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Braxton Campus Mysteries #4
Mistaken Identity Crisis
A clever thief with a sinister calling card has invaded Braxton campus. A string of jewelry thefts continues to puzzle the sheriff given they’re remarkably similar to an unsolved eight-year-old case from shortly before Gabriel vanished one stormy night. When a missing ruby is discovered near an electrified dead body during the campus cable car redesign project, Kellan must investigate the real killer in order to protect his brother. Amidst sorority hazing practices and the victim’s connections to several prominent Wharton County citizens, a malicious motive becomes more obvious and trickier to prove.
As if the latest murder isn’t enough to keep him busy, Kellan partners with April to end the Castigliano and Vargas crime family feud. What really happened to Francesca while all those postcards showed up in Braxton? The mafia world is more calculating than Kellan realized, and if he wants to move forward, he’ll have to make a few ruthless sacrifices.
Election Day is over, and the new mayor takes office. Nana D celebrates her 75th birthday with an adventure. A double wedding occurs at Crilly Lake on Independence Day. And Kellan receives a few more surprises as the summer heat begins to settle in Wharton County.
As if the latest murder isn’t enough to keep him busy, Kellan partners with April to end the Castigliano and Vargas crime family feud. What really happened to Francesca while all those postcards showed up in Braxton? The mafia world is more calculating than Kellan realized, and if he wants to move forward, he’ll have to make a few ruthless sacrifices.
Election Day is over, and the new mayor takes office. Nana D celebrates her 75th birthday with an adventure. A double wedding occurs at Crilly Lake on Independence Day. And Kellan receives a few more surprises as the summer heat begins to settle in Wharton County.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2019
28 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
James J. Cudney
20 books4,372 followersJames is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in Connecticut, but I've traveled all across the US and various parts of the world. After college, I accepted roles working in technology, program management, and business operations in the retail, sports, entertainment, and media industries. Although I enjoy my career, I began to focus on other passions in 2016: 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. From there, I've written other family dramas and an eight-book mystery series. To see samples or receive news from my current and upcoming books, please subscribe with your email address at my website: https://jamesjcudney.com
I'm an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, I have ~1800 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, I started the 365 Daily Challenge, where I post a word each day that has some meaning to me, then 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 segments 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 show how I live every day.
I'm an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, I have ~1800 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, I started the 365 Daily Challenge, where I post a word each day that has some meaning to me, then 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 segments 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 show how I live every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 30, 2022
Since this is my own book, I'm not going to write a review. I'm using this space to let you know when there are discounts or marketing promotions, as well as share some thoughts on how the book came to be.
Mistaken Identity Crisis is my sixth novel, also the fourth in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. The series follows typical cozies in that it doesn't contain graphic violence, sexual content, or vulgar language; however, I've turned the genre upside down by focusing on a young male protagonist who is a single father and relies on his wit, connections, and intelligence to solve crimes, all while he's teaching, working at film company, and trying to keep his eccentric nana under control.
To buy this book, please visit Amazon where it's available for purchase as a Kindle, physical paperback, large print, an audio book. If you're not convinced yet, check out the blog tour for this book where you can see each blogger's posts with author Q&A, special features, videos, and future release information. You can visit my author page for more details. Thank you for considering my work.
Mistaken Identity Crisis is my sixth novel, also the fourth in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. The series follows typical cozies in that it doesn't contain graphic violence, sexual content, or vulgar language; however, I've turned the genre upside down by focusing on a young male protagonist who is a single father and relies on his wit, connections, and intelligence to solve crimes, all while he's teaching, working at film company, and trying to keep his eccentric nana under control.
To buy this book, please visit Amazon where it's available for purchase as a Kindle, physical paperback, large print, an audio book. If you're not convinced yet, check out the blog tour for this book where you can see each blogger's posts with author Q&A, special features, videos, and future release information. You can visit my author page for more details. Thank you for considering my work.
June 10, 2019
This series is pretty dang addicting! And let me tell you from the beginning, my queen—Nana D—is back again. I said this last time, but she needs her own book! Seriously! And she's mayor!
Kellan's world spirals once again, and I loved being inside his head. What I really want for him one day is a nice vacation, because this boy deserves it! Throughout this series, he's had amazing character growth and you feel for him because he always has decisions he needs to make!
The writing was on point, the descriptions were wonderful, and the thing is, the characters feel real here with dialogue that is spoken how people in real life would! The book is fast paced with plenty of mystery, and I already need the next one! Oh, and this is definitely my favorite cover in the series so far!
Kellan's world spirals once again, and I loved being inside his head. What I really want for him one day is a nice vacation, because this boy deserves it! Throughout this series, he's had amazing character growth and you feel for him because he always has decisions he needs to make!
The writing was on point, the descriptions were wonderful, and the thing is, the characters feel real here with dialogue that is spoken how people in real life would! The book is fast paced with plenty of mystery, and I already need the next one! Oh, and this is definitely my favorite cover in the series so far!
July 4, 2019
Families In Conflict In Braxton
Book number 4 in a fun series with some amazing characters and relationships that keep you coming back to read more! An interesting mystery to solve, people you try to understand, scenes you feel yourself in, violence and happiness- a story that feels like real life and the characters your neighbors!
Thoroughly enjoyable read and I look ahead for the next step for this indomitable family!
Book number 4 in a fun series with some amazing characters and relationships that keep you coming back to read more! An interesting mystery to solve, people you try to understand, scenes you feel yourself in, violence and happiness- a story that feels like real life and the characters your neighbors!
Thoroughly enjoyable read and I look ahead for the next step for this indomitable family!
November 1, 2019
I am sure that I have not read a more complex cozy mystery with regard to characters than Mistaken Identity Crisis. Author James J. Cudney had my head spinning with all of the intricate relationships in his story. Fortunately, he includes a categorized list of characters with brief descriptions for support if you get confused. To my surprise, I only referred to it a few times as the characters appear multiple times and Cudney puts them in context with references to their relationships and backgrounds. Therefore, they rapidly take on unique identities for the reader.
Along with an emphasis on characters, Cudney has devised a complicated plot with more than one mystery. Hop aboard the campus cable car to find a dead body, intrigue with stolen jewels, and symbolic black calla lilies. Kellan, a professor at Braxton, comes closer to resolution with his presumed dead wife Francesca and two warring mobs. Feisty Nana D takes office as the new mayor, and Kellan sees a new side of April, the local sheriff.
Along with an emphasis on characters, Cudney has devised a complicated plot with more than one mystery. Hop aboard the campus cable car to find a dead body, intrigue with stolen jewels, and symbolic black calla lilies. Kellan, a professor at Braxton, comes closer to resolution with his presumed dead wife Francesca and two warring mobs. Feisty Nana D takes office as the new mayor, and Kellan sees a new side of April, the local sheriff.
July 18, 2019
It is not an action book, but it’s packed with so much adrenaline that you rush through it like on a speed wagon. In Mistaken Identity Crisis James J. Cudney throws his main character Kellan into a series of challenging situations ranging from a string of jewelry thefts to a discovered electrified body smelling of murder for which his brother Gabriel is a suspect, the kidnapping of his wife Francesca and the mafia war between Castiglianos and Las Vargas families, his nana taking mayor’s office, an unexpected phone call from Hollywood, and, and, and.
Excitement never stops in a brilliant fourth book of the Braxton Campus Mysteries. Is it just my feeling or has James J. Cudney just added another notch on his golden belt?
BJ
www.bernardjan.com
Bernard Jan
Excitement never stops in a brilliant fourth book of the Braxton Campus Mysteries. Is it just my feeling or has James J. Cudney just added another notch on his golden belt?
BJ
www.bernardjan.com
Bernard Jan
July 17, 2019
As an aspiring mystery writer, I'm struck by how James Cudney weaves together multiple storylines involving dozens of characters and yet still have it all make perfect sense and never lose momentum. Four books into the Braxton Campus Mysteries, and all I want is more.
