Study Guide for Murder

Master Class #2

by Lori Robbins

Murder has no place in Liz Hopewell’s perfect suburban life. She left her complicated past behind when she moved from Brooklyn to New Jersey, and she’s determined to forget the violence that shadowed her early years. As an English teacher, wife, and mother, Liz now confines her fascination with existential dread to classroom discussions about Frankenstein and Hamlet. But violence follows her from the mean streets of her childhood home to the manicured lawns of suburbia when Elliot Tumbleson’s head has an unfortunate and deadly encounter with a golf club. Her golf club.

A second murder, a case of mistaken identity, and a rollicking trip back to her childhood home all point to one prime suspect in each crime. Liz embarks upon a double investigation of homicides past and present, using her gift for literary theory to unearth clues that she finds as compelling as forensic evidence. But the killers, like her students, don’t always read to the end.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Lori Robbins is the author of the On Pointe and Master Class mystery series. Her work has garnered multiple awards, including the Indie Award for Best Mystery and the Silver Falchion.

Short stories include “Accidents Happen” in Mystery Most Diabolical and “Leading Ladies” in Justice for All. She’s also a contributor to The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers Cookbook.

A former dancer, Lori performed with a number of modern and ballet companies, including Ballet Hispanico and the St. Louis Ballet. Her commercial work included featured ads for Pavlova Perfume and Macy’s. After ten very lean years onstage she became an English teacher and now writes full time.

As a dancer, teacher, and mother of six, Lori is an expert in the homicidal impulses everyday life inspires.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting whodunnit which kept me guessing. There seemed to be too much packed into the story as Liz and Susan feel they can solve the murder at the golf club but also their mother’s death. I felt discomfort at the interactions between Liz and George which probably could have been better communicated. Meanwhile, Susan just wants to be set up. I thought this was going to be funny or sardonic as some attempt was made but it wasn’t sustained throughout. It seems he author may be planning another novel in the series so purposely didn’t tie up all the loose ends. I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Study Guide for Murder is the 2nd book in the A Master Class Mystery series by Lori Robbins, about Liz Hopwell, an American English teacher who helps to solve crimes with the use of her knowledge of literature.

In Study guide to Murder Liz and her husband have joined a golf club however during on her first visit Elliot is killed by one of Liz’s golf clubs.

Firstly one question is always asked with reviewing the second book in a series is can it be read on its own, some books are easier to answer than others, Study guide to muder is one of the difficult ones.

While as a reader you are able to read this book before the first one however there is some continuation of a plot line from the first book.

Having said that these do not affect the main mystery of the novel and everything is explained so as a reader you know what is happening with the series overarching plot line.


Study Guide for Murder is an enjoyable cozy mystery to read with all the things you expect from a novel of this genre, a wide range of suspects, an upmarket location and plenty of red herrings.

Like all cozy mysteries the story revolves around the main character. In this case we have Liz, a middle aged English teacher who is the only point of view for the story. Who at the star of the novel is unsure if she is happy or not in her life,

With pressure at work along with a marriage that is not in the best of health.

What I do like about what Lori Robbins the writer has done with Liz is her being an English teacher is part of the story, not in an overbearing way but it affects how she sees the world and other people.

Which adds to the story, and makes Liz a well rounded character which is not always the case in cozy mysteries, for example if Liz was not an English teacher she would she the world differently.

While I am not sure how good Liz is at being a amateur sleuth lori Robbins has still written an enjoyable cozy mystery.

[Kair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable Cozy Mystery!

Study Guide for Murder by Lori Robbins is the second book in the Master Class Mystery series. While this book is the second book of the series, you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy the characters and storyline. The main character of the book is Liz Hopewell is a High School English teacher, mother of teenagers, wife, sister who is a very likeable and relatable person. While Liz is close to her sister Susan she struggles to relate to others, especially her self-absorbed husband George.

George joins a swanky county club to help improve his business opportunities, not realizing that his wife does not fit in with the country club crowd. For her birthday George gives Liz a golf lesson which is scheduled for the anniversary her mother's death. After the disastrous golf lesson is over Liz discovers the dead body of another club member and parent of one of her high school students. As the story progresses another dead body is discovered, and Liz gets caught up in the drama surrounding the country club and high school where she works. In addition to the murders at the country club, there is a second storyline regarding Liz and Susan's mother's mysterious death that is threatens to bring up a lot of uncomfortable memories for Liz and Susan. In the end the murderer is revealed, and major life changes seem to be on the horizon for Liz.

The dialog between the characters is great, and the author does a great job making the characters relatable and really come alive. Now that I have read this book, I plan to read the first book of this series Lesson Plan for Murder. In the future I hope there will be more books in this series, I can’t wait to find out what is next for Liz and Susan.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Study Guide for Murder, the second installment in the Master Class Mystery series, introduces Liz Hopewell, a High School English teacher with a unique approach to solving mysteries: she incorporates classic literature. On her birthday, her husband George surprises her with golf lessons at the Country Club they recently joined. However, a disastrous lesson leads to a shocking discovery: a dead body. This sets off a chain of events, intertwining with a parallel story where Liz and her sister Susan attempt to unravel the mystery of their mother's past.

The dialogues and characters in Study Guide for Murder are captivating. The story, with its fun and quirky elements, is a delightful read. The inclusion of the Country Club rules sprinkled throughout the book were an added bonus. The book is an easy read, with one mystery reaching a satisfying and unexpected conclusion, and the second one left somewhat open. This leaves room for a potential third book in the series, keeping the readers eagerly anticipating more!

Many thanks to BookSirens and Level Best Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Although I hadn't read the first book in the series (Lesson Plan for Murder) before, I am now eager to pick it up and delve deeper into Liz Hopewell's world!

[Dan Lupo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Study Guide for Murder was a fun and uncomplicated romp which, at times, got more serious than I was expecting. 



What you get is really on the cover for this one. It features an English teacher caught up in the middle of a murder mystery. If you’re looking for a gritty, realistic, hardboiled mystery, I feel like you probably didn’t pick up this book in the first place. If you want a witty, fun escapade with some admittedly ham-fisted Lit Fiction references, then you’re in the right place. 



The dialogue started occasionally clunky at first but smoothed out quite a bit as the story progressed. Our protagonist had some good and surprisingly nuanced character-work, while the majority of cast beside her didn’t really have enough page-time to warrant much depth anyway. 

I will say one of the plot points that caught me by surprise is about the protagonists unhappy marriage. It’s handled quite well, but I’ll admit my own bias that I never enjoy that plot line much personally. Not a knock against the author or book at all, but it did dampen my personal enjoyment. 



Overall the book was fun - I liked it and don’t have any more complicated emotions regarding it than that.

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam Watmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snobby George joins a golf club and pays for his reluctant wife Liz to have a golf lesson. On her way she overhears an argument between a divorced couple. After the lesson she comes across the body of the man who was having an argument and then her golf tutor was murdered as well and she is in the frame. Liz and her sister decide to investigate despite being told to keep out of it. From here on it is very like the other cozy mysteries and the investigator gets to the answer quicker than the Police and she is injured in a stand off due to her thinking she is better than the Police and nearly gets herself killed but can she prove who killed Elliot and Ryan using the quotes from various books or will there be another attempt on her or her sister's life? Unfortunately these cozy mysteries all run in the same theme and it is getting a bit boring, the plot might be a bit different but the theme is the same, person better than the police and makes the Police look incompetent but it is a very easy read and amusing in some places. Easy read for the beat.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ulrika Gustafsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

English teacher Liz, with two teenaged kids and a husband who is more interested in their newly aquired entry to a golf club than in his wife, might be an unlikely detective, but she has a secret weapon.

She sees connections between books and actual mysteries.

In this story both Hamlet and Frankenstein helps her solve the crime. Well, the police helps too. Friendly Tom and serious Ben, who’s more interesting than he should be to a married woman.

