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Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1
Schooled in Murder
A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned-in this series debut from acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert.
Jennifer ‘Jenn’ Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University in Virginia. She loves her job, but some of her petty coworkers look down on her for writing genre fiction. As members of the English department, they wish to encourage students to pursue higher literary aspirations. When a humiliating confrontation between an uppity professor and one of Jenn’s students, Mia, escalates, no one thinks much of it. Until his dead body is found along with evidence incriminating Mia.
Jenn knows Mia couldn’t have killed him, but Mia’s suspicious disappearance might as well be a proclamation of guilt. With the sleuthing skills Jenn has acquired writing murder mysteries, she’s determined to solve the case and clear Mia’s name.
Along with the help of her fellow sleuthers, Christine Kubiak, a cafeteria manager, Zachary Flynn, the charming but annoying campus psychologist, and Brianna Rowley, a librarian, Jenn must catch the real killer before there’s another murder on the books.
Jennifer ‘Jenn’ Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University in Virginia. She loves her job, but some of her petty coworkers look down on her for writing genre fiction. As members of the English department, they wish to encourage students to pursue higher literary aspirations. When a humiliating confrontation between an uppity professor and one of Jenn’s students, Mia, escalates, no one thinks much of it. Until his dead body is found along with evidence incriminating Mia.
Jenn knows Mia couldn’t have killed him, but Mia’s suspicious disappearance might as well be a proclamation of guilt. With the sleuthing skills Jenn has acquired writing murder mysteries, she’s determined to solve the case and clear Mia’s name.
Along with the help of her fellow sleuthers, Christine Kubiak, a cafeteria manager, Zachary Flynn, the charming but annoying campus psychologist, and Brianna Rowley, a librarian, Jenn must catch the real killer before there’s another murder on the books.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
58 people are currently reading
5094 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Gilbert
22 books858 followersVictoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 216 reviews
January 5, 2025
This is the first book in a new series.
Jenn Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University, Virginia. When an arrogant professor is found murdered and one of Jenn's students is arrested, she and her friends go into sleuthing mode in order to find the real killer.
This is an interesting mystery with a number of possible guilty parties. Using a Uni campus for the setting is original and made a nice change from bookshops, tea rooms and the other common back drops. The developing romance between Jenn and Zach was very entertaining and provided the lighter moments in the story.
I have enjoyed all of this author's other series so far and now I will be adding this one to my list.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jenn Dalton is an author and educator at Clarion University, Virginia. When an arrogant professor is found murdered and one of Jenn's students is arrested, she and her friends go into sleuthing mode in order to find the real killer.
This is an interesting mystery with a number of possible guilty parties. Using a Uni campus for the setting is original and made a nice change from bookshops, tea rooms and the other common back drops. The developing romance between Jenn and Zach was very entertaining and provided the lighter moments in the story.
I have enjoyed all of this author's other series so far and now I will be adding this one to my list.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 30, 2024
Schooled in Murder is a great start to a new series, Campus Sleuth Mysteries, that has a connection to the Blue Ridge Library series. by the author The new series is centered around Clarion University that is visited from time to time in the prior series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in the new book with reference to old friends. Jenn Dalton is the director of the Writing Center and a published author. When she finds the body of an English professor and Mia, one of her mentees, is the lead suspect, she and other colleagues set out to proof the student's innocence. Dr. Zach Flynn is a psychologist at the university and becomes a close friend and protector when Jenn runs into trouble. There are plenty of suspects and people who were not fond of the victim that makes the story interesting. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review and these are my thoughts.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review and these are my thoughts.
January 2, 2025
Jenn Dalton was an author of mysteries, with ten books to her name. She also tutored writing students at Clarion University in Virginia and had many promising students under her care. When a professor, who frowned on "genre fiction", was found dead and one of Jenn's students was implicated in his death, she knew she had to find the killer to prove Mia's innocence. When she, Bri and Christine became amateur sleuths to solve the murder, and things began happening to Jenn, they knew they had the murderer worried. But finding out who it was, was something else entirely. And then there was Zach, psychologist on campus and all round irritating nuisance - could they solve the case between them?
