Campus Murder Club

by Kristi Rose

College can be murder.
Catching a killer can be deadly.

When Jaime, a senior year nursing student, is brutally killed in her dorm, the campus police do the obligatory minimum––placing extra patrolman at night––and not much else. Jaime’s death looks to be on its way to the cold case files.
But when five students each get mysterious invitations to solve the murder, it starts a chain of events that will end in more death.
Why are five strangers pulled into a murder––and by whom?
What did Jaime know that got her killed?
Armed with only her journal, the five try to put the pieces of the crime together before it’s too late.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Murder Mystery, Dark Academia

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2023

About the author

Hey! I’m Kristi. I write romances that will tug your heartstrings and laugh out loud mysteries. In all my stories you’ll fall in love with the cast of characters, they’ll become old, fun friends. My one hope is that I create stories that satisfy any of your book cravings and take you away from the rut of everyday life (sometimes it's a good rut).

When I’m not writing I’m spinning (riding a stationary bike, repurposing Happy Planners, or drinking a London Fog (hot tea with frothy milk).

I’m the mom of 2 and a milspouse (retired). We live in the Pacific Northwest and are under-prepared if one of the volcanoes erupts.
Here are 3 things about me:
• I lived on the outskirts of an active volcano (Mt.Etna)
• A spider bit me and it laid eggs in my arm (my kids don’t know that story yet)
• I grew up in Central Florida and have skied in lakes with gators.

I’d love to get to know you better. Join my Read & Relax community and then fire off an email and tell me 3 things about you!
Not ready to join? Email me or follow me here. Thanks for popping by!

You can connect with Kristi at any of the following:
www.kristirose.net
kristi@kristirose.net

Reviews

[Cassie Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so hear me out… I liked this book but there were parts & characters that fell flat for me. At times I felt like I was reading about kids in high school instead of kids that were suppose to be in college. Sometimes dialogue or how a specific character acted felt super childish. Some character development was better than others, I feel like some of the characters that were suppose to be “main” characters ended up not having enough information to fully make them stand out, while characters who weren’t part of the group had some information that wasn’t entirely relevant.

I will say I did enjoy the story overall though! There were lots of twist that I really wasn’t expecting & did find myself enjoying. A few nights I stayed up later than I should have to see how the story would unfold. This was a first by this author & I will probably read another in the future.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[bee 🍉 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read by Kristi Rose and I am so happy to say that it won't be the last.

Camp Murder Club gave me One of Us Is Lying vibes and I loved it. I really enjoyed being able to follow along with the characters as they tried to find out who the killer was. I saw in someone's review that this book reminded them of The Breakfast Club with how all the characters were different on the surface but discovered how similar and alike they were underneath and I really loved that comparison.

Though there were moments where the book felt like it wasn't realistic, I found Camp Murder Club to be entertaining and fun read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really entertaining and enjoyable book. This is a really great book I would recommend! Special Thank You to Kristi Rose, Victory and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This was a fun and engaging thriller. Reminded me a bit of Holly Jackson’s A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but set at college. Would absolutely read more in this world if the author made it a series.

Five students receive a mysterious letter inviting them to join the campus murder club. These five students are asked to investigate the murder of Jaime a nursing student. The mysterious messenger who invited them to join provides occasional additional clues. I thought the messenger might become creepy or threatening but that was not the case. The messenger truly wanted the students to succeed and solve the crime. The police seem uninterested in solving the crime. The five (Trey, Elliot, Seema, Hillary and Teddy) come from different backgrounds and experiences but are able to work together and become friends. The author cycled through different POV in a way that didn’t have a rhythm but totally worked. The main focus of each chapter fit with where the investigation was focused.
Each student was interesting in their own way. Elliot’s backstory was significant to an additional subplot.

There were a few additional subplots that were woven into the main mystery that added depth and made this a complex and robust story.

A few things that kept this from being a five star read were minor quibbles. The medical storylines weren’t completely accurate. Teddy’s path through medical school and job at the morgue weren’t completely plausible. Jaime’s work as a CNA and some of the things she stumbled across also didn’t ring true for healthcare. I was able to roll with these things but it did make me wonder about how the author researched the medical plot points.

Overall a solid thriller that kept me interested on a snowy, chilly day. Recommend if you like to read books with a group of amateur sleuths solving a crime. Violence and gore were kept off the page.

[Cassie Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so hear me out… I liked this book but there were parts & characters that fell flat for me. At times I felt like I was reading about kids in high school instead of kids that were suppose to be in college. Sometimes dialogue or how a specific character acted felt super childish. Some character development was better than others, I feel like some of the characters that were suppose to be “main” characters ended up not having enough information to fully make them stand out, while characters who weren’t part of the group had some information that wasn’t entirely relevant.

I will say I did enjoy the story overall though! There were lots of twist that I really wasn’t expecting & did find myself enjoying. A few nights I stayed up later than I should have to see how the story would unfold. This was a first by this author & I will probably read another in the future.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for an eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Kristi Rose and it won't be the last. Campus Murder Club was phenomenal!! As soon as I started this book I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down. It had a great plot twist that I didn't see coming. I definitely enjoyed playing a guessing game trying to figure it out. The characters are well developed. I would highly recommend this book!!!

Thank you NetGalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.

[Tyne Swedish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and I needed y’all to read it so I can talk about it!!!

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When five students all receive letters saying to meet at the journalism building on the campus of Northwestern none of them know each other and at the very least have tentative connections Elliott who is a victim of a crime when her boyfriend and parents were all shot to death at her home something she was vilified for because her boyfriend Bryce and her brother we’re both big-time popular baseball players and her brother went on to play for the major leagues. Trey who is currently playing baseball for the college and he was invited as well along with Teddy Serena and Hilary. Soon after arriving Elliot who was the only journalism student of the group was surprised to see her professor arrive stating she got a phone call it was told to show up if she wanted to solve the murder of a girl name Jaime . Hi my was a girl who had been murdered six months before and had overcome every obstacle to become the successful college student she was in it seems the police were doing nothing to solve a crime. Not to mention there was no one advocating for the deceased girl. They find the box of evidence in the professor tells them they need to call campus security and not to touch anything in the box. When she goes off in search of campus security due to not being able to get them on the phone the students curiosity is too much to ignore. Before the instructor returns they have already made a note pick someone to watch out for her and premed student Terry has pulled out gloves so they can Peru’s the box and take pics this is win they develop the campus murder club and settle to solve a crime. Before it’s over they will get to know each other better and make really good friends with each other and others they talk to about the case and before they know it more than one crime assault and Jaime can finally rest in peace. This book was so good and it seems there was room left to have a second boat and I would totally be down with reading that. I have read the authors romance books and totally enjoyed them and to know she has a great talent for Crime writing was surprising but not surprising she is very talented and an author whose books I looked up when watching a new read and I will definitely check out her crime mysteries in the future. I hope this is the first of many books in this Siri‘s because I absolutely loved this one. I want to think the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some audiobooks are background noise while you fold laundry. This was not one of them. I sat on the couch, crochet hook abandoned, absolutely glued to my Aftershokz. From the first chapter in which a mysterious letter inviting journalism major Elliot to join a secret murder club and help solve the death of a student she actually knew, I was hooked.

The story takes place on a college campus, which felt all too believable. Let’s be honest, campuses aren’t exactly bastions of safety, and the tension that built as these curious, inexperienced students dove into an unsolved murder was rivetingly suspenseful. They really had no idea what they were doing, and that made it even better. One wrong move, and they could’ve easily become the next victims. At one point, I was positive they would be.

I was sure I knew who the killer was. I had theories, suspects, and my smug “I’ve got this” reader face ready to go ... only to be completely blindsided at the end. Even after the confession, I was still questioning it. Kristi Rose kept me guessing right up to the final scene.

Character-wise, Trey was my favorite. His mama raised a gentleman, and I appreciated that. Seema, on the other hand, came in hot with all attitude and zero empathy, but I warmed up to her as the story unfolded. Rose did a great job developing the friendships naturally, without forcing connections.

The big theme here was obsession. Obsession with solving a murder. Obsession with love. Obsession with secrets, money, and truth. It gave the story an edge that kept it firmly in the crime thriller genre. There was nothing cozy about this one.

If Campus Murder Club ever becomes a TV show, I’d want it done Forensic Files style with college students tackling cold cases with no fancy tech, just curiosity and caffeine.

This novel was absolutely a 10 out of 10 listen for me. I loved everything about it, from the pacing, the characters, and the twists, to (surprisingly to me) even the narration. I’m officially a Kristi Rose fan.

[Jill (jills.bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One of Us Is Lying” meets “The Breakfast Club” in this thrilling young adult mystery novel.

