Panic in the Panhandle

by J.C. Kenney

This is no ordinary wild animal removal call…

In the sleepy panhandle of Florida, Benjamin “Elmo” Simpson has carved out a comfortable niche as the go-to wild animal removal specialist. Life is sweet until a peculiar service request takes him to a local condo and an unexpected scene. Retired lawyer Fran Cohen is missing and in his apartment is a well-fed alligator that appears to have enjoyed a nice breakfast with…or rather, of…Fran.

All evidence points toward murder, and local alligator farmer, Waldo “Rambo” Quigley has the motive and the means. When Rambo pleads for help to clear his name, old debts and a history of friendship leave Elmo no choice but to investigate. With his girlfriend, Nicola, by his side, and Rambo’s freedom on the line, Elmo’s on the hunt for the real killer, but don’t panic…Elmo’s got a plan…sort of. Maybe.

Reptilian clues lead to unexpected allies, and the call of danger is addictive. Can Elmo uncover the identity of Fran’s killer before becoming the next victim, removed from the scene like an unwanted pest?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Amazon

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

I write contemporary whodunnits set in oddball small towns. I live in Indianapolis with my wife, two adult children, and a kitty cat. I dream of one day retiring to a place where the water is warm and the beaches are soft. I'm a big fan of motor sports, so when I'm not writing, you'll likely find me following the latest IndyCar developments.

I'm the co-host of the It's Bookish Time TV webcasts, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! If you love, quirky characters with heart and character; references to great music and television- then this is for you :)! I’m looking forward to more adventures with Elmo and friends :)! Thank you J.C for writing this wonderful book :)!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly entertaining mystery with a refreshingly original hero and his adorable cat, and lots of twists and humour.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Meezan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elmo Simpson is a wild animal relocation specialist in the panhandle of Florida. All is well and good until a service call to a condo leads to a startling discovery and an apparent murder weapon like no other. Elmo's buddy, Rambo, is almost immediately identified as a prime suspect. However, Elmo knows Rambo couldn't have committed such a heinous crime. Elmo also knows it's his turn to help Rambo because of something that happened back when they first met. With the help of his sometimes girlfriend, Nicola, Elmo is determined to clear Rambo's name.

I absolutely loved this book! From the first to the final sentence, it is filled will humor and suspense, while still feeling cozy. Most of the humor is through Elmo's witty narration. His thought process and the way he explains things are sometimes hilarious. There are also several fun references to television shows and musicians. For example, there was one reference to Shawn Spencer from Psych. That one really stood out to me because I'm currently binging the series for first time.

It was such a refreshing change to read a cozy mystery featuring a male amateur sleuth. Elmo is perfect in this role. He's a kind-hearted man in his 40s who anyone (except maybe a murderer) would want to spend time with.

I also really enjoyed getting to know Elmo's friends. In the world of cozy mysteries, the cast of characters is unconventional, yet they are all loyal to their loved ones and they help create a strong sense of community. There is a hint of romance throughout the book. Elmo and Nicola have a complicated relationship, but they come together to help unravel this mystery. Also, fans of pets in cozies will be delighted to know that Elmo has a faithful feline companion named Oscar.

The mystery begins from page one and it kept me engaged through the end. There were several suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the culprit was, but in the end, I was wrong. I enjoyed the many twists and turns that sometimes had me on the edge of my seat and other times had me laughing. In fact, this is the funniest cozy mystery I've read so far this year. It was the perfect blend of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments.

I did not want this book to end and I cannot wait for the second installment. I'm excited to see how all of the relationships develop and what their next adventure will be. If you enjoy light-hearted cozy mysteries, complete with humor and suspense, I highly recommend Panic in the Panhandle, by J.C. Kenney. You will be happy you read it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It's unusual for a cosy mystery sleuth to be a male but it's a refreshing change and actually works, especially in the situation he faces in this book. I really liked the characters, there is a lot more to the main character Elmo than face value and it will be interesting to watch him grow with the series because I definitely hope there are more books in the works. The dialog is witty, with a lot of references to tv detectives who most people mystery fans will appreciate. The setting (Florida) just lends it's self to Elmo's occupation and I can see the author having a lot of fun with the critters. I did think the alligator would have had a bigger roll to play but to be honest I liked the story as it was, so all good. The mystery was interesting with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. However I did wonder why Elmo was happy to lay out all his theories to the suspects themselves and he was a bit quick to believe what everybody said. Still a good start to what looks like a fun and entertaining series, I can't wait for the next book.
Elmo is called to take care of an animal in the walls at a local condo complex. Only to discover more than he bargained for. An alligator is trapped in the bedroom next door to the caller and with him is a body. How did the alligator get in there seems the most obvious question and when the answers start pointing to Elmo's friend Rambo, Rambo calls in his favour and asks Elmo for help. Not many people liked the dead man and for good reason, making the more Elmo investigates the longer the list. Can he shorten the list to reveal the killer before his friend is arrested?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[J.C. Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a blast writing this story! I think the fun really shines through.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received my free copy from Goodreads Giveaways! Post read review coming soon.

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does a gator end up in a locked condo and have eaten most of the resident. Elmo the wil#life rehabilitator is called to investigate voices in the condo next door. He ensures the door to this wild scene and when one of his friends is arrested for murder he starts his own investigation as the

Ocal police won't. It's thrilling with plenty of colorful characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super Read. This book was a great read from page one. I loved all the sleuthing. An amature and totally untrained private eye. On top of that he was an unwanted animal nuisance remover. How can this man possibly help his friend, who is accused of murder, out of this situation. You need to read this sometimes scary and sometimes laugh out loud funny book to find out. I was truly entrtained throughout the entire book!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute book! I really enjoyed the story and the length was perfect for a quick read. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway and recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and entertaining mystery.

[Monkeys Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a very good mystery. It was awesome! I was hanging on to every word. I was hooked from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite a gruesome murder via gator this is the funniest, most unique cozy I've read. I loved every quirky character and minute of it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[RachelG. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters and community were great! Finally a book with a different premise. I want to know more and plan to continue the series. I can see how Elmo has lots of room to grow as we get to know more about him. A fun mystery set in the sunshine state.

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway and am Thankful to get a chance to read it.

[Urszula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and composed story. Good plot full of action twists and turns. Interesting characters and relationships among them plus nice pets. Good reality. All together an enjoyable and relaxing read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panic in the Panhandle by J.C. Kenney is the first book in the new Elmo Simpson Mystery Series.
This was a really fun cozy mystery. I liked how the amateur sleuth was male, which isn't too common.

I did really like Elmo, the main character and all the animal characters.

The setting in Florida was great setting for the Gator as part of a crime scene.

The mystery was great with no shortage of suspects.

A fun mystery with great characters.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.C. Kenney's Panic in the Panhandle, the inaugural book in the Elmo Simpson Mysteries series, offers a delightful blend of charm, humor, and suspense, making it a standout in the cozy mystery genre. With its quirky characters and intriguing plot, this novel promises to captivate readers who enjoy a light-hearted yet engaging whodunit.

The story centers around Benjamin "Elmo" Simpson, a wild animal removal specialist in the tranquil panhandle of Florida. Elmo has crafted a niche for himself in this unusual profession, but his life takes a dramatic turn when a routine call leads him to a crime scene. Retired lawyer Fran Cohen is missing, and in his condo lies a well-fed alligator, seemingly having had a rather gruesome breakfast. This bizarre setup is both shocking and humorous, setting the tone for the rest of the novel.

Kenney excels in character development, creating a protagonist who is both relatable and endearing. Elmo is not your typical sleuth; he is a regular guy with an unusual job and a knack for finding himself in extraordinary situations. His relationship with his girlfriend, Nicola, adds warmth and depth to the story, providing a counterbalance to the mystery’s darker elements. Nicola’s support and involvement in the investigation highlight their strong partnership and make for some heartwarming moments.

The plot thickens as local alligator farmer, Waldo "Rambo" Quigley, becomes the prime suspect. With old debts and a friendship history binding them, Elmo feels compelled to help Rambo clear his name. This personal connection adds an emotional layer to Elmo’s quest for the truth, driving him to dig deeper into Fran’s life and untimely demise.

