Make Note of a Book Review

Greetings, Noters!

It’s been a minute, hasn’t it?

I’ve been in the trenches of working through and finishing my first, very rough draft for the final Court of Mystery novel, and it’s been a journey. I don’t think it’s really sunk in that this will be the last time I’ll be inside Duchess Jacqueline’s mind and seeing the world from her perspective. Writing the final CoM adventure was a whirlwind experience. I can’t believe it came together—even though “together” is used very, very loosely. There’s SO much I need to do. I will freely admit this is the roughest draft I’ve ever written, but it’s done, and the story has an end, and for that, I am grateful.

Speaking of endings, I wanted to share my review of my dear author pal J.C. Kenney’s final Darcy Gaughan Mystery. Darcy holds a special spot in my heart; I’ve read all the books in the series and really feel connected to her. In terms of cozies, Darcy’s story is very unique, and if you haven’t visited Marysburg, IN, yet, I highly recommend it.

Without further ado…

Magic Box Murder

J.C. Kenney

Darcy Gaughan Mysteries

Darcy Gaughan proves she’s a crime-solving rockstar in Magic Box Murder.

Record store owner Darcy Gaughan finds herself taking center stage in another quirky, charming mystery. When the winner of a local gaming tournament is found dead, the residents of Marysburg, Indiana, come knocking at Darcy’s door for help proving their innocence. Darcy, determined to find the truth, dives into a twisting mystery full of scandalous secrets that will rock Marysburg to its core.

I loved being back in Darcy’s world. Her dedication to helping her friends and colleagues is so touching, but what I love most about Darcy is her willingness to reflect. She still deals with a lot of demons, and Darcy is very transparent with the reader about her struggles. It’s one of the reasons this cozy mystery series stands out for me; Darcy feels very much like a real person, and her flaws make her all the more endearing.

In addition to a satisfying mystery that will have you pumping your fist in the air when the killer is revealed, author J.C. Kenney’s musical acumen tops the charts with metaphors that will have you smiling all day. Every genre is shown love at Marysburg Music, and readers are sure to be introduced to a new artist or two.

Darcy Gaughan gets a standing ovation from me!

Available at your favorite retailer!

What’s the book about?

For a decade, the Magic Box game store in Marysburg, Indiana, has hosted a twenty-four-hour gaming marathon as a fund-raiser for a local charity. Shockwaves go through the town when the newest marathon champion is strangled less than an hour after the event’s conclusion. In the parking lot right behind the game store.

Marysburg resident and record store owner Darcy Gaughan isn’t convinced the police are correct when they label the murder a robbery gone wrong. When the Magic Box’s owner asks her to look into the case, she finds not everybody believes in fair play, especially when gamer reputations are at stake.