Death at Hilliard High

Susan Lombardi Mystery #3

by Carole B. Shmurak

Professor/sleuth Susan Lombardi is back with two mysteries to solve: Who is playing the cruel pranks on the new teacher - a twisted student or a jealous colleague? And what has become of the teacher whose wife's body was found in their cellar? “A short, fast, smoothly readable story... not just another copy- cat. Try it for yourself.” Kim Malo, MyShelf.com “A quick read with a satisfying ending on all counts.” Ceil Carey, The Cozy Library

Genres: Mystery

188 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 2009

About the author

Dr. Carole B. Shmurak is Professor Emeritus at Central Connecticut State University. She is the author of eleven books, including Deadmistress, featuring professor/sleuth Susan Lombardi; there are three more titles in the Lombardi series. Under the pseudonym Carroll Thomas, she is the co-author of the Matty Trescott young adult novels, one of which (Ring Out Wild Bells) was nominated for the Agatha for best young adult mystery of 2001.

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great quick mystery. Susan is an interesting character and I love the supporting cast. Her husband Swash and BFF are both supportive.

The mystery this time starts out fairly safe, just some harassment of a teacher. It does of course later take a turn to a murder. We all know that peaks Susan's curiosity.

The whole book is from Susan's POV, which adds to the mystery I suppose. You find out details and uncover clues with her. Which makes it your mystery to solve as well.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Barbara Benjamin-Creel. She does a great job keeping the energy of the lead character and makes the story move. She has a great feel for Susan, which is important because it all comes from her POV. Nice pace and tone throughout the read. I also loved her work with Elaine and Swash. They have been consistent and distinct throughout the series.

I am a big fan of these mini mysteries. They are super short, but contain plenty of detail. I can not wait to see what happens next.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

[bex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Low 3

I felt a little let down with the investigation and the resolution. The title should perhaps have been Pranks at Hilliard High, because that's where the focus was in the book. The murder felt like a coincidental side story.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit anticlimactic

I am a fan of mystery writers, especially writers who create multifaceted characters. My other criteria is a genuine whodunit. This story meets that latter criteria but falls woefully short on the previous.

Be warned, the murder in the story is pretty much solved within pages of its discovery. The only mystery in that case is where the murderer is hiding. The real whodunit involves a secondary plot which is much more engaging.

The lack of multidimensional characters is a major issue for me. The characters are flawless in their natures: perfect teachers, perfect students, nothing about them out of place. Give me a Phillip Marlowe or a Hercule Poirot . Give me someone who has vices or character flaws...please?

[Frances L. Ehrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Will Out

A surprisingly excellent read, and extremely enjoyable. I just kept reading and didn't stop until the resolution. Dr. Lombardi is an interesting character and a most believable one. The book was well written and introduced an entertaining cast of players. I look forward to more tales by this author.

[Virginia L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where is Leo?

Lots of twists and turns in this story. With a mystery at the high school and the mysterious death of the wife of one of the teacher's and then the disappearance of the teacher there's lots to keep you turning the pages of this book.
Review posted by Virginia Jones

[Carolyn Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Color me picky, but I wanted more from this book in terms of suspense and character development. And I wanted the murder to be a main theme instead of what seemed more like an offshoot of the racist pranks plot.

[Rene McColl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let down.

Good until the ending . Seems contrived .No real excitement just rolled along and was quite enjoyable because I thought it was going to pick up pace. It didn't . More exciting was what was for dinner .

[Sienna S'Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good Susan Lombardi read, this time with some interesting juxtapositions -- entre with racial tension and good intentions, accompanied by car craziness, and finished off with a few deaths. Nice "cozy" mystery.

[Maureen Doyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, likable characters

Shmurak has an easy-to-read writing style and spins an intriguing tale of rich students, old money, and devoted teachers. The confrontation with prejudicial writings and behaviors added another depth to the book.

[Linda Rae Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

I read the title and thought this might be a silly book. Not at all. Complex characters, themes and plot

[Susan Berkow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing

Not one scintilla of suspense, craft, or mystery. Plot goes nowhere.The social commentary was the best feature of this book.

[Debra Barstad · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a ok book for me. quick fast read.

[paulette sarelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good thriller

This was a pretty good mystery. The main characters were a little boring. The story line seemed a little weak. It was entertaining though.

[Carol Crigger]

DNF

[Dawn Fitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good mystery that takes place in academia. I really enjoyed this story.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death at Hilliard High is another good cozy mystery written by Carole B. Shmurak. The story centers on Susan Lombardi who is an education professor and educational consultant at a Connecticut university. Susan is asked by a former student to visit her classroom at the prestigious Hilliard High where she was recently hired after graduating from college. The new teacher is being harassed by pranks, which appear to be racially motivated. While looking into the pranks, Susan unwittingly becomes involved in the murder of one of the teachers' wives at the school. The same supporting cast of characters is back, including Susan’s husband and her best friend. With their help, Susan solves the murder by uncovering the murderer's secret hideout.

Unlike other books in a typical series, I don’t believe you must read the first book in the series beforehand. Sufficient background is given to fully understand the various characters and enjoy the story.

I listened to the Audible version of this story. Barbara Benjamin-Creel's narration was great. She's maintained consistent voices from the first two books, differentiating the various characters. She also exhibited the right amount of “spunk” and cheekiness needed in a good cozy mystery. Great job!

[Denise Zendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Lombardi, a professor/educational consultant/amateur sleuth steps in to help an African-American brand new teacher and former pupil, who is working at an extremely monochromatic prep school. Someone is playing pranks on the teacher, and they appear to be racially motivated. Susan also investigates the slaying of the wife of one of the teachers at the same school.

I didn’t realize until I checked on Amazon that this is the third book in the series. There were references to previous mysteries being solved, but not in a way that upset the flow of this story. It was an easy, enjoyable read, with all the loose ends tied up nicely by the end. Not something I’d re-read, but good enough to make me want to search out the first two in the series, and keep up with it once I was caught up.

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and quick read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy these mysteries--being an academic and former public school teacher. Just fun reads.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Installment 3 in the series. Not as strong as the first 2 but some interesting plot twists.