My Old Kentucky Homicide

Bourbon B&B #1

by Gin Jones

From USA Today bestselling author Gin Jones comes three sisters, one corpse, and a whole lot of trouble...

Kentucky native Jess Walker's big-city career has kept her too busy to visit her sisters and hometown. However, she relents when she's invited to celebrate her nephew's third birthday at the newly established Three Sisters B&B in the heart of bourbon country. The nostalgic bubble is quickly popped however when Jess realizes her family hasn't been entirely honest with her. She was invited not so much for a family reunion, but to help them impress some VIP guests for inclusion in a tourism co-op on the bourbon trail.

Old resentments arise, and the sisters are at loggerheads immediately. But when one of the VIP guests is found dead, things only get worse. The sheriff is intent on treating the death as an accident, blaming it on unsafe conditions at the B&B. But the sisters know this was murder. Jess has always been the fixer of the family, so she jumps in to protect her sisters and their B&B's reputation. With the remaining guests and the attractive—and single—owner of the nearby whiskey barrel factory all suspects, Jess has her work cut out for her. And it turns out, she can't do it alone. All three sisters will need to work in perfect harmony in order to find the perpetrator of the Old Kentucky Homicide.

"Gin’s writing style and wonderful characters made an entertaining page-turner."
~ Kings River Life Magazine

Genres: Mystery

257 pages, ebook

Published January 9, 2024

About the author

Gin is a retired lawyer who specialized in ghost-writing for other lawyers. She prefers to write her own books, though, since she doesn't have to worry that her sense of humor might get her thrown into jail for contempt of court. In her spare time, Gin makes quilts, grows garlic, and advocates for patients with rare disorders.

Reviews

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Old Kentucky Homicide is a clever, interesting, cozy mystery. I liked the B&B, Jess, her sisters and characters I expect to see in the next books. Jess’ sisters hope to have their B&B accepted into the tourism co-op so they needed Jess in town. Ms. Jones is a master storyteller. Her characters come to life and you can picture the scene so well. I blasted through this book in record time because I wanted to see how everything played out. I highly recommend this well written mystery and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Madcow Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this as a free kindle book promotion, now I might have to look into the rest of the series. I did not spot the murder before the reveal.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this new series is off to a great start, the same cannot be said of the Bourbon B&B. Probate lawyer Jess Walker goes back home to Cooperton, Kentucky to meet and celebrate her nephew Jonah’s 3rd birthday. You see Jess left home for college at 18 and didn’t look back and very rarely went back. Her two sisters CJ and Emma grew up just fine without her constant nagging and Debbie Downer attitude, right? Unbeknownst to Jess, this would be a working vacation with Jess playing B&B host, making breakfast, and making a plan to find a killer, not the family reunion she was planning on.
I found this cozy compelling because of the sisters interactions. I am an only child so I cannot relate to sibling rivalry or birth order but these characters have it all which draws you in on an emotional level. CJ and Em were not completely honest with Jess about the B&B, starting with the name of the B&B, the Three Sisters B&B. Hmmm, Jess lives and works in DC so how can there be three sisters at the B&B. Then there is the surprise secret evaluation being conducted by the tourism co-op as a part of the application process. They knew the co-op would be conducting their super-secret evaluation before they invited Jess down for the weekend. Needless to say, tempers flare and accusations abound. Seems like these three aren’t going to be able to get along unless it is over someone’s dead body, oh yeah, and there is a dead body. One of the guests, and an obnoxious one at that, Mark Pleasant who is anything but pleasant, a rather demanding older man who complains about a headache but still goes on the bourbon barrel tour at the Hills’ Barrels and more or less demand that Jess accompany the group. The only good part of that experience for Jess is meeting the attractive and single owner of Hills’ Barrels, Reed Hill. It is easy to see that those two are going to get along just fine, pity that Jess is only going to be in town for the weekend. But Jess and the rest of the guests do not have to endure Mark’s company for long, because at some point during his nap on the return trip, he dies. Wow, sounds like a heart attack right or maybe something similar, he was complaining about a migraine and seemed unsteady on his feet but otherwise healthy. Was it natural causes or something more sinister? Either way, Jess must do what she can as the family fixer to make sure that the B&B comes out unscathed for the sake of her sisters and nephew Noah.
There are plenty of suspects, some more obnoxious than the victim and some well laid red herrings. This was a well-executed mystery with a little fun, a little seriousness, a little romance, and a most interesting sounding dish, I had to look up the recipe for burgoo and now I want to try my hand at making it. I look forward to the next Bourbon B&B mystery.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma Halliday Publishing has a new amazing series out .... A Bourbon B&B Mystery series by author Gin Jones with the first book, My Old Kentucky Homicide, out now....

In My Old Kentucky Homicide Jess Walker is returning to her home state to help her two sisters out with their new B&B. Jess has not been home in ten years as she was building her career in Washington DC. But when her sisters, CJ and Em, reach out that they need her, she gets in the car to go help them ... with none of them knowing just how much help they will need.

CJ and Em have opened up the Three Sisters B&B and are trying to get into the local tourism co-op and have found out that members of that group are going to be staying at the B&B and doing a surprise inspection and they need Jess to be there so that the Three Sisters image is true. Little did they know that one of the members of the group was going to die and the cause of death means that any one of the rest of the group could have killed him.

The three sisters have to come together to find out who killed Mark Pleasant and save the B&B's reputation. Unfortunately while they get to know the other members of the group, they soon learn that everyone disliked Mark and all of they could have killed him. This does not make it easy for the sisters as they try to work together to solve Mark's murder as well as work out their own family issues.

Readers will thoroughly love reading My Old Kentucky Homicide. You will want to move into the B&B so that you can be a part of the experience. Jones knows how to paint the picture for readers so that you will feel like you are right there with the guests sitting on the front porch or the veranda ... you will also be able to picture the barn where the three sisters are camping in style. And I can almost bet that you will not believe who the guilty party ends up being. I'm sure you will have your own ideas on who killed Mark and why and I'm almost certain you will just as shocked as I was when they are discovered !!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed My Old Kentucky Homicide.

The victim deserved to die, so say all of the people on a visit to the Three Sisters B&B.

Eventually.

At first they all denied knowing him before the weekend they were secretly sent to evaluate the facility for the local tourism co-operative.

Jess Walker returns to her home town to celebrate the birthday of her nephew, only to find his mother CJ has broken her arm and Jess is needed to do the cooking. In addition, she is there to support the impression that it is three sisters who are running the B&B, not the two that actually are.

There are a lot of friendly characters here, all very human in their interactions. In addition to the three sisters, there is the local Barrel factory owner and the graduate student bus driver, who help when the need arises.

The guests in attendance for the weekend evaluation are all interesting also. A mother daughter pair, a father son pair, two brothers and a husband and wife. I enjoyed getting to know them as Jess, CJ and Em interview them to determine what they know about the dead guy and whether they disliked him enough to kill him.

I will gladly come back again to Cooperton, Kentucky and the bourbon trail for their next adventure.
Hopefully they will provide the recipe for bourbon bacon jam!

I own this copy but plan to send it to my bourbon trail buddy.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Many Suspects

Jess Walker has a thriving law career in DC. When she returns home to Kentucky to visit her sisters at their B&B for a weekend, she gets a lot more than she expected. Instead of a nice easy vacation weekend, she is tasked with doing the cooking for the full house since her youngest sister is in a cast with a broken arm. And the middle sister can’t cook. And then there’s the nasty older man who makes a pass - then ends up dead.

This was a really good murder mystery with lots of suspects and lots of family angst going on. I found it interesting that the two sisters who live there are very protective of the youngest sister’s 3-year-old son to the point that they won’t let Jess near him. They eventually reveal that he is autistic and doesn’t take well to strangers.

The author had me guessing until the very end - which I loved. And there was a satisfying ending that lets you know the family will be a family in total as Jess realizes that she needs to be there for hers.

Recommended.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Old Kentucky Homicide is a great start to a promising new series.

Jess, a DC lawyer, goes back to her hometown in Kentucky to help her two sisters open their new B&B. The relationship between the sisters is fractured. Not only is this a terrific mystery, but a warmhearted family story as the sisters learn to repair their relationship. The characters of the sisters are well-rounded and likable. Look forward to seeing them grow in future stories.

