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THE MURDER CODE (A Remi Laurent FBI Suspense Thriller) is book #2 in a new series by mystery and suspense author Ava Strong, which begins with THE DEATH CODE (Book #1).

FBI Special Agent Daniel Walker, 40, known for his ability to hunt killers, his street-smarts, and his disobedience, is singled out from the Behavioral Analysis Unit and assigned to the FBI’s new Antiquities unit. The unit, formed to hunt down priceless relics in the global world of antiquities, has no idea how to enter the mind of a murderer.

Remi Laurent, 34, brilliant history professor at Georgetown, is the world’s leading expert in obscure historic artifacts. Shocked when the FBI asks for her help to find a killer, she finds herself reluctantly partnered with this rude American FBI agent. Special Agent Walker and Remi Laurent are an unlikely duo, with his ability to enter killers’ minds and her unparalleled scholarship, the only thing they have in common, their determination to decode the clues and stop a killer.

A priceless, historic painting is stolen from a museum in Washington, D.C., and a dead body is found along with it. When the trail leads back to Paris and demands a historian’s expertise, FBI Special Agent Walker realizes he has no choice but to ask Remi Laurent for her help again. Together, they need to travel to the Louvre, visit the scene of the first murder, decode the message in the stolen paintings, and stop the killer before he strikes again.

A global manhunt ensues in a race against time, as Remi races to understand the clues, and quickly learns that this killer is more diabolical than anything she could have ever imagined.

An unputdownable crime thriller featuring an unlikely partnership between a jaded FBI agent and a brilliant historian, the REMI LAURENT series is a riveting mystery, grounded in history, and packed with suspense and revelations that will leave you continuously in shock, and flipping pages late into the night.

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2021

507 people are currently reading
531 people want to read

About the author

Ava Strong

118 books217 followers
Ava Strong is author of the REMI LAURENT mystery series, comprising six books (and counting); of the ILSE BECK mystery series, comprising seven books (and counting); of the STELLA FALL psychological suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the DAKOTA STEELE FBI suspense thriller series, comprising six books (and counting); of the LILY DAWN suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting); and of the MEGAN YORK suspense thriller series, comprising five books (and counting).

An avid reader and lifelong fan of the mystery and thriller genres, Ava loves to hear from you, so please feel free to visit her website.

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5 stars
506 (37%)
4 stars
522 (38%)
3 stars
259 (19%)
2 stars
55 (4%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,337 reviews14 followers
April 6, 2024
Something about the subject matter of this series is kinda like Dan Brown just not as good. His character never overtly stole to further his career. These books are labelled as "Remi Laurent series" but it should be more of a Daniel Walker/Remi Laurent series.

Plus there is never a real explanation as to how the crazy killer got obsessed with the Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse
Profile Image for John Kowalski.
Author 4 books23 followers
December 15, 2024
Bravo!

This was a well-written, suspenseful thriller. Remi and Daniel were well-rounded and relatable characters. I felt like I was with them in each locale. I would have loved a deeper look into the Fifth Horseman and a resolution of Daniel’s trauma. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Dan Larson.
3 reviews
July 26, 2022
I enjoyed the book. It deserves a recommendation for sure.
Profile Image for Black Butterfly.
2,601 reviews39 followers
June 21, 2022
THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES I'VE READ. I STILL DON'T LIKE IT SOMETHING ABOUT THE STORYLINE JUST SEEMS OFF TO ME. THE VILLIANS SEEM TO BE AFTER SOMETHING WHICH ISN'T REALLY EXPLAINED. ALL THE CHARACTERS ARE JUST NOT INTERESTING BORING AND DOESEN'T HOLD MY INTEREST. I SHOULD'VE BEEN ONE AND DONE NOW I'M TWO AND THROUGH. ;<
Profile Image for Lee M Williams.
211 reviews
April 13, 2025
This is the second episode of a new Ava Strong book series and I was able to purchase the first four books as a special rate from Chirp.

The plot and story line moves along quite quickly. Perhaps a bit too quickly for believably, but good for those readers who want a high speed story. With the speed comes one drawback, we don't get too much of the character development and only a few bits and pieces of backstory. This is exactly what I felt about the first book in the series. Now with the second book we get a very little bit of the romantic backstory of Remi and the limp dishrag of a boyfriend/supervisor Cyril. So far there seems to be nothing redeeming or likable there in Cyril. Only a means to green card for Remi.

An equally interesting and more mainstream religious prose than the first book of the elusive codex; this book deals with the four horsemen of the apocalypse and the iconography of them as triptych paintings (or should I say quadtych). As usual some madman looking to predict and profit from the end of the world.

I have now found that I can accept Kevin Green as a voice narrator for Remi if I slow the book speed down to 150 %. At my normal 1.7-2.0 speed her dialog becomes unintelligible with the accent and rushed/clipped sentences.

As I mentioned before, I purchased the four book set as special price deal from Chirp. I am now on to better enjoying the series at 150% speed and learning a little more about religious bent serial killers
112 reviews2 followers
May 4, 2025
Remi is hard headed

I have put Ava Strong on the back burner for a while. I had forgotten hos much i enjoy her very unrealiztic capers.

Ahhh that girl don't listen!! Chasing an art apocalypse finds her in the throws of near death yet again. How, cause she do not know how to stay in her lane. Thinking she's s copper. She has the crime fighting itch that Daniels nor hey boyfriend Cyril understand why.
She finds herself solving or trying to solve an art mystery, when they are down 2
and need to find this killer before the 4th collector finds himself pushing up daisies.
Now as for her romantic side she could have a few potentials. Yes she has her boyfriend whom she needs to cut loose. While she works on trying to convince herself he's a good guy, he is manipulative, mannish, whilst being a man child. I'm over him dump his tail girl...

I'm going to check for the next book...gotta keep up with this girl.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,551 reviews36 followers
October 23, 2021
The Murder Code is another demanding adventure for Remi, who once more works with Daniel in the FBI Antiquities Division, to discover who is killing and stealing the paintings of the 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Hunting the killer they go to France and Italy where finally the mystery is solved. Remi again faces peril and has her life threatened but she finds it alluring and wants to continue to work with the FBI. How is she going to convince her boyfriend that is a good option remains to be seen. Also, she continues to pursue the mystery of the cryptex eager to learn what is the message! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series which is proving to be very entertaining!
I downloaded a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Deedra Dail-whitley.
109 reviews
October 15, 2025
This was an excellent book!! I was a little put off by the first book in the series which started slowly, but built into a wonderful read after a few chapters!! The characters are lovely, the plot is intriguing, you can tell the author didn’t skimp on research in either of these books & in this book, Remi & Daniel track the serial killer literally across the world!! I loved every second of it!! I’m already reading the 3rd book, so I guess Ms Strong has hooked me again!! I think if you like an excellent thriller, a serial killer with a bent for historical items & an author who knows just how much detail is “just right” then I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Ava Strong’s Remi Laurent series!! You’ll be glad you did!! Excellent writing job Ms Strong, just excellent!!!
494 reviews5 followers
September 18, 2022
A reclusive billionaire purchases an obscure painting picturing the Grim Reaper, then is promptly murdered by a man dressed as the Reaper, who steals the painting.

When FBI agent Daniel Walker is assigned the case, he quickly contacts art expert Dr. Remi Laurent for assistance. Laurent, who has enjoyed working with Daniel on a previous case, readily agrees.

The painting turns out to be one of a set from the 17th century, and the killer is trying to collect them all. Their hunt for the killer takes them to Europe, where they prove to be an effective team. After so much excitement, will Laurent be able to go back to teaching undergraduates at Georgetown?
Profile Image for Sofii Cufone.
290 reviews
July 25, 2025
Sinceramente supero al primero pero no me encantó.
En cuanto a la trama me gustó aunque no me fascinó. Como me paso con el primero, le faltó un poco más de desarrollo y explicar mejor porque el asesino hizo todo lo que hizo porque todo lo relacionado con el asesinato y el asesino pasó demasiado rápido.
Los personajes han tenido una evolución en cuanto al anterior libro, con lo cual me agradó. Remi me sigue pareciendo odiosa y testaruda pero ya me acostumbre a que sea así y Daniel de a poco se está ganando mi cariño.
Creo que la única razón por la que seguiría leyendo esta serie es porque la dupla entre estos dos me está gustando mucho y me encantaría ver como siguen trabajando juntos.
7,739 reviews49 followers
October 15, 2021
Montgomery looking at his latest acquisitions of art, collecting for 68 years.
Professor Remi teaching undergraduate students , paid well and grants for her research. The secret of the cryptex, was her main interest.
A killer who knew too much about paintings.
FBI Daniel assigned to this new group for his knowledge of history.
Remi is hired being an expert in historic pieces of art to help them.
Their working together to figure out the clues and stop the killer
Great plot , with the two of them leading us thru the maze of clues
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
42 reviews
February 13, 2024
This is an excellent, well-moving story in itself. Has the right balance of realism with sort of moderate “science fiction if you will. Delightful story in itself!
I am not a fan of continued in next volume novels, however; so I am not sure I shall even read he NEXT story in the sequence.
, even though it promises to be a god one and directly in my interests. Come on, folks! Let’s take up the habits of the late Clive Cussler who fully tied up any one book t its own end, even though subsequent novels often used the same lead characters!
Profile Image for Carole.
771 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2024
I enjoyed this book mainly for the art history woven throughout the story, which is about solving the mystery about who killed a wealthy art connoisseur and identifying and finding his murderer. The characters are a mix of stereotypes and unique and unusual people. There’s a bit of international travel and collaboration among the FBI and police organizations in Europe involved. It was an easy enjoyable read, and it was especially satisfying that the main character is female, a university professor, and a good detective in the making.
3,886 reviews20 followers
November 5, 2024
Unfortunately, I had no difficulty setting this novel aside for weeks. The conflict between Remi Laurent and her boyfriend over setting a wedding date is trite and uninteresting, and Remi doesn't come across as an interesting character. The only saving grace is the plot about the deaths of the new owners of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse artwork and their combined secret.

Of course, this features a serial killer (aren't they all?). Remi also pilfers a relic to continue her story from the first book. I'll take a pass on the rest of this series. I thought it was too trite and canned.
1,934 reviews9 followers
June 29, 2022
A great thrilling read

Remi & Daniel are back on a case but this one is more stranger than the last one. Remi really hopes that they can find all the paintings before all of the four men are killed. Remi knows that she should be focusing all of her attention on the case but things aren't going well with her boyfriend. Daniel knows that Remi knows her stuff but he does worry that she puts herself into dangerous situations all the time. He enjoys working with her & hopefully one day they can work together some more.
Will they with the help of Interpol be able to find the killer and what makes the paintings so special?
Another great read. I love Remi as she never gives up even when things start going wrong. She is very determine to solve the puzzle. Daniel has too much baggage from his past and that will keep him from going back to the BAU. They work so well together.
Profile Image for Romaine Heart.
2,337 reviews30 followers
July 12, 2023
FBI Special Agent Daniel and Remi, history consultant and consultant for the FBI, are investigating a murders and stolen artwork representing the Book of Revelations, the four horsemen.
Remi still can't get over her obsession with the crytex. Then she does the unthinkable putting her job and reputation on the line.
Intricate details of the cities they visit from the US to France and beyond.
Action packed drama, mystery and suspense will keep you on your toes.
Author 3 books6 followers
November 1, 2022
Do modern fiction-writers not use a proof-reader? So many basic errors in a relatively short story. I write non-fiction, and use at least two proof-readers before submitting a MS for publishing!

Other errors would be assumptions that are incorrect, and inaccuracies.

In spite of all of that, I enjoyed the story, and the characters.
Profile Image for Macjest.
1,321 reviews10 followers
June 13, 2022
Not quite as interesting as the first book. Remi and an FBI agent are searching for a killer who has been stealing paintings. Remi keeps acting like a detective even though this is only the second case she’s helped on. Naturally, she is the one to figure out everything and bring down the killer.
374 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2022
Interesting

The characters are well drawn as are the scenes. The story seemed to be a continuation of the one before tO had not flat. So it took a while to catch on to how the characters.
2,368 reviews14 followers
July 24, 2022
Once again art professor Remi and FBI agent Daniel team up to solve a series of murders with art thefts. The theme of the book is well covered.

Even though he only takes up a small part of the story, I can't wait until Remi finally dumps her boyfriend/fiance Cyril.

Complex murders
389 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2023
Falls A Little Flat

Another serial killer, psychotic art historian is killing in the U. S & Europe. The same team of medieval art professor & FBI team up with Interpol to stop him. Great in spots, predictable in others it seems too DaVinci Code like. An ok read.
Profile Image for Janiska nordstrom.
96 reviews
April 6, 2024
I am enjoying this series. The characters are likeable and they are evolving throughout the book. I am looking forward to reading the next book. I am listening on audible and I don’t like the narrator much.
1,471 reviews7 followers
June 9, 2024
Interesting archeological thriller

This story snagged you from page one. So many buried secrets and conspiracy. Loved the main character Remi. She got herself into more trouble. Can't wait to read the next book.
494 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2024
Remi gets right into the middle of another killing the FBI's agent Daniel has requested her help with. He has the necessary FBI talents but he needs her art history knowledge to help him to solve the case.
Profile Image for Ann.
599 reviews
March 31, 2022
Remi and Walker travel to Europe for this crime.
194 reviews
Read
June 8, 2022
Good story, but the correct word is "fazed" not "phased". Used incorrectly at least twice.
718 reviews7 followers
October 14, 2022
I loved this story. It includes mystery, action, relationships and history. I can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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