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She thought the mysteries were behind her…

When a promising young student plunges to his death from a historic clock tower, Jasmine knows that foul play is involved. Once again summoning her detective skills and her faithful companion Luffy, she must solve another case and catch an evasive killer.

Under the spell of the spring rains, her investigation will take her deep into the ancient halls of Wildwood College – a historic building echoing with memories of the past. As Jasmine peels through the darkest layers of secrets, she casts a new light on the College and its long-dead inhabitants.

But with a murderer on the loose and time running out, will she get to the bottom of it all? Or will the clock run short?

271 pages, ebook

Published June 10, 2020

157 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Max Parrott

36 books117 followers
MAX PARROTT is a cozy mystery author who lives with his beloved golden retriever... who just so happens to be named Luffy. Even though Luffy doesn't help Max solve crimes, he does help him stay amused.

The inseparable duo often enjoy big long walks down the canal where Max reminisces about Luffy's one shot at fame - a close second in Musical Chairs for dogs one wintry Christmas Eve.

Find out more at:

www.maxparrott.com

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5 stars
117 (56%)
4 stars
64 (31%)
3 stars
21 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2020
Well written, Good Plot. Great Characters
It was truly lovely to catch up with Jasmine and Luffy. , She thought she had left both Blackwood Cove and sleuthing behind her and moved on to her college days at the prestigious and remote Wildwood College Jas (and Luffy) have settled into classes and working, she is making friends and enjoying her classes and professors each very different. But her psychic fits have not left her, she is determined to have some control of them fearing they could put her in danger if she was to fall into the road or down stairs.
When the unthinkable happens and a body is found underneath the clock tower, there are many questions, the first being was Oliver Bridges death suspicious or a tragic accident? Jas cannot help herself, despite having only had one conversation with the dead boy she is pulled into the investigation, though this time she does not have a letter from the Sheriff giving her carte blanche to investigate. She does however have a cop at the local precinct who is keen to utilise her investigative prowess Luke Barrett. But what happens when Jas becomes the prime suspect? Can she go through all the clues her psychic flashes give her, interview her professors without them becoming suspicious and find the truth behind Olivers death?

This book like the first is a well written book, the characters are well fleshed out and, like any good book should, the plot pulls you in, The red herrings are well placed and not always obvious. I particularly liked the Agatha Christie type conclusion of having all the suspects in one room as the plot is ruminated.

This a good cosy style mystery, and for those of you wary it is just a tiny toe in the water for the paranormal/psychic inclusion, Yes Jas can "hear" Luffy talk but that and the psychic flashes are not make or break on the mystery. It comes down to good old fashioned leg work.

Though this is the second book in the series it is not necessary to read the first this is a standalone, though reading the first book and the free book the author offers will give you insight into Jas and Luffy.and other peripheral characters
Profile Image for Tari.
3,683 reviews103 followers
October 13, 2020
It looks like Jaz had settled in to her first year at Wildwood College, and with spring coming she'd be going home soon but not without a mystery to solve first. I really had no idea by the time the showdown came who the perp was. Jaz had cleverly gathered all the suspects at the end like in an old detective novel along with police backup.

The author did a great job with red herrings and clues to throw off the reader, and just like the first book and the short one in between, I'm a huge fan of Luffy her dog that talks to Jaz in her mind. At least she doesn't have to go around pretending she's on her phone all the time, lol. It'll be interesting to see if the next book is set during summer break or while she's still at school. I just got it and hopefully will get to read it soon!
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,605 reviews24 followers
January 18, 2022
Jasmine and Luffy have left Blackwood Cove for Wildwood College hopefully putting solving a murder and her visions behind for her studies and eventual degree. Making friends and liking most of her classes, Jaz still seems to suffer from her visions not knowing why which makes her companion dog, Luffy worried. Of course she still can speak to and understand Luffy who is a great help to her in so many ways. But all good things may not last forever when one of the students, a very intelligent boy from a very wealthy family is found dead from a fall from the clock tower at the school. With so many theories including suicide floating about, Jaz is not so sure he wasn't murdered. Especially since she keeps getting these visions which must mean something and Luffy is convinced as well. So she goes about investigating with the blessing of Officer Barrett who knew she was good at solving a murder in the past! That is until she becomes a suspect...but how? why? Could her friend Charlie who disliked the murdered Oliver have done it? How about the professor who didn't like Oliver since he was shown up in class. His own mother? The Agatha Christie style ending was so much fun with all the suspects in one room. Who did it? Surprise! With so many secrets, a homeless man who Jaz befriended involved in a weird way and so many potential suspects you are surprised at the end. I received an ARC copy of the book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
675 reviews15 followers
April 10, 2021
Jasmine Moore is attending Wildwood College. It is a college with a long history and very old buildings. Oliver Bridges and Charles Dane are two of the students in some of Jasmine's classes. Unfortunately, Oliver and Charles have some major issues with each other. Oliver got elected to a position that Charles wanted and Charles is very unhappy. To Jasmine, Oliver seems to be very shy and reserved.

When Oliver falls to his death from the top of the clock tower, Jasmine does not believe it is an accident. Officer Barrett of the New Market Police Department is assigned to investigate Oliver's death. Officer Barrett is also aware of Jasmine's reputation from Blackwood Cove.

Was Oliver's death an accident or murder? If murder, who would have wanted him dead? Can Jasmine and Luffy, together with Officer Barrett, figure out the mystery?

Max Parrott has another winner with this installment of the Jaz and Luffy Mystery series. The characters are everyday people and the situations could easily be reminiscent of college days. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2020
Jaz and Luffy are in college now. Yes, Luffy is going to college too. Jaz enjoys her classes and she has made a few friends. The day comes when they find a body. It appears a student has fallen from the clock tower. The police say it's an accident. Jaz doesn't think so. One of the police officers doesn't think so either. He and Jaz have a talk. Officer Barrett asks Jaz to help solve the case. Can you believe Jas gets accused of killing Oliver? She gets arrested and taken to jail. She gets interrogated. There are clues that point to her. How is this going to get straightened out? Will Jaz be able to prove she's innocent? Will they find the real killer? What happens to Luffy while Jaz is sitting in jail? Get a copy of this book and find out how this case is solved. This book is even more fun to read than the first one. You will enjoy it.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Joan.
969 reviews
April 4, 2021
Jasmine is now attending a prestigious New England college and Luffy is along with her. When another student dies by falling through the railing of a clock tower, Jasmine is interviewed by young Officer Luke Barrett, who knows of her past record in solving murders and is a bit in awe of her. He is forced to arrest her when a badge from her backpack is found near the body, but he still has no doubts of her innocence and once she is freed he still looks to her for assistance.

The strange thing about this book is that they kept referring to another murder that Jasmine solved at a roadside rest stop. Apparently that is where she met Joe, a homeless man that she brought back to town with her. I kept thinking that I missed reading another book in the series, yet this is book two and I read the first as well. It was confusing to try and understand how Joe and the past murder fit into this story, if indeed they did (Not!) Is there a short story in between?
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,921 reviews9 followers
February 8, 2022
A Timely Murder is book #2 in the Jaz and Luffy Cozy Mystery series by Max Parrott.

Jasmine (Jaz) is attending Wildwood College and one of her fellow students falls from a clock,tower. Jasmine and Luffy are investigating even though someone is not happy about it.

This is a fun series and an nice escape from reality. Luffy is my favorite! It was an interesting mystery and I like how Jaz explained how she figured it out at the end. I can’t wait to see if she gets more control over her visions and what happens next for her and Luffy!

