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Jersey Girl Mystery #1
New Math is Murder
Reporter Colleen Caruso was never good at math.
A stingy ex-husband, a teenage daughter, and a rusted-out Ford Escort have multiplied her troubles. Tripping over a dead body while on her morning jog seems like another incident for the minus column.
But then her new editor at the newspaper gives her a regular column detailing the investigation. He's handsome, single, and just a bit mysterious. Suddenly, Colleen's life is on the plus side.
Unfortunately, 1 dead algebra teacher + 2 secret affairs + 4 suspicious suspects quickly adds up to 3 perilous "accidents" for Colleen.
Which means Colleen needs to come up with the solution to the murder . . . before the killer removes her from the equation.
A stingy ex-husband, a teenage daughter, and a rusted-out Ford Escort have multiplied her troubles. Tripping over a dead body while on her morning jog seems like another incident for the minus column.
But then her new editor at the newspaper gives her a regular column detailing the investigation. He's handsome, single, and just a bit mysterious. Suddenly, Colleen's life is on the plus side.
Unfortunately, 1 dead algebra teacher + 2 secret affairs + 4 suspicious suspects quickly adds up to 3 perilous "accidents" for Colleen.
Which means Colleen needs to come up with the solution to the murder . . . before the killer removes her from the equation.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 25, 2014
What a great book! One day Colleen Caruso decides to try and lose that last 10 pounds and pulls herself out of bed early to take a jog. Unfortunately she trips over the body of her daughter's algebra teacher and the events take off from there! This will keep you turning the pages as well as laughing out loud ( I did a number of times!). If you need a book to curl up with on a cold, snowy afternoon - or a sunny beach vacation. This is it!
March 25, 2014
I'm not big on long reviews. Read this on spring break. It was fast, funny and had an interesting conclusion. This is a good cozy mystery!
February 22, 2014
Colleen Caruso's life is the perfect example of Murphy's Law - if something is going to go wrong, it's going to go wrong with her life. Her self-centered husband leaves her for a younger woman and hides their assets, leaving Colleen in financial limbo. Sara, her teenaged daughter, - well, need I say more? - is flunking Algebra after acing it the year before. And Bobby, her ten-year-old, just wants his dad to come watch him lose another Little League game.
Not to mention her nosy parents who live behind her just across the alley, the pittance of freelancing for the local newspaper, the barely-out-of-college editor who loves giving Colleen the snooze-fest assignments, a best friend who's been keeping waaaay too many secrets, and a boss who won't keep his shirt on.
Did I mention her finances?
Throw in discovering the dead body of her daughter's Algebra teacher, and Colleen is one foot from the funny farm.
As regular readers know, I'm not very good with dry humor. But I found New Math is Murder to be a witty delight with several chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments. I could really relate to the mess Colleen has found herself in - especially after the hilarious beginning scene. I too hate my alarm clock!
We stayed firmly in Colleen's point-of-view throughout. We get a really good sense of who she is without being spoon-fed every teeny tiny tidbit. I could relate to her as a human being with internal motivations. Good with the showing and not too much of the telling. Most everything had a purpose and a point and wasn't just thrown in as fluff and fodder to make the book longer (by the way, the length was perfect).
The mystery wasn't complicated and was easy to unravel, but the mystery wasn't so much the main focus of the read - it was just fun riding along to get to that "ah-ha" moment when everything fell into place for our characters.
Was every aspect of Colleen's life tied up in a pretty little bow by the end? Nope - and I liked that!!! Life doesn't get tied up in rosy bows, and it left everything with a great sense of realism among the laughs. It also left room for follow-up mysteries for Colleen to solve. And I look forward to reading more of her exploits and explorations.
I give New Math is Murder a solid four-and-ahalf stars and recommend for teens through adult. I can't even remember if there was a single cuss word! My mother would love this book. Pick up a copy today if you want a good book for a cold weekend.
Not to mention her nosy parents who live behind her just across the alley, the pittance of freelancing for the local newspaper, the barely-out-of-college editor who loves giving Colleen the snooze-fest assignments, a best friend who's been keeping waaaay too many secrets, and a boss who won't keep his shirt on.
Did I mention her finances?
Throw in discovering the dead body of her daughter's Algebra teacher, and Colleen is one foot from the funny farm.
As regular readers know, I'm not very good with dry humor. But I found New Math is Murder to be a witty delight with several chuckles and laugh-out-loud moments. I could really relate to the mess Colleen has found herself in - especially after the hilarious beginning scene. I too hate my alarm clock!
We stayed firmly in Colleen's point-of-view throughout. We get a really good sense of who she is without being spoon-fed every teeny tiny tidbit. I could relate to her as a human being with internal motivations. Good with the showing and not too much of the telling. Most everything had a purpose and a point and wasn't just thrown in as fluff and fodder to make the book longer (by the way, the length was perfect).
The mystery wasn't complicated and was easy to unravel, but the mystery wasn't so much the main focus of the read - it was just fun riding along to get to that "ah-ha" moment when everything fell into place for our characters.
Was every aspect of Colleen's life tied up in a pretty little bow by the end? Nope - and I liked that!!! Life doesn't get tied up in rosy bows, and it left everything with a great sense of realism among the laughs. It also left room for follow-up mysteries for Colleen to solve. And I look forward to reading more of her exploits and explorations.
I give New Math is Murder a solid four-and-ahalf stars and recommend for teens through adult. I can't even remember if there was a single cuss word! My mother would love this book. Pick up a copy today if you want a good book for a cold weekend.
July 25, 2019
One morning, during a jog, Colleen stumbles (literally) onto a dead body. Turns out someone killed her daughter’s Algebra teacher. But who? And why? For a Teacher Award? Or perhaps this was a lover’s crime of passion?
Now, Colleen is on the writing assignment and on the case.
A quirky, cozy mystery and a quick read!
Now, Colleen is on the writing assignment and on the case.
A quirky, cozy mystery and a quick read!
March 26, 2022
Enjoyable Cozy Mystery! Wonderful Narration & Audible Listen 🎧📚🎧
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
March 26, 2022
Enjoyable Cozy Mystery! Wonderful Narration & Audible Listen 🎧📚🎧
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
March 28, 2022
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
There is nothing better than a good cozy mystery and Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa delivers with New Math is Murder. There is a good story, a little humor and even a little romance! Colleen Caruso, recently divorced is trying to make some changes to her life. Jogging is one, and this day, she finds her daughter's Algebra teacher dead in her path. No, this does not bode well for her. But now given the chance by her boss to do some investigative reporting to find the killer, she is looking to advance at her job and clear herself as well as her best friend! The question is will she be able to do it? Will she find herself in the midst of something bigger? And what about the attraction between herself and her editor? Will it be a conflict? This is so much fun. An easy listen, it is a great whodunit, keeping me engaged and wondering until the very end! What a surprise! The perfect weekend listen, I highly recommend it.
The narration is by one of my favorite, versatile narrators, Meghan Kelly. Kelly has a way of choosing her voices and in many cases, there are many in the books and finding the perfect one for her characters. Each is original and easy to determine who is speaking. I am in awe of her talent and love to listen to her. This book had many characters, and each was distinguishable and well suited. Loved the narration.
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
There is nothing better than a good cozy mystery and Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa delivers with New Math is Murder. There is a good story, a little humor and even a little romance! Colleen Caruso, recently divorced is trying to make some changes to her life. Jogging is one, and this day, she finds her daughter's Algebra teacher dead in her path. No, this does not bode well for her. But now given the chance by her boss to do some investigative reporting to find the killer, she is looking to advance at her job and clear herself as well as her best friend! The question is will she be able to do it? Will she find herself in the midst of something bigger? And what about the attraction between herself and her editor? Will it be a conflict? This is so much fun. An easy listen, it is a great whodunit, keeping me engaged and wondering until the very end! What a surprise! The perfect weekend listen, I highly recommend it.
The narration is by one of my favorite, versatile narrators, Meghan Kelly. Kelly has a way of choosing her voices and in many cases, there are many in the books and finding the perfect one for her characters. Each is original and easy to determine who is speaking. I am in awe of her talent and love to listen to her. This book had many characters, and each was distinguishable and well suited. Loved the narration.
April 18, 2022
This is the most fun I had listening to a cozy mystery. New Math Is Murder is wonderfully written and a fantastic start to the Jersey Girl Mysteries. The story is well-plotted, entertaining, engaging, and packed with clues, mysteries, and unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was super impressed by Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa's creativity. The character development is excellent; I really liked Colleen; she is well-rounded, appealing, and relatable. Despite her lack of experience in investigative reporting, Colleen has the drive and instinct to follow the right leads. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
The audiobook is very well-narrated. Meghan Kelly does an outstanding job the capturing the diversity in the characters' personalities, especially Colleen's. She definitely made the story even more engaging. New Math Is Murder was a very enjoyable listen, one I'm recommending.
The audiobook is very well-narrated. Meghan Kelly does an outstanding job the capturing the diversity in the characters' personalities, especially Colleen's. She definitely made the story even more engaging. New Math Is Murder was a very enjoyable listen, one I'm recommending.
April 11, 2022
Audiobook Review:
This was such a fun, entertaining story. Cozy mysteries like this have became some of my favorite palette cleansers between romance novels. I enjoy the “who dunit” of it all and the everyday, could be me kind of leading lady. She was so relatable as were many aspects of her life. From the snarky teenager to the meddling opinionated mother, to the financial woes. It was something I could see happening in real life and I really enjoyed listening. What made me dive in and try this new to me author was the narrator, Meghan Kelly. And I’ll continue to try new authors because of her. Because if nothing else I know I’m going to get a great performance from her. She didn’t disappoint here. She brought great energy to this story and these characters. Overall, this was a good start of a series, and I would certainly like to hear more.
This was such a fun, entertaining story. Cozy mysteries like this have became some of my favorite palette cleansers between romance novels. I enjoy the “who dunit” of it all and the everyday, could be me kind of leading lady. She was so relatable as were many aspects of her life. From the snarky teenager to the meddling opinionated mother, to the financial woes. It was something I could see happening in real life and I really enjoyed listening. What made me dive in and try this new to me author was the narrator, Meghan Kelly. And I’ll continue to try new authors because of her. Because if nothing else I know I’m going to get a great performance from her. She didn’t disappoint here. She brought great energy to this story and these characters. Overall, this was a good start of a series, and I would certainly like to hear more.
October 8, 2022
A really good cozy mystery. I loved the story, the dialogue and the attitude. Colleen a divorced mother of two. klutz and freelance fluff piece reporter's life takes a turn with she trips over the body of a teacher on her morning jog and her editor asks her to look into the case. Some excellent twists and turns as the case develops and with several good suspects, the story works really well. The characters are excellent, the story well written and Meghan Kelly as a narrator is a great choice bringing the characters to life. I received a complimentary copy of the audio from the narrator and am leaving a honest voluntary review
January 2, 2018
"Single" mother going through a divorce trips over a dead body and (hoping to help her journalism career) ends up on the hunt for the killer.
Seems good right? I thought so, but the characters fell flat for me. I liked the whodunnit element, but I just couldn't connect to any of the characters involved :(
Nonetheless, the writing wasn't horrible, and the plot was pretty filled out, so if you seem intrigued by the synopsis don't let me deter you and try it for yourself.
Seems good right? I thought so, but the characters fell flat for me. I liked the whodunnit element, but I just couldn't connect to any of the characters involved :(
Nonetheless, the writing wasn't horrible, and the plot was pretty filled out, so if you seem intrigued by the synopsis don't let me deter you and try it for yourself.
March 31, 2023
FUN,ENTERTAINING AND CLEAN MYSTERY
Megan Kelly really brings life to these well written words with the narration and the characters are so real they could be someone you know. Collen has determination in spades, good friends, outspoken mother and great teenage daughter but lets not speak about the EX husband. The scene in the Escort was so life like I think I was holding my breath. I like Coleen's humour and manner of speaking, very enjoyable read/Listen. Recommended
Megan Kelly really brings life to these well written words with the narration and the characters are so real they could be someone you know. Collen has determination in spades, good friends, outspoken mother and great teenage daughter but lets not speak about the EX husband. The scene in the Escort was so life like I think I was holding my breath. I like Coleen's humour and manner of speaking, very enjoyable read/Listen. Recommended
November 30, 2017
This was an entertaining book. A struggling mother, trips over a dead body and it goes from there. She does small reporting for a local paper and tries to write stories about it. Because of her stories, she finds herself a target of the killer. The reason behind the killing does not follow the whole story. Good Book
July 8, 2019
Stupid heroine
The writing was decent and overall plot passable but i couldn't get over just how stupid and helpless the heroine was. The scene leading up to her car going over a pier almost made me stop reading. She has to be a klutz because all she does is stumble into trouble. I have no idea what her editor sees in her.
The writing was decent and overall plot passable but i couldn't get over just how stupid and helpless the heroine was. The scene leading up to her car going over a pier almost made me stop reading. She has to be a klutz because all she does is stumble into trouble. I have no idea what her editor sees in her.
March 30, 2022
🎧AUDIOBOOK REVIEW🎧
What a great cozy mystery!
I tend to be good at figuring out who done it before the big reveal but I'll be honest with you. This one had me stumped until the end.
Colleen has quite a life and gets into so many antics, but all in the name of Truth!
This is a great listen and Meghan's performance is amazing as always!
What a great cozy mystery!
I tend to be good at figuring out who done it before the big reveal but I'll be honest with you. This one had me stumped until the end.
Colleen has quite a life and gets into so many antics, but all in the name of Truth!
This is a great listen and Meghan's performance is amazing as always!
May 9, 2017
A great cozy mystery of a woman who trips over a dead body!! Rumors and a killer involve the local high school! Great fast read, very enjoyable.
December 2, 2021
Cute cozy mystery. I figured out who and what but not the why.
August 16, 2022
Colleen is a local small town reporter who likes to solve mysteries. Her mom is a hoot. Meghan Kelly narrates this story.
January 6, 2025
Super funny especially if you have any connection to Jersey!
October 11, 2025
Definitely falls in the cozy mystery genre. Witty writing, moments of laughter, likable characters. This was a fun quick read.
September 4, 2015
Colleen Caruso, a late thirty-something single mother of a young son and a teen-aged daughter, is a stringer for a local newspaper with regional publications. She mostly does “fluff” assignments, and likes it that way.
One day she’s out for a jog and she trips over a body on the path. Turns out, it’s the body of one of her daughter’s teachers, the Algebra teacher whom Colleen had a fight with just before the man turned up dead. If that’s not bad enough, she’s got a stingy soon-to-be ex-husband who’s taken up with a floozy who makes Colleen feel oh-so-inadequate. She sees a county car parked outside her house and thinks, because of the argument, she’s a suspect in the dead man's death. Turns out, her bff, who lives across the street, is the one under scrutiny.
Her new editor, who’s handsome, single and mysterious, (she thinks maybe he’s a hitman on the side), gives her a first-person column on the whole event, thinking it will drive up circulation. For a stringer, this is almost as good as getting a real job. The increased publicity makes Colleen a target for some suspicious “accidents”, increasing her desire to find out whodunit, to clear her bff and not leave her own children motherless.
Colleen turned out to be an intriguing character to me. I found much to like and identify with in her. Early in the book, she thinks, “I never dreamed of becoming a fabulous investigative reporter .... My dreams were more ordinary – making a halfway decent living by writing, a little name recognition every now and then, maybe a one-on-one interview with Collin Farell in a small Irish pub – everyday stuff.” As a small town reporter myself, that was pretty much my outlook too. She’s kind of clumsy, and “cute” rather than “beautiful”, and when she gets knocked down, she gets back up again.
The supporting characters (the various cops she either went to school with, or saw grow up on the sports fields, her bff, Bevin, her kids, and her annoying but lovable parents, etc.) were well-drawn and entertaining. I enjoyed that by the end of the book, she found some backbone in dealing with her weenie soon-to-be-ex. This was a light, entertaining read and I liked it enough that when I finished, I immediately purchased book 2 in the series. I want to know what happens next with Colleen and her slimeball soon-to-be-ex. I have a feeling her “shark attorney” is going to give him what he deserves.
One day she’s out for a jog and she trips over a body on the path. Turns out, it’s the body of one of her daughter’s teachers, the Algebra teacher whom Colleen had a fight with just before the man turned up dead. If that’s not bad enough, she’s got a stingy soon-to-be ex-husband who’s taken up with a floozy who makes Colleen feel oh-so-inadequate. She sees a county car parked outside her house and thinks, because of the argument, she’s a suspect in the dead man's death. Turns out, her bff, who lives across the street, is the one under scrutiny.
Her new editor, who’s handsome, single and mysterious, (she thinks maybe he’s a hitman on the side), gives her a first-person column on the whole event, thinking it will drive up circulation. For a stringer, this is almost as good as getting a real job. The increased publicity makes Colleen a target for some suspicious “accidents”, increasing her desire to find out whodunit, to clear her bff and not leave her own children motherless.
Colleen turned out to be an intriguing character to me. I found much to like and identify with in her. Early in the book, she thinks, “I never dreamed of becoming a fabulous investigative reporter .... My dreams were more ordinary – making a halfway decent living by writing, a little name recognition every now and then, maybe a one-on-one interview with Collin Farell in a small Irish pub – everyday stuff.” As a small town reporter myself, that was pretty much my outlook too. She’s kind of clumsy, and “cute” rather than “beautiful”, and when she gets knocked down, she gets back up again.
The supporting characters (the various cops she either went to school with, or saw grow up on the sports fields, her bff, Bevin, her kids, and her annoying but lovable parents, etc.) were well-drawn and entertaining. I enjoyed that by the end of the book, she found some backbone in dealing with her weenie soon-to-be-ex. This was a light, entertaining read and I liked it enough that when I finished, I immediately purchased book 2 in the series. I want to know what happens next with Colleen and her slimeball soon-to-be-ex. I have a feeling her “shark attorney” is going to give him what he deserves.
March 26, 2022
Enjoyable Cozy Mystery! Wonderful Narration & Audible Listen 🎧📚🎧
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
New Math Is Murder
The Jersey Girl Mysteries, Book 1
By: Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa
Narrated by: Meghan Kelly
This is a fast moving and entertaining cozy mystery, it is my first Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa and I enjoyed her writing style and the interesting and original storylines she created. Her descriptive details bring you right alongside the characters and allow you to see what they are seeing, thinking, and feeling. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Colleen Caruso is divorcing her husband, who cheated on her and left her for that younger woman. Colleen, a reporter for a local rag, is out for a morning jog when she lands on a dead body and her editor makes her the lead reporter for a column detailing the investigation. She is not an experienced investigative reporter, but she gives it her best go and she uncovers a lot more than she bargained for while following the clues. She also finds someone is not liking what she is uncovering, is she getting closer to solving the case or is she on to something else? Colleen has a lot on her plate juggling work, taking care of her family with any help from her cheating ex, which is making it hard for her financially, but she keeps her head up and everything going. Great plotting puts all the pieces together by the end, it is a great who done it type of mystery, it keeps you thinking and on your toes as you try to figure it all out. Ms. Reccoppa, thank you for this enjoyable story.
🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Meghan Kelly is a superbly talented narrator and a versatile voice artist. She had a complete understanding of the characters she portrayed, gave each a voice that fit the character’s persona, sounding believable in every role she played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Her Colleen was spot on, I loved how she took the role and made it her own, captured her strength and her every emotion and had you feeling every single one, she was great covering the roles of all the other characters as well. Meghan Kelly is an entertaining storyteller and her narration enhances this story to another level. Thank you for another amazing listen, it is always a pleasure to listen to your books.
April 2, 2015
I'll admit that I was drawn to New Math is Murder based on the title and the use of kind of math in the description. I was hoping for a quick, fun mystery, but for the most part I was quite indifferent to it. Colleen is having some bad luck. Her husband just left her and they're preparing for divorce. She's broke and only has a part-time job at the local paper. Then while trying to shed a bit of extra weight, she falls over a body during her morning jog. At least she's not a suspect, although her boss has her covering the case and the killer really doesn't like that.
