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The Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries #1
The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor
It’s 1974, and Michelle Kilpatrick has her hands full trying to keep her difficult mother happy while studying journalism at the University of Petersburg. The fall quarter gets more complicated when Michelle’s grades drop thanks to the demanding Professor Ladd, who believes Michelle should be more like the already-published Craig Miller. But, when Michelle discovers the professor’s dead body during office hours, grades are suddenly the least of her worries. With the help of her friends from the Commuter Lounge, Michelle sets out to clear her name and soon realizes Craig may be the key to unlocking the mystery around Professor Ladd’s murder. But is the truth a story worth dying for? The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor is the first in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries, a cozy mystery series.
Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite: A captivating sleuth mystery with a potent dose of family drama, The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor has all the ingredients that come together as a delicious treat for whodunnit lovers. Sharon Kay keeps us on our toes with a swirling mix of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. You can never reasonably predict the twists and turns of the plot, and it makes for a fascinating read until the end. The narrative is well-paced, with some compelling characters who feel relatable yet distinct.
Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite: A captivating sleuth mystery with a potent dose of family drama, The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor has all the ingredients that come together as a delicious treat for whodunnit lovers. Sharon Kay keeps us on our toes with a swirling mix of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. You can never reasonably predict the twists and turns of the plot, and it makes for a fascinating read until the end. The narrative is well-paced, with some compelling characters who feel relatable yet distinct.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2023
15 people are currently reading
1215 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Kay
4 books13 followersSHARON KAY grew up in Ohio and earned a degree in photojournalism from Bowling Green State University. The Michelle Kilpatrick Mystery Series is inspired by her life in the 70s as a commuting college student. She is the proud mother of three children who graduated from the University of Michigan (much to the horror of her Ohio Buckeye devoted father, lolz) and served in the Army National Guard.
She enjoys drinking iced tea and snacking on chocolate-covered frozen strawberries while writing. Her hobbies include baking gluten-free treats, working in her organic garden, and keeping up with the British Royal family (distant, distant, distant relatives, lolz).
Sharon Kay's idea of a perfect vacation is being secluded in a mountain cabin and sitting in front of a roaring fire while watching romcoms or reading the latest book on her TBR list.
She enjoys drinking iced tea and snacking on chocolate-covered frozen strawberries while writing. Her hobbies include baking gluten-free treats, working in her organic garden, and keeping up with the British Royal family (distant, distant, distant relatives, lolz).
Sharon Kay's idea of a perfect vacation is being secluded in a mountain cabin and sitting in front of a roaring fire while watching romcoms or reading the latest book on her TBR list.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 6, 2024
This had everything that I was looking for from a mystery novel, it had a strong story going on and enjoyed how everything worked with the genre. The characters felt like they were supposed to in this story and enjoyed how they worked in this story. I enjoyed the way Sharon Kay wrote this and am excited to read more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 9, 2025
Cozy mystery set in the 70s. This book really wasn’t for me though. There wasn’t much character depth, I felt like there were scenes that didn’t add to anything in the book, and the mystery itself didn’t make enough progress throughout the book and suddenly just worked its way out to the main characters too easily at the end. 2.5⭐️
March 28, 2024
The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor by Sharon Kay is a cozy mystery set in Ohio in 1974. I give it 4.5 stars overall. It's a solid mystery about a journalism professor who is found dead in her office by one of her students, Michelle Kilpatrick.
Michelle is a commuter and journalism major. She becomes one of the prime suspects after being the one who finds Professor Ladd. Then, to both write a great story and clear her name, she works with other students to uncover who killed Professor Ladd and why.
I enjoyed this book. It's a cozy, but it's still a legitimate mystery. The professor had a lot in her background that Michelle needed to uncover before it all made sense. All of it was interesting, and Michelle approached it like a true journalist, which I liked. She kept reminding me of Heather in The Quarry Girls. Maybe it was because both books are set in the seventies, or maybe it is because they both seem to have the same voice, but I kept thinking of Heather.
Girls must have been much more naive back then because there were a couple of times when Michelle got upset about something that she shouldn't have gotten upset about. One time, she was angry at someone for not telling her something, and I thought, well, of course, he didn't tell you, it's personal. From time to time, she definitely seemed like she was from a different decade, but that didn't affect the novel overall. It was just different. It also allowed for an interesting juxtaposition between the adult themes of Professor Ladd's life and Michelle's naivete.
The author did a great job of creating the atmosphere. Michelle lives on a farm with her parents while she goes to school. It was all clearly laid out and very detailed. Also, unlike so many contemporary books set in contemporary times, Michelle has a group of friends. I liked that. I get so tired of reading about characters who are completely alone, even though I know it's so common to be completely alone nowadays. But it was nice to read about someone who has a whole network of friends around her - no cell phone, no internet, and only one television in the house. I so enjoyed that part of this book.
Who would like this novel? I'm going to say anybody would like it. Michelle is a college student, but the issues she talks about with Professor Ladd are adult issues, so I think of it more as an adult cozy mystery, even though a teenager might like it too. It's set in October, so there's a bit of an autumn feel. No graphic violence and no (or very little, if there is) cursing. It's a solid cozy mystery anyone will enjoy reading.
Michelle is a commuter and journalism major. She becomes one of the prime suspects after being the one who finds Professor Ladd. Then, to both write a great story and clear her name, she works with other students to uncover who killed Professor Ladd and why.
I enjoyed this book. It's a cozy, but it's still a legitimate mystery. The professor had a lot in her background that Michelle needed to uncover before it all made sense. All of it was interesting, and Michelle approached it like a true journalist, which I liked. She kept reminding me of Heather in The Quarry Girls. Maybe it was because both books are set in the seventies, or maybe it is because they both seem to have the same voice, but I kept thinking of Heather.
Girls must have been much more naive back then because there were a couple of times when Michelle got upset about something that she shouldn't have gotten upset about. One time, she was angry at someone for not telling her something, and I thought, well, of course, he didn't tell you, it's personal. From time to time, she definitely seemed like she was from a different decade, but that didn't affect the novel overall. It was just different. It also allowed for an interesting juxtaposition between the adult themes of Professor Ladd's life and Michelle's naivete.
The author did a great job of creating the atmosphere. Michelle lives on a farm with her parents while she goes to school. It was all clearly laid out and very detailed. Also, unlike so many contemporary books set in contemporary times, Michelle has a group of friends. I liked that. I get so tired of reading about characters who are completely alone, even though I know it's so common to be completely alone nowadays. But it was nice to read about someone who has a whole network of friends around her - no cell phone, no internet, and only one television in the house. I so enjoyed that part of this book.
Who would like this novel? I'm going to say anybody would like it. Michelle is a college student, but the issues she talks about with Professor Ladd are adult issues, so I think of it more as an adult cozy mystery, even though a teenager might like it too. It's set in October, so there's a bit of an autumn feel. No graphic violence and no (or very little, if there is) cursing. It's a solid cozy mystery anyone will enjoy reading.
May 9, 2024
“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” by Sharon Kay is an engaging and immersive cozy mystery set in the nostalgic backdrop of 1974. This book marks the debut of the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries series, captivating readers with its blend of suspense, intrigue, and a dash of the social dynamics of the 70s. The story follows Michelle Kilpatrick, a determined journalism student at the University of Petersburg, who finds herself in the midst of a perplexing murder mystery. The sudden discovery of her professor’s dead body catapults Michelle from worrying about her grades to being a person of interest in a homicide investigation. With the stakes higher than ever, Michelle, alongside an eclectic group of friends from the university’s commuter lounge, embarks on a quest to clear her name and solve the mystery of the professor’s murder.
Sharon Kay masterfully creates a vivid and authentic atmosphere of the 1970s, from the fashion and music to the small-town vibes of Petersburg. The setting is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story, adding a unique charm and authenticity to the narrative.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the dynamic between Michelle and her unlikely project partner, Craig Miller – a mystery writer turned grad student. Their relationship evolves intriguingly as they delve deeper into the web of secrets and deception surrounding the murder. The ensemble of characters from the commuter lounge adds depth and diversity to the story, each contributing in their own way to the unfolding mystery.
“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” shines in its ability to balance the cozy mystery elements with character development. Michelle’s journey from a student concerned with grades to a sleuth confronting dangerous secrets is both believable and compelling. The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Readers who enjoy a good cozy mystery with a nostalgic twist will find “The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” a delightful read. The promise of a sequel, “Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed,” set to release in Spring 2024, leaves us eagerly anticipating the next adventure in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries series. Sharon Kay has undoubtedly crafted a series that mystery enthusiasts will enjoy and follow with keen interest.
Sharon Kay masterfully creates a vivid and authentic atmosphere of the 1970s, from the fashion and music to the small-town vibes of Petersburg. The setting is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the story, adding a unique charm and authenticity to the narrative.
One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is the dynamic between Michelle and her unlikely project partner, Craig Miller – a mystery writer turned grad student. Their relationship evolves intriguingly as they delve deeper into the web of secrets and deception surrounding the murder. The ensemble of characters from the commuter lounge adds depth and diversity to the story, each contributing in their own way to the unfolding mystery.
“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” shines in its ability to balance the cozy mystery elements with character development. Michelle’s journey from a student concerned with grades to a sleuth confronting dangerous secrets is both believable and compelling. The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Readers who enjoy a good cozy mystery with a nostalgic twist will find “The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” a delightful read. The promise of a sequel, “Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed,” set to release in Spring 2024, leaves us eagerly anticipating the next adventure in the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries series. Sharon Kay has undoubtedly crafted a series that mystery enthusiasts will enjoy and follow with keen interest.
December 9, 2024
"The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor" by Sharon Kay is an utterly delightful, cosy mystery that whisks you back to Ohio in the mid-1970s—no mobile phones, no internet, just good old-fashioned sleuthing! Michelle Kilpatrick, our spirited journalism student protagonist, finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation after discovering her professor's dead body. Talk about a rough start to the semester!
This novel's charming blend of suspense, character-driven drama, and vintage atmosphere makes it shine. Michelle is instantly likeable; she's not perfect, which makes her feel more genuine. Surrounded by a circle of supportive friends, she bravely faces sceptical authorities and suspicious classmates while juggling her college workload. The historical details give you a taste of the era's pace of life, adding a comforting nostalgia to the mystery.
Sharon Kay's writing style is light, witty, and clear, making it easy to get lost in Michelle's world. Although the plot deals with a tragic death, it's never too grim—perfect for readers who crave a clever puzzle rather than gut-wrenching gore. If you love an old-school detective vibe with a plucky heroine leading the charge, "The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor" will have you eagerly turning pages well into the night. Highly recommended!
This novel's charming blend of suspense, character-driven drama, and vintage atmosphere makes it shine. Michelle is instantly likeable; she's not perfect, which makes her feel more genuine. Surrounded by a circle of supportive friends, she bravely faces sceptical authorities and suspicious classmates while juggling her college workload. The historical details give you a taste of the era's pace of life, adding a comforting nostalgia to the mystery.
Sharon Kay's writing style is light, witty, and clear, making it easy to get lost in Michelle's world. Although the plot deals with a tragic death, it's never too grim—perfect for readers who crave a clever puzzle rather than gut-wrenching gore. If you love an old-school detective vibe with a plucky heroine leading the charge, "The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor" will have you eagerly turning pages well into the night. Highly recommended!
January 9, 2025
The 1970s revisited.
The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor is a cozy murder mystery set in a small Midwestern college town in the 1970s. Michelle Kirkpatrick, a college student majoring in journalism, finds the dead body of her journalism professor in her office. Michelle becomes caught up in the murder investigation when she learns she is on the detective's suspect list.
I enjoyed the inner workings of the main characters, the 70s music references, and the curious mindset of small-town residents. The storyline includes romance, infidelity, blackmail, and many twists and turns that finally lead the reader to the killer! I'm looking forward to reading the following books in the series.
Marcia Dove, author of the Maggie McManus Murder Mysteries Series, Fatal Field Trip, Campus Casualty, and Wedding Woes.
March 22, 2024
When I first started reading this story I didn't really like Michelle. Her attitude was immature and her life was all about her study and working part time, yet she lived with her parents and contributed very little to earn her upkeep.
When the story started to progress, it started to become more interesting with plenty of twists coming from different angles and it became a page turner.
Michelle's commuter friends added a lot of extra interest to the story in various degrees.
I'll gladly read the 2nd book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
When the story started to progress, it started to become more interesting with plenty of twists coming from different angles and it became a page turner.
Michelle's commuter friends added a lot of extra interest to the story in various degrees.
I'll gladly read the 2nd book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
December 9, 2024
Groovy twists and retro mystery fun!
I really enjoyed this book. Set in groovy 1970s, this cosy mystery transported me to a time of bell-bottoms and secrets.
Michelle's determination to uncover the truth about her professor's murder kept me hooked, and the retro-college vibe added a lot of charm.
The twists were surprising but easy to follow and the ending tied everything together nicely. (I particularly like it in mysteries when I'm not left wondering about loose ends so that's a big plus for me with this story)
With a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and plenty of intrigue, this book is perfect for fans of light hearted mysteries. Just , my cup of tea!
