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Lessons in Murder #4

Heart of Murder: Lessons in Murder, Book 4

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Love and murder are in the air.

The rape and murder of a young woman in the park launches Lt. Ferrari and her team into high gear. Was a deadly predator stalking the city, or was it a crime of passion?

Then, Jenna’s long-lost first love Tori shows up unexpectedly, jarring Jenna’s emotions when she needs to focus on the case, and prompting her to determine who she truly loves.

Randi lays down the law when she witnesses a Facebook video of Jenna being shot at during a street chase after being told, “it was just a regular day.” However, her dog, Byron, may be the key to solving Jenna’s murder case.

Who killed the woman in the park and why? And what revelations will Valentine’s Day bring for Jenna, Tori, and Randi?

Continue to match wits with Detective Jenna Ferrari and the criminals she encounters while pursuing her romantic ventures with college professor Randi McLeod. Can a tough cop and a tender teacher weather the trial of an interfering ex? Don’t miss this episode of Edale Lane’s contemporary sapphic mystery series, Lessons in Murder .

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2023

44 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Edale Lane

47 books213 followers
Edale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.

Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.

Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95

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5 stars
109 (52%)
4 stars
72 (34%)
3 stars
22 (10%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Kexx.
2,343 reviews104 followers
September 10, 2023
Enjoyed this one: relatively angst free with a murder that added as gist to the mill. Good to see re-emerging characters: recommended.
Profile Image for Fran Sappharc.
827 reviews47 followers
January 19, 2023
Well, a romping start. I have, in previous novels said I felt there was sometimes too much description used about everything and everyone, so details get lost. In the opening scene I felt I was on the chase and in the alley. This was really well set out as the pacing didn’t suffer. The descriptions enabled me to feel I was actually there, but not so much detail I was overwhelmed.
Then the ex showed up and I was interested then genuinely surprised by a small plot twist. What a gripping start. I keep getting surprised. Thinking a scene will go one way and it goes another. Descriptions are well balanced clearly depicting scenes without becoming overly described. The crime is not a who-dunnit in that the reader should guess with clues but I did find the crime plot compelling. I enjoyed this book the most of the series. Miranda is still a pretty perfect partner and some sections did almost border on preachy.
Profile Image for Pat.
374 reviews2 followers
March 2, 2023
4⭐️

This is the first book I've read in the series and now I need to track down the first three.

I enjoyed the characters quite a bit. The detective in charge was thorough and looked after her team. She was careful to see that each member was getting chances to shine and she knew their strengths and used them strategically. The mystery wasn't exactly a puzzler, but it definitely required some creative police work to solve it.

I also enjoyed the glimpses into the detective's personal life. So refreshing to watch adults who actually act like grownups!
Profile Image for Maryann Kafka.
866 reviews29 followers
January 31, 2023
On a Saturday, Lt. Detective Jenna Ferrari and Detective Ron Owens of the Roanoke PD are doing an interview for a liquor store that was broken into. All at once they hear the shout of “robbed” and they find themselves on a foot chase. Owens not being able to keep the pace, has Jenna sprinting around pedestrians and traffic to catch the suspect. Being a detective is always dangerous and now she diving behind a dumpster as she’s been shot at, not only once but several times as the foot chase continues. Finally, with backup arriving, Officer Matt Murphy, Vicki Stone and Detective Owens, the have the three strikes suspect in cuffs.

Jenna has finally arrived at the college gym, where four karate school’s are holding tournaments. Randi’s been competing and is more than excited to see Jenna in the crowd. With the earlier police chase it made Jenna late, as she really wanted to see Randi compete but she made it in time for the trophy ceremony. With unexpected excitement Randi has won two trophy’s and Jenna couldn’t be more proud of this wonderful women that she has found so appealing. As they discuss Jenna’s day, which she states was “just a regular day” with an arrest, they make plans to meet later at Randi’s.

Things don’t go so well for Jenna, when a knock comes to her door. She finds herself in a bad position with Lt Commander Tori Varon, her ex of two years and never hearing from her for eight. Tori doesn’t care that Jenna is seeing someone, she thinks they can pick up where they left off. After dealing with her ex, Jenna calls Randi to let her know she’s on her way over, but something isn’t right. Arriving at Randi’s, Jenna has a lot of explaining to do to Randi. But Jenna is lucky to have such an understanding girlfriend in Randi and there’s always room for an open discussion.

With the sensitive issues of the ex, a new relationship and the ever interfering job of detective, both Jenna, Randi and Byron have time for a walk in Wasena Park. But Byron will become disgruntled with a stranger and Jenna and Randi find themselves immersed in a murder, that only one very special witness may be able to solve.

Edale Lane brings another suspenseful, police procedure investigation in “Heart of Murder.” Jenna and Randi will have there own relationships issues and doubts, but keeping level heads they heart filled talks. I give lot’s of credit to Randi as she really supports Jenna in so many ways. There are still those moments of doubts that linger and the decision to say those three important words.

The two crimes are interesting: one dealing with an addict who has three strikes and the other catching a crazed murderer. The team is always there to lend their expertise: Officers Matt Murphy, Vicki Stone, Jamison, Bauman, Dr. Gupta, and Marcus. Dr. Jane Grayson, will also be called into consult as there’s several attorney’s in the mix.

Although Byron is always in the stories, with this one his history is shared: his breed, bloodline and a good citizenship certificate.
I highly recommend “Heart of Murder” it’s another suspenseful, dangerous, fast paced action, police procedure story from Edale Lane. It’s also another look into the wonderful relationship that has been growing between Jenna and Randi. “Lessons In Murder” series still remains cozy and easy reads that anyone can enjoy.

48 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2023
This next episode of the “Randi and Jenna” series does not disappoint. It expands on both leading ladies as interesting characters with issues that mirror real life. Our four legged friends add a twist to this whodunnit and make it an easy treat to read. The plot holds the reader’s attention and can be devoured in a couple of hours especially by those who enjoy police procedurals. Although part of a series it can be read as a standalone. I received an ARC copy of this novella in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Frances Bell.
434 reviews11 followers
February 3, 2023
Good book

I really enjoyed this book love the characters the story line the only thing I wish it didn't the books were longer but can't wait to read the next book
Profile Image for Terri.
166 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2023
Best on yet

I loved this book. I think it was the best one yet. I can't wait for the next installment. The character interaction flowed better in this book.
148 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2023
One of the reviewers on another platform noted they would like these books to be longer and, very selfishly, I agree. The storylines are superb, the thoughts, feelings and emotions read real and Jenna and Randi are so likeable I just don't want their story to end. Nonetheless, even in its shorter form, this is a great book that continues a fantastic series and, like the other reviewer, I can't wait for the next one. Incidentally, my money was always on the....you'll just have to read it to find out who dunnit.
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,010 reviews36 followers
February 4, 2023
Another enjoyable read in this series, the murder investigation was a little bit simple, with the perpetrator being fairly obvious, but I was still happy to give four stars.
Profile Image for Sarah Markel.
Author 17 books34 followers
January 27, 2024
Much better

This book was miles better than the last three. While still in desperate need of an experienced editor, the story flowed much smoother than the others. The characters still sound the same, and it's hard to figure out who is saying what at times, but it was a much better read. There were a lot fewer instances of run-on paragraphs, though the said-isms are still rampant. All in all, this is probably the only book so far in the series that I would recommend to anyone else. Overall, it's a decent story.
Profile Image for L E.
833 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
I really like that these stories are very realistic but heart wrenching too. The author is not sugar coating lives hard truths and evil that exist. The approach that the author brings to each character and what these atrocities do to them and how they are handling those emotions, is very commendable. For this and of course the main characters love story, not being rushed and very realistic, is why I am enjoying this series.
189 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2023
Murder and a Love Story

A police detective and a college professor are in a relationship. A young woman is raped and murdered. Our heroines may have seen the murderer. I couldn’t stop reading until the murder is solved and the detective and professor proclaim their love for each other.
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
January 26, 2024
A great investigative novella, it made me cry, but also smile like a goofy. The theme around the plot isn't one I'm very inclined to read about, but I've done it because of the MC development, which was, is so good. They're growing up as people, individually and as a couple and that is very satisfying. I love Randi so much.
Profile Image for Karen.
887 reviews10 followers
February 18, 2024
This novel is absolutely absorbing. There is a murder to solve, of course, but there is also a visit from Jenna’s ex, Tori, a naval officer. Of course, this just added more twists to the story. The many threads in this made it made it very difficult to put down. I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Jan Gwin.
171 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
Heart of murder

I really liked this book. It had suspense, a devious ex, and lovely partner. The ex is sent packing by the 2nd chapter nut the murder is finally solved and declarations are made in the end.
Profile Image for Michelle.
509 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2023
Lessons in Murder, Book 4

The Heart of Murder was a nice whodunnit story. I enjoyed the detective work of Jenna. I really liked watching the relationship of Jenna and Randi grow. If you are looking for a murder mystery with a big heaping of romance, this is the book for you.
Profile Image for Taz.
148 reviews
March 9, 2024
What a suspenseful thriller, maybe not the depth as other books as it's not that long at 165 pages, but it's nicely written.
In particular, the relationship between Jenny and Randi is beautiful, Tori, the ex-girlfriend, whom Randi skillfully confronts. I like it.
386 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2023
I like this series but wish the books were a bit longer. I can finish each in a day.
410 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2023
Some people love so hard, they commit stupidity. The dog Byron had a say in this book. Recommended.
Profile Image for Dulaine Roode.
319 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2025
This just shows you that people are unpredictable.

Jenna's ex from long ago shows up to try and seduce Jenna again. But it doesn't work, because of how she feels about Randi. Randi does get upset at Jenna about not telling her about being shot at, and everything almost blows up.

The murder that took place had unexpected results, that is the part where it just shows us that you never know what people un your life might be hiding and how they can explode from it.

On to the next book.
233 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2023
Outstanding.

Fabulous .Love these characters .The build up of there relationship over the series is great.I guarantee it you read the first book you will jump to the next very quickly. Off to read the next in the series.Fantastic author love all of her books.you should check them out. Very different from this series but very special.Highly recommend.Hi from Scotland.🌻
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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