Death by Dissertation

Deep South Mystery #3

by Dean A. James

For Andy Carpenter, graduate school is stressful enough without adding romantic complications to the mix. First, Andy has to contend with the presence of Rob Hayward, newly enrolled in the history PhD program. He thought Rob was out of his life for good, but now he has to confront his unresolved feelings and not let his work suffer.

When Andy discovers the body of fellow graduate student Charlie Harper in the university library, his ex, Rob, looks like the chief suspect in the murder. And just what was the relationship between Rob and Charlie?

Andy and his best friend, Maggie McLendon, agree that Rob isn't a murderer, and they decide the best way to exonerate him is to figure out who really killed Charlie. Who else might have had a motive for murder? When a second murder occurs, Andy, Maggie, and Rob must work quickly to find the killer before Rob ends up charged with two murders he didn't commit...or even worse, dead!

Genres: Mystery

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2013

Reviews

[Shirley Wetzel]

This was based on the author's experience at Rice University. A good murder mystery in an academic setting I know well. The author, who earned a Ph.D. from Rice, has an insider's knowledge of how grad school can be murder.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was fun and light, with a multitude of suspects. I also enjoyed the geographic references to the Houston area, since I've lived here all of my life. Highly recommended!

[Alannah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mysteries set in the academic world, and this one doesn't disappoint. Graduate student (and mystery fan) Andy Carpenter finds the body of one of his most insufferable classmates. This thrusts him right into the middle of a murder investigation - and into dealing with his feelings for childhood friend Rob Hayward. The characters are quite likable and the mystery does a good job in keeping one guessing. Overall, a very enjoyable read.

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

The copy my library has was in tiny type all close together like tenements in Queens. I'm so spoiled by my e-reader. I just purchased an electronic copy and will hopefully get to it soon to finish. I was enjoying it, I was just finding it tediously slow with such small print.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The murders in this book take place in the library I work so I had to give this a shot. Not really my favorite genre of mystery, but I thought I would give it 3 stars for setting.

[M. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Sharon Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several books by this author now and I really like them.
This book is a murder mystery set in a university library and it was interesting enough that I kept turning the pages - figuratively speaking as I have an ereader.
The writing is good and the story interesting enough that at no time did I want to give up. Being a retired librarian I really liked the setting and the attention to detail.
I would not class this book as a cozy murder/mystery.
Recommended.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, book in an academia setting that doesn't romanticize the realities of graduate work and professorship! I thought the mystery was well structured; it kept me guessing the whole time.