Playing Through Every Choices Book, In Order (Part 103: Crimes of Passion, Book 1)

Hey! Today we try to unmask the Heartache killer with a certain Thorne in our side!

Next time, we head to Drakovia to finally uncover the truth behind Trystan's former fiancee's death...

Link to previous reviews: https://www.reddit.com/user/stresseatingdog/comments/sj3s3m/all_choices_reviews_megapost/

Crimes of Passion, Book 1

M/C: Raj Rose

Love Interest(s): Trystan

Favorite Characters: Trystan, Mafalda, Luke, Ruby, Marguerite

Least Favorite Characters: ...

Rating: 9/10

Review:

As a long time murder mystery fan, I absolutely adore when Choices leans into the genre.

Let's first discuss the murder mystery plot. I think it's well-founded, but it does falter in some areas. There isn't enough interaction with the potential suspects, and I thought Eleanor was kind of obvious by the end since she was like the only person to get minimal screentime/attention. However, the actual investigation and clue-finding is the highlight of the book. The action and drama somewhat makes up for the rather lacking mystery elements, and of course, M/C and Trystan's dynamic is what truly carries the book. I think Tony and Eleanor are good culprits, and the final confrontation with both of them is really well done and action-packed. I like the high stakes of saving Marguerite, and how she can actually lose a finger if you make enough incorrect choices.

Trystan is a great LI, mainly because they play off of M/C so well. I almost wish M/C was more surly/closed off for longer, with more begrudging flirting? I still really enjoy the progression of their relationship. This book does the whole single LI thing right. If I am expected to only have a singular LI, then that LI should be complex, developed, and have a good dynamic with M/C. Trystan checks those boxes.

The side characters are great here as well. I love everyone from the agency. Mafalda, Luke, and of course Ruby. Marguerite is a fun character as well, and like I mentioned earlier, having her life at stake at the end was a great way to really up the ante. Uncle Tommy's neat, and the dog you can adopt is pretty cute too!

I do think there's a bit too much filler in this book at times. The whole arc with that one teenage boy who you have to rescue from the mobsters, then you confront said mobsters? Kinda felt like padding, though I don't mind it too much. The book is still well-paced, but I did feel it sometimes drag at points.

I also love that this book is GOC and lets you choose pronouns (which should be the standard for all Choices books, I think).

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's thrilling and engaging, and gives us a great LI and M/C dynamic. For a 17+ book, there's little to no smut, which is honestly quite refreshing!