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Washington Whodunit #1
Stabbing in the Senate
Life is good for Kit Marshall. She's a staffer in D.C. for a popular senator, and she lives with an adoring beagle and a brainy boyfriend with a trust fund. Then, one morning, Kit arrives at the office early and finds her boss, Senator Langsford, impaled by a stainless steel replica of an Army attack helicopter. Panicked, she pulls the weapon out of his chest and instantly becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
Circumstances back Kit's claim of innocence, but her photograph has gone viral, and the heat won't be off until the killer is found. Well-loved though the senator was, suspects abound. Langsford had begun to vote with his conscience, which meant he was often at odds with his party. Not only had the senator decided to quash the ambitions of a major military contractor, but his likely successor is a congressman he trounced in the last election. Then there's the suspiciously dry-eyed Widow Langsford.
Kit's tabloid infamy horrifies her boyfriend's upper-crust family, and it could destroy her career. However, she and her free-spirited friend Meg have a more pressing reason to play sleuth. The police are clueless in more ways than one, and Kit worries that the next task on the killer's agenda will be to end her life.
Book 1 in the Washington Whodunit mystery series.
Circumstances back Kit's claim of innocence, but her photograph has gone viral, and the heat won't be off until the killer is found. Well-loved though the senator was, suspects abound. Langsford had begun to vote with his conscience, which meant he was often at odds with his party. Not only had the senator decided to quash the ambitions of a major military contractor, but his likely successor is a congressman he trounced in the last election. Then there's the suspiciously dry-eyed Widow Langsford.
Kit's tabloid infamy horrifies her boyfriend's upper-crust family, and it could destroy her career. However, she and her free-spirited friend Meg have a more pressing reason to play sleuth. The police are clueless in more ways than one, and Kit worries that the next task on the killer's agenda will be to end her life.
Book 1 in the Washington Whodunit mystery series.
236 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2015
44 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Colleen J. Shogan
9 books632 followersColleen Shogan has been reading mysteries since the age of six. She conceived of the plot of “Stabbing in the Senate” one morning while taking a walk in her suburban Washington, D.C. neighborhood. Her Washington Whodunit series is published by Camel Press, with "Stabbing in the Senate" making its debut in 2015. In April 2016, "Stabbing in the Senate" won first place in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for the Mystery Category. Her sequel was "Homicide in the House" followed by "Calamity at the Continental Club."
A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American politics at Yale, George Mason University, Georgetown, and Penn. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate and as the Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service. She's now a senior executive at the Library of Congress, working on terrific programs such as the National Book Festival. Colleen lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan.
Photo credit: Glen Fuhrmeister, GF Photography
A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American politics at Yale, George Mason University, Georgetown, and Penn. She previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate and as the Deputy Director of the Congressional Research Service. She's now a senior executive at the Library of Congress, working on terrific programs such as the National Book Festival. Colleen lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan.
Photo credit: Glen Fuhrmeister, GF Photography
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
September 6, 2015
An interesting snapshot into the world of Senate staffers from a Capitol Hill insider. Political intrigue, mystery, and a rescue beagle named Clarence. What more could you ask for?
November 15, 2015
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This is an excellent whodunit!
Kit Marshall’s life is good. She lives with her wealthy boyfriend and they share a lovable beagle named Clarence. She works for Senator Lyndon Langsford and her boyfriend works mostly from home. They have what I would call a very comfortable relationship.
Kit was unable to present a memo to Senator Langsford yesterday so she goes in early to work to insure that he has it before a very important committee meeting. She is surprised that her boss has beaten her to work. He is in his chair with his back to her but he isn’t responding to her at all. She moves forward and realizes she is not being ignored, the Senator has been stabbed. She rushes to help him but she is too late. Things spiral out of control from there as people start to arrive and she has the murder weapon in her hands.
I was really impressed with this very smart story. The author is a former Senate staffer so she is writing what she knows, less the murder, I hope. :)
Kit works with her friend Meg and together they become this dynamic duo trying to find out who killed their very popular boss and if it had anything to do with an upcoming vote. This part really rang true for me. With the gridlock in Congress I am surprised there aren’t more dead bodies. In this story there are plenty of people who could have killed the man. From his wife, to an important lobbyist, members of Congress and even his staff. They are so many twists that at one point I was completely confused, it could have been anyone, except Kit, of course. I figured it out right along with Kit, the way it’s supposed to be.
We leave Kit ready to start a new job and I hope it won’t be too long until we hear all about it. You know someone’s going to die…
This is an excellent whodunit!
