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Allie Cobb Mystery #6

A Parting Shot

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In her final case, amateur sleuth Allie Cobb has to track down a vengeful killer from the past before they wreck her future . . .

With her wedding just around the corner, Kickboxing Crusader Allie Cobb decides it’s time to hang up her sleuthing cap for good. But when an affable local cop on the verge of retirement is shot dead at the town’s Fourth of July picnic, Allie can’t help but reconsider her decision. And with everyone at the festivities a potential witness, the police have their hands full and are more than happy to accept Allie’s help.

Certain that the murder has its roots in one of the policeman’s old arrests, Allie begins digging into his past and discovers a surprising history of clashes with regional drug dealers and a local gambling ring. But then her investigation unearths a more alarming possibility that hits much closer to home, and Allie will have to bend a few rules to break the case and bring down a killer . . .

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2022

1 person is currently reading
42 people want to read

About the author

J.C. Kenney

14 books261 followers
I 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.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Kara Rutledge.
425 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2022

Kickboxing Crusader and Literary Agent Allie Cobb is getting married and has decided to stop sleuthing. However, when a local police officer is shot and killed, Allie decides she has to investigate one more case. Thinking the shooter has a connection to one of the officer's previous cases, Allie is beginning to think that there is another possibility that is much closer to her than she realizes in A Parting Shot (An Allie Cobb Mystery, #6) by J.C. Kenney.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for a digital version of an Advanced Readers Copy of  A Parting Shot by J.C. Kenney. I was beyond excited to read this book and give my honest review.

This particular cozy mystery is written extremely well and is a lot better than some of the others in this genre. I loved that there wasn't a lot of gore or violence. Sometimes, I just want a lighter mystery to read, and A Parting Shot fit that description for me. Such an engaging and fun read, I couldn't wait to see what would happen. I had no idea who the murderer was, but I didn't try too hard to figure it out because I just wanted to get lost in the story, which I did. 

I hope A Parting Shot (An Allie Cobb Mystery, #6) by J.C. Kenney isn't the last book in the series as I would like to read many more. With that being said, I will go back and read the other books that came before this one. Five out of five stars.



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Profile Image for J.C. Kenney.
Author 14 books261 followers
March 24, 2022
I had so much fun writing Allie's latest (and maybe last) adventure!
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews132 followers
April 18, 2022
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 helps out when a retiring local copper is killed at the town’s Fourth of July celebrations.

My 3rd read in this delightful series, A Parting Shot 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. This 6th book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series is fabulous, fast-paced, and fun. I definitely relished this stay in Rushing Creek and Allie's wedding. I'll be reading the other books I've missed as well as hoping the series might continue. Here's hoping I enjoy them as much as A Parting Shot.

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.

Profile Image for Jen.
1,127 reviews11 followers
April 10, 2022
I received a copy of A Parting Shot through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A Parting Shot by J.C. Kenney is the sixth mystery in the Allie Cobb Mystery series. In A Parting Shot, Allie Cobb, an amateur sleuth, finds herself investigating a murder that occurs at the towns Fourth of July festivities. The search for the killer twists and turns and Allie uncovers the clues until an unexpected and shocking solution is staring her in the face.

This is the first mystery in the Allie Cobb series that I have read, but after reading this I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning. I enjoyed the characters and the Indiana small town setting. The mystery kept me guessing from the very beginning and I was surprised by the resolution. I’m this was a great mystery that didn’t give you the obvious killer and motive. I really enjoyed this mystery and am sad that this could be the last one in the series. I enjoyed getting to know Allie and am excited to read this series from the start. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery fans!
Profile Image for Patrizia.
2,002 reviews43 followers
April 10, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Beh, il voto è a tutta la serie visto che questo è l'ultimo libro. Anche qui la protagonista parte per la tangente e si mette in una situazione pericolosa, meno male che i suoi amici poliziotti ormai la conoscono e riescono ad arrivare al momento giusto. Se devo dire la verità, mi è parso subito ovvio che , però anche la vittima aveva qualche scheletro nel suo armadio.
2,393 reviews43 followers
March 29, 2022
As she prepares to walk down the aisle, Allie decides it’s time to hang up her amateur sleuthing for good. Then when a local cop is murdered right before he retires, she has to overturn her decision and put her southing skills back on the case.

