King Me

Ken Allen Super Sleuth #3

by J.A. Crawford, Tim Campbell (Reader)

The hit TV show, The Lands Beyond, has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing fashion and baby name trends. Its creator, R. R. Reynard, masterminds the story each season, pitting the cast against each other in a toxic, kill or be killed, environment.

But Reynard has even greater ambitions. He’s formed a feudalistic society of superfans who are willing to do anything to rise in the ranks and be officially canonized as a character on The Lands Beyond. With the show set to enter its final season, the cast, crew, and superfans attend a convention at the historic Chateau D’Loire. While holding court, Reynard is murdered, and the notebook holding all the secrets, twists, and endings disappears.

Enter Ken Allen, former D-list actor turned private eye. As the body count rises, Ken discovers the stakes are far greater than just a television show. And the fantasy neophyte is about to learn that all is fair in love and war in The Lands Beyond . For readers who love fun mysteries like the Spenser Series by Robert B. Parker, the Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich, and the M Murder Series by Anthony Horowitz.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

1 pages, Audio CD

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Karen’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Me was a fun murder mystery which takes place during a super fan convention of a TV show called The Lands Beyond (similar maybe to Game of Thrones) where the actors all attend as their characters.

The creator/author/screenwriter (The King) hires super sleuth Ken Allen, former actor turned private eye, to find out who wants to murder him, 15 minutes before he’s actually murdered. Allen is a wisecracking martial arts master who gets caught up in the intrigue and several more murders as he winds his way through the cosplaying convention.

Having attended many ComiCons, this was actually extremely fun to read as we watch Allen’s hilarious antics as he works to solve the murders.

*Thanks so much to the author, J A Crawford, CamCat Books, and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted ARC and for including me on the book tour!*.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this mystery series that features Ken Allen, failed actor and ex personal trainer to the stars now turned PI.

This installment has Ken searching for a murderer of a tv series creator and a book that has everything about the last season of the fantasy show, The Lands Beyond.

This is a closed historic hotel murder full of super fans, members of the cast, and a few secret tunnels.

This is my favorite book so far in the series. The setting of a fan expo with a fantasy tv show is very entertaining since I’ve never been to any sort of fan convention before.

The dialogue is quick witted and the mystery takes some really interesting twists. There is action and a few old friends, like a certain police detective, that are part of the plot.

I listened to this one since it was on my hoopla library app. The narrator sounds just like I imagined Ken would talk so I really enjoyed that.

For fans of mysteries that also make you laugh (which is my favorite kind), I recommend this book and series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.

I really liked the book it’s funny and interesting, I did laugh out loud several times.

Ken Allan is a private detective. He’s fallen into the job after accidentally solving a murder. He was previously a professional Martial arts competitor and for one time only a film actor as super spy Jove Brand (aka James Bond).

He is employed by the writer and producer of a sword and sorcery epic TV programme (basically Game of Thrones) who believes he is in danger of being murdered. No sooner has he employed Ken than he dies in very mysterious circumstances. It’s then up to Ken to work out who killed the writer and what has happened to the story book for the last series.

The murder happens in the middle of a fan convention, some of the fans are super fans and believe in the world of the TV programme to the extent that they are in a cult.

I liked Ken, he’s quite a wry character and although people think he’s a bit thick, he’s not. All around him people are trying to trick him into handing over the story bible.

There’s quite a lot of murder and mayhem and a lot of info about diet and martial art styles. However I found it all interesting and although perhaps a little too long I enjoyed this book.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three of the 𝐾𝑒𝑛 𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑆𝑙𝑒𝑢𝑡ℎ 𝑆𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 and the action and fun just keep getting better!

Ken Allen is a movie star turned private eye, and his latest client, R. R. Reynard, is the creator of a TV show, The Lands Beyond, which has become a huge cult phenomenon, with cosplay followers and all. (Think Game of Thrones and you won’t be far off).

At their first meeting, Reynard tells Ken to meet him at a fandom convention. Reynard shows up dressed like a king, but he claims someone is trying to murder him.

Minutes after Ken leaves him, Reynard is murdered, and his notebook containing the show's secrets is missing. More murders follow…

When I read book 2, 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞, I immediately enjoyed Ken’s humor, wit and sarcasm. In this installment, I got a kick out of how the author utilized a fandom and a comic con-like convention to offer a locked-room mystery. Ken was his funny self, getting himself into strange predicaments all while trying to solve the murders.

𝐴 𝑓𝑢𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑! 𝐼 𝑐𝑎𝑛'𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝐾𝑒𝑛 𝑔𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑥𝑡.

Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @josephoforb for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ken Allen is hired to help the creator of a reality show, Reynard, figure out who wants to murder him, Ken is not very successful. He doesn't even get a chance really, for in that first fifteen minutes Reynard is murdered. Ken must now figure out who the culprit is. There is some sword play, martial arts, secret passages, costumes, mayhem, and a few chuckles.

Being a convention lover myself, the parts of the story with panels and appearances were a lot of fun. The murder mystery was fun too. Overall, I enjoyed the book though some parts lagged a bit. I think it jumped around in parts and introduced a lot of characters but still moved forward.

I liked the book and will be reading the first two in the series.



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

[Lisa Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy these unique Ken Allen mysteries so much. The dry, witty, fast-paced writing style immediately draws me in and I can't stop turning the pages till the last line. This is the third book in the series and I love that the murder occurred at a medieval-esque chateau that is the setting for a superfan convention. There are plenty of twists and intriguing characters to keep you guessing and line after line of sardonic humor to keep you chuckling under your breath. This a fun series that you don't want to miss!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a mystery suspense story set around a reality show and a convention of super fans. Detective Ken Allen is on the trail of a killer. This was a pretty cool mystery series and I really like Ken. This is book 3 in the series and can be read as a standalone but I recommend you read the others. Such really cool series

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Bookish Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! Reynard has created this phenomenon of a show, and now one of his superfans is out to get him. He hires Allen to attend him Comic Con type convention to figure out who it is, and then he actually gets murdered. Now, Allen is determined to solve the mystery and find the notebook full of his secrets and twists for the season finale. A great read!

[Jeff Wooten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this series and King Me *might* be my favorite. A cool mix of adventure, mystery, and wit that will appeal to fans of multiple genres.

Ken Allen is a relatable, likable character—the guy that almost made it—that keeps finding himself in the oddest of situations and comes to find his true calling, solving murders.

This is a fast and fun read.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed following Ken Allen again. He’s such a fun character and I continue to enjoy his sleuthing skills, humor and healthy eating habits even in the midst of chaotic assignments. This book was action packed from cover to cover. The wildly popular TV series and super fan angles made the story extra entertaining.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘯!

Another fun read, a book that will keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish. A murder mystery, with fun and silly moments, lots of banter and likeable characters.

Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and CamCat Books for this tour invite.

𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲 by J.A. Crawford released November 14, 2023.

https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...

[Jerry Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this one first and realized this was the third. I’m not as fond of the fantasy realm and cosplay but if you have gots spend them on a good blade to protect you. Ken Allen is in peril again with Ava Stern as backup as well as Elaine.

“The only things I really treasured were the things I have lived through, and you couldn’t take those from me.”

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this behind the scenes GOTish murder mystery with a retired celebrity trainer turned private eye - like a fit older male version of Veronica Mars with the same sass and sarcasm but less dog and college angst - and the private eye can fight dirty.

[Carol & Russell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't like this book.

[Christina McComiskie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun follow up to 'Heroes Ever Die' with lots of action and great banter. I enjoyed this book very much.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

To Come

[Julia Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book 😉🔥☺️

[Sarah W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved banter between Elaine and Ken even though it was never a romantic partnership. The Lands Beyond TV show being featured in this book reminded me a lot of the game of thrones with the different groups and royalty. There were a lot of different characters to keep track of. Trying to remember which person played which character in the show and how close they were to Reynard was a little hard at first but it definitely got easier as the story continued. I loved the fast paced plot with a lot of “combat” scenes. It was entertaining and I laughed out loud multiple times from the pickle that Ken got himself into.

Thank you @josephoforb and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun to see that Private detective, super sleuth Ken Allen is still up to his comedic but thoughtful ways of solving a mystery. The suspects are many as this one takes place at a convention and the possible power play motive is as intriguing as it gets. The swordplay is intense and the uncertain outcomes are thrilling. The resolution is masterful. I highly recommend this entertaining whodunnit.

Thank you to the author, CamCat Books and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Abigail Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in the Ken Allen Super Sleuth series is a blast from start to end, and this third installment was no exception. I adored all of the subtle (or not so subtle) nods to Game of Thrones, and other fantasy franchises, all throughout this, as well as all the other pop culture references that are scattered with a heavy hand through this hilarious and action-packed murder mystery. The twists are superb, the reveals catch you off guard, and the characters are just as lovable and charming as always. King Me is exactly what you want it to be, and then some.