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J.J. Graves Mystery #11
Dirty Dozen
In the twelfth installment of the J.J. Graves mystery series from New York Times Bestselling Author Liliana Hart, winter has moved into Bloody Mary with a vengeance. But so has a killer who's bringing a modern flair in his imitation of Jack the Ripper. It's up to J.J. and her husband, Sheriff Jack Lawson, to hunt the hunter and bring justice to the victims.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
165 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Liliana Hart
201 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 89 reviews
December 17, 2021
Over to soon
I really love these characters and I wish books didn’t take so long to write I could read her books daily!
I really love these characters and I wish books didn’t take so long to write I could read her books daily!
December 14, 2021
Suspenseful
Jaye and Jake chase down a copycat serial killer in Dirty Dozen. From the first to the last paragraph it grabbed my attention. I read it in on sitting.
Jaye and Jake chase down a copycat serial killer in Dirty Dozen. From the first to the last paragraph it grabbed my attention. I read it in on sitting.
December 27, 2021
2.5
This book irritated me from the get go. Firstly with 11 books so far in the series I think we can dispense with the synopsis of who JJ Graves is, what she does, who she’s married to, the set up of her mortuary/lab, what her husband does and the other 50 pages I think the author just copied and pasted from her last 10 books. Besides that could she go on much more about super-de-duper her husband Jack is. If he was chocolate she’d eat him. Maybe in future books she could write them from another POV given that we know all about these people. It would certainly give her less cutting and pasting.
Secondly the only good thing was the mystery which was quite good but if you are reading carefully enough there is a huge read flag as to who the killer is on page 223, it takes the Ah-MAZING Jack another 50 pages to get there.
Big fat fail for me!
Lets just say I’m not paying $7.99 for the next one.
This book irritated me from the get go. Firstly with 11 books so far in the series I think we can dispense with the synopsis of who JJ Graves is, what she does, who she’s married to, the set up of her mortuary/lab, what her husband does and the other 50 pages I think the author just copied and pasted from her last 10 books. Besides that could she go on much more about super-de-duper her husband Jack is. If he was chocolate she’d eat him. Maybe in future books she could write them from another POV given that we know all about these people. It would certainly give her less cutting and pasting.
Secondly the only good thing was the mystery which was quite good but if you are reading carefully enough there is a huge read flag as to who the killer is on page 223, it takes the Ah-MAZING Jack another 50 pages to get there.
Big fat fail for me!
Lets just say I’m not paying $7.99 for the next one.
January 21, 2023
4.5 stars
Another mysterious murder for the Duo, Jack and Jaye to solve.
As usual a gruesome murder, with a list of suspects an arm long. But it doesn't take long for The sheriff and his enchanting wife, the town's coroner to capture the suspect!
I'm getting through this series slowly, but loving the individual yet connected storyline throughout!
Next one on my kindle already ❤️
Another mysterious murder for the Duo, Jack and Jaye to solve.
As usual a gruesome murder, with a list of suspects an arm long. But it doesn't take long for The sheriff and his enchanting wife, the town's coroner to capture the suspect!
I'm getting through this series slowly, but loving the individual yet connected storyline throughout!
Next one on my kindle already ❤️
May 15, 2023
I don’t know what I will do after reading the next book. I’ve become fully invested in these characters! I hope Carver is okay!
January 22, 2023
Another winner from Liliana Hart
This 12th book in the series has Jack and Jaye fighting Mother Nature as well as a serial killer. The action moves quickly and this is a quick read you won’t want to put down. I recommend reading the books in order. Even though the story stands alone there are things mentioned in this book that will be spoilers if you have not read the previous books first, some of them BIG spoilers. There are also references to characters and things that won’t have nearly the impact they should if you don’t know the background.
The action is of the caliber we’ve come to expect in this series. What I really appreciate from Hart’s story construction in the JJ Graves mysteries is that I feel like I am reading about real people. The MCs are not caricatures, nor are the secondary characters. The action is realistic as are the actions by the protagonists. I like that the secondary characters play important roles in propelling the story arc and that they get some of the good lines.
