Record Store Reckoning by J.C. Kenney is a quirky cozy mystery with a unique premise. Darcy Gaughan returns from vacation to find her boss, Eddie Maxwell dead at his desk at the Marysburg Music Company. The police rule Eddie’s death a suicide, but Darcy knows he would not take his own life. Darcy is determined to uncover what really happened to Eddie plus find a way to keep the record store open. Record Store Reckoning is the beginning of A Darcy Gaughan Mystery series. The story starts out a little slow as we are introduced to Darcy Gaughan and learn her background. There are a numerous references to musical artists (I did not know most of them) along with drumming terminology. The pacing increased about a third or so of the way in. I am glad that the author took the time to give us Darcy’s background and information on the town. The business district of Marysburg, Indiana sounded like a great place to browse with its funky shops. The mystery begins in chapter one with the death of Darcy’s boss, Eddie Maxwell. I was surprised to find the murder so early in the book since this writer is not a newbie. It makes the book seem long when the mystery occurs so early. The mystery was interesting, and I liked that the death was personal to Darcy (gave the story depth). There is the death of Eddie plus a valuable missing record. The are several good suspects along with a red herring or two. There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit if you pay close attention. It was nicely wrapped up at the end after a unique reveal. Record Store Reckoning has a sweet ending. I like how the people of Marysburg support Darcy and the record store. Record Store Reckoning is a groovy cozy mystery with a stabbed superior, a determined developer, a pilfered record, a discordant detective, a handsome helper, and a sober sleuth. ( )

Record Store Reckoning is the first book in the Darcy Gaughan Mystery series by J. C. Kenney.

Darcy Gaughan used to be the drummer for the all-girl punk band Pixie Dust, but the abuse of alcohol caused her to lose her gig with the band. She returned to her hometown of Marysburg, IN, where Eddie Maxwell, owner of Marysburg Music. He got her to rehab, and five years sober, Eddie made her manager at his music store.

Having arrived home from vacation the night before, Darcy heads for work and is surprised to find the front door unlocked. She calls out to Eddie but gets no response and heads for his office. Darcy finds Eddie seated at his death, apparently dead from a stab wound from his Elvis letter opener. Darcy’s not happy when she sees one of the investigating officers is Detective Sgt Rosengarten; during Darcy’s rowdy drinking days, they had had several run-ins. The police will rule Eddie’s death a suicide, and Darcy’s is sure it was murder.

Going through the papers on Eddie’s desk, she finds an envelope with her name on it. When she reads the note from Eddie that he was making her president of Marysburg Music, she knows that she has to find his murderer. It’s the least she can do for someone who had so much faith in her. Darcy has two full-time employees and two part-time high school students and assures them that the store will stay open and their jobs are secure.

Darcy will need to investigate Eddie’s step-son, who hangs around with his hand out; maybe he wants his inheritance now. There’s a real estate developer trying to buy all the buildings on the block that houses the record store, or maybe Eddie’s neighbor who is tired of listening to Eddie’s parties with loud music.

I found this to be a fascinating new series. Even though the music and groups were unknown to me, they didn’t take away from the story being told. Also, I particularly liked that the characters weren’t sitting around drinking wine or mixed drinks but centered around someone fighting alcohol abuse.

The story is well-written and plotted. It reads at a good pace, and I found it hard to put down. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns, and I was kept guessing until the very end as to the killer's identity.

I will be watching for the next book in this fascinating new series. ( )