The End of Promise

by Rita A. Popp

Paul Kiefer enjoyed a promising career at New Mexico University—until a murderer canceled the arrogant young man’s plan to fast track to full professor. Shocked at the sight of her colleague’s dead body, department head Eleanor Jarviss turns for comfort and aid to her daughter Bethany. The Jarviss Foundation’s grants manager, Bethany has an amateur detective’s knack for crime solving. When she awards a Foundation Scholarship to a student who dishes the dirt on the dead prof, Bethany gets drawn into the murder investigation. With Eleanor’s help, she compiles a list of suspects close to Kiefer stunned but not saddened by the scheming academician’s demise.

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2024

Reviews

[Carl Vonderau · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE END OF PROMISE is Rita Pop’s second Bethany Jarvis Mystery and it thoroughly engaged me. This one takes place in New Mexico at a university. I really liked that setting. The novel is filled with sympathetic characters. She very effectively created red herrings and I never solved the mystery until the author laid it out at the end of the book. Her protagonist, Bethany, is in charge of her family foundation, which gives money to worthy academics. Her mother is a department head at a university. When an arrogant, up-and-coming professor is murdered, Bethany’s mother asks her to solve the case. The professor who was murdered offended everyone and everyone had a reason to kill him. Popp every cleverly drops clues but keeps the real murderer hidden. She has a nice light touch to her very likable characters. I was especially fond of the male ones. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and recommend it.

[Terry Korth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of Promise, Rita Popp’s second Bethany Jarviss Mystery, brings readers a delightful mystery. This story takes on the world of academia, where Bethany’s mother is the newly appointed Curriculum and Instruction Department Head. A parade of quirky students, career-minded assistant professors, and mom’s well-intentioned friends add to the twisty plot. That Bethany has a hunky, cowboy love interest doesn’t hurt either. Readers who enjoy a sweet female amateur sleuth and a cozy whodunit will love this book. Well done, Rita.

[K.D. Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty mystery

Great second mystery by Popp. This is well written and well crafted. I enjoyed the academia setting and the ego and competitiveness hidden behind altruism. Bethany is a likeable protagonist with the intelligence and stamina to solve the complex who-done-it. Looking forward to the next one.

[Patricia Stoltey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Popp's second book in the Bethany Jarviss Mystery series is a revealing look into the world of academics and the politics involved. I like Bethany and her family and especially enjoy the secondary romantic plot that threatens to upend Bethany's career plans. This is fine mystery writing.

[Rhonda Blackhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of Promise was a delightful read that kept my attention from beginning to end. The characters are well drawn, the plot engaging, and a lot of twists and turns. The academic setting was refreshing. Highly recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers!

[Luvvb313 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific mystery!

[Linda Behn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marvelous

Great book couldn't stop reading it. Characters were wonderful and I enjoyed the mystery but didn't figure out who did it until the end.