Some New Year Advice

As the new year begins I thought we could do with some advice for the year ahead. I posed the question to several characters from mystery series and this is what they said:

 

“Happiness in life is not about getting what you want, it’s about loving what you get.”

~ Zell, eighty-one-year-old amateur sleuth in the Magical Mystery Book Club series by Elizabeth Pantley. CAROUSELS AND CHARACTERS will release January 15th. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGVX668R

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Advice from Ella Shane's hard-working Irish Aunt Ellen: 

"When in doubt, do something constructive."   

Mentioned in A Fatal Reception, the most recent Ella Shane mystery, recently named to the 2024 Reviewer Favorites list at Aunt Agatha's, available here: A Fatal Reception: An Ella Shane Mystery a book by Kathleen Maple Kalb

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The new year is a chance to refresh and recharge. Like a well-balanced meal, make sure to nourish every part of yourself—your mind, body, and spirit. Cook a meal that brings you joy, share it with those you love, and savor every moment. Food, like a good book, has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

Allie Katz from the Literary Dining Mysteries by Daryl Wood Gerber
https://darylwoodgerber.com/

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Advice from Jitty from the Sarah Booth Delaney series by Carolyn Haines --

"Don't come a knockin' if the van is rockin'."

https://carolynhaines.com/

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Until recently, I haven't had many successes in my life, unlike my twin sister, Allie. Oddly, I never give up hope. At New Year's, I like to remind myself, as Scarlett did, "Tomorrow is another day." Anything can happen - in love, at the wine bar I manage, or with solving the occasional homicide that presents itself - and it might be something good.

Cece Barton
DEADLY CRUSH by Edith Maxwell, which released in November, is the second Cece Barton Mystery from Kensington Publishing.

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Advice for 2025 from Jocie Müller, Age 10, from Vintage Kitchen Mysteries by Victoria Hamilton:  

"You can never make too many puns. Did you know that there's this kid in my class who collects candy canes? They're all in mint condition! Do you know what I use to write my puns? A pun-cil! So... make more puns in 2025. It's going to be a particularly punny year."

Watch for Jocie and the whole family in the latest Vintage Kitchen Mystery, 'Cat Got Your Tongs' coming from Victoria Hamilton Mysteries in March, 2025!

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Declan from the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series by A. J. Devlin has this to say:

“At least I ain’t afraid o’usin’ me balls!”

This is what Declan says to get Jed to take the case in Bronco Buster — it’s also a pretty spot on take on his outlook on life — “quit being’ a wanker and ‘man up’ might be the take away underneath the Irish slang. 

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Hello and Happy New Year! My name is Lucy Berberian. I’m taking a break as manager from my family’s Mediterranean restaurant, Kebab Kitchen, to ponder my New Year’s resolution. This year, after a lot of thought, I decided to try something different. Instead of my typical “eat healthier and lose extra pounds” resolution (because working in a restaurant is too tempting), I decided to pick a cause that’s special to me and regularly volunteer to help others. I wish you all a happy and healthy 2025!

The Kebab Kitchen Mysteries by Tina Kashian
http://tinakashian.com/

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"Last year was a bit rough in Watchogue, but tough years always end, and new years always begin, bringing their own share of ups and downs, their own challenges and successes. My advice would be, remember the good times and celebrate your victories, even the small ones."

 --Danika Delaney -
The Coffee & Cream Mystery series by Lena Gregory
http://www.lenagregory.com/

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If I were to recommend the cultivation of any one virtue in the New Year, it would be the practice of mindful listening. I think there's always a temptation to be the speaker, the entertainer, the one soaking up the limelight, but it is in the practice of listening to others that we gain understanding and empathy of our human nature. It's aided me tremendously in my writing, opened the door to many new friendships, and even helped me solve a murder or two along the way.

Jessica Fletcher and Barbara Early
Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder by Jessica Fletcher, Barbara Early: 9780593820049 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

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“Survive everything—and do it with style.”

~ With love from "Madame" of The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle
New Release Coming April 2025: No Roast for the Weary

To learn more or pre-order: https://cleocoylebooks.com/2024/12/05/21-no-roast-for-the-weary-by-cleo-coyle/

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Pay attention to your dogs and cats. They sense things that we don’t.

From Holly Miller, the protagonist in THE WAGTAIL MURDER CLUB by Krista Davis, coming on February 4th. 

https://www.kristadavis.com/

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My mom Eileen always tells me, “Don’t borrow trouble, Kate.” I have no idea what she means—with our family, trouble is on permanent loan!

—Kate Buckley, THE JIG IS UP by Lisa Q. Mathews
https://www.lisaqmathews.com/

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As for me, I'll encourage you to take time for yourself, enjoy life as best you can, and to paraphrase Declan-use your balls!

Bronco Buster - An Interview

I'm happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. J. writes the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. BRONCO BUSTER is the and most recent book in the series. I hope you read my review, if not, click here to check it out!

Kathy: In BRONCO BUSTER Jed and Declan find trouble at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair. Do you enjoy going to rodeos and or country fairs? If so, what's your favorite activity?

AJD: Absolutely! The Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair is a real thing in Greater Vancouver (I added to “Colossal” for a little creative freedom ;) and I have been going there since I was a wee lad. It always had that RUSTIC vibe to it that set it apart from other annual events, as if the entire exhibition was known for being a little rough around the edges.


With regards to a favourite rodeo activity, I would have to say for spectator events it would be bronco riding, of course, but my most cherished memories at the rodeo were always the special treats like candy apples, little donuts, and maybe a deep-fried banana or two.


Kathy: We know Jed has a thing for Dairy Queen Banana milkshakes, but here he partakes in a banana snow cone. I've never heard of banana as a snow cone flavor! Have you tried it?

AJD: Oh yes. If it has anything banana in it, you can bet I’ve tried it. That’s author 101 right there. Do your research. And while it’s fun to write about European banana-flavoured milkshake syrups like those featured in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM (“Hammerhead” 3) or banana-flavoured snow cones, unfortunately the ratio of number of banana fusion flavours tried to quality ones that make it to print in my books is not in favour of my tastebuds.


Kathy: The "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series showcases various sports that could be considered non-traditional. We've gotten behind the scene looks at professional wrestling, roller derby, and now logging sports. Why bring logging sports into a "Hammerhead" mystery?

AJD: The idea for the series was that a pro-wrestler PI would be uniquely suited to take on cases that pulled him into fringe sports and unusual subcultures. After pro wrestling, roller derby, wiener dog racing, rooftop MMA, and goat yoga, I figured the only way to ratchet up the tension was to use one. Literally.


Kathy: While uproariously funny BRONCO BUSTER also deals with some serious existential considerations. How do you find the balance?

AJD: When I was at the American Film Institute Conservatory earning my MFA in Screenwriting, one time we had special screening of the Peter Sellers classic film Being There. Talk about balancing uproarious humour with existential crises. That film is masterpiece of comedic storytelling. So if we called that the "Scooby-Doo" of deftly balanced narratives that intersect silly with smart, I like to think that might make Bronco Buster the louder, far-less-beloved, but still-hopefuly-pretty-entertaining "Scrappy Doo.”


Kathy: I adore John Steinbeck. Did OF MICE AND MEN influence the Buffalo portion of the book?

AJD: 100%. And thank goodness for my brilliant editor and awesome team at NeWest Press because I was about as subtle about that inspiration in the first draft as the bovine butt cacophony that accompanies live betting on cowpie bingo.


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

AJD: Trauma. That’s what this book was for me. An exploration into the after effects of devastating trauma. Just like the kind “Hammerhead” Jed endures and survives in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM. While that story was complete, the fallout from the events of that book were not. In fact, I soon realized what had occurred in book 3 was so significant it had to serve as the character arc for Jed in book 4.

And it did.

I was inspired to utilize a real-time format because of my love of the TV show 24 and the character of Jack Bauer, and also because the implementation of such a finite narrative construct like that of a ticking clock actually served as a catalyst for Jed to process his trauma — all while caught up in a rodeo adventure.

And like all great adversity in life, keeping a sense of humour amidst chaos often comes in handy as an essential coping mechanism.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?
AJD: Happy Trails, Partner!

Bronco Buster - A Review

 Review

BRONCO BUSTER by A. J. Devlin
The Fourth "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery

A routine wrestling match at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair becomes anything but for Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead when the body of a lumberjack games competitor is found floating in a shallow pool with an axe buried in his head. Realizing the victim is a man he considered a friend means that Jed has a new case. With his reckless cousin Declan by his side the pair will use any means, mostly unconventional, to get to the truth before the Mounties even arrive.

BRONCO BUSTER is another journey for Jed. What starts as a simple matinee wrestling match at a country fair and rodeo turns into a quest for truth, a question of his own morality, and the ultimate decision of life or death. As usual, Hammerhead's path is more circuitous than straight and his desire to help others puts him in more danger. This path of self discovery is full of outrageous situations bringing plenty of humor from cow-pie bingo, lusty senior citizens, the unique use of an ostrich, to a guru with hardware jewelry, not to mention logging games and wrestling moves that are a bit personal! Working at breakneck speed Jed strives to right a wrong as he grapples with existential crises.

Bronco Buster is a fast paced mystery with a myriad of moving parts. Never one to shy away from unique characters and situations we soon discover many characters with things to hide. The attentive reader will find subtle clues all while being led on a merry chase as Jed and Declan investigate their new friend’s murder. Could the solution be the obvious one?

A. J. Devlin has the unique ability to blend laugh out loud comedy with heartfelt pathos. More than a mystery BRONCO BUSTER is a meaningful work about life, love, and banana milkshakes.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Bronco Buster by A. J. Devlin. This book is the fourth in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series and was released earlier this month. 

A routine wrestling match at the Colossal Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair becomes anything but for Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead when the body of a lumberjack games competitor is found floating in a shallow pool with an axe buried in his head. Realizing the victim is a man he considered a friend means that Jed has a new case. With his reckless cousin Declan by his side the pair will use any means, mostly unconventional, to get to the truth before the Mounties even arrive.

Five Moves of Doom - A Review

 Review

FIVE MOVES OF DOOM by A. J. Devlin
The Third "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery 

PI and former wrestling champion "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead is called in to the world of mixed martial arts to investigate the theft of a prized UFC Championship belt. His investigation leads him to a bad tempered bodybuilder, an old friend, baby goats, and a very dangerous man. Just when he thinks he has come to a satisfactory conclusion, things take an abrupt turn...and not for the better.

The third "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery has so many twists and turns you'd think you're in the midst of a wrestling match yourself! While there are plenty of laughs, the story soon becomes quite serious. Jed was overconfident, thinking he was all that. He wasn't ready to be taken down. He was. This is a tale of facing your own limitations and how you deal with losing. Will you fight your way out or give up? Ultimately you will change. And after the shocking ending, Jed will be forever changed.

FIVE MOVES OF DOOM is a series of mind games, with Jed facing his most dangerous opponent yet-his own mind. I loved the cerebral aspect of this book and how the person I thought was going to be the big baddie wasn't. Instead a new depraved character emerged. Lines are crossed. Fates are sealed.

Compelling, engrossing, thought provoking, yet still humorous, FIVE MOVES OF DOOM is a brilliant look at what happens when you reach rock bottom. Grab a banana milkshake and be prepared for the ride of a lifetime.

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Five Moves of Doom by A. J. Devlin. This book is the third in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series and will release tomorrow!

PI and former wrestling champion "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead is called in to the world of mixed martial arts to investigate the theft of a prized UFC Championship belt. His investigation leads him to a bad tempered bodybuilder, an old friend, baby goats, and a very dangerous man. Just when he thinks he has come to a satisfactory conclusion, things take an abrupt turn...and not for the better.

Five Moves of Doom - An Interview

I'm so happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A. J. writes the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. FIVE MOVES OF DOOM is the third book in the series and will be released September 15, 2022. Be sure to check out my review which will go live on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

KATHY: In FIVE MOVES OF DOOM "Hammerhead" Jed gets involved with the Mixed Martial Arts community. Do you enjoy watching mixed martial arts? 

AJ: I do! I appreciate the different styles of combat for sure, especially when you have competitors who have different strengths and weaknesses, such as striking and takedowns. And as a wrestling fan I certainly enjoy the importance of grappling to the sport.


KATHY: Years ago I studied Tukong Moosul. Have you ever studied martial arts?

AJ: Tukong Moosul! That’s awesome. I saw a showcase years ago when I traveled to South Korea. I’m particularly intrigued by fighting styles or systems like that or Israeli Krav Maga that not only blend various styles but also reflect a country’s culture and heritage.

Yes, I have some experience in martial arts. I spent my teenage years freestyle wrestling in high school and summer camps as well as trying my hand at Judo. And when I was in university I studied Aikido.


KATHY: Jed also gets involved with yoga in his third outing? I have always wanted to do goat yoga, but haven't, although I did take some classes sans goats. Do you practice yoga?

AJ: Jed does encounter yoga enthusiasts during his investigation in FIVE MOVES OF DOOM. I got into hybrid yoga a few years back — mainly DDP Yoga, which was created by professional wrestling legend and WWE Hall Of Famer Diamond Dallas Page. Not to knock the spiritual side of the discipline, but it wasn’t really for me, which is why I appreciated the emphasis on the building of functional strength in DDP Yoga. But the discovery of hybrid yoga opened a doorway to other kinds I wasn’t even aware of, including goat yoga, which, I think, is really something else. It was definitely fun to mine for humour as Jed tends to have a way of being drawn into environments that are quirky and offbeat while working his cases.


KATHY: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

AJ: Yes, for sure. After having Jed go up against some tough guy heavies in his debut in COBRA CLUTCH, and then having to switch gears to an antagonist who was less physically imposing and more cerebral in ROLLING THUNDER, I thought it would be interesting if he encountered forces that had both qualities. I also really wanted to take Jed — as a pro-wrestler PI who is used to being the biggest and toughest guy in the room — and strip that away, forcing him to rely more on his wits and mental toughness this time around.


KATHY: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?
 

AJ: I certainly have more adventures in mind for the character, but with a trilogy of stories under my belt it also feels like a good time to explore other ideas I have like a spin-off story or a standalone novel.

KATHY: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

AJ: Before FIVE MOVES OF DOOM I would have categorized myself as a strict plotter. But the challenges of pivoting to an all virtual promotion for ROLLING THUNDER and writing the latest book amidst other pandemic challenges definitely changed the routine I was used to. But it ended up being a great experience and I think having to make some adjustments on the fly in some ways brought the best out of me. I think it was also very helpful that many of the characters had become familiar over the past few years as opposed to crafting an all new set of dramatis personae.


KATHY: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing?

AJ: I do love the hustle! I think my favourite part of marketing my work is getting to do so again with returning characters, especially ones who were well received or readers seemed to enjoy. I believe for an ongoing crime series that the central mystery in each book — which is of course essential — serves as the vehicle for the narrative, but the best part is always catching up with the protagonist, as it's kind of like spending time with an old friend.

I don’t know if there’s a downside to marketing for me other than the fact that getting the opportunity to discuss my latest work reminds me of why I enjoy writing the likes of “Hammerhead” Jed and company, so as anxious as I may be to return to the page for the next adventure, some of that has to be put on hold in order to try and get the word out.

KATHY: Will you share any other upcoming books?

AJ: Yes, I’m looking forward to perhaps taking Jed away a bit from fringe sports and focusing more on the unique subcultures I feel with his pro-wrestling background and PI experience he is uniquely suited for in future novels. I also am very excited for Jed to get caught up in a mystery that requires him to travel from his home base of Vancouver, and am working on an idea that heavily features his cousin and sidekick Declan's past in his homeland of Ireland.

Thank you Kathy for having me back for another fun Q&A on COZY UP WITH KATHY!

 

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Blurb:

Hired by local mixed martial arts trainer Elijah Lennox to find a missing UFC Championship belt, pro-wrestler PI Hammerhead Jed must extract answers from the tight-knit MMA community. Still consuming his weight in banana milkshakes, Jed ventures into a world of jewel thieves, bodybuilders, eccentric yoga enthusiasts, and adorable baby goats. As he infiltrates an exclusive and unique no-holds-barred fight club, Jed might just find himself down for the count ...