When one of the B&B guests is murdered, the future of the B&B hinges on the murderer brought to justice. The local sheriff is incompetent, so to save their business, the sisters band together to find the killer. This is a well-thought-out mystery with lots of clues and suspects.

The possibilities for this series are endless. Different guests in and out of the B&B, possible love interests for the sisters. Romance and crime-fighting. A winning combination.

[Rebecca Gregory-Chifos · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Premise Seemed Unlikely

Most of the characters in this novel just weren't at all likeable, including the main character's two sisters, who seemed to be invested in using her when they weren't being unreasonably angry at her. Yes, the murdered man was an absolute scuzzball, but almost all the other characters were not very appealing, either. That makes for difficult reading.

But even the main point behind the story--that these people were forced to stay on the premises of the B&B due to the murder--didn't seem feasible. Yes, the police would tell them "There's been a homicide; don't leave town", but to tell them they couldn't even visit the horse barn next door? That they couldn't go into town to shop or eat at a restaurant? Perhaps I'm poorly schooled in police procedure, but I found that to be just totally unrealistic.

I finished the book, but not because it was so gripping Just because I hadn't anything else to read at the time.

[Chuck · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of sisters who, without experience, have started a B&B. When one of their guests dies, they decide, based on a casual remark by an EMT, it was murder and that they, again without experience, must solve find the killer. Most of their actions are driven by speculation rather than fact. It could still have been fun but I found the plot too 'iffy' to accept. Also, the dialogue was unnaturally detailed and sounded more like sworn testimony than the way sisters would actually talk with one another. There's no purpose to describing more because when I got to the end, there was an excerpt for a next book titled 'Patchwork of Death.' I thoroughly enjoyed what I read. Being curious, I went to the author's website. There I discovered a book series with a character named Helen Binney. Various aspects of Helen's personality was described in detail. A very interesting person. I'm glad I dug deeper. While I can't recommend this book I did pre-order the upcoming Helen Binney book.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jess has a high-powered career and has had little time to go back home to spend time with her two sisters and nephew. She finally gives in to a visit to celebrate her nephew’s third birthday and the opening of their new B&B. She is disappointed to find out that her invitation is not exactly as it seemed. The B&B is called the Three Sisters and they wanted her there to help impress a tourism co-op that they hope to join. Jess is furious and many old resentments come out. However, the three sisters must band together when one of the VIP guests dies. The sheriff blames it on unsafe conditions at the B&B, but Jess and her sisters don’t accept his conclusion. They must put aside their differences to solve the murder and restore the B&B’s reputation.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series starter from an author who knows people and relationships. Apparently she also knows about murder as well, because this one was superb. Very realistic representation of family dynamics between three sisters and their struggles to have a successful Inn. While there were uncomfortable moments between the family, the focus on pride in ownership, good values, and not letting personal feelings get in the way shown through. Interesting characters, and attention to details made this the most enjoyable "closed door" mystery I've read. Excellent start to what is sure to be a favorite series.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful first in a new series that you shouldn't pass up. Well-written and well-developed characters take you for a rollercoaster ride in the 3 sisters B&B. Chock full of characters that you love to love and love to hate that both help and hinder a murder investigation of one of the guests (even if the visit was short-lived 😂).
If you haven't read any of Gin Jones' books this is a wonderful place to start and you can come to your unbiased conclusion that this is an author whose books you'll just want to devour. So start here, check into the B&B, and immerse yourself in this Old Kentucky Homicide.

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Oh, you have Ale8", says one of the characters.

Although I have multiple ebooks that this author co-wrote, this one is the first solo book by her I've read. I was excited to read it since it takes place in my home state. Ale8 is even mentioned in this book so the author has included some " local flavor" in the book (pun unintended). Ale8 is a local soft drink and its said people from the area go from mother's milk to Ale8. I drink quite a few of them daily.

