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J.J. Graves Mystery #10
Dirty Martini
When a friend from medical school shows up on J.J. Graves' doorstep in distress, J.J. offers her a sanctuary. But the woman has brought trouble to Bloody Mary, and no one is safe.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
338 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Liliana Hart
204 books3,295 followersLiliana 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 4, 2021
If Liliana Hart ever writes a dissolution to J.J. and Jack's marriage, I will refuse to read any of her books ever again! The life-long relationship between these two is magic, both professionally and personally. A brilliant student at the local college has been murdered during a medieval-type and technical physical competition. The dead student's best friend has been arrested, but the rest of the team and their instructor are all keeping secrets. Sheriff Jack Lawson in amazing in his observations and ability to read people and solve crimes. The several side stories going on are the bonus to the J.J. Graves series.
March 18, 2022
The story was just ok and really on the slow side. The characters were all college students, who are all genius level nerds, that belong to a group that live life through science and role-playing. One of them is killed in front of thousands of people. I won't even go into how that is accomplished. The hunt is now on to find the murderer. I think most mystery readers will be able to find the killer before half the book is done. I have no idea why Blake Steed is thrown in the mix for no apparent reason other than to maybe spice up the book. It didn't really work for me. His appearance as her new assistant was short lived and seemed to have no place in the storyline. Not a bad read by any means but I've read much better by this author...but it is getting to the end of the series.
June 2, 2021
4.50 / 5 Stars
Liliana Hart kept me engaged and kept me wanting to turn the next page. I had to put the book down late last night so I wouldn't have book hangover the next morning!!
This was about the murder of a college student that was involved in a group that participated in role playing. (Similar to D&D) The mystery was finding out if Kevin was murdered by his best friend or did someone else reconfigure the weapon used in the role playing. The second mystery was why this happened. There were a lot of suspects in this one.
I really enjoy the J.J. Graves stories and the narration is excellent!
Liliana Hart kept me engaged and kept me wanting to turn the next page. I had to put the book down late last night so I wouldn't have book hangover the next morning!!
This was about the murder of a college student that was involved in a group that participated in role playing. (Similar to D&D) The mystery was finding out if Kevin was murdered by his best friend or did someone else reconfigure the weapon used in the role playing. The second mystery was why this happened. There were a lot of suspects in this one.
I really enjoy the J.J. Graves stories and the narration is excellent!
September 20, 2023
Great series. Can’t wait for the next one.
June 7, 2021
This book was absolutely spectacular!
I can always figure out who the murderer was but I didn’t see this coming at all. I was constantly guessing and the more I read the larger the suspect list grew. I was getting to the end and wondering what I could have possibly missed as I thought of all that we’d learned of the suspects.
I wish this book were longer and that the result would do more justice to the victim in this case, such as expanding upon depression and suicidal thoughts and suicide. Content warnings might have been useful, too. (Bullying, hazing, depression, suicide or suicidal thoughts, etc.)
Despite this, my nerdy little heart adored this book and I came away so excited about quotes and lessons I learned while reading, that I rushed to share with my husband and he wasn’t allowed to get up and go to the bathroom until I was done explaining the whole book then reading out the quotes then breaking the down and what they meant to me. “In case we ever need to help teach any future children some lessons.” 😅
******************************************************
Quotes:
“‘Do you see how destructive this world y’all live in is?’ Jack asked all of them. ‘How living in a fantasy with the illusion that there are no rules or repercussions to your actions is a lie?’”
“‘It’s not how smart we are or the work we do that counts in the long run. It’s the people we care about.’”
“... this was what I had been missing growing up. This was family. And these were the moments I would remember when I was old and gray. Because good always outshines the darkness.”
I can always figure out who the murderer was but I didn’t see this coming at all. I was constantly guessing and the more I read the larger the suspect list grew. I was getting to the end and wondering what I could have possibly missed as I thought of all that we’d learned of the suspects.
I wish this book were longer and that the result would do more justice to the victim in this case, such as expanding upon depression and suicidal thoughts and suicide. Content warnings might have been useful, too. (Bullying, hazing, depression, suicide or suicidal thoughts, etc.)
Despite this, my nerdy little heart adored this book and I came away so excited about quotes and lessons I learned while reading, that I rushed to share with my husband and he wasn’t allowed to get up and go to the bathroom until I was done explaining the whole book then reading out the quotes then breaking the down and what they meant to me. “In case we ever need to help teach any future children some lessons.” 😅
******************************************************
Quotes:
“‘Do you see how destructive this world y’all live in is?’ Jack asked all of them. ‘How living in a fantasy with the illusion that there are no rules or repercussions to your actions is a lie?’”
“‘It’s not how smart we are or the work we do that counts in the long run. It’s the people we care about.’”
