I like cozy mysteries and comics, so I thought I’d give this a shot (prompted by a free code) and I’m glad I did. Kirby Jackson is an unlikely detective, ex-military and nowadays more interested in making great coffee in his hybrid coffee shop and comic store with his friend Ryan. Thing is, Kirby is no comics fan — that’s Ryan’s job. The result is an uneasy mix of comics and gaming types with the folks who just want coffee…and, worse, the comics side isn’t going well. Kirby has decided to cut Ryan out and drop the comics…and then someone drops Ryan, leaving Kirby as the immediate suspect, though Kirby’s detective friend (and crush, Felicia Strong, doesn’t think so. Against his will, Kirby (and Ryan’s dachshund, Gambit) is drawn into solving the mystery.
Kirby is a likable character, hard working and focused, and he has no illusions about his crime-solving abilities. I’m looking forward to listening to the other three novellas (the books have short running times) to see where the authors go with these stories. I’m also enjoying the sometimes sly comics references.
Jeffrey Kafer’s narration is excellent — nothing showy, but very good with differentiating characters, and keeping a solid pace and even tone.