Colleen’s 2019 #Book #Reviews – “Broken Heart Attack,” by Author, James J. Cudney, @jamescudney4

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Featuring your next weekend read!

About “Broken Heart Attack”

When an extra ticket becomes available to see the dress rehearsal of King Lear, Kellan tags along with Nana D and her buddies. But when one of them dies of an apparent heart attack in the middle of the second act, Nana D asks Kellan to investigate. 


With family members in debt and secret meetings, Kellan learns that the Paddingtons might not be as clean-cut as everyone thinks. But can Kellan find the killer of Gwendolyn Paddington, or will he get caught up in his own stage fright?

Amazon.com

My Recommendation

After the first book in this series, Academic Curveball, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the second book. I guessed that Nana D would feature in this story along with the protagonist, Kellan Ayrwick, but what new adventures would Jay Cudney cook up this time?

“Broken Heart Attack,” introduces a new mystery for Kellan to solve in the form of a heart attack which kills one of Nana D’s friends during Braxton Hall’s dress rehearsal of King Lear. At Nana D’s insistence, the dutiful grandson digs for clues and asks the kinds of questions that set the occupants of the town on edge.

At the same time that Nana D announces that she’s running for mayor, the outspoken granny decides that she has other plans for Kellan. With hilarious results, she pokes her nose into his love life. Thankfully, Kellan is successful in foiling Nana D’s matchmaking attempts with her friend, Gwen. But that’s not the end of that story!

Kellan’s days are filled with chaos! Between teaching, investigating a murder, avoiding confrontation with his boss, and raising his adorable daughter, Emma, the self-appointed sleuth barely has a moment to himself. However, the story really heats up when Kellan learns that his late wife’s family is involved with the mob!

Through the intertwining plot, the reader learns the strengths and weaknesses of Kellen Ayrwick. Does he have the determination to solve this murder along with his own family turmoil?

Cudney weaves a satisfying tale filled with murder, mayhem, and plenty of suspense to keep the reader guessing until the surprise ending.

And did I mention there was humor? Granny D is so realistic in her attitude and dialogue. I guarantee you will laugh at her crazy antics.

The book ends with many unanswered questions about Kellan’s family issues, which only makes me want to find out more. I can’t wait to read the third novel in the series, “Flower Power Trip: Death at The Masquerade Ball.”

I received an advance-reader copy of the book for this review and read the book in June. I’m still playing catch-up after my move this summer. Sorry it took me so long to share!

My Rating

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*I follow the Amazon Rating System*

Colleen's Book ReviewsRating System

About the Author

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in New York City, but I’ve traveled all across the US (and various parts of the world). After college, I spent 15 years working in technology and business operations in the sports, entertainment, and media industries.

Although I enjoyed my job, I left in 2016 to focus on my passion: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is ‘Watching Glass Shatter,’ a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. To see samples or receive news from my current and upcoming books, please subscribe with your email address at my website: https://jamesjcudney.com

How to Connect with the Author

Blog: Thisismytruthnow.com

Facebook: Thisismytruthnow

Twitter: @jamescudney4

Now, where will Jay Cudney take us next in his Braxton Campus Mysteries?
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If you have your book listed on BookBub, I will add my review there also! ❤ Click HERE to follow me! (Colleen M. Chesebro) Let me know in the comments if you follow me so I can follow you!

Are you looking for more great reads? Join authors, D.G. Kaye, Sally Cronin, and Colleen Chesebro in our writer’s group on Facebook: The Literary Diva’s Library to find book reviews, book promotions, & special deals on books from all the independent authors you love.

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