Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin & Contest

Title: Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin
Publisher: iUniverse
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance
Length: 307 pages
Book Rating: B

Review Copy Obtained from Author

Summary:

Megan Riley has bigger things to worry about than the fact that her neighbor has just been found dead.

Her engagement has just ended, and she is once again on a quest to find Mr. Right-or at least Mr. Right Now. Tired of emotional ties and ready for a new adventure, Megan and her three best friends make a fateful decision. They hire hunky stripper Michael Harrington as their timeshare boytoy-unaware he is the prime suspect in a series of gruesome murders. Suddenly, they find themselves involved in a complicated murder investigation led by a handsome detective who is focused only on finding the twisted serial killer before he strikes again. But who will be the next to die? Megan, the hardworking real estate agent; newly divorced Kathleen; Alex, married to a wealthy businessman; or Rachel, the spurned wife of a hot Hollywood screenwriter?

Following her own investigation, Megan takes a wild ride through L.A.’s bondage parlors, hidden sex clubs, and the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous; soon she discovers that her quest for adventure has abruptly transformed into a dangerous game of life and death.

The Review:

Taking place in the seemingly unrelated worlds of a wealthy yacht club and BDSM clubs, Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin is an intriguing murder mystery where the lives of the rich and privileged intersect with a brutal serial killer. Detective Matt Donovan’s investigation of the Bondage Murders takes him to the Bayside Yacht Club where he meets recovering alcoholic Megan Riley and her wealthy friends Alex, Kathleen and Rachel.

None of these women are leading perfect lives. Megan is a realtor that is struggling to stay afloat during hard economic times. Kathleen is depressed over her recent divorce. Rachel discovers her husband is cheating on her. Alex’s marriage is on shaky ground and she is desperately clinging to her youth. With more money than common sense, the four women decide to timeshare (remember what I said about common sense?!) a boy-toy. Their choice? Gorgeous stripper Michael Harrington, Detective Donovan’s main suspect in the Bondage Murders.

Although it occasionally gets bogged down with too many details, Deadly Pleasures is an engaging story with a unique storyline. The BDSM aspect of the novel is informative and very tastefully done without going into too much graphic detail. The characters are three-dimensional and well-developed. The murder mystery is intricately plotted and Ms. Firmin supplies the reader with a huge suspect pool that effectively keeps you guessing the killer’s identity.

The relationship between Megan and Matt provides a nice romantic subplot to Deadly Pleasures. Their romance is slow growing and sweet with their love scenes taking place behind closed doors.

All in all, Deadly Pleasures is a fast paced whodunit that takes a few unexpected twists and turns. If you like your mysteries with a bit of romance, then you will enjoy this debut novel by Mary Firmin.


Ms. Firmin is giving away a copy of Deadly Pleasures to TWO lucky commenters (winners choice of print or Kindle copy)! To enter the contest:

You must Do TWO of the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (upper left corner). One email daily with the day’s posts.

OR:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Reviews & More by Kathy Facebook page

OR:

3. Follow me on Twitter (@BookReviewsMore)

OR:

4. Friend Book Reviews & More by Kathy on Goodreads

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

5. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Reviews and More by Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don’t forget to:

6. Leave a comment on this post by 5 PM Mountain Time Friday afternoon.

It’s that easy! The winners will be selected using random.org and will be announced on Saturday.

6 Comments

Filed under Contemporary, Contest, Deadly Pleasures, iUniverse, Mary Firmin, Mystery, Rated B, Romance

6 Responses to Deadly Pleasures by Mary Firmin & Contest

  1. Timitra

    I was intrigued by the blurb and totally sold on this book after reading your review, thanks Kathy…can’t wait to read this one!

  2. Joanne B

    Congrats on the release. This book sounds fantastic. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the book summary and the great review.

  3. Mel Bourn

    Thanks for the great review! Congrats on the release!
    Mel

  4. Yadira A.

    The cover looks great, but I definitely got sucked in by the synopsis… sounds like a thrilling read! Thanks for the giveaway!

  5. It’s a great book as I have read it. Kathy, this was a great review! 🙂

    Not entering the contest but I liked your facebook page and if you would like to do that say here is mine: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Books-Movies-Reviews-Oh-my/131875656863973?ref=hl

    Have a great day,
    Stormi

  6. I have read DEADLY PLEASURES and thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the characters, the plot, the setting and had a great time reading the story. Mary took me to places that I otherwise would never go (sex clubs, bondage parties), including just enough gritty detail to add spice to the story without overdoing it. Since I already have a copy of the book, don’t enter me in your contest. Just stopped by to add my thumbs-up for this entertaining book.