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:
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