Six months ago, nursing student Jaime Sullivan was brutally murdered in her private, all-girls dorm at South Washington University, a prestigious college nestled in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. After unsuccessfully finding the killer, law enforcement quickly abandoned the case. Six months after Jaime’s murder, five students receive cryptic invitations to join the “Campus Murder Club” and become citizen sleuths. With seemingly nothing in common, these five unsuspecting students team up and embark on a quest to find the truth. As they delve into Jaime’s past, their lives are put in danger. Will they unmask the killer, or will they become the next victims?

As a huge fan of cozy mysteries and amateur sleuths, I was very excited to read this book. Reminiscent of “One of Us Is Lying” and “The Breakfast Club,” this was a quick and fun read. I enjoyed most of the book, but some of it was too unbelievable. I can’t imagine any law enforcement agency abandoning a murder investigation after only six months, or a university just letting a murder on their campus go unsolved. With that being said, it was still an entertaining book. I loved the disparate group coming together and discovering that they had more in common than they thought. The book ended with all loose ends tied up, but it still left the door open for a potential series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal! The Campus Murder Club had me on the edge of my seat. With so many twist and turns, you never knew what was going to happen next!

Six months ago, nursing student, Jamie, was found murdered in her dorm room. With no new leads, police have determined her murder a cold case. Many students are ready to move on, tired of the mandatory curfews and lack of school events. However, some students still want justice for Jamie.

When five students receive a mysterious letter inviting them to The Campus Murder Club to discuss Jamie’s murder, they soon find that the person behind this group wants them to find Jamie’s killer. The Messenger has given them a head start, a box of evidence full of journals and crime scene photos. The journals may hold the key to finding Jamie’s killer but can the group figure out the clues before it is too late.

The Campus Murder Club was captivating. I had so many questions in the beginning. Who killed uJamie? Why were these students chosen? Who is the messenger? Each question had me more invested in the story that I didn’t want to put down. I would have never guessed the ending but was satisfied on how everything played out. The book left on a possible cliffhanger that opened up the possibility of a book two, which I would happily read.

The Campus Murder Club is available October 6th!

Thank you NetGalley and Victoria Editing on the opportunity to review The Campus Murder Club. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not given 5 stars to many books this year, but this one definitely deserves all of them.

From the beginning, I had the feeling that it was going to be at least a solid 4-star rating. The first pages are very engaging and put me directly into the story with the characters. They all have some chapters from their point of view and I got to discover them a little bit more every time. Also, every character has their importance and they all bring something to the group.

The group’s dynamic is very pleasing and well-constructed. It brings a little charm to the story that is (obviously) quite dark. I don’t have one character that really caught my attention, even though I very much liked one girl and one guy in particular. There is a very important and interesting mental health representation, which isn’t very common in a ya thriller.
I liked the fact that several storylines were added to the main one; it added more depth and appeal. And I have to admit, one revelation had me gasping, I did not see it coming at all and it was fantastic. *chef’s kiss*
Also, some aspects of the ending caught me by surprise — in a good way. The author chose one path especially for a character that is rather rare in the genre and I really appreciated that choice. It was a rather realistic ending.

I want to thank Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review. This is definitely a book that I would see on my shelves when it will be released (on october 3rd).

[Summer R Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Kristi Rose and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was phenomenal! I couldn't put it down! Going unto this book, you think it's about one mystery when, in fact, boom! There are more! This truly had me at the edge of my seat wondering who the killers were, who did they do it, and whether our main characters would figure out who they were! The main characters are very much lovable, and you want nothing bad to happen to them. You learn about them as the story goes on. This is a book I will definitely be rereading.

Death, despair, anger, and so many emotions rolled into one book. Of course, there's more to it than that. Five completely different people come together because of a letter, and they become a group to solve a murder no one seems to care about. They get all the information, clues, and everything they can. Will they solve it, or will they uncover more sinister things as they go along? That's for you to find out.

I truly loved this book. Thank you so much for allowing me to review it!

[Richard Mcgowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campus Murder Club is a solid, if not outstanding, murder mystery. The writing, while engaging, occasionally felt a bit flat and pedestrian. For example, one line describes a scene as, "It looked like a tree had barfed," which felt a bit clunky and took me out of the moment. The book is marketed as a YA mystery, but it leans more toward adult fiction in some areas. One of the central theories in the plot touches on the victim's sexual activities, which adds a layer that seems a bit more mature than what you'd typically expect from a YA story. Plus, the setting is a college campus, which can go either way in terms of audience.