Schooled in Murder is the 1st in the Campus Sleuth Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and it was fun and entertaining. Meeting up again with Richard Muir of the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series was great; it means the two series are loosely linked. I'm looking forward to seeing what else Jenn gets up to in the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
Schooled in Murder is the 1st in the Campus Sleuth Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and it was fun and entertaining. Meeting up again with Richard Muir of the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series was great; it means the two series are loosely linked. I'm looking forward to seeing what else Jenn gets up to in the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
October 17, 2024
This is a new series by Victoria Gilbert, set in a fairly recognizable area by anyone who reads her Blue Ridge Library series. Set on the college campus of Clarion, where Richard Muir teaches dance, those characters get a quick mention, we meet Jenn Dalton, director of the campus writing center. Jenn is also a cozy mystery writer by night, where she has an eight book series published. Jenn has arrived at the top floor of the library to find a journal entry not yet offered online when she discovers a dead body instead! Shocked to find something like this in the college library where she also has her office, she even more thrown off when she finds out her colleague was murdered and one of her most talented students is considered the main suspect, and she's is no where to be found. With the help of her friends, Bri, a reference librarian, and Christine, the manager of Student Union Cafe, who also believe in Mia's innocence, they work to find out what really happened. I love the setting here, the college vibe, the diverse characters while still maintaining a small town feeling. I will admit it took a while for Jenn to grow on me. She comes off as very cool and maybe even a little stand offish, but eventually, we get to see a little more from her. It's definitely worth checking out. Thank you to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for a chance to read! #SchooledInMurder #VictoriaGilbert #CampusSleuthMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 9, 2024
"Schooled in Murder" the 1st instalment in the "A Campus Sleuth Mystery" series by Victoria Gilbert. I think this is a great start to a new series. A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned…
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I did guess the killer before Jen but I still found this to be a fun easy read.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are going for Jen, Zach and the rest of her new found friends.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I did guess the killer before Jen but I still found this to be a fun easy read.
I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are going for Jen, Zach and the rest of her new found friends.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
July 7, 2024
The first book of the new series by Victoria Gilbert is Schooled in Murder and this book is a perfect example of how the plot can engage the reader. The author’s descriptions of the college environment with its particularities helped me to almost feel like I was a part of the story. The addition of romance subplot which was not dominant over the main investigation was a great decision.
In conclusion, this book was just the kind of read I needed at the moment. I do enjoy some cozy mysteries from time to time, and this new series was enjoyable.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
In conclusion, this book was just the kind of read I needed at the moment. I do enjoy some cozy mysteries from time to time, and this new series was enjoyable.
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 18, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Jennifer “Jenn” Dalton loves her job at Clarion University in Virginia where she is the director of the campus writing center. She also pens a “fairly successful mystery series” under a pseudonym. Her colleagues believe her books are less than literary achievements as they are genre fiction. The powers that be in the English Department wish their students to apply themselves and strive for higher literary endeavors. Jennifer mentors her students in whatever they want to write but one pushy professor, Douglas Barth took one student, Mia Jackson to task in a shameful encounter. Later he is found dead and she is missing. Mia was upset about her grade and told the man so loudly but Jenn couldn’t believe she could kill anyone. Yes, there was evidence that could show the two had met but no proof she killed her professor.
Jenn Dalton is used to writing murder mysteries but solving a murder in real life is a lot more complicated. Could she actually catch a killer? She enlists some help from others at the college. Campus psychologist, Zachary Flynn, cafeteria manager Christine Kubiak, and librarian Brianna Rowley agree to band together with her to try to bring down the killer and throw the book at them.
Schooled in Murder is a spinoff from Ms. Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. Characters in that series have visited or worked at Clarion University and some are mentioned in this story, but you do not need to have read that series to enjoy this one.
The murder happens in chapter one so we hit the ground running when we meet protagonist Jenn Dalton. As the story continues we meet several supporting characters including Jenn’s friends Bri and Christine, assorted professors, and the head of the department. Psychologist Zach Flynn pushes himself into the group as his attraction to Jenn grows. Mia Jackson is the prime suspect in the professor’s death but other suspects are soon in the mix. The problem with the first book in a series is introducing all the characters so we don’t get much depth. It took me time to warm up to Jenn and I felt the author pushed the relationship between her and Zach too hard too soon but I am open to see where it goes. All the characters have room to grow as the series continues and I look forward to them being more fleshed out.
Usually, with the first book in the series, it is hard to include a complicated mystery while introducing all the characters but Ms. Gilbert gave us one to sink our teeth into. I appreciated how Jenn and her fellow sleuths asked questions and discussed what they found out and their theories about the case. Another murder brought a new batch of theories. Jenn knew she was on the right track because of some alarming incidents. I honed in on the killer before Jenn which didn’t occur until the scary showdown.
Schooled in Murder was an entertaining read that has laid the groundwork for the continuation of this series. I love the college setting and that Jenn is a cozy mystery author. I can only imagine what she and her friends will get tangled up in next. Bring on book two!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Land NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Jennifer “Jenn” Dalton loves her job at Clarion University in Virginia where she is the director of the campus writing center. She also pens a “fairly successful mystery series” under a pseudonym. Her colleagues believe her books are less than literary achievements as they are genre fiction. The powers that be in the English Department wish their students to apply themselves and strive for higher literary endeavors. Jennifer mentors her students in whatever they want to write but one pushy professor, Douglas Barth took one student, Mia Jackson to task in a shameful encounter. Later he is found dead and she is missing. Mia was upset about her grade and told the man so loudly but Jenn couldn’t believe she could kill anyone. Yes, there was evidence that could show the two had met but no proof she killed her professor.
Jenn Dalton is used to writing murder mysteries but solving a murder in real life is a lot more complicated. Could she actually catch a killer? She enlists some help from others at the college. Campus psychologist, Zachary Flynn, cafeteria manager Christine Kubiak, and librarian Brianna Rowley agree to band together with her to try to bring down the killer and throw the book at them.
Schooled in Murder is a spinoff from Ms. Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. Characters in that series have visited or worked at Clarion University and some are mentioned in this story, but you do not need to have read that series to enjoy this one.
The murder happens in chapter one so we hit the ground running when we meet protagonist Jenn Dalton. As the story continues we meet several supporting characters including Jenn’s friends Bri and Christine, assorted professors, and the head of the department. Psychologist Zach Flynn pushes himself into the group as his attraction to Jenn grows. Mia Jackson is the prime suspect in the professor’s death but other suspects are soon in the mix. The problem with the first book in a series is introducing all the characters so we don’t get much depth. It took me time to warm up to Jenn and I felt the author pushed the relationship between her and Zach too hard too soon but I am open to see where it goes. All the characters have room to grow as the series continues and I look forward to them being more fleshed out.
Usually, with the first book in the series, it is hard to include a complicated mystery while introducing all the characters but Ms. Gilbert gave us one to sink our teeth into. I appreciated how Jenn and her fellow sleuths asked questions and discussed what they found out and their theories about the case. Another murder brought a new batch of theories. Jenn knew she was on the right track because of some alarming incidents. I honed in on the killer before Jenn which didn’t occur until the scary showdown.
Schooled in Murder was an entertaining read that has laid the groundwork for the continuation of this series. I love the college setting and that Jenn is a cozy mystery author. I can only imagine what she and her friends will get tangled up in next. Bring on book two!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Land NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 19, 2024
Jen Dalton, the popular head of the Writing Centre at Clarion University in Virginia, is also the author of a successful mystery series in her 'other' life, which the stuffier members of the English faculty are less than impressed by. Intending to do some research in the university library, she is horrified to find the body of one of the more disapproving department's professors.
When Mia, one of her more talented students, is blamed for the death, Jen and two of her friends, Christine, and Brianna, are determined to clear her name and hopefully find the person responsible as well. The campus psychologist, Zach, somehow joins their small team as a somewhat annoying voice of reason. It soon becomes clear that the killer has Jen in their sights, but with Mia still top of the suspect list, she can't stop investigating now, can she?
