Category Archives: Murders by Design Series

The Monet Murders by Jean Harrington

Title: The Monet Murders by Jean Harrington
Murders by Design Book Two
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 71,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

Interior decorator Deva Dunne never dreamed she’d see a Monet hanging on someone’s dining room wall. Then she snags a client with two Monet seascapes. Her thrill lasts until she finds one of the paintings missing, cut from its frame, and the cook shot dead.

Rough-around-the edges, but gorgeous all-around police lieutenant Victor Rossi insists Deva leave the sleuthing to the police. But what could it hurt to come up with a list of suspects that doesn’t include herself? Like the owners of the Monets, a rich man and his trophy wife, and their frequent guests. Even the cook’s husband is suspect. Then Deva finds another victim, clutching a very strange set of clues.

Desperate to save her business amid the negative publicity, Deva helps Rossi investigate. And when he needs advice decorating his bedroom, she just might find a client for life. Unless a killer gets to her first.

71,000 words

The Review:

Jean Harrington’s The Monet Murders is an entertaining and engaging murder mystery. This second installment of the Murders by Design series takes place a few months after the end of Designed for Death. Following her discovery of a dead body in her clients’ mansion, Deva Dunne is once again smack dab in the middle of an intriguing murder investigation.

With the one year anniversary of her husband’s death looming, Deva is making substantial progress working through her grief over his loss. Her fledging design business is picking up, but success is still far from certain. Deva has an uncanny knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and although Lt. Victor Rossi has warned her to keep out of the investigation, she cannot help but investigate the clues she uncovers.

Neighbor Simon Yaeger is still a key player in Deva’s life. His romantic interest in Deva has not waned and he unabashedly pursues her. Deva is unsure what her feelings for her charming neighbor are. When she discovers his connections to the murder victims, he is once again added to her suspect list.

As if tracking down a killer is not enough to occupy her, Deva must also figure out why Lt. Rossi keeps popping into her thoughts at the most inopportune moments. With Lt. Rossi under orders to stay away from her, Deva finds herself missing the gruff but sexy detective.

The Monet Murders is a superbly crafted novel that is full of unexpected twists and turns. Once again, Jean Harrington provides a lengthy suspect list and keeps her readers guessing the killer’s identity. A fabulous read that leaves me eagerly anticipating Killer Kitchens, the next installment in the Murders by Design series.

1 Comment

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Jean Harrington, Murders by Design Series, Mystery, Rated B+, The Monet Murders

Designed for Death by Jean Harrington

Title: Designed for Death by Jean Harrington
Murders by Design Book 1
Publisher: Carina Press
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery
Length: 67,000 words
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

An Eye for Detail, a Nose for Trouble

Interior designer Deva Dunne’s latest project comes to a screeching halt when blood on the carpet leads her to the body of her client, an exotic dancer with a mysterious past. But the murdered woman is not the only resident of the posh beachfront condominium with secrets, and investigating officer Lieutenant Victor Rossi considers them all suspects.

Though wary of working in the killer’s midst, Deva continues decorating the unit for the new owner. When she stumbles upon clues that might help crack the case, she can’t resist doing a little digging of her own, despite Rossi’s orders to quit meddling. Now, she’s juggling the investigation, her career and sexy neighbor Simon Yaeger, who seems interested in more than her etchings.

Deva can’t help but be flattered by all the male attention—that is, until she realizes the killer has designs on her, too…

67,000 words

The Review:

Jean Harrington’s Designed for Death is a refreshingly light-hearted and clever murder mystery. Widowed interior designer Deva Dunne investigates the death her murdered client, retired exotic dancer Treasure.

Designed for Death is a well-written novel with an all star cast of three dimensional and diverse characters. Deva Dunne is a complex and likeable character. She is a smart, funny and incredibly engaging heroine. Her emergence from the grief of her late husband’s death catches her by surprise as she unexpectedly discovers her burgeoning attraction to Lt. Rossi and neighbor Simon Yaeger.

The supporting characters are a group of colorful and appealing individuals. Lt. Rossi is hot on the trail of the killer and despite his repeated warnings to stay out of the investigation Deva delves deeper into Treasure’s death. Simon is the sexy neighbor of the deceased and he makes no effort to hide his romantic interest in Deva. Deva’s assorted neighbors and Treasure’s friends and co-workers round out the eclectic cast of secondary characters.

Designed for Death is a tightly plotted novel that is fast paced and compelling. The interior design aspect of the storyline is interesting and yields some useful clues in Deva’s crime solving efforts. It also provides valuable insight into the various characters’ personalities. By skillfully utilizing red herrings Ms. Harrington successfully conceals the killer’s identity.

Mystery lovers should definitely add Designed for Death by Jean Harrington to their must buy list. The light atmosphere, witty dialogue and charming characters are the perfect combination for an engrossing read. Murders by Design is a fresh and innovative new mystery series, and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!

4 Comments

Filed under Carina Press, Contemporary, Designed for Death, Jean Harrington, Murders by Design Series, Mystery, Rated B+