I really enjoyed this book. Set in groovy 1970s, this cosy mystery transported me to a time of bell-bottoms and secrets.
Michelle's determination to uncover the truth about her professor's murder kept me hooked, and the retro-college vibe added a lot of charm.
The twists were surprising but easy to follow and the ending tied everything together nicely. (I particularly like it in mysteries when I'm not left wondering about loose ends so that's a big plus for me with this story)
With a strong female lead, a touch of romance, and plenty of intrigue, this book is perfect for fans of light hearted mysteries. Just , my cup of tea!
February 25, 2024
An entertaining read indeed. Cosy mystery with twists in the tale , secrets be told or be forever withhold . A good old fashioned whodunnit style .Set in the 70’s it’s immersive of that era with band and song reference adding depth to the story . The book is well written and engaging and I look forward to reading more from this author. I read a copy forwarded by Storyorigin and I’m leaving my review voluntarily and of my thoughts
March 18, 2024
She is about to find her professor dead and she will need help to try to solve what had happened. She will hunt for the clues and it is not going to easy to find those clues. Where will she find the clues? Where will they point them? See how it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
August 5, 2025
I received this in a Giveaway. This was an interesting story that had a few components to it.
Michelle is a journalism student at the local university. Michelle discovers the Professor's body. She tries to clear her name and write a story with the help of her friends. What will she find and could there be more to this than anyone knows?
This was a good book that I recommend reading.
Michelle is a journalism student at the local university. Michelle discovers the Professor's body. She tries to clear her name and write a story with the help of her friends. What will she find and could there be more to this than anyone knows?
This was a good book that I recommend reading.
August 20, 2025
A Wonderful Adventure
My first Sharon Kay book and it's fantastic. The characters are very interesting and well written . The mystery was very intriguing and impressive. I had no clue where it was going. Great ending. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Don't miss this one.
My first Sharon Kay book and it's fantastic. The characters are very interesting and well written . The mystery was very intriguing and impressive. I had no clue where it was going. Great ending. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Don't miss this one.
March 21, 2024
I found this novel to be entertaining and immersive. It was well written and left me eagerly waiting for book two! If you are looking for a good mystery with many twists and secrets to keep you on the edge of your seat, this book is for you. I loved the way it ended!
April 22, 2024
Fun story about an aspiring journalist caught up in a murder investigation of her journalism professor. I enjoyed the main characters, the 70s music references, and the interplay between family members and neighbors. Good read.
April 7, 2025
A cozy mystery that was a bit too unbelievable. Too many clues just happened to come to the main character and her friends.I did enjoy the references of the songs from the 70’s they mentioned that were playing on the radio or listening to on cassette tapes.
October 31, 2023
Cute little mystery. There are a lot of little twists. Nothing super crazy. But not bad either.
November 4, 2023
The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor is a lovely whodunit that is a good example of a cozy read. This mystery has twists and secrets to keep you guessing. Looking forward to book two!!!
March 18, 2024
3.6 for me. Kind of predictable. Still a good cozy fun read. Banter is good and it was entertaining.
February 12, 2024
wonderful book
I won this book on Goodreads. Loved the story. I loved the music references to groups and songs in the 70’s. Great mystery. I wasn’t sure who the guilty party was. Loved loved loved the ending. Great wrap up but left me wanting the next book!
I won this book on Goodreads. Loved the story. I loved the music references to groups and songs in the 70’s. Great mystery. I wasn’t sure who the guilty party was. Loved loved loved the ending. Great wrap up but left me wanting the next book!
July 3, 2024
The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor follows journalism major Michelle Kilpatrick as she seeks out to solve the mystery of her murdered college professor. With the help of her best friend, T.J., and her know-it-all class partner, Craig Miller, Michelle opens up a whole can of worms, exposing old town secrets and finding connections between the townspeople that she never knew. But in doing so, she also makes herself one of the prime suspects, and she seeks out to not only find justice for her professor but clear her name as well.
I recommend The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor to any mystery readers looking for a cozy, light academia read, those who want to read a murder mystery minus any intense gore or obscene details, and readers looking for a quick yet detailed read that wraps up neatly at the end.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-p...
I recommend The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor to any mystery readers looking for a cozy, light academia read, those who want to read a murder mystery minus any intense gore or obscene details, and readers looking for a quick yet detailed read that wraps up neatly at the end.
You can read my full review here: https://laurasbooksandblogs.com/the-p...
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews