JJ and Jack. Yes the murder mysteries are interesting, but I want to read about the characters I am emotionally invested in, and that's JJ and Jack, not a bunch of new suspects and victims. We did get some drama in the end which is good, but unfortunately it's kind of OW drama. So I will check out the next book, and I hope it gets a bit more exciting with our protagonists.

[Carien · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting twist to the end of the case. I can see the possibility of the events. The murders were really interesting and connecting the victims was understandably difficult - even for Carver.
The epilogue, however, is making me think I may need a break from Jack and Jaye. If the same man who told her about taking care of one another, and stood by her through all the trouble she’s had, can be this awful, then maybe my relationship with these two has come to an end.
It is a pity, I’ve really liked reading these books, but this is out of character - even in the circumstances - and also unforgivable.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jack and JJ's relationship. They are two people who genuinely like each other. Their humor, wit, and lighthearted banter make the book even more enjoyable.

I did not suspect the guilty party in this book. I cannot remember anything happening that would have made me look in that direction. I figured I must have missed a clue somewhere along the way.

I was also not prepared for that last chapter. No way, no how. I knew Floyd had something up his sleeve, but not that. The reaction seemed to go so against Jack and Jaye's relationship as well as Jack's experience as a criminal investigator. I didn't expect the book to end on a cliffhanger, much less that level of a cliffhanger.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.J. Graves and Jack Larson are on the case, a lawyer is murdered and hung up in a field. He's made a lot of enemies and has few friends. While the investigation is happening, Floyd Parker is running for sheriff. He has his hate on for J.J. and Jack, willing to destroy both their reputation. Not easy being an elected official in a small town, especially when gossip runs wild. When the truth is uncovered and the killer is exposed. You can say justice was served with the killings. Or you can say the killer over step the bounds.. even if it was an eye for an eye.

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

Holy moly I did not see that ending coming and I think it is just what this series needed. I love the JJ Graves series and was glued, yet again, to this book from the get go. The storyline was captivating and full of mystery. I love trying to figure out who the killer is along with Jack and JJ, usually I am completely blindsided by the actual suspect. This story keep me at the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn't wait for a few minutes of quiet so that I could sneak in a couple pages to read. I love this series and I am looking forward to the next book already.

[J. Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The character JJ Graves was appealing. Jack Lawson was not. He was too contrived and apparently was more interested in his political career than his marriage. His response to the embarrassing story does not match up with today's opinions on pre-marital sex and accidental pregnancy. JJ's reaction was over the top too. It seemed like the author was trying to shake up the formula that had developed through the previous books in the series. I found myself less engaged in the plot than I thought that I would be. Graves the character is worth including in more novels but with better plots.

[Colleen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back from the craziness of the mortuary convention, Jack and Jaye are trying to recover. However, there is a new case with a new murder victim, and this one it seems had it coming. The victim in this story was not a great guy, and so the number of people who could have committed the crime seems to be the length of your arm. As the usual team comes together to figure out the puzzle, you will find yourself wondering what’s around the corner and then BAM you are hit with a big secret that has Jaye and Jack on the rocks! Can their relationship survive? Is this the end of our favorite couple?

[Michelle Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done story but...

I loved this book and would have been a 5 star except for the last chapter. Cliffhangers to set up the sale of the next book bother me. I would buy the next book simply because I think she’s a great writer of suspense but the last chapter and behavior of the main characters were not what they have been built up in previous books to be. Now I’m not sure if I’ll read the next one or not.

[Jan L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have been a Halloween full moon

I honestly don't think I can wait until December for the next book. This whole story had me turning pages furiously! Several twists that surprised me but the epilogue was shocking for me. You need to read this series from the beginning to get to know the characters and background and fall in love with the Sheriff and Coroner of Bloody Mary!