I did have a couple of issues with the story’s setup. For one, the idea that a murder investigation would stall after just six months seemed a little far-fetched. There was also a major subplot that left me wanting more details, though this could just be a setup for a potential sequel.

On the positive side, the characters were mostly well-developed and interesting, which kept me invested in their arcs. Overall, it’s a solid 3.5-star read—nothing mind-blowing, but certainly enjoyable for fans of murder mysteries.

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Took a little bit but once you get into the story some it hooks you! Elliot, Trey, Teddy, Seema, and Hilary are invited to join the Campus Murder Club. They’re first case solving the cold case murder of a fellow student named Jamie. Who runs the club? Why were they invited? These are questions they don’t have answers to. But with the cops closing in on them they’ll have to decide whether or not they want to find Jamie’s killer. But could it be too dangerous? They’re strangers so can they even trust each other? Is it legal? I liked that there were multiple mysteries in this one. Readers start off with two and then more unfold as they search for Jamie’s killer. Intriguing and thrilling, if you’re like me you’ll consume this book! And the ending provides just the right amount of answers with questions! Can’t wait to read it again!

[Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Took a little bit but once you get into the story some it hooks you! Elliot, Trey, Teddy, Seema, and Hilary are invited to join the Campus Murder Club. They’re first case solving the cold case murder of a fellow student named Jamie. Who runs the club? Why were they invited? These are questions they don’t have answers to. But with the cops closing in on them they’ll have to decide whether or not they want to find Jamie’s killer. But could it be too dangerous? They’re strangers so can they even trust each other? Is it legal? I liked that there were multiple mysteries in this one. Readers start off with two and then more unfold as they search for Jamie’s killer. Intriguing and thrilling, if you’re like me you’ll consume this book! And the ending provides just the right amount of answers with questions! Can’t wait to read it again!

[Molly Lehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Campus Murder Club. The author did a great job at keeping you guessing on who committed the crime. It had a good plot twist, that honestly I didn’t see coming. My brain had it going a different direction and I think that is one reason why I liked this books so much. I thought I had it 100% solved, when I didn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed the guessing game and trying to solve the puzzle of multiple crimes wrapped into one. The book concluded, but left room for more if the author wants to continues with a series. If you are a fan of crime solving, cold cases and mystery you will enjoy this book. The characters are developed well and I definitely had my favorites by the end of the book. Looking forward to more from Kristi Rose!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#CampusMurderClub #NetGalley is a book that you won't want to put down.
When I started this book, I wasn't sure what to expect since I've never read anything by Kristi Rose.
This book grabbed me from the beginning, a small college town, an unsolved murder, and 5 students who have very different lives.
When an anonymous note brings them together, they are all skeptical of each other, and unsure what the sender actually wanted from them.
As the story unravels, secrets are revealed and the lives of everyone involved are at risk.
This is a fantastic book and I'm hoping there will be more with this wonderful group of characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

[Tara Brewster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast and overall fun read. I was a bit skeptical about the plot at the beginning just thinking how unlikely it is that a group of college students who do not know each other would show up somewhere after receiving an anonymous, somewhat sketchy letter.

However, I really enjoyed how the story builds and plays out. I loved the way each character has a connection that they had to figure out along the way. The ending felt slightly forced but maybe that is just the result of so much build up and plot development.

This was my first read from this author but o would definitely read more. I enjoyed the book and felt like it kept me thinking and questioning things throughout the story.

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me a lot of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. It was a great ride and I was definitely surprised by one of the twists at the end. I struggled a little bit with just how juvenile some of the dialogue was. I loved Elliot's character and thought she was such a strong character despite her not necessarily always showing it. I did guess one of the twists but ultimately Kristi still got me with a certain death. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and it was a relatively quick read. I needed to know about each character and where they were going to get to. I felt like there could have been a little more excitement leading up to the end of the book because some of it did feel very abrupt. Other than that, I found this to be a good read!

[Meebs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this recently and I just enjoyed it so much!




Spoilers at this point in my review:

Okay so this book brings so many interesting plot twists: Elliot’s brother is a super star Baseball player who’s super famous. Her parents were murdered and her ex boyfriend got injured when both of their parents are murdered. Causing many people to recognise her. She gets note with 5 other college students for a murder club to solve the murder of a college student named Jamie. Jamie was murdered in her own dorm room. It’s full of dark and twisted secrets. Also be warned you might cry in some parts of this books 🥲

[Gina Malanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaime’s murder was 6 months ago and the case has gone cold with no hope of new evidence. That is until a group of almost strangers are all called together to make up the Campus Murder Club and are tasked with solving Jaime’s murder. As they work together to solve the murder qnd come to grips with their own traumas it almost seems like they may solve the crime, but as the stakes get higher they wonder if they are in over their heads. This was a great read and I look forward to more from The Campus Murder Club.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read anything by Kristi Rose before Campus Murder Club, so I was a little nervous at these. I shouldn’t have been though because this book was great! I always love it when I can’t guess the ending and that doesn’t happen too often, so it was a pleasant surprise. Elliot and all the characters are wonderfully developed and well written and the storyline really kept me on my toes while also making me want to finish the book all in one sitting. Would definitely recommend to any thriller/mystery lovers. I would also love to see a sequel or series related to this book!

[Jacki van de Schoor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to admit I wasn't really a big fan of Campus Murder Club. It was okay for a young adult crime novel I guess, but I was pretty bored most of the way through it.
To be fair though, I'm not really in the target age group.

I didn't expect it to be as young adult as it was. I do read a few young adult novels from time to time, but this one was a bit more juvenile than I'm used to.
Kids in their mid teens will probably love it.

3 stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Caitlin Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Description
College can be murder.
Nestled in the woods of a Pacific Northwest town, a prestigious college becomes the setting for a chilling murder. When nursing student Jaime is brutally killed in her exclusive private all-girls room, the authorities quickly abandon her case, dooming it to the cold case files. But fate has other plans.
Catching a killer can be deadly.
Five unsuspecting students receiving cryptic invitations that thrust them into a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Drawn together by an unknown hand, these citizen sleuths are about to embark on a perilous quest to unearth the truth behind Jaime's murder.
As they delve into Jaime's past, her journal emerges as the key to unraveling the truth, but it also puts their lives in danger. With every corner filled with lurking peril, the stakes rise, forcing them to confront the deadly consequences of their pursuit.
Will they unmask the killer hiding in plain sight, or will they become the next victims in this deadly game of deception?
Prepare yourself for a nail-biting ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the shocking final revelation. Fans of Karen Mcmanus, Holly Jackson, and The Agatha’s Series will be captivated by this suspenseful young adult mystery novel that proves that not even on campus are you safe.

I'm obsessed!! Reading this book, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. With parts of me excited to get to the end to see the answers I also found peace in taking it all in slowly and trying to piece together my own thoughts throughout it.

The Campus Murder Club is available October 6th!

Thank you NetGalley and Victoria Editing on the opportunity to review The Campus Murder Club. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[K Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting through this one. I think it was mostly because I couldn’t carve out time for reading as often as I would have liked. The characters were great, the storyline was great, and I really enjoyed the ending. I would read this book poolside and I’m pretty sure people noticed my reactions to twists and turns in this book. I’d give this book a solid 4.5 stars but I am unable to select half stars.

[Maven_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Campus Murder Club by Kristi Rose delivers a fun, if somewhat predictable, cozy mystery. The setting of a college campus provides an engaging backdrop, and the amateur sleuths are likeable, if a bit stereotypical. While the mystery itself isn't particularly complex, it provides enough twists and turns to keep the reader entertained. Rose's writing style is light and breezy, making it a quick and enjoyable read for fans of the genre looking for a lighthearted whodunnit.

[Sophia M. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, action packed myster(ies) that keep you guessing! I thought I knew who did it but I was way off and didn’t know until the very last pages who the real killer was. I really enjoyed reading this book and the way the author kept the momentum up throughout the entire book, keeping the reader engaged. Such a fun and suspenseful read! Tons of action! Highly recommend!

[HEATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Kristi Rose and it won't be the last. Campus Murder Club was phenomenal!! As soon as I started this book I knew I wasn't going to be able to put it down. It had a great plot twist that I didn't see coming. I definitely enjoyed playing a guessing game trying to figure it out. The characters are well developed. I would highly recommend this book!!!

[Leah Hines · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best mysteries I've read this year! The characters are interesting. The plot was unique. There are several twists that kept me guessing. And that ending! I didn't see that coming. I hope this becomes a series. There is a ton of potential here!