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skyfox24kd's review against another edition
5.0
Edit: 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
So, Wow, I was back again in Braxton picking up where I left off at the end of a cliffhanger of a surprise —-like a smack to the face. But yes, it felt great to be back. Before you know it, things are happening with one of Nana D’s friends and of course, Nana D is putting Kellan right in the middle of it. Luckily, Kellan is good at being nosy and sometimes a good eavesdropper. Sometimes, though, poor Kellan. Sometimes I don’t envy where he ends up. Sometimes it seems he can’t catch a break. But, it can be amusing, I must say. Poor guy. He’s got so much more to figure out than he did in the last book.
I love these cozies. I love and smirk at the characters. One character is truly on par with Umbridge for those of you that are HP fans.
These come from the heart ❤️ and I can’t help but adore them. I want them to continue!
In this one, Kellan is voluntold for quite a few things, a few of which he solves and a few of which only manage to get more complicated as the end smacks the reader in the face again. So I’m going oh, J! Let’s get #3 going!!!
Yep officially addicted.
That’s two authors now starting w J good with the cliffhangers and making me wait on a series.
RTC
Dang it, J!
So, Wow, I was back again in Braxton picking up where I left off at the end of a cliffhanger of a surprise —-like a smack to the face. But yes, it felt great to be back. Before you know it, things are happening with one of Nana D’s friends and of course, Nana D is putting Kellan right in the middle of it. Luckily, Kellan is good at being nosy and sometimes a good eavesdropper. Sometimes, though, poor Kellan. Sometimes I don’t envy where he ends up. Sometimes it seems he can’t catch a break. But, it can be amusing, I must say. Poor guy. He’s got so much more to figure out than he did in the last book.
I love these cozies. I love and smirk at the characters. One character is truly on par with Umbridge for those of you that are HP fans.
These come from the heart ❤️ and I can’t help but adore them. I want them to continue!
In this one, Kellan is voluntold for quite a few things, a few of which he solves and a few of which only manage to get more complicated as the end smacks the reader in the face again. So I’m going oh, J! Let’s get #3 going!!!
Yep officially addicted.
That’s two authors now starting w J good with the cliffhangers and making me wait on a series.
RTC
Dang it, J!
dollycas's review against another edition
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Kellan has a wonderful relationship with his Nana D which means her friends, the Septuagenarian Club, are up in his business and he in theirs. Pushed into attending an early performance of King Lear with the group he finds himself seated to Gwendolyn Paddington. The matriarch of the Paddington family. Her family built the theater and she is now the family representative and very involved in all the facets. When her head topples to his shoulder he thinks she has fallen asleep, until he realizes she is dead and he calls for the performance to be stopped. It is assumed she has had a heart attack but she recently confessed to Nana D and Kellan that she thought someone in her family was trying to kill her. Her sister-in-law Eustacia begs Kellan to solve the murder as he had recently done at the college. Nana D accepts for him and he finds himself up to his ears with the Paddington family. The all have secrets and not everyone is happy about his continued presence. Hopefully, he can get to the bottom of the case before he ends up joining Gwennie at the pearly gates.
Kellan also has his hands full with family drama. He recently learned his deceased wife’s family was mobbed up and now that he has moved his daughter to Pennsylvania from California they are making his life miserable.
James J. Cudney has created such terrific characters. From his 6-year-old daughter, Emma, who just like my granddaughter is 6 going on 30, to the 70+-year-olds and everyone in between. We learn more about Kellan’s family and meet some new members. His relationship with his parents is evolving. They love have their granddaughter around. His deceased wife’s family, represented by his pushy, controlling mother-in-law got me fuming to say nothing of the mob element that really had my blood boiling. The Paddington family has so many issues. To says their lives are complex is an understatement. There are some good ones, but plenty of bad ones too. College life took a little bit of a backseat this time, but Kellan’s boss is not happy to have him in her department.
Mr. Cudney has jam-packed these pages absolutely full. Twists and turns on top of more twists and turns. Kellan is being pressed from so many different directions I am surprised at how he handles it all. The story keeps from getting too heavy by the antics of Nana D and the wonderful precocious Emma. Cudney sets a nice pace and his explanations and descriptions are tighter than in book one and the story flows like the breeze.
This story wraps up revealing Gwennie’s killer in a fantastic way. A little ice seems to be melting between two characters which was surprising. But hold on to your Kindle because there is a huge cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that has me super enthused for Book #3. Flower Power Trip releases March 30!!!
Kellan has a wonderful relationship with his Nana D which means her friends, the Septuagenarian Club, are up in his business and he in theirs. Pushed into attending an early performance of King Lear with the group he finds himself seated to Gwendolyn Paddington. The matriarch of the Paddington family. Her family built the theater and she is now the family representative and very involved in all the facets. When her head topples to his shoulder he thinks she has fallen asleep, until he realizes she is dead and he calls for the performance to be stopped. It is assumed she has had a heart attack but she recently confessed to Nana D and Kellan that she thought someone in her family was trying to kill her. Her sister-in-law Eustacia begs Kellan to solve the murder as he had recently done at the college. Nana D accepts for him and he finds himself up to his ears with the Paddington family. The all have secrets and not everyone is happy about his continued presence. Hopefully, he can get to the bottom of the case before he ends up joining Gwennie at the pearly gates.
Kellan also has his hands full with family drama. He recently learned his deceased wife’s family was mobbed up and now that he has moved his daughter to Pennsylvania from California they are making his life miserable.
James J. Cudney has created such terrific characters. From his 6-year-old daughter, Emma, who just like my granddaughter is 6 going on 30, to the 70+-year-olds and everyone in between. We learn more about Kellan’s family and meet some new members. His relationship with his parents is evolving. They love have their granddaughter around. His deceased wife’s family, represented by his pushy, controlling mother-in-law got me fuming to say nothing of the mob element that really had my blood boiling. The Paddington family has so many issues. To says their lives are complex is an understatement. There are some good ones, but plenty of bad ones too. College life took a little bit of a backseat this time, but Kellan’s boss is not happy to have him in her department.
Mr. Cudney has jam-packed these pages absolutely full. Twists and turns on top of more twists and turns. Kellan is being pressed from so many different directions I am surprised at how he handles it all. The story keeps from getting too heavy by the antics of Nana D and the wonderful precocious Emma. Cudney sets a nice pace and his explanations and descriptions are tighter than in book one and the story flows like the breeze.
This story wraps up revealing Gwennie’s killer in a fantastic way. A little ice seems to be melting between two characters which was surprising. But hold on to your Kindle because there is a huge cliffhanger. A cliffhanger that has me super enthused for Book #3. Flower Power Trip releases March 30!!!
candacerobinsonauthor's review
5.0
This is the second book in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series and another home run! I love, love, love being in Kellan's head and seeing what shenanigans are going to go down next.
All I've gotta say is Nana D is my favorite character, hands down! She's freaking awesome, and I wish I had a funny grandmother like her! Kind of reminds me a bit of Thelma from Mama's Family, but awesomer and more hilarious! And that's hard to top!!
As with book one, Kellan faces drama and mystery! I was flying through the pages wanting to know what was going to happen with Kellan's family life and with the investigation. There was great characterization, addictive writing, and a wonderfully developed mystery! By the time I got to the last page, I was like nooooooooo! I have to know what happens next! Can't wait for book three!
All I've gotta say is Nana D is my favorite character, hands down! She's freaking awesome, and I wish I had a funny grandmother like her! Kind of reminds me a bit of Thelma from Mama's Family, but awesomer and more hilarious! And that's hard to top!!
As with book one, Kellan faces drama and mystery! I was flying through the pages wanting to know what was going to happen with Kellan's family life and with the investigation. There was great characterization, addictive writing, and a wonderfully developed mystery! By the time I got to the last page, I was like nooooooooo! I have to know what happens next! Can't wait for book three!
booksteacupnreviews's review against another edition
5.0
It was a cozy, murder mystery, revolved around main character Kellan and another murder at Braxton Campus. Book was about greed, betrayal, and family drama.
Characters-
Kellan was the brilliant one in the book. I liked him more than the first book. We get to know him on personal level as father and as a husband, son, grandson, son-in-law, friend and a human as well. He did his best in all those relationships. I couldn’t imagine myself so patient with this kind of in-laws and after knowing what they have done, just forget about it. I felt bad for what his wife did to him and I could understand his feelings. It was big and tough decision from his part. I liked he kept his cool until it was over the head situation. He was astute, funnier, one level up in sarcasm and a great person. And I would love to know him more in next book of the series.
Nana D was just amazing. That old lady was hilarious. She made me laugh throughout the book. At her 70 she had kept her life livelier than 20s that gave the book fresh and young feel. Emma, Kellan’s daughter, was most lovable character. I think I like sheriff now. A lady always frustrating and angry around Kellan surprisingly started to melt a little. We got to see new light side of her. Myriam was another vicious lady never missed an opportunity to berate Kellan. As he said in book he was surrounded by all sassy women whom he only could manage.
What I liked-
Plot was real interesting. The dead returns from the grave, In-laws threatening to return back to LA, Sherriff of the county is angry for his nosy involvement in the case. Nana D’s new obsession apart from finding partner for Kellan- run for mayoral race, she and her septuagenarian friend persuading him to solve the complicated case of their friend, new boss at campus has risen the level of vicious remarks… Things were real complicated in Kellan’s life.
Author has nicely switched to the other wing of the Braxton Academy. In first book Academic Curveball, the mystery was surrounding Grey sports complex, this time its surrounding the play house.
Book was first person narrative from witty perspective of Kellan with flawless writing, engaging mystery, and complex family dynamics. The setting was the same Wharton Country, Pennsylvania but there was some more details added to it by describing Paddigton mansion, rehab facility, general hospital, and running tracks on its beautiful landscape.
There were many characters and all were creative and described with utmost detail. I never got confused with who was who and I loved to have close look to all of them.
Penddington family dynamic was more complex than the murder mystery. Every member of the family were vile, mean, always-at-each-other’s-throat type with anger management issue, leaving just few sane people. Apart from getting to know Peddingtons, we get to know more about Francesca and Castigliano family– how Francesca died, how her relationship was with Kellan, how sudden turn in Kellan’s life would affect his future and his awkward relation with his ex-girlfriend Maggie.
I liked how all things were surrounded with the case and Kellan’s life and the way Kellan handled. It was most amusing to read Kellan and Sheriff’s banter and their slowly growing friendship. I’m looking forward to read this entertaining partnership in solving the cases. Two complicated love triangles are still a mystery that hopefully would sort out in the next book.
Suspense and mystery had a strong hold. I couldn’t guess who was the murderer until revelation. All characters related to Gwendolyn were suspect and they all had bad history with Gwendolyn that made things difficult.
Climax was engaging. I was curious to see how they are going to catch killer and how other members are going to react with unexpected turn. The end was- hilarious, of course because of Nana D; was satisfactory in terms of how Kellan and sheriff finally could get along, he made right decisions about Castigliano and his support to his sister; and also shocking because of what his mother-in-law said on phone call.
This series is getting more exciting.
Overall, it was engaging cozy mystery with creative and amusing character. I recommend to go in order to enjoy it fullest.
*** Note : I downloaded free kindle copy via amazon. ***
Characters-
Kellan was the brilliant one in the book. I liked him more than the first book. We get to know him on personal level as father and as a husband, son, grandson, son-in-law, friend and a human as well. He did his best in all those relationships. I couldn’t imagine myself so patient with this kind of in-laws and after knowing what they have done, just forget about it. I felt bad for what his wife did to him and I could understand his feelings. It was big and tough decision from his part. I liked he kept his cool until it was over the head situation. He was astute, funnier, one level up in sarcasm and a great person. And I would love to know him more in next book of the series.
Nana D was just amazing. That old lady was hilarious. She made me laugh throughout the book. At her 70 she had kept her life livelier than 20s that gave the book fresh and young feel. Emma, Kellan’s daughter, was most lovable character. I think I like sheriff now. A lady always frustrating and angry around Kellan surprisingly started to melt a little. We got to see new light side of her. Myriam was another vicious lady never missed an opportunity to berate Kellan. As he said in book he was surrounded by all sassy women whom he only could manage.
What I liked-
Plot was real interesting. The dead returns from the grave, In-laws threatening to return back to LA, Sherriff of the county is angry for his nosy involvement in the case. Nana D’s new obsession apart from finding partner for Kellan- run for mayoral race, she and her septuagenarian friend persuading him to solve the complicated case of their friend, new boss at campus has risen the level of vicious remarks… Things were real complicated in Kellan’s life.
Author has nicely switched to the other wing of the Braxton Academy. In first book Academic Curveball, the mystery was surrounding Grey sports complex, this time its surrounding the play house.
Book was first person narrative from witty perspective of Kellan with flawless writing, engaging mystery, and complex family dynamics. The setting was the same Wharton Country, Pennsylvania but there was some more details added to it by describing Paddigton mansion, rehab facility, general hospital, and running tracks on its beautiful landscape.
There were many characters and all were creative and described with utmost detail. I never got confused with who was who and I loved to have close look to all of them.
Penddington family dynamic was more complex than the murder mystery. Every member of the family were vile, mean, always-at-each-other’s-throat type with anger management issue, leaving just few sane people. Apart from getting to know Peddingtons, we get to know more about Francesca and Castigliano family– how Francesca died, how her relationship was with Kellan, how sudden turn in Kellan’s life would affect his future and his awkward relation with his ex-girlfriend Maggie.
I liked how all things were surrounded with the case and Kellan’s life and the way Kellan handled. It was most amusing to read Kellan and Sheriff’s banter and their slowly growing friendship. I’m looking forward to read this entertaining partnership in solving the cases. Two complicated love triangles are still a mystery that hopefully would sort out in the next book.
Suspense and mystery had a strong hold. I couldn’t guess who was the murderer until revelation. All characters related to Gwendolyn were suspect and they all had bad history with Gwendolyn that made things difficult.
Climax was engaging. I was curious to see how they are going to catch killer and how other members are going to react with unexpected turn. The end was- hilarious, of course because of Nana D; was satisfactory in terms of how Kellan and sheriff finally could get along, he made right decisions about Castigliano and his support to his sister; and also shocking because of what his mother-in-law said on phone call.
This series is getting more exciting.
Overall, it was engaging cozy mystery with creative and amusing character. I recommend to go in order to enjoy it fullest.
*** Note : I downloaded free kindle copy via amazon. ***
mistysbookspace's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series and once again I loved it. I am just going to call it right now, I am going to love everything this man writes.
Nana D is still my favorite but she has some competition in this book in the form of a 6 year old. Kellan’s daughter Emma is just as feisty and sarcastic as her dad and grandmother. I absolutely adore the relationship between Kellan and Emma.
As with book one there is loads of drama but I feel like that was upped in this book. There of course is the murder mystery which Kellan once again finds himself in the middle of the investigation and then there is some family issues he is dealing with which if you read the first book you know what I am talking about. I was looking forward to exploring the family issues more in this book unfortunately the main focus was on the murder mystery which isn’t a bad thing I just really wanted to explore that a little more.
There was a lot more characters most of which weren’t likeable at least not to me. I was so annoyed with so many of the characters because I just don’t understand how people can act the way they do sometimes. I am fully aware this is only a book but I have encountered people like the characters in this book in real like and it just makes me mad.
Once again James has left us with a cliffhanger that leads us into the next book. Sometimes I think he does this on purpose just to annoy me because he knows how much I hate cliffhangers. Just kidding Jay!! I am once again impatiently waiting for the next book.
This book is fast paced and full of twists you want see coming and I doubt you will be able to guess the killer. I know I had no clue who it was until the very end.
This is the second book in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series and once again I loved it. I am just going to call it right now, I am going to love everything this man writes.
Nana D is still my favorite but she has some competition in this book in the form of a 6 year old. Kellan’s daughter Emma is just as feisty and sarcastic as her dad and grandmother. I absolutely adore the relationship between Kellan and Emma.
As with book one there is loads of drama but I feel like that was upped in this book. There of course is the murder mystery which Kellan once again finds himself in the middle of the investigation and then there is some family issues he is dealing with which if you read the first book you know what I am talking about. I was looking forward to exploring the family issues more in this book unfortunately the main focus was on the murder mystery which isn’t a bad thing I just really wanted to explore that a little more.
There was a lot more characters most of which weren’t likeable at least not to me. I was so annoyed with so many of the characters because I just don’t understand how people can act the way they do sometimes. I am fully aware this is only a book but I have encountered people like the characters in this book in real like and it just makes me mad.
Once again James has left us with a cliffhanger that leads us into the next book. Sometimes I think he does this on purpose just to annoy me because he knows how much I hate cliffhangers. Just kidding Jay!! I am once again impatiently waiting for the next book.
This book is fast paced and full of twists you want see coming and I doubt you will be able to guess the killer. I know I had no clue who it was until the very end.