“... this was what I had been missing growing up. This was family. And these were the moments I would remember when I was old and gray. Because good always outshines the darkness.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2021
A great and intriguing mystery
Things are back on track in this 11th installment of the series after some serious character inconsistencies in the previous two books.
The murder of a student during a role playing tournament on the local university campus is all about the science and role playing game nerds. While it is obvious which student struck the blow that killed the victim Jack immediately believes there’s more going on than meets the eye. Fortunately they have a couple contacts who speak science, games and geeks. This results in the return of Doug Carver to stay with them and help out on the case. He’s one of my favorite secondary characters and provides some nice comic relief.
There is a sub story with JJ’s new intern that is concerning and I’m wondering if it’s going to lead to something in another book. Changes are afoot for everyone we’ve come to recognize as regulars in the series and things seem back on track with Jack and JJ. (Gotta say I was really hoping for a status update from the last book though. I’m hoping Jack’s mother has cut a swath through the country club set and Floyd is suffering the consequences of his poor choices.)
Things are back on track in this 11th installment of the series after some serious character inconsistencies in the previous two books.
The murder of a student during a role playing tournament on the local university campus is all about the science and role playing game nerds. While it is obvious which student struck the blow that killed the victim Jack immediately believes there’s more going on than meets the eye. Fortunately they have a couple contacts who speak science, games and geeks. This results in the return of Doug Carver to stay with them and help out on the case. He’s one of my favorite secondary characters and provides some nice comic relief.
There is a sub story with JJ’s new intern that is concerning and I’m wondering if it’s going to lead to something in another book. Changes are afoot for everyone we’ve come to recognize as regulars in the series and things seem back on track with Jack and JJ. (Gotta say I was really hoping for a status update from the last book though. I’m hoping Jack’s mother has cut a swath through the country club set and Floyd is suffering the consequences of his poor choices.)
May 15, 2021
JJ and Jack are called to the college campus to investigate the death of a student who was participating in a role-playing competition. The autopsy does not provide a great deal of information. But, JJ helps Jack with interviews. The student died when he was struck by a sword that was electrified and basically created a microwave effect. The students they interview are brilliant but are lacking in basic human kindness. Doug, Ben Carver's nephew, assists with the case as does Ben. I did not figure out who the killer was until it was revealed by the author so I was surprised. It looks like Doug will be coming to live with JJ and Jack which should be interesting. Also, Ben and his wife and kids are moving to town. I'm anxious to read the next installment. If I could offer one criticism it would be that I have no idea how the title is related to the story.
September 6, 2023
Dirty Martini on Books On Track
RTC
Previous books:
✦ Playing Dirty (J.J. Graves Mystery, #9) ~ ★★★★ (03/08/2023)
✦ Dirty Devil (J.J. Graves Mystery #8) ~ ★★★★ (03/08/2023)
✦ 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)
March 16, 2024
When a college kid is killed at a cosplay tournament, Jaye and Jack are called in. They talk to a team of brilliant kids who are on the kid’s team, and every one of them has their own interests at heart.
They also talk to professors and administrators, and the pieces start coming together. As Jack refrsmes the group from a club to an elite secret society, he sees the card play out differently.
The conclusion is both terrible snd sad, but highlights the tortures that people inflict on each other.
I was glad to see Lily back in this series, and of course, Ben, and his nephew Doug in an interesting twist.
Love these books.
They also talk to professors and administrators, and the pieces start coming together. As Jack refrsmes the group from a club to an elite secret society, he sees the card play out differently.
The conclusion is both terrible snd sad, but highlights the tortures that people inflict on each other.
I was glad to see Lily back in this series, and of course, Ben, and his nephew Doug in an interesting twist.
Love these books.
May 21, 2021
Jack and Jaye are one of my favourites OTPs. I truly loved wattching their relationship grow and develop throughout the entire series.
I think the case in this book might be one of my favourites, yet. I love how they work together, but Jack's mind is something fascinating to me and he steals all the scenes in this book. I know that this series is all written in J.J.'s POV, but it would be really interesting to get to read Jack's POV sometime!
P.S: My heart melted with their relationship with Doug. I'm so happy for them :)
I think the case in this book might be one of my favourites, yet. I love how they work together, but Jack's mind is something fascinating to me and he steals all the scenes in this book. I know that this series is all written in J.J.'s POV, but it would be really interesting to get to read Jack's POV sometime!
P.S: My heart melted with their relationship with Doug. I'm so happy for them :)
March 8, 2023
In Dirty Martini, we have an unusual case that plays out with 1000's of people watching and so many suspects. The mystery is surrounded by college students and any one of them who could be a murderer. I enjoyed how this book played out, even though I had figured it out about halfway through. I thought that it gave a new twist to what we usually get with this series. More and more you get to learn about each of the characters that have now joined Jack and JJ. I especially like Lily, Carver, and Carver’s nephew, who makes me laugh.
