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Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1
Schooled in Murder
Win a free print copy of this book!
1 day and 02:51:15
5 copies available
U.S. only
A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned-in this series debut from acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert.
Jennifer ‘Jen’ Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University in Virginia. She loves her job, but some of her petty coworkers look down on her for writing genre fiction. As members of the English department, they wish to encourage students to pursue higher literary aspirations. When a humiliating confrontation between an uppity professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, no one thinks much of it. Until his dead body is found along with evidence incriminating Mia.
Jen knows Mia couldn’t have killed him, but Mia’s suspicious disappearance might as well be a proclamation of guilt. With the sleuthing skills Jen has acquired writing murder mysteries, she’s determined to solve the case and clear Mia’s name.
Along with the help of her fellow sleuthers, Christine Kubiak, a cafeteria manager, Zachary Flynn, the charming but annoying campus psychologist, and Brianna Rowley, a librarian, Jen must catch the real killer before there’s another murder on the books.
Jennifer ‘Jen’ Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University in Virginia. She loves her job, but some of her petty coworkers look down on her for writing genre fiction. As members of the English department, they wish to encourage students to pursue higher literary aspirations. When a humiliating confrontation between an uppity professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, no one thinks much of it. Until his dead body is found along with evidence incriminating Mia.
Jen knows Mia couldn’t have killed him, but Mia’s suspicious disappearance might as well be a proclamation of guilt. With the sleuthing skills Jen has acquired writing murder mysteries, she’s determined to solve the case and clear Mia’s name.
Along with the help of her fellow sleuthers, Christine Kubiak, a cafeteria manager, Zachary Flynn, the charming but annoying campus psychologist, and Brianna Rowley, a librarian, Jen must catch the real killer before there’s another murder on the books.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication December 10, 2024
About the author
Victoria Gilbert
17 books773 followersVictoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 7, 2024
The first book of the new series by Victoria Gilbert is Schooled in Murder and this book is a perfect example of how the plot can engage the reader. The author’s descriptions of the college environment with its particularities helped me to almost feel like I was a part of the story. The addition of romance subplot which was not dominant over the main investigation was a great decision.
In conclusion, this book was just the kind of read I needed at the moment. I do enjoy some cozy mysteries from time to time, and this new series was enjoyable.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
In conclusion, this book was just the kind of read I needed at the moment. I do enjoy some cozy mysteries from time to time, and this new series was enjoyable.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 29, 2024
#SchooledinMurder #NetGalley is a first in a new series by a favorite author, and I enjoyed meeting a cast of new characters.
Jen Dalton is a professor and an author who finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
A confrontation between a professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, and no one thinks much of it until his dead body is found along with evidence that could incriminate Mia.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Jen Dalton is a professor and an author who finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
A confrontation between a professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, and no one thinks much of it until his dead body is found along with evidence that could incriminate Mia.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 24, 2024
I seriously don’t think Mrs. Victoria Gilbert could write a bad cozy mystery even if she tried to. I really enjoyed this book, even though Jen is not your typical whimsy sleuth, she really grows on you, because she is aware of the consequences that could happen when you try to do the Investigators work. I absolutely loved that we got a little group of awesome college faculty working together to protect and defend a student whom they all respect and like and believe in her innocence. I love that we get more out of the murder mystery! (Won’t say what because #nospoilershere haha). I also enjoyed what seemed to be a good “enemies to lovers” trope in this one, the romance did not take away from this murder mystery, it was brought in just at the right moment! Highly recommend!!
July 20, 2024
I loved the plot but when it comes to the characters... WHY ARE THEY SO LIKE CARDBOARD? I really couldn't connect with any of them. RTC
July 16, 2024
[NetGalley Read #9]
3.75 ⭐
A nice mystery with a touch of romance.
Like any good mystery, there are a bunch of characters (Jennifer Dalton as the narrator and the main character of the story). They are well written.
The premise is simple and executed quite well.
