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Allie Cobb Mystery #5
The Dead of Winter
When her brother calls to say he’s been in an accident and needs her help, literary agent and amateur sleuth Allie Cobb doesn’t hesitate to go to him. And though she’s worried for his safety, her concern turns to confusion when she learns that he ran his truck into a ditch to avoid hitting a large safe sitting in the middle of the road. Stranger still, when the safe is opened, police discover the grisly remains of the local gun club president.
All the evidence indicates the dead man was poisoned by lethal injection, and that the drugs could only have come from Allie’s favorite veterinarian. Determined to prove the woman’s innocence, Allie’s digging reveals that the victim’s wife may have wanted him out of the picture, and also that he was embroiled in a long-running dispute with a local businessman. With no shortage of suspects and a very ominous sense of danger lurking around her, Allie will have to watch her back, because until the killer is caught, nobody’s safe . . .
All the evidence indicates the dead man was poisoned by lethal injection, and that the drugs could only have come from Allie’s favorite veterinarian. Determined to prove the woman’s innocence, Allie’s digging reveals that the victim’s wife may have wanted him out of the picture, and also that he was embroiled in a long-running dispute with a local businessman. With no shortage of suspects and a very ominous sense of danger lurking around her, Allie will have to watch her back, because until the killer is caught, nobody’s safe . . .
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 22, 2021
2 people are currently reading
47 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 36 reviews
April 23, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 12, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Enjoyable cozy mystery!
This turned out to be quite an enjoyable read! It held up well as a standalone. It was well written. The story moved along at a good pace. The plot was intriguing and had some good red herrings to keep the reader guessing. However, I do have one niggle with the plot. There is basically ZERO on page sleuthing by the police. 🤷🏻♀️ The entire book is basically just Allie doing her thing. And honestly, doing basic things the police should have been doing themselves! I think the story could have benefited from more interaction with the police since it left me feeling like why does this town even have a police force when Allie does it all. 😂 Apart from that, the characters were all likable, and the ending was satisfactory. I am definitely onboard for the next book in the series! 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This turned out to be quite an enjoyable read! It held up well as a standalone. It was well written. The story moved along at a good pace. The plot was intriguing and had some good red herrings to keep the reader guessing. However, I do have one niggle with the plot. There is basically ZERO on page sleuthing by the police. 🤷🏻♀️ The entire book is basically just Allie doing her thing. And honestly, doing basic things the police should have been doing themselves! I think the story could have benefited from more interaction with the police since it left me feeling like why does this town even have a police force when Allie does it all. 😂 Apart from that, the characters were all likable, and the ending was satisfactory. I am definitely onboard for the next book in the series! 👍🏻👍🏻
**ARC Via NetGalley**
July 3, 2021
Allie Cobb is a literary agent running her family's agency in Rushing Creek, Southern Indiana, started by her father. Despite vowing that she will no longer get involved in murder investigations, she agrees to help when her brother, Luke calls to say he's been in a spot of bother; his truck is in a ditch after he swerved to avoid an object on the road. When Allie arrives she finds that the object is the size of a refrigerator but it's actually a very big gun safe... and it contains human remains.
My second read in this delightful series, The Dead of Winter was fascinating and intriguing. The author has created a great mystery that showcases small-town life in the fictional town of Rushing Creek. I enjoyed being in the pockets of Allie, attempting to solve the crime alongside her. Of course, Allie's cat Ursula deserves a mention, too. This fifth book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series is fabulous, fast-paced, and fun. I definitely relished this stay in Rushing Creek and I'll be reading the other books as well as the next book in this compelling series. Here's hoping I enjoy them as much as The Dead of Winter.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
My second read in this delightful series, The Dead of Winter was fascinating and intriguing. The author has created a great mystery that showcases small-town life in the fictional town of Rushing Creek. I enjoyed being in the pockets of Allie, attempting to solve the crime alongside her. Of course, Allie's cat Ursula deserves a mention, too. This fifth book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series is fabulous, fast-paced, and fun. I definitely relished this stay in Rushing Creek and I'll be reading the other books as well as the next book in this compelling series. Here's hoping I enjoy them as much as The Dead of Winter.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
June 20, 2022
The Dead of Winter is a murder mystery and an amateur sleuth story featuring Allie Cobb, a literary agent.
Starting off, I really liked the whole premise and setting of this book. Although I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, I never once felt like I was unable to make a connection between things which is great!
The mystery itself was captivating and I really enjoyed Allie's meticulous note making and spreadsheets!!!! It was just exactly what I like lol - organisation.
