Audiobook Review: A Justified Murder by Jude Deveraux

A Justified Murder
Author: Jude Deveraux
Narrator: Susan Bennett
Series: A Medlar Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: MIRA; Original edition (February 26, 2019); Recorded Books (February 26, 2019)
Length: 334 p.; 10 hours and 31 minutes

Description: New York Times bestselling romance author Jude Deveraux continues her breakout Medlar Mystery series with a twisted tale of guilt and revenge...

The small town of Lachlan, Florida, was rocked last year when two bodies were uncovered in the roots of a fallen tree. Despite their lack of investigative experience, Sara Medlar; her niece, Kate; and Jack Wyatt found themselves at the center of the mystery, working together to reveal the truth behind a decades-old secret in the sleepy town. After a narrow escape, they vowed to never again involve themselves in something so dangerous—until Janet Beeson is murdered.

When Janet’s body is discovered, everyone is shocked by the violence of the attack. The sweet little old woman has been shot, stabbed and poisoned, but no one can imagine who would want to harm one of the town’s kindest, most helpful residents.

Sara, Kate and Jack are determined to leave this case to the professionals. But they are soon bombarded by townspeople eager to tell their stories and clear their names with the trio who solved the Morris murders. Even the sheriff is hoping they’ll lend their skills to a crime that seems to have no explanation and no motive. And once the town gets talking, they begin to see that there are more secrets buried in quiet Lachlan than anyone could have imagined…

My Thoughts: I listened to this second case for the Medlars, but think it would have been better had I read it with my eyes. The narrator didn't make the voices distinct for me. I was often wondering who was doing the talking. It was even harder because parts of the story were told in flashbacks which give one or two of the current suspects motives. 

The story concerns the death of a woman who was described as sweet and forgiving. Her manner of death - shot, stabbed, and poisoned - seems to indicate that she wasn't as nice as first look told. 

Bestselling author Sara Medlin, her real estate saleswoman niece Kate, and adopted grandson Jack Wyatt were successful in their first case. But they have decided that it was too dangerous and wish people would quit coming to tell them about Janet. Even the Sheriff wants them to investigate. 

As they begin looking into Janet's life, they find a number of people who wanted her dead. The suspects range from the woman who sold Janet her house to teenage mean girls to Jack's foreman who is worried about losing custody of his son. There were others too. 

Sara, Kate, and Jack soon learn that Janet was never satisfied until she got revenge for even the smallest slight. The woman who beat her in a crocheting contest had her sheshed burned down. The beautician who accidentally dyed her hair green had Janet put her out of business by establishing a competitor next door. 

I liked the byplay between Jack and Kate and wonder if she's really as clueless about how much he likes her as she seems. 

It was a nice mystery with a sort of surprising ending. I just think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it with my eyes.

Favorite Quote:

Janet Beeson had a gunshot in her head and a large knife sticking out of her chest. Green vomit was on her chin and down the front of her shirt. Poison, maybe?

Sheriff Flynn recovered first. "Somebody really, really wanted her dead," he managed to say.

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.