It didn’t affect the mystery, but I was a little confused reading this because there were references to a 2nd murder and a person in this book that was related to that murder. I didn’t realize until I was done that there was a book 1.5.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jamie Rutland.
Author 8 books718 followers
July 6, 2020
This is the second installment of this series and the stories seem to be just getting more interesting! This story takes place on a college campus, as Jaz goes to college. She, of course, takes Luffy the dog along for the ride. Jaz is pretty shy so she doesn't make a lot of friends, but eventually, she and Luffy find a body. She has to then engage with students and faculty alike to try to solve the murder. She and Luffy still have a wonderful, tight bond as they can speak to each other. Between a talking dog and Jaz's adeptness at getting into "messes" when sleuthing, this is a great book. I highly recommend this book as well as the first in the series.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,679 reviews28 followers
Read
August 3, 2020
A Timely Murder: Psychic Sleuths and Talking Dogs (A Jaz and Luffy Cozy Mystery Book 2), my second enjoyable mystery read from author Max Parrott. Well-written with intriguing characters and a captivating storyline. I read a lot of clean, cozy mystery & this book is more mystery than cozy but sometimes a book is just enjoyable and doesn't need a label, wait no spoilers here, buy the book, read & review the book. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." I'll definitely be reading more from this author and look forward to the next book in the series. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for Tina Lincoln.
473 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2022
Great Murder Mystery!
What is not to love about this book, and this series? There is such a comforting feel of the characters... Jaz (Jasmine) and Luffy feel like part of the family
(albeit I wish I could hear my pets talking english in my head too)! They are now at college, trying to just be normal folks, and then, oh no, another vision which means probably another death. Sure enough, one of the nicest guys in school ends up dead, looking like a suicide! Sure
enough, the police want Jaz to help out, since she is so seasoned at solving murders.
So looking forward to the next story in this series! Thank you Max Parrott for sharing this next episode of the story!
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
923 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2020
Jaz is attending college and Luffy is still her constant companion and confidant. She isn’t very outgoing, but has made a couple of new friends. When she and Luffy chance upon the body of an acquaintance, she must use her special abilities and Luffy’s senses to find out the truth from faculty and friends. I enjoyed this mystery and the banter between Jaz and Luffy, especially when she was trying not to be so obviously talking with a dog.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,707 reviews13 followers
August 20, 2020
A timely murder…

Jasmine and Luffy are now attending the exclusive Wildwood College near New Market. Her visions have finally stopped which is a good sign since it means no murders to solve. Jasmine has friends, a job, and affordable housing so life is good and then the visions start again and there is a new crime to solve. It definitely helps to have a thinking speaking dog that no one suspects when you're investigating a murder.

There are some good suspects, and some new friends and twists to add interest to the plot. This is another fun cozy crime mystery by Max Parrott.

67 reviews
July 9, 2020
Another Pawsitively Purrfect Cozy Mystery!

Absolutely love this book and all the ups and downs it takes you on! One minute you think you have everything figured out right along with quirky Jaz and adorable Luffy, but the next it is all turned upside down... I love love LOVE these characters! They are so quirky and relatable; I can honestly see myself doing the same clumsy things and having the same conversations as Jaz and Luffy do. Can't wait for more!
415 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2020
These first two books (and the freebie number 1.5, in between the two) are wonderful murder mysteries. Delightful characters – this time Jasmine is at college, and a student is found at the bottom of a tower. The initial verdict is accident – but not everyone is convinced. Luffy helps again to find some clues, and since he can communicate with Jasmine they make a good team. Enough excitement and a fun read.
I received a review copy and voluntarily leave this honest review.
147 reviews
August 3, 2020
This is a well written quick read. The characters are easy to like and fun. The plot moves along nicely. If you are looking a a light mystery and easy reading, this should go on your TBR pile. This is the second book in the series and it does not disappoint. The talking dog adds some quirkiness not found in all cozies. Enjoyable. I received a review copy of this book and I am leaving a review voluntarily.
171 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
Jaz and Luffy are now at college, yes Luffy gets to go to classes with Jaz. Jaz is meeting new people and making some friends. Jaz has an encounter with a fellow student and soon after the student dies. Is it a suicide or murder...jaz and Luffy get involved to try to find out the truth. It is another whodunit by the author that makes you think and me guess up until the final chapters what actually happened. Talking dog, good mystery I recommend this story.
Profile Image for Celest.
721 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2023
Another Intriguing Mystery

Book two is just as intriguing as the first, but the location has changed. Jaz and Luffy have gone away to college. A dead body on campus means that Jaz will investigate, especially since it was someone that she knew. Making friends with the local law enforcement helps with the investigation, but doesn't keep Jaz out of trouble. Max Parrott writes a great adventure, don't miss it.
293 reviews4 followers
July 20, 2020
Murder or not?