The one thing that I hate is that we are left at the end with a tantalizing bit of information hinting at storylines to come and now it’s five months until the next book (which I have already pre-ordered) comes out and I’m impatient!!
This 12th book in the series has Jack and Jaye fighting Mother Nature as well as a serial killer. The action moves quickly and this is a quick read you won’t want to put down. I recommend reading the books in order. Even though the story stands alone there are things mentioned in this book that will be spoilers if you have not read the previous books first, some of them BIG spoilers. There are also references to characters and things that won’t have nearly the impact they should if you don’t know the background.
The action is of the caliber we’ve come to expect in this series. What I really appreciate from Hart’s story construction in the JJ Graves mysteries is that I feel like I am reading about real people. The MCs are not caricatures, nor are the secondary characters. The action is realistic as are the actions by the protagonists. I like that the secondary characters play important roles in propelling the story arc and that they get some of the good lines.
The one thing that I hate is that we are left at the end with a tantalizing bit of information hinting at storylines to come and now it’s five months until the next book (which I have already pre-ordered) comes out and I’m impatient!!
December 21, 2021
The mystery was just okay, and I’m dying to know what’s up with Ben BUT some super religious statements stuck out like a sore thumb. It was so weird because this character has said previously she’s not religious. So it was very out of character and I felt like I didn’t know the character anymore. To be clear, I don’t mind someone being Christian, I identify as Christian myself, but Jaye literally hasn’t had a coming to Jesus moment. She literally out of nowhere started talking about the “sin of men” and the “snake in the garden.” It felt cringy if not dirty for her to start speaking like this out of nowhere.
Perhaps I’m just getting tired of this series. I may stop after this book.
Perhaps I’m just getting tired of this series. I may stop after this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
Another okay addition to the series. I'm never blown away by them. The murder mystery was a bit more exciting in this one, and Jack and JJ are starting to talk about kids (in book 11). Still not sure if I'll bother continuing.
September 6, 2023
Dirty Dozen on Books On Track
RTC
Previous books:
✦ Dirty Martini (J.J. Graves Mystery, #10) ~ ★★★★ (04/08/2023)
✦ 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)
September 11, 2022
“Dirty Dozen” finds us back in the town of Bloody Mary where Dr. J.J. Graves has been called to the rainy scene of the grizzly murder of an actress in an alleyway of the theater. It is the town’s annual festival where the town dresses up in period costumes to enjoy the festivities.
The murder victim was the star of the production who was married to a older but very rich architect who has the empathy of an snail. But this murder is the start of several more to come and with the strange insight of Dr. Grave’s socially awkward lab tech a pattern begins to form. It seems the killer is imitating the kills of famous serial killers such as Jack the Ripper, Son of Sam, BTK etc.
Time is of the essence especially when the life of one of Grave’s close friends/associate’s life is on the line. My, my, my what a messy affair.
I enjoyed the world building, quirky characters and camaraderie I’m this story. The intrigue and action are great and the plot is worthy to be made into a movie. I listen to the audio version and the narrator was not the best I’ve heard but was very good. I will definitely be going on to another installment in this series.
The murder victim was the star of the production who was married to a older but very rich architect who has the empathy of an snail. But this murder is the start of several more to come and with the strange insight of Dr. Grave’s socially awkward lab tech a pattern begins to form. It seems the killer is imitating the kills of famous serial killers such as Jack the Ripper, Son of Sam, BTK etc.
Time is of the essence especially when the life of one of Grave’s close friends/associate’s life is on the line. My, my, my what a messy affair.
I enjoyed the world building, quirky characters and camaraderie I’m this story. The intrigue and action are great and the plot is worthy to be made into a movie. I listen to the audio version and the narrator was not the best I’ve heard but was very good. I will definitely be going on to another installment in this series.
April 2, 2024
Jaye and Jack are after a copycat serial killer who repeats famous killers’ crimes. The problem is that he’s killing so fast they can barely do the work of processing a scene before another incident happens.
Doug is a witness at one scene, and he’s borrowed Ben’s laptop to help, but even that is too slow. They start finding connections when the killer sends them letters, proud of his work and seeing himself as some kind of playwrite, main character, and director of this horrible show.
Realizing there is a connection to the theatre between all the victims, they figure out it’s none of the suspects they’d been focussing on, but someone who’s been helping them all the while.
When Lily is taken for the final act, they arrive just in time to save her and stop a bomb the killer is about to detonate.
The end of this book opens a new door into a case involving Ben, who seems to have disappeared and had his wife and children also leave their home.
This novel was well written, but creepy in a way I found less enjoyable. Still great, with all the characters I know and love, but a shot of humour and adventure is my hope for the next instalment.
Doug is a witness at one scene, and he’s borrowed Ben’s laptop to help, but even that is too slow. They start finding connections when the killer sends them letters, proud of his work and seeing himself as some kind of playwrite, main character, and director of this horrible show.
Realizing there is a connection to the theatre between all the victims, they figure out it’s none of the suspects they’d been focussing on, but someone who’s been helping them all the while.
When Lily is taken for the final act, they arrive just in time to save her and stop a bomb the killer is about to detonate.
The end of this book opens a new door into a case involving Ben, who seems to have disappeared and had his wife and children also leave their home.
This novel was well written, but creepy in a way I found less enjoyable. Still great, with all the characters I know and love, but a shot of humour and adventure is my hope for the next instalment.
December 11, 2021
Awesomely gripping read.
Oh it was a heart-stopping time to visit King George’s county.
What a good and thrilling story.
JJ and Jack are back with their ever growing ‘family of friends’ in Bloody Mary.
I’ve loved this series from the very beginning and each new story has me rushing for my kindle.
Sheldon is becoming an absolute favourite side-kick character for me and the banter between him and Lily is wonderful and adds a light-hearted ness to a somewhat grim story.
Doug is also a great addition and seriously what is really up with Carver senior??? I am dying to find out!!!
JJ and Jack are as fabulous as always and the killer they are after has them chasing their tales but they will find the truth in the end, hopefully beforeJJ’s morgue fills to over flowing.
Oh it was a heart-stopping time to visit King George’s county.
What a good and thrilling story.
JJ and Jack are back with their ever growing ‘family of friends’ in Bloody Mary.
I’ve loved this series from the very beginning and each new story has me rushing for my kindle.
Sheldon is becoming an absolute favourite side-kick character for me and the banter between him and Lily is wonderful and adds a light-hearted ness to a somewhat grim story.
Doug is also a great addition and seriously what is really up with Carver senior??? I am dying to find out!!!
JJ and Jack are as fabulous as always and the killer they are after has them chasing their tales but they will find the truth in the end, hopefully beforeJJ’s morgue fills to over flowing.
December 29, 2021
Whenever Liliana Hart releases a new book in the J.J. Graves Mystery series, I drop everything in my hands. I just love her characters in the J.J. Graves Mystery series. They are too adorable yet entertaining to read.
J.J and her sheriff's husband, Jack., are facing a series of mysterious murders throughout their hometown. It's definitely thrilling to read because the murders are copycats of famous serial killers. It's up to J.J. and Jack to figure it out before one of them is hunted.
What made me disappointed in this book was the lack of romance. It's typically a mystery romance series. But this book lacks romance.
J.J and her sheriff's husband, Jack., are facing a series of mysterious murders throughout their hometown. It's definitely thrilling to read because the murders are copycats of famous serial killers. It's up to J.J. and Jack to figure it out before one of them is hunted.
What made me disappointed in this book was the lack of romance. It's typically a mystery romance series. But this book lacks romance.
February 20, 2022
I really like that she put Doug back in these with more of a storyline, I really like him and Carver. I do agree with another review I saw-it's getting tiresome in each book having her explain in detail who they are, what they do, how she sets up her autopsy room, and what her husband looks like because he's so handsome! We all know this too well from the past 10 books and if someone else reads this book without reading the first 10, too bad for them-it's a series....meaning multiple books to be read one after the other so they should start with the first if they want the full story. I'd be ok with a few sentences but a page or two or three?
December 11, 2021
Wow, J.J. and Jack has their hands filled with murder. Jack's entire team is needed and J.J. is elbow deep in bodies, trying to find the clues. Magnolia and McKenzie leave you laughing out loud, when they interact with people. You can't help but enjoy their antics, as Jack and J.J. come face to face with the killer. This is a series that gets better with each story told. The characters are familiar, but still surprises you. The story is woven to just reveal a tidbit or two, until the final show down. Looking forward to the next one.
December 26, 2021
Coroner J.J. Graves and her husband, Sheriff Jack Larson, have a murderer who is recreating famous serial killers. The first murder is reminiscent of Jack the Ripper. The next, Son of Sam. J.J. and Jack have their hands full. They are still adjusting to have a teenager in the house. Of course, he helps with the case. I always enjoy going back to Bloody Mary for a new case. J.J. and Jack are a great couple. The side characters area also interesting. Another good entry in the series.
January 2, 2022
Theatre and murder
Ms. Hart does it again. This is another well-written murder mystery with plenty of suspects and bodies. She adeptly had JJ and Jack putting together the pieces of the puzzle so they caught the criminal in the end. As always, there was plenty of witty banter as well as great character development as the series grows. There's also a great lead-in to the next book. Highly recommended.
Ms. Hart does it again. This is another well-written murder mystery with plenty of suspects and bodies. She adeptly had JJ and Jack putting together the pieces of the puzzle so they caught the criminal in the end. As always, there was plenty of witty banter as well as great character development as the series grows. There's also a great lead-in to the next book. Highly recommended.
January 21, 2022
Normally when you get to book 11 in a series, you either lose interest or the stories aren’t that interesting. This was not the case. If you don’t follow JJ Graves and Jack you are missing out. They work well together and everything just clicks. I love their relationship and the relationship they have with the other characters. This was suspenseful and at times had me cracking up. I just love this series. I gave 5 stars since I couldn’t give it 4 1/2.
March 8, 2023
Talk about dramatic and theatrical. We have a suspect who seems to want to be a copycat killer. Things, however, may not be as they seem as each stage of the murder has everybody confused on who the killer is and what his or her endgame is. This one hits close to home and reminds every one that they are always in danger. We are coming to realize there is something serious going on with Ben Carver and I can’t wait to find out what that big secret is.
October 16, 2023
How do you do it?
Liliana every book of yours I finish I wonder how you pull me in so quickly and hold me from beginning to end.... This one was no different! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. I read every night at bedtime and this time you kept me up way too late tearing up the pages! I couldn't stop until I finished the book. Thanks again for all the emotions you bring into your books. I laugh and cry and feel the intensity of all of them!
Liliana every book of yours I finish I wonder how you pull me in so quickly and hold me from beginning to end.... This one was no different! Your talent never ceases to amaze me. I read every night at bedtime and this time you kept me up way too late tearing up the pages! I couldn't stop until I finished the book. Thanks again for all the emotions you bring into your books. I laugh and cry and feel the intensity of all of them!
November 3, 2024
Juliet Dunnegan is brutally murdered outside the Curtain Call theater, similar to Jack the Ripper. Then two students are shot outside the movie theater similar to Son of Sam. Someone is killing people’s and mimicking famous serial killers. Will Jaye, Jack and the cops find him before more people are killed?
This book begins five days after the last one where Jaye had a badly swollen knee and was having difficulty walking. But in this book, she seems to be entirely able-bodied.
