A real-life curse on Braxton campus? I’ve dealt with a haunted house and a people coming back from the dead. . . those things are simply part of my regular life now. But a 350-year-old African curse on a scary doll that keeps disappearing? I think it’s time for me to take a vacation, which is exactly what will happen when I solve this case. Oh, by the way, this is Kellan Ayrwick. Although I’m a professor at a Pennsylvania college and the grandson of the mayor who is affectionately known as Nana D, amateur sleuthing has become my primary hobby. My nosiness has gotten me into trouble a few times, but it also gives my family something to complain about. Anytime I can drive them bonkers, it’s a win for me!

Queen Tessa has been protecting her heirs for centuries through this doll, and a member of my family got himself caught up in the macabre situation. With the art exhibit opening at Braxton this week, I’m knee-deep in this drama, and the water is rising more quickly than I care to admit. Finding that dead body was not on my agenda, especially since I was certain that the victim knew the truth about my uncle’s accident. I’m only glad April Montague didn’t get angry with me again. She calls me the Unlikely Death Locator, which is pretty accurate since I’ve found at least ten of those dead bodies in the last few years. Not only is April the sheriff, but she’s also my girlfriend. We’ve had quite the combative relationship since I returned home from LA. I never expected to fall for a stubborn, direct woman like her, but I did. She’s pretty amazing once you get to know her. And my eight-year-old daughter Emma loves spending time with April and her younger brother, Augie. We are the newest definition of a modern family.

As far as this curse business, let me just say. . . a blind woman is stalking me, a married and bubbly museum curator is constantly flirting with me, and my boss, known as the Dragon Lady, thinks torturing me is an Olympic sport. As if that’s not enough, my best friend Connor has an unexpected connection to this case which has forced him to the sidelines. Between the elusive FBI agent who’s been following me and April’s soon-to-be ex-husband who’s keeping secrets, I’m consuming an increased level of desserts every day. Just when things started coming together in the investigation, the town psychic returns to totally upend my world for one final time before she moves on.

Seriously? What did I do wrong to deserve all this chaos? I simply want to teach my classes, direct my television show, and take care of my kids. . . while Ulan isn’t technically my son—he’s my fifteen-year-old cousin—I am his legal guardian. So, if you’re not afraid to take a risk and you have a few hours, would you mind reading up on this case? Maybe you can help me solve it before Queen Tessa eliminates me too.

Legally Blind Luck, A Braxton Campus Mystery #7
Genre: Traditional
Release: April 2021
Purchase Link

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.

Meet the Author
James is my given name, but most people call me Jay. While I live in NYC and work at a tv network, the world of literature takes me everywhere else. I am a voracious reader and book reviewer. I’ve also written ~10 books in the cozy mystery and contemporary fiction genres. You’ll often find romance, suspense, and family drama throughout my pages; the relationship between siblings is fascinating. I love creating memorable characters and thrilling settings, balancing my imagination and the realities of places I’ve been and people I’ve met. My shiba inu dog keeps me pretty active, often providing inspiration for a plot or two. Now. . . if only he could talk!

All comments are welcomed.