Kenney’s narrative is peppered with humor and wit, making the reading experience enjoyable. The dialogue is snappy, and the interactions between characters are lively and engaging. The inclusion of reptilian clues and unexpected allies keeps the story fresh and intriguing, while the cozy Florida setting provides a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding drama.

What sets Panic in the Panhandle apart is its balance of suspense and light-heartedness. Kenney manages to create a sense of danger and urgency without losing the cozy mystery’s characteristic charm. The pacing is well-crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The mystery is intricately woven, and the resolution is both satisfying and surprising.

Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate the novel’s unique premise and well-drawn characters. Elmo’s unconventional profession as a wild animal removal specialist adds a novel twist to the genre, providing ample opportunities for humorous and unexpected scenarios. The story’s focus on friendship, loyalty, and community further enhances its appeal, making it more than just a mystery but also a tale of personal connections and moral dilemmas.

Panic in the Panhandle by J.C. Kenney is a thoroughly enjoyable start to the Elmo Simpson Mysteries series. With its engaging protagonist, clever plot, and perfect blend of humor and suspense, the novel is sure to delight fans of cozy mysteries. Kenney has crafted a world that readers will want to return to, filled with endearing characters, intriguing mysteries, and the warm, quirky charm of small-town Florida life. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a cozy mystery that delivers both laughs and thrills.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series that starts right out of the gate with a murder, utilizing a most unusual weapon; death by gator. Yes, you read that correctly; a really big alligator was used as a really messy murder weapon to kill a transplant from Philly named Fran Cohen. Not to worry that is not a spoiler, the murder happens before you turn from page one to page two. Benjamin Simpson, but everyone calls him Elmo, is the mild mannered wild animal relocation specialist called to check out the strange noise that leads to the alligator discovery. Elmo was not expecting to find a gator in Fran Cohen’s condo, nor was he expecting to make a promise to help clear Rambo, the man who owned the gator.
Paradise Springs is your typical beach town located in the Florida Panhandle with some locals who are anything but typical. J.C. Kenney has done a great job of creating some unique characters. There is a police chief who was a former swimsuit model and can invoke fear in people with just a single steely gaze and a deputy who resembles Star Trek’s Spock but the disposition of Barney Fife. Suspect number one is Waldo Quigley, alligator farm owner aka Rambo, who is a mountain of a man with a mountain-sized appetite for barbecue, but truly a solid guy you could trust. Unlike Fran who seemed to rub people the wrong way, with his talk of updating and rezoning the town of Paradise Springs, among other things. If you think that the characters mentioned so far are interesting wait until you meet the suspects. Elmo enlists help from his sometimes girlfriend Nicola aka Nic and compiles a list that includes a former actress, a Vampire, a psychic, and a celebrity chef. Not your run off the mill list of suspects, but then again Paradise Springs is not a quiet little beach town.
The mystery was very entertaining with every character being so unique that you can’t wait to see who is going to be introduced next. Many of these characters have secrets. Even Elmo has a backstory that most people don’t know about and contrary to popular belief, Elmo is no slouch. He does a really good job of hunting down clues while also covering his rounds for work. It is surprising how much sleuthing one can get done on their rounds while checking traps and such. It is almost like he was getting paid to be a PI in addition to a wild animal relocation specialist. The misdirection was masterful and the kookiness made me chuckle more than once. This was an entertaining mystery and I look forward to the next one.

[dnsyl57 · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Panic In The Panhandle" is book #1 in the "Elmo Simpson Mystery" series by J. C. Kenney.

"In the sleepy panhandle of Florida, Benjamin “Elmo” Simpson has carved out a comfortable niche as the go-to wild animal removal specialist. Life is sweet until a peculiar service request takes him to a local condo and an unexpected scene. Retired lawyer Fran Cohen is missing and in his apartment is a well-fed alligator that appears to have enjoyed a nice breakfast with…or rather, of…Fran.