Short chapters make for an easy reading.
Recommended. 👍
3.75 ⭐
A nice mystery with a touch of romance.
Like any good mystery, there are a bunch of characters (Jennifer Dalton as the narrator and the main character of the story). They are well written.
The premise is simple and executed quite well.
Short chapters make for an easy reading.
Recommended. 👍
July 14, 2024
My first book by this author and a first book in a new series. Jen Dalton is a successful mystery author and head of the writing clinic at Clarion University. The book begins with Jen finding a dead body at the library on a floor that is not frequented by many people. The body is of a professor who it seemed no body really liked and was also kind of a bully to Jen. She does not be come the suspect, but one of her students who has a very promising career is. Jen feels like it her duty to help clear her name since she’s done so much research for her mystery books she writes. With the help of a couple friends from her department and someone that works in the cafeteria, they go about gathering clues and interviewing the potential suspects. She is also introduced to a psychologist recommended by the Provost to help with any mental issues from finding the dead body. They do not hit it off at the beginning at all, but their constant bickering turns to something more by the end of the book, which was hard for me to believe honestly. The barbs that were thrown between the two was believable so much I didn’t believe the romance toward the end. The sleuthing gets Jen in to a couple situations but everything is solved by the end. A good solid mystery book that keeps you on your toes, I did not see the culprit until the very end. Good start to a series, if given a choice I would pick up the next book in the series.
July 19, 2024
Netgalley
June 24, 2024
I picked up Schooled in Murder because, as a teacher who also loves cozy mysteries, I thought it would be a fun read. It definitely delivered on the mystery and on providing several suspects. There were some red herrings and twists and turns as well.
The mystery begins with Jennifer Dalton, who is the director of the Writer's Center at a local college. While scoping out books at the library, Jenn discovers a dead body---an English professor known for sneering at popular fiction books and resisting change in the department toward modernizing the canon. Meanwhile, a student named Mia goes missing. The college gossip assumes that she did it since her "C-" paper was found next to the body. But Jenn is nearly positive that Mia had nothing to do with it.
Jenn is a mystery writer with a series that spans several books, so she's keen to solve the mystery. She gathers together her friends and co-conspirators to find out whodunit. Was it his wife, who was on the verge of a divorce? His mistress, who was angry that her book was stolen and published by the professor in a fit of plagiarism? Was it the director of the college, a widow who was intent on reform? Was it Enid, Jenn's co-worker at the writing center, who wanted tenure? At first Jenn just asks a few questions, but soon finds herself threatened and in some dangerous situations as a result of her amateur sleuthing. Her librarian and cafeteria lady friends all manage to add a bit of fact-finding to the pile.
Jenn's 6-foot frame comes in handy as she manages to woman-up in some tough situations. However, it does help that as she goes through a variety of trying circumstances, a good-looking psychologist, Dr. Zachary Flynn. At first she finds him annoying and critical, but one of the best parts of this book is the banter between the two, which grows into a relationship of mutual respect. Dialogue feels natural and unforced.
The only criticism I have is that this book is very much a "tell, don't show" sort of book. It's low on imagery and and cuts straight to the point, providing direct character descriptions throughout and motives that are pretty cut-and-dried without much complexity or character development. By the time the book is done, upon reflection, not even the protagonist is someone that the reader knows very well. Her deeper motivations and backstory are not really addressed, which is interesting considering the boyfriend who is a psychologist. Nobody really plumbs into the depths of anyone. Zachary Flynn has a twin sister who is bipolar, but that is only mentioned and not really touched upon. It's treated as something that transformed her into someone erratic without much detail given. The villains have pretty solid motives for what they did, but, again, no real complexity there. There is some foreshadowing as to who is responsible and enough twists to keep people guessing.
If you're looking for a well-drawn main character like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot, you will be disappointed, but if you're looking for a decent mystery in an academic setting (with maybe a cat in there somewhere), this is the book for you! I personally enjoyed it and read it in a single night.
