Death, Deceit & Some Smooth Jazz

I thought there was no way the ragamuffin diva, Claudia Mair Burney, could top her first story, Murder, Mayhem, and a Fine Man. But she did it with Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz. Totally amazing. The storyline was complex and well-thought-out. She had me really going there. The sugar glider just took the cake. I loved every scene and chapter. The usual tension between hero and heroine was present, but this time it culminated. The author is a master at the "think of the worst thing that could happen, and make it happen" concept. Man, she had my head turning so often I got whiplash! I have to say, though, that more than once I wanted to slap Bell for messing with Jazz's head. Then again, I totally understood her "issues" that prevented her from accepting love from anyone, and her doubting something that seemed too good to be true. I was with Bell all the way and felt her confusion as well. Being a social worker and having done counseling with many hurting people for years, I have to say that the author had the criminal psychology portion of the story perfected. The insight into Kate's messed-up past was flawless. Either the author did a lot of research, or she is really gifted with wisdom and insight into human character and dysfunction. Every scene was highly believable and amazing. Tension building all the way, but with interjected humor so hilarious that I laughed out loud more than once! Great way to keep the story moving along. Also, the sensual humor totally captivated me. Not to overuse the term, but that was also hilarious, and very honest, IMHO. The biggest thrill in this story came when I figured out who killed Kate, and I WAS SO RIGHT! The author left just enough clues to point in the direction of the killer, but did so very slowly, and with absolute perfection. Also, the niggling perception that Jazz might have done it was tremendously applied. Wowsa! So does that make me smart, or the author a genuis at making me feel smart. :) You figure that one out. Death, Deceit, and Some Smooth Jazz is masterful writing and highly entertaining. This probably ranks as my favorite sistah lit title thusfar. If you read it, I'm sure you'll agree that this is some serious entertainment with a powerful message. The takeaway value of this story is what made me love it so much. Plus, the mystery was compelling and complex. Man, the details involved in the plot were plentiful and so well-done it had me reeling. But I loved every minute of it. Oh, and the forensics were perfect. Excellent crime writing. Bravo! Get this one.

While Bell may be fully recovered from her bout with `Murder, Mayhem & A Fine Man,' she finds that she's at the scene of another murder. Only this time, the circumstances are more personal, sort of speak. Katie, Jazz's beautiful ex wife, is the unfortunate victim. To make matters worse, Jazz is the police's prime suspect, and Bell , finds that she just may be the star witness. While Bell battles her own insecurities, she knows in her heart that Jazz is innocent, isn't he? Known for her flair of style, witticism and amateur sleuthing skills, Bell is unwavering when it comes to clearing Jazz's name, even if that means going against the people who love her. While she may not have the assistance of Lt. Jazz this go `round, she's unofficially inducted the assistance of the Detroit Police Department, and a former friend turned reporter, Kalaya, who God sent to her to feed. Can Bell learn to leave well enough alone, or will her incessant fears and need for the truth cost her her life and love? I could barely contain myself, as I laughed aloud, loved, and felt the sincerity for each and every character in `Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz.' Looking for a good read, filled with love, fear, murder, suspects, sassiness, truth and pain, then an Amanda Brown Mystery is totally for you! The heart is deceitful above all things... Reviewed by: Crystal

Amanda Bell Brown is back with another complex case. But first she needs to mend her broken heart after distancing herself from Jazz. This proves to be a difficult task when Jazz shows up wanting Amanda to give him another chance. Jazz has even bigger issues when his ex-wife is found murdered in his apartment. The pressure is now on Amanda to solve this case and to figure out if Jazz is guilty or innocent. When Amanda finds herself in a life or death situation, will Jazz be there to pick up the pieces? Can Amanda really fully trust Jazz? Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is the perfect sequel to Murder, Mayhem, & a Fine Man by Claudia Mair Burney. Mair Burney once again pulls you back into Amanda's story. You will feel the conflict that Amanda has with her feelings for Jazz and with finding out the real truth about who murdered his ex-wife. This mystery is pulled together so wonderfully that readers will feel the same shock and surprise that Amanda feels when the killer is revealed. Some of the old characters like Rocky, Carly and Jazz are back along with some new ones that are an integral part of this story. There are also some of the same quirky romantic and comedic elements as the first novel that will surely delight readers. This can be read as a stand alone novel but readers are encouraged to read the first one to get the full background on Amanda and Jazz. Death, Deceit, & Some Smooth Jazz is engrossing and awe-inspiring. Claudia Mair Burney proves once again that she knows the perfect formula for creating a superb mystery. Hopefully this won't be the last time that we see Amanda and Jazz. Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews

Police Lieutenant Jazz Brown decides, in spite of a traumatic marriage and divorce, to try a relationship with forensic psychologist Dr. Amanda bell Brown. One night without warning, he knocks on her door to confess he did something terribly wrong by being with his ex-wife Kate who left him for another woman. Before he can finish his explanation, Bell's sister Carly calls to tell her to vacate the house immediately. Carly says that she is at Jazz's loft with a dead Kate. When Bell gets to the crime scene, her first reaction is things are too perfect as if someone arranged everything to implicate Jazz. When she returns to her home, Jazz is there to finish explaining what he knows. The police look at him as the only suspect and DNA tests affirm their belief; he is arrested, but let out on bond. Bell is determined to clear his name, but someone watches her every step to insure she fails. An Amanda Bell mystery (see MURDER, MAYHEM, AND A FINE MAN) is a treat to read because the heroine seems so human with her many foibles and insecurities starting with her disbelief that a hunk like Jazz loves her. Jazz has made many enemies even inside his precinct as he feels enforcement of the law is a responsibility that a cop must not abuse and from the criminals he has sent to prison. Thus Bell's quest seems Herculean. Claudia Mair Burney provides a compelling whodunit. Harriet Klausner

Amanda Bell Brown, forensic psychologist, is at it again in DEATH, DECEIT & SOME SMOOTH JAZZ. Her sister Carly, calls her to a crime scene, one evening, and Amanda is horrified to find Jazz's ex-wife, Katie, dead in Jazz's bed. Amanda and Detective Jazz Brown had begun a love affair in the previous book, Murder, Mayhem and a Fine Man, but because of religious issues, had stopped seeing each other. Imagine Amanda's surprise when Jazz rang her door bell at 9:30 PM one evening. After leaving Jazz in her apartment, Amanda hurries to the scene, knowing in her heart Jazz could never be this cruel. Others are not so sure, especially the police department and Jazz is first put on leave, then arrested. Amanda is determined to find the real killer. Even though family and well-meaning friends tell Amanda to stay away from Jazz, she can't do it, her heart won't let her, so she plunges onward, searching for any enemy Katie might have had, thus putting herself in grave danger. Even Jazz wants her to stop her investigation. DEATH, DECEIT & SOME SMOOTH JAZZ by Claudia Mair Burney is another exciting mystery Amanda Bell Brown must solve. The characters once again wormed their way into my psyche, making me want to love them and give them a good smack at the same time. It is filled with passion, fear, scripture and plain old humanity as Amanda searches for the killer of Jazz's ex-wife, while fighting her own fears that Jazz is guilty. This book can stand alone, even if you haven't read the first one. It is definitely a must-read for mystery lovers. Reviewed by Alice Holman of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers