Schooled in Murder

Book Review: Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert 📚✨

Rating: 3 Stars

I recently dove into Schooled in Murder by Victoria Gilbert, and it was quite the cozy mystery experience! As the first book in a new series, it introduces us to Jennifer "Jen" Dalton, a mystery author and educator at Clarion University in Virginia. Jen's life takes a dramatic turn when a confrontation between one of her students and a rather pompous professor escalates, resulting in the professor's untimely demise. Amid the chaos, Jen's student, Mia, becomes the prime suspect after she goes missing, leaving Jen determined to prove her innocence. 🕵️‍♀️💔

What I really appreciated about this book is its engaging blend of wit and suspense. Jen’s background as a writer gives her a unique perspective that really drives the narrative forward. She’s not just a character; she’s relatable, juggling her passion for genre fiction with the snobbery of her academic peers. Her determination to solve the case adds an exciting layer to the plot, as she teams up with an interesting cast of characters, including a cafeteria manager, a campus psychologist, and a librarian—each bringing their own quirks to the sleuthing team. 📝🔍

Now, let’s talk about the cover for a second. It’s absolutely delightful! The visual really sets the tone for what you can expect from this cozy mystery. However, I did find myself wishing for a bit more context about certain characters and backstories. At times, it felt like I was jumping into the middle of a narrative rather than starting fresh. A little more background could have deepened the reader's connection to Jen and her friends right from the start. 🎨📖

Overall, Schooled in Murder is a solid debut that has me curious about where Jen’s adventures will take her next. Despite feeling like I missed out on some foundational details, Gilbert's witty writing and engaging plot kept me turning the pages. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries like those by Ellery Adams or Lorna Barrett, this one is well worth your time! 🥳📚

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️