Legally Blind Luck
Legally Blind Luck (Braxton Campus Mysteries)
by James J. Cudney
About Legally Blind Luck
Legally Blind Luck (Braxton Campus Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Independently published (April 15, 2021)
Gumshoe – A Next Chapter Imprint
Paperback: 295 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8707757341
Digital ASIN: B08R347N84
Surprising new family members. A hidden talisman. Deadly curses. Murder. Months after tragically losing a loved one, Kellan learns his relative’s death wasn’t an accident.
Someone has discovered a cursed talisman, and a rogue government agent will stop at nothing to retrieve the heirloom. Unfortunately, it has already changed hands and found its way on campus. Moments before Braxton’s controversial art exhibition opens, Kellan stumbles upon another murder victim, and it appears he might be next on the avenger’s list.
Can Kellan protect the talisman’s true heir and prevent the killer’s nefarious plan? Given all the suspects have ties to prominent Braxton citizens, he’s uncertain whom to trust. Together, Kellan and Sheriff April are determined to solve the mystery – via legal means or blind luck.
Review
This was a well-written cozy mystery. Well, it could be, if the story was completed. Why do Authors leave us with cliffhangers? I'm sure it's some marketing ploy to get us to buy the next book. Is it too much to ask for a few more chapters to complete the story? If we enjoyed the story, true fans will automatically get the next book in the series.
Aside from the faux paus of leaving us with a cliff-hanger, the story was really good. I didn't want the book to end. The characters were enlightening and entertaining, and I could see this as a Netflix series (where it would be appropriate to have a cliffhanger). Despite this being a book with an ending, it can be read as a stand alone, without one getting lost.
The author writes cozies that are fun to read, and this one is no exception. Full of mystery, twists and turns... it keeps one guessing who the murderer is.
About James J. Cudney
Background
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, an historic but small liberal arts school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a degree in English literature and minors in Education, Business and Spanish. After college, I accepted a technical writing position for a telecommunications company during Y2K and spent the last ~20 years building a career in technology & business operations in the retail, sports, media, hospitality, and entertainment industries. Throughout those years, I wrote short stories, poems, and various beginnings to the “Great American Novel,” but I was so focused on my career that writing became a hobby. In 2016, I committed to focusing my energies toward reinvigorating a second career in reading, writing, and publishing.
Author
Writing has been a part of my life as much as my heart, mind, and body. At some points, it was just a few poems or short stories; at others, it was full length novels and stories. My current focus is family drama fiction, cozy mystery novels, and suspense thrillers. I conjure characters and plots that I feel must be unwound. I think of situations people find themselves in and feel compelled to tell the story. It’s usually a convoluted plot with many surprise twists and turns. I feel it necessary to take that ride all over the course. My character is easily pictured in my head. I know what he is going to encounter or what she will feel. But I need to use the right words to make it clear.
Reader & Reviewer
Reading has also never left my side. Whether it was children’s books, young adult novels, college textbooks, biographies, or my ultimate love, fiction, it’s ever present in my day. I read two books per week and I’m on a quest to update every book I’ve ever read on Goodreads, write up a review, and post it on all my sites and platforms.
Blogger & Thinker
I have combined my passions into a single platform where I share reviews, write a blog and publish tons of content: TRUTH. I started my 365 Daily Challenge, where I post about a word that has some meaning to me and converse with everyone about life. There is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice, and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dogs have had weekly segments called “Ryder’s Rants” or “Baxter’s Barks,” where they complain about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real. And that’s why they are me.
Genealogist & Researcher
I love history and research, finding myself often reaching back into the past to understand why someone made the choice he or she did and what were the subsequent consequences. I enjoy studying the activities and culture from hundreds of years ago to trace the roots and find the puzzle of my own history. I wish I could watch my ancestors from a secret place to learn how they interacted with others, and maybe I’ll comprehend why I do things the way I do.
Websites & Blog
Website: https://jamesjcudney.com/
Blog: https://thisismytruthnow.com
Amazon: http://bit.ly/JJCIVBooks
Next Chapter: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/james-j-cudney
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/james-j-cudney
Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamescudney4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesJCudneyIVAuthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonCampusMysteries/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsMyTruthNow/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jamescudney4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescudney4/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jamescudney4
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescudney4
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Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for kicking off the tour with an excellent post. I appreciate your generosity, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed the book. It really means a lot to read such positive feedback.
As for cliffhangers... ah... I will say, I absolutely love them, and that's why they are in this series. I don't include them in my others. It's truly how I see the stories in my head, thinking about the options... sort of 'a few weeks in the life of the protagonist.' I grew up on daytime and primetime dramas, the "what will happen next" phenomena. :) I assure you, it has nothing to do with enticing someone to buy the next book. It's purely how I think as an author, in terms of what information is known at what time in Kellan's life, or even to me sometimes. It's also a challenge to find a way to stick to the clues from this book when I map out the next storyline.
I totally understand cliffhangers aren't for everyone. When I'm behind in a series or a show, it's nearly impossible for me not to look for spoilers and summaries of things I haven't gotten to yet. I suppose, just a weird part of me! LOL
Have a great day!!!
Jay