Frozen Stiff Drink
by James J. Cudney
Both clues and motives for murder abound in Frozen Stiff Drink, the latest addition to James J. Cudney’s Braxton Campus Mystery Series. With each book, I think the plot threads can’t get more tangled than in the previous books, but they do! With a cast of characters that will intrigue you, draw you in, and evoke strong reactions, this cozy mystery will provide you with all the distraction you need during this time of shelter in place.
Kellan has a history of finding dead bodies since he returned to Wharton County; but his girlfriend, Sheriff April Montague, has finally begun to accept that he doesn’t go looking for trouble. With the series’ usual large number of characters, this book holds a challenge when trying to sort through the many relationships, but the author helps out with a list of characters including their connections to other characters.
I enjoyed Frozen Stiff Drink all the way to the conclusion where my jaw dropped as the many plot threads were resolved, and several new issues dramatically appeared beckoning me into delightful anticipation of the next installment in the series.
I would like to extend my thanks to author James J. Cudney and to Gumshoe (Next Chapter) for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: #6 in the Braxton Campus Mystery Series—could be read as a standalone, but the reader would need to be ready to work a little at sorting characters and absorbing backgrounds.
Publication: March 18, 2019—Gumshoe (Next Chapter)
Memorable Lines:
Constance’s frightening premonition cracked holes in the perimeter of my skull like a determined woodpecker in search of its next meal.
“That girl is as useless as a pair of chopsticks scooping pebbles in a bowl of soup while riding a scooter on a high wire.”
“I am not the bread bowl. I am the dessert. The last thing you want and the only thing you need. The part you will remember for the rest of the night.”
education pathways 
Hi! What a wonderful review. Thank you. I truly need to slow down the complexity. It’s an addiction. I always feel like if I’m too simple it’s too easy to solve. Maybe book 7 needs to throw everyone for a loop!
I’m truly grateful. You’ve picked some of my favorite quotes. My other is about Kellan a day being so bad he could’ve bought another from a discount rack. 🙂
Have a wonderful weekend.
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I don’t think anyone will accuse you of simple mysteries with this series! I searched and found the quote you mentioned, and it is a good one. It was so early in the book, I probably missed it in my eagerness to dive into the plot.
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It was very early on, true. Thank you so much for all your generosity.
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This series always looks like so much fun—I don’t think I’ve ever read a bad review for it! Of course, any mystery that ends with a jaw drop has to be good. Wonderful review, as usual.
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Thank you. It is fun with complex plots and terrific hooks for the next book.
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I always appreciate the memorable lines in your reviews! Hope you and your family are blessed with good health.
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Thank you. We are virus free and sheltering in place. I wish good health for you and your family as well.
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Nice review, Linda. I’m looking forward to getting started on this series.
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It’s got a lot of fun (Nana D, especially) and multiple threads. Starting with Haunted House Ghost there are some “is this event paranormal or not?” threads. I don’t know where you stand on that. I don’t read paranormals, but I’ll give authors a little slack if the main character is doubtful about it.
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I don’t do paranormal. But I will read the others in the series. 😌
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Another one of your wonderful reviews from an amazing author!
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Linda, I am glad you are still enjoying this series. i agree, it is definitely a more complex story than many cozy mysteries I read. That is one reason that I say it is more of a mystery with some cozy elements.
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Good way of putting it, Carla, and I must agree.
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