February 2, 2025
I figured out the identity of the murderer early on in the book. This was a slow moving story, but I can say I was glad that Jack and JJ's relationship seemed to be back on track.
I was also glad we got to spend more time with Ben Carver and Doug. I appreciated the decision Jack and JJ made about Doug and his future. Lily made a return as well.
One thing I didn't understand was the reason behind Blake being included as a character in this book. I could have easily done without him. On to the next book!
I was also glad we got to spend more time with Ben Carver and Doug. I appreciated the decision Jack and JJ made about Doug and his future. Lily made a return as well.
One thing I didn't understand was the reason behind Blake being included as a character in this book. I could have easily done without him. On to the next book!
May 12, 2021
Doesn’t get much better!!!
JJ and Jack are back with a seriously twisted murder to solve... or is it murder???
Talk about twist and turns to keep an avid reader guessing!!! Omg I loved it, so many players but who truly was at fault?
And then there was Blake... what a big mistake... lol I’m pretty sure he learnt a valuable lesson not to mess with women like Jaye and Lily but honestly I doubt his ego let it sink in.
Another grippingly awesome mystery.
JJ and Jack are back with a seriously twisted murder to solve... or is it murder???
Talk about twist and turns to keep an avid reader guessing!!! Omg I loved it, so many players but who truly was at fault?
And then there was Blake... what a big mistake... lol I’m pretty sure he learnt a valuable lesson not to mess with women like Jaye and Lily but honestly I doubt his ego let it sink in.
Another grippingly awesome mystery.
May 15, 2021
LARP mystery
I really enjoyed this book set primarily on a college campus and invo!ving live action role playing. JJ and Jack have to investigate the death that occurred in front of a thousand people but is not what it appears on the surface. Many twists and turns later, there is a surprise ending that had kept me guessing. I love this series and look forward to the next installment. Highly recommended. recommended .
I really enjoyed this book set primarily on a college campus and invo!ving live action role playing. JJ and Jack have to investigate the death that occurred in front of a thousand people but is not what it appears on the surface. Many twists and turns later, there is a surprise ending that had kept me guessing. I love this series and look forward to the next installment. Highly recommended. recommended .
May 28, 2021
Who killed him?
JJ Graves and Jack Lawson are back. This series gets better and better. When a tournament went wrong, a friendly game between friends and someones dies. Jack and JJ NEED to find who is the real killer. They have 72 hours will it be enough to know what happens.
Love this series, I keep wanting more. It's should have its Tv series.
I recommend. Well done Lilianna Hart just love it ❤️
I couldn't put it down.
JJ Graves and Jack Lawson are back. This series gets better and better. When a tournament went wrong, a friendly game between friends and someones dies. Jack and JJ NEED to find who is the real killer. They have 72 hours will it be enough to know what happens.
Love this series, I keep wanting more. It's should have its Tv series.
I recommend. Well done Lilianna Hart just love it ❤️
I couldn't put it down.
August 3, 2021
What a wonderfully written story! Great job Liliana. Great romantic suspense. I just continue to love Sheriff Jack and Dr. Graves. Great married couple but I am just dying to see them have their own child. A lot of wonderful characters in this mystery. I loved reading and when I reached the 50%, I couldn't put it down until the end.
Just loved, loved the book. I can't imagine all the words I feel. Thank you for writing another great story.
Just loved, loved the book. I can't imagine all the words I feel. Thank you for writing another great story.
January 11, 2025
Wow!
Another exciting murder mystery! This one invokves.genius college students, all of whom compete in role playing competitions with other universities! Big prizes in money, tuition, and special university enrollments make this very competitive---- to the extent of murder! New type of investigation for Jack, JJ, and the Bloody Mary Sheriff's Department. I learned a lot about this type of competition and enjoyed the messy investigation---- lots of guilty people! Enjoy☺️
Another exciting murder mystery! This one invokves.genius college students, all of whom compete in role playing competitions with other universities! Big prizes in money, tuition, and special university enrollments make this very competitive---- to the extent of murder! New type of investigation for Jack, JJ, and the Bloody Mary Sheriff's Department. I learned a lot about this type of competition and enjoyed the messy investigation---- lots of guilty people! Enjoy☺️
May 13, 2021
Comic Con eat your heart out!
When a groups of nerds get together to form a secret alliance to possibly cover up murder JJ and Jack root for the source. It brings to light the damage bullying can do to the mind. Maybe a stalker gets his comeuppance as well. Another great installment to this series!
When a groups of nerds get together to form a secret alliance to possibly cover up murder JJ and Jack root for the source. It brings to light the damage bullying can do to the mind. Maybe a stalker gets his comeuppance as well. Another great installment to this series!
