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Legally Blind Luck (Braxton Campus Mysteries)
by James J. Cudney
About Legally Blind Luck
Legally Blind Luck (Braxton Campus Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Independently published (April 15, 2021)
Gumshoe – A Next Chapter Imprint
Paperback: 295 pages
ISBN-13: 979-8707757341
Digital ASIN: B08R347N84
Surprising new family members. A hidden talisman. Deadly curses. Murder. Months after tragically losing a loved one, Kellan learns his relative’s death wasn’t an accident.
Someone has discovered a cursed talisman, and a rogue government agent will stop at nothing to retrieve the heirloom. Unfortunately, it has already changed hands and found its way on campus. Moments before Braxton’s controversial art exhibition opens, Kellan stumbles upon another murder victim, and it appears he might be next on the avenger’s list.
Can Kellan protect the talisman’s true heir and prevent the killer’s nefarious plan? Given all the suspects have ties to prominent Braxton citizens, he’s uncertain whom to trust. Together, Kellan and Sheriff April are determined to solve the mystery – via legal means or blind luck.
Excerpt
Kellan’s Interviews at The Big Beanery
Kathy and I spoke until just before nine o’clock when I noticed Jessica Rabbit’s twin AKA Bitsy Jaccard slink into The Big Beanery. She and I were supposed to meet at Glass Hall. What had changed our plans? And how did a woman who couldn’t get directions straight find me? I hesitantly waved at Bitsy, then informed Kathy that I had to end our conversation. Bitsy pointed at the restroom and dashed across the café. Her heels clacked on the tile floor as she darted around the order line and pushed her way past a group of cranky patrons.
I switched my focus back to Kathy. “Are you meeting Cain now?”
“In a few minutes. I’m catching up with that new guy I met the other day. Phew, don’t tell anyone, Kellan, but he’s the same age as my son. I guess they’d call me a cougar, huh?” She innocently giggled as she collected her pocketbook and recyclable teacup. “Then I’ll head over to Glass Hall for the exhibition. Cain told me they’re only letting Braxton staff or guest speakers in before ten o’clock, the official opening time. Even hired additional security to check everyone at the entrance. Some of the art is really expensive and rare, apparently.”
I knew she was meeting Fox. “Anything serious? I’m sure things will work out as they should.”
Kathy’s smile stretched ear to ear. “Oh, whatever happens is fine. We’re just getting to know one another. Cain wouldn’t embrace a new stepfather at his age. I’m too young not to have fun, and I’m a touch too old to consider marriage again. Wouldn’t you agree?”
I declined to answer that question. Once she left, I bent under the table to unzip the rollaboard. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t easily open without its contents falling out the side. Where was that confounded talisman? I was about to change its position when someone tapped me on the back. “Yoo-hoo! Come, plant some sugar on me, you gorgeous man!” announced the irritating voice of a Betty Boop soundalike.
The day couldn’t get any worse, could it? I’d been saying that all too often lately. Check, please!
About James J. Cudney
Background
James is my given name, but most folks call me Jay. I live in New York City, grew up on Long Island, and graduated from Moravian College, an historic but small liberal arts school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a degree in English literature and minors in Education, Business and Spanish. After college, I accepted a technical writing position for a telecommunications company during Y2K and spent the last ~20 years building a career in technology & business operations in the retail, sports, media, hospitality, and entertainment industries. Throughout those years, I wrote short stories, poems, and various beginnings to the “Great American Novel,” but I was so focused on my career that writing became a hobby. In 2016, I committed to focusing my energies toward reinvigorating a second career in reading, writing, and publishing.
Author
Writing has been a part of my life as much as my heart, mind, and body. At some points, it was just a few poems or short stories; at others, it was full length novels and stories. My current focus is family drama fiction, cozy mystery novels, and suspense thrillers. I conjure characters and plots that I feel must be unwound. I think of situations people find themselves in and feel compelled to tell the story. It’s usually a convoluted plot with many surprise twists and turns. I feel it necessary to take that ride all over the course. My character is easily pictured in my head. I know what he is going to encounter or what she will feel. But I need to use the right words to make it clear.
Reader & Reviewer
Reading has also never left my side. Whether it was children’s books, young adult novels, college textbooks, biographies, or my ultimate love, fiction, it’s ever present in my day. I read two books per week and I’m on a quest to update every book I’ve ever read on Goodreads, write up a review, and post it on all my sites and platforms.
Blogger & Thinker
I have combined my passions into a single platform where I share reviews, write a blog and publish tons of content: TRUTH. I started my 365 Daily Challenge, where I post about a word that has some meaning to me and converse with everyone about life. There is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice, and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dogs have had weekly segments called “Ryder’s Rants” or “Baxter’s Barks,” where they complain about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real. And that’s why they are me.
Genealogist & Researcher
I love history and research, finding myself often reaching back into the past to understand why someone made the choice he or she did and what were the subsequent consequences. I enjoy studying the activities and culture from hundreds of years ago to trace the roots and find the puzzle of my own history. I wish I could watch my ancestors from a secret place to learn how they interacted with others, and maybe I’ll comprehend why I do things the way I do.
Websites & Blog
Website: https://jamesjcudney.com/
Blog: https://thisismytruthnow.com
Amazon: http://bit.ly/JJCIVBooks
Next Chapter: https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/james-j-cudney
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/james-j-cudney
Social Media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamescudney4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesJCudneyIVAuthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BraxtonCampusMysteries/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsMyTruthNow/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jamescudney4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamescudney4/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/jamescudney4
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescudney4
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