Forensic psychologist Amanda Bell Brown fell hard for police Lieutenant Jazz Brown during the case they investigated together, but Jazz, due to his Christian background and the fact that he is divorced, chose to break things off with Amanda because he didn’t feel free to pursue their relationship. There’s a definite chemistry, but Amanda has just about convinced herself that they are not going to be together. When Jazz shows up at her door, the sparks fly all over again - until Amanda’s medical examiner sister calls and reports that Jazz’s ex-wife, Kate, has been brutally murdered. All fingers point to Jazz as the culprit.

Amanda isn’t sure Jazz is guilty, but most of the time, she’s the only one championing his innocence. Can she subtly investigate the crime in order to clear Jazz’s name? What if her worst suspicions turn out to be true?

Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz is the second book featuring Amanda, Jazz, and the gang. Author Claudia Mair Burney has a unique writing style that draws the reader in to the story while she weaves an intricate tale around you. The mystery portions of this novel are excellent. The reader is never left in the dark too long, yet the case is not quickly wrapped up but remains intriguing and keeps you wondering until the conclusion. The author also has a gift for creating black characters whom readers of any race can relate to and identify with.

Some of the spiritual elements of Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz are excellent and thought-provoking while others often make the reader feel helpless and alone. It’s unfortunate that, even after all Amanda has experienced with her faith and the power of God, that she cannot seem to surrender to Him. And the sexual tension between the unmarried Amanda and Jazz, although realistic, seems to push the envelope for a Christian novel.

Overall, Death, Deceit and Some Smooth Jazz is an entertaining mystery with well-defined characters. Readers will look forward to the next installment of this series to discover what adventures the characters will be involved with next.