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Buried in the Sand: A Paradise Springs Cozy Mystery with Quirky Suspects and Beachside Mayhem
Paradise Springs is buzzing with its first-ever arts and music festival—but a shocking murder threatens to bury the fun.
Elmo Simpson, animal removal specialist, resort owner, and festival committee chair, expects a weekend of sandcastles and performances. Instead, there’s a body buried in the sand the morning of the beach sculpture contest. When his friend and business partner, Jordan Selassie, becomes the prime suspect, Elmo is forced into another high-stakes investigation.
The list of suspects reads like a who’s who of a hot-tempered wife, a secretive event promoter, and a local artist desperate for cash. Each hides secrets that could make or break the case. With the festival’s reputation, the pest control business, and his friend’s freedom on the line, Elmo must uncover the truth—before Paradise Springs turns on him.
Full of small-town intrigue, suspenseful twists, and oddball humor, this latest installment delivers a clever murder mystery with quirky characters and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Elmo Simpson, animal removal specialist, resort owner, and festival committee chair, expects a weekend of sandcastles and performances. Instead, there’s a body buried in the sand the morning of the beach sculpture contest. When his friend and business partner, Jordan Selassie, becomes the prime suspect, Elmo is forced into another high-stakes investigation.
The list of suspects reads like a who’s who of a hot-tempered wife, a secretive event promoter, and a local artist desperate for cash. Each hides secrets that could make or break the case. With the festival’s reputation, the pest control business, and his friend’s freedom on the line, Elmo must uncover the truth—before Paradise Springs turns on him.
Full of small-town intrigue, suspenseful twists, and oddball humor, this latest installment delivers a clever murder mystery with quirky characters and a relentless pursuit of justice.
- GenresMystery
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2026
7 people are currently reading
1506 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Kenney
14 books261 followersI write contemporary whodunnits set in oddball small towns. I live in Indianapolis with my wife, two adult children, and a kitty cat. I dream of one day retiring to a place where the water is warm and the beaches are soft. I'm a big fan of motor sports, so when I'm not writing, you'll likely find me following the latest IndyCar developments.
I'm the co-host of the It's Bookish Time TV webcasts, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Mystery Writers of America.
I'm the co-host of the It's Bookish Time TV webcasts, a member of Sisters in Crime, and the Mystery Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 2, 2026
After reading this fourth installment of the Elmo Simpson Mystery series, I have come to the conclusion that Florida based cozies must include creative and comical characters and that a male amateur sleuth is every bit as good and entertaining as a female one. Meet Elmo Simpson, and no that is not really his first name, but it does fit him, or rather it fits the guy he has become since he left the tech world to lead a slower and somewhat stress-free life in the unique town of Paradise Springs. Elmo is a financial well off, like really well-off guy who traded lines of code for critter removal and then branched out to resort owner. He also helps the local katana-wielding and former swimsuit model, police chief, Susan Eickenberry to solve murders, but gives all the credit to the Chief.
Do you see what I mean about creative characters and there are plenty more of varying degrees of uniqueness including a trio of sisters who may or may not be witches with elemental personalities There are some every-day Joes as well, such as the number one suspect is an upstanding and easy going guy named Jordan Selassie, who was one of the last people to see the victim, amazing artist Tessa, his high school girlfriend, alive. Jordan is Elmo’s partner in the Critter Removal business and a good friend, so of course, Elmo needs to get involved to not only clear his buddy but to help get justice for Tessa Fairchild. This isn’t Elmo’s first fishing trip. Another entertaining aspect to these stories is the use of seaside related words and phrases, like a subtle comment going over one’s head “like a sandpiper on the wing.”
In between seeking out people to question, like Fibbin Jimmy, Elmo has to help Jordan to do a little business reputation damage control and in person intervention. It isn’t like Elmo and his two offices are the only critter removal business in town, in fact just months ago, Julius Cronenberg, father of murder victim and owner of the Southeast Pest Service, offered to buy Elmo’s small but successful company. Cronenberg, who had been estranged from Tessa since high school, wasn’t a suspect but his son Marcus is. Also on that list was Tessa’s wife Lake, her former art gallery co-owner Sacco, and even the music event promoter who promised to keep things green and eco-friendly is under suspicion.
It is easy to lose track of time turning pages and chuckling while trying to keep up with Elmo’s adventures in crime solving amongst the good hearted and entertaining community of Paradise Springs. I dare you to try and get through one chapter without cracking a smile.
Do you see what I mean about creative characters and there are plenty more of varying degrees of uniqueness including a trio of sisters who may or may not be witches with elemental personalities There are some every-day Joes as well, such as the number one suspect is an upstanding and easy going guy named Jordan Selassie, who was one of the last people to see the victim, amazing artist Tessa, his high school girlfriend, alive. Jordan is Elmo’s partner in the Critter Removal business and a good friend, so of course, Elmo needs to get involved to not only clear his buddy but to help get justice for Tessa Fairchild. This isn’t Elmo’s first fishing trip. Another entertaining aspect to these stories is the use of seaside related words and phrases, like a subtle comment going over one’s head “like a sandpiper on the wing.”
In between seeking out people to question, like Fibbin Jimmy, Elmo has to help Jordan to do a little business reputation damage control and in person intervention. It isn’t like Elmo and his two offices are the only critter removal business in town, in fact just months ago, Julius Cronenberg, father of murder victim and owner of the Southeast Pest Service, offered to buy Elmo’s small but successful company. Cronenberg, who had been estranged from Tessa since high school, wasn’t a suspect but his son Marcus is. Also on that list was Tessa’s wife Lake, her former art gallery co-owner Sacco, and even the music event promoter who promised to keep things green and eco-friendly is under suspicion.
It is easy to lose track of time turning pages and chuckling while trying to keep up with Elmo’s adventures in crime solving amongst the good hearted and entertaining community of Paradise Springs. I dare you to try and get through one chapter without cracking a smile.
January 27, 2026
Buried in the Sand is the fourth book in the Elmo Simpson mystery series by J.C. Kenney. The book, like the previous ones in the series is terrific. The author writes a humorous story with lots of eccentric characters and a fabulous murder mystery. Elmo Simpson is the main character. He is very wealthy and owns a large resort and condo complex in Paradise Springs, Florida. Many of the same characters that we’ve seen in the prior books are a part of this story as well. It is a fun read that holds your attention through the whole story.
As book four opens, the town is having an arts and music festival that Elmo is on the committee for. On the morning of the second day, there is to be a sand castle contest. One of the citizens, Jimmy, finds a dead body buried in the sand. It is Tessa, an artist who is connected to several people in town. It is reported that Elmo’s business partner Jordan from his animal removal company was seen arguing with Tessa the night before. So the police come to question him. He becomes the prime suspect and Elmo jumps into the investigation to help the police chief and to clear his partner’s name. Elmo talks to his friends to learn background on Tessa, her family and business partner. It turns out she and Jordan had history in the past before he ended up revealing that she was gay. She had a wife. Her father had disowned her because of her lifestyle. He was a competitor in the animal removal business. She had a younger brother as well as a business partner. Another suspect was the promoter from the festival that Tessa butted heads with.
The characters are all described so well by the author. They are all quite interesting. Elmo interacts with each of them and they all try to help him solve the mystery. There’s lots of surprises and it is tricky trying to figure out whodunnit. Elmos’s girlfriend, his friends that own the different restaurants and bars as well as the police chief provide some great scenes as they discuss the murder and the various suspects. J.C. Kenney has once again given us a fabulous book that I rated 5 stars and highly recommend. I look forward to the next adventure for Elmo Simpson.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
As book four opens, the town is having an arts and music festival that Elmo is on the committee for. On the morning of the second day, there is to be a sand castle contest. One of the citizens, Jimmy, finds a dead body buried in the sand. It is Tessa, an artist who is connected to several people in town. It is reported that Elmo’s business partner Jordan from his animal removal company was seen arguing with Tessa the night before. So the police come to question him. He becomes the prime suspect and Elmo jumps into the investigation to help the police chief and to clear his partner’s name. Elmo talks to his friends to learn background on Tessa, her family and business partner. It turns out she and Jordan had history in the past before he ended up revealing that she was gay. She had a wife. Her father had disowned her because of her lifestyle. He was a competitor in the animal removal business. She had a younger brother as well as a business partner. Another suspect was the promoter from the festival that Tessa butted heads with.
The characters are all described so well by the author. They are all quite interesting. Elmo interacts with each of them and they all try to help him solve the mystery. There’s lots of surprises and it is tricky trying to figure out whodunnit. Elmos’s girlfriend, his friends that own the different restaurants and bars as well as the police chief provide some great scenes as they discuss the murder and the various suspects. J.C. Kenney has once again given us a fabulous book that I rated 5 stars and highly recommend. I look forward to the next adventure for Elmo Simpson.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I enjoyed this book. The whacky cast of characters are back to solve get another murder where one of them is the prime suspect and I loved it. Actually I think it might be my favourite one yet. There is still no funny antics from the wild life, like in the first book but Elmo has returned to his old job to help, especially as his business partner is the one accused of the murder. The characters more than make up for the missing critter laughs with there eccentric ways. The mystery is good with a number of possible suspects and they certainly keep Elmo dancing as he tries to figure it out, good job the rest of the Scooby Doo gang is there to help out. Especially as I had no clue who was responsible or how they were going to prove it. I can't wait for the next book.
