Reviewed by me for Reader’s Favorite.
What does one expect in a murder mystery? I, as a reader, look for an intriguing investigation, gripping suspense, occasional drama, deceptive characters, and a charismatic detective who has a life beyond the case that he is working on. Lying, Cheating, and Occasionally…Murder by Ginny Fite check all these parameters. The plot begins when Harold Munson is found dead in his car. It could have been closed as a drunken driving case if it weren’t for two bullets’ holes on the driver’s side window. Detective Sam Lagarde is handed over this case. He does not believe in making speculations but his girlfriend, Beverly, has no such reservations. She has taken an interest in Harold Munson’s case and has strong suspicion that his wife, Charlotte Rolle, is somehow involved in his murder. According to her, Harold must be having an affair, his wife would have found out about it, hence, she conspired his murder. The investigation, however, did not turn out that straightforward; Sam, very quickly, realizes that this case would need all his attention and time. He and his new partner, Corporal Jim Taylor, must move fast or risk an undesirable conversion of this case into a long list of cold cases.
The most amusing elements of Lying, Cheating, and Occasionally…Murder by Ginny Fite is its diverse characters. There are scientists, detectives, techies, business partners, and what not. The job profiles are so varied that its hard not to be hooked. The author did not shy away from throwing a little bit of significant light into each of these careers. Charlotte Rolle is a scientist who would do anything to prove her value to her father. She wants to achieve fame and would not tolerate anything or anyone becoming an obstacle in her path. She is career-oriented and driven but with an ulterior motive. I joined her team ever since the author narrated her past. This is a very handy technique to connect readers to the characters. If I know somebody’s past, I find myself understanding them, and thus, relating to them. I mentioned only Charlotte because, against my better judgment, I liked her character a lot. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She is not afraid to be judged by the society. I like her feistiness.
If you read it closely, you would realize that the author has made the book much more than just a murder investigation. Of course, the primary genre remains murder mystery, there are many threads that have come together to make Lying, Cheating, and Occasionally…Murder a story worth your time. Sam’s fear of a lonely life without Beverly, Charlotte’s insane quest to throw her success on her father’s face, a child’s need to seek acceptance in the eyes of their parents, the effects of generation gap, and a man’s tendency to think from his crotch are the emotional and practical parameters that enhanced my interest in this book. I am amazed by the author’s knowledge of medicines and science. Either the author has worked in these fields or has devoted an impeccable amount of time in researching these.
The only thing that seemed a bit unnatural to me was Beverly’s immense interest in the ongoing investigation of Harold Munson’s case; however, that might be just me. I have enjoyed every second of reading this book and, to me, that means a perfect five rating. Lying, Cheating, and Occasionally…Murder by Ginny Fite would prove to be a treat to the readers who are looking for a fast-paced and gripping murder mystery filled with several twists, emotional, and sexual dramas.
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