The writing of the book had a free flow, I didn't feel like anything was missing but I was just a tiny bit undeewhelmed by the final reveal, hence 4 stars.
Starting off, I really liked the whole premise and setting of this book. Although I haven't read any of the previous books in this series, I never once felt like I was unable to make a connection between things which is great!
The mystery itself was captivating and I really enjoyed Allie's meticulous note making and spreadsheets!!!! It was just exactly what I like lol - organisation.
The writing of the book had a free flow, I didn't feel like anything was missing but I was just a tiny bit undeewhelmed by the final reveal, hence 4 stars.
June 15, 2021
If you’re looking for a fun, easy-breezy cozy mystery series with quirky characters and a unique plot – Allie Cobb mysteries may be calling your name. These books are a quick read, more heavy on the cozy than the mystery. They’re the perfect companion to a relaxing day on the beach or to keep you company in a tiresome waiting room.
July 2, 2021
Amateur sleuth Allie Cobb gets a call from her brother that he has been in an accident and needs her help. Concern turns to confusion when she realizes he ran his truck into a ditch to avoid hitting a safe in the middle of the road that happens to have the local club president inside.
This book was well written and easy to read with engaging twists and turns. Even though I thought I knew who did it early on I enjoyed following the clues and the journey to find out why. I especially enjoyed getting to know Allie and her quirky cat.
This was a nice entry into reading this series (my first Allie Cobb Mystery) and had no problems following along as it can be read as a standalone book. I will definitely be picking up another book in the series soon!
I want to thank NetGalley, J.C. Kenney and Beyond the Page Publishing for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
This book was well written and easy to read with engaging twists and turns. Even though I thought I knew who did it early on I enjoyed following the clues and the journey to find out why. I especially enjoyed getting to know Allie and her quirky cat.
This was a nice entry into reading this series (my first Allie Cobb Mystery) and had no problems following along as it can be read as a standalone book. I will definitely be picking up another book in the series soon!
I want to thank NetGalley, J.C. Kenney and Beyond the Page Publishing for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are honest, my own and left voluntarily.
August 30, 2021
Fun, fast-paced cozy with mainly likeable characters. The heroine, Allie Cobb, runs a small literary agency that truly shows her competance. Unfortunately, her nosiness his well-known around town and she even has a nickname as The Kickboxing Crusader. Everyone assumes she is investigating to clear the name of her cat's favorite vet after a body is found in a locked gun safe. I am growing quite fond of this series. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 16, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the fifth book in the Allie Cobb mystery series by JC Kenney.
This story has quite an interesting premise. A guy runs his car off the road after swerving to miss hitting a safe in the middle of the road. His sister comes to his aid after the accident and they discover a dead body inside the large safe. And so begins this interesting and quite compelling mystery. I enjoyed the plotting and the whodunit aspect a lot.
A local vet is discovered to have a missing bottle of the exact poison that killed the victim and Allie is prompted to investigate. She does in fact do a lot of the leg-work that I believe the police should have been doing. Not sure why they weren’t. There was an odd comment about how shorthanded the police staff was. We’ll just let the civilians find all the clues. It’s fine.
I enjoyed the character interaction the most and it prompted me to want to read other books in this series. I think I have read one other and I enjoyed that one as well. Totally worth marathoning the entire series, I think. I am definitely going to put that on my to-do list right away!
Great series to follow. Definitely going to dig into it more! So much fun to read!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the fifth book in the Allie Cobb mystery series by JC Kenney.
This story has quite an interesting premise. A guy runs his car off the road after swerving to miss hitting a safe in the middle of the road. His sister comes to his aid after the accident and they discover a dead body inside the large safe. And so begins this interesting and quite compelling mystery. I enjoyed the plotting and the whodunit aspect a lot.
A local vet is discovered to have a missing bottle of the exact poison that killed the victim and Allie is prompted to investigate. She does in fact do a lot of the leg-work that I believe the police should have been doing. Not sure why they weren’t. There was an odd comment about how shorthanded the police staff was. We’ll just let the civilians find all the clues. It’s fine.
I enjoyed the character interaction the most and it prompted me to want to read other books in this series. I think I have read one other and I enjoyed that one as well. Totally worth marathoning the entire series, I think. I am definitely going to put that on my to-do list right away!
Great series to follow. Definitely going to dig into it more! So much fun to read!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great new must read book great series too!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
June 11, 2021
The Dead Of Winter is the fifth book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series by J. C. Kenney.