New Math is Murder was okay. It moved along at a good pace, so it's not like I ever had time to actually get bored. I just never got invested in the mystery. The dead body in question is Colleen's daughter's math teacher, so he's not short on enemies! Of course, someone close to him had to do it and I figured this out really early. It turns out that the most likely solution is the correct one. Although I didn't figure out the whole motive, just part of it.
Part of why I didn't connect with New Math is Murder was because of Colleen. I couldn't believe how dumb she was at times. Like when she lands her car in the bay, and can't figure out how to get out of the car before it sinks even though her windows are open. And then she gets a weird phone call and wishes she could find out who it was, even though she has caller I.D.! Not to mention, she has no idea how to attach files or even copy-paste when she works in journalism. Isn't that something she should know working in a computer-centric business?! I suspect some of this was done for humor, but it's a type of humor that doesn't click with me.
New Math is Murder wasn't the cozy for me. It simply didn't engage me and I solved the case way too early, so I was never surprised and didn't fall for any of those red herrings that Colleen seemed to pull out of thin air.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
New Math is Murder was okay. It moved along at a good pace, so it's not like I ever had time to actually get bored. I just never got invested in the mystery. The dead body in question is Colleen's daughter's math teacher, so he's not short on enemies! Of course, someone close to him had to do it and I figured this out really early. It turns out that the most likely solution is the correct one. Although I didn't figure out the whole motive, just part of it.
Part of why I didn't connect with New Math is Murder was because of Colleen. I couldn't believe how dumb she was at times. Like when she lands her car in the bay, and can't figure out how to get out of the car before it sinks even though her windows are open. And then she gets a weird phone call and wishes she could find out who it was, even though she has caller I.D.! Not to mention, she has no idea how to attach files or even copy-paste when she works in journalism. Isn't that something she should know working in a computer-centric business?! I suspect some of this was done for humor, but it's a type of humor that doesn't click with me.
New Math is Murder wasn't the cozy for me. It simply didn't engage me and I solved the case way too early, so I was never surprised and didn't fall for any of those red herrings that Colleen seemed to pull out of thin air.
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
June 7, 2014
“New Math is Murder” is a fun read. Colleen is a hesitant heroine. She’d like nothing more than to forget about the case. The best things about cozies is that they pit unlikely heroes against cases and if you look at Colleen and her behavior in the face of a murder she is the least likely of heroines. “New Math is Murder” is the first book in a new series and falls victim of that first book curse to an extent. We’re getting to know Colleen as she encounters her first case and much of the book is fighting against further involvement when any cozy reader knows that soon she will embrace or pursue it. If not, in a series, the lead comes off as the unrealistically least lucky person in the world.
In a first book, the author is getting to know the character. The character is getting comfortable in his or her world. The supporting characters that tend to be a little out there are making their first impressions and making them in a way that can sometimes be too over the top for readers. Reccoppa balances her extraneous characters well so that you can see how they’d be annoying to Colleen but aren’t over the top for the reader. They love and support her and we know that’s what she needs in her life and are happy for her and delight a bit in her discomfort.
I was waiting for a romance element in the story not because it’s expected of the genre but because it seemed imminent in the story. Colleen seemed to have chemistry with a few characters and perhaps that element will come later in the series but readers not comfortable with the character playing a long game will be disappointed. To add that complication this early would have read as trite so as a reader so I’m happy she didn’t go there just yet. Colleen needs time and most readers will be delighted to give her that leeway.
“New Math is Murder” hits all of the high points of a cozy and does it well. Reccoppa manages to keep the story light, the characters fun and the mystery fresh. I look forward to what comes next for Colleen and crew.
In a first book, the author is getting to know the character. The character is getting comfortable in his or her world. The supporting characters that tend to be a little out there are making their first impressions and making them in a way that can sometimes be too over the top for readers. Reccoppa balances her extraneous characters well so that you can see how they’d be annoying to Colleen but aren’t over the top for the reader. They love and support her and we know that’s what she needs in her life and are happy for her and delight a bit in her discomfort.