Erstwhile sleuth Kellen Ayrwick is called upon to solve yet another murder - but this time he might be in over his head. The drama with his missing/kidnapped/once presumed dead wife Francesca hits full boil, with poor Kellen right in the middle of a potential mob war. What's a guy to do? (Easy: Sic Nana D. on them. She's the greatest.)
Humor, intrigue, and a teensy-weensy hint of romance bind this story together, which are things I love in any book. If you haven't started this series yet... what are you waiting for?
Erstwhile sleuth Kellen Ayrwick is called upon to solve yet another murder - but this time he might be in over his head. The drama with his missing/kidnapped/once presumed dead wife Francesca hits full boil, with poor Kellen right in the middle of a potential mob war. What's a guy to do? (Easy: Sic Nana D. on them. She's the greatest.)
Humor, intrigue, and a teensy-weensy hint of romance bind this story together, which are things I love in any book. If you haven't started this series yet... what are you waiting for?
July 1, 2019
The Braxton Campus Mysteries continue to entertain me with great characters, a wonderful setting and a mystery that is well-developed and plotted. I have read all the books in this series and even though they can be read as standalone stories, you will want to start at the beginning, as the main characters have developed as well as their relationships. There is also one mysterious storyline that runs throughout all the books.
There are a lot of things happening in this story and it takes until the end to find out how they all tie together. Kellan is teaching summer school and each morning he stops at the cable cars to talk to the electrician that is doing some rewiring. One morning Kellan approaches with their morning coffee for their regular visit and finds Quint, the electrician, dead. It appears he may have accidentally electrocuted himself, but when Kellan finds a black calla lily and a ruby near the body, he is sure it was not an accident. The storyline of Kellan's wife and her parents continues through this story, with Francesca being kidnapped by the rival "family" and Kellan being recruited as the go between. Then, there are the thefts from the founding families. Eight years ago, each of the families was burgled, now it seems someone is reenacting those crimes. Sheriff Montague has a lot on her hands and Kellan would love to help her out once again.
The well-plotted mystery and complicated story keeps a steady pace throughout. There are some red herrings and twists that had me focusing on various characters in the story and I did not figure out who the murderer was until the final reveal. There was a lot to ruminate about. Did the murder have anything to do with the thefts? Are the thefts being committed by the same person who was responsible for the ones eight years ago? I love so many of the characters in this series. I know Kellan is the main character, but Nana D is my favourite. She is sassy, quick-witted, loving, bossy and loyal. She makes a great matriarch for the family and now has the opportunity to be a wonderful mayor. Kellan is a great dad who is trying to do the best for his precocious daughter Emma. She is sweet yet can also be sassy and she grounds Kellan. April, the sheriff, has grown on me. I did not like her much in the first book, but she has changed over the series and is now a well-developed and likable character. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a bit more meat to them. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and a shift with the new developments in the life of Kellan and Emma. I received a copy of this book from the author to participate in the Great Escapes Blog Tour. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are more own.
There are a lot of things happening in this story and it takes until the end to find out how they all tie together. Kellan is teaching summer school and each morning he stops at the cable cars to talk to the electrician that is doing some rewiring. One morning Kellan approaches with their morning coffee for their regular visit and finds Quint, the electrician, dead. It appears he may have accidentally electrocuted himself, but when Kellan finds a black calla lily and a ruby near the body, he is sure it was not an accident. The storyline of Kellan's wife and her parents continues through this story, with Francesca being kidnapped by the rival "family" and Kellan being recruited as the go between. Then, there are the thefts from the founding families. Eight years ago, each of the families was burgled, now it seems someone is reenacting those crimes. Sheriff Montague has a lot on her hands and Kellan would love to help her out once again.
The well-plotted mystery and complicated story keeps a steady pace throughout. There are some red herrings and twists that had me focusing on various characters in the story and I did not figure out who the murderer was until the final reveal. There was a lot to ruminate about. Did the murder have anything to do with the thefts? Are the thefts being committed by the same person who was responsible for the ones eight years ago? I love so many of the characters in this series. I know Kellan is the main character, but Nana D is my favourite. She is sassy, quick-witted, loving, bossy and loyal. She makes a great matriarch for the family and now has the opportunity to be a wonderful mayor. Kellan is a great dad who is trying to do the best for his precocious daughter Emma. She is sweet yet can also be sassy and she grounds Kellan. April, the sheriff, has grown on me. I did not like her much in the first book, but she has changed over the series and is now a well-developed and likable character. I definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with a bit more meat to them. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and a shift with the new developments in the life of Kellan and Emma. I received a copy of this book from the author to participate in the Great Escapes Blog Tour. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are more own.
July 6, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What really happened to Francesca while all those postcards showed up in Braxton? I have been dying to find out!!
Also, Kellan finds a body in the college cable car and the death may be related to a rash of jewel thefts now and an old case from 8 years ago. Crazy, the thefts stopped at the same time his brother Gabriel left town and started up soon after his return.
A twisted, tangled, complex, snarled, intricate, complicated, story is what you find within the covers of this book. I am not going to lie, my main mission in reading this book was to get to the bottom of the Francesca mafia mob story. I have really grown to love Kellan and his daughter Emma and I really wanted to get the Francesca drama behind them. But I found myself hooked by every part of this story.
Mr. Cudney has blended together an amazing story that I just could not read fast enough. Kellan is teaching a summer class, Emma is going to a day camp, Nana D has won the mayoral race, the sheriff is warming to Kellan, the mob has come to Braxton, Francesca may be nearby, Hollywood is calling, there is a thief robbing jewelry, and, oh yeah, there is that dead body in the cable car, and the killer left a big clue. So you see what I mean, there is a lot happening and the pace is pretty quick!
This author has really excelled since the first book in this series. He has gotten more comfortable with his characters and Braxton. The characters continue to grow and he sets a scene in a way that it is easy to visualize. The dialogue is tight and the interactions between the characters are realistic. Nana D. continues to be my favorite character. The mysteries are real puzzlers and I didn’t slide in the last piece until everything was revealed. The story has a few emotional moments too. I was so pleased with the ending and am excited to see what happened next.
Another Perfect Escape from James J. Cudney. While this book can be read on its own, you will enjoy it more if you start at the beginning of the series.
What really happened to Francesca while all those postcards showed up in Braxton? I have been dying to find out!!
Also, Kellan finds a body in the college cable car and the death may be related to a rash of jewel thefts now and an old case from 8 years ago. Crazy, the thefts stopped at the same time his brother Gabriel left town and started up soon after his return.
A twisted, tangled, complex, snarled, intricate, complicated, story is what you find within the covers of this book. I am not going to lie, my main mission in reading this book was to get to the bottom of the Francesca mafia mob story. I have really grown to love Kellan and his daughter Emma and I really wanted to get the Francesca drama behind them. But I found myself hooked by every part of this story.
Mr. Cudney has blended together an amazing story that I just could not read fast enough. Kellan is teaching a summer class, Emma is going to a day camp, Nana D has won the mayoral race, the sheriff is warming to Kellan, the mob has come to Braxton, Francesca may be nearby, Hollywood is calling, there is a thief robbing jewelry, and, oh yeah, there is that dead body in the cable car, and the killer left a big clue. So you see what I mean, there is a lot happening and the pace is pretty quick!
This author has really excelled since the first book in this series. He has gotten more comfortable with his characters and Braxton. The characters continue to grow and he sets a scene in a way that it is easy to visualize. The dialogue is tight and the interactions between the characters are realistic. Nana D. continues to be my favorite character. The mysteries are real puzzlers and I didn’t slide in the last piece until everything was revealed. The story has a few emotional moments too. I was so pleased with the ending and am excited to see what happened next.
Another Perfect Escape from James J. Cudney. While this book can be read on its own, you will enjoy it more if you start at the beginning of the series.
June 30, 2019
One thing I love about this book and the entire series is the relationships. There are several key connections to focus on but all are done really well. The beauty of these relationships is they help the readers connect with the series more and make us want to find out what happens next in the lives of these well-fleshed out characters. There are a couple partnerships I adore.
