I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Frozen Stiff Drink
by James J. Cudney
Series: Braxton Campus Mysteries #6
Series Rating:
Published by Gumshoe - A Next Chapter Imprint on March 18, 2020
Pages: 270
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon
A winter blizzard barrels toward Wharton County with a vengeance. Madam Zenya predicted the raging storm would change the course of Kellan’s life, but the famed seer never could’ve prepared him for all the collateral damage. Nana D disappears after visiting a patient at Willow Trees, leaving behind a trail of confusion. When the patient turns up dead and a second body is discovered beneath the snowbanks, Kellan must face his worst fears. What tragedy has befallen his beloved grandmother?
Kellan’s brother Hampton learns essential life lessons the hard way after his father-in-law accuses him of embezzlement. While trying to prove his innocence, Hampton digs himself a deeper hole that might lead to prison. Sheriff Montague wants to save him, but she receives the shock of her life as the past hurtles forward and complicates her future.
Between locating Nana D and solving the scandalous murder of another prominent Braxton citizen, Kellan and April’s worlds explode with more turmoil than they can handle. Too bad neither one of them knows what to do about the psychic's latest premonition. The suspicious deaths happening around town aren’t ending anytime soon.
Frozen Stiff Drink by James J. Cudney is a complex plot with multiple crimes and intriguing characters.
Will Kellen find the culprit before his family’s reputation is ruined?
Kellen
Kellen is a college professor and our sleuth. His family has an outstanding reputation locally as his Grandmother “Nana D” is the mayor. However, it seems that someone is out to get them. Kellen is slightly paranoid that Fox, April’s husband, is behind it. Perhaps that is just wishful thinking.
I like Kellen. However, he has a large family, and they don’t always get along. He loves April, but they have a few things to take care of, such as getting divorced.
The Mystery
We start with Nana D missing, a murder, and April’s husband staying with her for a few days. There are lots of characters to follow and keep track of, but the author does give us a cast list at the front of the book, along with a map.
Four Stars
My rating for Frozen Stiff Drink by James J. Cudney is four stars. I enjoyed the banter, especially from Nana D. The mystery was good; it kept me guessing. However, the ending isn’t what you would expect. I recommend reading these books in order; that way, the characters are better set in your mind.
Other Book in the Braxton Campus Mystery Series
Other Books By James J. Cudney
Giveaway
Prize: (1) Print Copy – Frozen Stiff Drink: A Kellan Ayrwick Cozy Mystery (Braxton Campus Mysteries) by James J. Cudney (U.S. Only) or (1) Digital Copy – Frozen Stiff Drink: A Kellan Ayrwick Cozy Mystery (Braxton Campus Mysteries) by James J. Cudney
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Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Frozen Stiff Drink by James J. Cudney. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway.
Until the next time,
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
About James J. Cudney
James is my given name, but most folks call me Jay. I live in New York City, grew up on Long Island, and graduated from Moravian College. I’ve spent twenty years building a technology career in the retail, sports, media, and entertainment industries. I enjoyed my job, but a passion for books and stories had been missing for far too long. I’m a voracious reader in my favorite genres (thriller, suspense, contemporary, mystery, and historical fiction), as books transport me to a different world where I can immerse myself in so many fantastic cultures and places. I’m an avid genealogist who hopes to visit all the German, Scottish, Irish, and British villages my ancestors emigrated from in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Writing has been a part of my life as much as my heart, my mind, and my body. I decided to pursue my passion by dusting off the creativity inside my head and drafting outlines for several novels. I quickly realized I was back in my element growing happier and more excited with life each day. My goal in writing is to connect with readers who want to be part of great stories and who enjoy interacting with authors. To get a strong picture of who I am, check out my author website or my blog. It’s full of humor and eccentricity, sharing connections with everyone I follow—all in the hope of building a network of friends across the world.
When I completed the first book, Watching Glass Shatter, I knew I’d stumbled upon my passion again, suddenly dreaming up characters, plots, and settings all day long. I chose my second novel, Father Figure, through a poll on my blog where I let everyone vote for their favorite plot and character summaries. It is with my third book, Academic Curveball, the first in the Braxton Campus Mysteries, where I immersed myself in a college campus full of so much activity, I could hardly stop thinking about new murder scenes or character relationships to finish writing the current story. I can’t believe I’ve finished writing the sixth book in this series. Come join in the fun…
Hi,
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing the book and being part of the blog tour. I’m glad you enjoyed the banter and mystery. I know the ending (like most of my books) is always a bit of a surprise or cliffhanger, but I promise the stories are always resolved… it just kicks off the next mystery to let readers know what it will be about. Hope you have a wonderful week! 🙂
J