I was waiting for a romance element in the story not because it’s expected of the genre but because it seemed imminent in the story. Colleen seemed to have chemistry with a few characters and perhaps that element will come later in the series but readers not comfortable with the character playing a long game will be disappointed. To add that complication this early would have read as trite so as a reader so I’m happy she didn’t go there just yet. Colleen needs time and most readers will be delighted to give her that leeway.
“New Math is Murder” hits all of the high points of a cozy and does it well. Reccoppa manages to keep the story light, the characters fun and the mystery fresh. I look forward to what comes next for Colleen and crew.
March 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The story is nicely balanced with home life drama, a cheating husband who has left her penniless for a younger woman, no romance but with two very helpful men in her life I don't think it will be long and mystery exploits as the killer tries to stop her from investigating. This worked well making it an entertaining story. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects and motives, I was still trying to decide who it was when it was revealed. I liked the characters. Colleen found herself in some funny and often dangerous situation which added humour to the plot. A good start to a new series and from a new to me author, one I would visit again.
After her husband left her and her two children, Colleen decides to get her life back on track by taking up jogging. Unfortunately finding her daughters algebra teacher dead on the path isn't the right way to go, especially as her daughter is failing his class. On the plus side her new boss at the paper wants her to cover the story as an eye witness. Colleen jumps at the chance to stop writing fluff pieces and to bring in more money for her family. But by doing so she learns the man wasn't the good guy he seemed to be and some of his secrets will get somebody close to her in trouble. Also put her life on the line. Colleen will have to find the reason for his murder if she wants to stop her friend from going to jail, keep her better paying job and more importantly stay alive.
I liked the narrator. She did a good job with the voices, which helped make the story come to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
After her husband left her and her two children, Colleen decides to get her life back on track by taking up jogging. Unfortunately finding her daughters algebra teacher dead on the path isn't the right way to go, especially as her daughter is failing his class. On the plus side her new boss at the paper wants her to cover the story as an eye witness. Colleen jumps at the chance to stop writing fluff pieces and to bring in more money for her family. But by doing so she learns the man wasn't the good guy he seemed to be and some of his secrets will get somebody close to her in trouble. Also put her life on the line. Colleen will have to find the reason for his murder if she wants to stop her friend from going to jail, keep her better paying job and more importantly stay alive.
I liked the narrator. She did a good job with the voices, which helped make the story come to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
May 22, 2014
I don't know why I picked this book up when it was recommended to me, i don't usually do self-published books but I am sure glad this time that I did. I hope that the author will soon be coming out with another Jersey Girl Mystery.
It was a fun ,fast read...quite the cozy no strong language and strong well-written and believable characters. I even loved all of the secondary characters as well! I could actually see myself hanging out with these women. I do have to agree with one of the other reviewers - I would have loved to have seen a little romance; but if the author is doing what I think she is doing, then that may happen soon enough. (I hope- keeping my fingers crossed for the hunky editor)I would have loved learning more about Ken Rhodes and his background.
Colleen a soon-to-be divorced Jersey mother of two, with a dead-beat nearly ex husband and only a part-tie job, goes out early one morning and literally trips over a dead body. Of course it's murder, and luckily (well not for the corpse) Colleen just happens to be a reporter. Soon Colleen is writing a column based on the investigation. Of course this outs her right in the thick of things. Now the murderer has set his or her eye on getting rid of Colleen.
Like I said this was a fun read with a lot of good belly laughs of the sarcastic kind. There are a few area's in which you will have to suspend your disbelief beyond the norm, but I didn't care.
I just wish there was another book for me to jump into right this minute.
It was a fun ,fast read...quite the cozy no strong language and strong well-written and believable characters. I even loved all of the secondary characters as well! I could actually see myself hanging out with these women. I do have to agree with one of the other reviewers - I would have loved to have seen a little romance; but if the author is doing what I think she is doing, then that may happen soon enough. (I hope- keeping my fingers crossed for the hunky editor)I would have loved learning more about Ken Rhodes and his background.
Colleen a soon-to-be divorced Jersey mother of two, with a dead-beat nearly ex husband and only a part-tie job, goes out early one morning and literally trips over a dead body. Of course it's murder, and luckily (well not for the corpse) Colleen just happens to be a reporter. Soon Colleen is writing a column based on the investigation. Of course this outs her right in the thick of things. Now the murderer has set his or her eye on getting rid of Colleen.
