J. A. Crawford

Ken Allen is a huge fan of super hero comics and movies. He even acted in one but turned out he wasn’t very good at it so he became a private investigator, something, it turned out, he was very good at although he hasn’t given up the costumes and all the gadgets to help him on the job.Now someone is killing actors who have played super heroes and Allen has been hired by the studio to discover who.

Heroes Ever Die is the second in the Ken Allen Super Sleuth series by J.A. Crawford and what a fun twisty rollicking good tale it is. It is cover to cover action, comic book and pop references, witty dialogue, and a noir(ish) mystery that kept me guessing right up to the big reveal at the end. True, the characters are a tad one-dimensional but, really, does anyone want an overly angst-ridden super hero. Overall, a super entertaining tale for fans of super hero franchises and interesting mysteries. I listened to the audiobook of this book narrated by Tim Campbell who does an amazing job.

I received an audiobook of this book from Netgalley and CamCat Books in exchange for an honest review… (plus d'informations)

In his early 20's, Ken Allen played Jove Brand (James Bond) in a small, rushed installment produced in order to keep the film rights in the family. Eighteen years later, Ken's stint is a big joke, until he becomes the suspect in a series of murders surrounding the Brand franchise.

Why I picked it up: The book was an Audie nominee when it came out; I liked it, but never got a chance to finish it. I needed to use an Audible credit quick, and remembered this.

Why I finished it: Campbell is a good performer, with a good range of character voices and excellent pacing. I like how Ken, denied Bond/Brand legitimacy, becomes a real life version of the character.

I'd give it to: It has a nice action comic feel to it, and fans of spy thrillers and more active mysteries would like it.… (plus d'informations)

Pure entertainment from start to finish!

Jove Brand is Near Death is fun and quirky, and immensely entertaining. I was hooked from the start. Parodying such successful movie franchises as James Bond, Marvel, and DC Comics, I laughed out loud in delight at the fun parallels (and remembering my own experiences going to the cons; the descriptions are spot on!) The throwbacks to the past are fabulous, but there are also up-to-the-minute cultural references, making the whole story fresh and funny. Ken’s devotion to his diet and the frequent inclusion of trendy food choices had me smiling. The writing is easy to read, and the dialogue sparkles as Ken investigates the murder.

Ken is a genuinely nice guy, and he’s got a solid circle of friends who have his back. I particularly enjoyed Yuen Hung, his former Near Death co-star and convention partner. I hope he returns in future books. The effects master, Ray Ford, provides awesome working props that he engineers to Ken’s needs. I loved his whole persona and vibe.

The plot is a solid mystery with constant action as Ken follows his instincts and chases down possible leads. The story is more complex than I expected and kept me guessing.

Tim Campbell narrates the audiobook edition, and I thought he was perfect as Ken Allen. He has a wonderful voice and delivery and uses it to get perfect results. He is my Ken Allen now. I will also be looking for more audiobooks that he’s voiced.

I recommend JOVE BRAND IS NEAR DEATH to mystery readers, especially those with a fun interest in spy movie thrillers and comic book-themed film series. However, no knowledge of either would keep a reader from enjoying this delightful book.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.… (plus d'informations)