May 14, 2021
I love this series!
Jack and JJ are on the hunt for a killer.
In the small town of Bloody Mary someone been murdered and it is up to the sheriff and county coroner to figure out “who done it”.
With the help of a FBI computer whiz and his nephew they dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons and university life.
Jack and JJ are on the hunt for a killer.
In the small town of Bloody Mary someone been murdered and it is up to the sheriff and county coroner to figure out “who done it”.
With the help of a FBI computer whiz and his nephew they dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons and university life.
May 29, 2021
Cringy dialogue, teenagers saying things like wicked and totally righteous. People using terms like nerd speak and thinking all nerds don't know how to get with or know the existence of beautiful women. Writing made me feel like I was reading a book from the 90s. I found it so hard to believe it was published in 2021. I didn't really enjoy this one for all these reasons and it was just ok.
Read
June 8, 2021The best one yet!!!
Dirty Martini needs more than 5 stars for the storyline alone. Lots of fun bits along with the serious ones and the interaction between JJ and Jack works like a dream. I've been hooked on this series since the beginning and can't wait till December for the next adventure. Go Liliana!!😀
Dirty Martini needs more than 5 stars for the storyline alone. Lots of fun bits along with the serious ones and the interaction between JJ and Jack works like a dream. I've been hooked on this series since the beginning and can't wait till December for the next adventure. Go Liliana!!😀
April 28, 2022
A Really Good One in a Terrific Series
I’m in the process of bingeing the JJ Graves series. Every book has been worthwhile with top notch characters, plots and action. This episode, though, was exceptional. No secrets to divulge, but wanted to give Liliana props for a really good book.
I’m in the process of bingeing the JJ Graves series. Every book has been worthwhile with top notch characters, plots and action. This episode, though, was exceptional. No secrets to divulge, but wanted to give Liliana props for a really good book.
June 15, 2022
Read this one out of order (before #8 and #9) because BookBub had it on sale. I read the first 7 (and 1/2) books in the series, but it's been awhile since I read #7 so I was a little out of touch with the characters. There's nothing overly fantastic about these books, but I like the main characters and they're easy reads.
January 6, 2023
Really enjoyed this one!!
Once again J.J Graves and her husband Jack the Sheriff, solve the weirdest murder mystery, yet.
There's always another side twist involved alongside the main murder. Add a little bit of humour and romance and it becomes a really interesting book.
One of my favourite series!
Once again J.J Graves and her husband Jack the Sheriff, solve the weirdest murder mystery, yet.
There's always another side twist involved alongside the main murder. Add a little bit of humour and romance and it becomes a really interesting book.
One of my favourite series!
October 21, 2024
Another great romantic suspense. This one involves a bunch of college genius nerds. The most brilliant of them dies in a cosplay tournament. Finding the culprit is more complicated than it seems. We get to see Doug again and experience his brilliance as well. JJ and Jack are my favorite and I can’t get enough of them!
May 13, 2021
Excellent Book
I have read all of liliana books loved them all but this one I could not put down and never expected the ending I highly recommend this book to everyone and all of her other books Dorothy Schaefer
I have read all of liliana books loved them all but this one I could not put down and never expected the ending I highly recommend this book to everyone and all of her other books Dorothy Schaefer
May 13, 2021
Love this series
I was hooked on the JJ Graves series from the first and it has just gotten better with each new book. Great characters—love JJ and her husband Jack—and great mysteries. Highly recommend this nook
And all the others
I was hooked on the JJ Graves series from the first and it has just gotten better with each new book. Great characters—love JJ and her husband Jack—and great mysteries. Highly recommend this nook
And all the others
May 16, 2021
Just love it.
I have loved this series since the beginning, and I still do. JJ and Jack are so good together, the stories are always interesting, and you never know who did it till the very end. Can't wait for the next one!
I have loved this series since the beginning, and I still do. JJ and Jack are so good together, the stories are always interesting, and you never know who did it till the very end. Can't wait for the next one!
May 17, 2021
Perfect!! I really love this. And in this book we have lots Jack n Jaye sweet moments I love them so much <3 and Doug is cute aww. And the twist wow didn't expect that. Poor kid 😭 anddd maybe in the next book we can see Jaye babysit for Carver? that would be a mess and cute 😂
May 21, 2021
Another excellent instalment
Woo hoo don’t believe it I avtually worked it out 😳😱 fantastic series and wonderful characters so in love with this series always preorder as soon as I can woo hoo can’t wait
Woo hoo don’t believe it I avtually worked it out 😳😱 fantastic series and wonderful characters so in love with this series always preorder as soon as I can woo hoo can’t wait
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews