Murder in Aspen Notch by Kathleen McKee – That’s What I’m Talking About…

Audiobook review: Murder in Aspen Notch by Kathleen McKee

Sue and Alan are looking to relocate and settle into retirement and Aspen Notch seems to be the ideal location, especially when the mayor offers Alan the position as interim Police Chief. However, shortly after moving into their new home, Sue discovers the dead body of a local restaurant owner and soon she wonders if she may be the next target.

Murder in Aspen Notch is a delightful cozy with intelligent, real characters. I love that Sue and Alan are a bit older, yet still active. They are very relatable to this 50-something reader. This is a second marriage for both Sue and Alan, and I like that we see them learn each other’s quirks and habits. 

I appreciate that Sue is smart and doesn’t have “too stupid to live” tendencies. And other than getting a bit pushy or whiny, Sue doesn’t go looking for trouble. I like that she may rush to judge or have knee-jerk reactions but after consideration tends to apologize and back down. I was a bit frustrated with Sue at times, especially when she has a fit because Alan scolds her for taking evidence from a crime scene. However, she has a good heart and means well. I like that the couple talks out their issues, even if there is a “tantrum” first. 

The mystery is solid and I enjoyed fitting the pieces together along side Sue. In addition to the primary whodunit are side stories that help the reader get to know Sue and Alan and their new community. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and meeting new friends. 

Narration: the story is shared via the first person POV of Sue. Jones performs with a deeper feminine voice, suitable for the 60-something Sue. She alters a marginal amount for gender, deepening her voice for males. There isn’t a lot of variation between characters of the same gender, but enough to distinguish who was talking. Overall it’s a good performance.

In the end, Murder in Aspen Notch is an enjoyable cozy that is grounded in reality, with real people and normal actions. I like that the characters are everyday folks and they worry and argue but also love. They don’t go off in search of trouble and genuinely want to help neighbors. 

My Ratings
Story: B
Narration: B+

Jen

About the Book:

Sue and Alan fell in love while solving a murder mystery in No Gifts to Bring. Now newlyweds, they’d decided to relocate to Aspen Notch, a small town in the Poconos, where they could enjoy the mountain vistas and a restful retirement. 

Out of the blue, Alan was offered an interim position as chief of police, Aspen Notch’s only cop. Thinking it would be an easy gig in a quiet town, Sue encouraged Alan to accept the job while she focused on the renovations to the home they bought. 

They were barely settled before Sue found a dead body, inherited an unruly puppy, and was sent a death threat. Would Sue be able to help Alan solve the crime before the killer made good on the warning? 

Author: Kathleen McKee
Narrator: Linda Jones
Series: Aspen Notch Mystery series #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Audiobook Release Date: October 28, 2025
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 6 hrs 52 min
Source: publisher
Audio Speed: 1.25x