Kit Marshall’s life is good. She lives with her wealthy boyfriend and they share a lovable beagle named Clarence. She works for Senator Lyndon Langsford and her boyfriend works mostly from home. They have what I would call a very comfortable relationship.
Kit was unable to present a memo to Senator Langsford yesterday so she goes in early to work to insure that he has it before a very important committee meeting. She is surprised that her boss has beaten her to work. He is in his chair with his back to her but he isn’t responding to her at all. She moves forward and realizes she is not being ignored, the Senator has been stabbed. She rushes to help him but she is too late. Things spiral out of control from there as people start to arrive and she has the murder weapon in her hands.
I was really impressed with this very smart story. The author is a former Senate staffer so she is writing what she knows, less the murder, I hope. :)
Kit works with her friend Meg and together they become this dynamic duo trying to find out who killed their very popular boss and if it had anything to do with an upcoming vote. This part really rang true for me. With the gridlock in Congress I am surprised there aren’t more dead bodies. In this story there are plenty of people who could have killed the man. From his wife, to an important lobbyist, members of Congress and even his staff. They are so many twists that at one point I was completely confused, it could have been anyone, except Kit, of course. I figured it out right along with Kit, the way it’s supposed to be.
We leave Kit ready to start a new job and I hope it won’t be too long until we hear all about it. You know someone’s going to die…
January 12, 2016
Washington intrigue written in cozy mystery style, STABBING IN THE SENATE is a wonderful beginning to a promising new series.
When I first saw this book I wasn’t sure if it would be like the cozies I read and review. While it surely isn’t a small town story, my worries were unfounded. STABBING IN THE SENATE is an amazing mystery that fans of all mysteries, no matter the sub-genre, can and will enjoy.
I really enjoyed getting to know Protagonist Kit Marshall very much. She felt very real to me. I’m looking forward to learning more about her, and the rest of the characters from the series in future installments.
From the discovery of the body, through pages and chapters of intrigue, to the action packed reveal and take down of the killer, I was totally engrossed in this stellar mystery!
The Washington Whodunit series has a solid place on my bookshelves. So, author Shogan, please keep them coming!
When I first saw this book I wasn’t sure if it would be like the cozies I read and review. While it surely isn’t a small town story, my worries were unfounded. STABBING IN THE SENATE is an amazing mystery that fans of all mysteries, no matter the sub-genre, can and will enjoy.
I really enjoyed getting to know Protagonist Kit Marshall very much. She felt very real to me. I’m looking forward to learning more about her, and the rest of the characters from the series in future installments.
From the discovery of the body, through pages and chapters of intrigue, to the action packed reveal and take down of the killer, I was totally engrossed in this stellar mystery!
The Washington Whodunit series has a solid place on my bookshelves. So, author Shogan, please keep them coming!
November 4, 2021
First in the series - not bad; I will probably continue this one.
September 20, 2015
I thought this book was excellent. I couldn't believe it was the author's first book. Everything about this book from the first chapter has you wanting more and not wanting it to end.
The main character in the book, Kit is an up and coming staffer on Capital Hill. She is working her dream job with Senator Langsford, living with a wonderful man in a great condo with the cutest dog a beagle mix named Clarence. She believes in everything that the Senator stands for and has been with him since the beginning. Little does she know when she walks in his office on Tuesday morning that her life would change forever. She finds her beloved Senator with a stainless steel model military helicopter sticking out of his chest. Of course she thinks she maybe able to save him so she pulls it out. Now she has major issues because she is now holding the murder weapon and everyone thinks she killed him. She is now the main suspect and has every news agency reporting this with her picture on the front page.
Now she has to explain all of this to her boyfriend Doug who's family is very connected and will not look kindly on her because of their reputation. As we all know gossip spreads like wildfire on Capital Hill. To try and douce the flames she starts investigating the murder along with her friend Meg. They come up with a list of suspects that will lead them all over Capital Hill. She finds allies that she didn't know she had in the people she has worked with for four years. Everyone wants to know why someone would want to kill the Senator.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. You never know who to trust at any given time. Will Kit and her friends find the killer or killers before they strike again? What does a company called Carter Power play in his murder? Could all of this be about the oldest motive in the book, Money? Or is it something else know one will see coming?
I hope their will be many more books in this series. I am not a person who enjoys political novels but this was a pleasant surprise. The mystery, adventure, suspense, and intrigue are not to be missed.
The main character in the book, Kit is an up and coming staffer on Capital Hill. She is working her dream job with Senator Langsford, living with a wonderful man in a great condo with the cutest dog a beagle mix named Clarence. She believes in everything that the Senator stands for and has been with him since the beginning. Little does she know when she walks in his office on Tuesday morning that her life would change forever. She finds her beloved Senator with a stainless steel model military helicopter sticking out of his chest. Of course she thinks she maybe able to save him so she pulls it out. Now she has major issues because she is now holding the murder weapon and everyone thinks she killed him. She is now the main suspect and has every news agency reporting this with her picture on the front page.
Now she has to explain all of this to her boyfriend Doug who's family is very connected and will not look kindly on her because of their reputation. As we all know gossip spreads like wildfire on Capital Hill. To try and douce the flames she starts investigating the murder along with her friend Meg. They come up with a list of suspects that will lead them all over Capital Hill. She finds allies that she didn't know she had in the people she has worked with for four years. Everyone wants to know why someone would want to kill the Senator.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. You never know who to trust at any given time. Will Kit and her friends find the killer or killers before they strike again? What does a company called Carter Power play in his murder? Could all of this be about the oldest motive in the book, Money? Or is it something else know one will see coming?
I hope their will be many more books in this series. I am not a person who enjoys political novels but this was a pleasant surprise. The mystery, adventure, suspense, and intrigue are not to be missed.
January 13, 2016
Senate Staffer, Kit Marshall arrives at work early to make sure her boss receives a memo she wrote. She’s shocked when she finds her boss, Senator Langsford, murdered with his own model helicopter. Trying to help him, she touches the murder weapon and naturally becomes the prime murder suspect. In fact, according to the police, the only murder suspect. All other possibilities have ironclad alibis.
To make matters worse, Kit’s photo is all over the internet which doesn’t sit well with her boyfriend’s wealthy family. Not to mention that, with her boss dead, she’s going to need a new job. That will be impossible to find under the circumstances. With the help of her best friend and fellow senate staffer, Meg, they start their own investigation into the murder. There’s no way Kit can leave her life in the hands of the police.
This book grabs you right from the start and holds your attention to the end. The author gives a great insight to the inner workings of Washington without overwhelming the reader with too many details. It’s just the right amount to make readers feel as if they are part of the story.
The characters come to life which isn’t always an easy task when a series is first starting. I felt as if I already knew Kit and I liked what I read. Her boyfriend, Doug, seemed nice enough but I’m hoping his character will be more developed in future books. Kit’s friend, Meg, added a great spark to the story, she is full of energy and fun.
The story itself is fast-paced and I enjoyed trying to figure out the killer along with Kit and Meg. I wasn’t overly surprised at who it turned out to be, but there were several choices it could have been. So, it was a story that kept you guessing.
Overall, a great start to a new series. I love the Washington setting and I will be interested to see where life takes Kit on her next adventure.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
To make matters worse, Kit’s photo is all over the internet which doesn’t sit well with her boyfriend’s wealthy family. Not to mention that, with her boss dead, she’s going to need a new job. That will be impossible to find under the circumstances. With the help of her best friend and fellow senate staffer, Meg, they start their own investigation into the murder. There’s no way Kit can leave her life in the hands of the police.
This book grabs you right from the start and holds your attention to the end. The author gives a great insight to the inner workings of Washington without overwhelming the reader with too many details. It’s just the right amount to make readers feel as if they are part of the story.
The characters come to life which isn’t always an easy task when a series is first starting. I felt as if I already knew Kit and I liked what I read. Her boyfriend, Doug, seemed nice enough but I’m hoping his character will be more developed in future books. Kit’s friend, Meg, added a great spark to the story, she is full of energy and fun.
The story itself is fast-paced and I enjoyed trying to figure out the killer along with Kit and Meg. I wasn’t overly surprised at who it turned out to be, but there were several choices it could have been. So, it was a story that kept you guessing.
Overall, a great start to a new series. I love the Washington setting and I will be interested to see where life takes Kit on her next adventure.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review for this blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 3, 2016
I would give this 3 1/2 to 4 stars. I liked that it was set in Washington DC and in the Congressional offices, that is a new location for me. Kit does what all newbies to a crime scene do, touch the murder weapon and therefore make themselves a suspect. Of course she then has to go about clearing her name.
I thought the book was well written and I did not suspect who the killer ended up being. I was on the right track but thought it was someone else. The characters were realistic with a good mix of "good" and "bad" characters.
There is a little insight into what happens in a Senator's office, would have liked to learned maybe a little bit more, but a good balance overall.
This could be an interesting series especially since Kit will be in a different job since her boss was killed in this book.
I thought the book was well written and I did not suspect who the killer ended up being. I was on the right track but thought it was someone else. The characters were realistic with a good mix of "good" and "bad" characters.
