We are delighted to be hosting our dear friend and colleague J.C. Kenney, award-winning and bestselling author of the North Star Series, Darcy Gaughan Mysteries, Allie Cobb Mysteries, and Elmo Simpson Mysteries!
A Big Thank You
Hi, folks and Happy Hump Day! It’s a thrill to be back visiting with the Chicks and you all today. As you may know, I’m celebrating the release of A Killer Day in Paradise, my latest Elmo Simpson mystery, which came out on October 7.
While I’m excited to have this story out in the world, I can’t deny that this is a bittersweet moment. You see, A Killer Day in Paradise is the final entry in the series. Right now, I don’t have any other books in the pipeline. I’m working on a few things, but I have no idea when or if I’ll have another one out.
With that in mind, I decided I would be remiss if I didn’t take time to properly thank the Chicks for being such lovely hosts over the years.
Thank you, Ellen Byron, for your welcoming words back when I was a baby mystery writer. You extended my first invitation to visit with the Chicks on the Case. For that gesture, for showing us all the absolute wonder that is New Orleans, and many other acts of kindness, I’ll be forever grateful.
Thank you, Leslie Karst, for sharing your beloved Hawaii with us, for joining me every July in celebrating the Tour de France, and for sharing your remarkable story about the Notorious RBG.
Thank you, Cynthia Kuhn, for your fabulous tales, kindness, and for dedicating your life paying it forward by teaching others. Our future is better because of educators like you.
Thank you, Marla Cooper, for mentioning at Malice Domestic this past April that I should pay the Chicks a visit soon. Thank you also for reminding me, and everyone else, to never say never. Even though you took some time off, you returned to both writing and the Chicks. That’s something I’m keeping in mind these days.
Thank you, Lisa Q. Matthews, for sharing your Irish Pride through your published works and other stories. I can always count on you to help me celebrate the Wearin’ O the Green.
Thank you, Jen Chow, for introducing us to to many amazing Asian culinary delights, within your amazing stories. You’ve opened my eyes, and my palate, to a lot of new great things.
Thank you, Patricia Sargeant, for being a constant source of kindness and light in an all too often dark world. You’re a much-needed reminder that there is a lot of good in the world. You’re also a pretty amazing script writer!
Thank you, Vickie Fee, for your wonderful stories and for sharing your lovely Upper Peninsula with us. It’s such a lovely, and I think underappreciated, part of the country.
And thank you to everyone who reads this blog, reads books, and loves a good mystery. I wish you all sunny skies, warm breezes, and delicious drinks. Bubbles up!
J.C. Kenney is the Agatha-Award winning and bestselling author of mysteries full of oddball characters in unusual settings. He’s also the co-host of The Bookish Hour and The Bookish Moment webcasts.
His most recent novel, A Killer Day in Paradise, was published October 7, 2026.
When he’s not writing, you can find him listening to music or attending live musical performances. He has two grown children and lives in Indianapolis with his wife.
You can find him at https://jckenney.com.
Those were nice words. J.C., hope you have more books coming soon. I did enjoy this series and will miss the escapades of Elmo.
Thanks very much, Dru. And thank you so very much for all you do to support all of us in this cozy world! 💚
J. C.
It’s been a blast getting to know you through live events and Malice and reading your books. I hope something in the pipeline comes up soon. Thank you for encouraging me over the years in my writing.
Your kind words really stood out to me cause that’s the way I feel about the chicks
Good luck on any future endeavors you have, and enjoy life!
Thanks so much! I recently started on a new project, so fingers crossed. Cheers!
We have total faith in this new project, JC! Go, you!
Thank you, Hestia! We are so happy you’re here. Hugs to you too!
J.C., thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them. You absolutely will have more books published. I have no doubt of that. None. Zero. Zilch. Thank you for the fun stories you’ve written. And thank you for those I have yet to read.
Love you, Patricia! And thanks for your kind words. 😊
We’re manifesting those words, my friend! 💕💕💕😃
J.C., we love you!! You’re a wonderful writer and an absolute delete of a human being. This is a great series and I’m so sorry to see it end. But I know there will be more wonderful mysteries from you. And we’ll always be here for you.
Thanks, Ellen! Have a great time at Bouchercon and safe travels!
Oh, man, J.C.! You’re such a bright spot in the mystery community! One of the reasons I got back in was because I love the people so much, and so hopefully that will be incentive for you to start working on a new project soon. Thanks so much for your kind words and for bring such a good friend to the Chicks. We love you!!
You’re my inspiration for not throwing the towel, Marla! Gotta keep writing and keep having fun with it.
Awww, JC… What beautiful words. Thank you for being a devoted Chicks reader, excellent writer, and supporter of all things bookish. I’m looking forward to seeing your new idea flourish and get out in the world! (Also, love the cover of A Killer Day in Paradise!)
P.S. And gotta say, always inspired by your cool attire! Hmm, there could be a book idea in that…
You’re so kind, Jennifer! And thanks for the wardrobe love. Finding joy where we can, right?
J.C., you’re not only a wonderful writer, you are a wonderful human being and we need your uplifting voice and words out in the world! Please keep writing! I’m already looking forward to your next book.
Thanks so much, Marjorie. We need a new book from you, too!
I just want to pile on to J.C.’s comments: I’m a pretty new mystery writer and someone recommended the Chicks on the Case blog to me about a year ago and I must say, the Chicks represent all that is good in the mystery writers community – generous, uplifting, insightful, supportive, and funny! Thanks, Chickadees!
Cheers, Robin!
Robins, I won’t let you make me cry. 🥲 Feeling your love and sending my love to you. 💕💕💕
Aww, thank you, Robin! You and JC have made our day.
So sweet of you to say, Robin!
Yay Robin–we are so glad you are here! And thank you for your kindness.
What wonderful words! Congrats on the new book. I’m sure someone will be smart enough to sign you to something new soon.
Thanks very much, Mark! Cheers to good days ahead!
First, JC, thank you for the kind words re: Chicks–and huge congrats on A KILLER DAY IN PARADISE! We all love your books, and that is one killer cover! (How much do I hate snakes? He looks like a cunning but sorta cute killer, though.) I’m sad this will be the final book in the series (or will it? Remember, you can always jump back in when the spirit moves you). But I’m also SUPER excited to hear you have a new project in the works. Pleasepleaseplease keep going!!!! If it’s any help at all, I have worked in the biz (on the nonwriting side) since 1982, and there have always been bumpy patches of despair in publishing–the highest highs and the lowest lows. Throw out the TripTik and chart the course YOU want. Your talent, dreams, and adoring admirers (like us) on the road with you will never steer you wrong! Promise. xo
Wise words, Lisa! Thank you and will do! ☘️
Echoing what others have said, J.C.–I have no doubt that you’ll continue to write and publish books. Most of us have been without a contract at one time or another (I certainly have), but we have to have faith that the blue sky will come out once again! Thank you for your kind words; I feel the same way about you, my friend. Big hugs, xoxo
Thanks, Leslie! You’re right. Keep the faith and blue skies ahead!
Dear JC: Thank you so much for the kind words–made me teary. So grateful to know you–we all love and adore you and are so glad you’re part of our community! And while I’m sad that Elmo is coming to a close, I can’t wait to see what you do next. You’re a great writer and person and we are all cheering for you. Keep us posted please! ❤️
Thank you so much, Cynthia. Cheers to. A wonderful mystery writing community!
JC, this was lovely in ever so many ways! Congrats on the new book and I am sure we will be hearing about a new book from you soon.
Thanks so much for the kind words, Marcia. Appreciate it!