Certain that the murder is tied to one of his old cases, Allie finds a lot of people who might have wanted to take the cop out. Now she’s got to dig into some shady people and hope she can solve the case so that the minister is officiating over her wedding and not her funeral.

I’m sad to see this series go, but it certainly ended with a great finish. Even if you consider yourself a cozy fan and think you can figure it all out before the end, you’re going to have a few surprises in this last visit with Allie!
Profile Image for Nan Reinhardt.
Author 23 books965 followers
April 12, 2022
I've enjoyed all of J.C. Kenney's Allie Cobb mysteries--she's is a kickass (literally!) amateur sleuth as well as a fun characters. Kenney creates a wonderful community down there in Brown County, Indiana--an area I know well. I love picturing the hills of southern Indiana as I read--he makes it easy to fall into the story. Allie's wedding was a great way to end this one, but I'm hoping she's not retired from sleuthing forever!
Profile Image for Kelly Cain.
Author 15 books203 followers
May 5, 2022
A wonderful ending (maybe???) to the Allie Cobb Mystery series. I love the way it all came full circle and it's the perfect way to wrap it all up...But I hope it's not truly the end. If so, I'll miss Allie, Ursi, and the rest of the Rushing Creek inhabitants.
Profile Image for Sarah.
Author 27 books242 followers
April 19, 2022
"A Parting Shot" is the definition of all the feels. J.C. Kenney gives literary agent Allie Cobb the perfect sendoff in a fun-filled adventure full of heart and action.

Allie Cobb’s final mystery outing starts with a bang when a local cop is shot at Rushing Creek’s 4th of July picnic festival. Eager to see a killer brought to justice before she walks down the aisle, Allie jumps headfirst into her investigation.

As a longtime fan of this series, "A Parting Shot" is a proper Rushing Creek greatest hits album. Readers get time with all our favorite characters in the most rewarding of ways. Throughout these six books, Kenney has created memorable supporting characters and built beautiful relationships, all of which we get to enjoy in "A Parting Shot." Calypso, in particular, really shines in this story as Allie’s associate agent. Her sharp, astute attitude complements Allie’s spunkiness in every way, and I loved seeing them as a team. The reader also feels Kenney’s deep connections to his characters in the loving, thoughtful manners they are portrayed. Allie’s best friend, Sloane, deserves a shout-out for being just a remarkable human being. Saying goodbye to this sleuthing group is hard; Allie Cobb has been a cozy heroine I've always related to. She has a unique way of being timely and timeless all at once. Luckily, I can reread and revisit these characters time and time again.

The mystery kept me on my toes and was oh, so satisfying when the killer was unmasked, rounding out this five-star finale. I’ve loved every moment I’ve spent in Rushing Creek with Allie and her friends. I can’t recommend this series enough.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,833 reviews89 followers
April 24, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

A Parting Shot is the 6th Allie Cobb small-town cozy mystery by J. C. Kenney. Released 19th April 2022, it's 206 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.

Although it's the 6th book in the series, this small-town cozy works perfectly well as a standalone. The author provides the necessary backstory without spoon feeding or info dumping all over readers. The characters are competently written and mostly believable with a protagonist who's a literary agent and a former professional kickboxer. The action moves along at a fast pace and never drags or meanders. 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, as well as the author and series name-dropping recommendations throughout; 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, and fiancé with dog). It's a quick and satisfying read. I would recommend it to fans of amateur sleuth small town cozies. Definitely one for cozy binge readers who love having series at their fingertips.

There was one very minor "foul play" twist included in the epilogue which wasn't entirely cricket, but it will no-doubt thrill fans of the author and the series.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
2,307 reviews32 followers
April 26, 2022
Princess Fuzzypants here: When an author decides before writing a book that it is to be the last adventure in a series, it gives them the opportunity to tie up loose end and provide a satisfying finish to a much loved series of stories. This book succeeds on both fronts.

Allie, the Kickboxing Crusader, was always a bit different than any cozy heroines. Not only does she have the investigatory skills that they all have but she has a not so secret weapon. She can take good care of herself. She is a force with which to be reckoned. It does not mean she does not get into some very hairy situations but she has proven that she can play with the big boys and win.

Only weeks before her wedding, her fiancé is standing next to the cop who is murdered at the Fourth of July celebrations. While she and. Ollie have had their run ins, she admired his devotion to the community in other ways than policing. Her former brother in law, who is chief of police, asks her unofficially to help solve the crime. No pressure. Just do it before the wedding.

As often happens, the more she digs, the more she learns about Ollie, both good and bad. She has a couple of prime suspects for his murder and is relentless in finding the evidence to convict. She is in for a shock when she confronts the killer and is told the real motive. In fact, in full Allie mode, she takes the villain down. It is a good story that will keep the reader entertained.

And yes, the wedding does go through. And yes, she does retire from amateur sleuthing. Or does she? While there is a resolution to the story, there is still that little glimmer that perhaps, sometime, there might be further adventures. I would not complain. Five purrs and two paws up.
636 reviews20 followers
April 27, 2022
This is the 6th and final (maybe?) book in the Allie Cobb mystery series. Allie Cobb is a literary agent in Rushing Creek Indiana and is getting married in just a couple of weeks. She attends the annual 4th of July festivities with her family and fiancé Brent. Police Office Watson who is about to retire has an annual fundraiser and the prizes are given out right before the fireworks start. This year Brent has been asked to select the winners and just as he selects the grand prize he drops the ticket and a loud boom which has Office Watson falling on him and then Sammy Brent’s dog. Brent is stunned but Officer Watson has been shot to death. Who could of wanted the police officer dead? Brent is shook up and worried that he could have been killed as could Sammy. Everyone wants Allie to investigate and find the killer before her wedding. Allie had promised to hang up her sleuthing and “kickboxer crusader” but even Brent wants Allie to get to the bottom of this. As Allie is juggling getting ready for her wedding and finish up work items before her honeymoon can she also bring down a killer. The problem is this happened in the open in the city square with the majority of the town in attendance. Allie soon learns that Officer Watson was both loved and disliked but the suspects lists really begins to dwindle and her wedding date is approaching. This was a good mystery and kept me guessing who could have done this. I thought this was the final book but then there is a teaser at the end on their honeymoon.. could more come. I hope so as I really enjoy this series.
Profile Image for dnsyl57.
642 reviews12 followers
April 23, 2022
Allie Cobb is getting married in two weeks and has decided to retire her "Kickboxing Crusader" persona but is forced to reconsider when a local cop on the verge of retirement is shot during the Fourth Of July town picnic. The cops have their hands full narrowing down evidence and suspects, so welcome Allie's help. She is convinced that his murder is linked to something from his past - which wasn't always on the "up and up". Then her research leads her to a startling possibility that hits a bit too close to home. Can she solve this murder and retire her sleuthing skills before her wedding?

My thoughts:
I've really enjoyed this series and this one was very well done. Allie is smart, feisty and loyal. She seeks justice and isn't afraid to take a stand and do things a bit differently to get the job done. This book also gives us a closer look into her neighbour and employee Calypso. Despite the age difference, the two play off of each other very well and make a great team.

As always, Allie takes a few risks to find the truth in this book but there is also some heartfelt words and fun scenes during her bachelorette party, with her family and in the final couple of chapters.

This is apparently the last book in this series but as Allie herself has said "never say never" so maybe someday Mr Kenney will pen a further adventure or two with Allie, her family, friends and the fur babies in Rushing Creek, Indiana.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,561 reviews19 followers
April 29, 2022
First off, this is one of my favorite series and I don't want it to end with this one. Allie is a great sleuth but she has promised that she will stop investigating murders now that her wedding is right around the corner. So much for that promise when a killer strikes at the town's Fourth of July festivities. They get more than the usual fireworks when a local cop, on the verge of retirement, is shot dead. As he goes down he lands on Allie's husband to be and his dog. While the local police will do their very best find out who killed him, many want Allie to take on one more case. It's a challenge with only weeks to go before her wedding but she is up to the task.
The mystery kept me engaged from the start and the ending tied everything up nicely. I just hate saying goodbye to my literary friends.
My thanks to the publisher Beyond the Page and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews99 followers
April 19, 2022
Although I came in at the end of the series, I never felt lost, but only plan to go back and binge from the beginning.
Allie is a literary agent/Kickboxing Crusader/known and revered amateur sleuth, and her fiancé Brent is a librarian. The retiring local cop is shot during the fireworks and falls on top of the librarian and his big dog. The dog has a broken leg, the librarian gets mildly concussed, and the cop gets dead. Everyone from family to the community want Allie to investigate even though law enforcement is grimly determined to do their very best for one of their own. Good sleuthing, fascinating characters, interesting plot twists and red herrings.
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
322 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2022
The sixth and final Allie Cobb mystery. Allie is ostensibly hanging up her magnifying glass, getting ready to become Mrs. Richardson and to continue her business as head of the Cobb Literary Agency. During a Fourth of July celebration, someone shoots a cop and Allie tries her hardest to solve the case before her wedding because she feels that she won’t enjoy it or her honeymoon if the case is not solved first. Then follows the usual questionable decisions and danger that Allie is known for when working on a case. All in all, a satisfying ending to the series and I look forward to what the author brings us next.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Edwards.
5,552 reviews9 followers
August 8, 2022
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!!
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.3k reviews165 followers
April 29, 2022
This is one of my favorite series so I'm very sad to have to say good bye to these characters.
It ends with a BANG and a gripping mystery that kept me turning pages and guessing.
The plot is well developed and gripping, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I hope there will be more as it was a well written and compelling series.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Profile Image for Cherry London.
Author 1 book84 followers
May 17, 2022
The mysterious shooting to death of an officer has Allie confused until she bumbled into clues that suggested her fiance might have been the target instead. Now, she was in a race against time trying to find the killer, for her wedding was two weeks away, and time was running out on her. The intrigue, and excitement levels, were great, and it was also an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Profile Image for Ryan Hoffman.
1,215 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2023
A fun and fitting send off (for now) to the kickboxing crusader Allie Cobb. What a send off to this series as well. Allie is ready to wed, but has one last case when a local police officer is killed short of retirement. Could it have been one of his old unsolved cases. Not only Allie to miss but her BFF Solane and protégé Calypso. It was great to have one last case.
Profile Image for Liz Flaherty.
Author 80 books352 followers
April 21, 2022
"Never say never." These words were used in the book and I'm feeling free to quote them; I hate the idea that this might be Allie Cobb's last mystery. It was my favorite book in the series. I so enjoy the spunky sleuth and the supporting cast that join her in her Rushing Creek, Indiana, tales.
Profile Image for Short, Sweet and Cozy.
1,546 reviews
June 28, 2022
A Parting Shot is the 6th book in the Allie Cobb Mystery series and it sounds like it might be the last book. This book focuses on Allie and Brent's wedding. During the Fourth of July picnic a local cop is shot. He was due to retire. Could it have to do with a past case? Allie is asked to help with sorting through clues and sifting through secrets. The wedding planning balanced the excitement of solving the case. Of course the wedding was a nice ending! The characters are likable and the mystery was good. This is the first book I have read in the series and the author did a good job of making it enjoyable as a stand alone book. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Beyond The Page Books for an honest review. #NetGalley #APartingShot @BeyondThePage
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews