Thanks to the author for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now!
290 Pages
Synopsis: When Kellan Ayrwick, a thirty-two-year-old single father, is forced to return for his father’s retirement from Braxton College, he finds the dead body of a professor in Diamond Hall’s stairwell. Unfortunately, Kellan has a connection to the victim, and so do several members of his family. Could one of them be guilty of murder? Then he finds a second body after discovering mysterious donations to the college’s athletic program, and a criminal attempting to change student grades so the star baseball player isn’t expelled.
Someone is playing games on campus, but non of the facts add up. With the help of his eccentric and trouble-making nana weeding through the clues, Kellan tries to stay out of the sheriff’s way. Fate has other plans. Kellan is close to discovering the killer’s identity just as someone he loves is put in grave danger of becoming victim number three. And if that’s not enough to wreck havoc on his family, everything comes crashing to a halt when his own past comes spiraling back to change his life forever.
In this debut novel in the Braxton Campus Mystery Series, readers discover a cozy, secluded Pennsylvania village full of quirky, sarcastic, and nosy residents. Among the daily workings of Braxton College and the charming Ayrwick family, Kellan weighs his investigative talents talents against an opportunity to achieve a much sought-after dream. When this first book ends, the drama is set for the next adventure in Kellan’s future…and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
This is the third book I’ve read by our fellow blogger, Jay Cudney, and once again he’s knocked it out of the park! (I know. Sorry for the dreadful pun).
The story is told from the first person POV of Kellan, a widower with a sweet six-year-old daughter. I really liked him and found him thoroughly engaging. I loved his musings and interactions with the other characters, especially his eccentric irrepressible Nana D and the snarky sheriff upon who his charm continually fails. I did find the story a little slow in the middle, but it wasn’t enough to spoil my enjoyment. The mystery itself kept me guessing right up until the reveal and all the loose ends were satisfyingly tied up. The end of the book has a whopper of a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to jump into the next book, Broken Heart Attack, which is coming out (Thank God!) December 15th. Overall, I think Academic Curveball is an excellent beginning to this new cozy mystery series. It’s full of the memorable quirky characters that Jay is so wonderful at creating, and that, combined with a twisty mystery and cozy college town setting, makes for a delightful read.
Shalini said:
Yayyy Kim, fabulous review… Jay will be over the moon..
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much Shalini! I hope he likes it. Because I’m still sick it’s not as detailed as I’d like, but I hope I did it justice and got the most important points across.
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Cozynookbks said:
I hope you feel better soon. 💕
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Laurie.🤗
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James J. Cudney IV said:
He is! Thank you so much for all the kindness in this review and with your time. It is very appreciated. I love the pun. It’s so fitting. 🙂
Maybe I should start fully acting like Kellan in real life? I’m only 50 percent right now. Lol
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I’m so happy you’re pleased James! I was keeping my fingers crossed that I did your novel justice. 🤗
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beetleypete said:
Well done to James with this new series, I wish him every success.
And judging by your review, it sounds like a winner, Kim! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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James J. Cudney IV said:
Thank you very much!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It definitely is a winner Pete. I think you’d really enjoy his books. They’re all so character driven.☺️
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beetleypete said:
I bought Watching Glass Shatter, on Kindle. But I haven’t read it yet. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You always create such interesting characters in your stories Pete. I think you’ll find a kindred spirit in Jay.☺️
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angiedokos said:
Reblogged this on Angie Dokos.
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raistlin0903 said:
Lol! I didn’t think it was a bad pun at all 😂😂 Like Didi Oviatt’s books, James’ books have been on my to read list for ages as well (coincidentally I saw a review for this one over on Didi’s blog lol). It really does sound like a very good book. I’m definitely going to check out some of his work, hopefully even later this year! Fabulous review Kim! 😊😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I have a feeling you’re going to love his books Michel.☺️
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fragglerocking said:
Nice to read you loving some books today!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks so much Fraggle! I’m hoping to start catching up with everyone in the next few days.🤗
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fragglerocking said:
Hope you feel well again!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks my friend.🤗
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Carrie said:
Lovely review Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Carrie!☺️
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Carrie said:
You’re welcome!
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
This sounds amazing! ❤
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s a stellar beginning to Jay’s new cozy series Book Sister. And did I mention the bombshell cliffhanger? HOLY GUACAMOLE!😱💙
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
OMG! I have to read this like yesterday! 😍😍😍
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yeah you do!😁
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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ said:
Heheheh! 😜
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The Cozy Pages said:
Loved the pun 😉
Glad you enjoyed it too!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Nina!🤗
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Cozynookbks said:
Excellent review, Kim. “Quirky, sarcastic, and nosy residents” is right up my alley!! I’m waiting for the paperback to release. I think I’ll enjoy this cozy. 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Laurie! You have to let me know what you think when you read it.☺️
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Cozynookbks said:
Jay told me it’s out in paperback so I’m going to head over to Amazon and get a copy. 😊
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Awesome!
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mlbradford said:
Another mighty fine Review, Kim!
YAHOO! Guess what?! You’ve been invited to the Party Of The (Half-)Decade! 🙂
Music, gifs, a list(!) laughter and good times await u here:
Enjoy!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Brad.
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thebookwormdrinketh said:
I can’t wait to get to this one!!! 💖💖 Nana D sounds like a hoot. And, “knocked it out of the park” 😂😂 I love it!! 🤣… A little leery on the cliffhanger ending, Jay had better get writing the next one, or I may not be a happy camper! 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’d love Nana D. Nicole. She’s a hoot! I believe the second book is coming in December thank goodness.☺️
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alessandria today said:
Reblogged this on Alessandria today.
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Didi Oviatt - Author said:
He nailed it again! Great review, Kim!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Didi! He certainly did. I can’t wait for bk. 2!
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