#BlogTour The Art of Murder by J.S. Strange

Today it's a pleasure to take part in the BlogTour The Art of Murder by J.S. Strange. This is the second book in the Jordan Jenner Mystery series.

About the Author
J.S. Strange is an author from Wales, United Kingdom. He writes crime, mystery and horror. His first novels, published in 2016 and 2017, were set in an apocalyptic London. Murder on the Rocks, was the first in a cozy crime mystery series, featuring a leading gay male detective.

Murder on the Rocks was written by Strange for many reasons. One of those reasons was a lack of representation within the crime genre, particularly with detectives and sleuths. Strange created Jordan Jenner, a private investigator, who lives and works in Cardiff. Murder on the Rocks was written with the intention of shining light on Cardiff, and bringing Cardiff, and furthermore, Wales, into the crime genre.

Strange's previous works, such as 'Winter Smith: London Burning', also explored LGBT themes, and featured socialite Winter Smith escaping a zombie apocalypse. 'London's Burning' became an Amazon best-seller in LGBT fiction.

When Strange doesn't write, he works in television. He also presents a radio show all about the paranormal. He has an enthusiasm for Britney Spears and cats.

Strange's new novel, The Art of Murder, is set in Wales and is the second in the Jordan Jenner series. The murder mystery is available now.

Follow @JackSamStrange  and @PantherPubs on Twitter, on Amazon, on Goodreads, on Instagram, on Facebook, Visit jacksamstrange.com, Buy The Art of Murder

About the book
The second in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries series. The follow up to Murder on the Rocks.

Artist Xander Draper is being threatened by a dangerous group. With PI Jordan Jenner's help, Xander hopes to remain unscathed.

But when Xander is murdered, his body displayed as his final exhibit, Jordan realises the extent of the trouble Xander was in. Now, there are people following Jordan. They know his name, and they want him dead.

Meanwhile, Jordan's brother Ashley has returned, and he has a secret. As time runs out to solve the murder of the famous artist, Jordan begins to fear his brother may be responsible.

A classic cosy mystery set in the heart of Cardiff. A perfect read for fans of Agatha Christie.

A murdered artist. A brother with a deadly secret. A group intent on killing. The Art of Murder is the second in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries series, a cosy murder mystery set in Wales.

Review
This is the second book in the Jordan Jenner Mystery series, the first is Murder on the Rocks. Both of the books can be read as standalone novels.

This time Jordan is drawn into the dubious world of art and crime. Into a world of secrets, deals and betrayal. Unfortunately Jordan finds himself on the mister popular of the month list with a local gang. Of course he is completely unaware of this fact, but when the local goons start turning up with less than honourable intentions, Jordan soon figures out he might be in over his head.

Then to put the cherry on top of his sundae his brother turns up with a boatload of trouble in tow.

It's noted as a cosy crime mystery and yet this book in particular also has the feel of gritty urban crime with a gangster vibe at times. It's brutal and not very cosy with plenty of action and perhaps less focus on the sleuthing aspect the first book in the series had.

The one thing I will say is that the author needs to make sure cosy isn't interpreted as simplistic from a language and writing point of view. His readers have warmed to his main character and enjoy the crimes he wanders into, albeit often without any help from himself. Perhaps Jordan Jenner is moving in the direction of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as opposed to the world of cosy crime.

Although I made this point in my review of Murder on the Rocks I think the sentiment is worth repeating. This is marketed as mystery series with an LGBT main character. Strange doesn't overshadow the crime element of the read with that fact. Instead it becomes as irrelevant as having a heterosexual main character, which is as it should be. The author helps to fill the niche of diverse fiction by creating a character that people can relate to.

Buy The Art of Murder at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Panther Publishing 1 Oct 2019. Buy at Amazon com.

Read my review of Murder on the Rocks ( Jordan Jenner Mysteries #1) by J.S. Strange

#BlogTour Murder on the Rocks by J.S. Strange

Today it's my turn on the BlogTour Murder on the Rocks by J.S. Strange. It's a cosy mystery with a fierce main character.

About the Author
J.S. Strange is an author from Wales, United Kingdom. He writes crime, mystery and horror. His first novels, published in 2016 and 2017, were set in an apocalyptic London. Murder on the Rocks, is the first in a cozy crime mystery series, featuring a leading gay male detective.

Murder on the Rocks was written by Strange for many reasons. One of those reasons was a lack of representation within the crime genre, particularly with detectives and sleuths. Strange created Jordan Jenner, a private investigator, who lives and works in Cardiff. Murder on the Rocks was written with the intention of shining light on Cardiff, and bringing Cardiff, and furthermore, Wales, into the crime genre.

Strange's previous works, such as 'Winter Smith: London Burning', also explored LGBT themes, and featured socialite Winter Smith escaping a zombie apocalypse. 'London's Burning' became an Amazon best-seller in LGBT fiction.

When Strange doesn't write, he works in television. He also presents a radio show all about the paranormal. He has an enthusiasm for Britney Spears and cats.

Follow @JacSamStrange on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon, on Instagram, on Facebook,
Visit jacksamstrange.com
Buy Murder on the Rocks

About the book
When PI Jordan Jenner returns to work following the death of his mother, his first case involves a murdered writer...

James Fairview has been killed. As a member of a prestigious writing group hosted by bestselling author Joseph Gordon in the heart of Cardiff, Jordan not only has to cope with solving the mystery, but also deal with press attention.

As Jordan investigates, he discovers his mother's death may not have been so simple. And when another writer is murdered, Jordan realises the killer could strike again...

A murdered writer, a mysterious death, and a group with jealousy at its heart, this is Jenner's toughest case yet.

A cosy murder mystery with a gay male detective, Murder on the Rocks is the first in the Jordan Jenner Mysteries series. If you're a fan of classic whodunits you will love this!

A perfect read for those looking for Welsh crime fiction.

Review

Jordan Jenner is called in to help investigate the death of a writer, a man taking part in a writing retreat hosted by a well-known and successful author. A group full of secrets and envy, what could possibly go wrong?

Jordan comes off as entitled, superior and privileged at times, which is particularly evident in the beginning with Mark and how he thinks he should be treated and adhered to. Then there is the issue that he has a wee bit of a loose mouth when it comes to cases he is working on.

One of his redeemable characteristics is the fact he talks to his cat Oscar and loves him dearly. It softens the sharper edges of Jordan. The more humane side and vulnerable side pops out now and again to say hi.

It's a cosy mystery with a fierce main character. Jordan Jenner follows the clues until the very bitter end. He wants to find solutions and achieve closure. This is especially the case when it comes to his mother. When his father throws the word 'murder' into the arena, which forces Jordan to take a closer look at his mother's death.

Although this is also marketed as a LGBT mystery, Strange ensures that the sexuality of his main character doesn't overshadow the crime element, which is exactly the right balance. Why? Because his sexuality should be and is irrelevant. There absolutely needs to be more diversity in fiction and a more diversified representation. This can happen without using tropes and stereotypes, which this author does well.

Buy Murder on the Rocks at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Published in paperback and ebook format by Panther Publishing on 1st March 2019. Buy at Amazon com. Buy at Waterstones.