Like I said this was a fun read with a lot of good belly laughs of the sarcastic kind. There are a few area's in which you will have to suspend your disbelief beyond the norm, but I didn't care.
I just wish there was another book for me to jump into right this minute.
November 1, 2015
Ik lees dit genre graag, al moet ik zeggen dat ze niet allemaal even goed zijn. Deze was dan weer eentje van de betere. Een dosis humor, wat spanning en dan voldoe het aan de voorwaarden. Ik denk ook graag mee want ik doe altijd mijn best om te ontdekken wie de dader is. Had ik het bij het juiste eind? Ja, dat wel maar vrij laat in het boek. Een klein beetje trots toch op mezelf.
De titel is goed gekozen vermits het slachtoffer een wiskundeleraar is. De cover kan ik niet zo direct in verband brengen met het inhoud. Hij toont wel aan dat het om een luchtig verhaal gaat en je je niet aan een thriller moet verwachten.
Colleen lijkt wel een kat met 9 levens. Ze weet telkens te ontsnappen aan de pogingen die de moordenaar doet om haar naar het hiernamaals te sturen, maar dan blijkt er plots een eind te komen aan haar geluk ... Of toch niet?
Conclusie
Een boek dat ik graag heb gelezen. Het is vlot geschreven en tovert regelmattig een glimlach op je gezicht. 3 sterren.
De titel is goed gekozen vermits het slachtoffer een wiskundeleraar is. De cover kan ik niet zo direct in verband brengen met het inhoud. Hij toont wel aan dat het om een luchtig verhaal gaat en je je niet aan een thriller moet verwachten.
Colleen lijkt wel een kat met 9 levens. Ze weet telkens te ontsnappen aan de pogingen die de moordenaar doet om haar naar het hiernamaals te sturen, maar dan blijkt er plots een eind te komen aan haar geluk ... Of toch niet?
Conclusie
Een boek dat ik graag heb gelezen. Het is vlot geschreven en tovert regelmattig een glimlach op je gezicht. 3 sterren.
February 10, 2017
Very enjoyable read
Very enjoyable read, great story line and characters. Is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
Very enjoyable read, great story line and characters. Is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone.
April 18, 2022
This is the most fun I had listening to a cozy mystery. New Math Is Murder is wonderfully written and a fantastic start to the Jersey Girl Mysteries. The story is well-plotted, entertaining, engaging, and packed with clues, mysteries, and unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was super impressed by Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa's creativity. The character development is excellent; I really liked Colleen; she is well-rounded, appealing, and relatable. Despite her lack of experience in investigative reporting, Colleen has the drive and instinct to follow the right leads. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
The audiobook is very well-narrated. Meghan Kelly does an outstanding job the capturing the diversity in the characters' personalities, especially Colleen's. She definitely made the story even more engaging. New Math Is Murder was a very enjoyable listen, one I'm recommending.
The audiobook is very well-narrated. Meghan Kelly does an outstanding job the capturing the diversity in the characters' personalities, especially Colleen's. She definitely made the story even more engaging. New Math Is Murder was a very enjoyable listen, one I'm recommending.
Read
June 18, 2014I didn't finish this book so I don't feel it is fair to rate it. When pictures start forming in my head like a movie, that's when I know I am reading a good book.
This book did that for me. It is about and Irish Italian divorcing mother of two children from a big family who finds a dead body while out on a job and is reunited with an old friend of her brother's who happens to be the detective on the case.
I was into it until the heroine went outside to secretly smoke and then the image unfortunately reminded me of someone I knew in the real world and didn't care for. Once I had her picture in my head, I couldn't stay focused on the book.
This book did that for me. It is about and Irish Italian divorcing mother of two children from a big family who finds a dead body while out on a job and is reunited with an old friend of her brother's who happens to be the detective on the case.
I was into it until the heroine went outside to secretly smoke and then the image unfortunately reminded me of someone I knew in the real world and didn't care for. Once I had her picture in my head, I couldn't stay focused on the book.
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