5+ stars for Why 319? by Mark Love #mystery #serialkiller #crimefiction #bookreview
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  • N. N. Light
    • Jun 20, 2023
    • 2 min read

5+ stars for Why 319? by Mark Love #mystery #serialkiller #crimefiction #bookreview



Title: Why 319?

Author: Mark Love

Genre: Mystery


Book Blurb:


A serial killer is on the loose in metro Detroit. Three female victims have been discovered in motel rooms in different suburban cities surrounding Motown. The only connection is that each body is found in Room 319 and the killer leaves the taunting message “Why 319?” on the bathroom mirror, written with the victim’s lipstick.


Detective Jefferson Chene heads up an elite squad of detectives assigned to the case. With no home life, he devotes every waking moment to catching killers. But this one is more elusive than most. With no clues and no apparent link between the victims, Chene is at a dead end. But a startling revelation busts the case wide open. He’s closing in on the murderer, but will it be before another young woman loses her life?


My Review:


In the heart of Detroit, a serial killer is on the loose and the only clue has to do with room 319. Can Det. Chene nab the killer before he strikes again? Wow, what an intense mystery. I tend to not like serial killer mysteries but this one is so interesting, so well-written, I was unable to sleep until I reached the end. The plot is complex with false clues and dead ends. The descriptive narration plunges the reader into the mystery. Then there’s the details of the investigation. If you love mysteries and crime fiction, you’ll want to read Why 319?.


Let’s start with the descriptive narration. Every scene is intricately described so the reader knows what’s going on. I need this in a mystery, so the narration lets me visualize everything.


The characters are well-conceived and play an important role in this mystery. Detective Chene is your typical detective, but I like that. He’s methodical, realistic, and good at his job. He’s also the one I’d want on a case if I was murdered. The rest of the characters are mysterious and round out the mystery.


The mystery plot is exactly laid out to make it an immersive reading experience. Mark Love uses classic mystery writing techniques and I was quite impressed. Brilliantly written from start to finish, this is one mystery you need to read. Highly recommend this book!


My Rating: 5+ stars


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Author Biography:


Mark Love lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption are always prevalent. A former freelance reporter, Love honed his writing skills covering features and hard news. He is the author of the Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, Devious,Vanishing Act, Fleeing Beauty, and the soon to be released, Chasing Favors, along with the novella Stealing Haven. His novella, Don’t Mess with the Gods, was written with Elle Nina Castle and included in the Magic & Mischief anthology. Love also writes the Jefferson Chene mystery series, WHY 319? Your Turn to Die and The Wayward Path. Love resides in west Michigan with his wife, Kim. He enjoys a wide variety of music, books, travel, cooking and exploring the great outdoors.


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Reviewed by: Nancy

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