Five Moves of Doom is a high-altitude and high-attitude entry in A.J. Devlin's award-winning mystery series, one that finds its hero pushed to his absolute limit, relying on his closest allies to survive, and making choices he never thought he'd have to make.

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Be sure to check out A. J. Devil's website for more information and to stay in touch with the author:  ajdevlin.com

Rolling Thunder - A Review

Review

 

ROLLING THUNDER by A. J. Devlin

The Second "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery

As a former professional wrestler and new private investigator with one murder case behind him, Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead has seen a lot. But nothing could have prepared him for the world of women's flat-track roller derby. An old wrestling acquaintance has entered the roller derby scene and calls on Jed when her team's coach goes missing. Jed will have to keep his wits and his wrestling moves sharp as he navigates the various venues of Vancouver in search of the missing man.

A. J. Devlin hooked me from his first sentence and never let me go. This second "Hammerhead" Jed mystery leads Jed to some interesting places and the discovery of a new art form that completely captivates Declan. It's Declan who brings the most outrageous situations to life, providing plenty of "oh no he didn't!?!" thoughts to readers. But it's not all grins and giggles, there are action packed fight scenes, romantic entanglements, and serious moments too.

Jed is growing as a person and as a character. His horizons are broadening, he takes his mistakes to heart and tries to learn from them, and he genuinely wants to help people. The general decency of the guy makes you root for him, both inside and outside of the ring.
 
ROLLING THUNDER is a top notch, laugh out loud, action packed adventure mystery. Filled with laughter inducing escapades there is enough heart to actually make you care about the characters...and crave a banana milkshake.

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If you missed it, be sure to check out my latest interview with author, A.J. Devlin.

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For more information check out www.ajdevlin.com

Purchase links:

Rolling Thunder on Amazon:  

https://www.amazon.com/Rolling-Thunder-Hammerhead-Jed-Mystery/dp/1988732867

 

Cobra Clutch Audiobook on Audible:

https://www.audible.com/pd/Cobra-Clutch-Audiobook/1774390043?qid=1589221911&sr=1-1&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=H7FXYNWJ5374PQX2ABPT

Rolling Thunder - An Interview

I'm happy to welcome A. J. Devlin back to Cozy Up With Kathy. A. J. pens the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series. ROLLING THUNDER is the second book in the series and will be released this Friday!

Kathy: ROLLING THUNDER features women's flat-track roller derby. I admit I've always been fascinated by the sport and if I was younger and in shape, I'd love to give it a try. Had you been interested in roller derby before this book?

AJD: It’s a heck of a sport! Roller derby had been on my radar long before I cooked up the “Hammerhead” Jed mystery-comedy series, and for some reason it stuck in my head. When I decided that the derby world might be a good setting for the sequel to COBRA CLUTCH, I went out and attended a lot of games, before lucking out and reconnecting with a high school classmate who was a star skater in Vancouver for years and was generous enough to read my manuscript and offer feedback.


Kathy: Why did you decide to feature roller derby in your second "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery?

AJD: I didn’t give it much thought at the time but after I had Jed return to the world of independent professional wrestling during his debut in COBRA CLUTCH, I started thinking about what kind of fringe sport or unique subculture he could be drawn into for book two. It worked out that in the first book there was a strong, empowered, supporting female character who had become disillusioned with the professional wrestling biz, and it seemed to make sense that she might leave that world behind but also replace her passion for pro wrestling with roller derby as there are a lot of similarities.

Kathy: Jed and Declan wind up in a very unusual club as part of the investigation. Do you care to share any of your research about such places?

AJD: They do indeed! And Declan literally has the time of his life during that visit. I first learned of such clubs during a ride along on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver while doing research for COBRA CLUTCH. I never went into such an establishment myself, but let’s just say that chats with cops, Google searches, and one’s imagination can help make for some distinctive visuals!


Kathy: Declan has started a unique art collection. I must ask. Is it really a thing? How on earth did you discover it? Or come up with it, if it doesn't exist?

AJD: Oh, that is 100% legit and real. I came across it during my research for the unusual nightclub that “Hammerhead” Jed and Declan visit in the novel and such artistry seemed like a perfect fit for this book, especially since Declan is such a rascal and you know he’s the kind of guy who would become obsessed with it. I truly think it’s one of those things in life that you just can’t make up. I mean, there’s no way ever I would have ever conceived of it myself. However, if one reads ROLLING THUNDER, and were so inclined, there are in fact some videos online one could watch in order to see how such “special” art is made.


Kathy: I love Napoleon. Have you ever been to a dachshund race?

AJD: Sadly, no! But I try my best to keep an ear to the ground for all things quirky and offbeat in Vancouver, as I think doing so is intrinsic to the mystery-comedy series I’m trying to grow. As a result, I’m always on the lookout for all things local and unusual. Napoleon and his dachshund racing is totally an actual annual event — let’s just say that the most outrageous parts of the book are real life events that I did not make up!


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

AJD: I’d say the main inspiration was that after having “Hammerhead” Jed go toe-to-toe with some physically imposing heavies in COBRA CLUTCH, I wanted to switch gears and come up with a different or perhaps more cerebral antagonist for ROLLING THUNDER. And, of course, the player names in women’s flat-track roller derby are incredible, I dare say more entertaining than professional wrestling monikers.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead?

AJD: Of course! I’m almost halfway through “Hammerhead” Jed’s third adventure and in the story he’s hired for a job that brings him into the world of local Mixed Martial Arts. Being an ex-pro-wrestler, Jed is very much defined by his physicality, so I thought it might be interesting to have him work a case where for the first time he might not be the toughest guy in the room. If you take away Jed’s ability to be (or at least for him to think he is) the “Big Dog,” then who is he without that advantage?


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

AJD: Always! At the moment I’m focused on finishing book 3 in the series and am very excited to get cracking on book 4. I do have some ideas for some shared universe prequels and spinoffs, but for now my priority is establishing “Hammerhead” Jed as a hard-headed sleuth who hopefully will be around for awhile!

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Be sure to come back to the blog this Friday, May 15, 2020. Not only is it release day for ROLLING THUNDER, but I'll also be sharing my review.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Rolling Thunder by A. J. Devlin. This book is the second in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series and will be released May 15, 2020.

As a former professional wrestler and new private investigator with one murder case behind him, Jed "Hammerhead" Ounstead has seen a lot. But nothing could have prepared him for the world of women's flat-track roller derby. An old wrestling acquaintance has entered the roller derby scene and calls on Jed when her team's coach goes missing. Jed will have to keep his wits and his wrestling moves sharp as he navigates the various venues of Vancouver in search of the missing man.

Cobra Clutch - Review

Review

COBRA CLUTCH by A.J. Devlin

The First "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery

Jed Ounstead walked away from the world of professional wrestling, but gets a blast from his past when his former tag team partner comes to him asking for help. Someone has kidnapped Johnny Mamba's beloved pet snake, Ginger. With no chance of Johnny taking no for an answer, Jed reluctantly agrees to help despite not being a PI, although he does run errands for his PI father. Now "Hammerhead" Jed is forced to go back into the world he left behind. With his innate ability to piss people off along with his determination to help Johnny, Jed soon has a sleazy promoter and a biker gang gunning for him. He does have a former member of the IRA along with his dad's protegee on his side, but will that be enough? Will Jed live to enjoy another banana milkshake?

I readily admit that I am not a fan of wrestling, professional or otherwise, but that didn't matter. I knew after reading the first page that I would enjoy this book...and I did! Fast paced witty dialogue, off beat humor, and plenty of action pump up this debut mystery. After reading this book I'm even open to watching some professional wrestling matches.

Author A.J. Devlin doesn't shy away from the seamy side of wrestling, or Vancouver, but he balances the violence and sordid nature of this world by creating characters with heart. His use of raucous humor also lightens the novel and had me grinning and laughing out loud.

COBRA CLUTCH is a fast paced, action packed mystery with grit, heart, and plenty of humor. I give fair warning though. After you read it you'll be craving banana milkshakes! Now where's the nearest Dairy Queen?

****************************************************************************

If you missed it, be sure to check out my interview with author, A.J. Devlin.

For more information about A.J. Devlin and COBRA CLUTCH, check out the following links:

ajdevlin.com

facebook.com/ajdevlinauthor

twitter.com/ajdevlinauthor

instagram.com/ajdevlinauthor

The book is available now in Canadian bookstores and online at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca. However, the US release has been delayed. But in the meantime US residents can still purchase the book directly from the publisher at www.newestpress.com

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Cobra Clutch by A.J. Devlin. This book is the first in the "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series.

Jed Ounstead walked away from the world of professional wrestling, but gets a blast from his past when his former tag team partner comes to him asking for help. Someone has kidnapped Johnny Mamba's beloved pet snake, Ginger. With no chance of Johnny taking no for an answer, Jed reluctantly agrees to help, despite not being a PI, although he does run errands for his PI father. Now "Hammerhead" Jed is forced to go back into the world he left behind. With his innate ability to piss people off along with his determination to help Johnny, Jed soon has a sleazy promoter and a biker gang gunning for him. He does have a former member of the IRA along with his dad's protegee on his side, but will that be enough? Will Jed live to enjoy another banana milkshake?

If you missed it, be sure to check out my interview with author, A.J. Devlin.

A Cobra Clutch Interview

I'm so happy to welcome A.J. Devlin to Cozy Up With Kathy today. A.J. debuts his "Hammerhead" Jed Mystery series with COBRA CLUTCH.

Kathy: Your debut mystery series introduces readers to "Hammerhead" Jed Ounstead, a former professional wrestler. Are you a fan of pro wrestling?

AJD: Yes, I am definitely a fan of professional wrestling. I was a huge fan as a kid growing up in the 80’s, then lost touch with it for awhile, before coming back to it in the late nineties during the "WWE Attitude Era” and when behind the scenes documentaries like Beyond The Mat started to come out.


Kathy: Jed has turned in his pro wrestling gear and is now working as a bouncer and doing errands for his dad's detective agency. If you had to choose between those three jobs, which one would you choose for yourself?

AJD: If I had to choose between being a pro wrestler, bouncer, or working for a detective agency I would definitely choose working for a detective agency. While I love the theatricality and performance art of pro wrestling and appreciate the physicality of bouncing, I think I would enjoy sleuthing the most for sure. Plus no baby oil and less fistfights!


Kathy:  In COBRA CLUTCH Jed's former tag-team partner asks him to help find his kidnapped pet snake. I admit, I think the snake's dinner makes a better pet (I love rats), but did you ever have a pet snake?

AJD: You love rats? Yikes! You’re braver than me! For the record I have never had a pet snake and reptiles, rodents, and bugs all kind of creep me out a bit (I might have to make an exception for hamsters). That being said,I don’t know why, but I’ve always been fascinated by people who have exotic pets that they adore. I saw a video on YouTube a while back of an Australian guy swimming in a creek while drinking a giant beer and throwing his pet snake around and every time the snake swam back to him and it’s equally awesome and adorable. And the video actually ends with the guy giving his pet snake a kiss on the lips! Needless to say, that video reinforced for me the fact that it is indeed very plausible that “Hammerhead” Jed’s former tag-team partner Johnny Mamba could love his pet snake so much that he wouldn’t hesitate to pay a ten thousand dollar ransom. Click here to see the video!


Kathy: What first drew you to mysteries?

AJD: My late professor, mentor, and friend, Academy Award nominated screenwriter and crime novelist Leonard Schrader, was the person who really turned me onto mysteries. Even though we were collaborating on screenplays together at the time, Leonard was always taking me to bookshops or recommending new crime authors for me to try. As a result I got hooked on mystery series by greats like Joe R. Lansdale, Robert Crais, Michael Connelly, and Charles Willeford. Leonard always used to refer to picking up the latest instalment of an ongoing series as “spending time with an old friend.”


Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

AJD: When I used to write screenplays I dabbled in all kinds of genres. Action-adventure, thriller, horror, comedy, romantic comedy — I think the only one I never really tried in some way, shape, or form was science fiction (and I love good sci-fi). But as of now I am exclusively focused on crime writing and don’t see that changing anytime soon.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

AJD: The “Hammerhead” Jed mystery series follows “Hammerhead” Jed Ounstead, a former professional wrestler who quit the business just as his career and fame were blowing up. One of the mystery subplots of the first book is what caused him to walk away from it all. Cobra Clutch begins with Jed having returned to his hometown of Vancouver, Canada, where he has found work as a bouncer and errand boy for his father’s detective agency. However due to a favour owed to a friend, Jed soon finds himself drawn back into the very world he tried so hard to leave behind.


Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

AJD: Joe R. Lansdale’s Hap and Leonard and Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch are definitely some long time favourite characters of mine, as well as Robert Crais’ Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. Over the last couple of years I discovered Sam Wiebe's series protagonist Dave Wakeland, who has become one of my favs as well, and like “Hammerhead” Jed he is based out of Vancouver.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

AJD: I have been a big fan of what I have dubbed the “hybrid-athlete detective” mystery sub-genre for years. From Harlan Coben’s ex-basketball star turned sports agent-amateur sleuth Myron Bolitar, to Tom Shreck’s boxer-amateur sleuth Duffy Dombrowski, to Jeff Shelby’s surfer-detective Noah Braddock, to Martin McKinley’s ex-hockey player-amateur sleuth Martin Carter – there were many different sports playing key roles in shaping these protagonists personalities. However, I realized that to the best of my knowledge no one had ever written a mystery featuring an ex-wrestler-amateur sleuth before and from there I was on my way to creating “Hammerhead” Jed.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

AJD: My publisher NeWest Press has been publishing all kinds of radically rewarding literature over the last 40 years, with a particular interest in Western Canadian authors telling Western Canadian stories, so they always seemed like the perfect fit for “Hammerhead” Jed to me. I was then fortunate enough to learn that they were indeed interested in publishing Jed’s debut adventure.


Kathy:  If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

AJD: Oh man, what a great question! Right off the bat I would have to say my late professor, mentor, and dear friend Leonard Schrader, as even though we spent so much time together and shared so much over the years, I would love nothing more than to have the opportunity to spend time with him again and get his feedback on Cobra Clutch. When Leonard was a student he studied closely under Kurt Vonnegut at the Iowa Writers Workshop, and one of my favourite college courses ever was an undergrad English class where we deeply analyzed Slaughterhouse-Five, so he would definitely be next. And then I would probably round out the list with Joe R. Lansdale and Michael Connelly as I absolutely love their work and both authors have greatly inspired and heavily influenced my writing.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

AJD: I’m currently reading GIVE OUT CREEK, crime author JG Toews debut mystery novel and the first in her Stella Mosconi series, and then plan on starting the next book in R.M. Greenaway’s chillingly addictive BC Blues series, and can’t wait to dig into Joe R. Lansdale’s most recent Hap and Leonard mystery JACKRABBIT SMILE.


Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

AJD: Of course! When I’m not writing I’m a stay-at-home dad to my 6 year old son and 3 year old daughter so taking care of them and running them around town to their activities keeps me pretty busy! I’m also a bit of a news junkie and love Batman. I used to regularly collect comics, but have dialled that down ever since I attended Bouchercon 2017 in Toronto as now I have a major backlog in my to-be-read pile! The good news is that when I do have time to read I always have a great new book waiting for me. I also really enjoy running with my labradoodle Dexter (but only when the weather is nice, don’t forget I live just outside beautiful — but often rainy — Vancouver) and I actually outlined most of the next “Hammerhead” Jed mystery while jogging with my dog last year.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

AJD: Right now I’m pretty much focused exclusively on the “Hammerhead” Jed series but would love to take a crack at a stand-alone down the line.


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

AJD: That when my son goes to school he is able to say “Yes, my dad may spend 80% of his time in his pyjamas, but it’s for a good reason!"



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For more information about A.J. Devlin and COBRA CLUTCH, check out the following links:

ajdevlin.com

facebook.com/ajdevlinauthor

twitter.com/ajdevlinauthor

instagram.com/ajdevlinauthor

The book is available now in Canadian bookstores and online at Amazon.ca and Indigo.ca. However, the US release has been delayed. But in the meantime US residents can still purchase the book directly from the publisher at www.newestpress.com

 

Stay tuned for my review coming next month!