Elegy in Scarlet: A Scott Drayco Mystery, Lawson Bv

The fourth installment in the Shamus-nominated Scott Drayco series and a Daphne Award finalist

What if a large part of your past turned out to be a lie?

Crime consultant Scott Drayco is already in the middle of a possible career-ending legal battle when word comes that his mother, who disappeared 30 years ago, is very much alive - and charged with murder. With Draycos father washing his hands of the matter and police convinced the woman is guilty, everyone tells Drayco he should just walk away from the case and let the chips fall where they may.

Except, Drayco finds he cant leave it alone and is obsessed with uncovering the truth: Is his mother really a killer? Where has she been all these years? And why did she suddenly leave her husband and children to vanish without a trace?

Investigating the murder victims colleagues, Drayco learns there are plenty who wanted the man dead, including a shadowy stalker who seems to have a mysterious connection to Draycos mother. As he wades hip-deep into secrets, lies, and cons, Drayco begins to question if the case is all just part of an elaborate scam ... where the only one being fooled is Drayco himself.

The Scott Drayco mystery series has been honored by the American Independent Writers, Maryland Writers Association, named Best Mystery in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, and been a finalist for the Shamus and Silver Falchion Awards.

The complete chronology of the Scott Drayco series for those who enjoy reading in order is:

Played to Death
Requiem for Innocence
Dies Irae
Elegy in Scarlet
The Suicide Sonata

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PRAISE FOR BV LAWSONS SCOTT DRAYCO SERIES:

Lawsons protagonist is greatly compelling. - Publishers Weekly Booklife Prize

This labyrinthine novel is great for those who love to be as intellectually frenzied as the detectives in the stories they read. Theyll be eagerly flipping back to look for Lawsons strategically placed clues. - Library Journal

BV Lawson has created a memorable character in Drayco, a concert pianist turned FBI agent, turned crime consultant. He also has the fascinating condition of synesthesia, which not only adds a mysterious depth to his character it is integral to the plot. Big Als Books & Pals

The storyline here is nicely structured, and creatively ties together two murder mysteries, which occurred decades apart. The small town setting is ideal, the lead character engaging, and the supporting cast interesting and diverse. Omimystery News

... Kept me guessing until the very end. Id recommend this book to experienced mystery readers who enjoy wrestling with skillfully placed hints that dont easily reveal their secrets. Long and Short Reviews

Lawsons book was so good, I read it twice from beginning to end...The citizens of Cape Unity are as diverse and multi-layered as any person living in the large cities, and Lawson portrayed them splendidly. - Readers Favorite Reviews

Now this story was close to brilliance ... The writing was fluent and the story intriguing, and I loved the end. - IHeartReading Reviews