The District: A Dr. Ada Logan Mystery

by Lisa Bush

When Sue Kowalski, the lone female superintendent of the largest school district in Western Canada, dies in a car collision, rumours circulate school hallways and classrooms. Was Sue’s death an accident?

As whispers fade and routine within Suncrest continues, an unusual bequeath in her trust intertwines the lives of six women. Their task: launch a class action lawsuit against Suncrest. If the women fail to comply, Sue’s estate goes to Joe Brae, the far-right podcaster and owner of media outlet Freedom Today.

Agreeing to take on the case, the women navigate a volatile landscape where students petition to have LGBTQ2S+ representation in their theatrical productions and plan walkouts protesting sexual harassment in schools, administrators cling to the status quo, and the provincial government attempts to throw the educational system decades into the past. Working together within the chaos, the women must decide: When is it time to play by the rules? And when is it time to rewrite the rule book?

380 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2026

About the author

Lisa Bush is an American Canadian writer, educator, and storyteller. Her work is based on the belief that stories have the power to connect, heal, disrupt, challenge, and ultimately transform ourselves and the world around us.

Lisa has worked in education both in the US and in Canada in the roles of teacher, curriculum consultant, and school administrator. She’s presented locally and internationally on fine arts, language arts, language acquisition, gifted education, and teacher wellness. Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Colorado State University and a master’s in art education from the University of Georgia with emphasis in language acquisition.

She is the author of Teaching Well: How healthy, empowered teachers lead to thriving, successful classrooms as well as City Hall: A Dr. Ada Logan Mystery. She is the recipient of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association Amber Bowerman prize for emerging writer. Lisa’s work, both in fiction and non-fiction, explores the paradox that exists for women navigating careers in systems that were often not created by women or with women’s wellbeing and success in mind.

Lisa lives and Works in Calgary, Alberta where she is writing, podcasting, and working to create change—both in her family and her community—one story at a time.

Reviews

[Dunia Scharie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a local author, this is a contemporary mystery set in Calgary, Canada. When Sue, the Superintendent of Communications for a school district, dies in a car crash, an unusual request in her trust weaves together the lives of six women. The District follows these six women as they launch a class action lawsuit against the toxic deadly school district, while investigating Sue's death.
These women are flawed and fierce and so realistic as school teachers today battling politics, school district ideology, restricted budgets, hypocrisy and more.
I liked it because it was local and true to a civil and criminal court processes. I loved that the students were the solution for change and I enjoyed that the characters were diverse too. It is a mystery novel but I would have liked to have more “mystery” in it. Ada Logan is an unconventional solver of mysteries which makes us want to know more about her and her methods.

[Colette Coumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

The District is a contemporary mystery that is based on something we are all too familiar with, a school district that is run by entitled white men who flaunt their influence and power. Six fierce, independent, compassionate, strong women come together to investigate what is really happening in Suncrest School District and why the Superintendent of Communications is now dead.
In The District, the author did a wonderful job of showing six distinct points of view while explaining how these differences made the women collectively stronger. My favourite character was Ada, as she needs to balance being a mom, wife and university professor. The support of her husband, Javier, demonstrates the reality of how modern families balance all of life’s demands. On the flip-side, Yara van der Wiel’s character was triggering because she sided with the entitled males and subsequently, was promoted.
If you have ever been part of a school district either as a student or adult and have wondered why they are mostly run by a single demographic, this book is for you. The District shows just how far some people will go to gain or maintain authority.
Thanks to Book Funnel and the author Lisa Bush for my advanced copy of this book.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a person who struggles to stay quiet for long stretches of time, I got pulled into The District from the very beginning, with absolutely no intention of putting it down. This contemporary mystery follows six women as they launch a class‑action lawsuit against a toxic school district in Calgary, Alberta, while also investigating the car‑crash death of Sue Kowalski, the Superintendent of Communications. It’s fascinating how these women come together through the unfolding mystery.

One of my favourite aspects of the book is the way the writer builds atmosphere in every scene: sounds, dust in the air, scents, memories, light all combined into unique, vivid images.

I also loved how the story is spiced up with podcast transcripts, hashtags, text messages, and interviews, underscoring the political dimension of the book. If you’re a reader eager for a mystery woven together with well‑crafted characters and sharp political reflections on systemic racism, gender identity, and sexism, this book is for you.

Thanks to BookFunnel and the writer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maggie S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The District follows the lives of of six women as they launch a class action lawsuit against a school district resistant to diversity and equity considerations for both the employees of the school district, and the students they are bound to nurture and protect.

The novel is a murder mystery told through six distinct points of view; a challenging feat. The author has done an exceptional job of ensuring each character has a distinct voice. Each chapter tells the story from one character’s point of view and segues easily to the next character in the following chapter, and the pace flows smoothly throughout. I really enjoyed each character’s unique struggle against the injustices they witness and endure.

If you enjoy a mystery novel that explores contemporary societal issues, you will enjoy The District.

Thanks to BookFunnel and author Lisa Bush for my advanced copy of this book.

[Crystal Perzylo-Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book most relevant to the struggles Alberta is having with efforts to manipulate education systems. The District is set in my own hometown of Calgary, Alberta. Lisa Bush writes about six women as they push back against archaic systems after the death of a co-worker.

The writing is engaging from the first chapter. I was hooked, and loved the balance between story development and pace. This is a wonderful page turner that will feel cathartic for teachers as well as provide a template for what it will take to improve the educational system for both our youth and the humans who are passionate for teaching. If you love a murder mystery that explores contemporary issues, The District is for you.

As a Calgarian, it was fun to read about local landscapes and businesses. Even in my hometown there are plenty of opportunities for intrigue and drama. Thanks so much to BookFunnel and the author, Lisa Bush, for my advanced copy of this book.

[Cym & Her Books 🍉 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review

4.5 stars rounded up!

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced thriller, told from the perspectives of six different women involved in a lawsuit against "the largest school division in Western Canada."

Set in Alberta, The District feels especially relevant for readers in Saskatchewan (where I live!). The two provinces share many similarities in how their governments have influenced education, school administration, teachers, and students, and the novel captures those realities in a way that feels authentic.

Most chapters open with snippets of podcast interviews, tweets, text messages, emails, and other forms of communication, giving readers a glimpse into the deeply polarized political and ideological climate in Western Canada. This format adds depth to the story while highlighting how public opinion is shaped and shared.

I also appreciated the author's thoughtful approach to addressing systemic discrimination in schools. As someone who has witnessed these issues both personally and professionally, I found the portrayal honest, nuanced, and impactful. The District is an engaging thriller that also offers timely commentary on the current state of public education.

[Akhila Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The District follows the six women who work for a school district in Calgary, Alberta. The women face a toxic work environment that is slowly wearing them down. But then, a murder becomes a catalyst for the women to fight for change. I love how relevant this book is to today’s political climate. These woman continue to fight, despite feeling defeated in a daily basis. The character development allows for the reader to connect so well to the women’s lives, struggles, resistance, and perseverance.

This book captures the daily struggle of those marginalized by systems of oppression that are reinforced every time they step not the workplace. It touches on topics that are currently and controversial. For readers who want something that stays away from politics and social justice, the District is not for you.

Thanks to BookFunnel and the author Lisa Bush for my advanced
copy of this book.

[Nicky O · Rating 5 out of 5]

The District is a contemporary mystery set in Calgary, Alberta. When Sue Kowalski the Superintendent of Communications in the shady and toxic Suncrest School District dies in a fiery crash there are many questions about her death. As a result six diverse women are brought together to launch a class action lawsuit against the District and find out what happened to Sue.
The District is told through the eyes of each of these six very different women united by their quest. My favourite character was Ada- I loved her quirky sense of humour as she navigates the systematic sexism and racism woven into the fabric of the District.
If you love a mystery packed with strong female characters you will love this book!!!
Thanks to BookFunnel and the author Lisa Bush for my advance copy of this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a school district that, although fictional, feels very familiar to many teachers, I’m sure. A place where who you know, and how fun you are at parties (read: blowhard old-boys-club member/pick-me internalized misogynistic woman) has a 1:1 correlation with how likely you are to receive appreciation or promotion. In this setting, a mysterious death brings together six women who hope to fix the system and uncover the truth. It feels very relevant in a world where the loudest voices echo and political ideology seems to outweigh equity and student achievement.

Lisa writes in a way that allows the reader to settle into the mood and atmosphere she is creating. She does an excellent job depicting thoughtful, competent, and creative female characters.

My sincere thanks to the author, Lisa Bush, and BookFunnel for my Advanced Reader Copy.

[Dana Goldstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent–and extremely relevant–book. What happens when one woman tasks her colleagues to take on the patriarchal, racist, school district, but only after she dies?
Part thriller, part mystery, part sisterhood manifesto, The District is an addictive, engaging, fast-paced read. The women are so unique, but I could easily recognize myself a little in each one. A must-read for 2026.

[Marisol Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

​An amazing mystery book and a great read! The District hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you on a thread until the very end. It is so cool to read a book set in familiar places where you live! It’s not only a great mystery, but also a powerful reminder to fight for our rights in an unfair world. Highly recommended!

[Charlotte Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic novel! The author takes a relevant premise and unravels the fast paced plot using the voices of six unique characters. The descriptions are vivid and the dialogue is sharp. If you like a cozy mystery this book is an excellent choice.

Thanks to Book funnel and the author Lisa Bush for my advanced copy of this book.

[Annemieke Westerbeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was an amazing story, the chemistry between the women is there. They are brave and strong standing up to the school system cost them. This story is vividly written, the lives of all of them were affected. There was a lingering suspense in the background and i loved it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, full of a diverse cast of characters and enough mystery to keep you turning the pages. It is a great reflection of the current state of the education and provincial government in Alberta, that rings eerily true.

Thanks to BookFunnel and the author for my advanced copy of this book