The mystery begins with Jennifer Dalton, who is the director of the Writer's Center at a local college. While scoping out books at the library, Jenn discovers a dead body---an English professor known for sneering at popular fiction books and resisting change in the department toward modernizing the canon. Meanwhile, a student named Mia goes missing. The college gossip assumes that she did it since her "C-" paper was found next to the body. But Jenn is nearly positive that Mia had nothing to do with it.
Jenn is a mystery writer with a series that spans several books, so she's keen to solve the mystery. She gathers together her friends and co-conspirators to find out whodunit. Was it his wife, who was on the verge of a divorce? His mistress, who was angry that her book was stolen and published by the professor in a fit of plagiarism? Was it the director of the college, a widow who was intent on reform? Was it Enid, Jenn's co-worker at the writing center, who wanted tenure? At first Jenn just asks a few questions, but soon finds herself threatened and in some dangerous situations as a result of her amateur sleuthing. Her librarian and cafeteria lady friends all manage to add a bit of fact-finding to the pile.
Jenn's 6-foot frame comes in handy as she manages to woman-up in some tough situations. However, it does help that as she goes through a variety of trying circumstances, a good-looking psychologist, Dr. Zachary Flynn. At first she finds him annoying and critical, but one of the best parts of this book is the banter between the two, which grows into a relationship of mutual respect. Dialogue feels natural and unforced.
The only criticism I have is that this book is very much a "tell, don't show" sort of book. It's low on imagery and and cuts straight to the point, providing direct character descriptions throughout and motives that are pretty cut-and-dried without much complexity or character development. By the time the book is done, upon reflection, not even the protagonist is someone that the reader knows very well. Her deeper motivations and backstory are not really addressed, which is interesting considering the boyfriend who is a psychologist. Nobody really plumbs into the depths of anyone. Zachary Flynn has a twin sister who is bipolar, but that is only mentioned and not really touched upon. It's treated as something that transformed her into someone erratic without much detail given. The villains have pretty solid motives for what they did, but, again, no real complexity there. There is some foreshadowing as to who is responsible and enough twists to keep people guessing.
If you're looking for a well-drawn main character like Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot, you will be disappointed, but if you're looking for a decent mystery in an academic setting (with maybe a cat in there somewhere), this is the book for you! I personally enjoyed it and read it in a single night.
June 22, 2024
Title: Schooled In Murder
Author: Victoria Gilbert
✨✨✨.5/5
Amateur Sleuth Mystery-Maybe Thriller?
Synopsis:
A woman named Jenn finds herself in the middle of a murder at her college begins to conduct an amateur sleuth mission. She does this because her mentee is suspected of the crime so she gets together with a lunch lady and her assistant to find evidence to get her out of the mess. While on this mission, she finds something she wasn't looking for... a love connection. He is a sort of arrogant, uppity character who relies on way too many Shakespeare quotes.
What I liked about this book:
The fast-paced nature of this book had me devouring the book. The author's descriptions of the college were fantastic, rich with detail that made me feel like I was walking the halls myself. It was also refreshing to see a romantic element woven in that didn't take away from the mystery unraveling. These elements together made the book a captivating one day read.
What I didn't like:
There were a few elements that left me wanting a bit more. While I enjoyed Jenn's determination, the constant explanation of her injuries as "trips" felt a little unrealistic. Multiple trips to the hospital with serious injuries became monotonous and unrealistic.
Additionally, the inclusion of an amateur sleuth group to assist Jenn felt like a missed opportunity. While I'm sure she appreciated the support system, I would have liked to see them have a more active role in solving the mystery. The dynamic between Jenn, the lunch lady, and her assistant had potential, but their contributions felt limited.
Overall, I gave it 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars because it kept me reading, the mystery unraveled at a good pace, and I really liked the Shakespeare thrown in.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own =)
Author: Victoria Gilbert
✨✨✨.5/5
Amateur Sleuth Mystery-Maybe Thriller?