All evidence points toward murder, and local alligator farmer, Waldo “Rambo” Quigley has the motive and the means. When Rambo pleads for help to clear his name, old debts and a history of friendship leave Elmo no choice but to investigate. With his girlfriend, Nicola, by his side, and Rambo’s freedom on the line, Elmo’s on the hunt for the real killer, but don’t panic…Elmo’s got a plan…sort of. Maybe.

Reptilian clues lead to unexpected allies, and the call of danger is addictive. Can Elmo uncover the identity of Fran’s killer before becoming the next victim, removed from the scene like an unwanted pest?"

My thoughts:
Quirky and oddball characters seem to be the main feature here. Though a necessary profession, Elmo's business of being a wild animal removal specialist wasn't really something I wanted to hear details about. Yes, it is a job that needs to be done and he seems to do it well, but it did nothing to make his character more relatable. Actually, I found it hard to relate to any of the characters. I did appreciate Elmo's tenacity in finding the killer and clearing Rambo's name. I also liked some of the lighter moments with him and Nic or with Rambo. The bits of humor also added to sometimes dark and somewhat creepy settings.

The victim was a nasty piece of work from all evidence but the method of murder was downright disgusting. I wasn't overly surprised at the reveal of the killer and how it was done. The pages after that also did a good job of filling in some of the gaps and wrapping up some other loose ends.

There were a number of minor grammar errors in text of the Kindle edition. Most were a missing word in a sentence or in one case a duplicate pair in the same sentence. Another thorough proof read should have caught those.

If you like your cozy mysteries heavy on the quirky side with a generous dose of wild critters then this is the mystery for you.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panic in the Panhandle is the first book in the Elmo Simpson mystery series by J.C. Kenney. This is the first book I’ve read by Mr. Kenney and I found it well written and very entertaining. We meet Elmo Simpson, a wild animal removal specialist in a small town in the Florida Panhandle. He moved there from Indiana many years earlier after his life in the tech sector fell apart. Elmo is contacted by a woman to come investigate some strange noises at her condo. When he arrives he finds her next door neighbor has been eaten by an alligator in his condo. It is uncertain what exactly happened and how the alligator was inside a condo. Elmo’s good friend Rambo has an alligator farm and is the number one suspect in the murder. The victim, Fran, is a very unpopular man with many other potential suspects for who could have killed him. Rambo begs Elmo to figure out who the real killer is. He agrees to investigate this murder even though he’s never had any such experience.

Elmo enlists the help of his former girlfriend Nicola, as to who might be the most likely suspects. He comes up with a list that includes some eccentric people in the community. After Rambo is arrested, Elmo and Nicola go about finding the various suspects to interview them and also obtain information on others. The author has done a terrific job creating such an interesting group of characters with intriguing backgrounds. Since Elmo has never done any investigative work before, he is trying not to anger or annoy any of his suspects. As I read the book, I kept trying to guess who the killer was but I was always wrong. There were so many twists, secrets and surprises in the story. I enjoyed all the suspense as well as the relationships between Elmo and Nicola, Rambo, Wendell and Seven at the BBQ place. There was a lot of humor in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of the book from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, y’all, buckle up because Panic in the Panhandle is the swampy, small-town mystery I didn’t know I needed in my life. This ain’t your average cozy—with knitting grandmas and polite tea—but I promise, it’s just as addictive and a whole lot more bite-y.
From the second Elmo Simpson rolled on the scene with his wild animal removal van and dry sense of humor, I was hooked. This man is Florida through and through—resourceful, sarcastic, and a little bit too comfortable wrangling gators before breakfast. And bless him, he just wanted a normal day wrangling critters… until he strolled into a murder scene with a suspiciously well-fed gator and a very missing Fran Cohen.
What followed was equal parts belly-laughing chaos and genuine crime-solving intrigue. Rambo the gator farmer? Hilarious. A bit shady? Sure. But oddly lovable. And Elmo getting pulled into the mess because of old loyalty and a nose for trouble? Chef’s kiss. His relationship with Nicola was a nice, grounded contrast too—sweet without ever distracting from the plot. I love me a girlfriend who brings snacks and common sense to an investigation.
And can we talk about the actual mystery? It was quirky, twisty, and just the right amount of Florida-man energy. I mean, how often do you get murder, reptiles, and shady real estate all tangled up in one clever package? The clues were there, the red herrings kept me guessing, and the ending? Satisfyingly sharp. Fran didn’t go down without a secret or two, that’s for sure.
This book had heart, heat (Florida doesn’t play), and hilarity. If Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich had a brainchild and raised it on gator jerky and true crime podcasts, it would grow up to be Panic in the Panhandle. Elmo’s my new favorite oddball sleuth, and I’m already itching to jump into the next wild case he stumbles into.
If you like your mysteries with a bite, a laugh, and a side of chaos—you’ll want this one in your TBR swamp ASAP.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers, are you ready to be taken on the most zany, wonderful adventure in Florida that may ever occur? If so, follow me among the pages for a new mystery series that is sure to leave an impression, as only Florida can!