But, getting back to the book, the storyline wasn't as interesting as I had hoped for. In fact, it bordered on boring. The characters were one-dimensional. The ending where the murderer is revealed falls flat. The whole book misses the mark of what I consider a good cozy mystery.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Old Kentucky Homicide--what a clever book title! This cozy mystery tells the story of 3 sisters: Jess, CJ, and Em. Jess is a probate lawyer in Washington, D.C., but she travels to Cooperton, Kentucky for her nephew's birthday. When she gets there she discovers that her sisters need help with their newly acquired B & B. Shortly afterward, one of their guests dies and they desperately need to find out what happened before their B & B is somehow blamed. I liked the main characters and CJ's son Noah. I also liked Kentucky as the setting. I especially liked the theme in this story about the importance of family and having each other's backs.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good first book in this new series! Gin Jones is a master of detail. The characters come alive and you really get to know each one (even the ones, like in this book, that you’d rather not know so well!). The setting of the B&B feels like you are walking through it. The storylines are well-developed and are easy to follow. They are intense and make you want to keep reading until you finish. And there are some surprises at the end! Well worth reading!

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the publisher.
This is a great start to a new series. Jess and her sisters are interesting characters. When Jess is called to her sisters B&B, she's just waiting for the other shoe to drop as to why. She knows it can't just be because it's her nephew's birthday. VIP guests, a murder and an uptight sheriff make for an eventful trip home. While reading this, it played like a film in my mind. I could picture the beautiful setting. This was very hard to put down. Loved it.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jess receives an invitation to come visit her two sisters at their new B&B for the weekend. She is anticipating a lovely reunion with her much younger sisters and the chance to get to know her nephew. Instead she gets snark, resentment, and the job of breakfast cook. Some reunion! A dead guest and a full house add to the joy of family. Jess pitches in to find the murderer but will it win her sisters back?

[Carole Craddock · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book, it takes place around where I live and I love all books published by this publisher, but it just wasn't interesting for me, the story was somewhat boring, I felt the characters were not really likeable, and I almost stopped reading it several times. If there is a second book I think I will pass.

[Skater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ho Humm...

Well written, and with a good plot this mystery centers around The Three Sisters B&B in the bourbon country of Kentucky. It is also slow, boring and without any redeeming characters. I wanted to slap two of the sisters, their ceaseless nagging and sparing did nothing for the story.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the B&B

Comming home for her nephew birthday and trying to make amends with her sisters was the goal for the weekend. Instead, when she got there, her sisters brought up the past, and oh yea, there was a murder on the bus. For the first time, the 3 sisters had to work together as adults.

[Richard Cowart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good beginning

Jess comes back to Kentucky to visit her sisters and help run the B&B. Aptly named the 3 sisters B&B, they are having an inspection to join the local co-op, and one of the inspectors is murdered. Sorting through the suspects takes perseverance and makes for good reading

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh where do I even begin. This so incredibly wonderful. The storyline was so engaging. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Loved every moment.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great start to a new series. I liked the characters & setting. It moved a little slow but I think that’s because I was anxious to know who did it since I could not figure it out. I look forward to more in the series.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun read! great characters and fast paced story! Lots of twists and turns, this is a real page turner and a must read!

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of the characters were unlikeable.

[kathleen spero · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the book and looking forward to the next one.

[Patricia Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

I really enjoyed reading this story and can't wait to read the rest of them in this series. This was s really good story.

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standout first in series, My Old Kentucky Homicide, the first book in Gin Jones's Bourbon B&B Mysteries, offers a wonderfully complex and realistic characters with depth. I can't wait to watch the sisters build a new relationship among themselves and with special few other special characters. While the concept of the B&B is not new, the plot that Ms. Jones brings us is as unique as all of her other books. More female amateur detective novel than cozy mystery, My Old Kentucky Homicide has the gentle approach of a good cozy mystery but with a more serious feel. I quickly became attached to most of the characters and that attachment is what makes any novel stand out. As a retired teacher and school librarian, I loved that Ms. Jones includes an issue that so many parents face. Ms. Jones always bring the best and offers more than a simple mystery.
My thanks to Gin Jones for allowing me to read an ARC of My Old Kentucky Home. It is a must read for any reader who love quality writing in a mystery novel.