Murder Take Two: A Ross Agency Mystery

by Delia C. Pitts

Two bitter friends. Two hustling brothers. Two killers in love. One detective in pursuit

When cynical private eye SJ Rook is hired to guard the set of a hot new television show filming on the streets of Harlem, he expects his toughest challenge to be corralling star-struck fans. The task is keep peace between fancy Hollywood invaders, loudmouth tourists, and rowdy neighborhood regulars. The sultry presence of an A-list star lights up the set and enflames Rook's imagination.

But the detective's brush with Hollywood glamour quickly turns dark. All week, a TV big shot bids for Rook's attention with outlandish claims of murder threats. Rook dismisses these fears as dramatic excess spiced with Left Coast dazzle. But on the last night of filming, murder writes a grim finale to the production.

With his client dead, Rook's pursuit of the truth begins. Hampered by remorse, he battles a secretive killer whose motives are hidden in plain sight. After a second murder, Rook's hopes for solving the case are dashed. He must reset for take two of the investigation. But the tragic past of an alluring actress and Rook's own unspoken desires complicate his hunt. Distracted by stardust, the detective's struggle to sort fact from fantasy takes on deadly urgency when the killer makes Rook the last target.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

DELIA PITTS worked as a journalist before earning a Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago. After careers as a U.S. diplomat and university administrator, she left academia to begin writing fiction. Trouble in Queenstown is the first book in a new mystery series featuring Black private investigator Vandy Myrick. Delia is also the author of the Ross Agency Mysteries, about a Harlem detective firm, and several short stories. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Crime Writers of Color.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. I'll get a review written soon

[Tracy Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so look forward to a new Ross Agency mystery. Delia Pitts is one of my favorite writers. You know instantly when you pick up one of her books that you're in for a treat and that you're in the hands of a master storyteller. In Murder Take Two, Hollywood comes to Harlem, and our intrepid PI, SJ Rook must solve the murder of a complicated woman with ties to the TV crew filming in his neck of the woods. Glitz, star power, thugs, killers ... all here. Powerful writing. Steady plot. Characters who make a lasting impression. Highly recommended. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second mystery crime fiction I’ve had the pleasure to read by Delia. Boy, that lady sure knows how to use words, create a complex plot, and keep readers turning those pages. Just love the way she set this Ross Agency story in the Hollywood scene, complete with a popular TV star and all the rivalries, parties and hired killers working on and behind the scenes. And yet, amid the nastiness, love still rules and one comes away still believing there are good people out there. I was most impressed by Delia’s knowledge and execution of gangster talk that gives this novel authenticity. An engaging read that keeps us guessing and leaves us satisfied.

[Fatima Sugapong · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Murder Take Two by Delia C. Pitts, private eye SJ Rook takes us through his neighborhood in Harlem, New York City to solve a murder before it even takes place. The latest book in Pitts’s series of murder mysteries explores many little microcosms that exist in his vibrant neighborhood. From humble shop owners to Hollywood it girls, Rook finds the twisted connection between them all, because he simply does not believe in coincidences.

Throughout the work, Pitts sheds light on themes of power play in relationships, race politics in America and even how that plays a role in our relationships. Is a new relationship worth exploring even when you are already in one with someone else? What if that new person was virtually everyone’s dream girl?

I found the plight of it girl Vicky Joyce to be something new. While the phenomenon of ethnic smudging may not be new in the real world, it is certainly something I have yet to see in a fictional novel until now. Joyce’s role in the tangled whodunnit web had me rooting for her and rooting for her downfall in a back and forth cycle up until the very end.

As Rook peels back the layers of each potential suspect in the murder he was set to solve before his pals at the NYPD, we learn about the deeply rooted thirst for power in those pushed to their limit. This begs the question: is this character worth rooting for? Perhaps not. As we learn along with Rook, none of the characters are 100% evil. While one may have an insatiable thirst for power, he may still have a soft spot and a dream for his girl. The Hollywood star that everyone pines for somehow, has no friends. Each relationship delicately informs the power play that leads to one big unsolved mystery.

As Rook soon discovers in the chain of cases he investigates, the world is small and Harlem, even smaller.

Ultimately, I thought Pitts did a great job of keeping me reeled in. Although you learn who all of the players are rather early on, you don’t know what their motives are until you run around the neighborhood with Private Eye Rook. There was a good balance of begging the protagonist to get it together and jaw dropping moments. The ending left me with a lot of questions. I did not feel like everyone got their just due. Considering this work was just one installment in a long series, I wonder if that is by design.

[Eva Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Take Two is the most recent installation in Pitts's Ross Agency Series, and a solid mystery novel to boot. As an occasional reader of mystery books, I felt like the writing here was very reminiscent of the classic murder mystery. The language can be harsh, the setting is gritty, and the stakes are high; but the mentions of modern issues of race, sex, and fame keep it feeling timely. I especially liked the prose, and certain bits warranted a reread just to admire the way the words fit together just so. I also enjoyed the changing perspectives in chapters; it's something that I tend to enjoy in other books I've read, and I think it added to the plot and helped to keep the plot moving seamlessly. (Rather than wondering what the bad guy is doing, Pitts shows you and lets you sit with that information while Ross is unawares).

I do have some reservations about the tension in the book, however. The opening to the novel felt like it dragged on for a bit, and though the buildup had its payoff, that payoff did feel slightly underwhelming. I personally felt more invested in the aftermath and Ross's investigation than I did in the personal conflicts he had with other characters. And though I enjoyed the split perspectives, I feel like it somewhat took away from some of the tense scenes that happen later on in the novel. But all in all, I had a good time reading and can't wait to read more in the future!

[Cheyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novels in this detective series just keep getting better. (For some reason, Amazon lists this book as the first in the series. It’s actually the sixth, but sufficiently “stand alone” to be read out of order.) The narrative prose is smoother and the dialogue has more dry noir wit than ever, while our anti-hero, Rook, becomes both more sophisticated and more complex. Complexity brings some moral compromises, so it’s not surprising that the author’s note at the end promises a darker tale in the next installment. Meanwhile, the action in this novel, which revolves around a hit t.v. series shooting on location in Harlem, raises some pertinent questions about celebrity culture and social representation. The secret at the core of the plot is a very contemporary twist on a familiar trope. I don’t think it gives too much away to say that in this mystery the devil has turned the blue dress inside out.

[Jodi Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first, I thought this story was like a 40s black and white detective/noir kind of book. But then characters started talking about cell phones and Instagram, and I realized this is modern-day. The setting is Harlem, Rook is hired as protection for a movie set and its stars. But he's also keeping boundaries between fans, paparazzi, and community. Opal keeps telling him someone is after her, but he brushes it off. Until there are multiple murders Rook must put ego aside and solve the crimes. I like how well-rounded the characters are, and you get to see both sides of the equation in this thriller. Watching Rook figure people out is as much fun as watching the other guys plan and divert attention. Definitely entertaining and worth the read. 4/5 stars

[Adrien Weinhoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've got to read this book! I couldn't put it down, I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed a couple of times during night readings!
The characters are so lovable and I found myself rooting for everyone. The world was so rich and in-depth, I enjoyed all the details and backstories. They really helped flesh out the characters and create sentiment towards them all. It was beautifully done!
This book touches on some hot topics in our world today, and did so in such a thought provoking way! I truly felt like I was a fly on the wall in each scene this book painted.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what happened next.
This book was so great, I could absolutely see it being turned into a Netflix series or a movie! An absolute must read

[Renly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rook is a PI from Harlem, that is hired to provide security and crowd control for a Hollywood tv show. The gig should be easy enough, except for Opal Cunningham who insists that someone is trying to kill her. Although there is no evidence to support that fact, Rook agrees to investigate. Rook’s PI firm needs the money and Opal needs to feel protected. When things go wrong Rook realizes that this is not a game and he really needs to figure out what is going on.

This was an interesting read from beginning to end! I was really impressed with the authenticity of the characters. The setting was different, I really enjoyed the east coast/ west coast contrast. It was nice to see the story from different perspectives and point of views. You should definitely check this book out!!

[Amanda Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Take Two is the latest in a mystery series starring SJ Rook, a private detective working at the Ross Agency in Harlem, New York. The author has taken many elements of classic private detective novels--the flawed and cynical hero, the femme fatales, the very real violence--and written a story that feels fresh. Her characters are compelling, the stakes are high, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns. Not to mention, Pitts's descriptive and evocative prose gives a nice contrast to the story's sharp edges. I also appreciated that despite his flaws and missteps throughout the story, Rook maintains his integrity, a fact that keeps the novel from feeling too dark.

[Kat Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brilliant detective novel, S.J. Rook of the Ross Agency is tasked to work as security for a popular television show, he discovers the job entails more than just keeping fans and paparazzi at bay. He meets Vicky Joyce, lead actress of the show who is mysteriously connected to his client Opal Cunningham, who believes someone is trying to kills her. This sets up the scene for a murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Pitts has a way with language. Her descriptions of Harlem are wonderfully written. Her dialogue is crisp and believable. Anyone who enjoys a well-told tale will love this roller coaster ride of mystery and intrigue.

[Brent Seheult · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good read, I really enjoyed it.

[Lisa Southard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this whole series! Pounce on each and devour it! I don't keep all the book I read, got a small house, but this series has a home with me. Looking forward to rereading them all :-)

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Can’t wait for the next in the series!!!

[Sarah Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Take Two is full of action. Following private investigator SJ Rook at the Ross Agency, we see Harlem and characters through his eyes. Rook is hired to protect Opal Cunningham who is certain someone is trying to kill her. While working security on the set of a TV show filming in Harlem, Rook meets Vicky Joyce, lead actress. Why does Opal believe she is a target and why does Vicky seem to know Opal’s past? Many other people come into play–Pence, mob boss lackey who is hired to kill Opal by two different people; Pence’s girlfriend, who becomes involved in the twists and turns of the story; and mob boss Bethel Sinette who’s real ties to the story come as a complete surprise! The characters are lively and their connections are complex and intimate. The author uses incredible descriptive language and brings both the scenery and the characters to life. Just when you think all the pieces are laid out and you know what’s going to happen, the author brings yet another twist to the story. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, but I hope it won’t be the last. I immensely enjoyed her writing style and complex character connections.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny title hides a high stakes drama

At it's core, Murder take 2 is exactly what I want in a mystery. Every chapter gave me more questions and the ending was very satisfying. Rook, Brina, and Ross was a breath of fresh air. And Herb owned all of his scenes. What I hated was how stupid some of the characters are. Chapter 1 ended with a bang that did a great job in tying in with later chapters. But if you're going to throw a brick through a window, GET OUT OF SIGHT! The victim wasn't much better, though I did enjoy her scenes. She knew what she wanted but she respected Rook. Even once the big question was answered, I didn't want this to end. Next time I'm in the mood for a mystery, I'll have to look at the other books in the series.