Murder and Mayhem

03 · Reader evidence

What the evidence says

What readers repeatedly liked

• Emotional Intimacy. The hurt/comfort dynamic between the leads is a highlight, with tender moments of vulnerability and care; The relationship is extremely well written as Dante’s gentle persistence helps Rook begin to trust and let someone in; The vulnerability and intimacy between the leads made the reader feel swoony. Supported by 3 sources (source 1438, source 1440, source 7871).
• Strong Chemistry. The reviewer praises the scorching chemistry and lovely sexual tension between Rook and Dante; Reviewer loved the leads together, praising the delicious sexual tension and their gravitational pull toward each other despite fighting the attraction; The attraction between Alex and James is described as smoldering, and the reviewer says they are great together. Supported by 3 sources (source 1440, source 1442, source 1443).
• Strong Narration. Greg Tremblay’s narration is outstanding, with perfect pacing, excellent comic timing, and skillful portrayals of all characters; Narrator Greg Tremblay is praised as perfect, magical, and effortless, adding feeling that makes the listener live in the book. Supported by 2 sources (source 1440, source 1442).
• Character Growth. Rook takes baby steps toward letting someone in and allowing himself to be loved; Rook fights his inner demons while Dante shows him he is worthy of love and commitment. Supported by 2 sources (source 1440, source 7871).
• Explicit Heat. Passionate sex occurs immediately after hospital discharge, which the reviewer finds implausible given the character’s injuries; The reviewer highlights the steamy romance and sexual tension between the protagonists as a highlight. Supported by 2 sources (source 1438, source 1440).
• Strong Prose. The writing style is potentially likable based on the excerpts, though other issues may detract from enjoyment; The book is written with an extremely sure hand according to the reviewer. Supported by 2 sources (source 1438, source 1440).
• Humorous. The book is laced with humor including several laugh-out-loud moments and witty banter between the leads; Reviewer highlights the book’s humor, noting a ton of laughs and a laugh-out-loud first date scene. Supported by 2 sources (source 1440, source 1443).
• Tender. Reviewer describes the romance between James and Alex as sweet; The dynamic features hurt/comfort with Dante showing Rook he is worthy of love through words and touch. Supported by 2 sources (source 1443, source 7871).

What readers repeatedly flagged

No caution repeated across two substantive sources in the current evidence set.

Where reader reactions differ

• Explicit Heat. Passionate sex occurs immediately after hospital discharge, which the reviewer finds implausible given the character’s injuries; The reviewer highlights the steamy romance and sexual tension between the protagonists as a highlight. Supported by 2 sources (source 1438, source 1440).

Individual observations

• Complex Characters. Rook is a complex character with abandonment issues and difficulty trusting, shaped by his mother leaving him.
• Likable Lead. Dante is described as gorgeous, a wonderful mixture of tenderness and strength, refreshingly honest about his feelings.
• Death. Multiple dead bodies are found in the comic book shop, including one that has been rotting on the carpet.
• Violence. Reviewer describes the story as slightly gory with people being killed throughout.
• Genre Fans. Despite acknowledged plot and mystery issues, the book remains enjoyable enough for genre fans to overlook them.
• Slow Build Heat. Sexual tension builds deliciously as the characters fight their mutual attraction before gravitating together.
• Well Paced. The reviewer calls the story well-paced and entertaining.
• Banter. Rook is snarky and Dante matches him, producing plenty of witty banter.
• Healthy Communication. The reader praises the honest communication between the main characters.
• Predictable Plot. The reviewer notes the mystery plot is nothing fans of the genre haven’t seen before, though still enjoyable.

Reader sources

1. dearauthor.com – Independent review
2. allaboutromance.com – Independent review
3. lovebytesreviews.com – Independent review
4. rainbowbookreviews.com – Independent review
5. Reddit discussion