Overview of the Braxton Campus Mysteries
Overview of the Braxton Campus MysteriesWhen I decided to write a cozy mystery series, I adhered to all the main rules (light investigations, minimal violence or foul language, no s****l content, murder happens off-screen, protagonist is an amateur sleuth, and set in a quiet, small town). Some authors push the boundaries with variations, and in the Braxton Campus Mysteries, I followed the same route… just differently. Kellan, my protagonist, is a thirtyish single father, whereas traditionally a woman is the main character. Children aren't often seen in most series, but Kellan's family is important to the story. Kellan is also witty and snarky, but intended in a lovable and charming way, just like his eccentric grandmother, Nana D. Both are friendly, happy, and eager to help others, and they have a sarcastic or sassy way of interacting and building relationships… hopefully adding to the humor and tone of the books. Cozy mysteries are different from hard-boiled investigations, thrillers, and suspense novels; the side stories, surrounding town, and background characters are equally important to building a vibrant world in which readers can escape. I hope you enjoy my alternative take on this classic sub-genre.
Legally Blind Luck: Death via Curse is the 7th book in the series, and the title, as always, is a play on words: Legally Blind and Blind Luck. I trust you'll figure out all the connections within the mystery. This story isn't based on any known curse that I've come across, but I wanted to add a little flavor to the series in this latest book. Queen Tessa and Governor Yeardley are fictional, yet the impacts of a*******d and the history of the South African tribes in the last four centuries are real.
While each book's main mystery is stand-alone, I recommend reading the series in order because of the side stories and character progression. I provide a summary of the key characters at the beginning of each book because there are a lot to remember. To date in the series, we're at 135 characters. In this book, I keep it to under 40, some of whom are minor connections to the past. Don't get overwhelmed! I'm only trying to create a family and setting we fall in love with and want to repeatedly visit. I hope you enjoy this book.
-Jay
Welcome to Braxton, Wharton County
(Map drawn by Timothy J. R. Rains, Cartographer)