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Allie Cobb Mystery #4
A Deadly Discovery
Certain she’s seen more than enough death for one lifetime, literary agent Allie Cobb is ready to close the book on her amateur sleuthing, even when she learns that an unidentified body has been unearthed in a local state park. But when a worn and haunted-looking woman shows up on her doorstep with a grim story about her young daughter’s disappearance twenty years ago—and the police confirm that the recently discovered body is hers—Allie can’t bear to turn the poor woman away.
Determined to uncover the truth about the young woman’s murder, Allie begins delving into the circumstances of her life and those she knew so many years before. And when she meets powerful resistance from those she questions—many of whom are now trusted leaders in her small, tight-knit community—she’s sure she’s on the right track. But as she narrows down the list of suspects, Allie realizes too late that a cold-blooded killer is dead-set on keeping the secrets of the past buried, and it will take all her wit and cunning to avoid becoming the second young woman to meet an untimely end . . .
Determined to uncover the truth about the young woman’s murder, Allie begins delving into the circumstances of her life and those she knew so many years before. And when she meets powerful resistance from those she questions—many of whom are now trusted leaders in her small, tight-knit community—she’s sure she’s on the right track. But as she narrows down the list of suspects, Allie realizes too late that a cold-blooded killer is dead-set on keeping the secrets of the past buried, and it will take all her wit and cunning to avoid becoming the second young woman to meet an untimely end . . .
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2021
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Kenney
14 books253 followersI write contemporary whodunnits set in oddball small towns. I live in Indianapolis with my wife, two adult children, and a kitty cat. I dream of one day retiring to a place where the water is warm and the beaches are soft. I'm a big fan of motor sports, so when I'm not writing, you'll likely find me following the latest IndyCar developments.
I'm the co-host of the It's Bookish Time TV webcasts, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Mystery Writers of America.
I'm the co-host of the It's Bookish Time TV webcasts, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 3, 2021
A Deadly Discovery by J.C. Kenney is the 4th book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series, and another great addition. Allie Cobb is now running the family's literary agency that her father started. Allie has vowed to everyone that she is giving up on solving murders because, she was so effected from the last one. When a women's body is found, and she went missing twenty years ago, the women's mother begs her to take the case. Allie just could not turn down the mother, so she is determined to find out what happened. I really enjoyed this book, and read it in one day. So many twists and turns. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this cozy mystery book and the whole series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 2, 2021
Allie Cobb is an amateur sleuth who has been asked to help with a 20-year old cold case of a murdered young woman. The police bumbled the investigation two decades earlier, but the grieving mother is desperate for answers and closure. Despite swearing off investigations, Allie agrees to help. But hunting for damning clues and uncovering secrets often leads to danger. Will Allie figure out who the killer is before more trouble brews? The well thought out story-line and evolved characters draw you in. Four stars.
April 11, 2023
Altra serie che mi ero scordatata... Meno male che con le challenges dei vari gruppi ogni tanto vengono fuori delle tasks che mi fanno scoprire i libri che sono rimasti in fondo all'ereader!
In questa storia, il movente dell'omicidio, avvenuto venti anni prima, era ovvio fin dall'inizio e a sensazione avevo capito subito chi fosse il colpevole. Devo dire che mi ha irritato un po' la protagonista, con la sua testardaggine a ritenersi l'unica che potesse risolvere il giallo. Oltrettutto è in ottimi rapporti col capo della polizia e con diversi poliziotti (questi ultimi le passano diverse informazioni... mah...), poteva anche fidarsi a riferire a uno di loro le sue conclusioni, no?
In questa storia, il movente dell'omicidio, avvenuto venti anni prima, era ovvio fin dall'inizio e a sensazione avevo capito subito chi fosse il colpevole. Devo dire che mi ha irritato un po' la protagonista, con la sua testardaggine a ritenersi l'unica che potesse risolvere il giallo. Oltrettutto è in ottimi rapporti col capo della polizia e con diversi poliziotti (questi ultimi le passano diverse informazioni... mah...), poteva anche fidarsi a riferire a uno di loro le sue conclusioni, no?
January 4, 2021
This cozy little mystery is adorable. Allie and her cat are the town sleuths. Solving murders is a hobby they enjoy. When Connie corners Allie into helping solve a 20 year old murder case because she doesn't trust the police, Allie can't say no. The chief of police tells her to stay out of it, but in the end, he's thankful for her help. What would they do without their busy body neighbor?
May 16, 2021
Allie found herself in a jam, she had made a promise to her boyfriend and mother never to get involved in a murder mystery again, but she couldn’t ignore Connie’s cry for justice. She was long past the age where she needed permission to do anything. Allie was on a trail hunting for clues, she knew she was twenty years too late, but she was adamant to get justice for Connie. An engaging puzzle with a satisfying ending.
January 19, 2021
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“A Deadly Discovery” is an adorable cozy mystery book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Although I have not read the previous book in the series, I had no trouble catching up with the characters. I enjoyed how the author tackled the mystery. The central aspect that stood out was that Allie tries to solve a murder that happened decades ago when substantial evidence would have disappeared. Moreover, I also loved the quaint setting of Rushing Creek and the strong community sense.
Furthermore, the author also wrote the characters charmingly. Allie is terrific in the lead as she investigates Valerie’s murder. She is passionate about the case and wants to help Connie, even if it means working on it from the sidelines. I loved her friendship with Calypso, Jeanette, and Star. The scene where Allie experiences Star driving had me laughing out loud.
Similarly, Allie’s scenes with Matt were also impressive. On a side note, I loved how the author paid homage to Agatha Christie. As a Christie fan, I loved the similarities between Allie and Poirot in solving the mystery. Also, I appreciate the author for focusing on the mystery throughout and not digressing it too much with side plots (like Brent and Allie’s romance).
However, probably the only downside to the story was the lack of red herrings. True, there are quite a few suspects, but it is easy to predict who is the culprit early on. Or was it just me? To be honest, I would have loved it if the author added a few more twists and turns to give it an extra touch.
Apart from that, I thought this was a delightful cozy mystery. It made me interested in picking up the earlier books in the series.
January 2, 2021
Book 4 in the Allie Cobb mysteries finds literary agent Allie Cobb preparing for her town’s 9/11 memorial when a body is found in the park. When the victim is identified as Valerie Briggs, a young woman who went missing 20 years ago, Valerie’s mother shows up at Allie’s doorstep, asking for her help. With 3 cases under her belt, Allie has no qualms about diving into another mystery to see justice done.
In A DEADLY DISCOVERY, author J.C. Kenney does something really amazing: he creates a gritty, dark crime that one doesn’t normally come across in the cozy mystery genre. It was so cool to read a mystery that I could picture a real, trained investigator solving through the eyes of a civilian. The author’s use of DNA and genealogy is so clever. You don’t come across many cold cases in the cozy genre, so the entire premise of this book is refreshing and unexpected. I also appreciate that Allie acknowledges she likes solving mysteries and bringing killers to justice. Allie doesn’t have to be dragged kicking and screaming into an investigation; she’s on her bike racing toward the crime scene.
Another surprising detail in this book is Allie’s attention to her mental health. I’ve never read a cozy where the MC seeks out help to deal with her past traumas. If only more people did this, the world would probably be a better place. These scenes really made Allie shine as a multi-dimensional heroine.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading the previous books in this series, and I am loving how relationships and characters are continuing to develop. Sometimes, in cozy series, characters can plateau after a few books, but Kenney skillfully weaves growth into Allie and the other supporting characters. I am very interested to see where Brent and Allie’s relationship goes after this book, as Allie’s independence seems to be holding her back. Does this mean someone else is on the horizon? Or will Allie discover how awesome table top games can be? I can’t wait to find out!
I was lucky to read an advanced copy of this book - highly recommended!
In A DEADLY DISCOVERY, author J.C. Kenney does something really amazing: he creates a gritty, dark crime that one doesn’t normally come across in the cozy mystery genre. It was so cool to read a mystery that I could picture a real, trained investigator solving through the eyes of a civilian. The author’s use of DNA and genealogy is so clever. You don’t come across many cold cases in the cozy genre, so the entire premise of this book is refreshing and unexpected. I also appreciate that Allie acknowledges she likes solving mysteries and bringing killers to justice. Allie doesn’t have to be dragged kicking and screaming into an investigation; she’s on her bike racing toward the crime scene.
Another surprising detail in this book is Allie’s attention to her mental health. I’ve never read a cozy where the MC seeks out help to deal with her past traumas. If only more people did this, the world would probably be a better place. These scenes really made Allie shine as a multi-dimensional heroine.
I’ve had the pleasure of reading the previous books in this series, and I am loving how relationships and characters are continuing to develop. Sometimes, in cozy series, characters can plateau after a few books, but Kenney skillfully weaves growth into Allie and the other supporting characters. I am very interested to see where Brent and Allie’s relationship goes after this book, as Allie’s independence seems to be holding her back. Does this mean someone else is on the horizon? Or will Allie discover how awesome table top games can be? I can’t wait to find out!
I was lucky to read an advanced copy of this book - highly recommended!
January 7, 2021
J.C. Kenney, the author of “A Deadly Discovery” has written a suspenseful, intriguing and cozy mystery. The protagonist Allie Cobb, has an uncanny way of solving mysteries. This is a series of books, but can be read alone. I intend to go back and read the other books. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes about 20 years to the past when it pertains to the events and characters, and an unsolved murder. The author describes his characters as complicated, complex, determined, and quirky. There are secrets, betrayals, threats, danger and murder. There is also a feisty delightful cat that love to be talked to, fed and walked with a harness.
Allie Cobb has a business editing books, and helping authors publish books. Her beau or boyfriend works at the library. In the small town, one of the residents asks Allie for help in solving a 20 year old mystery where her daughter had disappeared. In the present, a dead body is found that turns out to be the missing daughter. The mother believes that the police didn’t do their work 20 years earlier, and doesn’t trust them. Allie has an unusual talent for solving murders, and against her better judgement, decides to help this woman. Both the Police and the killer do not want Allie on this case.
I would recommend this entertaining and suspenseful cozy mystery for readers who enjoy these genres.
Allie Cobb has a business editing books, and helping authors publish books. Her beau or boyfriend works at the library. In the small town, one of the residents asks Allie for help in solving a 20 year old mystery where her daughter had disappeared. In the present, a dead body is found that turns out to be the missing daughter. The mother believes that the police didn’t do their work 20 years earlier, and doesn’t trust them. Allie has an unusual talent for solving murders, and against her better judgement, decides to help this woman. Both the Police and the killer do not want Allie on this case.
I would recommend this entertaining and suspenseful cozy mystery for readers who enjoy these genres.
January 5, 2021
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and J.C. Kenney for a copy of this wonderful cozy mystery.
A Deadly Discovery continues following Literary agent, Allie Cobb as she wishes to hang up her hat as an amateur detective. When a dead body is discovered in a state park, Allie brushes it off and tries to ignore her sense of helping the police find out what happened. When a mysterious woman appears at her door and explains that her daughter disappeared 20 years ago, Allie decides to take action and find out all of the connections in this small town murder.
I’m a sucker for a good small town cozy mystery and this one delivers. The quaint familiarity of this town easily drew me in as I learned more about our intelligent protagonist and crew. The plot was simple and warm with fun hints as to what happened to the woman found in the park. Allie’s relationships with the police and her town were well-done and made for a quick read this winter. And to top it off...her cat is her cuddly partner through her adventures. ♥️ There’s nothing better than a Midwestern romp while solving crime with a furry friend by your side.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Check out A Deadly Discovery on January 19, 2021. The rest of the series is available now!
A Deadly Discovery continues following Literary agent, Allie Cobb as she wishes to hang up her hat as an amateur detective. When a dead body is discovered in a state park, Allie brushes it off and tries to ignore her sense of helping the police find out what happened. When a mysterious woman appears at her door and explains that her daughter disappeared 20 years ago, Allie decides to take action and find out all of the connections in this small town murder.
I’m a sucker for a good small town cozy mystery and this one delivers. The quaint familiarity of this town easily drew me in as I learned more about our intelligent protagonist and crew. The plot was simple and warm with fun hints as to what happened to the woman found in the park. Allie’s relationships with the police and her town were well-done and made for a quick read this winter. And to top it off...her cat is her cuddly partner through her adventures. ♥️ There’s nothing better than a Midwestern romp while solving crime with a furry friend by your side.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Check out A Deadly Discovery on January 19, 2021. The rest of the series is available now!
January 18, 2021
This is one of my favorite cozy series and I found it gripping and enjoyable.
I was happy to meet again and catch up with Allie, Ursula and the fleshed out cast of characters. They are likable and relatable.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the empathy of the writer toward the victims and how he talks about the rich/poor relationship in the town.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's highly recommended.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I was happy to meet again and catch up with Allie, Ursula and the fleshed out cast of characters. They are likable and relatable.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and it kept me guessing till the end.
I appreciated the empathy of the writer toward the victims and how he talks about the rich/poor relationship in the town.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it's highly recommended.
Many thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 11, 2020
Solving a murder is never easy but solving a 20 year old murder case seems extremely difficult-if not impossible. Allie Cobb, literary agent tries to discover the truth about this case.
This is the first time I have been introduced to one of J.C. Kenney's books and I have absolutely loved it.
The story was full of suspense, fast paced and brilliantly written. The main character Allie is fiercely independent and Rushing Creek's answer to Miss Marple. I loved the subtle humour and the way the killer is revealed. Just magic! Special mention to Ursula, she has to be one of my favourite characters EVER!
I will definitely be looking at the other books in this series.
#ADeadlyDiscovery #NetGalley
This is the first time I have been introduced to one of J.C. Kenney's books and I have absolutely loved it.
The story was full of suspense, fast paced and brilliantly written. The main character Allie is fiercely independent and Rushing Creek's answer to Miss Marple. I loved the subtle humour and the way the killer is revealed. Just magic! Special mention to Ursula, she has to be one of my favourite characters EVER!
I will definitely be looking at the other books in this series.
#ADeadlyDiscovery #NetGalley
January 12, 2021
Can literary agent Allie Cobb solve a 20 year old cold case? This is the first book in this series that I’ve read but I had no problem reading it as a stand alone story. I like that Allie is a strong independent woman who puts the clues together to solve the mystery rather than stumbling on the identity of the killer by accident.
January 7, 2021
Allie should be busy running her literary agency - that's what local law enforcement, her friends, and her love interest Brent think- but she finds herself pulled into a cold case when Connie turns up at her door begging her for help. Connie's daughter Valerie disappeared 20 years ago but her remains have just been found. Connie is rightly concerned that there's more to the story than she's been told. Allie, of course, dives right in but finds that there are more secrets in Rushing Creek than one might think. This is a cozy so readers know that there will be red herrings. Allie is a strong character (sometimes a bit much) but she gets the job done. Oh and there's Ursi the cat! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This will be fine as a standalone. It's well crafted and fun.
January 10, 2021
This delightful cozy mystery was just the escape I needed! Book 4 in this series I read as a stand-alone and my only issue was wanting more to read in it, which luckily for me I have 3 more to go! Allie is helping with a memorial when she finds herself in a murder mystery that involves a missing person from decades ago. Allie may be new to solving mysteries but I must say I really enjoyed her character and the story itself! I’m excited to read more books by this author and highly recommend it!
December 4, 2020
If you can't love your own writing, what's the point, right? Besides, I'm really with this story takes a trip in the Wayback Machine in order for Allie to solve a decades old mystery!
January 9, 2021
A DEADLY DISCOVERY
by
@j.c.kenney
Releases 19th Jan. 2021
____
❤️ Do you believe the world's not as it seems & do you love to attentively & keenly observe people❓
🌸 Are you an #agathachristie fan❓
🦄 Do you love a cozy mystery❓
🌸 If ans to any of these is a yes, READ 📖ON!
_____
This one is the 4th installment in the ALLIE COBB MYSTERY BOOKS.
Can be totally read as a standalone.
Simple language, fast paced, it winds up in 28 chapters.
The protagonist, Allie is a literary agent and has solved 3 murders in less than 2 years but the last one has left her emotionally drained.
She resolved not to involve herself in any more of this sleuth business. She lives with her cat, Ursula. The location is Indiana.
As destiny would have it, a body is found in the area & she gets herself involved this time too.
Mom of a girl, who was went absconding 20 years ago, comes up to Allie asking for her help and she couldn't say no... being the kind hearted person that she is.
The mystery keeps one on the toes and teaches us a life lesson or two in the process.
Read 📖it if you looking for a quick, interesting, heart whelming story cum mystery (cozy).
It reminded me of Nancy Drew reading days.
____
Did you know❓
A grasshopper can only jump forward!
According to legend, it denotes us to jump forward w/out fear onto the next chapter of our lives.
That's the Myth associated with the grasshopper.. if it lands near your foot.
____
Parting thoughts..
Never forget the lost loved ones, no matter how long they have been gone.. We need to keep em in our hearts and mind..
#noorthebookwormreviews
#adeadlydiscovery
#analliecobbmystery
Merged review:
A DEADLY DISCOVERY
by
@j.c.kenney
Releases 19th Jan. 2021
____
❤️ Do you believe the world's not as it seems & do you love to attentively & keenly observe people❓
🌸 Are you an #agathachristie fan❓
🦄 Do you love a cozy mystery❓
🌸 If ans to any of these is a yes, READ 📖ON!
_____
This one is the 4th installment in the ALLIE COBB MYSTERY BOOKS.
Can be totally read as a standalone.
Simple language, fast paced, it winds up in 28 chapters.
The protagonist, Allie is a literary agent and has solved 3 murders in less than 2 years but the last one has left her emotionally drained.
She resolved not to involve herself in any more of this sleuth business. She lives with her cat, Ursula. The location is Indiana.
As destiny would have it, a body is found in the area & she gets herself involved this time too.
Mom of a girl, who was went absconding 20 years ago, comes up to Allie asking for her help and she couldn't say no... being the kind hearted person that she is.
The mystery keeps one on the toes and teaches us a life lesson or two in the process.
Read 📖it if you looking for a quick, interesting, heart whelming story cum mystery (cozy).
It reminded me of Nancy Drew reading days.
____
Did you know❓
A grasshopper can only jump forward!
According to legend, it denotes us to jump forward w/out fear onto the next chapter of our lives.
That's the Myth associated with the grasshopper.. if it lands near your foot.
____
Parting thoughts..
Never forget the lost loved ones, no matter how long they have been gone.. We need to keep em in our hearts and mind..
#noorthebookwormreviews
#adeadlydiscovery
#analliecobbmystery
by
@j.c.kenney
Releases 19th Jan. 2021
____
❤️ Do you believe the world's not as it seems & do you love to attentively & keenly observe people❓
🌸 Are you an #agathachristie fan❓
🦄 Do you love a cozy mystery❓
🌸 If ans to any of these is a yes, READ 📖ON!
_____
This one is the 4th installment in the ALLIE COBB MYSTERY BOOKS.
Can be totally read as a standalone.
Simple language, fast paced, it winds up in 28 chapters.
The protagonist, Allie is a literary agent and has solved 3 murders in less than 2 years but the last one has left her emotionally drained.
She resolved not to involve herself in any more of this sleuth business. She lives with her cat, Ursula. The location is Indiana.
As destiny would have it, a body is found in the area & she gets herself involved this time too.
Mom of a girl, who was went absconding 20 years ago, comes up to Allie asking for her help and she couldn't say no... being the kind hearted person that she is.
The mystery keeps one on the toes and teaches us a life lesson or two in the process.
Read 📖it if you looking for a quick, interesting, heart whelming story cum mystery (cozy).
It reminded me of Nancy Drew reading days.
____
Did you know❓
A grasshopper can only jump forward!
According to legend, it denotes us to jump forward w/out fear onto the next chapter of our lives.
That's the Myth associated with the grasshopper.. if it lands near your foot.
____
Parting thoughts..
Never forget the lost loved ones, no matter how long they have been gone.. We need to keep em in our hearts and mind..
#noorthebookwormreviews
#adeadlydiscovery
#analliecobbmystery
Merged review:
A DEADLY DISCOVERY
by
@j.c.kenney
Releases 19th Jan. 2021
____
❤️ Do you believe the world's not as it seems & do you love to attentively & keenly observe people❓
🌸 Are you an #agathachristie fan❓
🦄 Do you love a cozy mystery❓
🌸 If ans to any of these is a yes, READ 📖ON!
_____
This one is the 4th installment in the ALLIE COBB MYSTERY BOOKS.
Can be totally read as a standalone.
Simple language, fast paced, it winds up in 28 chapters.
The protagonist, Allie is a literary agent and has solved 3 murders in less than 2 years but the last one has left her emotionally drained.
She resolved not to involve herself in any more of this sleuth business. She lives with her cat, Ursula. The location is Indiana.
As destiny would have it, a body is found in the area & she gets herself involved this time too.
Mom of a girl, who was went absconding 20 years ago, comes up to Allie asking for her help and she couldn't say no... being the kind hearted person that she is.
The mystery keeps one on the toes and teaches us a life lesson or two in the process.
Read 📖it if you looking for a quick, interesting, heart whelming story cum mystery (cozy).
It reminded me of Nancy Drew reading days.
____
Did you know❓
A grasshopper can only jump forward!
According to legend, it denotes us to jump forward w/out fear onto the next chapter of our lives.
That's the Myth associated with the grasshopper.. if it lands near your foot.
____
Parting thoughts..
Never forget the lost loved ones, no matter how long they have been gone.. We need to keep em in our hearts and mind..
#noorthebookwormreviews
#adeadlydiscovery
#analliecobbmystery
December 9, 2020
Literary agent Allie Cobb gets sucked into helping Connie Briggs when she begs Allie to find out who murdered her daughter Valerie some 20 years ago. Workers discover Valerie’s body in Beechwood State Forest, and Connie does not trust law enforcement to find the truth.
In between her duties as a literary agent and taking walks with Ursi, her cat, Allie begins researching the 20-year-old disappearance and investigation at that time.
Next comes interviewing friends and classmates for what they remember. As she uncovers clues, she shares what she finds with the police.
J. C. Kelly manages a suspense-driven pace as Allie collects clues from various sources that help her narrow the list of suspects and motives. Building on his community of well-developed characters, the author incorporates pesky misdirection and more than a few twists as Allie eliminates suspects. A skillful storyteller, Mr. Kelly writes an intriguing entry to the Allie Cobb Mysteries.
In between her duties as a literary agent and taking walks with Ursi, her cat, Allie begins researching the 20-year-old disappearance and investigation at that time.
Next comes interviewing friends and classmates for what they remember. As she uncovers clues, she shares what she finds with the police.
J. C. Kelly manages a suspense-driven pace as Allie collects clues from various sources that help her narrow the list of suspects and motives. Building on his community of well-developed characters, the author incorporates pesky misdirection and more than a few twists as Allie eliminates suspects. A skillful storyteller, Mr. Kelly writes an intriguing entry to the Allie Cobb Mysteries.
December 8, 2020
When a body is found in the woods, the mother of a young girl missing for more than 20 years shows up on Allie’s doorstep asking for her help in finding her daughter’s killer. While Allie had promised to hang up her sleuthing hat after her last gig, she can’t turn down a grieving mother’s request.
The clues lead Allie to local suspects that she has lived with all of her life. Now she has to figure out who thinks they got away with murder 20 years ago, because she’s about to bring them to justice…if they don’t get her first.
I read the previous book in this series and wasn’t all that thrilled, but said I’d give the series another chance and I’m glad I did. This book was so much better than the last one and I thoroughly enjoyed the whodunit, red herrings, and a petite protagonist with her kitty. I’ll be back for more in this series.
The clues lead Allie to local suspects that she has lived with all of her life. Now she has to figure out who thinks they got away with murder 20 years ago, because she’s about to bring them to justice…if they don’t get her first.
I read the previous book in this series and wasn’t all that thrilled, but said I’d give the series another chance and I’m glad I did. This book was so much better than the last one and I thoroughly enjoyed the whodunit, red herrings, and a petite protagonist with her kitty. I’ll be back for more in this series.
December 8, 2020
I enjoyed getting back together with these friends. The town is nice, and the mystery was interesting. I do admire Allie's ability to take care of herself, and that while her friends, family and boyfriend all want to her stop investigating they stand by her and help her when needed.
January 2, 2021
This is the 4th book in this charming series . I have read the previous in series and found this to be my favorite yet of the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.. My review opinion is unbiased.
J.C. Kenny has a winning cozy series here with a new protagnist who is independent, savvy and does not suffer fools. I love this charcter ! In this next in series Allie is a literary agent who is asked to investigate a local women's cold case murder. Allie enlists the help of her friends and boyfriend to help gather information from the 1980's and the victims high school friends who are reluctant to talk. She is a good investigator and as she gathers clues may come close to solving this difficult case.
I like all the supporting charcters in this series. The addition of Allie's cat she is devoted to is sweet and I love that she walks her cat much as many of us with cats do . This series has much to like and is always a fun read
J.C. Kenny has a winning cozy series here with a new protagnist who is independent, savvy and does not suffer fools. I love this charcter ! In this next in series Allie is a literary agent who is asked to investigate a local women's cold case murder. Allie enlists the help of her friends and boyfriend to help gather information from the 1980's and the victims high school friends who are reluctant to talk. She is a good investigator and as she gathers clues may come close to solving this difficult case.
I like all the supporting charcters in this series. The addition of Allie's cat she is devoted to is sweet and I love that she walks her cat much as many of us with cats do . This series has much to like and is always a fun read
October 22, 2021
Needing a change one day, as I sometimes crave a calming walk in the green countryside, I picked up cosy mystery ‘A Deadly Discovery’ by JC Penney. Knowing the book was fourth in a series, I didn’t know what to expect.
Literary agent Allie Cobb lives in Rushing Creek, Indiana where her life revolves around her clients, their manuscripts, taking her cat Ursi for a walk, family and friends. Having previously investigated local murders, and being injured in the process, before this book starts Allie had promised her nearest and dearest that she would drop her private investigating. But when a body turns up in the local woods, everyone wonders if it could be a girl who disappeared twenty ago. As Allie asks questions around town, tensions with the police department arise with suspicions of clues missed at the time of the original disappearance.
This is a different style of whodunnit in that the story is firmly anchored and clues processed in the head of detective Allie. This is a tell-don’t-show style that sinks us into Allie’s daily life and concerns, the reader must unravel the clues from the seemingly ordinary. Of course this is a mystery story so clues, and red herrings, can be anywhere.
Diving into a series mid-way has its benefits and issues. I’m sure I missed lots of references to characters and past stories that would help my reading of Allie’s detecting and understanding of Rushing Creek. From page one a lot of names and relationships are introduced, featured in the previous novels, that I struggled to remember. A character cast at the beginning would help.
Kenney has created a believable small-town world at Rushing Creek where lives, secrets, resentments and loves have been entwined since birth. It reminded me of Charlotte Hinger’s Lottie Albright genealogical mystery series, set in another American small town. When everyone knows everyone else, secrets are not simply embarrassing or shameful. They can be deadly.
An easy, gentle read without a confusing tangle of multiple suspects. I guessed the murderer well before Allie’s big reveal scene, which owed much to the trend of Poirot. I finished it feeling curiously unattached from the people involved, perhaps because Allie dominates the story so thoroughly.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Literary agent Allie Cobb lives in Rushing Creek, Indiana where her life revolves around her clients, their manuscripts, taking her cat Ursi for a walk, family and friends. Having previously investigated local murders, and being injured in the process, before this book starts Allie had promised her nearest and dearest that she would drop her private investigating. But when a body turns up in the local woods, everyone wonders if it could be a girl who disappeared twenty ago. As Allie asks questions around town, tensions with the police department arise with suspicions of clues missed at the time of the original disappearance.
This is a different style of whodunnit in that the story is firmly anchored and clues processed in the head of detective Allie. This is a tell-don’t-show style that sinks us into Allie’s daily life and concerns, the reader must unravel the clues from the seemingly ordinary. Of course this is a mystery story so clues, and red herrings, can be anywhere.
Diving into a series mid-way has its benefits and issues. I’m sure I missed lots of references to characters and past stories that would help my reading of Allie’s detecting and understanding of Rushing Creek. From page one a lot of names and relationships are introduced, featured in the previous novels, that I struggled to remember. A character cast at the beginning would help.
Kenney has created a believable small-town world at Rushing Creek where lives, secrets, resentments and loves have been entwined since birth. It reminded me of Charlotte Hinger’s Lottie Albright genealogical mystery series, set in another American small town. When everyone knows everyone else, secrets are not simply embarrassing or shameful. They can be deadly.
An easy, gentle read without a confusing tangle of multiple suspects. I guessed the murderer well before Allie’s big reveal scene, which owed much to the trend of Poirot. I finished it feeling curiously unattached from the people involved, perhaps because Allie dominates the story so thoroughly.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
February 27, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
A Deadly Discovery is the fourth Allie Cobb mystery by J.C. Kenney. Released 19th Jan 2021, it's 218 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
Although it's the fourth book in the series, this small-town cozy works perfectly well as a standalone. The author is adept at providing necessary backstory without spoon feeding or info dumping all over readers. The characterizations in general are three dimensional and believable with a protagonist who's a literary agent and a delight. The action moves along at a fast pace and never drags or meanders (a definite danger with cozies). There are some slightly rough spots with the dialogue in a couple of places, but it never detracted or yanked me out of the story. I liked the information the author provided about the publishing industry and marketing; I found it interesting.
The plot resolution was a little more linear than I'm used to, but all in all the denouement was satisfying and well written. The language is squeaky clean and there's no on-page blood or gore. I recommend it to fans of small-town cozies with amateur sleuths (plus cat). It's a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed it enough that I intend to go find the previous books in the series.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Deadly Discovery is the fourth Allie Cobb mystery by J.C. Kenney. Released 19th Jan 2021, it's 218 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.
Although it's the fourth book in the series, this small-town cozy works perfectly well as a standalone. The author is adept at providing necessary backstory without spoon feeding or info dumping all over readers. The characterizations in general are three dimensional and believable with a protagonist who's a literary agent and a delight. The action moves along at a fast pace and never drags or meanders (a definite danger with cozies). There are some slightly rough spots with the dialogue in a couple of places, but it never detracted or yanked me out of the story. I liked the information the author provided about the publishing industry and marketing; I found it interesting.
The plot resolution was a little more linear than I'm used to, but all in all the denouement was satisfying and well written. The language is squeaky clean and there's no on-page blood or gore. I recommend it to fans of small-town cozies with amateur sleuths (plus cat). It's a quick and satisfying read. I enjoyed it enough that I intend to go find the previous books in the series.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 13, 2021
This is the 4th installment in the Allie Cobb mystery series. Allie is a literary agent in her hometown of Rushing Creek Indiana. She has been involved in a couple of murder investigations over the last couple of years and her family has asked her not to ever get involved again as her life has been at risk each time. Allie has promised, however, when the body of a missing girl has been found after 20 years the missing women’s Mother asks her to get her daughter justice. Allie wants to say no but she cannot as her heart breaks for the Mother of Valerie Biggs. The tricky thing is the police will not help her this time as the current police chief and her ex brother in law Matt is trying to get justice as well since his Father and former police chief dropped the ball 20 years ago. Allie’s heart is in the right place and she does have a knack for getting people to talk to her and get results. The ending was very suspenseful and so glad Allie was able to pull it all together and get justice. I was a little surprised that her boyfriend was not that involved given he is now living in town. I do enjoy this series and Allie along with all her family and friends. Good series and look forward to the next installment.
January 30, 2021
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series and this one, #4, is no exception. Allie not only runs a literary business in her hometown - editing books and assisting authors with publication - but she has found another talent. She is very good at solving murders. Despite the fact that she would rather scale back, so to speak, on that part of her life, she can't find her way to say 'no' when the mother of a woman, missing twenty years, turns up in the town park. It's no wonder that the dead woman's mother hasn't any faith in the police being able to solve this crime. Allie takes on the case and that causes friction with the police. She's going to need all of her wits about her if she is going to catch a killer before she ends up as the next victim. Turns out there are a lot of locals who have twenty year old secrets that they really, really want to stay secret. Which one will go to any lengths to muzzle Allie?
This is a well written series with a solid mystery to keep the reader engaged to the very last page. Add to it a bit of romance and a delightful cat and it's a winning combination.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a well written series with a solid mystery to keep the reader engaged to the very last page. Add to it a bit of romance and a delightful cat and it's a winning combination.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2021
I love a good cozy mystery especially ones by an author that is new to me. Something about the way they just pull you in from the start and you get to put your sluething skills to work instantly! So, I can tell you I was excited to dive into this one. And, what a ride it was!
I loved getting to help Allie Cobb work on solving an unsolved murder case. I loved the twists and turns, and all the characters that I met along the way! There were ups and downs following Allie throughout the story, and I enjoyed every page turn. By the time I reached the end....I felt like I was an actual part of piecing the clues together to solve the 20 year old mystery and feeling the emotions that Allie felt.
Kenney is a talented author. His writing style is superb and he creates a story that will leave you wanting more. The characters are chiseled wonderfully and the plot line is unforgettable, with an ending that will leave your jaw dropped. I am excited to go back and read the other Allie Cobb books!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved getting to help Allie Cobb work on solving an unsolved murder case. I loved the twists and turns, and all the characters that I met along the way! There were ups and downs following Allie throughout the story, and I enjoyed every page turn. By the time I reached the end....I felt like I was an actual part of piecing the clues together to solve the 20 year old mystery and feeling the emotions that Allie felt.
Kenney is a talented author. His writing style is superb and he creates a story that will leave you wanting more. The characters are chiseled wonderfully and the plot line is unforgettable, with an ending that will leave your jaw dropped. I am excited to go back and read the other Allie Cobb books!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
January 26, 2021
Here I am again with another cozy mystery, and yes this one is also part of a series. I know its cliche for me to keep saying “I found another cozy series to read,” but I can’t help it, I really did find another series to read!
Allie Cobb is my kind of girl. She’s smart, she loves animals, and she works in books. She’s living back in Rushing Creek Indiana, her hometown, and when she’s not working out or walking her cat, you can find her trying to solve another local murder. (Kinda makes you wonder why she would still want to live in this small town, but hey…. to each their own right? Besides, she actually lives in an apartment above a book store…..a BOOK STORE! A few local murders wouldn’t deter me away from those digs either).
In A Deadly Discovery, the fourth in the Allie Cobb Mystery series, a woman’s buried bones are found in the state park nearby. When the mother of a local girl who went missing 20 years ago begs Allie to look into the case, and the bones come back as definitely being her daughters Allie jumps into sleuthing once again. Can she figure out who and why Valerie was murdered ? Hmm…. I guess we will just have to see.