Synopsis:
A woman named Jenn finds herself in the middle of a murder at her college begins to conduct an amateur sleuth mission. She does this because her mentee is suspected of the crime so she gets together with a lunch lady and her assistant to find evidence to get her out of the mess. While on this mission, she finds something she wasn't looking for... a love connection. He is a sort of arrogant, uppity character who relies on way too many Shakespeare quotes.
What I liked about this book:
The fast-paced nature of this book had me devouring the book. The author's descriptions of the college were fantastic, rich with detail that made me feel like I was walking the halls myself. It was also refreshing to see a romantic element woven in that didn't take away from the mystery unraveling. These elements together made the book a captivating one day read.
What I didn't like:
There were a few elements that left me wanting a bit more. While I enjoyed Jenn's determination, the constant explanation of her injuries as "trips" felt a little unrealistic. Multiple trips to the hospital with serious injuries became monotonous and unrealistic.
Additionally, the inclusion of an amateur sleuth group to assist Jenn felt like a missed opportunity. While I'm sure she appreciated the support system, I would have liked to see them have a more active role in solving the mystery. The dynamic between Jenn, the lunch lady, and her assistant had potential, but their contributions felt limited.
Overall, I gave it 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars because it kept me reading, the mystery unraveled at a good pace, and I really liked the Shakespeare thrown in.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own =)
July 18, 2024
I have been a long time fan of Victoria Gilbert, particularly of her Blue Ridge Library Mysteries and the Booklover's B&B Mysteries, so to say I was excited for this one was understatement. Unfortunately, this one wasn't a win for me. I had a very hard time connecting with the main character Jen, whose reason for investigating really wasn't all that compelling. She freely admits in the book that she just likes to meddle. I also had a hard time connecting with any of the side characters on the investigative team, including the love interest who just seemed unlikeable and mean to me.
On the plus side, I did like that she works in the writing center and is a mystery writer which explains some of her curiosity and thinking process and I absolutely loved that characters from Gilbert's other series made cameos. I also thought that the mystery was decently thought out with multiple suspects. Although I did find the ending a bit too difficult to believe since it seemed implausible on such a small campus (you'll see what I mean).
Overall, this was a solid 2.5 stars for me rounded up to 3. I really wanted to love it, but just couldn't connect with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and the the publisher Crooked Lane Books for this early advanced copy!
On the plus side, I did like that she works in the writing center and is a mystery writer which explains some of her curiosity and thinking process and I absolutely loved that characters from Gilbert's other series made cameos. I also thought that the mystery was decently thought out with multiple suspects. Although I did find the ending a bit too difficult to believe since it seemed implausible on such a small campus (you'll see what I mean).
Overall, this was a solid 2.5 stars for me rounded up to 3. I really wanted to love it, but just couldn't connect with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and the the publisher Crooked Lane Books for this early advanced copy!
June 30, 2024
𝑰'𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒎𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒚-𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆, 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒇𝒆𝒘 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒅𝒚.
The first in a new cozy series, SCHOOLED IN MURDER introduces Jen Dalton, mystery author and educator at a Virginia university. I loved the concept but the execution fell a little short for me.
I read a lot of cozy series, and what keeps me going back to new installments is the sense of place the author creates and a connection with the characters. While I could easily envision the university, its library, and its writing lab, I had difficulty connecting with the characters. Many of them had potential (except for Zachary, the campus psychologist; he was the most annoying character EVER) and the dialogue was often stilted, especially with Jen, which had her coming off as a prudish 1950s housewife.
Even with those criticisms, I'll probably read the second installment to see if Zachary grows on me or not. I'm really hoping to see more of the minor characters because they were the highlight of this book.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane for the early copy. At the time this review was written, publication was slated for December 10, 2024.
The first in a new cozy series, SCHOOLED IN MURDER introduces Jen Dalton, mystery author and educator at a Virginia university. I loved the concept but the execution fell a little short for me.
I read a lot of cozy series, and what keeps me going back to new installments is the sense of place the author creates and a connection with the characters. While I could easily envision the university, its library, and its writing lab, I had difficulty connecting with the characters. Many of them had potential (except for Zachary, the campus psychologist; he was the most annoying character EVER) and the dialogue was often stilted, especially with Jen, which had her coming off as a prudish 1950s housewife.
Even with those criticisms, I'll probably read the second installment to see if Zachary grows on me or not. I'm really hoping to see more of the minor characters because they were the highlight of this book.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane for the early copy. At the time this review was written, publication was slated for December 10, 2024.
July 10, 2024
#SchooledinMurder #NetGalley Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me to read this book in egalley in exchange for my honest review.
This is a new series for the author, this one set on a mythical University campus in Virginia. I had some issues with both events and plot points at the beginning of the novel, and would rate it a 2.5 if we had the much needed 1/2 stars. However, I did stay up all night to confirm my guesses about the murderer, and Gilbert managed to have a few viable red herrings.
The heroine, who runs the campus writing center and also writes mysteries, is interesting if not as insightful as she'd like to think. When she discovers a body in the library -- a professor in a pool of blood -- she and two friends decide to try to solve this real life mystery. She finds it more difficult that it is in fiction, and runs into some surprising people and events.
There are enough plausible suspects to keep you guessing, and a subplot that brings a touch of romance to the proceedings. It kept my attention and I consider it a decent, though certainly not literary, mystery. For cozy fans.
This is a new series for the author, this one set on a mythical University campus in Virginia. I had some issues with both events and plot points at the beginning of the novel, and would rate it a 2.5 if we had the much needed 1/2 stars. However, I did stay up all night to confirm my guesses about the murderer, and Gilbert managed to have a few viable red herrings.
The heroine, who runs the campus writing center and also writes mysteries, is interesting if not as insightful as she'd like to think. When she discovers a body in the library -- a professor in a pool of blood -- she and two friends decide to try to solve this real life mystery. She finds it more difficult that it is in fiction, and runs into some surprising people and events.
There are enough plausible suspects to keep you guessing, and a subplot that brings a touch of romance to the proceedings. It kept my attention and I consider it a decent, though certainly not literary, mystery. For cozy fans.
July 1, 2024
Schooled in Murder is an extremely fast paced book. There’s twists, there’s some romance, and of course, there’s a killer.
The premise is stated that they’re most investigating a way to save Mia from getting arrested, but that’s only a few chapters in the book. It’s actually when our main character, Jenn, is constantly getting threatened and pushed that is why they’re investigating. Well, and the fact that the sleuth group wants to catch killers just because they can.
The romance was my favorite part of the book. As a romantasy reader mainly, I thrive in romance and this romance was super cute ! I called it when he was first introduced and there was banter between them. Very cute, and their relationship goes pretty steady.
Overall, good book. Was there an element of surprise with the killer ? Yes. Was there a lot of buildup though? Not really in my opinion, but I still enjoyed the book. My favorite character is definitely Jenn.
Once again, it’s overall a good book and I look forward to reading what happens next for this amateur sleuth group.
The premise is stated that they’re most investigating a way to save Mia from getting arrested, but that’s only a few chapters in the book. It’s actually when our main character, Jenn, is constantly getting threatened and pushed that is why they’re investigating. Well, and the fact that the sleuth group wants to catch killers just because they can.
The romance was my favorite part of the book. As a romantasy reader mainly, I thrive in romance and this romance was super cute ! I called it when he was first introduced and there was banter between them. Very cute, and their relationship goes pretty steady.
Overall, good book. Was there an element of surprise with the killer ? Yes. Was there a lot of buildup though? Not really in my opinion, but I still enjoyed the book. My favorite character is definitely Jenn.
Once again, it’s overall a good book and I look forward to reading what happens next for this amateur sleuth group.
July 13, 2024
First, let me say I LOVE cozy mysteries. In this one, we're introduced to the MC Jenn Dalton. She's an educator at a university in Virginia as well as a mystery author. Which I loved the idea of. A mystery writer using her skills to solve not one but two murders.
As much as I wanted to give this 4 or 5 stars, I had a difficult time connecting with the MCs. The journey was rough and didn't seem to get better. Jenn seemed a little naive and juvenile at times. I wasn't a huge fan of Zachary. Maybe he will grow me in the second installment. BUT I'm not holding my breath.
Weirdly enough, I really liked some of the minor characters like Jenns teacher friends who looked out for her. I hope they're more predominant in the second book because they truly made this book worth reading for me.
I loved the Whodunit aspect because I wasn't expecting the answers we got to be honest. I liked that it kept me guessing, and I finished it in one sitting.
I really wonder where the author is going to take the next book because there wasn't a cliffhanger, and well, it ended out nicely.
As much as I wanted to give this 4 or 5 stars, I had a difficult time connecting with the MCs. The journey was rough and didn't seem to get better. Jenn seemed a little naive and juvenile at times. I wasn't a huge fan of Zachary. Maybe he will grow me in the second installment. BUT I'm not holding my breath.
Weirdly enough, I really liked some of the minor characters like Jenns teacher friends who looked out for her. I hope they're more predominant in the second book because they truly made this book worth reading for me.
I loved the Whodunit aspect because I wasn't expecting the answers we got to be honest. I liked that it kept me guessing, and I finished it in one sitting.
I really wonder where the author is going to take the next book because there wasn't a cliffhanger, and well, it ended out nicely.
July 18, 2024
The first in a new series, Jen, who works at Clarion University in the writing center, stumbles upon a dead body. It is determined it was an unpopular, rude, English teacher. Rumors swirl as to who may have pushed him, with the focus on one student. Jen sets out to prove the girls innocence, along with her co-workers and friends. There is a second murder, and I will say, when it was revealed at the end how/why he was killed, it felt rushed. Maybe one murder would have sufficed? The story was a bit hard to get into, the main character was just sort of there as the main character, which was surprising to me, as I like the Blue Ridge Library series by Ms Gilbert. There are a few mentions of characters from that series, which was nice. In the end, I liked the story enough to be looking forward to trying the next one, to see if it flows better. 2.5 stars, maybe 3.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Gilbert, and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, Ms Gilbert, and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2024
This was my first time reading anything by Victoria Gilbert, and it will not be my last. Schooled in Murder is an Academia Cozy Mystery.
Jen Dalton takes her job seriously, and she cares about the students who come in for help. So when one of those students is a suspect in a murder, Jen feels compelled to help. She just has to put herself into the mind of a character from her books. With the help of her friends, they embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth. Add in some close calls, her caring mentor/landlady, her loving cat, an enemies-to-lovers subplot, and you have a plot that will keep hooked. This becomes the perfect book to curl up and read on a cold night.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Gilbert, and Crooked Lane Books for letting me read this ARC. This is my honest review.
Jen Dalton takes her job seriously, and she cares about the students who come in for help. So when one of those students is a suspect in a murder, Jen feels compelled to help. She just has to put herself into the mind of a character from her books. With the help of her friends, they embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth. Add in some close calls, her caring mentor/landlady, her loving cat, an enemies-to-lovers subplot, and you have a plot that will keep hooked. This becomes the perfect book to curl up and read on a cold night.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victoria Gilbert, and Crooked Lane Books for letting me read this ARC. This is my honest review.
July 16, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in return for an honest review.
This was a cute, cozy mystery that was entertaining and fun. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, and found myself reading it when I had downtime. Jenn Dalton, a writer who works at a university, ends up investigating a murder in the hopes of proving the innocence of a student she had helped in the writing centre. There were a few twists and turns in this book, but overall it felt as though the villains in this book had very clear motives and there wasn't a lot of mystery surrounding that. Even though I felt as though I had it figured out what was going to happen, I enjoyed the story very much, I am looking forward to reading more books in the series!
This was a cute, cozy mystery that was entertaining and fun. I enjoyed the plot and the characters, and found myself reading it when I had downtime. Jenn Dalton, a writer who works at a university, ends up investigating a murder in the hopes of proving the innocence of a student she had helped in the writing centre. There were a few twists and turns in this book, but overall it felt as though the villains in this book had very clear motives and there wasn't a lot of mystery surrounding that. Even though I felt as though I had it figured out what was going to happen, I enjoyed the story very much, I am looking forward to reading more books in the series!
July 17, 2024
Jenn Dalton is on the English faculty at a small college in Virginia. She is also a successful mystery writer with a series to her credit. The author notes that Jenn is tall and not the usual petite young gal
The story line revolves the deaths of two people. The first dead man is on the English faculty and not well liked. When one of Jenn's students is a strong suspect, Jenn and her cronies set out to reveal the killer. . The author does a great job of introducing characters that interact at the college. We meet the provost, the cafeteria cook, Jenn's teaching mates, and a love interest, Zack. Jenn takes center stage as she solves the crime just as she would if writing one of her mysteries. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.
The story line revolves the deaths of two people. The first dead man is on the English faculty and not well liked. When one of Jenn's students is a strong suspect, Jenn and her cronies set out to reveal the killer. . The author does a great job of introducing characters that interact at the college. We meet the provost, the cafeteria cook, Jenn's teaching mates, and a love interest, Zack. Jenn takes center stage as she solves the crime just as she would if writing one of her mysteries. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.
July 9, 2024
Rating: 2.5
I was drawn to the title and premise of "Schooled in Murder.” As someone who loves mystery books, I picked this up expecting a suspenseful and fun read. While I did enjoy it, and devoured the book in one sitting because of its fast-paced nature (which I usually love in mystery books), it felt flat.
While the fast-paced plot was enjoyable, it came at the cost of build-up and character development. The lack of vivid descriptions and complexity among the characters made connecting with the characters and story difficult. The number of characters we met made reading more engaging because it kept me guessing. However, no one, even the main character, was explored in depth. The inclusion of romance felt like a missed opportunity. I wish the story focused more on the friendship and dynamics of the main character’s group. This could have strengthened and driven the narrative and plot.
Overall, I loved the concept, but it just didn’t hit the right marks for me. However, readers who prioritize a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery might enjoy this more than I did. It is a good cozy mystery book, but just not right for me. Despite the criticisms, I would still read the next book or try the author's earlier books. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in advance
I was drawn to the title and premise of "Schooled in Murder.” As someone who loves mystery books, I picked this up expecting a suspenseful and fun read. While I did enjoy it, and devoured the book in one sitting because of its fast-paced nature (which I usually love in mystery books), it felt flat.
While the fast-paced plot was enjoyable, it came at the cost of build-up and character development. The lack of vivid descriptions and complexity among the characters made connecting with the characters and story difficult. The number of characters we met made reading more engaging because it kept me guessing. However, no one, even the main character, was explored in depth. The inclusion of romance felt like a missed opportunity. I wish the story focused more on the friendship and dynamics of the main character’s group. This could have strengthened and driven the narrative and plot.
Overall, I loved the concept, but it just didn’t hit the right marks for me. However, readers who prioritize a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery might enjoy this more than I did. It is a good cozy mystery book, but just not right for me. Despite the criticisms, I would still read the next book or try the author's earlier books. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this in advance
July 6, 2024
There are some things I loved about the book but there are some other things that I didn’t enjoy. Firstly I want to mention it was a good cozy mystery overall and I really enjoyed the romance (lt wasn’t much so it wasn’t overwhelming) between our main character and Zach. It kept me engaged. I had guesses about the killer but it wasn’t obvious so that was a good thing. I think what I didn’t like most was there were too many characters and we didn’t really see their personalities so they weren’t memorable for me. Overall it can be read as a fast paced cozy mystery. Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for giving me ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
This book is the first in a new cozy mystery series, "A Campus Sleuth Mystery." Jen is a successful writer of mystery books and a writing instructor in a college in Virginia. She discovers the body of an English professor in the library, and when one of her students is suspected of foul play, she gets involved in the investigation. Her knowledge of murder that she uses in her writing comes in handy as she looks into the library murder, and then into another suspicious death. This is an interesting new series that shows promise for the future. Jen is a strong, likeable character who appears capable and knowledgeable. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC.
August 1, 2024
English department employee, and part time writer, Jenn Dalton, finds a real life mystery to solve when a faculty member turns up dead on campus. Bringing into question many of those surrounding her; co-workers and even students are suspect in this quick moving mystery. Lovers of this genre will find themselves in a quiet college town among books, libraries and literature. This cozy is quaint, but not simple. As a mystery writer herself, Jenn has to put into practice the sleuthing skills she’s only written about up until now. There is more than one mystery to solve in this story and just the right amount of romance for a cozy mystery. I look forward to future titles with this college campus setting and solid cast of characters. If you love the idea of spending a few hours immersed in libraries, college towns and mystery, pick up this book. Thank you Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
July 23, 2024
"Schooled in Murder (Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1)" by Victoria Gilbert is the first book in a new cozy mystery series focused on Jennifer Dalton. She is a fairly successful mystery writer who also works mentoring students in writing. While at the library she comes across what appears to be a fall victim. Turns out he was pushed.
Jen gets involved in solving the crime because a student she doesn't think could have committed the crime is being set up to take the fall. I really didn't have a good idea on who the committed the crimes until almost the reveal.
Jen gets involved in solving the crime because a student she doesn't think could have committed the crime is being set up to take the fall. I really didn't have a good idea on who the committed the crimes until almost the reveal.
July 24, 2024
I enjoy mysteries with a university setting and Schooled in Murder was perfect! Jenn Dalton, a mystery author, is working at Clarion University, in the writing program, mentoring students. Suddenly, she finds herself in the same situation as the characters of her mysteries do - solving a murder.
The mystery was fast-paced and the description of the university's lovely campus set a cozy background for the book..
I look forward to reading more of the Campus Sleuth mysteries!
I received an ARC from Net Galley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The mystery was fast-paced and the description of the university's lovely campus set a cozy background for the book..
I look forward to reading more of the Campus Sleuth mysteries!
I received an ARC from Net Galley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
July 4, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book. I was slightly disappointed by this cozy mystery. Although the premise was interesting, and I knew I’d like the academic setting, overall it was somewhat formulaic and improbable. I found Zachary to be annoying, and I just thought Jenn never really developed as a character.
July 24, 2024
Overall this a good sleuth cozy mystery. It’s not an obvious ending - there were many suspects which made it fun and interesting.
This is a fast paced story which I personally prefer however In terms of the character development it felt too fast; and I do wish we got to know them more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books for this early advanced copy!
This is a fast paced story which I personally prefer however In terms of the character development it felt too fast; and I do wish we got to know them more.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher Crooked Lane Books for this early advanced copy!
July 30, 2024
A Professor from Clarion University is murdered right after he has an argument with a student. Mia fits the bill for the murderer since she was the last one seen with him. Jen, who is mentoring Mia doesn’t believe that to be the case. With the help of a few friends investigates to find the true killer.
July 8, 2024
Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert
The story grabbed my interest from the start. I enjoyed the characters and wanted to know the outcome of their relationships as well as the mystery. The story kept me turning the page and saying, one more chapter.
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
The story grabbed my interest from the start. I enjoyed the characters and wanted to know the outcome of their relationships as well as the mystery. The story kept me turning the page and saying, one more chapter.
An enjoyable cozy mystery.
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