Kellan and April: Well… I’m not sure I saw that coming, and are we really sure that’s where it’s going? They’re so wonderfully awkward together; just a couple books ago they could barely stand each other. Cupid strikes and a tentative friendship blossoms, then that amicability develops into something more natural and chemistry filled. Their banter plays really well into this and I’m happy to see Kellan finally appreciate how good April is at her job!
Kellan and Emma: Their father-daughter relationship has always been a sweet spot and in this story, we see it at a deeper level and feel it too. There are a couple of scenes where readers can really feel for Kellan, the parent who wants to protect his little girl.
Kellan and Gabriel: The sibling relationship is a delight to watch unfold, especially as it is quite different from the Kellan-Eleanor relationship. We see Kellan fighting for his brother, challenging his brother, teasing his brother and being messed with in return. It’s such a fun interaction to read. Gabriel himself is a very complex character. I hope we get to see more of him and Sam. I also can’t wait to find out more about Gabriel’s mysterious ex!
Kellan and his parents: Kellan has a bit of a breakthrough with his dad, Wesley. This shows the family patriarch in a more human capacity and shows him as a devoted father who really does want the best for his kids. I like the constant growth in these characters and their relationships.
Kellan and Francesca: How does one cope with a not-so-dead-deceased-wife?? How Kellan and Francesca circle each other and try to figure out their crazy reality, while keeping Emma’s needs a priority, makes for intriguing reading.
There are several scenes/ sub-stories I thoroughly enjoyed in this book:
• Kellan ‘handling’ Marcus Stanton.
• The calla lily story.
• Continued interesting tidbits about the town’s history.
• The playing out of the Kellan-Francesca saga.
• The introduction of Cristiano Vargas.
There are a lot of characters in Mistaken Identity Crisis. It may be a wee bit hard to keep track of them all in the early chapters, especially if you’re not a series follower. That said, the author does a good job of differentiating each one and building up the relationships. It does get easier as the story develops.
The mystery itself is truly well-done. There are enough red herrings to really throw us off the trail. Setting up several characters as possible culprits, keeping readers guessing through mean-girl-wars and throwing in various past relationships. The clues are laid in each conversation and some are hidden in plain sight but yet not obvious. In reality we have three crimes to figure out. Even if you pick up on any of these people from the get go, the motives, opportunities and true identities are sufficiently muddied to keep you guessing.
In terms of standalone viability, I don’t think you can get the best experience if you haven’t followed some of the threads from earlier books. That said, it’s still an enjoyable read on its own. Additionally, a major series arc comes to an end in this one, opening up Book 5 as a ‘new beginning’ of sorts.
Overall, another fantastic instalment. I said it for Book 3, but Book 4 really is the best yet. I wonder if Book 5 will usurp it? Can’t wait to find out.
Kellan and April: Well… I’m not sure I saw that coming, and are we really sure that’s where it’s going? They’re so wonderfully awkward together; just a couple books ago they could barely stand each other. Cupid strikes and a tentative friendship blossoms, then that amicability develops into something more natural and chemistry filled. Their banter plays really well into this and I’m happy to see Kellan finally appreciate how good April is at her job!
Kellan and Emma: Their father-daughter relationship has always been a sweet spot and in this story, we see it at a deeper level and feel it too. There are a couple of scenes where readers can really feel for Kellan, the parent who wants to protect his little girl.
Kellan and Gabriel: The sibling relationship is a delight to watch unfold, especially as it is quite different from the Kellan-Eleanor relationship. We see Kellan fighting for his brother, challenging his brother, teasing his brother and being messed with in return. It’s such a fun interaction to read. Gabriel himself is a very complex character. I hope we get to see more of him and Sam. I also can’t wait to find out more about Gabriel’s mysterious ex!
Kellan and his parents: Kellan has a bit of a breakthrough with his dad, Wesley. This shows the family patriarch in a more human capacity and shows him as a devoted father who really does want the best for his kids. I like the constant growth in these characters and their relationships.
Kellan and Francesca: How does one cope with a not-so-dead-deceased-wife?? How Kellan and Francesca circle each other and try to figure out their crazy reality, while keeping Emma’s needs a priority, makes for intriguing reading.
There are several scenes/ sub-stories I thoroughly enjoyed in this book:
• Kellan ‘handling’ Marcus Stanton.
• The calla lily story.
• Continued interesting tidbits about the town’s history.
• The playing out of the Kellan-Francesca saga.
• The introduction of Cristiano Vargas.
There are a lot of characters in Mistaken Identity Crisis. It may be a wee bit hard to keep track of them all in the early chapters, especially if you’re not a series follower. That said, the author does a good job of differentiating each one and building up the relationships. It does get easier as the story develops.
The mystery itself is truly well-done. There are enough red herrings to really throw us off the trail. Setting up several characters as possible culprits, keeping readers guessing through mean-girl-wars and throwing in various past relationships. The clues are laid in each conversation and some are hidden in plain sight but yet not obvious. In reality we have three crimes to figure out. Even if you pick up on any of these people from the get go, the motives, opportunities and true identities are sufficiently muddied to keep you guessing.
In terms of standalone viability, I don’t think you can get the best experience if you haven’t followed some of the threads from earlier books. That said, it’s still an enjoyable read on its own. Additionally, a major series arc comes to an end in this one, opening up Book 5 as a ‘new beginning’ of sorts.
Overall, another fantastic instalment. I said it for Book 3, but Book 4 really is the best yet. I wonder if Book 5 will usurp it? Can’t wait to find out.
March 3, 2020
The 4th book in the Braxton Campus mystery series by James J. Cudney. A cozy mystery series with interesting characters, family drama, and a charming university setting. Delightful and entertaining.
July 7, 2019
Once upon a time, long long ago, there lived a man who could spin straw into gold. You might have heard about him. He was Rumpleslitskin… Do you remember? Being from the 21st century, and liking my cement home, I didn’t get the opportunity to travel to the mountain and forest to meet Rumpleslitskin.
But I searched far and wide, low and above, and lo and behold, I found one such man who could spin tales so beautifully that they are worth their weight in gold. His plot lines are seamless as if spun with the gossamer of weaves. You can see the untied threads of subplots undulating in the gentle breeze of the story, they tempt you, tease you, tell you to catch them.
And you run in sheer delight thinking you have unravelled the plot and solved the murder, but you are caught in the tapestry of the weave, and you are completely enraptured. Such is the mastery of the words, such is the vastness of the mind-scape of the author which can see the entire story like a three dimensional movie.
A master storyteller, a weaver so much better than Rumpleslitskin, the author has the sheer talent of breathing life into the characters. As you peruse the spun gold, all you can see are the bonds that are made, the relationships strong, family and friends, colleagues and community. A child’s love is precious and painted in the color of innocence. Characters are varied and the subplots complicated, but the author brings it all to a great finish, revealing the truth like a magician
This is book 4 and most of the characters are the same, Braxton is the campus and my Myriam is the boss. A murder does occur and jewels stolen now and 8 years ago, there are the mobsters and the alive-dead wife and romantic sheriff. All of them join together to make a potpourri of a fabulous whodunit. And weaving them all is the Rumpleslitskin of today, none other than the wordsmith and author extraordinaire, James J Cudney.
A fantastic whodunit!!
But I searched far and wide, low and above, and lo and behold, I found one such man who could spin tales so beautifully that they are worth their weight in gold. His plot lines are seamless as if spun with the gossamer of weaves. You can see the untied threads of subplots undulating in the gentle breeze of the story, they tempt you, tease you, tell you to catch them.
And you run in sheer delight thinking you have unravelled the plot and solved the murder, but you are caught in the tapestry of the weave, and you are completely enraptured. Such is the mastery of the words, such is the vastness of the mind-scape of the author which can see the entire story like a three dimensional movie.
A master storyteller, a weaver so much better than Rumpleslitskin, the author has the sheer talent of breathing life into the characters. As you peruse the spun gold, all you can see are the bonds that are made, the relationships strong, family and friends, colleagues and community. A child’s love is precious and painted in the color of innocence. Characters are varied and the subplots complicated, but the author brings it all to a great finish, revealing the truth like a magician
This is book 4 and most of the characters are the same, Braxton is the campus and my Myriam is the boss. A murder does occur and jewels stolen now and 8 years ago, there are the mobsters and the alive-dead wife and romantic sheriff. All of them join together to make a potpourri of a fabulous whodunit. And weaving them all is the Rumpleslitskin of today, none other than the wordsmith and author extraordinaire, James J Cudney.
A fantastic whodunit!!
June 27, 2019
A new author and series for me and one with a campus setting in Braxton, a small village in north-central Pennsylvania. The protagonist is Kellan Ayrwick, an assistant professor with his PhD in communications and film. He's done his thing in Hollywood and is back home where he grew up.
Kellan married Francesca and they have a young daughter, Emma, but his wife has been among the missing and he'd understood he was a widower, until now. Here's where the plot gets complex and multi-layered. His wife is the daughter of a wicked mafia family and apparently there is a war brewing.
About the same time, there is a number of high profile robberies of prominent local families that suspiciously mimic robberies eight years previous about the time his younger brother Gabriel disappeared. Now Gabriel's back and robberies have resumed in the same MO as before. There is a murder of the technician working on the cable car that connects the north and south campus. This, however, is not Kellan's first rodeo. Since his return, he's been instrumental in helping to solve several murders and while he and April, the sheriff, have clashed before are now beginning to work in comfortable collaboration.
His Nana D won her mayoral election will take a forward spotlight as a strong support character. She is well-fleshed and we are getting to know April personally as well. Connor, a detective and friend, also working with April, is featured in the investigation.
The well-plotted and complicated mystery keeps a steady pace and provides red herrings and twists, turning the focus on one then another of the many characters involved in the storyline.
The fourth in the series works well as a standalone. I was given this ebook download by the publisher and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and appreciated the opportunity to read and review an intelligent, unusual heist and organized crime thriller.
See my complete review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
Kellan married Francesca and they have a young daughter, Emma, but his wife has been among the missing and he'd understood he was a widower, until now. Here's where the plot gets complex and multi-layered. His wife is the daughter of a wicked mafia family and apparently there is a war brewing.
About the same time, there is a number of high profile robberies of prominent local families that suspiciously mimic robberies eight years previous about the time his younger brother Gabriel disappeared. Now Gabriel's back and robberies have resumed in the same MO as before. There is a murder of the technician working on the cable car that connects the north and south campus. This, however, is not Kellan's first rodeo. Since his return, he's been instrumental in helping to solve several murders and while he and April, the sheriff, have clashed before are now beginning to work in comfortable collaboration.
His Nana D won her mayoral election will take a forward spotlight as a strong support character. She is well-fleshed and we are getting to know April personally as well. Connor, a detective and friend, also working with April, is featured in the investigation.
The well-plotted and complicated mystery keeps a steady pace and provides red herrings and twists, turning the focus on one then another of the many characters involved in the storyline.
The fourth in the series works well as a standalone. I was given this ebook download by the publisher and Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and appreciated the opportunity to read and review an intelligent, unusual heist and organized crime thriller.
See my complete review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2019/...
March 12, 2020
Another victory for Jay Cudney, the author of the Braxton Campus Mystery Series! Again, as he has succeeded in the past, he weaves a tale of intrigue, mystery and who-done-its with the cleverness of an excellent storyteller.
We continue with the main characters who grow in our hearts as well as new characters who fit that bill of 'we are all 6 degrees in separation' somehow. We know each character and we cheer for them, we are sad with them and we continue to feel as if they are part of our own circle of friends. That takes some very skilled writing to build that connection after 4 books in a series - with still more to come!
It is an easy read which makes it delightful for the reader. It's filled with heartwarming people in sometimes scary situations that get our hearts jumping as we root for the truth and for victory for the main character Kellan and his family.
Great suspense. Terrific plot twist and frankly, I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Keep writing Jay! Because we're all excited to keep reading!
We continue with the main characters who grow in our hearts as well as new characters who fit that bill of 'we are all 6 degrees in separation' somehow. We know each character and we cheer for them, we are sad with them and we continue to feel as if they are part of our own circle of friends. That takes some very skilled writing to build that connection after 4 books in a series - with still more to come!
It is an easy read which makes it delightful for the reader. It's filled with heartwarming people in sometimes scary situations that get our hearts jumping as we root for the truth and for victory for the main character Kellan and his family.
Great suspense. Terrific plot twist and frankly, I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Keep writing Jay! Because we're all excited to keep reading!
July 4, 2019
Kellan Ayrwick is up to his elbows in mysteries. The one personal mystery is the kidnapping of his not-so-dead wife, Francesca, by a rival mafia family, Las Vargas. Kellan is to be the middle man between the Castiglianos and the Las Vargas families during the negotiations for Francesca's release. If the demands are not met, then Francesca, Emma and Kellan's lives are in jeopardy.
The second mystery is the current jewelry heists. There are similarities between the recent robberies and a cold case that happened eight years ago. The prominent families of Braxton were stolen from eight years ago, and it looks like the jewelry thief has returned. What is strange is the robberies stopped when Gabriel Ayrwick vanished. Now that he is back, the heists have started again.
The third mystery is the death of the electrician working on the campus cable car. At first glance, it appears Quinton Crawford was electrocuted. Left by his body is a black calla lily. Also found near the body is a ruby. Could Quint have discovered who the jewelry thief is and had been electrocuted in the struggle?
James "Jay" Cudney has done it again. He's written a superb, well-crafted novel. The characters, from the protagonist Kellan Ayrwick to the host of secondary characters, have grown as individuals and in their relationships. The dialogue is realistic and on-point. The plot and subplots are so intertwined that the flow between them appears effortless and smoothly crafted. The mysteries are intricate and well-thought out. I highly recommend the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. Each of the novels are captivating and exquisitely written. Now, I have to wait for the fifth book to be published. Oh, the anticipation is skyrocketing!
I received an electronic copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest and unbias review.
The second mystery is the current jewelry heists. There are similarities between the recent robberies and a cold case that happened eight years ago. The prominent families of Braxton were stolen from eight years ago, and it looks like the jewelry thief has returned. What is strange is the robberies stopped when Gabriel Ayrwick vanished. Now that he is back, the heists have started again.
The third mystery is the death of the electrician working on the campus cable car. At first glance, it appears Quinton Crawford was electrocuted. Left by his body is a black calla lily. Also found near the body is a ruby. Could Quint have discovered who the jewelry thief is and had been electrocuted in the struggle?
James "Jay" Cudney has done it again. He's written a superb, well-crafted novel. The characters, from the protagonist Kellan Ayrwick to the host of secondary characters, have grown as individuals and in their relationships. The dialogue is realistic and on-point. The plot and subplots are so intertwined that the flow between them appears effortless and smoothly crafted. The mysteries are intricate and well-thought out. I highly recommend the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. Each of the novels are captivating and exquisitely written. Now, I have to wait for the fifth book to be published. Oh, the anticipation is skyrocketing!
I received an electronic copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest and unbias review.
July 1, 2019
This novel is #4 in Cudney's Braxton Campus Mysteries and it's the best so far! Part of it for me may be that I feel like I know the characters as I started with book 1 (although they can all be read as stand-alones as well). Protagonist Kellen is in rare form once again as he attempts to solve another murder and a jewelry heist dating back years ago. We learn more about his "dead" wife and see his sweet relationship with his daughter and his comically caustic barbs with Nana D (seriously my favorite character ever)! The writing is clever, so very funny, and realistic at the same time. Fortunately #5 is in the works too so we fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Thanks to James for the delightful ARC!
Thanks to James for the delightful ARC!
May 20, 2020
A perfect lockdown read.
Another perfect read for the lockdown period.
Kellan finds another murder victim. His plate is quite full as he must juggle between investigating the murder, dealing with two enemy mob families to save his 'dead' wife, teaching class and raising a young daughter.
Another perfect read for the lockdown period.
Kellan finds another murder victim. His plate is quite full as he must juggle between investigating the murder, dealing with two enemy mob families to save his 'dead' wife, teaching class and raising a young daughter.
January 9, 2020
I signed up to join in a cover reveal blog post for James J. Cudney’s 6th book in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. It’ll be released soon enough, and in jumping on board I almost cried to think that I’ve let myself get so far behind! I love everything that I’ve read by this author so far, and there is really no excuse to my slacking off. So, a mere two days ago, I picked up book four, exactly where I left off on the Wharton County happenings, and this morning I breezed right through to the finish. I couldn’t put it down, and as I devoured the very last pages it dawned on me that this could likely be my favorite ending so far! I thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong. Talk about an unexpected climax! Whoa, has James J. Cudney’s writing really kicked up the suspense aspect a notch(or ten). This cozy series is climbing to thrill ride extravaganza, way to execute a twist to be remembered, Mr. Cudney!
Mistaken Identity Crisis is a fairly short book, a bit smaller than some of the others, so it can easily be read a minimal amount of sittings, one even if you have the freedom in time. It’s been months since I finished book three, yet as soon as I cracked this one open, that feeling of familiarity took over. A part of me actually felt like I was right at home in Wharton County, surrounded by friends and family that I’ve known all my life. Kellan, the main man is his usual calm, collected, and genius self. In the face of everything deadly and chaotic, he manages to keep a steady head on his shoulders, and his best judgement in play. Emma, his daughter, is the same little sweetheart as always, ever the fun loving smarty pants herself. Nana D. is still my favorite old lady, full of grit and sarcasm, only now she’s inaguarated and at the ripe young age of 75 she gets to pull the strings of Wharton county as none other than the mayor. Which we knew was coming as she ran the race in book 3. Kellan’s family makes you raise an eyebrow in question, for one reason or another, just as in every other book, yet you just love them! AND, his mobster inlaws are at their mob(ish) finest… or not so finest, all figures of speeches aside.
The lingering mystery that is Kellan’s supposedly late wife, who isn’t really dead, has always been hovering over Kellan and Emma’s head like a plague, and in Mistaken Identity Crisis everything about her and the Castigliano’s is finally brought to light. Talk about unexpected twists and turns there! There is never a dull moment in this family, and Kellan has done the right thing to protect his daughter from them as much as possible all the while walking the fine line of danger within all because of the blood running through her veins. Kellan is such a great dad, it’s one of my favorite aspects of this entire series!
What’s amazing is that not only is Kellan dealing with the stress and blackmail of his in laws, along with their lifelong enemy mob family, but there’s also been another murder on campus. A strangulation made look like electrocution nonetheless. Kellan finds himself right in the middle of the investigation once again, as he’d made friends with the man killed, AND because his brother Gabriel may just have connections to the whole mess…. BUT, is everything it really as it seems?
Once again, there are SO many aspects and clues into play that no regular mind could possibly keep it straight. Lucky Kellan has a knack for sorting clues, and finding anything looked over in the chaos. One piece at the time the puzzle comes together, and in the exact right places throughout the story. Then the ending happens… it’s as if the entire book just jumps from your fingertips and slaps you across the face before screaming, “I got the best of you again, you fool!” The ending is brilliant, and it ties literally every single piece of the story together. Hands down five stars. Yet again. I’ll be reading book 5 next week!
Mistaken Identity Crisis is a fairly short book, a bit smaller than some of the others, so it can easily be read a minimal amount of sittings, one even if you have the freedom in time. It’s been months since I finished book three, yet as soon as I cracked this one open, that feeling of familiarity took over. A part of me actually felt like I was right at home in Wharton County, surrounded by friends and family that I’ve known all my life. Kellan, the main man is his usual calm, collected, and genius self. In the face of everything deadly and chaotic, he manages to keep a steady head on his shoulders, and his best judgement in play. Emma, his daughter, is the same little sweetheart as always, ever the fun loving smarty pants herself. Nana D. is still my favorite old lady, full of grit and sarcasm, only now she’s inaguarated and at the ripe young age of 75 she gets to pull the strings of Wharton county as none other than the mayor. Which we knew was coming as she ran the race in book 3. Kellan’s family makes you raise an eyebrow in question, for one reason or another, just as in every other book, yet you just love them! AND, his mobster inlaws are at their mob(ish) finest… or not so finest, all figures of speeches aside.
The lingering mystery that is Kellan’s supposedly late wife, who isn’t really dead, has always been hovering over Kellan and Emma’s head like a plague, and in Mistaken Identity Crisis everything about her and the Castigliano’s is finally brought to light. Talk about unexpected twists and turns there! There is never a dull moment in this family, and Kellan has done the right thing to protect his daughter from them as much as possible all the while walking the fine line of danger within all because of the blood running through her veins. Kellan is such a great dad, it’s one of my favorite aspects of this entire series!
What’s amazing is that not only is Kellan dealing with the stress and blackmail of his in laws, along with their lifelong enemy mob family, but there’s also been another murder on campus. A strangulation made look like electrocution nonetheless. Kellan finds himself right in the middle of the investigation once again, as he’d made friends with the man killed, AND because his brother Gabriel may just have connections to the whole mess…. BUT, is everything it really as it seems?
Once again, there are SO many aspects and clues into play that no regular mind could possibly keep it straight. Lucky Kellan has a knack for sorting clues, and finding anything looked over in the chaos. One piece at the time the puzzle comes together, and in the exact right places throughout the story. Then the ending happens… it’s as if the entire book just jumps from your fingertips and slaps you across the face before screaming, “I got the best of you again, you fool!” The ending is brilliant, and it ties literally every single piece of the story together. Hands down five stars. Yet again. I’ll be reading book 5 next week!
April 13, 2021
It’s been longer than I originally intended, before I became reacquainted with engaging Kellen and his eventful life. It was a delight to jump back into this busy world and get back in touch with not just our rather frayed hero, but many of the other characters that also feature in this charming series. Like many other readers, my personal favourite is Kellan’s feisty grandmother, Nana D, whose peppery comments hide a fierce love for her grandson and his daughter. Now she is local mayor, she is determined to root out any corruption and get things running more smoothly.
However, there are a string of jewellery thefts – and once again, Kellen does his trick of unexpectedly encountering a dead body. Fortunately, his relationship with the local sheriff has now markedly improved, and instead of having to run the gauntlet of her scornful remarks and prickly attitude, she is now prepared to accept his help. So long as it’s on her terms…
Once more, I’m struck at how strong the characterisation is and how very well plotted the mysteries are – both of the jewellery thefts and the murder. And bubbling away in the background is a massive issue that has thrown a shadow over Kellen’s whole life and also very much impacts his daughter’s wellbeing, too. It would have been all too easy for Cudney to have slightly faltered with a loss of momentum, or overlooked a plot hole, while keeping all these narrative arcs moving forward. But his assured, readable writing style rolls the story forward such that I stayed up far later than I’d intended to find out what happened.
The denouement of this one worked particularly well and I thoroughly enjoyed where the story went. Fortunately, I have the next book in this entertaining series already on my ereader – and I won’t be waiting so long before giving myself a treat and tucking into it. Highly recommended for fans of cosy murder mysteries with plenty of plot twists and a cast of likeable characters – though whatever you do, start this series at the beginning – you’ll miss far too much vital backstory and enjoyable shenanigans, otherwise.
9/10
However, there are a string of jewellery thefts – and once again, Kellen does his trick of unexpectedly encountering a dead body. Fortunately, his relationship with the local sheriff has now markedly improved, and instead of having to run the gauntlet of her scornful remarks and prickly attitude, she is now prepared to accept his help. So long as it’s on her terms…
Once more, I’m struck at how strong the characterisation is and how very well plotted the mysteries are – both of the jewellery thefts and the murder. And bubbling away in the background is a massive issue that has thrown a shadow over Kellen’s whole life and also very much impacts his daughter’s wellbeing, too. It would have been all too easy for Cudney to have slightly faltered with a loss of momentum, or overlooked a plot hole, while keeping all these narrative arcs moving forward. But his assured, readable writing style rolls the story forward such that I stayed up far later than I’d intended to find out what happened.
The denouement of this one worked particularly well and I thoroughly enjoyed where the story went. Fortunately, I have the next book in this entertaining series already on my ereader – and I won’t be waiting so long before giving myself a treat and tucking into it. Highly recommended for fans of cosy murder mysteries with plenty of plot twists and a cast of likeable characters – though whatever you do, start this series at the beginning – you’ll miss far too much vital backstory and enjoyable shenanigans, otherwise.
9/10
November 16, 2019
Another great Braxton Campus Mystery
This is the fourth of the Braxton Campus mysteries by James J. Cudney that I have enjoyed, and it very much feels like a much anticipated family reunion.
The author has cleverly added new characters and story lines in each successive book so as not to overwhelm the reader, and this fourth mystery has plenty of new interesting players and plots to keep us coming back for more. And should you be concerned that you might not be able to keep up with the new characters, there is a very helpful list of the cast members and their roles in the front of the book.
Kellan Ayrwick is kept very busy in this book and is stretched thin between his job as a professor teaching a summer course, supporting his grandmother as she prepares to take office as the new Mayor, solving the mysterious series of robberies eight years previously, now being repeated which appear to implicate his brother, and being the go between for his supposed dead wife Francesca’s mob family and their mafia rivals.
Apart from trying to discover who murdered the contractor in the cable car, there are also secrets from the past that if revealed are going to impact the lives of those close to Kellan.
Luckily he has now formed a working relationship with the sheriff April Montague, although there is a promise of something more personal always lingering in the background. Also his friend Connor Hawkins formerly campus security but now a detective on the force is there as a back up and source of information. However with all the action going on and worry about his daughter’s safety, he is getting plenty of sleepless nights.
This is the most complex of the mysteries to date and certainly several new faces to get to know . I do recommend that you read the first three books in the series so that you hit the deck running with Mistaken Identity, or at least familiarise yourself with the cast list before reading the book. I have no idea where the next book will take us but I am looking forward to finding out.
This is the fourth of the Braxton Campus mysteries by James J. Cudney that I have enjoyed, and it very much feels like a much anticipated family reunion.
The author has cleverly added new characters and story lines in each successive book so as not to overwhelm the reader, and this fourth mystery has plenty of new interesting players and plots to keep us coming back for more. And should you be concerned that you might not be able to keep up with the new characters, there is a very helpful list of the cast members and their roles in the front of the book.
Kellan Ayrwick is kept very busy in this book and is stretched thin between his job as a professor teaching a summer course, supporting his grandmother as she prepares to take office as the new Mayor, solving the mysterious series of robberies eight years previously, now being repeated which appear to implicate his brother, and being the go between for his supposed dead wife Francesca’s mob family and their mafia rivals.
Apart from trying to discover who murdered the contractor in the cable car, there are also secrets from the past that if revealed are going to impact the lives of those close to Kellan.
Luckily he has now formed a working relationship with the sheriff April Montague, although there is a promise of something more personal always lingering in the background. Also his friend Connor Hawkins formerly campus security but now a detective on the force is there as a back up and source of information. However with all the action going on and worry about his daughter’s safety, he is getting plenty of sleepless nights.
This is the most complex of the mysteries to date and certainly several new faces to get to know . I do recommend that you read the first three books in the series so that you hit the deck running with Mistaken Identity, or at least familiarise yourself with the cast list before reading the book. I have no idea where the next book will take us but I am looking forward to finding out.
April 4, 2021
In "Mistaken Identity Crisis" super sleuth Kellan Ayrwick investigates a fourth murder, that has links to an eight year old cold case. He aspires to finding the killer, and aims to protect his brother Gabriel and his daughter Emma, while his estranged wife Francesca remains in the hands of the mafia.
The author skillfully introduces a new cast of characters, all included in a Who's Who at the beginning of the book. He has a wonderful talent for character building, a unique sense of humour and an ability to keep his readers guessing until the end.
This time round I managed to identify the murderer, a first for me!
The author skillfully introduces a new cast of characters, all included in a Who's Who at the beginning of the book. He has a wonderful talent for character building, a unique sense of humour and an ability to keep his readers guessing until the end.
This time round I managed to identify the murderer, a first for me!
December 21, 2020
I love returning to Wharton County to see what chaos the residents have gotten into next. This installment involves a prior hidden conspiracy that surfaces upon discovery of a new crime and murder. Plus the scary war between his wife's family and a mafia vendetta heats up leaving Kellen Arywick running ragged from his work, home, and police investigation responsibilities.
Each book reveals more of the characters' backgrounds and personalities, making it a treat to keep turning the pages until the end. Cudney gives readers another complex mystery where there's no easy answers.
Each book reveals more of the characters' backgrounds and personalities, making it a treat to keep turning the pages until the end. Cudney gives readers another complex mystery where there's no easy answers.
June 17, 2019
Both character evolution and character delineation well populate the Braxton Campus Mystery Series by James J. Cudney. In this installment, the atmosphere gains a strong twinge of Noir as feckless but well -intentioned and likable protagonist Kellan Ayrwick and his adored daughter Emma are caught between a rock and a hard place, two vicious Mafia clans, one of whom are Kellan's in-laws. We know those guys don't play around, and never suffer fools gladly. So Kellan will need to be extra strong and capable, almost a superhero.
February 8, 2021
Mistaken Identity Crisis, the 4th book in the Braxton Campus Mystery Series, brims with mystery, murder, intrigue, wayward characters, and a burgeoning romance. The Ayrwick family's strong bonds with Braxton University's collegiate halls have broadened with the family matriarch, Nana D's new role as Wharton County's Mayor.
The main character, Kellan, begins a new semester with four women (Raquel, Imogene, Siobhan, and Krissy) who have related histories and a possible motive to kill. As the story progresses, their connection to a slew of unresolved jewelry pilfering that struck Wharton County in the past has resurfaced. How are the robberies tied to the murder of Quint Crawford? And which of these fault-finding ladies is the perpetrator?
Since Kellan moved back to Wharton County and assumed a professorial role at Braxton University, his life has been chaotic. Three murders, scrutiny by the Castiglianos, a mob family who supposedly kidnapped his estranged wife, Francesca, constant pressures of his family, and amidst everything, trying to protect his daughter, Emma. Now a fourth murder has crossed his path. A death his sleuthing tendencies won’t ignore, especially knowing his younger brother Gabriel could be involved.
Nana D is back as the Mayor, and she’s running an entire town and still bossing her family around. In book four, Nana D seems to always be in the background sizing everyone up, scheming up plans for her family, ready to pounce at the right moment. A clever woman, she sees all, knows all, and perceives when to act. She's wrapped her fingers around every situation in her family and town. Now that she's Wharton's new Mayor, she wields power in a fashion like no other can.
Amidst this tangle of sleuthing, Kellan’s life is under constant scrutiny by the Castigliano mob family. How do they seem to know his every move? Kellan’s not taking too kindly to being ordered around. But to protect his daughter, he proceeds cautiously.
Finally! There’s some light in Kellan’s life. Like magnets Kellan and April, Sherriff Montague’s paths have crisscrossed since the beginning. Now the growing attraction between the two is on a collision course to romance. This is one relationship I wait eagerly to unfold. Cudney crafts temptation well with a brush of hands, lips that linger hungrily close. I wanted to shove the two together and say get on with it. But, no, Mr. Cudney leaves us just as desirous as Kellan and April with a build-up that’s bound to be steamy.
Like a fine thread, Cudney intricately weaves knotty twists and turns around four women suspects that held me captive, trying to solve the murder right along with Kellan. Black Calla Lilly flowers, left beside the victim’s body, sorority sisters, love triangles, jealousies, vengeance? A puzzle that just seems to grow larger and larger with missing pieces and some that don’t fit. This was one perpetrator I failed to ferret out. I didn’t see it coming. Kudos, Mr. Cudney!
Mistaken Identity Crisis culminates with a page-turning resolution of a mystery that’s bound Kellan’s hands since book one. A conclusion that ends one saga and starts another. Oh, that Nana D won’t quit. Just when Kellan’s life assumes some normalcy, she swoops in and stirs the pot again.
Mistaken Identity Crises is a page-turner with numerous twists and turns, mystery, and suspense. Lovable characters. A touch of humor. Light romance. A charming sleuth who can't stay out of trouble. All ingredients for a perfect cozy mystery. Hmm, I see a haunted house and supernatural elements in book five. This is right up my alley. Mr. Cudney, thank you for the superb read!
The main character, Kellan, begins a new semester with four women (Raquel, Imogene, Siobhan, and Krissy) who have related histories and a possible motive to kill. As the story progresses, their connection to a slew of unresolved jewelry pilfering that struck Wharton County in the past has resurfaced. How are the robberies tied to the murder of Quint Crawford? And which of these fault-finding ladies is the perpetrator?
Since Kellan moved back to Wharton County and assumed a professorial role at Braxton University, his life has been chaotic. Three murders, scrutiny by the Castiglianos, a mob family who supposedly kidnapped his estranged wife, Francesca, constant pressures of his family, and amidst everything, trying to protect his daughter, Emma. Now a fourth murder has crossed his path. A death his sleuthing tendencies won’t ignore, especially knowing his younger brother Gabriel could be involved.
Nana D is back as the Mayor, and she’s running an entire town and still bossing her family around. In book four, Nana D seems to always be in the background sizing everyone up, scheming up plans for her family, ready to pounce at the right moment. A clever woman, she sees all, knows all, and perceives when to act. She's wrapped her fingers around every situation in her family and town. Now that she's Wharton's new Mayor, she wields power in a fashion like no other can.
“After squashing Town Councilman Marcus Stanton in a landslide victory, Nana D wouldn't stop reminding everyone about the power she'd gained. Of course, she only planned to use it for good, but there was something unnerving and dubious about a woman with a Napoleon complex wielding control over us.”
Amidst this tangle of sleuthing, Kellan’s life is under constant scrutiny by the Castigliano mob family. How do they seem to know his every move? Kellan’s not taking too kindly to being ordered around. But to protect his daughter, he proceeds cautiously.
Finally! There’s some light in Kellan’s life. Like magnets Kellan and April, Sherriff Montague’s paths have crisscrossed since the beginning. Now the growing attraction between the two is on a collision course to romance. This is one relationship I wait eagerly to unfold. Cudney crafts temptation well with a brush of hands, lips that linger hungrily close. I wanted to shove the two together and say get on with it. But, no, Mr. Cudney leaves us just as desirous as Kellan and April with a build-up that’s bound to be steamy.
Like a fine thread, Cudney intricately weaves knotty twists and turns around four women suspects that held me captive, trying to solve the murder right along with Kellan. Black Calla Lilly flowers, left beside the victim’s body, sorority sisters, love triangles, jealousies, vengeance? A puzzle that just seems to grow larger and larger with missing pieces and some that don’t fit. This was one perpetrator I failed to ferret out. I didn’t see it coming. Kudos, Mr. Cudney!
Mistaken Identity Crisis culminates with a page-turning resolution of a mystery that’s bound Kellan’s hands since book one. A conclusion that ends one saga and starts another. Oh, that Nana D won’t quit. Just when Kellan’s life assumes some normalcy, she swoops in and stirs the pot again.
Mistaken Identity Crises is a page-turner with numerous twists and turns, mystery, and suspense. Lovable characters. A touch of humor. Light romance. A charming sleuth who can't stay out of trouble. All ingredients for a perfect cozy mystery. Hmm, I see a haunted house and supernatural elements in book five. This is right up my alley. Mr. Cudney, thank you for the superb read!
September 11, 2019
Mistaken Identity Crisis begins with a thief recreating unsolved thefts from eight years ago. Each time it's the same family as was hit last time, with the same calling card. Is this the same thief or a copy cat? While Kellen tries to help April, the town sheriff, figure this out without stepping on any toes he also has to work closely with her to end his in-law's feud with the Vargas family before someone gets hurt. On top of everything, a dead body is found on campus and Kellen is encouraged by loved ones to investigate. Can he keep everything moving in the right direction or will this be the mystery that takes him down?
First, let's talk about the relationship that's heating up between April and Kellen. I am here for this! I really like them as a couple, and I love that she's trying to be a bit less combative with him. The moments where he recognizes the attraction between them are really cute. I also liked that I got more time with the Castigliano family (Kellen's in laws) and that Emma's finally being told what's going on with her mother. Family wise, this was a fantastic addition to the series.
The mystery here is also really interesting. Having the murder tied to thefts both present and past- and implicating one of Kellen's loved ones- was an interesting touch. I loved getting to see the new characters, and some side characters from before that simply got more time here. Honestly, I think the colorful characters of Wharton County may be my favorite thing about this series, and they will definitely keep me coming back. For me, this is a four star book.
On the adult content scale, there's language and violence. None of it's too over the top, and I would still hand this one to my niece but the jokes are getting just a bit more risque (thank you, Helena). Let's give this one a four as well.
First, let's talk about the relationship that's heating up between April and Kellen. I am here for this! I really like them as a couple, and I love that she's trying to be a bit less combative with him. The moments where he recognizes the attraction between them are really cute. I also liked that I got more time with the Castigliano family (Kellen's in laws) and that Emma's finally being told what's going on with her mother. Family wise, this was a fantastic addition to the series.
The mystery here is also really interesting. Having the murder tied to thefts both present and past- and implicating one of Kellen's loved ones- was an interesting touch. I loved getting to see the new characters, and some side characters from before that simply got more time here. Honestly, I think the colorful characters of Wharton County may be my favorite thing about this series, and they will definitely keep me coming back. For me, this is a four star book.
On the adult content scale, there's language and violence. None of it's too over the top, and I would still hand this one to my niece but the jokes are getting just a bit more risque (thank you, Helena). Let's give this one a four as well.
July 8, 2019
Death stalks the campus. Tense and edgy Mystery
Having read this author's previous Braxton mysteries, I preordered this one and looked forward to reading it. I wasn't disappointed as this latest story featuring amateur sleuth, Kellan Ayrwick delivered on all counts. Mr. Cudney has developed his central characters gradually through the series and in addition to the baffling death of a man working on the college's cable car repair, we at last find out what happened to Kellan's missing wife.
With two different mob families involved in her disappearance, the plot is definitely twisted and very edgy as her survival seems very much on the line.
Add in a host of suspects as well as Kellan's brother, Gabriel and he has his work cut out in trying to solve the murder, in tandem with the police, while trying to free his wife from the clutches of the mob.
The relationship between Kellan and police chief April takes a step forward in this book, leaving him with serious questions about his personal life.
With many twists and turns along the way, the author keeps the reader guessing right to the end in this much grittier Braxton mystery. Each one of these books is a little better than the ones before, a testament to the author's developing talent. Well done, Mr. Cudney, it was worth waiting for.
Having read this author's previous Braxton mysteries, I preordered this one and looked forward to reading it. I wasn't disappointed as this latest story featuring amateur sleuth, Kellan Ayrwick delivered on all counts. Mr. Cudney has developed his central characters gradually through the series and in addition to the baffling death of a man working on the college's cable car repair, we at last find out what happened to Kellan's missing wife.
With two different mob families involved in her disappearance, the plot is definitely twisted and very edgy as her survival seems very much on the line.
Add in a host of suspects as well as Kellan's brother, Gabriel and he has his work cut out in trying to solve the murder, in tandem with the police, while trying to free his wife from the clutches of the mob.
The relationship between Kellan and police chief April takes a step forward in this book, leaving him with serious questions about his personal life.
With many twists and turns along the way, the author keeps the reader guessing right to the end in this much grittier Braxton mystery. Each one of these books is a little better than the ones before, a testament to the author's developing talent. Well done, Mr. Cudney, it was worth waiting for.
June 2, 2020
A Masterful Whodunit
This is book 4 of the Braxton Campus Mysteries and I have already bought book 5. This is a tremendous whodunit series set on a College Campus not far from Philadelphia, USA. I read book 3 first (don’t ask) and then had to read them all.
It is so good to find a series to follow where story line threads develop through the books so you become invested in the characters and their stories, their traits and the ‘crimes’ that go along with the enjoyable narrative.
Combine this with a wonderfully laconic and easy going lyrical style of writing that sets the tone for the novels, I find myself fully engaged and wanting more. Interwoven story lines add a sublime complexity and I was almost disappointed when some of the threads were sewn up in this book, but, I should have known, other seeds were sown (not sewn).
I am not even going to describe the plot because there are several running at the same time, but I will praise the author for creating exciting and engaging stories.
I described these books once as Agatha Christie on speed, well, this book is at an easier pace but nonetheless mightily enjoyable as the several plots thickened and we learn even more about the superbly drawn characters.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series and, preferably, start at Book 1… 5 stars.
This is book 4 of the Braxton Campus Mysteries and I have already bought book 5. This is a tremendous whodunit series set on a College Campus not far from Philadelphia, USA. I read book 3 first (don’t ask) and then had to read them all.
It is so good to find a series to follow where story line threads develop through the books so you become invested in the characters and their stories, their traits and the ‘crimes’ that go along with the enjoyable narrative.
Combine this with a wonderfully laconic and easy going lyrical style of writing that sets the tone for the novels, I find myself fully engaged and wanting more. Interwoven story lines add a sublime complexity and I was almost disappointed when some of the threads were sewn up in this book, but, I should have known, other seeds were sown (not sewn).
I am not even going to describe the plot because there are several running at the same time, but I will praise the author for creating exciting and engaging stories.
I described these books once as Agatha Christie on speed, well, this book is at an easier pace but nonetheless mightily enjoyable as the several plots thickened and we learn even more about the superbly drawn characters.
I wholeheartedly recommend this series and, preferably, start at Book 1… 5 stars.
July 15, 2019
I think this is the best one in the Braxton Campus series so far! I love this series anyway, but I really think this is the best one so far. This one had just a little more suspense and thrill aspects to it than the first three.
The addition of the mafia as a bigger piece of the story line helped to heighten the suspense in this one. There were also plenty of plot twists to keep me guessing all the way through. I did not see the biggest plot twist coming and that caught me totally off-guard (something I actually like a mystery to do).
The dynamics between Kellan and his family are well-explored in this book. We learn more about his brother, Gabriel; his in-laws; and his extended family.
I highly recommend this series to any cozy mystery lover. While each mystery can be read alone, the rest of the interpersonal dynamics are going to make a LOT more sense if you start from the beginning, Academic Curveball.
The addition of the mafia as a bigger piece of the story line helped to heighten the suspense in this one. There were also plenty of plot twists to keep me guessing all the way through. I did not see the biggest plot twist coming and that caught me totally off-guard (something I actually like a mystery to do).
The dynamics between Kellan and his family are well-explored in this book. We learn more about his brother, Gabriel; his in-laws; and his extended family.
I highly recommend this series to any cozy mystery lover. While each mystery can be read alone, the rest of the interpersonal dynamics are going to make a LOT more sense if you start from the beginning, Academic Curveball.
December 26, 2019
Finally a male protagonist in a cozy mystery, Kellan is a great detective and a wonderful father for Emma, a sweet 7-year-old girl.
Kellan woks as an assistant professor specializing in communications and film studies in Braxton a small town in north-central Pennsylvania. He thought he was a widower but in reality his wife Francesca had died out of pretense, now she has been kidnapped by the rival family and he has to find her and try to end this war. In the meantime, he has to find out who the thief on campus is.
The characters are very realistic. I really loved the love-hate relationship between Kellan and April, the detective who was beaten by Kellan four times to resolve the cases. Not to mention Nana, Kellan's sparkling grandmother.
Although it is the fourth book in the series you can read it as standalone, the author is good at providing the essential information to understand the characters, their stories and their relationships.
I really love the style of this author, since the first pages he manages to completely involve you in the adventures of the protagonists and keeps you in suspense until you solve the case with them.
Highly recommended
Kellan woks as an assistant professor specializing in communications and film studies in Braxton a small town in north-central Pennsylvania. He thought he was a widower but in reality his wife Francesca had died out of pretense, now she has been kidnapped by the rival family and he has to find her and try to end this war. In the meantime, he has to find out who the thief on campus is.
The characters are very realistic. I really loved the love-hate relationship between Kellan and April, the detective who was beaten by Kellan four times to resolve the cases. Not to mention Nana, Kellan's sparkling grandmother.
Although it is the fourth book in the series you can read it as standalone, the author is good at providing the essential information to understand the characters, their stories and their relationships.
I really love the style of this author, since the first pages he manages to completely involve you in the adventures of the protagonists and keeps you in suspense until you solve the case with them.
Highly recommended
December 20, 2020
I had already read and thoroughly enjoyed the first three Braxton Mysteries by James J Cudney. Therefore I wasn't going to let this one pass me by.
Kellan Ayrwick, a lecturer at the college, takes the front seat as an amateur sleuth once again when he stumbles across the body of the man who had been fixing the college cable car. Was it an accident or had he been murdered? But that isn't the only thing that Kellan needs to work on. As the plot unfolds, he learns that his brother, Gabriel might have been involved; not only in the death of the man, but also of some jewellery robberies a few years previously. Then, if that isn't enough. Kellan learns that his wife, who had gone missing, was being held hostage and he is told he must be the go-between to get what is needed to free her.
Somehow, Kellan juggles his activities as a sleuth and those as a lecturer at the college, as he tries to find a solution to all the problems. While, at the same time, trying hard to keep on the right side of the local sheriff, whose toes he has trodden on previously.
I found this to be another most enjoyable novel in the series. I will most certainly be buying book five - Haunted House Ghost.
Kellan Ayrwick, a lecturer at the college, takes the front seat as an amateur sleuth once again when he stumbles across the body of the man who had been fixing the college cable car. Was it an accident or had he been murdered? But that isn't the only thing that Kellan needs to work on. As the plot unfolds, he learns that his brother, Gabriel might have been involved; not only in the death of the man, but also of some jewellery robberies a few years previously. Then, if that isn't enough. Kellan learns that his wife, who had gone missing, was being held hostage and he is told he must be the go-between to get what is needed to free her.
Somehow, Kellan juggles his activities as a sleuth and those as a lecturer at the college, as he tries to find a solution to all the problems. While, at the same time, trying hard to keep on the right side of the local sheriff, whose toes he has trodden on previously.
I found this to be another most enjoyable novel in the series. I will most certainly be buying book five - Haunted House Ghost.
July 8, 2019
Kellan is overseeing the redesign of the cable car that runs between the North and South Campuses of Braxton. While checking in on the progress one morning, he is stunned to discover the body of the man hired to complete the remodelling. Now Kellan has this latest death to occupy his mind, while he has so much else on the go, with lots of goings on for Nana D., Emma, Eleanor, April, etc.
I believe this is my second favourite book in this series. I love the growing relationship between Kellan and April and his love for Emma is unparalleled. I’ll always love the first because it brought me to this wonderful author’s work, but this is great instalment and one I’m glad I didn’t miss. You shouldn’t either.
I believe this is my second favourite book in this series. I love the growing relationship between Kellan and April and his love for Emma is unparalleled. I’ll always love the first because it brought me to this wonderful author’s work, but this is great instalment and one I’m glad I didn’t miss. You shouldn’t either.
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