The 4th in a series, which can also be read as a standalone, A Deadly Discovery was a fast paced, enjoyable delight to read. I can honestly say that I had no clue who the murderer was until the reveal, and if I can’t figure it out beforehand, then its a well written book for sure. I am anxious to read the first 3 books of this series and learn more about Allie and the wonderful characters in Rushing Creek. J.C. Kenney has a gold mine with this character, and I foresee nothing but more good books to come in this series.
I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Allie Cobb is my kind of girl. She’s smart, she loves animals, and she works in books. She’s living back in Rushing Creek Indiana, her hometown, and when she’s not working out or walking her cat, you can find her trying to solve another local murder. (Kinda makes you wonder why she would still want to live in this small town, but hey…. to each their own right? Besides, she actually lives in an apartment above a book store…..a BOOK STORE! A few local murders wouldn’t deter me away from those digs either).
In A Deadly Discovery, the fourth in the Allie Cobb Mystery series, a woman’s buried bones are found in the state park nearby. When the mother of a local girl who went missing 20 years ago begs Allie to look into the case, and the bones come back as definitely being her daughters Allie jumps into sleuthing once again. Can she figure out who and why Valerie was murdered ? Hmm…. I guess we will just have to see.
The 4th in a series, which can also be read as a standalone, A Deadly Discovery was a fast paced, enjoyable delight to read. I can honestly say that I had no clue who the murderer was until the reveal, and if I can’t figure it out beforehand, then its a well written book for sure. I am anxious to read the first 3 books of this series and learn more about Allie and the wonderful characters in Rushing Creek. J.C. Kenney has a gold mine with this character, and I foresee nothing but more good books to come in this series.
I definitely recommend picking this one up.
February 1, 2021
I can’t think of a better day than today to be snuggled up inside with a cozy mystery like A Deadly Discovery!
Allie is just about ready to end her mystery solving, until the day a woman named Connie shows up on her doorstep asking for help. A 20 year old cold case/disappearance brings Allie and her kitty-cat Ursula sidekick out to solve it! Of course - it is never as simple as it seems. Allie soon finds there’s more than meets the eye, and many hidden secrets!
I won’t lie, cozy mysteries may be one of my favorite genres. Especially one with an adorable pet companion in a small town setting. I throughly enjoyed following along with Allie. This mystery definitely kept me guessing and on my toes! Even though this is this fourth in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
The only problem I have now, is that I have three more books on my TBR!
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book tours for the gifted copy!
Allie is just about ready to end her mystery solving, until the day a woman named Connie shows up on her doorstep asking for help. A 20 year old cold case/disappearance brings Allie and her kitty-cat Ursula sidekick out to solve it! Of course - it is never as simple as it seems. Allie soon finds there’s more than meets the eye, and many hidden secrets!
I won’t lie, cozy mysteries may be one of my favorite genres. Especially one with an adorable pet companion in a small town setting. I throughly enjoyed following along with Allie. This mystery definitely kept me guessing and on my toes! Even though this is this fourth in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
The only problem I have now, is that I have three more books on my TBR!
Thank you to Suzy Approved Book tours for the gifted copy!
March 11, 2021
I really liked Allie's character. She is a very strong, independent woman who is very perceptive to minute details, very aggressive in her inquiries, and loves to go to the library for research. I loved all the book and detective stories mentioned throughout the book. It added an element of fun to the story. This book is written more like a tv crime show with lots of action and bold characters. Allie's only flaw is that she treats her relationship with her boyfriend more like a friendship because they don't really interact with each other that much. This is the fourth book of the series so I would love to go back and read the other books in the series to see how they compare with this book. I would highly recommend this book to readers that love a great mystery to solve!
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Pages Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Pages Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 16, 2021
After the harrowing events from her last murder case, literary agent Allie Cobb is determined to stop her amateur sleuthing. But when the unearthing of human remains in a state park brings a haunted mother to Allie's door asking for her help to find her daughter's killer, she can't refuse. Determined to uncover the truth about Valerie's murder, Allie looks into the relationships in Valerie's life. As Allie narrows down the list of suspects she realizes that the killer is determined on keeping his stellar reputation intact at any cost.
Allie arranges to bring the key suspects together in the guise of a 9/11 charity committee meeting and hopes to flush the killer out.
This was another entertaining read in the Allie Cobb mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
Allie arranges to bring the key suspects together in the guise of a 9/11 charity committee meeting and hopes to flush the killer out.
This was another entertaining read in the Allie Cobb mystery series.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
December 21, 2020
As cosy detectives this is an ok read but I'm afraid that it didn't grab me in any specific way. The sleuth, and her cat, was kind of annoying. A literary agent with too much time on her hands, delves into the 20 year old disappearance of a young woman and the recent discovery of some remains. She lives in a small town out in the boonies so we have the usual range of characters, a bit too predictable I'm afraid. At least the boyfriend isn't the Police Chief for once. Too much is centred on Allie, said sleuth,. and descriptions of what she's doing - riding here and there on her bicycle, feeding the cat far too many treats with too little of the murder. I like the cat though - very like my own two torties who also like going walks with me. Thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
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