It was a dark and gloomy night when Allie receives a call from her brother, Luke, telling her he had an accident and his truck was undrivable and asked her to pick him up. Allie is relieved to learn that for a bump on the head, Luke is not injured. While waiting for paramedics to check Luke out, she notices a gun safe in the middle of the road, which must have caused Luke to crash. The next day Allie and Luke go to the police station so that Luke can file an accident report. As they are about to leave, a policewoman also asks them to identify the gun safe as it caused the accident. The safe is giving off an offensive odor, and Matt, the police chief, has obtained a search warrant to open the gun safe. Once they open the safe, they find it contains a dead body with a syringe sticking out of his neck. Soon Allie realizes that the body is Newt Arbogast, president of a local gun club.
When police learn that a drug used by vets killed Newt, they head for Dr. Cammy Flanagan’s clinic to interview her. When the police determine that a vial of the drug that killed Newt is missing, Cammy will become the prime suspect. Allie happens to be at the clinic with her cat while the police are searching her drug area, and Cammy asks for Allie’s help in clearing her name before she is arrested for a murder she didn’t commit. Allie has seen Cammy caring for the animals in her practice, doesn’t believe she can murder, and agrees to help clear Cammy’s name.
As Allie starts asking Rushing Creek’s people questions, she soon finds several people that she will suspect of being the murder. She will be suspecting the owner of the inn next to Newt’s business. The inn owner wants the property so he can expand his inn. Newt’s neighbor wants to add an art studio to his property, but Newt has opposed this addition. She will also find the suspicion of embezzlement and a couple of incidents of marital infidelity.
It’s always a joy to visit Rushing Creek and visit with Allie and her friends and residents. The story is well-written and plotted, and moves at a nice pace. The characters are interesting and believable. There were enough red herrings that I was kept to nearly the end.’
I will be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
It was a dark and gloomy night when Allie receives a call from her brother, Luke, telling her he had an accident and his truck was undrivable and asked her to pick him up. Allie is relieved to learn that for a bump on the head, Luke is not injured. While waiting for paramedics to check Luke out, she notices a gun safe in the middle of the road, which must have caused Luke to crash. The next day Allie and Luke go to the police station so that Luke can file an accident report. As they are about to leave, a policewoman also asks them to identify the gun safe as it caused the accident. The safe is giving off an offensive odor, and Matt, the police chief, has obtained a search warrant to open the gun safe. Once they open the safe, they find it contains a dead body with a syringe sticking out of his neck. Soon Allie realizes that the body is Newt Arbogast, president of a local gun club.
When police learn that a drug used by vets killed Newt, they head for Dr. Cammy Flanagan’s clinic to interview her. When the police determine that a vial of the drug that killed Newt is missing, Cammy will become the prime suspect. Allie happens to be at the clinic with her cat while the police are searching her drug area, and Cammy asks for Allie’s help in clearing her name before she is arrested for a murder she didn’t commit. Allie has seen Cammy caring for the animals in her practice, doesn’t believe she can murder, and agrees to help clear Cammy’s name.
As Allie starts asking Rushing Creek’s people questions, she soon finds several people that she will suspect of being the murder. She will be suspecting the owner of the inn next to Newt’s business. The inn owner wants the property so he can expand his inn. Newt’s neighbor wants to add an art studio to his property, but Newt has opposed this addition. She will also find the suspicion of embezzlement and a couple of incidents of marital infidelity.
It’s always a joy to visit Rushing Creek and visit with Allie and her friends and residents. The story is well-written and plotted, and moves at a nice pace. The characters are interesting and believable. There were enough red herrings that I was kept to nearly the end.’
I will be watching for the next book in this exciting series.
July 28, 2021
The Dead of Winter by J.C. Kenney is the 5th book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series. I have read the entire series and highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment. Thank you to both the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
Allie Cobb is now the manager of the family' literary agency . She is enjoying being her own boss and kick boxes for fun and exercise. I have never read a cozy where the protagonist is a kick boxer and its a fun aspect of this series.
Allie's Brother ask for her help after he has a car accident. She arrives on scene to find a safe in the street with a dead body inside. Ally is immediately intrigued and is on the case. The sleuth was multi layered and kept me reading into the night. Ally is a savvy smart sleuth who has a talent for solving crimes.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery book and the series.
Allie Cobb is now the manager of the family' literary agency . She is enjoying being her own boss and kick boxes for fun and exercise. I have never read a cozy where the protagonist is a kick boxer and its a fun aspect of this series.
Allie's Brother ask for her help after he has a car accident. She arrives on scene to find a safe in the street with a dead body inside. Ally is immediately intrigued and is on the case. The sleuth was multi layered and kept me reading into the night. Ally is a savvy smart sleuth who has a talent for solving crimes.
I highly recommend this cozy mystery book and the series.
June 4, 2021
Dead of Winter has an interesting story line with several components, the author provides a lot of detail and incorporates many of the secondary characters previously introduced.
Despite that, I knew who dunnit very early on, if not the motive. As usual in mysteries, the cops don't seem to know what they're doing or are ineffectual (it's not clear why here, nothing the cops do is on page) and our intrepid heroine seems to be the only one doing anything and this irritated me. She was finding basic evidence the police should have (and I'm not talking about something squirreled away).
I also found the story didn't really engage me and I had to prod myself to keep going. So, it's just an Ok rating from me and I won't continue with the series after reading two of them.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Despite that, I knew who dunnit very early on, if not the motive. As usual in mysteries, the cops don't seem to know what they're doing or are ineffectual (it's not clear why here, nothing the cops do is on page) and our intrepid heroine seems to be the only one doing anything and this irritated me. She was finding basic evidence the police should have (and I'm not talking about something squirreled away).
I also found the story didn't really engage me and I had to prod myself to keep going. So, it's just an Ok rating from me and I won't continue with the series after reading two of them.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2021
The Dead of Winter by J.C. Kenney is the 5th 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 gets a phone call from her brother to pick his up after he was in an accident. He ran off the road to avoid hitting a large safe in the middle of the road. Inside the safe was a dead body. When Ally's friend becomes the main suspect, Ally is on the case. 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.
June 22, 2021
Even during the dead of winter, Rushing Creek, Indiana seems like the perfect place to visit. Maybe it's the fact that J.C. Kenney's characters make me feel like I'm seeing old friends that I love returning to this fictional town so much. "The Dead of Winter," the fifth mystery in the Allie Cobb series, gives me everything I need: a good mystery, good friends, and descriptions of good food.
Kenney delivers an engaging mystery that begins with a bang - the bang of a car running into a large gun safe. When a body is found inside the safe, Allie gets involved to prove her local vet innocent of the crime. Allie puts it all out there to catch her killer, bringing her beloved feline Ursi along for the ride.
Kenney creates a fun, twisting mystery that showcases small-town life in Middle America. The reader feels like they're being brought along by Allie, encouraging us to solve the crime with her. With an ending that brought tears to my eyes, I definitely enjoyed my stay in Rushing Creek and look forward to returning!
Kenney delivers an engaging mystery that begins with a bang - the bang of a car running into a large gun safe. When a body is found inside the safe, Allie gets involved to prove her local vet innocent of the crime. Allie puts it all out there to catch her killer, bringing her beloved feline Ursi along for the ride.
Kenney creates a fun, twisting mystery that showcases small-town life in Middle America. The reader feels like they're being brought along by Allie, encouraging us to solve the crime with her. With an ending that brought tears to my eyes, I definitely enjoyed my stay in Rushing Creek and look forward to returning!
June 2, 2021
Allie Cobb receives a call from her brother, who has had an accident and needs her to pick him up. It turns out he hit a large gun safe that was just sitting in the middle of the road. Luckily, Luke is fine, but it turns out the contents of the safe are anything but fine when a local business owner is found inside and all signs point to the town’s vet.
Ursie and the vet urge Allie to find the real killer before the town loses their beloved vet. So many suspects, so many motives. What intelligence is valid and what is pure gossip? It’s a tough one, but Allie and Ursie will persevere and do what they can to uncover the truth and get justice for the murdered man…as long as the murderer doesn’t get to Allie first.
A great series that gets better with each new release. Who can ask for more?
Ursie and the vet urge Allie to find the real killer before the town loses their beloved vet. So many suspects, so many motives. What intelligence is valid and what is pure gossip? It’s a tough one, but Allie and Ursie will persevere and do what they can to uncover the truth and get justice for the murdered man…as long as the murderer doesn’t get to Allie first.
A great series that gets better with each new release. Who can ask for more?
June 2, 2021
In J.C. Kenney’s newest Allie Cobb entry, the literary agent needs to track down who killed the local gun club president with a lethal dose of a medication traced to her vet’s office. Both Allie and Ursi, companion cat, begin sleuthing as soon as Dr. Flanagan becomes a suspect.
Fortunately, Allie identifies plenty of additional suspects and starts checking out alibis and access to the poison. The supporting characters living in Rushing Creek make the visit fun and full of mischief. As usual, Ursi’s antics provide a welcome touch to the plot. And Mr. Kenney continues to spin an engaging yarn with twists, a few red herrings, and a good dose of suspense. The Dead of Winter is a perfect afternoon delight for mystery fans who love a feline touch.
Fortunately, Allie identifies plenty of additional suspects and starts checking out alibis and access to the poison. The supporting characters living in Rushing Creek make the visit fun and full of mischief. As usual, Ursi’s antics provide a welcome touch to the plot. And Mr. Kenney continues to spin an engaging yarn with twists, a few red herrings, and a good dose of suspense. The Dead of Winter is a perfect afternoon delight for mystery fans who love a feline touch.
June 26, 2021
Fun entertaining mystery! The main character is a little on the quirky side, Having a backpack cat carrier for example, but overall the story was very entertaining. The mystery held until close to the end of the story making it not to predictable.
June 25, 2021
This is the 5th installment in the Allie Cobb Mystery series. Allie gets a call from her brother Luke as he needs her to come and pick him up as he was in an accident with his truck. When she arrives she finds out he hit a safe that was in the middle of the road. His truck is in the ditch and he has a mild concussion. Allie stays with him and when they go in for their statements to the police the next day they are there when the police open the safe and discover the body of a local business man who is dead. Allie by trade is a literary agent but is jokingly referred to as the kickboxer crusader which was a name given to her by her best friend and sister-in-law Sloane. Allie is not initially planning on getting involved in this case until she is at Ursi’s (her pet cat) Vet appointment and Mark (ex-brother in law and Chief of Police) come in with a search warrant for the vet Dr. Cammy Flannagan who has had run in’s with the victim (Newt) who is a gun club president and taxidermist. Allie meet Newt a couple of times and always thought he was a nice guy but as she begins to do some investigation she learns there are some who had issues with the man. This was a good mystery and I do understand why the vet was a suspect because of access to the drug but I never understood how they thought she moved the safe with a body in it to the middle of the road. Who could move a gun safe so large that it could hold a person standing up. The mystery was good and I did enjoy that Allie did not seem to take too many chances although I would think some of her evidence would never be admissible in court. I like Allie and her loyalty to those who she thinks are friends but it seems like no one else was investigating and everyone in town is expecting her to investigate. Would think that would be a bigger issue for the police.
July 9, 2021
Allie Cobb is an intrepid investigator with plenty of solved cases under her belt, but it’s not her job. She’s not a PI or police detective. She’s the owner of a literary agency, Cobb Literary Agency. A business that was originally started by her father. She loves her job, but she also loves being the Kickboxing Crusader. A title given to her earlier in the series, because of her love of kickboxing and her skill at solving murders in her town.
This time around it’s gun club president Newt Arbogast. Mr. Arbogast was found in a gun safe that was left in the middle of the road one night and Allie’s brother had to swerve to miss it, causing him to crash his truck and call Allie to pick him up. At that time, no one knew there was a body in the gun safe but while the Cobb’s were at the police station, they were invited to the back to watch the officers open it. They were definitely in for a shock when Mr. Arbogast’s body falls out.
Putting on her deerskin hat, Allie starts her investigation, alongside the town’s police department, and boy is there a lot of suspects, from the wife to the neighbors, to the vet, to the gun club’s secretary. With so many suspects, there’s a lot of snooping, and Allie’s on the case. When she finds evidence that the police missed, she doesn’t turn it over to the police right away and puts her life in danger. Will she be able to get the evidence to the police in time for them to make an arrest, or will the killer make sure that she is victim number two?
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I absolutely loved it!! From the writing to the characters to the overall plot, it was just a great read. I definitely recommend to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This time around it’s gun club president Newt Arbogast. Mr. Arbogast was found in a gun safe that was left in the middle of the road one night and Allie’s brother had to swerve to miss it, causing him to crash his truck and call Allie to pick him up. At that time, no one knew there was a body in the gun safe but while the Cobb’s were at the police station, they were invited to the back to watch the officers open it. They were definitely in for a shock when Mr. Arbogast’s body falls out.
Putting on her deerskin hat, Allie starts her investigation, alongside the town’s police department, and boy is there a lot of suspects, from the wife to the neighbors, to the vet, to the gun club’s secretary. With so many suspects, there’s a lot of snooping, and Allie’s on the case. When she finds evidence that the police missed, she doesn’t turn it over to the police right away and puts her life in danger. Will she be able to get the evidence to the police in time for them to make an arrest, or will the killer make sure that she is victim number two?
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I absolutely loved it!! From the writing to the characters to the overall plot, it was just a great read. I definitely recommend to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.
