J. A. CrawfordCritiques

Ticks the usual marks: Ken's keto obsession, pop culture milieu (this time a Game of Thrones-style fan convention), fight scenes. Too many bit characters, and I lost track of Black Guard members and such. Not the best series entry, but worth a listen.

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

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.

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.

This second in the series shines!

As a fan of the debut Ken Allen Super Sleuth mystery, Jove Brand is Near Death, I was looking forward with much anticipation to Heroes Ever Die, and I was not disappointed. Ken Allen is a one-of-a-kind private investigator who, although talking about getting old, is still current, relevant, and completely on top of what’s hot and trending. The story is a seamless amalgam of pop culture as we follow him through his days that include an adherence to a keto diet, selfies, smoothies, and the main character literally fangirling over comic book royalty. The author also mixes in movie and television references that are fun surprises. Parallels and parodies of the James Bond franchise and the comic book cinematic universes are the baselines for the series and this book, in particular, and are vastly entertaining. The dialogue absolutely shone in the debut novel and is a high point in the second as well. It’s smart and witty and kept me laughing.

I liked that Ken has officially hung out his shingle (as a private investigator), although this case is still on behalf of a friend. I also liked that Ken’s son, Dean, is still in the picture, and he and his father are working on getting to know each other. Ken is such a likable guy. I enjoyed how he was able to charm the ladies who lunch to report back to him on what was going on in their neighborhood.

Ray Ford, a recurring character from the first book, continues to amaze with his special gadgets, and we discover he has a grown daughter. Elaine is an intelligent and charming addition to the “team.” She lives and works with her father, and her backstory, when revealed, pulled at my heartstrings for both of them. Investigator Stern is a mellower version of herself this go-round, and I like there’s more of a partnership developing between her and Ken.

With all the masks and costumes involved, no one in this story is really who they seem to be. However, we soon realize that this is even more the case with characters who aren’t even in disguise. The story is full of surprises, and I didn’t see the resolution coming. I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in one day.

I recommend HEROES EVER DIE to readers that enjoy up-to-the-minute mysteries, especially those involving the film industry, comic book franchises, and private investigators with martial arts skills.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.