Elmo helped arrange the first arts and music festival to be held in Paradise Springs and he wants it to go off with a hitch. The problem is after opening night a body is discovered in the sand castle building competition area. The dead woman is the daughter of his biggest animal control competitor and a woman Elmo's business partner Jordan has a troubled history with. When Jordan is accused of the murder, Elmo jumps into action to not only save the business but also clear his friends name. Can Elmo find the real killer? Digging up clues is easy with a psychic and so called witches in town but it's up to Elmo to piece them together, especially when the killer is trying so hard to frame his friend. Unless Jordan is responsible of course?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Elmo helped arrange the first arts and music festival to be held in Paradise Springs and he wants it to go off with a hitch. The problem is after opening night a body is discovered in the sand castle building competition area. The dead woman is the daughter of his biggest animal control competitor and a woman Elmo's business partner Jordan has a troubled history with. When Jordan is accused of the murder, Elmo jumps into action to not only save the business but also clear his friends name. Can Elmo find the real killer? Digging up clues is easy with a psychic and so called witches in town but it's up to Elmo to piece them together, especially when the killer is trying so hard to frame his friend. Unless Jordan is responsible of course?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 3, 2026
Elmo Simpson is pleased with the success of the inaugural Paradise Springs arts and music festival. That is, until they find a dead body buried in the sand where the beach sculpture is being held. The police finger Elmo’s friend and business partner Jordan but Elmo knows he didn’t do it. Using his nose for sleuthing out the truth from a growing list of suspects, Elmo roots out secrets and motives. Can Elmo finger the murderer or will time run out like grains of sand?
Buried in the Sand is a cozy mystery I thoroughly enjoyed. With zany characters, an arts and festival backdrop, descriptive narration, false clues, twists and turns, and humorous dialogue, I couldn’t put it down. I read late into the night and seriously lost sleep.
The zany characters are what make Buried in the Sand an unputdownable cozy mystery. Elmo is an amateur sleuth and has a quirky view on life, love, and murder. His inner dialogue had me clutching my sides for most of the book. Elmo is a delight to read and follow as he investigates the murder. He’s got a laser focus for clues and a natural way of getting at the truth.
Buried in the Sand is book four in this series and the best one so far. J.C. Kenney has penned an immersive, fun, cozy mystery. The dialogue is filled with eccentric humor, all thanks to Kenney’s comedic timing. If you love your cozy mystery with laugh-til-it-hurts humor, Buried in the Sand is your next must-read. Fans of Carl Hiaasen will love Buried in the Sand.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Buried in the Sand is a cozy mystery I thoroughly enjoyed. With zany characters, an arts and festival backdrop, descriptive narration, false clues, twists and turns, and humorous dialogue, I couldn’t put it down. I read late into the night and seriously lost sleep.
The zany characters are what make Buried in the Sand an unputdownable cozy mystery. Elmo is an amateur sleuth and has a quirky view on life, love, and murder. His inner dialogue had me clutching my sides for most of the book. Elmo is a delight to read and follow as he investigates the murder. He’s got a laser focus for clues and a natural way of getting at the truth.
Buried in the Sand is book four in this series and the best one so far. J.C. Kenney has penned an immersive, fun, cozy mystery. The dialogue is filled with eccentric humor, all thanks to Kenney’s comedic timing. If you love your cozy mystery with laugh-til-it-hurts humor, Buried in the Sand is your next must-read. Fans of Carl Hiaasen will love Buried in the Sand.
My Rating: 5++ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://substack.com/@nnlightsbookhea...
Review of advance copy
Fun book!
This is such a great series. The books are told by Elmo, who has a wonderful sense of humor and way of talking and doing things. It makes for a super enjoyable book.
In this latest book, someone is murdered during a festival Emlo's resort is running. There's enough info given to allow you to enjoy this without reading prior books in the series, but as always, doing so will give you a fuller appreciation of the characters and overall storyline.
Elmo puts his knowledge and skills to work to help the police solve the murder. It's a must, given that his business partner (and friend) Jordan is a suspect.
The characters in this series are delightful, very unique and quirky. The mystery here was interesting and I didn't figure out the culprit until they were revealed. Great settings, and very well written. I can't get enough - next, please!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a great series. The books are told by Elmo, who has a wonderful sense of humor and way of talking and doing things. It makes for a super enjoyable book.
In this latest book, someone is murdered during a festival Emlo's resort is running. There's enough info given to allow you to enjoy this without reading prior books in the series, but as always, doing so will give you a fuller appreciation of the characters and overall storyline.
Elmo puts his knowledge and skills to work to help the police solve the murder. It's a must, given that his business partner (and friend) Jordan is a suspect.
The characters in this series are delightful, very unique and quirky. The mystery here was interesting and I didn't figure out the culprit until they were revealed. Great settings, and very well written. I can't get enough - next, please!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
This is book four in the series. It can be read without having read the others but you will want to read the others when you finish this one for sure. It is well written with great characters. I love the setting. Nice to go to Florida in the winter even if it is through a book. This book will make you laugh sometime.
Elmo is wealthy he owns a couple of businesses. One of his business partner just happens to be seen arguing with the latest murder victim and gets arrested. Elmo not only has to cover the work but gets busy trying to find the real murderer. Not always with the Police Chief wanting the help either.
You will fall in love with most everyone in the story. You might even wonder why anyone would want to kill Tessa.
Settle in and grab a good cup of something to drink and enjoy a great read. I recommend this book.
Elmo is wealthy he owns a couple of businesses. One of his business partner just happens to be seen arguing with the latest murder victim and gets arrested. Elmo not only has to cover the work but gets busy trying to find the real murderer. Not always with the Police Chief wanting the help either.
You will fall in love with most everyone in the story. You might even wonder why anyone would want to kill Tessa.
Settle in and grab a good cup of something to drink and enjoy a great read. I recommend this book.
January 29, 2026
Elmo's at it again! When an artist is discovered dead on the morning of a planned sand sculpture contest Elmo finds himself "thrown into action". Not only is his business partner Jordan the prime suspect the Arts and Music festival is derailed. Elmo's unique crime solving attributes make for a page turning, laugh out loud mystery. I enjoyed crossing off the many suspects along with him. The quirky characters of Paradise Springs -an alleged psychic (who often offers Elmo tips) , a mild-mannered organized crime kingpin, a recluse referred to as the Vampire, an alligator farmer named Rambo, Fibbin' Jimmy never disappoint and I can't wait to read about more of their antics. Highly recommend this cozy mystery series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2026
This novel provides a fun and refreshing spin on the classic cozy mystery tropes. Elmo, the male main character, brings quick wit and funny references to old and recent pop culture, adding a lot of personality to the story. His circle of quirky friends (some with not so “cozy” professions) adds and unexpected and entertaining twist as well.
The mystery itself is engaging, keeping me guessing and looking in multiple directions for the culprit. While there were moments the narrative felt a little long and slowed the pacing, overall this was an enjoyable mystery with a lot of charm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mystery itself is engaging, keeping me guessing and looking in multiple directions for the culprit. While there were moments the narrative felt a little long and slowed the pacing, overall this was an enjoyable mystery with a lot of charm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2026
Festival murder
This one is wild and not just the critters that need wrangling. Elmo’s business partner Jordan is under suspicion for killing an old flame. Public perception, their business and Jordan’s freedom on the line lead Elmo to another wacky investigation in Paradise Springs. With some help from friends and info passed along the OG’s circuit they come up with a plan. Think Leverage if the cons were run by the Scooby gang lol. This mystery will leave you confused and amused in equal measure. A little bit of a slow start but once it gets going it’s all entertainment. Another winner in this series!
This one is wild and not just the critters that need wrangling. Elmo’s business partner Jordan is under suspicion for killing an old flame. Public perception, their business and Jordan’s freedom on the line lead Elmo to another wacky investigation in Paradise Springs. With some help from friends and info passed along the OG’s circuit they come up with a plan. Think Leverage if the cons were run by the Scooby gang lol. This mystery will leave you confused and amused in equal measure. A little bit of a slow start but once it gets going it’s all entertainment. Another winner in this series!
Review of advance copy
This is a good mystery!
The beach sculpture contest on day two of the first Paradise Springs Music & Arts Festival is delayed while the police process the crime scene of a body found buried in the sand. When Elmo Simpson’s friend and business partner becomes the prime suspect, Elmo sets out to find the real killer.
Elmo is an interesting character—apparently with a lot of disposable income. Sort of like a year-round secret Santa, helping people and supporting his community. Oscar is the perfect cat for Elmo. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
The beach sculpture contest on day two of the first Paradise Springs Music & Arts Festival is delayed while the police process the crime scene of a body found buried in the sand. When Elmo Simpson’s friend and business partner becomes the prime suspect, Elmo sets out to find the real killer.
Elmo is an interesting character—apparently with a lot of disposable income. Sort of like a year-round secret Santa, helping people and supporting his community. Oscar is the perfect cat for Elmo. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An unpredictable and entertaining cozy mystery.
This book is the perfect complement to the Elmo Simpson Mysteries series. It opens with the preparations of an upcoming festival when a dead woman is found buried in the sand where the sandcastle building competition is to be held. There were lot of twists and turns in the story and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I quickly found out I was wrong. The author pulls you in with a great plot, setting and unusual and memorable characters. I can’t get enough of these books.
This book is the perfect complement to the Elmo Simpson Mysteries series. It opens with the preparations of an upcoming festival when a dead woman is found buried in the sand where the sandcastle building competition is to be held. There were lot of twists and turns in the story and just when I thought I knew who the killer was, I quickly found out I was wrong. The author pulls you in with a great plot, setting and unusual and memorable characters. I can’t get enough of these books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Buried in Sand is Book4in the Elmo Simpson mystery series.
Elmo is the main character and he is hilarious and kindhearted.
There is a murder during a festival that Elmo's resort is holding.
I love the well written characters in this story; they are fun and quirky.
Elmo's friend Jordan is a suspect and so Elmo helps the police investigate.
I love the setting ,its so much fun.
A great read!
Elmo is the main character and he is hilarious and kindhearted.
There is a murder during a festival that Elmo's resort is holding.
I love the well written characters in this story; they are fun and quirky.
Elmo's friend Jordan is a suspect and so Elmo helps the police investigate.
I love the setting ,its so much fun.
A great read!
January 27, 2026
J.C. Kenney has a smooth touch with tongue-in-cheek humor in the Paradise Springs Cozy Mystery series. Buried in the Sand begins with an arts and music festival with Elmo Simpson as the festival chairman. Before long Elmo and his friends have a murder to solve. Written in Elmo’s POV, there is humor, quirky insights and eccentric characters along with a seeking out of the truth. Book four of the series, Buried in the Sand is a hoot.
Review of advance copy
Buried in the Sand is a fun, beachy mystery that keeps you guessing. When a body turns up during Paradise Springs’ arts festival, Elmo Simpson—our animal-removal guy turned amateur detective—dives into the case. The setting is colorful, the suspects are quirky, and the small-town drama adds plenty of charm. JC Kenney does a great job mixing humor with suspense, and the clues are sprinkled in just enough to keep you hooked. A couple of chapters feel a little slow, but the payoff is worth it. The ending ties things up nicely without feeling rushed. If you like cozy mysteries with a seaside vibe and a lovable sleuth who’s not your typical detective, this one’s a solid pick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 26, 2026
I have read and loved all of J.C. Kenney's Elmo Simpson mysteries and grow more thrilled with each one. I've never been able to guess the culprit, and this story is no exception to that particular rule. I have to admit it's J.C. Kenney's writing voice that captivates me, though. It gets, as I said, better and better.
January 28, 2026
A fun cozy mystery that will keep you going from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the quirky characters and their interactions, that made me smile throughout. And the storyline always kept twisting, until the ending. Wonderful to read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2026
Elmo finds himself involved in another murder after a body is found on the beach during a festival and his business partner looks guilty. Between trying to keep his business afloat and finding the killer, he's busy. But he will figure out who did it, no matter what.
A great mystery read! And a gadzooks of a good time.
A great mystery read! And a gadzooks of a good time.
Review of advance copy
A body was buried in the sand. Who was responsible? Was it a revenge killing? Was the killer someone who just happened to kill her?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved all the series and mysteries written by J.C. Kenney. This is one of the best, quite complex, twisty and entertaining.
Another one soon pls
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
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Another one soon pls
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
.
January 31, 2026
I really love this series. The characters are quirky but relatable. There's humor and heart, and I understands all the references, which doesn't always happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2026
Excellent whodunit
Really good mystery, involving a bunch of unique characters and a picturesque setting. The story was easy to follow. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and am glad it rose to the top of my TBR pile.
Really good mystery, involving a bunch of unique characters and a picturesque setting. The story was easy to follow. I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and am glad it rose to the top of my TBR pile.
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this book the story and characters will keep you wanting to read more!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews