by Kylie Logan
Series: Jazz Ramsey #1
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
First in a new series from national bestselling author Kylie Logan, The Scent of Murder is a riveting mystery following Jazz Ramsey as she trains cadaver dogs.
The way Jazz Ramsey figures it, life is pretty good. She’s thirty-five years old and owns her own home in one of Cleveland’s most diverse, artsy, and interesting neighborhoods. She has a job she likes as an administrative assistant at an all-girls school, and a volunteer interest she’s passionate about—Jazz is a cadaver dog handler.
Jazz is working with Luther, a cadaver dog in training. Luther is still learning cadaver work, so Jazz is putting him through his paces at an abandoned building that will soon be turned into pricey condos. When Luther signals a find, Jazz is stunned to see the body of a young woman who is dressed in black and wearing the kind of make-up and jewelry that Jazz used to see on the Goth kids back in high school.
She’s even more shocked when she realizes that beneath the tattoos and the piercings and all that pale make up is a familiar face.
The lead detective on the case is an old lover, and the murdered woman is an old student. Jazz finds herself sucked into the case, obsessed with learning the truth.
The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan is the first in the Jazz Ramsey mystery series. Murder, loss, friendships and an old romance kept cadaver dog trainer Jazz Ramsey busy in this murder-mystery.
From the cover and the description, I thought Jazz would be a full-time dog trainer and involved in law enforcement. However, she is an administrative assistant at a local Catholic high school. She trains cadaver dog on the side. While this was a letdown, the overall mystery was interesting.
Jazz is helping a friend retrain his pooch within an urban environment when she discovers a body. When she discovers the murder victim is a former student she cannot help but investigate.
This was a fun start to the series. The Cleveland police detective assigned to the case ends up being her ex-boyfriend, Nick. Apparently there are still feelings there. I got the initial feeling that duty and commitments made them take a step back.
The author spends some time allowing us to get to know Jazz, her family, friends and co-workers. I liked Jazz. She is stubborn, smart, curious and great with animals.
The story could be described as a cozy, but felt more inline with the Mercy Kilpatrick series by Kendra Elliot. While that series has more romance, this series has the potential to develop as it progresses.
The murder of a former student, with secrets, plenty of enemies and oodles of artist talent was an interesting one. The surprise twist was well done and felt authentic. I liked that Jazz kept Nick informed of her findings. He didn’t encourage her, but didn’t discourage her either. There is some trust there.
The cadaver dogs had some scenes, and I am hoping we see more in future episodes. All in all this was a good solid mystery with characters I will enjoy getting to know further.
When a former student is murdered, # Jazz Ramsey begins to investigate in The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan. #NewRelease #mystery Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Anne - Books of My Heart
I thought about this one but I read somewhere that it was not a full time dog trainer but an admin and decided not to read. I’ll be very interested to see how it continues because maybe. Excellent review!
JoLee @ Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Hope you get more of the Cadaver Dogs in upcoming Books.
Samantha
I have this on my TBR! Glad you enjoyed it!
Lindsi
I tend to shy away from books with animals on the cover! In my experience, they’re usually sad stories. Maybe I’m just unlucky? Have you seen the cover for Lauren Blakely’s new book? It’s a shirtless man petting a kitten, and for some reason, I don’t think that one will be sad. 😉
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? ?
Kimberly
You are reading the wrong books with animals on the cover. Try Jill Shalvis 🙂
Lindsi
I read and enjoyed Lost and Found Sisters! Mick had an adorable dog!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader
Sounds like a fun read. Yet another one added to my wish list… 🙂
Lily B
wish they made it her main profession I think it would be so interesting. Great review.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I am glad you liked the characters and can see why her doing the training on the side was a letdown. Still cool tho. I will also add this one to my ever-growing list!
Mary
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
That’s kind of a bummer about the character’s profession not being what you expected it to be. As soon as I read the blurb, I expected the same thing you did. Glad it’s still a good read regardless though.
Mary Kirkland
What an interesting story premise. It sounds pretty good.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
This murder mystery with a twist sounds interesting! Hopefully, you get more Cadaver dog scenes in the sequel! Nice Review Kim 🙂
Melliane
It looks good there and I confess that I would be curious to try
Stormi Johnson
Well that is a bummer to learn as I was thinking alone the same lines as you about her and thought she was a full time trainer too. At least now I will know not to think that going in. 🙂
sherry fundin
Oooo a cadaver dog. caught my attention. Sounds like one for the summer season.
Sophia Rose
I was really interested in this one when I saw it come up for review, but had a pile of potential choices and had to eliminate a few. Looks good. Hopefully the cadaver dog work will be more involved in future books.
Debbie Haupt
Kim thanks for sharing your review, you said that it was disappointing that she was not a full time trainer. did this detract from the story or why did it disappoint you. It sounds like something I could sink my teeth in. Thanks
Cynthia
I love books that feature dogs and I am always looking for this type of book. Thanks for sharing!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
The title alone has my attention. I’m glad this was a nice and fun start to a series.
Nadene
A solid mystery, I like the sound of that IThe story sounds well done. Great review