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Monica Spade #3
Graffiti Red Murder
A full-length STANDALONE crime thriller from Award-Winning Author Alexi Venice.
Recharged from a romantic spring break, Attorney Monica Spade is hired to represent a plastic surgeon whose patients are being murdered and spray-painted with a sinister message.
An impending deadline forces Monica to take matters into her own hands, so she dives into the serial murder case, dissecting clues from surgeries, chasing down leads from smarmy nightclubs, and drawing criticism from the police for interfering.
In her personal life, Monica discovers her fiancée, Shelby St. Claire, hanging out with a former flame, Coco Rivelli, the yogi sensation. Can Monica keep a lid on her hot temper when provoked by Coco?
Fighting for life and love during a pandemic, Monica transforms her legal practice into an action-packed, killer ride through the lake country north of Apple Grove, Wisconsin.
Recharged from a romantic spring break, Attorney Monica Spade is hired to represent a plastic surgeon whose patients are being murdered and spray-painted with a sinister message.
An impending deadline forces Monica to take matters into her own hands, so she dives into the serial murder case, dissecting clues from surgeries, chasing down leads from smarmy nightclubs, and drawing criticism from the police for interfering.
In her personal life, Monica discovers her fiancée, Shelby St. Claire, hanging out with a former flame, Coco Rivelli, the yogi sensation. Can Monica keep a lid on her hot temper when provoked by Coco?
Fighting for life and love during a pandemic, Monica transforms her legal practice into an action-packed, killer ride through the lake country north of Apple Grove, Wisconsin.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
55 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Alexi Venice
21 books399 followersAward-winning author Alexi Venice’s legal and crime thrillers with sapphic leads serve up deadly appetizers, spicy main dishes, and HEA desserts. Both the San Francisco Mystery Series and the Monica Spade Trilogy are Lesfic Bard Award winners. Thirty-four years of practicing law informs Venice’s legal, medical, and crime fiction. Her heart and imagination are pesto on the pizza. When she isn’t writing, Venice is wrangling grandchildren and playing on the lake.
Instagram: alexivenice_author
Twitter: @VeniceAlexi
Website: www.alexivenice.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alexivenicenovels
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 27, 2021
A highly original LGBTQ+ crime thriller with eye-popping doses of murder, mystery and romance.
In Alexi Venice's third Monica Spade Novel, the battle-tested attorney agrees to represent a surgeon police want to question regarding the brutal murder of two of her patients. Monica learns that the surgeon, Dr. Nicole Kershaw, also has been threatened numerous times. As Kershaw describes it, some of her enemies are "paranoid, crazy haters" who target her because she's the only transgendered surgeon who performs gender-affirming surgery. But the more Monica digs, the more potential suspects she finds within the surgeon's past.
As she was in Venice's award-winning legal thriller Standby Counsel, Monica is again equal parts attorney and detective, driven as much by her quest for justice as her own curiosity. In this installment, Venice digs deeper into Monica’s insecurities, grit and mettle. Monica is complemented by close friend, Detective Matt Breuer, who initially bristles at Monica’s newfound proclivity for police work. Their friendship is well-drawn as they navigate the dangerous world of a serial killer’s mind.
Venice sets the table for a gripping and graphic confrontation while shining the spotlight on gender-affirming surgery and violence against trans women. Set during the onset of The Coronavirus pandemic in America, fears about the supply chain, confusion about safety precautions, and disruptions to Monica’s legal practice add drama to what is already a white-knuckled case.
In Venice's capable hands, readers can say goodbye to predictable tropes about the personal lives of main characters. Instead, Venice delivers an authentic challenge of two people in love, living together for the first time while learning to cope with the world changing around them. The chemistry between Monica and Shelby is off the charts, and the added friction explodes with intense sex scenes. Venice pours fuel on the already raging fire with a subplot involving jealousy over an ex-lover, testing Monica’s patience under life-threatening circumstances. The resolution will surprise and satisfy.
Highly recommend this mashup of crime thriller and lesbian romance.
In Alexi Venice's third Monica Spade Novel, the battle-tested attorney agrees to represent a surgeon police want to question regarding the brutal murder of two of her patients. Monica learns that the surgeon, Dr. Nicole Kershaw, also has been threatened numerous times. As Kershaw describes it, some of her enemies are "paranoid, crazy haters" who target her because she's the only transgendered surgeon who performs gender-affirming surgery. But the more Monica digs, the more potential suspects she finds within the surgeon's past.
As she was in Venice's award-winning legal thriller Standby Counsel, Monica is again equal parts attorney and detective, driven as much by her quest for justice as her own curiosity. In this installment, Venice digs deeper into Monica’s insecurities, grit and mettle. Monica is complemented by close friend, Detective Matt Breuer, who initially bristles at Monica’s newfound proclivity for police work. Their friendship is well-drawn as they navigate the dangerous world of a serial killer’s mind.
Venice sets the table for a gripping and graphic confrontation while shining the spotlight on gender-affirming surgery and violence against trans women. Set during the onset of The Coronavirus pandemic in America, fears about the supply chain, confusion about safety precautions, and disruptions to Monica’s legal practice add drama to what is already a white-knuckled case.
In Venice's capable hands, readers can say goodbye to predictable tropes about the personal lives of main characters. Instead, Venice delivers an authentic challenge of two people in love, living together for the first time while learning to cope with the world changing around them. The chemistry between Monica and Shelby is off the charts, and the added friction explodes with intense sex scenes. Venice pours fuel on the already raging fire with a subplot involving jealousy over an ex-lover, testing Monica’s patience under life-threatening circumstances. The resolution will surprise and satisfy.
Highly recommend this mashup of crime thriller and lesbian romance.
August 11, 2021
Binge reading
Just finished reading all three of the Spade books in 3 days. I couldn't put them down. They are interesting, well written, and most of all amusing. I love Venice's sense of humor and found myself reading passages to my family to show them why I was lol while reading a book.
Just finished reading all three of the Spade books in 3 days. I couldn't put them down. They are interesting, well written, and most of all amusing. I love Venice's sense of humor and found myself reading passages to my family to show them why I was lol while reading a book.
September 7, 2021
The consensus of the reviewers is this is a great book, but although I quite liked most of the story, it did have problems.
I didn’t like the way the author resorted to having Monica behave like an idiot teenager when she completely loses all reason and ditches Shelby. It really felt like the author had Monica behave so childishly just for effect. It seemed like the sort of thing script-writers from failing soaps might produce, trying to boost poor ratings.
Also I didn’t get protecting the hospital’s reputation and profits at the potential risk to somebody’s life. I’m not American so perhaps this is normal for hospitals to put profits before patients.
As for the investigation, it didn’t start too bad, but it was a bit repetitive at times and when Monica begins to narrow down the suspects I was quite surprised at her initial reaction.
I should add that it was interesting to read a book that was set during the early stages of the Covid19 pandemic.
Overall this wasn’t a bad book, but it did annoy me at times and and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
I didn’t like the way the author resorted to having Monica behave like an idiot teenager when she completely loses all reason and ditches Shelby. It really felt like the author had Monica behave so childishly just for effect. It seemed like the sort of thing script-writers from failing soaps might produce, trying to boost poor ratings.
Also I didn’t get protecting the hospital’s reputation and profits at the potential risk to somebody’s life. I’m not American so perhaps this is normal for hospitals to put profits before patients.
As for the investigation, it didn’t start too bad, but it was a bit repetitive at times and when Monica begins to narrow down the suspects I was quite surprised at her initial reaction.
I should add that it was interesting to read a book that was set during the early stages of the Covid19 pandemic.
Overall this wasn’t a bad book, but it did annoy me at times and and if possible I would have given 2.5 stars.
October 31, 2022
A murder investigation during the beginning of Covid shutdown
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: award winning, established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone; UNICORN: 400+ pages (possibly other categories)
Transgender women are victims of a serial killer that uses red paint to make vulgar art on the dead bodies. It was later discovered that they are all tied to one surgeon's (also a trans woman) patients. As the hospital's lawyer, Monica has to protect the hospital, the surgeon, and her patients, while also assisting with the case as much as possible.
Monica and Shelby are still engaged, going through the normal stresses of their jobs, when the Covid "remain at home" order is established in Wisconsin. Both of their lives turn upside down with the restrictions. Monica isn't supposed to do interviews or meetings in person, and Shelby has to teach art classes through Zoom without the school providing supplies. Monica still manages to do her job with some workarounds, including finding and getting into trouble.
It has a great plot, and there are a few really good suspects that could be the killer. I have one really major issue with it, though: the term is "transgender," never "transgendered," and it was used throughout the entire book. Other than that, it's a great trilogy, and I wish this wasn't the last book.
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: award winning, established couple, not a romance, out of your comfort zone; UNICORN: 400+ pages (possibly other categories)
Transgender women are victims of a serial killer that uses red paint to make vulgar art on the dead bodies. It was later discovered that they are all tied to one surgeon's (also a trans woman) patients. As the hospital's lawyer, Monica has to protect the hospital, the surgeon, and her patients, while also assisting with the case as much as possible.
Monica and Shelby are still engaged, going through the normal stresses of their jobs, when the Covid "remain at home" order is established in Wisconsin. Both of their lives turn upside down with the restrictions. Monica isn't supposed to do interviews or meetings in person, and Shelby has to teach art classes through Zoom without the school providing supplies. Monica still manages to do her job with some workarounds, including finding and getting into trouble.
It has a great plot, and there are a few really good suspects that could be the killer. I have one really major issue with it, though: the term is "transgender," never "transgendered," and it was used throughout the entire book. Other than that, it's a great trilogy, and I wish this wasn't the last book.
July 2, 2021
My thoughts…
I’ve read countless legal dramas and murder mysteries over the years. I enjoy them immensely, but as time passes, the stories begin to run together. I’ll pick up one of my favorites and try to recall the particulars, but the details are often elusive—even those that I remember as being exceptionally well written. However, that never seems to apply to Venice’s novels. They are all sharp and uniquely written. They stay with you. Venice takes her experiences in the court room and transfers them to paper in such a believable, tangible way. One can not help but connect to the story and the characters, especially Monica Spade. Venice makes the reading of a Monica Spade novel an experience, and that’s what murder mystery fanatics love about her books. That’s what brings them back for more.
Graffiti Red Murder comes along at a time when the subject matter and theme couldn’t be more relevant. It revolves around a notable plastic surgeon who specializes in helping trans people make surgical transitions. As a trans woman herself, she identifies with their struggles and pain. However, when her patients start turning up murdered, she becomes terrified and seeks help from Monica Spade. As Monica becomes entangled in the investigation, she worries for all of the doctor’s patients. The clock appears to be running out and Monica must help find the killer before another innocent victim turns up dead. It’s a race again time and Monica is determined to win.
This is an exceptionally well-written and well-plotted story. It is as engrossing as it is gripping. In fact, it had me on the edge of my seat during most of the read and I couldn’t put it down. Venice consistently demonstrates a talent for inserting just the right amount of dramatic flair, making her stories exciting every time. Because she has developed such a keen eye for all things legal, the storytelling just jumps off the page, leaving you a little breathless at times. Venice, one again, has demonstrated she has the capacity and intuitiveness to write legal thrillers that are not only intense, but intensely believable.
Final remarks…
Graffiti Red Murder is one heart-thumping, page-turning suspense thriller no dramatic crime mystery enthusiast will want to miss. Make room on your shelf for this one. The Monica Spade novels are one exciting series; you won’t be able to get enough!
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-plotted
Engrossing
Gripping
Fast paced
Entertaining
I’ve read countless legal dramas and murder mysteries over the years. I enjoy them immensely, but as time passes, the stories begin to run together. I’ll pick up one of my favorites and try to recall the particulars, but the details are often elusive—even those that I remember as being exceptionally well written. However, that never seems to apply to Venice’s novels. They are all sharp and uniquely written. They stay with you. Venice takes her experiences in the court room and transfers them to paper in such a believable, tangible way. One can not help but connect to the story and the characters, especially Monica Spade. Venice makes the reading of a Monica Spade novel an experience, and that’s what murder mystery fanatics love about her books. That’s what brings them back for more.
Graffiti Red Murder comes along at a time when the subject matter and theme couldn’t be more relevant. It revolves around a notable plastic surgeon who specializes in helping trans people make surgical transitions. As a trans woman herself, she identifies with their struggles and pain. However, when her patients start turning up murdered, she becomes terrified and seeks help from Monica Spade. As Monica becomes entangled in the investigation, she worries for all of the doctor’s patients. The clock appears to be running out and Monica must help find the killer before another innocent victim turns up dead. It’s a race again time and Monica is determined to win.
This is an exceptionally well-written and well-plotted story. It is as engrossing as it is gripping. In fact, it had me on the edge of my seat during most of the read and I couldn’t put it down. Venice consistently demonstrates a talent for inserting just the right amount of dramatic flair, making her stories exciting every time. Because she has developed such a keen eye for all things legal, the storytelling just jumps off the page, leaving you a little breathless at times. Venice, one again, has demonstrated she has the capacity and intuitiveness to write legal thrillers that are not only intense, but intensely believable.
Final remarks…
Graffiti Red Murder is one heart-thumping, page-turning suspense thriller no dramatic crime mystery enthusiast will want to miss. Make room on your shelf for this one. The Monica Spade novels are one exciting series; you won’t be able to get enough!
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-plotted
Engrossing
Gripping
Fast paced
Entertaining
January 15, 2022
This was one of those books I was struggling to get thru. I kept hoping it would get better, but it just got progressively more awkward and uncomfortable. it was a struggle! It was just far fetched and has grown ass women acting like unstable teenagers. Not for me.
May 3, 2022
I love this woman! Please write more!
Monica is a role model of compassion, concern, and doing the right thing. Even while she struggles with her own life, emotions and insecurities. I would love to see more Monica Spade stories. Please?
Monica is a role model of compassion, concern, and doing the right thing. Even while she struggles with her own life, emotions and insecurities. I would love to see more Monica Spade stories. Please?
July 2, 2021
This book is more than just a murder mystery. It’s a story that involves hate crimes against the transgender community, it’s a story that involves a serial killer, it’s a story of 2 best friends - a lawyer and a cop (Monica & Det. Matt Breuer) who handle investigations very differently, it’s a story of current events: namely the Covid 19 pandemic and how people are effected by it and how they deal with these changes & it’s a story of a young lesbian couple in love and engaged to be married.
Throughout this series, Monica Spade has grown from a young single lawyer working in an old fashion law firm to a confident, coolheaded partner with her own firm. She is now engaged to Shelby St. Claire who I sense does not love Monica as much as Monica loves her … but that’s just me !!!
Author Alexi Venice writes the scenes and character dialogue so well the reader can imagine the scenarios playing out right in front of them. This gives the reader insight into the personalities & relationships of the MC & secondary characters. Once I started this book I had a hard time putting it down. I just couldn’t wait to see how Monica solved this most recent mystery.
I highly recommend Graffiti Red Murder - I am pretty confident you will enjoy it.
Graffiti Red Murder is the 3rd book of the Monica Spade series. I have read books 1 & 2 (which I have reviewed on Goodreads.com) but you do not have to read any of these books in order. There is a little reminiscing from the previous book but it’s nothing that would get in the way of understanding or enjoying this story.
Also by Alexi Venice - The San Francisco Mystery Series
1 - Bourbon Chase
2 - Amanda’s Dragonfly
3 - Stabscotch
4 - Tinted Chapstick
5 - Sativa Strain
6 - #SandyBottom
Throughout this series, Monica Spade has grown from a young single lawyer working in an old fashion law firm to a confident, coolheaded partner with her own firm. She is now engaged to Shelby St. Claire who I sense does not love Monica as much as Monica loves her … but that’s just me !!!
Author Alexi Venice writes the scenes and character dialogue so well the reader can imagine the scenarios playing out right in front of them. This gives the reader insight into the personalities & relationships of the MC & secondary characters. Once I started this book I had a hard time putting it down. I just couldn’t wait to see how Monica solved this most recent mystery.
I highly recommend Graffiti Red Murder - I am pretty confident you will enjoy it.
Graffiti Red Murder is the 3rd book of the Monica Spade series. I have read books 1 & 2 (which I have reviewed on Goodreads.com) but you do not have to read any of these books in order. There is a little reminiscing from the previous book but it’s nothing that would get in the way of understanding or enjoying this story.
Also by Alexi Venice - The San Francisco Mystery Series
1 - Bourbon Chase
2 - Amanda’s Dragonfly
3 - Stabscotch
4 - Tinted Chapstick
5 - Sativa Strain
6 - #SandyBottom
June 24, 2021
Dr. Nicole Kershaw is a transgendered surgeon, specializing in gender reassignment surgery.
Attorney Monica Spade and her fiance Shelby St. Claire return from a romantic and much-needed Caribbean vacation, to run headlong into the COVID pandemic and the pandemonium that follows.
It would be easy to describe the story as it appears in the blurb, but this story clicks on lots of different cylinders. We learn first about the direct effect of the COVID pandemic on Monica's fledgling law firm, as well as Community Memorial Hospital where Monica is the attorney for the hospital, not to mention (but I will) the effect it has on the school where Shelby teaches. The pandemic is in it's infancy, it's interesting to see how the dominoes fall at the onset of this pandemic and how Monica, Shelby and their associates first resist and then adapt to local, state and federal restrictions.
There is going to be some angst between Monica and Shelby. This wouldn't be a Monica Spade novel without it.
But we also have a murder mystery, something Venice does with her own undeniable style. She builds the mystery slowly, but not without characters, facts and clues being presented here and there to make us wonder whodunit.
So highly recommended!
Attorney Monica Spade and her fiance Shelby St. Claire return from a romantic and much-needed Caribbean vacation, to run headlong into the COVID pandemic and the pandemonium that follows.
It would be easy to describe the story as it appears in the blurb, but this story clicks on lots of different cylinders. We learn first about the direct effect of the COVID pandemic on Monica's fledgling law firm, as well as Community Memorial Hospital where Monica is the attorney for the hospital, not to mention (but I will) the effect it has on the school where Shelby teaches. The pandemic is in it's infancy, it's interesting to see how the dominoes fall at the onset of this pandemic and how Monica, Shelby and their associates first resist and then adapt to local, state and federal restrictions.
There is going to be some angst between Monica and Shelby. This wouldn't be a Monica Spade novel without it.
But we also have a murder mystery, something Venice does with her own undeniable style. She builds the mystery slowly, but not without characters, facts and clues being presented here and there to make us wonder whodunit.
So highly recommended!
March 17, 2023
Unlike book 1 and 2, I didn't love this one. It was alright, I mean, the whole crime/investigation bit was rather nice, although I didn't love the choice of demographic being targeted, but Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey, Monica was insufferable at times, especially in the romance bit. She was sort of unhinged behaving so uncharacteristically (compared to before) that I think she was swapped by her evil twin. DNF crossed my mind around the middle, because I couldn't take her shit anymore.
The writing style was as before, well written and not tiring, just the choices for the character that I didn't agree much. I still hope we'll get more Monica Spade's books, I just wish she get her shit together because I really want to love her and all her friends.
The writing style was as before, well written and not tiring, just the choices for the character that I didn't agree much. I still hope we'll get more Monica Spade's books, I just wish she get her shit together because I really want to love her and all her friends.
June 17, 2021
Finally, a book that talks about the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic! Like all her novels, I loved this book. Ms Venice does a wonderful job with her characters, they are so believable, I expect them to jump off the page. I got drawn into the story early and I couldn't put it down!
One of my favorite lines from the novel, "“Only our whackadoo president believes that might happen.” Nathan made a scoffing sound. “And we’ll all be riding unicorns with butterflies on our shoulders, sliding down rainbows.” Nathan’s mojito slur deepened as he flapped his arms and slid along the sofa, ultimately landing on its arm."
One of my favorite lines from the novel, "“Only our whackadoo president believes that might happen.” Nathan made a scoffing sound. “And we’ll all be riding unicorns with butterflies on our shoulders, sliding down rainbows.” Nathan’s mojito slur deepened as he flapped his arms and slid along the sofa, ultimately landing on its arm."
August 28, 2021
Another great addition from Alexi Venice! I have come to love Monica Spade and this poor hospital lawyer has really gotten herself into some crazy situations in her not so sleepy little town. This time Monica showed her bad-a** self by really going the extra mile to protect her doctor client. I couldn’t put it down!
I also really appreciate Ms. Venice’s treatment of her characters showing them as real people and not stereotypes that seem to make their way to various TV shows and movies. A real level of respect.
Can’t wait for the next one!
I also really appreciate Ms. Venice’s treatment of her characters showing them as real people and not stereotypes that seem to make their way to various TV shows and movies. A real level of respect.
Can’t wait for the next one!
January 23, 2022
A very intriguing novel with a very interesting timeframe ......its set pretty recently in early Covid lockdown days . This was a really clever touch because it made the case attorney Monica Spade much harder to investigate and made the plot more complex . And it added a relatable element to the story . I would be happy to read more in this series as this was my first. Monica is a strong character I'd like to get to know better. So if you're looking for gripping suspense then this is the right choice for you .
July 8, 2021
Graffiti Red Murder, A Monica Spade by Alexi Venice is a very up-to-date kind of book. The events happening on our planet now are definitely plot material and the author captured the essence of subjects of utmost importance. The characters are engaging and realistic and the plot is well thought out and interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.
July 17, 2021
Stellar!
This third novel in the Monica Spade series maintains the level of intrigue and suspense as the previous novels. A new case for Monica to navigate in the midst of the Corona virus pandemic as well as her relationship with Shelby. Another sexy murder mystery that keeps you reading into the wee hours.
This third novel in the Monica Spade series maintains the level of intrigue and suspense as the previous novels. A new case for Monica to navigate in the midst of the Corona virus pandemic as well as her relationship with Shelby. Another sexy murder mystery that keeps you reading into the wee hours.
August 5, 2021
A Real Page Turner!
Such a well-written drama! The romance and the relationship are thoroughly woven into the story as a side thread. It’s done so well that the relationship drama doesn’t distract from the main drama, a serial killer targeting trans women. Characters are well-developed and believable, and the story is a page turner I couldn’t put down!
Such a well-written drama! The romance and the relationship are thoroughly woven into the story as a side thread. It’s done so well that the relationship drama doesn’t distract from the main drama, a serial killer targeting trans women. Characters are well-developed and believable, and the story is a page turner I couldn’t put down!
August 6, 2021
New best author
I am new to Alexi's writing and now have a new best author. I love Monica Spade and would love more of her exploits. I rank Alexi right up there with Gun Brooke, Redclyffe and Ali Vali. Keep them coming.
I am new to Alexi's writing and now have a new best author. I love Monica Spade and would love more of her exploits. I rank Alexi right up there with Gun Brooke, Redclyffe and Ali Vali. Keep them coming.
September 3, 2021
Graffiti Red Murder by Alexi Venice is an excellent thriller with amazing LGBT characters. It is fresh read, up to date and compelling. I enjoyed the book a lot and will look into the author's other books.
May 11, 2024
Loved it
I am so glad I started reading these books I love the character the story lines The mystery Can't wait to read the next book Recommended book I recommend this series you should start from book one.
I am so glad I started reading these books I love the character the story lines The mystery Can't wait to read the next book Recommended book I recommend this series you should start from book one.
July 7, 2021
Excellent
Great read with suspense and romance!! When’s the next Monica Spade novel due to be released?!?! I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Great read with suspense and romance!! When’s the next Monica Spade novel due to be released?!?! I can’t wait to read the next one!!
July 11, 2021
Excellent book. Love this author.
August 16, 2021
More Monica Spade please!
I enjoy these reads. Monica reminds me of a modern day Matlock. Always finding the unlikely killer. I look forward to the wedding book!!
I enjoy these reads. Monica reminds me of a modern day Matlock. Always finding the unlikely killer. I look forward to the wedding book!!
October 9, 2021
Slightly rushed, but good. There was a side to Monica that had been building we finally got to see in this read. Significantly less typos. Interesting and fun to read.
April 9, 2022
Well written and inclusive of every type of relationship that ever was and proudly so.
June 1, 2025
Terrific She is now my favorite author. Can't put her books down....Love all of them...Thank you for writing them I have had many hours of enjoyment from them....JW
December 20, 2025
love her books
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