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kazza27's review
5.0
I enjoyed the first book but this one is really really gripping.
From the outset you know you are in for a treat as Jordan returns from a holiday with his brother Ashley and he is convinced he is being followed.Ashley appears to be hiding something but Jordan is quickly distracted from this when he is approached by Xander,a successful artist who is worried that his work is going to be stolen by The Dirty Dollys who steal artists work then blackmail them.
Xander meets a very tragic end and Jordan begins to find himself drawn deeper and in more danger than before.
I love books about Art and also a good crime so a combination of the two with Jordan a character that I am really enjoying reading about and getting to know.
He is a complicated character and his flaws make him all the more endearing.
I read this was billed as a cosy crime and I think the author has definitely upped the darker side in this book which I enjoyed.
I hope there will be more in the series as I think that Jordan is a breath of fresh air and I love the setting in Cardiff where I will be visting soon. Who knows maybe in the future there will be Jordan Jenner Crime tours around the city !
From the outset you know you are in for a treat as Jordan returns from a holiday with his brother Ashley and he is convinced he is being followed.Ashley appears to be hiding something but Jordan is quickly distracted from this when he is approached by Xander,a successful artist who is worried that his work is going to be stolen by The Dirty Dollys who steal artists work then blackmail them.
Xander meets a very tragic end and Jordan begins to find himself drawn deeper and in more danger than before.
I love books about Art and also a good crime so a combination of the two with Jordan a character that I am really enjoying reading about and getting to know.
He is a complicated character and his flaws make him all the more endearing.
I read this was billed as a cosy crime and I think the author has definitely upped the darker side in this book which I enjoyed.
I hope there will be more in the series as I think that Jordan is a breath of fresh air and I love the setting in Cardiff where I will be visting soon. Who knows maybe in the future there will be Jordan Jenner Crime tours around the city !
ljwrites85's review
3.0
This is the second in the PI Jordan Jenner series but it can easily read as a standalone.
Jordan Jenner is thrown into the world of art when handsome artist Xander Draper asks him to investigate a group of people who are stealing art known only as the ‘Dirty Dollys’.
To add to his troubles, his brother Ashley has turned up out of the blue. Jordan can sense there’s something wrong but his brother refuses to discuss it.
When Xander is found murdered at his own art exhibition, Jordan is pulled into a dangerous investigation that may just prove too much for him.
The Art of Murder is a great addition to this series, focussing on the seedier side of the art world.
We get to know Jordan a little better during the book, get under his skin a little more so to speak. I was fascinated by the relationship between him and his brother Ashley, there’s love there but it’s complicated.
I really liked the fact that you get a much better sense of Cardiff in this book, something I felt the first was missing. I also loved the addition of DC Harry Jones and his Welsh accent.
I also enjoyed this novel felt a lot more action packed, a little darker and grittier too, with a good few heart in your mouth moments.
Much like the first book, I felt my attention waver a little in the middle and the overall story could have been a bit shorter.
I think if you like a fascinating mystery, featuring diverse characters, then you’ll love The Art of Murder!
Jordan Jenner is thrown into the world of art when handsome artist Xander Draper asks him to investigate a group of people who are stealing art known only as the ‘Dirty Dollys’.
To add to his troubles, his brother Ashley has turned up out of the blue. Jordan can sense there’s something wrong but his brother refuses to discuss it.
When Xander is found murdered at his own art exhibition, Jordan is pulled into a dangerous investigation that may just prove too much for him.
The Art of Murder is a great addition to this series, focussing on the seedier side of the art world.
We get to know Jordan a little better during the book, get under his skin a little more so to speak. I was fascinated by the relationship between him and his brother Ashley, there’s love there but it’s complicated.
I really liked the fact that you get a much better sense of Cardiff in this book, something I felt the first was missing. I also loved the addition of DC Harry Jones and his Welsh accent.
I also enjoyed this novel felt a lot more action packed, a little darker and grittier too, with a good few heart in your mouth moments.
Much like the first book, I felt my attention waver a little in the middle and the overall story could have been a bit shorter.
I think if you like a fascinating mystery, featuring diverse characters, then you’ll love The Art of Murder!
josy's review
5.0
~ 4.5 stars ~
This second book in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries Series was as interesting as the first book, although I figured out the 'who' around the 50% mark. But the 'how' and 'why' remained unclear to me until the very end, so it was still exciting to find out what brought these murders on. Speaking of murders, this book was a lot darker, grittier, bloodier, and more action-packed than the first book so I'm not sure 'cozy' is the right word to describe this mystery. Not that I minded.
In stark contrast, Jordan appeared to be somehow softer in this book than in the first one. He still has his flaws and some of his actions were unreasonably stupid, which, oddly enough, just made me like him more because it made him human and not just a caricature of a hard-ass PI. The author also shows us a more emotional and vulnerable side of Jordan while he's dealing with his feelings and his hurt toward his brother who once was his best friend during their childhood until he moved to Australia years ago.
I enjoyed this new book in the series and I'm looking forward to finding out what the author has in store for Jordan next. Even though I know this isn't a romance, my romantic heart can't help but hope for a blooming love story - maybe with a certain police officer named Mark?
This second book in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries Series was as interesting as the first book, although I figured out the 'who' around the 50% mark. But the 'how' and 'why' remained unclear to me until the very end, so it was still exciting to find out what brought these murders on. Speaking of murders, this book was a lot darker, grittier, bloodier, and more action-packed than the first book so I'm not sure 'cozy' is the right word to describe this mystery. Not that I minded.
In stark contrast, Jordan appeared to be somehow softer in this book than in the first one. He still has his flaws and some of his actions were unreasonably stupid, which, oddly enough, just made me like him more because it made him human and not just a caricature of a hard-ass PI. The author also shows us a more emotional and vulnerable side of Jordan while he's dealing with his feelings and his hurt toward his brother who once was his best friend during their childhood until he moved to Australia years ago.
I enjoyed this new book in the series and I'm looking forward to finding out what the author has in store for Jordan next. Even though I know this isn't a romance, my romantic heart can't help but hope for a blooming love story - maybe with a certain police officer named Mark?
steph1rothwell's review
3.0
The Art of Murder is the second book in the Jordon Jenner cosy crime series and this was the novel I preferred. I had struggled to warm to Jordan in the first book, finding him a bit aloof but much of his vulnerability is explained in this book, especially with the bullying he received at school. I could see his loyalty, his dedication to finding answers and how much he liked helping others. I enjoyed seeing his friendships develop and as in book one his adoration of his cat Oscar.
The art world is something I know nothing about. The author convincingly showed the talent, the envy, bitterness and the wealth combined with greed which like many things destory what it touches. These were not characters I cared for, the world they lived in seemed fake and insincere.
Because this is cosy crime there wasn’t much detail about the murders. There was some intimidation but It was more about the effect on Jordan, his family and friends. How the sorrow and fear combined with suspicion of most who were known to the victim.
These books don’t need to be read in order, the previous case is mentioned but not in detail. If you want to see the character development though, I recommend it. I am looking forward to reading book three.
The art world is something I know nothing about. The author convincingly showed the talent, the envy, bitterness and the wealth combined with greed which like many things destory what it touches. These were not characters I cared for, the world they lived in seemed fake and insincere.
Because this is cosy crime there wasn’t much detail about the murders. There was some intimidation but It was more about the effect on Jordan, his family and friends. How the sorrow and fear combined with suspicion of most who were known to the victim.
These books don’t need to be read in order, the previous case is mentioned but not in detail. If you want to see the character development though, I recommend it. I am looking forward to reading book three.
suze_1624's review
4.0
Another 3.5*, rounded up as I quite like the series.
Poor Jordan and his decisions - hope the psychic is right!
Picking up pretty much from the end of book 1, Jordan and brother Ashley arrive back in Cardiff, right into the middle of intrigue.
I did wonder why Ashley was so evasive, and we do find out eventually - though Jordan needs to look under his nose at times!
The daring murder of Xander catapults the mystery more, Dirty Dollys, paintings giving clues and Jordan’s cast of admirers grows.
Again, it is a bit telling at times but I did enjoy - can’t say I’ve seen such activity at Castle Coch, but not been at night
Poor Jordan and his decisions - hope the psychic is right!
Picking up pretty much from the end of book 1, Jordan and brother Ashley arrive back in Cardiff, right into the middle of intrigue.
I did wonder why Ashley was so evasive, and we do find out eventually - though Jordan needs to look under his nose at times!
The daring murder of Xander catapults the mystery more, Dirty Dollys, paintings giving clues and Jordan’s cast of admirers grows.
Again, it is a bit telling at times but I did enjoy - can’t say I’ve seen such activity at Castle Coch, but not been at night
j_lbrbsblogs's review
4.0
As I am the BlogTour I will return to rate and review on 11 Feb.
3.5*
This is the second book in the series of Jordan Jenner Mysteries and the author has come up with a really good storyline when an artist, Xander Draper, is violently murdered at his own exhibition!
There is not only Murder, attempted murder – of our lead protagonist Jordan, no less! – but also money laundering, blackmail and jealousy. Billed as a cosy murder it nonetheless has some pretty tense moments and some quite brutal murders but there is little descriptive gore.
The relationship between Jordan Jenner, who is a Private Investigator (PI), and the police is interesting. It’s friendly and supportive. Obviously the previous case, in which Jordan was officially brought in on the police investigation, has helped build trust and they are willing to work with Jordan again. However, it’s not on an official basis this time. Their investigations work in parallel but when useful they work together. In this instance it’s just as well that’s the case for Jordan who has several close shaves in this book.
Jordan Jenner is a sort of burgeoning, slimmer, Welsh version of a Poirot! He’s a bit constrained, keeping his distance between possible friendships and relationships. He is openly gay, it isn’t an issue, and he’s perfectly happy in himself as he should be. Perhaps just being a bit careful of not getting hurt. It was great to come across a main character who is comfortable with themselves and with so few hang ups. He’s a likeable character determined to find out whodunnit, especially when the victim was his original customer!
A well paced, enjoyable story with plenty of well drawn characters and heart thumping moments.
Thanks
My thanks to Emma at DamppebblesTours for the invite to join the Tour and to Panther Publishing for an eCopy of The Art of Murder by J S Strange.
3.5*
This is the second book in the series of Jordan Jenner Mysteries and the author has come up with a really good storyline when an artist, Xander Draper, is violently murdered at his own exhibition!
There is not only Murder, attempted murder – of our lead protagonist Jordan, no less! – but also money laundering, blackmail and jealousy. Billed as a cosy murder it nonetheless has some pretty tense moments and some quite brutal murders but there is little descriptive gore.
The relationship between Jordan Jenner, who is a Private Investigator (PI), and the police is interesting. It’s friendly and supportive. Obviously the previous case, in which Jordan was officially brought in on the police investigation, has helped build trust and they are willing to work with Jordan again. However, it’s not on an official basis this time. Their investigations work in parallel but when useful they work together. In this instance it’s just as well that’s the case for Jordan who has several close shaves in this book.
Jordan Jenner is a sort of burgeoning, slimmer, Welsh version of a Poirot! He’s a bit constrained, keeping his distance between possible friendships and relationships. He is openly gay, it isn’t an issue, and he’s perfectly happy in himself as he should be. Perhaps just being a bit careful of not getting hurt. It was great to come across a main character who is comfortable with themselves and with so few hang ups. He’s a likeable character determined to find out whodunnit, especially when the victim was his original customer!
A well paced, enjoyable story with plenty of well drawn characters and heart thumping moments.
Thanks
My thanks to Emma at DamppebblesTours for the invite to join the Tour and to Panther Publishing for an eCopy of The Art of Murder by J S Strange.
stephbookshine's review
4.0
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Emma Welton of damppebbles blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Art of Murder is the second in the Jordan Jenner Mystery series, but you don’t need to have read Murder on the Rocks to be able to pick this one up running as the plot and characters stand fully alone.
Jordan finds himself embroiled in an art-world controversy as a rebellion against newly-established artists by a mysterious group called The Dirty Dollys turns threatening, then murderous. While the police focus on the murder, Jordan tries to keep his head on the case he was hired to solve: uncovering the Dollys and taking them down. It’s not that easy though, as all painted roads seem to lead back to poor dead Xander Draper and, more unsettling for Jordan, his own front door.
There is a really nice balance here between the personal and professional, as we follow Jordan’s struggles to open up, trust and let someone in to his emotional life, whilst simultaneously juggling a dangerous case. While the last book dealt with his family history, this story features more family present, as his brother has ties to the art world through his job, but refuses to talk about anything – work-related or personal – leading Jordan to worry on just about every front.
The plot is twisty and well-paced, and had an ideal number of suspects – enough to be misleading, but not too many that it got confusing. I had a few well-founded suspicions as I went along, but the climactic reveal still managed to surprise me. Similarly, I found it fascinating that Jordan is clearly ready for a deeper relationship, and surrounded by a selection of eligible, attractive, interested men, yet I had no idea who (if any of them!) might turn into a long-term love interest and who was destined to remain a friend. Would it be Lloyd, who he has history and chemistry with? Mark, because they got off on the wrong foot initially and we’ve all seen how that goes? Or hunky newcomer Tomas, who seems to be just what our hero needs, at just the time he’s ready to open up to it? I’m just as invested in Jordan’s personal happiness as I am in the success of his investigations!
It’s the main character’s complexity, combined with the classic murder-mystery style plotting, which really draw you in to this series and keep you wanting more. And Oscar the cat, of course, who puts in yet another adorable cameo appearance and reveals Jordan’s softer side. I really enjoyed this more vulnerable Jordan and look forward to seeing what happens next for him.
Jordan cast a quick glance behind him. The person was there, walking at a steady pace, sunglasses on even though the April weather outside was cloudy. Jordan had spotted this man in Amsterdam. He had been in every museum they had gone to. At night, he had walked the red-light district, blending in with the crowds. In restaurants, he had been only a table or two away from theirs.
Now, he had been on their flight. He’d sat at the front of the plane, twisting in his seat to look at Jordan.
Jordan had to get out.
– J.S. Strange, The Art of Murder
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/blog-tour-the-art-of-murder-jordan-jenner-2-j-s-strange/
The Art of Murder is the second in the Jordan Jenner Mystery series, but you don’t need to have read Murder on the Rocks to be able to pick this one up running as the plot and characters stand fully alone.
Jordan finds himself embroiled in an art-world controversy as a rebellion against newly-established artists by a mysterious group called The Dirty Dollys turns threatening, then murderous. While the police focus on the murder, Jordan tries to keep his head on the case he was hired to solve: uncovering the Dollys and taking them down. It’s not that easy though, as all painted roads seem to lead back to poor dead Xander Draper and, more unsettling for Jordan, his own front door.
There is a really nice balance here between the personal and professional, as we follow Jordan’s struggles to open up, trust and let someone in to his emotional life, whilst simultaneously juggling a dangerous case. While the last book dealt with his family history, this story features more family present, as his brother has ties to the art world through his job, but refuses to talk about anything – work-related or personal – leading Jordan to worry on just about every front.
The plot is twisty and well-paced, and had an ideal number of suspects – enough to be misleading, but not too many that it got confusing. I had a few well-founded suspicions as I went along, but the climactic reveal still managed to surprise me. Similarly, I found it fascinating that Jordan is clearly ready for a deeper relationship, and surrounded by a selection of eligible, attractive, interested men, yet I had no idea who (if any of them!) might turn into a long-term love interest and who was destined to remain a friend. Would it be Lloyd, who he has history and chemistry with? Mark, because they got off on the wrong foot initially and we’ve all seen how that goes? Or hunky newcomer Tomas, who seems to be just what our hero needs, at just the time he’s ready to open up to it? I’m just as invested in Jordan’s personal happiness as I am in the success of his investigations!
It’s the main character’s complexity, combined with the classic murder-mystery style plotting, which really draw you in to this series and keep you wanting more. And Oscar the cat, of course, who puts in yet another adorable cameo appearance and reveals Jordan’s softer side. I really enjoyed this more vulnerable Jordan and look forward to seeing what happens next for him.
Jordan cast a quick glance behind him. The person was there, walking at a steady pace, sunglasses on even though the April weather outside was cloudy. Jordan had spotted this man in Amsterdam. He had been in every museum they had gone to. At night, he had walked the red-light district, blending in with the crowds. In restaurants, he had been only a table or two away from theirs.
Now, he had been on their flight. He’d sat at the front of the plane, twisting in his seat to look at Jordan.
Jordan had to get out.
– J.S. Strange, The Art of Murder
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/02/10/blog-tour-the-art-of-murder-jordan-jenner-2-j-s-strange/
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