Review: Tattoo Killer by A.J. Norris

TATTOO KILLER by A.J. Norris
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: October 18, 2016
Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC

— SYNOPSIS —
Mikey Hardin is a murderer. At least that’s what his ex-wife wants the police to believe…

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Lourdes Review

Mikey Hardin is a single dad, owner of a tattoo shop and recovering alcoholic who finds himself in the midst of a murder investigation when women he’s come across in his life are being targeted by a serial killer.

Right when his life becomes complicated, he meets sexy Grace Bell, a divorced accountant trying to run away from her boring life who happens to be a Detective’s daughter.

When Mikey and Grace start dating and the murders keep leading the cops to Mikey’s doorstep, their secrets come to light and their relationship finds itself very strained after barely getting started.

This is a very good story.  I loved the premise of the romance interlaced with the serial killings, how the killer is trying to get Mikey framed and different aspects of the book.  On the down side, I hated the speed in which Grace jumps in bed with him and found some sex scenes a bit out of place.  Other than that, I feel this was a very good read, fast paced and it kept my interest from beginning to end.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the bonus chapter at the end of the book which will give you a different perspective on the tattoo killer.  Can’t wait for the next book on this series!

4 Book Corner Stars

*An ARC was given in exchange for an honest review*

— EXCERPT —

The doorbell to Ink Addiction chimed and Mikey inwardly groaned. He ducked behind the curtain toward the back of the shop. Through a gap he watched Detective Harry Hunter survey the parlor until he spotted the glass top counter and Mandy.
Her bright smile greeted him. “What can we help you with today?”
“Looking for Mikey Hardin. Is he here?”
Please don’t tell him I’m here.
“Yeah, he’s in the back.” She nodded in Mikey’s direction.
Dammit.
“Mike!” she shouted. Her feet padded toward him. “Mike…”
He came out of his hiding spot and nearly ran into her.
Her face flushed. “Oh…this guy is here to see—”
“I heard.”
Mandy returned to her post behind the counter as Hunter joined Mikey back by his work station, a cup of coffee in his hand.
“Hardin, need to have a word with you.”
What now?
“All right.” He waved him over. “We’ll need to make this quick, got another tattoo to do in twenty minutes.”
“This won’t take long. I’ll come right out with it. Do you know a Chelsea Rand?” Hunter scrutinized Mikey’s face.
“No, can’t say I do. Is there a reason you’re asking about her?”
“She was found murdered.”
“Another one? Shit, when?”
Harry sipped his coffee, eyeing Mikey over the rim of the cup. “About a year ago.”
“And you think I had something to do with it?” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “When is this nightmare going to end?” he muttered under his breath.
“What’s that?” Hunter asked.
“Nothing. When did you say she was killed?”
“A year ago. You didn’t know her?”
“That’s what I said.”
“Do you keep records of your customers?”
“Clients. Yes, but names only unless they pay with a credit card. Sometimes emails.”
“You wouldn’t happen to have the list handy or on a computer, would you?”
Mikey walked behind the curtain where he’d tried hiding from the detective. Hunter followed him.
He sat down at a glass top desk with chrome legs and began tapping on the laptop keyboard. He entered the name into the search function of the scheduling program. Chelsea Rand came up, along with her email address used for newsletters with the dates and times of all her appointments. Hunter leaned over his shoulder.
“How come I see her name?” the detective asked.