Benjamin "Elmo" Simpson likes the quiet life with his cat, Oscar, and his day job of wrangling unwanted critters, big and small. Elmo's life is about to become a little more interesting when an alligator is discovered chomping on the body of a resident and Elmo's friend, Rambo, is fingered for the crime. Together with his off-again "not-my-girlfriend", Nic, Elmo sets about to hunt down a killer.

I love, loved Panic in the Panhandle. It starts with a very "Carl Hiassen" feel, with Florida, critters and zany characters [especially The Vampire and Big Baby!], but as the story takes hold it is all J.C. Kenney! His characters and their adventures are taking us on a wild ride, and he shows why his mysteries stand above all the rest!!

I grew up in Australia, and I just loved the opening chapter and the way the murder was unveiled. Yes call me ghoulish, but it is a method I haven't read before and I was there for all of it! I absolutely delighted in Elmo getting involved and as he's a recent newcomer to the Springs he gets to know more locals - and maybe things he doesn't want to know!

With an ending I didn't see coming Panic in the Panhandle is one of my favourite books this month. With a few wonderfully placed scifi references [YES!] and characters that I can tell have more layers than an onion, this is one series that is automatically on the top of my must read list.

[Ken Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author had me laughing at the very first line, so I knew I was going to enjoy this book. And he didn’t disappoint. Set in Paradise Springs in the Florida panhandle, we meet Elmo Simpson, of Elmo’s Critter Removal– who just trapped a ten foot gator with a man’s arm in its mouth! The victim seems to be the most nefarious and unliked man the town has endured. ‘Death by gator’, seems to be a crime, but nobody cares. That is until the local gator farmer is charged with the crime and seeks Elmo’s help to get him off. Along the way, we discover all the delightful oddballs of Paradise Springs from the Deputy called ‘Spock’ for obvious reasons, to the Fortune Teller, who visions into the Neverland seem limited. I found it delightful to discover each and every new resident, but found myself wondering who could commit such a crime? It couldn’t have been any of these zany residents, as I liked them too much. I didn’t see the ending coming, but it was exciting and I had tears in my eyes at the cosy ending. This is the first book in this author’s series and he did a wonderful job. I found this book captivating, the characters interesting and Elmo a wonderful new Private Detective. I look forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

PANIC IN THE PANHANDLE is the first book in the Elmo Simpson Mystery series by J.C. Kenney and my introduction to this author. This story is an  entertaining and fun  cozy in a twisted murder mystery.

Benjamin (Elmo) Simpson left his big tech job and moved south to a sleepy town in the panhandle of Florida and now he's the go-to wild animal removal specialist. So, when Elmo is contacted to come investigate some strange noises next door he didn't expect to find the biggest darned alligator in a condo, never mind how it got in there. Later, when his friend Rambo is accused of murder, Elmo decides to do his own investigation as it doesn't look like the Sheriff is looking for any other suspects. Elmo manages to perform every amateur PI mistake you could think of. His investigation is filled with blunders stumbles, and many wrong conclusions, even contaminating the evidence. 