This book begins five days after the last one where Jaye had a badly swollen knee and was having difficulty walking. But in this book, she seems to be entirely able-bodied.
December 9, 2021
Still got the touch
You have made me stay up all night to finish the book. It was hard to put down. I thought it was Peter that was the killer. I can wait to read the next one. What kind of trouble Carver got himself into and how Jack and Jaye help him. March can be too long of time
You have made me stay up all night to finish the book. It was hard to put down. I thought it was Peter that was the killer. I can wait to read the next one. What kind of trouble Carver got himself into and how Jack and Jaye help him. March can be too long of time
January 3, 2022
I enjoy the series, but think I would avoid living in Bloody Mary.
Jaye, Jack and Doug work to solve a string of murders. The murderer is re-enacting past serial murders.
I enjoy the build up of characters. While there are many players in the series the characters are carefully organized and the author stays true to who they are.
Now what is up with Carver?
Jaye, Jack and Doug work to solve a string of murders. The murderer is re-enacting past serial murders.
I enjoy the build up of characters. While there are many players in the series the characters are carefully organized and the author stays true to who they are.
Now what is up with Carver?
April 4, 2022
J.J. Graves Series.
Great Series!!!! Love all of Liliana Hart books. She really does know how to keep us on our toes in this series, wanting to know what's going to happen in the next book of the series. Usually her first book of a series are free. Please check out her books if you haven't done so.
Great Series!!!! Love all of Liliana Hart books. She really does know how to keep us on our toes in this series, wanting to know what's going to happen in the next book of the series. Usually her first book of a series are free. Please check out her books if you haven't done so.
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June 20, 2022Liliana strikes again!!
What's not to like about another JJ Graves mystery?! Plenty of tension, drama and intensity , tempered with humour as always. You have to love the dynamic between Jack and Jaye. I've loved reading all 12 books in the series so far and I'd recommend them to anyone who loves a good , solid and fast paced read.
What's not to like about another JJ Graves mystery?! Plenty of tension, drama and intensity , tempered with humour as always. You have to love the dynamic between Jack and Jaye. I've loved reading all 12 books in the series so far and I'd recommend them to anyone who loves a good , solid and fast paced read.
December 8, 2021
Great series
Characters, for me, are the meat of a series and the JJ Graves mysteries are all meaty. I love JJ and Jack and love the group of friends and colleagues they work with. On top of all that, the mysteries are great. Five stars well deserved.
Characters, for me, are the meat of a series and the JJ Graves mysteries are all meaty. I love JJ and Jack and love the group of friends and colleagues they work with. On top of all that, the mysteries are great. Five stars well deserved.
December 12, 2021
Dirty Dozen
Another great book by Liliana. She never ceases to amaze me. Love JJ and Jack plus Doug. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in her next book. The ending on this book was and is a nail biter.
Another great book by Liliana. She never ceases to amaze me. Love JJ and Jack plus Doug. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us in her next book. The ending on this book was and is a nail biter.
December 18, 2021
What a great book.
I really enjoyed this, and the build up for the next book is killing me. I can’t wait to see where she is going with this story line because man I absolutely love these characters.
I really enjoyed this, and the build up for the next book is killing me. I can’t wait to see where she is going with this story line because man I absolutely love these characters.
December 22, 2021
love love love
Another amazing book in the JJ Graves series!! This one like all the rest are full of suspense,mystery and lots of action. The characters are so well written you’ll feel like you’re there and apart of the story.
Another amazing book in the JJ Graves series!! This one like all the rest are full of suspense,mystery and lots of action. The characters are so well written you’ll feel like you’re there and apart of the story.
December 24, 2021
Keeps Getting Better
This is hands down my favorite series. I love all of the characters and this small town setting. Each story line hooks me in and I can’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is hands down my favorite series. I love all of the characters and this small town setting. Each story line hooks me in and I can’t turn the pages fast enough.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews