Broken Heart Attack

Since this is my own book, I'm not going to write a review. I'm using this space to let you know when there are discounts or marketing promotions, as well as share some thoughts on how the book came to be.<br /><br />Broken Heart Attack is my fourth novel, also the second in the Braxton Campus Mysteries series. The series follows typical cozies in that it doesn't contain graphic violence, sexual content, or vulgar language; however, I've turned the genre upside down by focusing on a young male protagonist who is a single father and relies on his wit, connections, and intelligence to solve crimes, all while he's teaching, working at film company, and trying to keep his eccentric nana under control.<br /><br />To buy this book, please visit <a href="http://mybook.to/BrokenHA" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon</a> where it's available for purchase as a Kindle, physical paperback, large print, an audio book. If you're not convinced yet, check out the blog tour for this book where you can see each blogger's posts with author Q&amp;A, special features, videos, and future release information. You can visit my <a href="https://jamesjcudney.com" rel="nofollow noopener">author page</a> for more details. Thank you for considering my work.

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.<br /><br />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!!<br /><br />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!

Edit: 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨<br /><br />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. <br />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. <br />These come from the heart ❤️ and I can’t help but adore them. I want them to continue! <br /><br />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!!! <br />Yep officially addicted. <br /><br />That’s two authors now starting w J good with the cliffhangers and making me wait on a series. <br /><br /><br />RTC<br />Dang it, J!

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5<br />Genre: Humorous Cozy Mystery<br />Publisher: Creativia Publishing House<br />Pub. Date: November 25, 2018<br /><br />I have read a couple of the author’s books and I must say he is getting better and better at his craft. I do believe that James J. Cudney has the potential to become a household name for those who enjoy light-hearted murder mysteries. “Broken Heart Attack” is the second book in the “Braxton Campus Mysteries.” However, “Heart Attack” can be read as a stand-alone book. One needn’t read the first novel, “Academic Curveball,” to follow along. The author smoothly informs us that the protagonist, Kellan, is a young widow and a single dad. (I would love to write more about his marriage because it has such a good twist, but that would be a spoiler). In book one, he was working as a writer for a murder mystery TV series until he became an amateur sleuth at Braxton College. He finds a dead body on campus and uses his writing expertise to help solve the crime.<br /><br />In book number two, Kellan is now working as a professor at the college. I am happy to report that the characters of his spunky, ringleader-like grandmother, as well as his spunky and sweet young daughter, remain in the series. Kellan’s young daughter has a larger piece of the writing pie than she did previously. The father/daughter relationship is easy on the reader’s eyes. This reviewer hopes it will be continued even further in book number three. Personally, I would like to see more of Kellan’s family dynamics and issues into the story. (I actually thought this in “Curveball” as well). The reader will find tantalizing family dynamics, issues, and major drama, in the characters that make up the Paddington clan. The possible murder in “Heart Attack” occurred during a play’s dress rehearsal. Kellan is there along with, Nana D. (the grandmother) and her friends the Paddington sisters-in-law. It is here that one of his grandmother’s friends dies of a suspicious heart attack. Nana D. suspects her friend was actually murdered by a poison that caused the heart attack. So, Kellan is once more back into the crime-solving business. <br /><br />As in book number one, the story is told in the first person by our professor. Also, once again the writing is at a top-notch comical level with the character of Nana D. When she doesn’t get her way with Kellan she is prone to say things like, “I won’t disown you, but I will set you up with every available harebrained girl in town. I’ll have you fending off more cougars…,” and so on and so forth. This is to her grandson who she adores. One doesn’t mess with Nana D. And yes, once again the novel ends with a cliffhanger leaving you wanting to ask Cudney when number three will be released.<br /><br />I am not your typical cozy mystery reader because I am not usually a fan of the genre. But, I do make a few exceptions as with “Curveball.” This whodunit borders on the tradition of an Agatha Christie read. At times, the author (who is a friend of mine), doesn’t trust his own talent and tends to explain the plot to his readers especially when writing about potential killers. But, heck I just said something similar in another review about a book written by the enormously talented and accomplished author, Barbara Kingsolver. So Jay, aka James J. Cudney, is in very good company. I do want to add that although “Heart Attack” can be read alone, you would be missing all the fun by skipping the first book in the series.<br /><br />I received this novel from the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />Find all my book reviews at:<br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/4793025">https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://books6259.wordpress.com/">https://books6259.wordpress.com/</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/NeesRecord">https://twitter.com/NeesRecord</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesrecord">https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr...</a><br /><a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AG62PSO4DKIDR23WFXRPYGSYK65Q">https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...</a><br /><br /><br />

Kellan Ayrwick dropped into the Braxton Campus in book 1, thanks to his father, the ex-President of the College and then he was pulled into the <br />murder investigation of dead colleagues. <br /><br />This book saw him <br />amongst the wealthy and esteemed Paddingtons who were friends with Nana D, a loving but sassy octogenarian whose sarcasm livened up the entire book. <br /><br />Coming back to Kellan, in this tale, he didn’t fall into the body, the dead body fell on to his shoulder and he had to get to the truth. <br />James J Cudney is a careful author here who knows how to get a mystery going. He brought in suspicious characters who made up the Paddington family, some friends of Nana D, then he brought in Kellan Ayrwick’s awful, scary in-laws, the Castiglianos, and the not so dead wife Francesca, lastly James brought in family, to liven up the entire plot. <br /><br />The plot twisted down so many roads, all these characters were doubt-worthy. Any one of them could have popped the old lady. The author then decided this was all too mild a story, so he brought in Sheriff April Montague. In this book, it was nice to see Kellan working with her instead of brandishing fighting words. <br /><br />I read the entire book with a great fervor in one sitting, and I was aghast when the murderer was revealed. I couldn’t believe my eyes.<br /><br />“So full of artless jealousy is guilt, It spills itself in fearing to be spilt.” —Hamlet<br /><br />I have to admit here James J Cudney is quite a brilliant author <br />who knows how to tie all loose ends and bring the tale to an unexpected jaw-dropping ending.<br /><br />“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”— Twelfth Night<br /><br />Well recommended murder mystery!!

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.<br /><br />Characters-<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />What I liked-<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />This series is getting more exciting.<br /><br />Overall, it was engaging cozy mystery with creative and amusing character. I recommend to go in order to enjoy it fullest.<br /><br />*** Note : I downloaded free kindle copy via amazon. ***

<strong>A Wonderful Small-town Mystery</strong><br /><br />Although this book has elements of a cozy mystery (I.e. amateur sleuths, small town setting, quirky/eccentric characters), there is more of a contemporary mystery feel to it. In this outing of The Braxton Campus Mysteries, Kellan is recruited by Nana D. And her friend Eustacia Paddington to find out who killed Gwendolyn Paddington. I will say Kellan has more patience than I do. The Paddington family is full of spoiled, rude, greedy and secretive people who tried their best to get rid of Kellan's interference. Throw in other snarky females (his boss Myriam, the sheriff April, and Nana D.) and it is a wonder he doesn't hate women. Do not give up hope, his sister Eleanore and friend Maggie, are understanding and supportive and by the end of the book, even the sheriff comes around. While trying to solve the mystery, Kellan is dealing with all the changes in his personal life, things at work and running Nana D's mayoral campaign. <br /><br />This is a very character driven story with characters that are being developed more in each book. The main characters are also becoming more likeable which I am happy about. The mystery was a good one with clues being dropped throughout the book, but also several red herrings. I thought I had it all figured out, then something else was revealed to lead me in another direction. As the reveal occured, I followed along shaking my head, thinking, "of course, why didn't I think of that." The dialogue was crisp, snarky in many cases, and revealed so much about the characters. Emma, Kellan's 6 year old daughter is adorable. She is sweet, mature and can also give the attitude (I think Nana D is rubbing off on her). I am looking forward to the next book in this series to find out what happens next in Kellan's life as well as picking up on those few situations that popped up at the end of the book. If you enjoy a mystery with some cozy elements, pick up this series and delve into life at Braxton College and town.

When Kellan Ayrwick attends a dress rehearsal of King Lear with Nana D. and her friends, he expects the deaths to stay on stage. But not too long into the second act, he realizes that Gwendolyn Paddington isn’t asleep on his shoulder, but she’s passed away. Gwendolyn had been saying someone in her family was trying to kill her. Is that true? If so, can Kellan figure out who did it?<br /><br />When you have a book with characters as dysfunctional as the Paddington family, it always makes me appreciate my own family. But it also makes for a great mystery plot, and that’s the case again here. There are plenty of twists along the way to catching the killer at the end. While some of the characters can be over the top, we care about enough of them, including Kellan, to keep us invested in the book. I did feel like the humor was hit and miss for me here. Sometimes, the character’s teasing worked, and other times it felt like they were picking on Kellan more than actually teasing him. Unfortunately, there were some timeline issues and a red herring that felt like it jumped quite a bit. Both could have been resolved with a good editor. There are several sub-plots involving Kellan and his family. While they veered a little more into soap opera territory than is typical for the books I read, they have me hooked and I can’t wait to make time for the next book to find out what happens.<br /><br />Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2022/10/book-review-broken-heart-attack-by.html" rel="nofollow noopener">Carstairs Considers</a>.

What a great read! James J. Cudney is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.<br />He knows how to build a plot and make it complex to the point where the reader is wondering how the heck things are going to tie at the end.<br />Kellan has so much going on in this book, I felt sorry for him. Between his Nana, another murder, his job, the sheriff, and ghosts from the past, I wanted to reach out and give him a hug. Poor thing!<br />But the marathon kept me engaged, annoyed every time I had to stop reading to check on something.<br />As usual, there are the funny moments balanced in with the more serious ones, mostly with Kellan trying to keep his Nana out of trouble – and waking with a hangover later. But just when you think the old lady is cruel, she makes up for it.<br />I don’t find myself reading many murder mysteries, but this one’s got a touch of everything, intrigue, humor, compassion, some detective work – to name but a few.<br />I enjoyed this read as much as the other books I read by this author, but this time, with the character growth and the hints of things to come, I was left with some book hangover of my own!<br />I can't wait to pick up the next book and see what other mess life has in store for Kellan!<br />Lovers of cozy mysteries with some sleuthing and humor, this one is for you!

Broken Heart Attack, by James J. Cudney, could be called a cozy mystery. Could be, but there's nothing comfy about it. The second book in the series, Braxton Campus Mysteries, is the story of solving a murder to one of Braxton's oldest families, the Paddingtons. Newly returned to his home town, Kellan Ayrwick is roped into investigating who might have been the culprit by his grandmother, Nana D, who is a most curmudgeonly character, and a lot of fun. The possibilities are endless since each member of the privileged Paddington family has motive and opportunity. A a swirl of other twists and turns surrounds Kellan, including the reappearance of his formerly dead wife. Nice twist there. I can honestly say that although the clues were there, I never guessed who the killer was. Well written, enjoyable characters, and a story that will test your detective skills, I'm looking forward to the next one. I think you will too.<br /><br />