So many twists, secrets and surprises in the story. There is a lot of humor in the book and I enjoyed all the suspense and the relationships between Elmo and his friends. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. The writing style I found somewhat quirky, as is the principal character, Elmo Simpson. Living a laid back life, doing something he enjoys, self employed and with responsibility only for himself and his cat, Elmo is a contented man. Sort of. The woman he loves is a good friend since their romance is in Off mode. The world the author describes in Paradise Springs in the Florida panhandle comes off the page as a great place to live, relaxed in the Florida sunshine. Until the most hated man - an "import" in the community - is murdered. Whilst I find it impossible to imagine being fond of an alligator, I am an animal lover, so the emotions of Elmo's friend as he says goodbye to his beloved alligator friend, whilst for some people I know, could have come off as amusing, touched me. Elmo is as ruthless (if a little inept at times) in hunting the real killer as he was in hunting tech solutions in his old life. I liked him and his friends a lot, the story pulled me in from the start - a Good read!

[Regina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I would like this mystery at all! But boy was I wrong! Elmo Simpson has started a new life in Paradise Springs, FL as a critter removal expert but when he is called to remove an alligator from a condo and discovers the arm of Franis aka Philly Fran Cohen's arm (the rest in the alligator) hanging out of the alligator's mouth he takes on a second career as a sleuth to clear his friend and neighbor Rambo Quigley from going to prison for murder since the murder weapon was one of Rambo's alligators from his alligator farm.

This was a fun mystery and Elmo is a great character he is practical, funny, not afraid to ask for help and a really great friend! I had so much fun reading this book and the names of some of the residents of Paradise Springs had me out right laughing! The ending was so good and full of action!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panic in the Panhandle by J.C. Kenney is skillfully written with humor and exuberance. While it is not my usual reading material, I am not ashamed to say I had trouble putting it down to cook supper. The murder mystery was very good, but it was the characters that kept me reading. What an eccentric bunch. I so enjoyed getting to know each one especially laidback Elmo. I did not guess the culprit until about the time Elmo did, yet I was right along with him thinking that Rambo couldn’t have done it.

The first in the Elmo Simpson Mysteries Series I look forward to many, many more books. I am hoping that Elma can overcome his fear of commitment before the series ends. Yet if he doesn’t I will love him anyway.

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panic in The Panhandle ~ Elmo Simpson Mysteries#1 by J.C. Kenney

J.C. Kenney is a new author to me, I was captivated by the book cover and blurb.
"This is no ordinary wild animal removal call…"

I found this book to be written well and with wonderful characters. The storyline was so strong that I felt that I would dive into a whirlwind of suspense, and intrigue. It also has unexpected twists that will have you hooked from the very first page. I highly recommend this book to all and hope you will also experience this heart-pounding adventure!

Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read, Entertaining, Informative, Original, Wonderful characters, Cozy Mysteries

[Liz Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't AT the beach, but J.C. Kenney's latest book put me there, and gave me several hours of reading pleasure. I've read all his books (I recommend them), but I think this is his best yet. Elmo Simpson is my favorite of his sleuths. I was charmed by him and also interested in him as a person. I didn't figure out "whodunnit," and I really loved the cast of characters. I am anxious to see some of them again in subsequent books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elmo Simpson finds an alligator with an arm in its mouth in a man’s bedroom. The police asks him to capture it as he is a wild animal relocation specialist. Now he has to try to figure out who killed the man. His ex girlfriend Nic joins him in trying to clear another friend of the crime.
There are a lot of people with reasons to want the man dead. This the type of book that is hard to put down. I really enjoyed the suspense and highly recommend the book.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Deborah Ortega · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun story Elmo captures critters in Florida after leaving his job in IT. He is contacted about noises coming from the Apartment next door by a Woman. When they go to check it out he discovers an alligator in the bedroom with an arm sticking out of its mouth. He calls the police and they ask him to take care of securing the gator. His friend owns the gator so they arrest him. Elmo takes on the case there are a lot of suspects and twists and turns to keep the action going and an unexpected ending. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different cozy series, that turned to be both interesting and hilarious. It takes place in the Florida Panhandle and follows an critter removal specialist named Benjamin Simpson or "Elmo". He gets a unusual call to a retired and despised lawyer to remove a alligator form his place.
That's when the man's arm is found in the gators month ans a local gator farmer ends up a prime suspect and turns to Elmo to clear his name.
It's Elmo and his girlfriend Nicola that steal the show. It was fun all together. Expecting the next