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booksteacupnreviews's review against another edition
5.0
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Academic Curveball was cozy murder mystery set around Braxton College, Pennsylvania,hometown of main character, Kellan. The book revolved around the Ayerwick family, Braxton college and murder of professor on campus.
characters-
Kellan was 32-year-old single father who wanted to start his have his own television show. But returning back to his hometown Braxton changed his life entirely. His sense of humor and unique voice was refreshing. He was smart, witty, and empathetic person.
There were many secondary characters, Ayerwick family, Kellan’s friends and those involved in the murder mystery. Not all characters were likable but I bet you can’t resist Nana D, Kellan’s grandmother. She brought the book to life.
What I Liked-
This is third book by James I read and it was quite different from the first two. Book was character driven first person narrative with wonderful writing.I must admit James creates wonderful characters and each described fantastically with minute details that feel like watching them playing their role live on drama stage.
First 30% of the book was all about introduction of protagonist,his family and their quirks, picturesque narration of Braxton village, college campus and intriguing puzzle of anonymous blogger defaming Kellan’s father and murder in campus on the day of his retirement party.
I liked Kellan’s relationship with his sister and grandmother and his complex relation with his parents. I didn’t like the attitude of Sheriff and Connor, they did almost nothing to solve the case and the way they were treating Kellan for his efforts was pathetic. I have a feeling Kellan’s relation with these to was going to be even more complex in the next book.
It was interesting to find out the answers of- who was attacking Kellan’s father and why someone killed Abby Monoroe, who tampered the grades and why, how sport and politics of college was involved in murder and was it someone from the faculty or student or someone else. The mystery was hard to solve, I couldn’t guess who might be the killer among so many suspects.
The twist and turns were placed in such a way that it eliminate done suspect but at the same time added another. It kept stalling me till the last chapter. The climax and end was smooth and I liked the way the case was solved.
It was not fast pace book but certainly interesting. It was more like getting to know the characters and setting of the book. That last page twist hinting the sequel of the book was surprising.
Overall, it was interesting cozy mystery with quirky characters and a great start of series that I recommend to all cozy mystery lover.
*** Note: I downloaded free e-book via Amazon Kindle. ***
Academic Curveball was cozy murder mystery set around Braxton College, Pennsylvania,hometown of main character, Kellan. The book revolved around the Ayerwick family, Braxton college and murder of professor on campus.
characters-
Kellan was 32-year-old single father who wanted to start his have his own television show. But returning back to his hometown Braxton changed his life entirely. His sense of humor and unique voice was refreshing. He was smart, witty, and empathetic person.
There were many secondary characters, Ayerwick family, Kellan’s friends and those involved in the murder mystery. Not all characters were likable but I bet you can’t resist Nana D, Kellan’s grandmother. She brought the book to life.
What I Liked-
This is third book by James I read and it was quite different from the first two. Book was character driven first person narrative with wonderful writing.I must admit James creates wonderful characters and each described fantastically with minute details that feel like watching them playing their role live on drama stage.
First 30% of the book was all about introduction of protagonist,his family and their quirks, picturesque narration of Braxton village, college campus and intriguing puzzle of anonymous blogger defaming Kellan’s father and murder in campus on the day of his retirement party.
I liked Kellan’s relationship with his sister and grandmother and his complex relation with his parents. I didn’t like the attitude of Sheriff and Connor, they did almost nothing to solve the case and the way they were treating Kellan for his efforts was pathetic. I have a feeling Kellan’s relation with these to was going to be even more complex in the next book.
It was interesting to find out the answers of- who was attacking Kellan’s father and why someone killed Abby Monoroe, who tampered the grades and why, how sport and politics of college was involved in murder and was it someone from the faculty or student or someone else. The mystery was hard to solve, I couldn’t guess who might be the killer among so many suspects.
The twist and turns were placed in such a way that it eliminate done suspect but at the same time added another. It kept stalling me till the last chapter. The climax and end was smooth and I liked the way the case was solved.
It was not fast pace book but certainly interesting. It was more like getting to know the characters and setting of the book. That last page twist hinting the sequel of the book was surprising.
Overall, it was interesting cozy mystery with quirky characters and a great start of series that I recommend to all cozy mystery lover.
*** Note: I downloaded free e-book via Amazon Kindle. ***
mistysbookspace's review against another edition
5.0
First off I want to thank the author for providing me with a final copy in exchange for my honest review as well as for letting me be a beta reader for him again.
This is Jay's 3rd book and it's the first one in a new series called the Braxton Campus Mysteries. When I first found out his new book was going to be a cozy mystery I have to admit I was worried because I have never read a cozy mystery before and honestly as bad as it is to say have always been turned off from them because of their covers.
That being said though I really enjoyed this. Jay has a gift for descriptions that draws you in and makes it feel like you are in the book with the characters. Speaking of characters they are all well done. I especially love Nana D. She tells it like it is but I am curious how she seems to always know everything before anybody else does?
As for the murder mystery, like I mentioned in a previous review I shared everyone is a suspect at first and you narrow it down as you read on but I never guessed who the killer was at all. Not until the end where it is revealed.
I do have to mention this book ends on a massive cliffhanger. This book is wrapped up fully but that cliffhanger leads us into what the next book will be about. As I'm sure y'all know I don't like cliffhangers. It's not a bad thing it's just personal preference. I am impatient so I want all of the answers now. That cliffhanger definitely has me IMPATIENTLY waiting for book 2.
I highly recommend this book. It has twists and turns as well as humor and an ending I dare say you want see coming.
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