**I received an ARC of this story from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 25, 2021
"The Dead of Winter" is book #5 in the Allie Cobb Mystery series by J.C. Kenney
Literary agent Allie Cobb gets a late evening phone call from her brother Luke - he's been in an accident and needs a lift home. The strange part is, he ran his truck into a ditch to avoid hitting a large safe sitting in the middle of the road. Things get even stranger when the safe is opened to reveal the grisly remains of the local gun club president. He had been killed with a shot from a drug commonly used by vets. The local vet - who happens to be a friend of Allie's - is the main suspect but Allie is convinced she is being set up and sets out to figure out who may have wanted the man dead.
The concept of this story was unique and had some nice twists before the actual killer was revealed. However, I narrowed in on who had done it long before the reveal. I also was not the least bit surprised by the last couple of pages of the book.
As I read, I also came across a handful of typos and a couple of glaring errors.
Ch 6 - Al tells Allie "Now go figure out who killed your little Ursi's doctor"
- It wasn't the doctor who was killed - she was a suspect. How was that error NOT caught in proofing?
Ch 17 - Allie takes a Key Lime Pie when she goes to see Shelly. A couple pages later, an apple pie is being described.
- Okay, the type of pie isn't huge and Shelly may have had other pies in the kitchen but it was implied that they would be eating the Key Lime Pie not an apple pie.
All told, it was an average read that I would have given a higher rating but for the errors - especially when the main character is a literary agent and part of her job is editing/proofing manuscripts!
Literary agent Allie Cobb gets a late evening phone call from her brother Luke - he's been in an accident and needs a lift home. The strange part is, he ran his truck into a ditch to avoid hitting a large safe sitting in the middle of the road. Things get even stranger when the safe is opened to reveal the grisly remains of the local gun club president. He had been killed with a shot from a drug commonly used by vets. The local vet - who happens to be a friend of Allie's - is the main suspect but Allie is convinced she is being set up and sets out to figure out who may have wanted the man dead.
The concept of this story was unique and had some nice twists before the actual killer was revealed. However, I narrowed in on who had done it long before the reveal. I also was not the least bit surprised by the last couple of pages of the book.
As I read, I also came across a handful of typos and a couple of glaring errors.
Ch 6 - Al tells Allie "Now go figure out who killed your little Ursi's doctor"
- It wasn't the doctor who was killed - she was a suspect. How was that error NOT caught in proofing?
Ch 17 - Allie takes a Key Lime Pie when she goes to see Shelly. A couple pages later, an apple pie is being described.
- Okay, the type of pie isn't huge and Shelly may have had other pies in the kitchen but it was implied that they would be eating the Key Lime Pie not an apple pie.
All told, it was an average read that I would have given a higher rating but for the errors - especially when the main character is a literary agent and part of her job is editing/proofing manuscripts!
June 21, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of THE DEAD OF WINTER (Book 5 of the Allie Cobb Mysteries) by J.C. Kenney in exchange for an honest review. Allie Cobb, literary agent, is finally reconciled with her propensity for sleuthing and the danger it brings; she still cringes, however, at how she has become locally renown as the “Kickboxing Crusader.” When a large gun safe is dropped in the middle of a roadway, it causes lots of trouble. First, Allie’s brother wrecks his company vehicle while trying to avoid hitting it in foggy road conditions. Second, it causes a huge stink in the police station. It literally reeks. When the officer in charge of collecting the evidence cracks open the safe, they discover the rotting remains of the local gun club president. When the town’s veterinarian, who is a good friend of Allie’s and a member of the survivor support group, becomes the number one suspect in the case, Allie’s course is clear. This time, Allie will investigate, will identify the killer, and will take safety precautions but will not worry about the consequences. However, hunting killers is a dangerous activity. After so many close calls, will Allie survive this investigation?
I enjoy this series and like this book. I recommend this book to fans of the series and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, gun rights, gun clubs, small towns, book publishing, close friends, and tightly-knit families.
#TheDeadofWinter #NetGalley
I enjoy this series and like this book. I recommend this book to fans of the series and to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, gun rights, gun clubs, small towns, book publishing, close friends, and tightly-knit families.
#TheDeadofWinter #NetGalley
August 16, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: I have enjoyed every single one of the books in this series, including this one. Allie is a great character, small but mighty. She is an empowered heroine who is confident in her own skills and abilities. She skates a bit close to the line of hubris this time and makes some “rookie” mistakes that could cost her dearly. But overall, with the crucial assistance from her cat, Ursula, she is able to catch the bad guy while avoiding serious injury.
This time the murder involves Ursi’s vet, rather than someone in her agency or the publishing field. When a l0cal businessman is discovered murdered in a most unusual manner the initial evidence seems to point towards Cammy. But Ursula convinces Allie that her vet is innocent. The more questions Allie asks, the more she realizes Ursula is right. Someone else went to a lot of trouble to kill the man and frame the vet.
The town now calls her The Kickboxing Crusader so everyone expects her to investigate from the chief of police, her former brother-in-law, to her boyfriend and family. The local constabulary would prefer to solve crimes themselves but they also are not foolish enough to ignore Alllie’s power of deduction. It provides an interesting twist to the stories. These books can be read as a standalone or you can start with the back catalogue and read them in order. Four purrs and two paws up.
This time the murder involves Ursi’s vet, rather than someone in her agency or the publishing field. When a l0cal businessman is discovered murdered in a most unusual manner the initial evidence seems to point towards Cammy. But Ursula convinces Allie that her vet is innocent. The more questions Allie asks, the more she realizes Ursula is right. Someone else went to a lot of trouble to kill the man and frame the vet.
The town now calls her The Kickboxing Crusader so everyone expects her to investigate from the chief of police, her former brother-in-law, to her boyfriend and family. The local constabulary would prefer to solve crimes themselves but they also are not foolish enough to ignore Alllie’s power of deduction. It provides an interesting twist to the stories. These books can be read as a standalone or you can start with the back catalogue and read them in order. Four purrs and two paws up.
June 19, 2021
When her brother Luke calls Allie Cobb that he has been in a car accident, she rushes to the scene to find his truck into a ditch. Luke swerved to avoid hitting a huge gun safe sitting in the middle of the road. The next day, the police open the safe and find the dead body of local gun club president Newt Abrogast. When the autopsy finds that Newt had died from a lethal injection of a drug given to cats, Allie's vet friend Cammy becomes the prime suspect. Determined to prove Cammy innocent, Allie’s digging reveals that the Newt's wife Shelly may have wanted out. Newt was also embroiled in disputes with local businessmen and their artist neighbors. As well, gun club treasurer Sal Green may be up to no good.
While I enjoyed the previous books in this series, this book was a letdown for me. Allie's reasons for continuing to get involved, especially after the killer tries to attack her at home, really does not work. And for Allie to insist on chasing after the killer with her police officer friend Gabe is crazy.
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.
While I enjoyed the previous books in this series, this book was a letdown for me. Allie's reasons for continuing to get involved, especially after the killer tries to attack her at home, really does not work. And for Allie to insist on chasing after the killer with her police officer friend Gabe is crazy.
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.
June 25, 2021
Another tale of the same old Allie fighting for truth and justice. This time she is called first to the aid of her brother when he drives into a ditch to avoid an obstruction in the road. Then someone else important to Allie asks for her help in solving the case of the doctor suspected of murder.
This was a very pleasant entry in the ACKC series and I very much enjoyed it. I missed seeing more of Brent, though, as I though he'd be around more often in this installment. I also was looking forward to sharing in Calypso's excitement when the first book she'd worked on was published, as well as when her raise came into effect, both of which happened in this book but neither really came through, though the raise did happen nearer the end of the book so maybe the celebration of it will be in the next story, as I hope there is a next story for Ms. Cobb and her merry band of cohorts.
This was a very pleasant entry in the ACKC series and I very much enjoyed it. I missed seeing more of Brent, though, as I though he'd be around more often in this installment. I also was looking forward to sharing in Calypso's excitement when the first book she'd worked on was published, as well as when her raise came into effect, both of which happened in this book but neither really came through, though the raise did happen nearer the end of the book so maybe the celebration of it will be in the next story, as I hope there is a next story for Ms. Cobb and her merry band of cohorts.
May 29, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Allie’s brother calls her for help after an accident; she does not hesitate to go to his aide. It seems his truck ended up in a ditch as he tried to avoid hitting a safe. The police end up opening the safe and find a dead body of the president of the local gun club.
Things get more suspicious when the dead body died from a lethal poisoned injection which could only come from the local veterinarian. Allie will find herself digging into things as she will find many suspects including the victims wife and business acquaintances.
It a delightful fun read that flows quickly.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Allie’s brother calls her for help after an accident; she does not hesitate to go to his aide. It seems his truck ended up in a ditch as he tried to avoid hitting a safe. The police end up opening the safe and find a dead body of the president of the local gun club.
Things get more suspicious when the dead body died from a lethal poisoned injection which could only come from the local veterinarian. Allie will find herself digging into things as she will find many suspects including the victims wife and business acquaintances.
It a delightful fun read that flows quickly.
June 20, 2021
Even if it's not the best in the series I enjoyed.
I was glad to catch up with Allie and the characters and the plot, full of twists and turns, kept me hooked.
I guessed the culprit at about 50% of the story but I didn't know the motive.
This is a good series and I like to read about Allie work as agent and Ursula the cat.
I think that Allie is suffering from a sort of "super hero" syndrome and is getting too reckless and some more humility would make the story more enjoyable.
I want to read the next story as I'm curious about what will be next.
I think it's better to read the series in order even if this one can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I was glad to catch up with Allie and the characters and the plot, full of twists and turns, kept me hooked.
I guessed the culprit at about 50% of the story but I didn't know the motive.
This is a good series and I like to read about Allie work as agent and Ursula the cat.
I think that Allie is suffering from a sort of "super hero" syndrome and is getting too reckless and some more humility would make the story more enjoyable.
I want to read the next story as I'm curious about what will be next.
I think it's better to read the series in order even if this one can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 11, 2022
The book promised to be a good story, at least, the main premise was very interesting, although the main character seemed very immature to me at times, which must have made me suspect that not everything was going to be rosy. Anyway...
Everything was going well until chapter 25, here it is shown not all nicknames are based on reality, because who, if they know kickboxing enough to be called Kickboxing Crusader, allows themselves to be cornered by a suspect in her own house and has to be rescued by her cat? Ridiculous!
Just when I was thinking of buying the other books in the series, I realized that this book falls into the read-and-erase category.
If you are interested in reading a good cozy mystery book, I recommend Eva Gates or Vicki Delany.
Everything was going well until chapter 25, here it is shown not all nicknames are based on reality, because who, if they know kickboxing enough to be called Kickboxing Crusader, allows themselves to be cornered by a suspect in her own house and has to be rescued by her cat? Ridiculous!
Just when I was thinking of buying the other books in the series, I realized that this book falls into the read-and-erase category.
If you are interested in reading a good cozy mystery book, I recommend Eva Gates or Vicki Delany.
August 8, 2022
so, books 3 and 5 were my most favorites from this series. u go on and read them as well and pick a favorite or more. go on.
i got all 6 at once ...you will never guess, or maybe you will?? are you familiar with Peter Monn? he did recommend this series on a YT video about book he was or would be reading. i was curious. so, i did check them out.
book 1: 3.99
book 2: 4.99
book 3: 5.99
book 4: 4.99
book 5: 4.99
book 6: 4.99
if i am honest ...book 3. was my favorite. i love a good read, cozy mysteries make my heart and eye so happy. i love a book about a library. i grew up going to one and i love it. makes me smile. fond memories. i will look forward to more from J.C. Kenney soon. check him out!!
i got all 6 at once ...you will never guess, or maybe you will?? are you familiar with Peter Monn? he did recommend this series on a YT video about book he was or would be reading. i was curious. so, i did check them out.
book 1: 3.99
book 2: 4.99
book 3: 5.99
book 4: 4.99
book 5: 4.99
book 6: 4.99
if i am honest ...book 3. was my favorite. i love a good read, cozy mysteries make my heart and eye so happy. i love a book about a library. i grew up going to one and i love it. makes me smile. fond memories. i will look forward to more from J.C. Kenney soon. check him out!!
July 5, 2021
This installment in the cozy mystery series that I have enjoyed. this one takes place during winter in the small town of Rushing Creek Indiana. Allie Cobb, our heroine, find yourself coming to the aid of her brother who ends up in an accident. This is not on purpose because they find a gun safe in the middle of the road, containing the body of Newt, a local shopkeeper and taxidermist, also the head of the gun Club in Rushing Creek. The prime suspect in the murder ends up being the local veterinarian, Cameron Flanagan. Allie comes to the rescue of her friend in veterinarian.
December 23, 2021
The mystery itself isn't bad, but the arrogance of the narrator and main character rubs me the wrong way. The literary agent not only picks locks like a master thief, but she also says, about the police officer, "Gabe had accepted my help, albeit grudgingly, and we'd accomplished the mission. He'd listened to me, but also took charge when the circumstances dictated." Gee, ya think? (It wasn't too much of a surprise to learn that the author is male writing from a female pov.)
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
The Dead of Winter is a cozy mystery that takes place in a small town in Indiana. The main character Allie is trying to solve a mystery after a body turns up stuffed into a safe. I had it figured out as soon as the character was introduced, there was nothing surprising in the story. Kind of shocked the characters who professed to be smart could not figure it out, it was clear from the halfway point who did it, the motive was all that was left. The story was OK.
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