The golf club is the stage for two murders and two mysterious attacks and even though Liz hasn’t any interest in neither golf nor the social spectacle at the club she is determinded to solve the murders.

Her sister is equally determinded that it’s time for them to solve the mystery of their mother’s death, so we get to follow Liz on a parallell search for answers.

The story is very well written and the characters are mix of both stronger and more elusive characters.

The golf club mystery is resolved, but the search for the truth about the mother’s death have just begun and the end gives promises of a sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly entertaining and enjoyable read. Liz is forced to join in when her husband George gets them membership of a golf club and soon finds herself in the middle of an investigation when during her golf lesson, she manages to stumble on a dead body. Things escalate when a second murder occurs and Liz is determined to exonerate one of the staff who is an ex-student of hers.

There are two different threads here. One involves events at the golf club where it is clear there is something shady going on. The second involves Liz and her sister Susan who decide to look into their mother's death and the fact that their father had two families. This provides a lot of humour in the book.

I found this easy to read and you really don't need to have read the earlier book to enjoy this. Just jump right in. I read it quite quickly. Liz is a good main character and the aspects of her home and school life felt very authentic. I look forward to reading more in this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read! Having not yet read the first book in this series, I was a little worried I wouldn’t understand everything from the start, but my fears were unfounded and although I’m sure the first book is thrilling and gives some context, this is also an excellent standalone book - so don’t be put off if you haven’t read its predecessor yet!

As hinted at in the synopsis, this book follows 2 separate murder mysteries, one past and one present. I assumed (wrongly) that they would culminate together or at least relate to one-another, but they are indeed very separate. It worked though… and this still surprises me, as I’m not sure many authors could pull that off. Thankfully, one mystery comes to an extremely satisfying (and brilliantly unexpected) close, while the other is left wide open, and I assume (and hope) this storyline continues into the next book in the series.

I read this book in 2 days, and I didn’t need to focus too hard to follow what was going on, despite the interweaving of two mysteries, so it felt like a relaxing treat for me to enjoy. I would say it’s an easy-going weekend / holiday read and I’m going to go and find the first book in this series now!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathleen Kalb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisty, wicked tale sparklingly told! Lori Robbins takes us into the dark corners of suburbia, and the scariest streets of Brooklyn, in the unforgettable voice of English teacher Liz Hopewell. Liz, a prosperous mom after a difficult childhood, finds herself tracking a killer at the country club and delving into her own dark past – while dodging the slings and arrows of school life. The setting and characters are vividly drawn, including assorted Stepford wives and gold diggers, a clueless and barely literate principal, and an officious, overbearing helicopter mom of a school board chair. Not to mention an adorable police detective. With her amazing, sharp voice, Liz is a standout on the merits, and her use of English lit in detecting is a unique and delicious twist. Characters to love and root for, plenty of baddies to despise, and a plot that keeps you guessing to the end – told in razor-sharp style. Sign me up for the next class!

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Hopewell was taking a golf lesson that her husband arrange when she came on a couple arguing. Melinda Tumbleson was arguing with her ex, Elliot about their son Jack. She was jealous of his new son and wife, Sonya. When they walked away Liz went to her golf lesson. As she walked back to her car she found the body of Jack. The ex, Melinda, was on the school board and threatened to fire Liz unless she changed Jack’s grade in English from an F to a B and give him lead in the school play The police believe a country club worker Miquel killed him so she must prove his innocence by finding the real murderer. Liz and her sister Susan are also trying to find out what really happened to their mother, was it an accident or murder.
This was a very good read. Suspenseful to the end. I recommend it.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, for free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Brandi Conico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book even more than the first.

The characters were overall interesting and the plot kept me involved. I feel like the resolution could have been a little less rushed- to clarify some of the financial dealings. And certain plot lines were left hanging- such as George’s clients trying to manipulate the men.

The marital problems got very frustrating. I’m glad they finally took steps at the end, but even hints of infidelity really turn me off. For it to be insinuated with George is one thing because I’m not his biggest fan, but when it’s hinted out with Liz (which happened in both the first book and this one), it made her less likeable for me. If not for this minor subplot, it would’ve been a five star for me.

Overall, great cozy mystery, particularly if you’re a bibliophile.

I received an advanced copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a bad day for Liz Hopewell, going to golf lessons—a belated birthday gift from her husband—she didn’t want. It was worse when she discovered the body of a man whom she disliked. It went to worst when she learned that her gulf club had been used to kill the man. And all of that on the anniversary of her mother’s death.

Liz is a feisty protagonist, who seeks and finds literary allusions as she investigates the Elliots murder. I liked her, would like to have her as a friend. Her childhood prepared her to deal with the hazards of being an amateur detective. I didn’t like her husband, George, a weasel and social climber, but he, like the rest of the characters, are well-drawn and substantial.

The mystery is fast-paced and well-written.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild cozy murder mystery full of vibrant melodramatic, colorful,snobbish and entitled characters although these characters have your full attention from the beginning it's a plot of secrets, lies misdirection, intrigue and murder that will have you captivated from beginning to an unexpected finnally I've been ill the past few days but each time I woke between feverish rest I had to continue into the mystery of family chaos and a private club full of entitled adults to find out who was the better actor of the thriving club members and the games played in their private club house. I was completely engaged in the games being played and needed to finish following the clues to the unexpected deadly culprit Aquire " Study Guide for Murder " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat

[Catherine Siemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had literally the funniest first paragraph I have read in a very long time.

New Jersey high school English teacher Liz Hopewell is back, this time dealing with not only the usual fun and games at work, but in addition, at a country club. Liz's husband's sudden obsession with golf is bad enough, but the fact that he wants her to join in is even worse. When a former student is suspected of murdering the ex-husband of the absolutely awful chair of the Board of Ed, Liz steps in to investigate. There's also a wonderfully drawn picture of an ungentrified Brooklyn neighborhood where the key to family secrets just may be found. Quick, funny, and engaging, a definite to-read for mystery fans.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz Hopewell, high school English teacher, mom, once again finds herself working to solve murders. This is the second book in the series and can be read as a stand-alone.

Liz's husband, George, has gifted her a golf lesson at the swanky country club he just joined. What surprise when Liz finds a dead body at the club, Elliot Tumbleson, who it turns out was killed with one of Liz's golf clubs. If this wasn't enough to keep Liz busy, her sister, Susan, believes their mother's death was not an accident, but murder.

This is a fun fast read. I loved the interactions between Liz and Susan. I am looking to seeing more adventures with Liz.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series by Lori Robbins that I have read even though it is the second book in the series. I have read her On Pointe series and loved it so I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this book. I can't wait to see what comes next.\

I enjoyed Liz's dependence on classic literature to provide clues and/or avenues of investigation. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the classics. I can't wait to see how Liz and Susan go about solving the mystery of their parents' death/disappearnace. This story provides plenty of material for all of us amateur sleuths to devour. I highly recommend it.

I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this review is my honest opinion.

[Cathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s another semester and another murder for Liz Hopewell who finds herself on the wrong end of a golf club in this exciting, fast-paced mystery. Her birthday gift of a golf lesson on the anniversary of her mother’s death was unsettling, as was discovering the body of a club member who’d been done in with one of her golf clubs. Liz’s sister, Susan, sees this as a karmic coincidence and insists that their mother’s death may not have been accidental and that her father’s other secret family might be responsible. As the women investigate, Liz takes to the links to unmask the killer while seeking the truth about her family.
Such a great read and hard to put down!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tone of this is so up beat that I almost forgot I was reading about a murder. The humor and the banter is fabulous. When the two sisters got together they are outrageously enjoyable. The bodies were dropping, and I was hard pressed to guess whodunit. The snark and privilege of the golf club was a perfect setting, all those women with their cliques just like high school mean girls mad me laugh. I was shocked at who the killer was , but I was even more shocked at the ending. I didn't expect that!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion .

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The narrative centers around Liz Hopewell, a high school English teacher who adeptly utilizes her literary acumen to untangle complex crimes. Liz's serene suburban life is disrupted by a murder involving her golf club. As she undertakes the investigation, she uncovers intricate connections to her past and grapples with solving both current and past homicides. This well-crafted book immediately captivates the reader, seamlessly weaving together two captivating mysteries. The utilization of literature to solve crimes is particularly noteworthy, and the well-placed humor enhances the overall storytelling experience. I am genuinely pleased to have come across this talented author's work.

I'd like to note that I received an advance review copy for free and am offering this review voluntarily.

[Mally Becker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who loves a mystery told with humor and heart should pick up Lori Robbins’s Study Guide for Murder, which features literature-quoting middle-aged high school English teacher Liz Hopewell. Her marriage is on the rocks, her career as a teacher is up in smoke, and there’s evidence her long-deceased mom might have been murdered. And that’s just for starters. A richly detailed story with characters you’ll want to follow. In other words, I really liked this book!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining story, with Liz and her sister Susan at the ready as amateur sleuths. Even when their sleuthing is not wanted..... There some interesting twists to this plot, the characters were well developed and had realistic dialogue, which is a complaint I've had in the past for other books. But I do think that there are too many plots in this book. It got confusing trying to keep the murder of their mother separate from the Golf Country Club murder, and I think that Liz, particularly, is a bit uncomfortably bold. Between their mother's death/potential murder, the country club murder, and the slow dissolution of Liz and George's marriage, it's just a bit too much. I would have liked to know a bit more about Liz and George's relationship, and perhaps the investigation into the mother's death could have been set up for the next volume.

I received this ARC from the publisher and BookSirens; the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[Marcy McCreary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to fall in love with Liz Hopewell, a high school English teacher with a penchant for solving murder. Filled with colorful characters and brimming with snappy (and snarky) dialogue, A Study Guide for Murder is a well-crafted cozy mystery with a darker subplot that makes for a richly-layered reading experience. My number one takeaway is: Brush up on your Shakespeare, because you never know when a quote from Hamlet or As You Like It will help you crack the case!

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Study Guide for Murder is book 2 in A Master Class Murderer has Lori Robbins. I found this book to be fantastic. Liz is a great main character with wonderful supporting characters. When someone is killed with Liz's golf club, everything falls apart. I found the story to be fast paced and I could not put the book down. A second murder just might Liz into an even more dangerous position. This is a really great mystery. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dialogue from the first page to the last is witty and engaging. As a retired teacher, the character of Liz what delightful, envisioning exactly what type of teacher she would be along with an incredibly likable personality. With more than one murder to solve, along with a lot of personal stress to boot, Liz and her team have a lot of work to do to find a killer.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in a series. I did not read the first, but enjoyed this one. I will definitely read the first one now. I liked the combination of two mysteries, one present day and one from Liz and her sister, Susan’s past. We travel along with Liz and Susan from an upscale New Jersey suburb to an inner city area of Brooklyn searching for clues. Lots of twists and red herrings kept me guessing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really engaging story which not only dealt with a murder but also with a midlife relationship break-up. I loved all the references and quotes to classical literature.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Paula Bristol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not recommend

This book was not particularly well written. The plot was good. The characters were not well developed. They were all pretty naïve and straightforward. None were particularly likable. Able to skip the middle of the book and catch up in the last two chapters. Do not recommend.

[Nicole Quigley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery for sure. Study Guide for Murder is a classic whodunnit with whit and charm. The characters were realistic in their experiences with normal / day to day problems. Nice little twist at the end while some of the plot was predictable.

[Dan McKeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written and entertaining story with multiple mysteries and a great sense of humor. It not only kept me guessing, but I had a great time reading it! Lori Robbins is a fantastic writer, and I look forward to book three in the Master Class series!