Book Review | Murder Most Deadly by Jeanne M. Riedel
by ReadersMagnet | November 21, 2025 | Book Review | 0 Comments
Murder Most Deadly by Jeanne M. Riedel is a tightly woven murder mystery that blends small-town intrigue, financial corruption, and personal danger into a suspenseful, character-driven narrative. The story centers on William, Anna, and their steadfast allies – Detective Raines and private investigator Danner – who find themselves drawn into overlapping murder cases involving an investment banker, a missing ledger, and a high-stakes web of deceit. Riedel crafts a mystery that escalates chapter by chapter, building tension through break-ins, false identities, secret accounts, and a growing threat from those determined to keep their crimes hidden.
The book delivers classic mystery elements – unexpected deaths, misleading clues, and chilling confrontations – while grounding its suspense in the everyday life of believable characters who never expected to be entangled in a criminal conspiracy.
Key Highlights
A Murder in Broad Daylight
The story opens with a shooting that immediately pulls readers into danger. William attempts to stop the fleeing shooter, only to be wounded himself, setting the tone for the escalating risks to come. Anna’s frantic efforts for help establish the emotional center of the book – ordinary people suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
A Ledger That Could Reveal Everything
At the heart of the plot is a mysterious ledger filled with account numbers, initials, and coded financial activity. As William, Anna, Danner, and Raines dig deeper, the ledger links multiple murders and exposes foreign money movements, pointing toward a well-connected mastermind.
Corruption Reaches Every Corner
Rich businessman Lance Cummings, his associates, and even a police department mole are all implicated in the layers of corruption that Riedel reveals. The story emphasizes how justice is distorted by power, posing challenges for investigators who have to outwit those who are trying to stop them.
A Community on Edge
Break-ins, suspicious “magazine reporters,” surveillance attempts, and destroyed evidence keep danger close. The intrusions into William and Anna’s home illustrate how far the criminals will go to prevent exposure.
Unexpected Confessions and Twists
The plot takes a powerful turn when Steve, Cummings’ estranged son, confesses to killing his father – adding emotional depth and moral complexity. Yet his confession reveals even more manipulation behind the scenes, suggesting the murders are part of something larger.
A Team Bound by Duty and Courage
Raines, Danner, Anna, and William make up an odd but interesting team. Each infuses a case full of deceit, terror, and ulterior motives with resolve and moral clarity. As the chaos unfolds, their devotion to one another serves as an anchor.
Themes
Justice vs. Corruption
The narrative pits genuine investigators against powerful individuals who manipulate systems, distort truth, and eliminate threats.
The Cost of Secrets
The ledger symbolizes layers of lies – every hidden number represents lives endangered and truths buried.
Community and Loyalty
Despite danger, the protagonists continue supporting each other, demonstrating resilience and commitment to justice.
Fear and Moral Choice
Characters like Steve and Nelson reveal how fear, desperation, and influence can twist decisions with deadly consequences.
Writing Style
Jeanne M. Riedel writes with a cinematic sense of movement, clarity, and a steady tempo. Investigative scenes feel methodical and grounded, while action scenes are tense and vivid. Even in high-stakes situations, dialogue retains realism by carrying emotional weight. Riedel skillfully strikes a balance between hints and disclosures, crafting a mystery that captivates readers until the very end.
Final Thoughts
Murder Most Deadly is an engaging, suspenseful mystery filled with layered danger, compelling characters, and surprising turns. It captures the escalating tension of a town caught in a web of deceit – where every clue brings investigators closer to the truth and deeper into peril. Readers who enjoy traditional mysteries, police-procedural elements, and small-town intrigue will find this novel deeply satisfying and hard to put down.
Purchase Murder Most Deadly by Jeanne M. Riedel Order your copy today on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the ReadersMagnet Bookstore.