Book one in this new cosy series is a fun visit to academia, and Jen Dalton is an easy to like main protagonist. The investigation was intriguing, and although everything is new and the inevitable descriptions have to take place, it's clear that this is an experienced author and the necessary facts never overtake the storyline. There is plenty of scope here for another successful series for Victoria Gilbert.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very good series starter. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
When Mia, one of her more talented students, is blamed for the death, Jen and two of her friends, Christine, and Brianna, are determined to clear her name and hopefully find the person responsible as well. The campus psychologist, Zach, somehow joins their small team as a somewhat annoying voice of reason. It soon becomes clear that the killer has Jen in their sights, but with Mia still top of the suspect list, she can't stop investigating now, can she?
Book one in this new cosy series is a fun visit to academia, and Jen Dalton is an easy to like main protagonist. The investigation was intriguing, and although everything is new and the inevitable descriptions have to take place, it's clear that this is an experienced author and the necessary facts never overtake the storyline. There is plenty of scope here for another successful series for Victoria Gilbert.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very good series starter. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.
September 1, 2024
I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
The story has a lot of fascinating details. Like the research on the department's prejudices was thorough and suspense was also greatly increased by Jen's further scares. I enjoyed the cozy cutesy vibe of the plot but when it comes to the characters... WHY ARE THEY SO LIKE CARDBOARD? I really couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, after the reveal of the real culprits, it weakened the narrative as we weren't so invested in those characters.
Overall, it's a good mystery book that keeps you on your toes, I did not see the culprit until the very end. Really a good start to a series, although I felt as if there were some holes in the story, like this isn't the first book. Nevertheless, I would still read the next one and thank you Victoria Gilbert for the ARC!
The story has a lot of fascinating details. Like the research on the department's prejudices was thorough and suspense was also greatly increased by Jen's further scares. I enjoyed the cozy cutesy vibe of the plot but when it comes to the characters... WHY ARE THEY SO LIKE CARDBOARD? I really couldn't connect with any of them. Additionally, after the reveal of the real culprits, it weakened the narrative as we weren't so invested in those characters.
Overall, it's a good mystery book that keeps you on your toes, I did not see the culprit until the very end. Really a good start to a series, although I felt as if there were some holes in the story, like this isn't the first book. Nevertheless, I would still read the next one and thank you Victoria Gilbert for the ARC!
June 29, 2024
#SchooledinMurder #NetGalley is a first in a new series by a favorite author, and I enjoyed meeting a cast of new characters.
Jen Dalton is a professor and an author who finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
A confrontation between a professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, and no one thinks much of it until his dead body is found along with evidence that could incriminate Mia.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Jen Dalton is a professor and an author who finds herself wrapped up in a murder investigation.
A confrontation between a professor and one of Jen’s students, Mia, escalates, and no one thinks much of it until his dead body is found along with evidence that could incriminate Mia.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
July 16, 2024
[NetGalley Read #9]
3.75 ⭐
A nice mystery with a touch of romance.
Like any good mystery, there are a bunch of characters (Jennifer Dalton as the narrator and the main character of the story). They are well written.
The premise is simple and executed quite well.
Short chapters make for an easy reading.
Recommended. 👍
3.75 ⭐
A nice mystery with a touch of romance.
Like any good mystery, there are a bunch of characters (Jennifer Dalton as the narrator and the main character of the story). They are well written.
The premise is simple and executed quite well.
Short chapters make for an easy reading.
Recommended. 👍
April 27, 2025
3.5 stars
"A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned - in this series debut." - from Goodreads.
Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite ways to break up my reading when I've been reading a bunch of darker reads. I also thought the idea of a mystery writer being involved in solving a murder (and actual mystery) sounded like fun. And it was a fun, entertaining time. The mystery kept my attention and kept me guessing. Overall it was just an easy, breezy good time. That being said, I struggled a bit with how fast everything happened at times. I'm not sure if this is because I read an advanced copy and not a finished copy. But for instance at the beginning when the main character finds the body, instantly there were rumors flying around about who had done it like seconds later. That seems silly to mention but it happened a lot at the beginning of the story and kept taking me out of the book. Other than that, I enjoyed my time with this book. There is a budding romance that I liked as well as a good cast of side characters. And I would definitely be interested in continuing on with this series in the future.
Readers who are cozy mystery fans or just looking for a bookish, suspenseful read should pick this book up. I'm landing on 3.5 stars for this one and rounding up.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book. Honest thoughts are my own.
"A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned - in this series debut." - from Goodreads.
Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite ways to break up my reading when I've been reading a bunch of darker reads. I also thought the idea of a mystery writer being involved in solving a murder (and actual mystery) sounded like fun. And it was a fun, entertaining time. The mystery kept my attention and kept me guessing. Overall it was just an easy, breezy good time. That being said, I struggled a bit with how fast everything happened at times. I'm not sure if this is because I read an advanced copy and not a finished copy. But for instance at the beginning when the main character finds the body, instantly there were rumors flying around about who had done it like seconds later. That seems silly to mention but it happened a lot at the beginning of the story and kept taking me out of the book. Other than that, I enjoyed my time with this book. There is a budding romance that I liked as well as a good cast of side characters. And I would definitely be interested in continuing on with this series in the future.
Readers who are cozy mystery fans or just looking for a bookish, suspenseful read should pick this book up. I'm landing on 3.5 stars for this one and rounding up.
Thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book. Honest thoughts are my own.
August 16, 2024
I seriously don’t think Mrs. Victoria Gilbert could write a bad cozy mystery even if she tried to. I really enjoyed this book, even though Jen is not your typical whimsy sleuth, she really grows on you, because she is aware of the consequences that could happen when you try to do the Investigators work. I absolutely loved that we got a little group of awesome college faculty working together to protect and defend a student whom they all respect and like and believe in her innocence. I love that we get more out of the murder mystery! (Won’t say what because #nospoilershere haha). I also enjoyed what seemed to be a good “enemies to lovers” trope in this one, the romance did not take away from this murder mystery, it was brought in just at the right moment! Highly recommend!!
January 2, 2025
4.5 stars
Jennifer Dalton is the director of the writing center at Clarion University in Virginia and discovers a body in a seldom used area of the library. The victim has no shortage of enemies, a few which are close to Jenn. She is determined to prove that a young woman she mentors is not guilty of the crime.
Jenn is a likable main character and I enjoyed her friendship with Christine, the cafeteria manager, and her potential romance with psychologist Zachary. I was able to guess the killer, but I still loved this fast-paced fun book and am already looking forward to the next "Campus Sleuth Mystery."
I received an advance copy of the ebook for review consideration from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
Jennifer Dalton is the director of the writing center at Clarion University in Virginia and discovers a body in a seldom used area of the library. The victim has no shortage of enemies, a few which are close to Jenn. She is determined to prove that a young woman she mentors is not guilty of the crime.
Jenn is a likable main character and I enjoyed her friendship with Christine, the cafeteria manager, and her potential romance with psychologist Zachary. I was able to guess the killer, but I still loved this fast-paced fun book and am already looking forward to the next "Campus Sleuth Mystery."
I received an advance copy of the ebook for review consideration from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 11, 2025
Jennifer “Jenn” Dalton, an author and professor at Clarion University, loves her work, even if her genre fiction is dismissed by snobby colleagues. When a heated argument between her student Mia and an arrogant professor ends with his murder and evidence incriminating Mia, Jenn knows she must act—especially after Mia disappears.
Using her murder mystery know-how, Jenn teams up with her quirky allies: Christine, a cafeteria manager; Zachary, the charming campus psychologist; and Brianna, a clever librarian. Together, they race to uncover the killer before another victim falls—and clear Mia’s name.
Although it took me a really long time to push myself to finish this book, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly and easily it went once I actually started reading. It’s more of an autumn cozy mystery, but it was perfect for me after the holidays to shake up my routine. I love how the book stays suspenseful the entire time—there’s no excessive fear, and little by little, new and intriguing clues are revealed. Jenn and her team are truly dedicated to uncovering what really happened with the murder of their colleague.
I was also surprised by the hint of romance—Jenn and Zach are constantly in this love-hate dynamic, but it developed so sweetly. I loved how that part didn’t take over the entire plot. It didn’t become the main focus but revolved heavily around their mysteries. I can’t say I particularly connected with the characters; none of them really stood out to me or became a favorite.
The book is written in the first person POV, so we’re aware of everything happening around Jenn. I definitely recommend reading this book—it’s easy to read, easy to follow, keeps you hooked the whole time, and maybe you’ll even solve the mystery before the characters do!
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Victoria Gilbert, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Using her murder mystery know-how, Jenn teams up with her quirky allies: Christine, a cafeteria manager; Zachary, the charming campus psychologist; and Brianna, a clever librarian. Together, they race to uncover the killer before another victim falls—and clear Mia’s name.
Although it took me a really long time to push myself to finish this book, I was genuinely surprised by how quickly and easily it went once I actually started reading. It’s more of an autumn cozy mystery, but it was perfect for me after the holidays to shake up my routine. I love how the book stays suspenseful the entire time—there’s no excessive fear, and little by little, new and intriguing clues are revealed. Jenn and her team are truly dedicated to uncovering what really happened with the murder of their colleague.
I was also surprised by the hint of romance—Jenn and Zach are constantly in this love-hate dynamic, but it developed so sweetly. I loved how that part didn’t take over the entire plot. It didn’t become the main focus but revolved heavily around their mysteries. I can’t say I particularly connected with the characters; none of them really stood out to me or became a favorite.
The book is written in the first person POV, so we’re aware of everything happening around Jenn. I definitely recommend reading this book—it’s easy to read, easy to follow, keeps you hooked the whole time, and maybe you’ll even solve the mystery before the characters do!
*Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, Victoria Gilbert, for providing me with this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.*
November 1, 2024
2.5 stars
A first book in a new series, from the blurb this seemed an amazing read. Plus, I've read other Victoria Gilbert books, which I thought were well done.
Being the first book in a series, I really needed detail on setting and characters. The book has both, but many of the characters, including the protagonist, seem lacking in enough detail to give me a full picture of who they are. I feel like the author was attempting to make the protagonist a bit of a prickly personality, maybe trying to season her with an Agatha Raisin vibe. While I appreciate the attempt to create a different personality type for a cosy protagonist, I'm not sure if the balance was right. The prickly personality seemed too strong.
Maybe the reason for this was to introduce an enemies to lovers story line with Zach, a psychologist who should not be a psychologist, given his personality in the book. Both Zach and protagonist, Jen, trade more barbs than politicians at a debate. And apparently, that's what they're both attracted to. So maybe like does attract like. I found the whole enemies to lovers story line, which almost felt insta-love as well, a bit off-putting in this book. I found Zach more than a little creepy.
Now for the mystery side of things. It's a decent enough setup, and our protagonist has a good reason to meddle. But while that was good, the resolution felt too easy. It wasn't about sleuthing really. It was more the culprit walking up and admitting they did the deed.
The journey to the end did have some interesting moments, and on balance I enjoyed the story. But Victoria Gilbert is a seasoned author, so I expected little more. Maybe we'll get more in the second book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A first book in a new series, from the blurb this seemed an amazing read. Plus, I've read other Victoria Gilbert books, which I thought were well done.
Being the first book in a series, I really needed detail on setting and characters. The book has both, but many of the characters, including the protagonist, seem lacking in enough detail to give me a full picture of who they are. I feel like the author was attempting to make the protagonist a bit of a prickly personality, maybe trying to season her with an Agatha Raisin vibe. While I appreciate the attempt to create a different personality type for a cosy protagonist, I'm not sure if the balance was right. The prickly personality seemed too strong.
Maybe the reason for this was to introduce an enemies to lovers story line with Zach, a psychologist who should not be a psychologist, given his personality in the book. Both Zach and protagonist, Jen, trade more barbs than politicians at a debate. And apparently, that's what they're both attracted to. So maybe like does attract like. I found the whole enemies to lovers story line, which almost felt insta-love as well, a bit off-putting in this book. I found Zach more than a little creepy.
Now for the mystery side of things. It's a decent enough setup, and our protagonist has a good reason to meddle. But while that was good, the resolution felt too easy. It wasn't about sleuthing really. It was more the culprit walking up and admitting they did the deed.
The journey to the end did have some interesting moments, and on balance I enjoyed the story. But Victoria Gilbert is a seasoned author, so I expected little more. Maybe we'll get more in the second book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2024
My first book by this author and a first book in a new series. Jen Dalton is a successful mystery author and head of the writing clinic at Clarion University. The book begins with Jen finding a dead body at the library on a floor that is not frequented by many people. The body is of a professor who it seemed no body really liked and was also kind of a bully to Jen. She does not be come the suspect, but one of her students who has a very promising career is. Jen feels like it her duty to help clear her name since she’s done so much research for her mystery books she writes. With the help of a couple friends from her department and someone that works in the cafeteria, they go about gathering clues and interviewing the potential suspects. She is also introduced to a psychologist recommended by the Provost to help with any mental issues from finding the dead body. They do not hit it off at the beginning at all, but their constant bickering turns to something more by the end of the book, which was hard for me to believe honestly. The barbs that were thrown between the two was believable so much I didn’t believe the romance toward the end. The sleuthing gets Jen in to a couple situations but everything is solved by the end. A good solid mystery book that keeps you on your toes, I did not see the culprit until the very end. Good start to a series, if given a choice I would pick up the next book in the series.
December 9, 2024
Schooled in Murder was a great start to a new series!
The story follows mystery author Jen, on a mission with her colleagues as they decide to become amateur sleuths to find out who committed a murder within the school to clear the name of one of her students. Along the way Jen's own life is threatened as she gets closer to finding out who the culprit is!
This book was fairly quick paced with short chapter which made it easy to fly through. There were a few twists and turns which kept me from determining the murderer with full confidence which was fun! The end did seem a bit rushed for my liking, with the murderer practically turning themselves in by giving the final clues needed for our sleuth to solve the case and then quickly being arrested which felt a bit anticlimactic. Also a few plot holes at the end which was a shame! I was definitely shocked by the twist at the end which was impressive!
Overall this was a fun mystery read, also had a side of romance which I enjoyed so I'll definitely pick up future books in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for providing me with an eARC in return for an honest review.
The story follows mystery author Jen, on a mission with her colleagues as they decide to become amateur sleuths to find out who committed a murder within the school to clear the name of one of her students. Along the way Jen's own life is threatened as she gets closer to finding out who the culprit is!
This book was fairly quick paced with short chapter which made it easy to fly through. There were a few twists and turns which kept me from determining the murderer with full confidence which was fun! The end did seem a bit rushed for my liking, with the murderer practically turning themselves in by giving the final clues needed for our sleuth to solve the case and then quickly being arrested which felt a bit anticlimactic. Also a few plot holes at the end which was a shame! I was definitely shocked by the twist at the end which was impressive!
Overall this was a fun mystery read, also had a side of romance which I enjoyed so I'll definitely pick up future books in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane books for providing me with an eARC in return for an honest review.
January 7, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books and Victoria Gilbert for the E ARC of this book.
This was a good strong start to a new series.
We meet Jenn, she is an author of cosy mysteries whilst also working at Clarion University in the library in it is writing centre, where she helps students with their many writing needs. Jenn is mentoring one particular student who has aspirations of being a writer, all is going well until there is an argument with one of the students professors and he is found dead by Jen. Unfortunately, there is evidence to put Mia in the police sights as the murder.
Jenn is sure that Mia has nothing to do with the murder and along with two friends from the University staff she sets out to prove Mia’s innocence, but are they putting themselves in danger?
I really enjoyed the setting, the characters were well written and engaging. I really enjoyed the banter between Jenn and Zach. The plot moved well and kept me fully engaged. I will definitely be continuing with this series and would like to read this authors other books.
This was a good strong start to a new series.
We meet Jenn, she is an author of cosy mysteries whilst also working at Clarion University in the library in it is writing centre, where she helps students with their many writing needs. Jenn is mentoring one particular student who has aspirations of being a writer, all is going well until there is an argument with one of the students professors and he is found dead by Jen. Unfortunately, there is evidence to put Mia in the police sights as the murder.
Jenn is sure that Mia has nothing to do with the murder and along with two friends from the University staff she sets out to prove Mia’s innocence, but are they putting themselves in danger?
I really enjoyed the setting, the characters were well written and engaging. I really enjoyed the banter between Jenn and Zach. The plot moved well and kept me fully engaged. I will definitely be continuing with this series and would like to read this authors other books.
December 26, 2024
Schooled in Murder is the first book in a new series by Victoria Gilbert. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and the storyline flows smoothly. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I especially liked the banter between the main character, Jenn and a psychologist, Zach. Their interactions made me smile and even chuckle.
Jen is a mystery writer that runs the campus writing center at Clarion University. One of the students that she mentors is accused of murdering a professor at the university. Jen is positive that the student didn't do it. A couple of her friends on campus agree with her and decide to investigate and help clear the student's name. I look forward to the next book and getting to know the characters more.
Jen is a mystery writer that runs the campus writing center at Clarion University. One of the students that she mentors is accused of murdering a professor at the university. Jen is positive that the student didn't do it. A couple of her friends on campus agree with her and decide to investigate and help clear the student's name. I look forward to the next book and getting to know the characters more.
June 1, 2025
A fun cozy mystery and a promising start to a new series.
For a cozy this is pretty well written, and while I didn’t love the solve, everything adds up in the end and the mystery was well-structured and well-paced.
I love a campus setting, and this one does a good job of bringing that to life. There isn’t a ton of academic content here, but the sense of place is strong and the atmosphere feels right.
I didn’t really care about the romantic subplot and felt it took up too much space in the narrative that would have been better allocated to other things, but I liked Jen and the way that Gilbert envisioned Clarion and its environs. I’d happily read another.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
For a cozy this is pretty well written, and while I didn’t love the solve, everything adds up in the end and the mystery was well-structured and well-paced.
I love a campus setting, and this one does a good job of bringing that to life. There isn’t a ton of academic content here, but the sense of place is strong and the atmosphere feels right.
I didn’t really care about the romantic subplot and felt it took up too much space in the narrative that would have been better allocated to other things, but I liked Jen and the way that Gilbert envisioned Clarion and its environs. I’d happily read another.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 11, 2025
I always enjoy Victoria Gilbert's bookish mysteries, and this first title in a new series was no exception. I enjoyed the campus setting, and found the main character really easy to root for. Also fun were the little Easter eggs for fans of the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries series. I loved meeting familiar characters along the way and seeing the universe of that earlier series expand to incorporate this new one. Reading Schooled in Murder has made me want to catch up in all of his author's other series, and to keep up with this one as it continues!
January 17, 2025
Frankly, I was disappointed with this book. I found the main character annoying and her "I know it all and better than everyone" attitude really grated on my last nerve. More than that, her abrasive response to anything that didn't please her (which was a lot) got old fast. However, I finished the book because I have enjoyed all of the author's previous works; unfortunately, this is one series I won't be coming back to.
July 19, 2024
Netgalley
May 24, 2025
Loved this book! this is the first of a new series, and I can't wait for the others to come out.
February 15, 2025
This novel, written by a prolific mystery author, is the first in a new series set in a small university in Virginia. The protagonist, Jenn Dalton, is also a mystery author and the director of a writing center, mentoring aspiring writers and assisting others with feedback. When she discovers the body of a not-so-beloved faculty member, Jenn works through the secrets, competition, and jealousy among the faculty to remove suspicion from one of her students. The “Nancy Drew Club” aspect of her investigation was a reach for me, but the plot took me away from the present chaos of the world for a few hours, a good thing.
January 23, 2025
A very quick cozy mystery read with a simple plot line, but an okay amount of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. But on that note, at the end we see a resolution that was a little bit disappointing considering the ante was upped a bit due to a second murder and everything just seemed to fall into place and the resolution and reveals were bland. I didn't really care for the romance that was thrown in there. I feel like this story would have been perfectly fine without it, and if anything, it was a bit off putting and kept me from completely enjoying the story. The characters were also quite unlikeable, and I couldn't really relate to the main character, or even root for her, or anyone else in this book for that matter. They all seemed a bit one-dimensional.
June 2, 2025
So. Many. Plot holes. And the writing is really self-conscious.
September 1, 2025
More of 3.5 ... A few questionable holes in the story that I am not sure why the author chose not to fill in. But on the whole, I like the characters, setting & storyline.
March 23, 2025
3.5 stars. A nice start to a new series.
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