Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
Featuring your next weekend read!
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.
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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?
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!
*I follow the Amazon Rating System*
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
Blog: Thisismytruthnow.com
Facebook: Thisismytruthnow
Twitter: @jamescudney4
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Another great review!
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Thanks, Ritu. ❤️
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Always enjoy your reviews. Best of luck to James.
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Thanks, Craig. Cozy mysteries are a fun read. ❤️
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Thank you.
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Hi,
Thank you so much! What a great review. I’m traveling most of the day, but as soon as I’m home and settled this weekend, I will respond again (with more detail!) and share all over the place. Have a great Friday!
j
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Thanks, Jay. Have a safe trip. ❤️
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Thank you. All done and back online today finally!
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It’s good to have some time away. 😀
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Yes, I agree… I try to have a fair balance. 🙂
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I always appreciate humor in a story. Thanks for the review, Colleen:)
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Thanks, Denise. I liked this second book. I think Jay found his groove. Granny D is really a fun character. ❤
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Found my groove – that’s such a compliment. 🙂
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Now… if I can find my groove, I’ll be happy. Congratulations, Jay. Well done. ❤
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You probably found it and don’t even know it yet. It sneaks up on ya. LOL. Looking forward to reading more of yours soon.
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Thank you. ❤
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A fabulous review, Colleen. I have this book coming up on my TBR.
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Jay really finds his groove in this book. You’ll like it, Robbie. ❤
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Thank you, Colleen. I like everything Jay writes. He has a lot of talent.
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You are so kind!!! xoxo
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Agreed. ❤
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Nice review Colleen. Jay’s style has evolved with each book. I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
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Hi, Balroop! I agree. Have you read the third book? I’m looking forward to that one.
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Hi Colleen, I have read his earlier books, not the third one in this series but will read it next month.
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Sounds good. Thanks, Balroop. ❤
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Thank you both so much. Evolving is definitely happening… It makes me feel great to see others see it too. 🙂
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Well deserved, Jay. We all must evolve in our writing and you just keep getting better! ❤
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Thank you. 🙂
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Hi!
Phew… catching up this morning. The graphics in your reviews are to notch. They make me smile, and it shows how committed and generous you are to supporting authors. I love how you covered all the major things in this book, shared the humor and Nana’s quirky style. I want to make a book all about her!
Sharing this everywhere… truly grateful you took the time to read another of my books. I’m humbled, thank you Colleen.
J
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You’re so welcome! I’ll have to get the third book, now. Yes! Nana D needs her own series! She’s a hoot! Keep writing, Jay. I enjoy your stories. ❤️
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Terrific review.. and book thanks Colleen and congratulations James. ♥
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Thanks, Sally. This was a fun read! ❤
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What a fantastic review Sis. I’m sure Jay is thrilled with the wonderful reviews his series is getting. ❤
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Thanks, Sis. This book was a fun read. 😍
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Yes, I’m thrilled with the reviews, thank you.
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❤
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Excellent review of Jay’s book, Colleen. I have 4 of your books, Jay, but not this one. I must catch up with your book party.
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Book Party – I love it. 🙂 thank you very much.
Today, I shared my review of your book on my blog and social media too. :
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It’s great to wake up with an exciting news. Thank you so much, Jay. 😊
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You’re very welcome!!!
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I reblooged it. Sally will feature it next Monday. I’ll be visiting my granddaughter for a week and on vacation with my hubby in Maui for a week. I’ll catch you later.
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Enjoy the time! Talk again soon. 🙂
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I surely will. Thank you, Jay. 🙂
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