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Death by Degrees: A Mike Atwell Mystery Book 5
In the competitive world of academia, it’s publish—or perish.
When the controversial head of the Animal Science Department at a local university is found dead in her lab, it looks like a tragic accident. But retired detective Mike Atwell knows better. Dr. Valerie Andrews had enemies—plenty of them—both inside the university and beyond. As Mike digs deeper, he discovers bitter rivalries, secret affairs, and a long-standing feud over scientific ethics. But it’s not just research grants and reputations at stake—someone is willing to kill for their degree.
As Mike navigates the high-pressure world of academia, he uncovers a tangled web of ambition, jealousy, and betrayal. With a killer on the loose and another faculty member poisoned, Mike must work fast to crack the case before the campus is thrown into further chaos. Who had the most to gain from these deaths, and who will be next?
For fans of cosy mysteries and intellectual intrigue, ‘Death by Degrees’ is a gripping, and yet hilarious tale of academic ambition, secrets, and deadly consequences.
When the controversial head of the Animal Science Department at a local university is found dead in her lab, it looks like a tragic accident. But retired detective Mike Atwell knows better. Dr. Valerie Andrews had enemies—plenty of them—both inside the university and beyond. As Mike digs deeper, he discovers bitter rivalries, secret affairs, and a long-standing feud over scientific ethics. But it’s not just research grants and reputations at stake—someone is willing to kill for their degree.
As Mike navigates the high-pressure world of academia, he uncovers a tangled web of ambition, jealousy, and betrayal. With a killer on the loose and another faculty member poisoned, Mike must work fast to crack the case before the campus is thrown into further chaos. Who had the most to gain from these deaths, and who will be next?
For fans of cosy mysteries and intellectual intrigue, ‘Death by Degrees’ is a gripping, and yet hilarious tale of academic ambition, secrets, and deadly consequences.
- GenresMystery
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 13, 2026
Another good addition to the series! Mike and his team are asked to investigate the death of a scientist caused by a docile monkey who unexplicably became furious and attacked her. Who was conditioning the animal to become violent, who was behind the subsequent deaths that happened on the campus? Death by Degrees is an engaging mystery, with some really funny parts, that deals with jealousy, greed, lies and deceit.
I thank the author for this ARC.
I thank the author for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It seems like it's been a while since the last Mike Atwell mystery, but I can tell you that it was worth the wait!
When a professor is killed by a Macque monkey that is in a study, Mike, Sharon, Dexter and Mel of P-FBI are called in to help figure out why she was killed.
I sure do enjoy this foursome of investigators, and the issues that come to the doorstep.
Cress does an excellent job with Higg's Atwell character!
When a professor is killed by a Macque monkey that is in a study, Mike, Sharon, Dexter and Mel of P-FBI are called in to help figure out why she was killed.
I sure do enjoy this foursome of investigators, and the issues that come to the doorstep.
Cress does an excellent job with Higg's Atwell character!
May 3, 2026
My favourite P-FBI yet! Really intriguing plot and a twist I didn't see coming. It was so fast paced I raced through the whole story in hours and a very satisfying ending!
May 4, 2026
Great read
Lots of twists and turns… can’t wait until the next in the series. Kept my interest until the end. W
Lots of twists and turns… can’t wait until the next in the series. Kept my interest until the end. W
July 26, 2026
Always a fun read
Mike and Shareon and Mel and Dexter make an amazing PI team. As Mike says an unimaginative group who are absolutely on point and always doing the unexpected .
Mike and Shareon and Mel and Dexter make an amazing PI team. As Mike says an unimaginative group who are absolutely on point and always doing the unexpected .
July 30, 2026
Cute book, fast read, entertaining who done it.
August 20, 2026
Love the British!
Excellent story to escape to Britain! Having grandparents that came from England certainly helps with appreciating the language in these books! I enjoy reading all the comments that are used by people from Britain. Totally worth the read!
Excellent story to escape to Britain! Having grandparents that came from England certainly helps with appreciating the language in these books! I enjoy reading all the comments that are used by people from Britain. Totally worth the read!
June 4, 2026
Well done, Penelope Cress and Steve Higgs. Mike Atwell mysteries have had me hooked.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews