The Murder Book - An Interview & Review

I'm pleased to welcome Lissa Marie Redmond back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Lissa writes the Cold Case Investigation Mystery series. THE MURDER BOOK is the second book in the series and will be released February 8, 2019.

Kathy: It's pretty much common knowledge that cute pets in books increase sales. While A COLD DAY IN HELL was critterless, THE MURDER BOOK introduces Watson, an adorable dog. What made you decide to add this furry companion?

LMR: I definitely wasn’t jumping on the trend bandwagon. I started writing A COLD DAY IN HELL eight years ago and in the book my main character, Lauren Riley, debates whether she should get a puppy now that both of her daughters are away at college. She is going through a very tough empty nest period and has suffered a traumatic injury when her partner shows up with his dog, Watson. He really fills a void in her life she didn’t realize she had.


Kathy: They say life imitates art. They also say art imitates life. Will you share some other ways that your books impacted your life and vice versa?

LMR: After I finished THE MURDER BOOK my own two daughters wore me and my husband down and we got a puppy. Boy, those first three months were tough, it was like having a baby again, but now Millie is a huge part of our family.

I talk about Buffalo Police Headquarters moving from Franklin Street in both books. There had been rumors of a move since I got on the job in 1993. Then in September of 2018 they actually did pack up and move. I often wonder if some of the cockroaches managed to make their way into the new building, but I suppose only time will tell with that one!


Kathy: Many people don't realize the wonderful history and amazing architecture to be found in Buffalo, NY. I'm pleased that you talk about a Buffalo landmark in THE MURDER BOOK, Our Lady of Victory Basilica. This gorgeous building is truly amazing. What are some of your favorite Buffalo buildings?


LMR: In the last ten years Buffalo has gone through an amazing rebirth: Canalside, the new arena, development of the Old First Ward. It has become a mix of modern glass and steel alongside classic brick and wood. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin house stands out. As well as Buffalo City Hall, which has been called an art deco masterpiece. If you’ve ever seen the inside of the Ellicott Square Building (and you might have, if you’ve ever seen the movie The Natural) you’d know why people take side trips from their visits to Niagara Falls just to enjoy the architecture.


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

LMR: The inspiration was police headquarters itself and all the long nights I spent there over the years. In those late-night moments, the writer in me would ask, what if? And a hundred different scenarios would play out in my head.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Detective Lauren Riley?

LMR: She had some unfinished business in book one. Most of it comes to a conclusion in book two, except for one very important thread.


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

LMR: A MEANS TO AN END comes out September 8th, and that last thread definitely gets tied up.

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You can keep up with Lissa using these author links:

Website: https://lissamarieredmond.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LissaMarieRedmond/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lissa-marie-redmond
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2282595.Lissa_Marie_Redmond 
Twitter: @Lissa_Marie_Redmond

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Review

THE MURDER BOOK by Lissa Marie Redmond

The Second Cold Case Investigation

Detective Lauren Riley is working late when she is stabbed from behind and beaten. Lucky to have survived, the only thing she knows is the person who attacked her was a cop. A police officer is never truly off duty and as Lauren recovers she also tries to investigate who tried to kill her and why. Things seem to be hinged on a cold case, but which one? With the Murder Book gone, Lauren calls on her old lieutenant for help. Unfortunately, he's not the only person from her past who's returned. In finding her attacker will she be able to see justice served, or will she become a victim once again?

I really enjoyed this second ride out with Detective Riley. The mystery is an intricate puzzle that leads to an exciting caper culminating in a pulse pounding chase over an iconic Buffalo roadway in the dead of winter! The addition of Watson was a great move and I enjoyed watching Lauren's devotion to the little guy. He is much better, and infinitely healthier, to be around than the males she usually picks!

As a former police officer myself, I really appreciated the on point depiction of the cops, including attitudes, relationships, and, most of all, humor. I especially love the camaraderie between Lauren and Reese as well as Lauren and her old lieutenant, which comes across so naturally. The community of police is a special world that only those in it can truly understand, but Lissa Marie Redmond shares it in a way that readers can glimpse what it's like and, for a moment, be a part of it.

THE MURDER BOOK is a gritty police procedural that takes an unflinching look into the world of cops. But, ultimately, this book is about love and family; what you will do to protect those you love as well as what lengths you'll go to prove your love.