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Darcy Gaughan Mystery #1
Record Store Reckoning
When the manager of Marysburg Music, Darcy Gaughan, returns to work after a vacation, she expects to jump right back into work as the store gets ready for the upcoming Record Store Day celebrations. She’s also celebrating five years of sobriety and is confident that there are good things in her future. She doesn’t expect to find her boss in his office, dead from an apparent self-inflicted stab wound.
The police rule the death a suicide. Darcy, who knew her beloved boss better than anybody, knows better. She vows to get to the truth of the matter before the murderer can get away with the crime and the record store is closed forever. Along the way, she uncovers secrets and shady deals certain town residents would rather keep hidden. Secrets some would commit murder to keep under wraps. Can she assemble the clues and put them in just the right order so everything comes together like a classic jazz album? And how is she supposed to focus on finding a killer when she also needs to figure out a way to keep the record store open? Follow along as Darcy searches for the truth while learning the greatest gifts are truly those that money can’t buy.
The police rule the death a suicide. Darcy, who knew her beloved boss better than anybody, knows better. She vows to get to the truth of the matter before the murderer can get away with the crime and the record store is closed forever. Along the way, she uncovers secrets and shady deals certain town residents would rather keep hidden. Secrets some would commit murder to keep under wraps. Can she assemble the clues and put them in just the right order so everything comes together like a classic jazz album? And how is she supposed to focus on finding a killer when she also needs to figure out a way to keep the record store open? Follow along as Darcy searches for the truth while learning the greatest gifts are truly those that money can’t buy.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
224 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Kenney
14 books261 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 33 reviews
March 9, 2022
Record Store Reckoning by J.C. Kenney is a quirky cozy mystery with a unique premise. Darcy Gaughan returns from vacation to find her boss, Eddie Maxwell dead at his desk at the Marysburg Music Company. The police rule Eddie’s death a suicide, but Darcy knows he would not take his own life. Darcy is determined to uncover what really happened to Eddie plus find a way to keep the record store open. Record Store Reckoning is the beginning of A Darcy Gaughan Mystery series. The story starts out a little slow as we are introduced to Darcy Gaughan and learn her background. There are a numerous references to musical artists (I did not know most of them) along with drumming terminology. The pacing increased about a third or so of the way in. I am glad that the author took the time to give us Darcy’s background and information on the town. The business district of Marysburg, Indiana sounded like a great place to browse with its funky shops. The mystery begins in chapter one with the death of Darcy’s boss, Eddie Maxwell. I was surprised to find the murder so early in the book since this writer is not a newbie. It makes the book seem long when the mystery occurs so early. The mystery was interesting, and I liked that the death was personal to Darcy (gave the story depth). There is the death of Eddie plus a valuable missing record. The are several good suspects along with a red herring or two. There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit if you pay close attention. It was nicely wrapped up at the end after a unique reveal. Record Store Reckoning has a sweet ending. I like how the people of Marysburg support Darcy and the record store. Record Store Reckoning is a groovy cozy mystery with a stabbed superior, a determined developer, a pilfered record, a discordant detective, a handsome helper, and a sober sleuth.
March 1, 2022
Record Store Reckoning is the first book in the Darcy Gaughan Mystery series by J. C. Kenney.
Darcy Gaughan used to be the drummer for the all-girl punk band Pixie Dust, but the abuse of alcohol caused her to lose her gig with the band. She returned to her hometown of Marysburg, IN, where Eddie Maxwell, owner of Marysburg Music. He got her to rehab, and five years sober, Eddie made her manager at his music store.
Having arrived home from vacation the night before, Darcy heads for work and is surprised to find the front door unlocked. She calls out to Eddie but gets no response and heads for his office. Darcy finds Eddie seated at his death, apparently dead from a stab wound from his Elvis letter opener. Darcy’s not happy when she sees one of the investigating officers is Detective Sgt Rosengarten; during Darcy’s rowdy drinking days, they had had several run-ins. The police will rule Eddie’s death a suicide, and Darcy’s is sure it was murder.
Going through the papers on Eddie’s desk, she finds an envelope with her name on it. When she reads the note from Eddie that he was making her president of Marysburg Music, she knows that she has to find his murderer. It’s the least she can do for someone who had so much faith in her. Darcy has two full-time employees and two part-time high school students and assures them that the store will stay open and their jobs are secure.