Jaz and Luffy are in college and no longer in their home town. One of the students falls from the campus clocktower and the police treat it as murder. Officer Barrett of the peoople asks Jaz to help find the perpetrator. There are several suspects and conflicting feelings regarding the student's death. As usual, the ending has an unexpected twist. Enjoy.
138 reviews1 follower
July 29, 2020
Well are answer to Nancy Drew, Jasmine that is, has done it again. Who and why was Oliver killed. He was a very intelligent young man, he cared about others and he wanted to improve things and people. Jasmine was just helping the police the last thing she expected was to be arrested for the crime. If you really want to find out who did it, read the book.
194 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2020
A well-written cozy murder mystery with an unexpected ending.
Jasmine and her dog Luffy are likeable and quirky characters: a college student and her loyal companion that share a psychic bond.
This was a very enjoyable read that kept me guessing till the end.
I received a free copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
1,024 reviews19 followers
September 29, 2020
What a team! Jaz and Luffy are the perfect crime solvers. You will fall in love with Luffy, he is quite an unusual dog. Will Jaz be able to continue solving crimes and attend the university? The story is great and you will keep reading just to find out what happens next. Highly recommend to all cozy mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
May 3, 2021
The characters of Jasmine and Luffy are quite engaging and they form a good sleuthing team.
I really like that the paranormal aspect isn't too heavily pushed and the mystery aspect is more important, although I do feel that the general feel of the book is a little naive and almost childish.
A light hearted read and if you liked the first book in the series then you will also like this one.
156 reviews
January 20, 2022
Off to college!

J a z and Luffy are off to college. No more fainting spell visions and no more murders! That's what she thinks! This book was a delightful fast moving mystery! Lots of quirky characters and of course with Luffy involved lots of laugh out loud moments! Kept me guessing till the end!
42 reviews
June 4, 2023
The Conversations between luffy and jasmine are a hoot!

The psychic sluths and talking dog books are easy to read full of fun and In intriguing. They are murder mysteries but don't rely on bad words or graphic details on the bodies that are discovered. Working together, jasmine and luffy are quite The dynamic detectives.
1,564 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2023
Interesting

It was an ok story. The reason they put her in jail was ridiculous at best. No rights were read and none of procedures were followed. So.. That would have helped the story to be a bit more believable. Also why exactly is she not getting a consulting fee? That would help with her expenses.
Profile Image for Willow Webster.
491 reviews21 followers
June 17, 2020
It was a fun fast read. The characters are not your usual partners in detection. A psychic/talking dog. I thought it was cool and a welcome change. Thank you,!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
93 reviews
August 7, 2020
Jas and Luffy find themselves right in the thick of another murder. Following through the twists and turns to find out who did it. Great story. Well written and enjoyable as you try to solve it before they do.
371 reviews
August 10, 2020
I loved this who dunnit with its eclectic cast of characters. Jasmine & Luffy become involved in a murder after a bit of soul-searching by Jas. There were 3 subplots with a red herring thrown in. It was a challenge to figure out the murderer.

Red Robin
667 reviews15 followers
September 12, 2020
An interesting cozy mystery that follows Jasmine and her dog Luffy as they start university. It is a nicely written book that is quite interesting. I received a free copy of the book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
1,033 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2020
Jasmine and Luffy go to college

Jaz is accepted to Wildwood College and makes sure Luffy is also allowed. She thinks she's left investigating murders behind, but then a young man she knows is pushed from the clock tower. Plenty of suspects. Jaz even ends up in a cell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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