Darcy will need to investigate Eddie’s step-son, who hangs around with his hand out; maybe he wants his inheritance now. There’s a real estate developer trying to buy all the buildings on the block that houses the record store, or maybe Eddie’s neighbor who is tired of listening to Eddie’s parties with loud music.
I found this to be a fascinating new series. Even though the music and groups were unknown to me, they didn’t take away from the story being told. Also, I particularly liked that the characters weren’t sitting around drinking wine or mixed drinks but centered around someone fighting alcohol abuse.
The story is well-written and plotted. It reads at a good pace, and I found it hard to put down. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I was kept guessing until the very end as to the killer's identity.
I will be watching for the next book in this fascinating new series.
Darcy Gaughan used to be the drummer for the all-girl punk band Pixie Dust, but the abuse of alcohol caused her to lose her gig with the band. She returned to her hometown of Marysburg, IN, where Eddie Maxwell, owner of Marysburg Music. He got her to rehab, and five years sober, Eddie made her manager at his music store.
Having arrived home from vacation the night before, Darcy heads for work and is surprised to find the front door unlocked. She calls out to Eddie but gets no response and heads for his office. Darcy finds Eddie seated at his death, apparently dead from a stab wound from his Elvis letter opener. Darcy’s not happy when she sees one of the investigating officers is Detective Sgt Rosengarten; during Darcy’s rowdy drinking days, they had had several run-ins. The police will rule Eddie’s death a suicide, and Darcy’s is sure it was murder.
Going through the papers on Eddie’s desk, she finds an envelope with her name on it. When she reads the note from Eddie that he was making her president of Marysburg Music, she knows that she has to find his murderer. It’s the least she can do for someone who had so much faith in her. Darcy has two full-time employees and two part-time high school students and assures them that the store will stay open and their jobs are secure.
Darcy will need to investigate Eddie’s step-son, who hangs around with his hand out; maybe he wants his inheritance now. There’s a real estate developer trying to buy all the buildings on the block that houses the record store, or maybe Eddie’s neighbor who is tired of listening to Eddie’s parties with loud music.
I found this to be a fascinating new series. Even though the music and groups were unknown to me, they didn’t take away from the story being told. Also, I particularly liked that the characters weren’t sitting around drinking wine or mixed drinks but centered around someone fighting alcohol abuse.
The story is well-written and plotted. It reads at a good pace, and I found it hard to put down. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I was kept guessing until the very end as to the killer's identity.
I will be watching for the next book in this fascinating new series.
January 4, 2022
Like a Billboard Top 100 power anthem, Record Store Reckoning hits all the right notes, building suspense and intrigue with every word -- a perfect progression of character development, setting, and plot.
Author J.C. Kenney has crafted an electrifying frontwoman in Darcy Gaughan, a former rocker and recovering alcoholic who owns her mistakes and admirably pledges to learn from the past. When her beloved mentor is found dead in the office of Marysburg Music, Darcy is determined to find justice for the man who saved her life. Juggling her new responsibilities as a small business owner and amateur detective, Darcy doesn't miss a beat in her pursuit of a clever killer. Marysburg, Indiana presents an idyllic scene for this investigation to unfold, packed with quirky, fun characters and plenty of seedy suspects. Not to mention, the author's smart, slick music references will have you begging for an encore.
Tackling heavy topics like addiction and mental health with the respect they deserve, Kenney not only weaves a twisted tale of the dark politics behind closed business doors but shines a light on the struggles we all face, creating relatable characters mystery lovers can't help but root for.
Record Store Reckoning is a rockstar debut for the Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, and I can't wait to return to Marysburg, Indiana for Darcy's next performance.
Author J.C. Kenney has crafted an electrifying frontwoman in Darcy Gaughan, a former rocker and recovering alcoholic who owns her mistakes and admirably pledges to learn from the past. When her beloved mentor is found dead in the office of Marysburg Music, Darcy is determined to find justice for the man who saved her life. Juggling her new responsibilities as a small business owner and amateur detective, Darcy doesn't miss a beat in her pursuit of a clever killer. Marysburg, Indiana presents an idyllic scene for this investigation to unfold, packed with quirky, fun characters and plenty of seedy suspects. Not to mention, the author's smart, slick music references will have you begging for an encore.
Tackling heavy topics like addiction and mental health with the respect they deserve, Kenney not only weaves a twisted tale of the dark politics behind closed business doors but shines a light on the struggles we all face, creating relatable characters mystery lovers can't help but root for.
Record Store Reckoning is a rockstar debut for the Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, and I can't wait to return to Marysburg, Indiana for Darcy's next performance.
January 27, 2022
Record Store Reckoning is a new series by author, J.C. Kenney. I was surprised by this series; location, a record store, and our armature sleuth, a former drummer in a girl band, and a recovering alcoholic. This book is completely different from many cozies I’ve read. Darcy is flawed and she knows it. She struggles on a daily basis with self-esteem, staying sober, and coming to terms with her past. When Darcy’s boss, a mentor and friend, is murdered, and the police rule it as suicide, she knows she needs to figure out what happened. Darcy and her fellow employees all agree that their boss was murdered. It’s up to Darcy, with a little help from her friends, to find out who would murder someone, as well-liked as their boss.
I enjoyed this series, it began a little slow for me, but it picked up as Darcy began to investigate further. I was a little lost on some of the references to musical artists but it made me curious as to who many were and if I would like their music. I appreciated the background in running the store and I respected Darcy as she stepped up and took control of the store and her own life. I feel many people could identify with this character in her daily struggles as she tries to overcome several issues. This character isn’t perfect, she has fears and concerns like everyone else, yet by the end of the book there is a transformation as to her handling the various aspects of her life. The secondary characters were strong, some, definitely on the quirky side, the murder difficult to figure out with all the various suspects, given the background of everyone. I think one of the things I enjoyed was, this didn’t follow the pattern set in many cozies. I’m interested in seeing where Darcy is headed in her future. A solid start to a new series. I received an ARC from the publisher levelbestbooks and netgalley. The opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this series, it began a little slow for me, but it picked up as Darcy began to investigate further. I was a little lost on some of the references to musical artists but it made me curious as to who many were and if I would like their music. I appreciated the background in running the store and I respected Darcy as she stepped up and took control of the store and her own life. I feel many people could identify with this character in her daily struggles as she tries to overcome several issues. This character isn’t perfect, she has fears and concerns like everyone else, yet by the end of the book there is a transformation as to her handling the various aspects of her life. The secondary characters were strong, some, definitely on the quirky side, the murder difficult to figure out with all the various suspects, given the background of everyone. I think one of the things I enjoyed was, this didn’t follow the pattern set in many cozies. I’m interested in seeing where Darcy is headed in her future. A solid start to a new series. I received an ARC from the publisher levelbestbooks and netgalley. The opinions are my own.
April 5, 2022
This was a new setting for a cozy mystery series for me. Despite having frequented record stores in my teen years, I don’t really know too much about running them (or have forgotten what I did know). I enjoyed learning about it along with Darcy and getting to know her and the town where the shop is set. The story plodded along a little slowly for me, but I did enjoy the references to the bands I grew up listening to. I will definitely check out the next in the series.
February 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A cozy mystery with a band and music, what else could you wish for? Great descriptions made for vivid pictures.
September 17, 2022
This is a fun read. Mr. Kenney obviously did his research on the record industry.
I got into the setting.
The descriptions are vivid.
The characters are well developed.
The pace is quite good, with breathers when needed.
You could tell Darcy is a first time amateur sleuth, with successes and failures.
Plenty of clues and red herrings, but I would have to read it again to make a list of them. I felt there weren’t enough clues leading the reader to the killer (the reason for a 4 star instead of a 5 star). I had guessed the killer and motive, but it was one of those « no, that can’t be right » kind of guesses. It could just be me.
But the story is definitely worth a read, and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Solid 4 stars!
I got into the setting.
The descriptions are vivid.
The characters are well developed.
The pace is quite good, with breathers when needed.
You could tell Darcy is a first time amateur sleuth, with successes and failures.
Plenty of clues and red herrings, but I would have to read it again to make a list of them. I felt there weren’t enough clues leading the reader to the killer (the reason for a 4 star instead of a 5 star). I had guessed the killer and motive, but it was one of those « no, that can’t be right » kind of guesses. It could just be me.
But the story is definitely worth a read, and I can’t wait for the sequel.
Solid 4 stars!
March 16, 2022
This is the first in the Darcy Gaughan mystery series. Darcy is a former drummer in an all-girls band who is a recovering alcoholic and a store manager of Marysburg Music. She is excited as she has just celebrated her 5-year anniversary of sobriety and has just returned from a much-needed vacation. She loves her job at the music store as Eddie Maxwell owner is her mentor and former professor at Ball State. She credits Eddie with believing in her and giving her a new start at the store. When she arrives at work in the morning, she knows something is off as the front door is already open and she finds Eddie dead in his office. When the police arrive, they declare it a suicide as it was his Elvis letter opener, Darcy objects. Detective Kaitlin Rosengarten stills sees Darcy as a screw up and drunk who she hauled off to jail and had problems with years ago. Darcy is convinced Eddie was murdered and plans to find out who killed him even if the police will not. She confides in her closest friends and soon everyone in the small town is aware that she is investigating. Darcy keeps the store open in Eddie’s memory and is surprised when she receives an envelope in the mail that Eddie had declared her the owner of the store and planned to present it to her when she returned from her vacation. The lists of suspects are a greedy real estate developer, lazy step son, angry neighbor, and a couple of other business owners. This book starts off a little slow but most first books are. Darcy has a good heart and I love how she showed her appreciation to her employees and friends. Love how they all come together and help each other out. This was a very good start to this series and I look forward to the next book.
March 16, 2022
A solid start to a new series.
Darcy Gaughan is on a path to recovery, after becoming an alcoholic after losing her career has a drummer in a punk rock band.
Her boss at the record store she manages, is found dead, and the police believe it is suicide. Darcy knows Eddie wouldn't do that, so she works to solve the mystery.
I like Darcy, she is an interesting character. But most of the other characters are not really fleshed out enough.
Hopefully, the author expands on them more in the next book.
The mystery is written well enough, but I can't say that it sucked me in. It moved along well enough.
I want to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of this book.
Darcy Gaughan is on a path to recovery, after becoming an alcoholic after losing her career has a drummer in a punk rock band.
Her boss at the record store she manages, is found dead, and the police believe it is suicide. Darcy knows Eddie wouldn't do that, so she works to solve the mystery.
I like Darcy, she is an interesting character. But most of the other characters are not really fleshed out enough.
Hopefully, the author expands on them more in the next book.
The mystery is written well enough, but I can't say that it sucked me in. It moved along well enough.
I want to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review of this book.
January 2, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Level Best Books and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Quirky, cozy mystery set on a record store. New twist on the genre and it’s wonderful.
Quirky, cozy mystery set on a record store. New twist on the genre and it’s wonderful.
December 31, 2021
I am so proud of this unique story. I hope you like it, too!
March 9, 2022
An excellent start for a new cozy series: Darcy is fleshed out, clever, and interesting character. I liked her, she doesn't hide her story or her frailty but she's very strong at the same time.
This is a book that will surely be appreciated by music lover and I loved the choice of MC (a former alcoholic
and musician) and the role music plays in the story.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait to read another story in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This is a book that will surely be appreciated by music lover and I loved the choice of MC (a former alcoholic
and musician) and the role music plays in the story.
The mystery is solid, full of twists and turns, and the solution came as a surprise.
I can't wait to read another story in this series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 11, 2022
Darcy Gaughan is a former drummer, who after tearing a ligament in her elbow was no longer able to perform. She is the general manager of Marysburg Music Company, where old and rare recordings are sold. On her five-year anniversary as a sober alcoholic, she finds her boss, Eddie Maxwell, murdered in his office. Marysburg Detective-Sergeant Kaitlin Rosengarten believes it was suicide. Darcy and her friends don’t agree and set out to prove that Eddie was murdered.
The beginning of the story went rather slowly. There were many references to different musical artists and drumming terminology that slowed the action. About a third into the story things began to move more quickly and then zoomed from there right into a thrilling climax. I found this to be an enjoyable read in spite of the slow beginning.
The beginning of the story went rather slowly. There were many references to different musical artists and drumming terminology that slowed the action. About a third into the story things began to move more quickly and then zoomed from there right into a thrilling climax. I found this to be an enjoyable read in spite of the slow beginning.
January 15, 2022
A fresh new cozy set in an indie record store. I found this one a delight to read. Once you start your not going to want to stop. Light quirky fun! Thanks #netgalley and #LevelBestBooks for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine. #JCKenney #RecordStoreReckoning #LevelBestBooks
March 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this story from beginning to end! If you enjoy, music, twists and turns, wonderful friendships and awesome characters…… this book is for you & I highly recommend it :)! can’t wait to see what is next for Darcy and her friends :)!!
March 6, 2022
!
I enjoyed the read. Darcy never giving up on finding Eddie's killer was fun. I especially enjoyed finding out Darcy's parents names. Thanks JC Kenny!!!
I enjoyed the read. Darcy never giving up on finding Eddie's killer was fun. I especially enjoyed finding out Darcy's parents names. Thanks JC Kenny!!!
January 30, 2024
Darcy is rebuilding her life. She has an amazing support system in her town and at work. When she returns to work after a vacation, she finds her boss, friend, and mentor dead. The police want to write it off as a suicide, but Darcy doesn't believe it.
I love Darcy's strength dealing with the tragedy. I don't know if she will make it as a detective, but it was fun to watch. I'm looking forward to reading about her next adventure.
I love Darcy's strength dealing with the tragedy. I don't know if she will make it as a detective, but it was fun to watch. I'm looking forward to reading about her next adventure.
February 9, 2022
What does one do once you’re a burned out addict-rockstar has been? If you’re Darcy Gaughan, you stay on top of your sobriety and find work and people that get you and support your efforts.
When Darcy comes back from a well deserved vacation, she finds her boss stabbed in his office…the police declare it suicide, but Darcy knows better and she sets out to find out who murdered her boss and made it look like a suicide. All while staying sober and keeping the business open without dropping the beat.
I really enjoyed this book and its theme of chosen family and being true to yourself along with the whodunit. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
When Darcy comes back from a well deserved vacation, she finds her boss stabbed in his office…the police declare it suicide, but Darcy knows better and she sets out to find out who murdered her boss and made it look like a suicide. All while staying sober and keeping the business open without dropping the beat.
I really enjoyed this book and its theme of chosen family and being true to yourself along with the whodunit. I’m looking forward to more from this author.
February 3, 2022
Record Store Reckoning was such a delightful read. I quite enjoyed the storyline, as well as, the well-crafted characters.
In this story we see Darcy returning from a vacation to find her boss dead. It appears the victim killed himself. Darcy, not convinced sets to prove the police wrong.
The story kept me interested until the very end when the killer was revealed. Thank you for the ARC copy, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
In this story we see Darcy returning from a vacation to find her boss dead. It appears the victim killed himself. Darcy, not convinced sets to prove the police wrong.
The story kept me interested until the very end when the killer was revealed. Thank you for the ARC copy, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
January 30, 2022
A wonderful beginning to a new series by the dependably enjoyable J. C. Kenney. The story is set in small-town Indiana (a setting Kenney excels at drawing for his readers), where Darcy lives and works as a record store manager. A recovering alcoholic with a cat named Ringo, Darcy quickly becomes someone the reader cares about, as do some other characters in Marysville. This alone makes me eager to read the next installment in the Darcy Gaughan Mysteries.
I won't go into a detailed synopsis of the mystery involved, although I will admit I didn't figure it out. The fact that the person who died was someone Darcy cared deeply about gave the story added depth.
A winning new series!
I won't go into a detailed synopsis of the mystery involved, although I will admit I didn't figure it out. The fact that the person who died was someone Darcy cared deeply about gave the story added depth.
A winning new series!
January 29, 2022
Darcy Gaughan doesn't believe Eddie, her boss and owner of Marysburg Music Store committed suicide. She's sure he was murdered so she is determined to figure out who murdered him. I enjoyed following along in Darcy's footsteps as she questioned people and found clues. This is an interesting cozy mystery.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
October 13, 2022
Not my normal genre but read as part of my 'be supportive of local authors' policy. :-) Liked the MC Darcy, a spunky former musician who has surfaced on the other side of Rehab with a new life and a job at a record store owned by her benefactor. Liked all the references to music, etc. the whodunit aspects felt a little too forced or artificial to me. Enjoyable read nontheless
May 1, 2022
Grab something to snack on, pick a comfy chair, kick back and get to know Darcy Gaughan and the crew of Marysburg Music - you won't be disappointed! Record Store Reckoning is an awesome start to a new series - not many cozies, if any, have a protagonist who is a former punk band drummer celebrating 5-years of sobriety. This fact alone leaves you routing for Darcy from page 1, as she has successfully turned her life around, owns her own home and is the manager of Marysburg Music. Unfortunately, Darcy's world is turned upside down when Eddie Maxwell, owner of Marysburg Music and the person who saved Darcy from herself, appears to have committed suicide. Knowing Eddie the way she does, Darcy believes Eddie was murdered and sets out to prove that he indeed did not kill himself. The Detective Sargeant, with whom Darcy had several run-ins during her days as an alcoholic, does not believe Darcy's assertion that Eddie was murdered. In the end, Darcy proves Eddie was murdered, the culprit is brought to justice and the Detective Sargeant admits she was wrong.
This is a great book on many fronts - interesting, well-developed characters who genuinely care for each other, many in the town of Marysburg who respect the way Darcy has turned her life around, Darcy's renewed self-esteem and self-respect giving her the confidence to run the music store as Eddie would have wanted, and the town of Marysburg claiming Darcy a hero and supporting her in the end.
There are many references to different musicians and bands throughout the book -- from Neal Peart to Bob Marley to the Beatles, and many unknown to this reader in between. There is even a cat named Ringo! Many of these mentions brought some humor to the story and only added to the enjoyment of the book.
The author does such a wonderful job describing Darcy's day-to-day life, her working relationships with store employees Hank, Char, Izzy and Peter, as well as with college pal Liam and business owner Jenna that you almost forget about the murder!
This is a great book all-around and I highly recommend it. I will very much look forward to reading more of Darcy and the Marysburg crew in future installments to this series.
This is a great book on many fronts - interesting, well-developed characters who genuinely care for each other, many in the town of Marysburg who respect the way Darcy has turned her life around, Darcy's renewed self-esteem and self-respect giving her the confidence to run the music store as Eddie would have wanted, and the town of Marysburg claiming Darcy a hero and supporting her in the end.
There are many references to different musicians and bands throughout the book -- from Neal Peart to Bob Marley to the Beatles, and many unknown to this reader in between. There is even a cat named Ringo! Many of these mentions brought some humor to the story and only added to the enjoyment of the book.
The author does such a wonderful job describing Darcy's day-to-day life, her working relationships with store employees Hank, Char, Izzy and Peter, as well as with college pal Liam and business owner Jenna that you almost forget about the murder!
This is a great book all-around and I highly recommend it. I will very much look forward to reading more of Darcy and the Marysburg crew in future installments to this series.
April 8, 2022
Darcy Gaughan has just returned from a weeks vacation in the Caribbean and looking forward to getting back to her job as manager of Marysburg Music. When she arrives at work, she discovers her boss and mentor, Eddie Maxwell dead in his office chair. Darcy doesn't have a great relationship with the police detective in charge of the case but she is convinced that the detective has it wrong and that Eddie would never have commuted suicide. Eddie had been there for Darcy when she got out of rehab five years ago. He'd been mentoring her and teaching her about the business. She owed it to him to bring his killer to justice. Who would want to kill him - and why? She soon has a few suspects on her list but can she figure it out and keep the business running?
My thoughts:
An interesting story with many references to past and current musicians. Darcy's sobriety and her past as a drummer for an all girl band adds depth to the story. Her team at the record store are a loyal and fun bunch - as are her friends who have been there for her the last few years as she got her life together. The suspect pool of who killed Eddie was a decent mix of viable characters but I had figured out the culprit well before the ending.
The story alone would be a 4.5 on it's own, but while reading the Kindle version, I noted 28 typos! Most were an extra or missing word. A handful were words in the wrong order and there was one place where Darcy was referred to as Allie - the lead character of Mr. Kenney's other series. Typo's can occur during the process of converting the author manuscript to publication format but 28 errors is an unacceptably high number to have slipped by a decent proof reading. For that reason I can only give this otherwise good read 3 stars.
My thoughts:
An interesting story with many references to past and current musicians. Darcy's sobriety and her past as a drummer for an all girl band adds depth to the story. Her team at the record store are a loyal and fun bunch - as are her friends who have been there for her the last few years as she got her life together. The suspect pool of who killed Eddie was a decent mix of viable characters but I had figured out the culprit well before the ending.
The story alone would be a 4.5 on it's own, but while reading the Kindle version, I noted 28 typos! Most were an extra or missing word. A handful were words in the wrong order and there was one place where Darcy was referred to as Allie - the lead character of Mr. Kenney's other series. Typo's can occur during the process of converting the author manuscript to publication format but 28 errors is an unacceptably high number to have slipped by a decent proof reading. For that reason I can only give this otherwise good read 3 stars.
March 28, 2022
J. C. Kenney has written a marvellous first instalment in his Darcy Gaughan Mystery series. Darcy Gaughan used to be the drummer in the punk band, Pixie Dust, but alcohol and a torn elbow ligament caused her to lose her job with the band. She returned to her hometown of Marysburg, Indiana, where Eldred (Eddie) Maxwell owns Marysburg Music. Five years on, Eddie has made her manager at his music store. Darcy, who lives in a century-old, renovated former fishing cabin, has been on holiday and arrives back to find Eddie dead from a fatal stab wound. The investigating officer is Detective Sergeant Kaitlin Rosengarten; during Darcy’s drinking days they had several run-ins. The police rule Eddie’s death a suicide but Darcy’s certain Eddie was murdered...
The story is well-written and plotted, the pacing is comfortable and the characters, especially Darcy herself are believable. I was kept guessing until the very end as to the killer's identity and I am keen to read the next instalment in the series and meet up with Darcy again.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Level Best Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story is well-written and plotted, the pacing is comfortable and the characters, especially Darcy herself are believable. I was kept guessing until the very end as to the killer's identity and I am keen to read the next instalment in the series and meet up with Darcy again.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Level Best Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 8, 2023
Darcy Gaughan has just returned home from a wonderful vacation. On her first day back at work, she makes a horrible discovery, the body of her boss and mentor in his office. The evidence seems to point to suicide, or at least that’s what the police think. Darcy doesn’t buy it for a minute and starts to investigate to learn the truth. Can she figure out what really happened? Or are the police right?
I couldn’t resist a music store set cozy, and this one introduced us to some great characters. I liked Darcy and the rest of the staff, and the suspects were strong as well. I appreciated the fact that they still had motives even though the victim was generally a well-loved person. I did feel the pacing was off, including a small data dump early on, but it did build to a strong climax. I also found a lot of typos in the physical copy I bought soon after it came out. The book is still very readable, but they were annoying. Things build to a logical and fun climax. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Darcy next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I couldn’t resist a music store set cozy, and this one introduced us to some great characters. I liked Darcy and the rest of the staff, and the suspects were strong as well. I appreciated the fact that they still had motives even though the victim was generally a well-loved person. I did feel the pacing was off, including a small data dump early on, but it did build to a strong climax. I also found a lot of typos in the physical copy I bought soon after it came out. The book is still very readable, but they were annoying. Things build to a logical and fun climax. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens to Darcy next.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 1, 2022
I like J. C. Kenney's Allie Cobb series, but I liked this new series even more. Darcy Gaughan is an ex-drummer in a rock band. She drank too much and ended up in rehab, her career over. Then Eddie Maxwell, a record store owner, took her in and helped her find her way. Darcy's an edgier protagonist than Allie, and that added tension to the book, and the mystery was well done. Every once in a while, I got a little tired of hearing Darcy's drummer quips--"Great job, dude." The dude brought me up short a few times, but overall, this was a good, solid read. I enjoyed it.
October 15, 2023
Darcy is the former drummer of a punk band whose life was going down the tubes due to alcohol. She is five years sober and ready to celebrate! She returns from vacation to find that her boss is dead and the police are calling it a suicide. Darcy is positive Eddie did not take his own life and she goes about proving that. This is delightful read and I am looking forward to the next one in this series.
October 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. I liked Darcy who has an edgier side next to her big loving heart. She has great friends that support and encourage her which always surprises her considering her rehab past. I am not a music aficionado but I liked the setting in the music store and the small town feel. Trying to solve her boss/best friends murder was interesting and needless to say, I didn't figure it out. Well done!
February 18, 2024
I love a good cozy mystery, and "Record Store Reckoning" did not disappoint. Darcy's pursuit to unveil the truth behind Eddie's death drives the narrative with suspense and intrigue. The aspect of her sobriety adds to her character depth and likability. There is a compelling cast of diverse characters. With a blend of music nostalgia and suspense, the book offers a unique and engaging take on the classic whodunit. I will look forward to reading the next in the series.
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