There is a little insight into what happens in a Senator's office, would have liked to learned maybe a little bit more, but a good balance overall.
This could be an interesting series especially since Kit will be in a different job since her boss was killed in this book.
August 12, 2015
I was given an advanced copy of Stabbing in the Senate in exchange for a review. Colleen J. Shogan's debut novel was excellent. I did not know the killer before the end, which is rare for me. The insight into the daily life of Senate staffers was detailed but fast paced enough to keep the pages turning.The main characters were ones I found myself thinking I could be friends with and have a great time. Kit was very relatable, at least to me. I hope this is not the last time I solve a mystery with Kit, Meg and Doug.
September 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Here it is.
I found it to be very interesting.I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down. I had no idea who the murderer was which is was a good thing.
Here it is.
I found it to be very interesting.I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down. I had no idea who the murderer was which is was a good thing.
October 20, 2015
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
In Washington, DC, the political game can often get exceedingly cutthroat. When it comes to pushing your own political agenda, one really doesn't want to be on the receiving end of some of those staffers and lobbyists, because the claws definitely come out. While in the real world, it's been quite some time since someone occupying a seat in the House of Representatives or the US Senate has been deliberately targeted and murdered -- Robert Kennedy, may he rest in peace -- it still doesn't take away the inherent danger of playing the game. However, it's far more often that a political misstep results in a loss of reelection, not of life. The way things have been going lately on Capitol Hill -- amongst the threat of government shut down and a looming presidential election -- it's not too hard to imagine someone taking a power trip far too seriously if things continue down this path.
Longtime Senate staffer Kit Marshall has actually found herself in the midst of such a scenario. Just days before an important committee vote for a government energy contractor, her boss, Massachusetts Senator Lyndon Langsford, was found murdered in his office. Unfortunately for Kit, she was the one to come across the body and, as such, has found herself overwhelmed by the media circus as the lead suspect. Now that her career as a staffer has met an end almost as grisly as her former boss', it's up to her and her savvy friend Meg to determine who really killed Senator Langsford to clear her name. The thing is, nearly everyone around her has a motive for assisting the Senator in meeting his maker, but they all have an iron-clad alibi to back themselves up. In order to protect both her future and herself, Kit must figure out the real killer, or else she'll have to kiss her cushy way of life goodbye.
Given that this was my first mystery since reading Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None in the seventh grade, I have to say that I definitely came into reading Stabbing in the Senate with an open mind. Anything in the mystery genre -- be it a movie, tv show, whatever -- usually bores me to tears. Granted, I wasn't expecting this book to be anywhere near the level of Christie's works, as she's considered to be a master of the genre for a reason, but I wasn't expecting to actually find myself pleasantly entertained by the book, either! Having lobbied in the past at my state Capitol (and rallied up at the actual Capitol), reading something that took place in a familiar arena made the experience that much more fun. I felt like all of the schmoozing and other goings on were quite accurate based on my short time as a lobbyist, which makes sense as Shogan is a former legislative staffer herself. As gruesome as Langsford's death was, it was fun to pretend to be a sleuth alongside Kit and Meg, as I found myself eager to make sure the mystery was solved for her sake. It was easy to like Kit's character because she felt like someone I could relate to: competent in a lot of areas, but not boastful about her abilities. I was actually able to figure out the murderer before Kit; that was fun to feel accomplished in that manner during the climax of the story. Kit also loves dogs, which is always a plus in my book for a character.
However, there were quite a few snagging points for me in Stabbing in the Senate that held me back from getting overly excited about it. First and foremost, even though we heard a lot about Kit's personality -- which, again, is great! -- the audience never really gets a physical description of her. Granted, there's some hints about her wardrobe sprinkled here and there when it's relevant, but literally every other main character is described in such detail on a regular basis that I could probably hire a sketch artist to draw Meg, Kyle, Doug, Mandy, Vivian -- EVERYONE. But to skip over the main character's appearance altogether? Were we supposed to put ourselves into her shoes and see things from her eyes? Furthermore, I felt like there was a lot of information repeated over and over and over again to the point where it was quickly becoming a point of irritation for me. For example, in almost every scene in which Meg appeared, Kit goes into extreme detail about how much of a waif she is, how much men are attracted to her, her level of physical perfection. Whenever Kit's beagle, Clarence, was mentioned, we got a paragraph and a half about how much he was food-motivated, but it was pretty much the same explanations behind his food motivations every time. It's little things like that which made me feel a little bit like Shogan was condescending to her readers, as if within the span of two pages, we were going to forget these aspects of the characters.
While I'm still slow to hop on board the mystery train, Stabbing in the Senate provided a fun, quick little trip through a city that I hold near and dear to my heart. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside the sleuthing duo of Kit and Meg, even though I came to the conclusion that a certain character was the killer long before the girls did. However, there were certain areas in which I felt that Shogan was talking down to the reader a little bit; intentional or not, it's a bit of tone that could have been polished away during the editing phase. All in all, though, I have to say I'm intrigued by the start of the Washington Whodunit series; we've already killed off a Senator, so who's next?
In Washington, DC, the political game can often get exceedingly cutthroat. When it comes to pushing your own political agenda, one really doesn't want to be on the receiving end of some of those staffers and lobbyists, because the claws definitely come out. While in the real world, it's been quite some time since someone occupying a seat in the House of Representatives or the US Senate has been deliberately targeted and murdered -- Robert Kennedy, may he rest in peace -- it still doesn't take away the inherent danger of playing the game. However, it's far more often that a political misstep results in a loss of reelection, not of life. The way things have been going lately on Capitol Hill -- amongst the threat of government shut down and a looming presidential election -- it's not too hard to imagine someone taking a power trip far too seriously if things continue down this path.
Longtime Senate staffer Kit Marshall has actually found herself in the midst of such a scenario. Just days before an important committee vote for a government energy contractor, her boss, Massachusetts Senator Lyndon Langsford, was found murdered in his office. Unfortunately for Kit, she was the one to come across the body and, as such, has found herself overwhelmed by the media circus as the lead suspect. Now that her career as a staffer has met an end almost as grisly as her former boss', it's up to her and her savvy friend Meg to determine who really killed Senator Langsford to clear her name. The thing is, nearly everyone around her has a motive for assisting the Senator in meeting his maker, but they all have an iron-clad alibi to back themselves up. In order to protect both her future and herself, Kit must figure out the real killer, or else she'll have to kiss her cushy way of life goodbye.
Given that this was my first mystery since reading Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None in the seventh grade, I have to say that I definitely came into reading Stabbing in the Senate with an open mind. Anything in the mystery genre -- be it a movie, tv show, whatever -- usually bores me to tears. Granted, I wasn't expecting this book to be anywhere near the level of Christie's works, as she's considered to be a master of the genre for a reason, but I wasn't expecting to actually find myself pleasantly entertained by the book, either! Having lobbied in the past at my state Capitol (and rallied up at the actual Capitol), reading something that took place in a familiar arena made the experience that much more fun. I felt like all of the schmoozing and other goings on were quite accurate based on my short time as a lobbyist, which makes sense as Shogan is a former legislative staffer herself. As gruesome as Langsford's death was, it was fun to pretend to be a sleuth alongside Kit and Meg, as I found myself eager to make sure the mystery was solved for her sake. It was easy to like Kit's character because she felt like someone I could relate to: competent in a lot of areas, but not boastful about her abilities. I was actually able to figure out the murderer before Kit; that was fun to feel accomplished in that manner during the climax of the story. Kit also loves dogs, which is always a plus in my book for a character.
However, there were quite a few snagging points for me in Stabbing in the Senate that held me back from getting overly excited about it. First and foremost, even though we heard a lot about Kit's personality -- which, again, is great! -- the audience never really gets a physical description of her. Granted, there's some hints about her wardrobe sprinkled here and there when it's relevant, but literally every other main character is described in such detail on a regular basis that I could probably hire a sketch artist to draw Meg, Kyle, Doug, Mandy, Vivian -- EVERYONE. But to skip over the main character's appearance altogether? Were we supposed to put ourselves into her shoes and see things from her eyes? Furthermore, I felt like there was a lot of information repeated over and over and over again to the point where it was quickly becoming a point of irritation for me. For example, in almost every scene in which Meg appeared, Kit goes into extreme detail about how much of a waif she is, how much men are attracted to her, her level of physical perfection. Whenever Kit's beagle, Clarence, was mentioned, we got a paragraph and a half about how much he was food-motivated, but it was pretty much the same explanations behind his food motivations every time. It's little things like that which made me feel a little bit like Shogan was condescending to her readers, as if within the span of two pages, we were going to forget these aspects of the characters.
While I'm still slow to hop on board the mystery train, Stabbing in the Senate provided a fun, quick little trip through a city that I hold near and dear to my heart. I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside the sleuthing duo of Kit and Meg, even though I came to the conclusion that a certain character was the killer long before the girls did. However, there were certain areas in which I felt that Shogan was talking down to the reader a little bit; intentional or not, it's a bit of tone that could have been polished away during the editing phase. All in all, though, I have to say I'm intrigued by the start of the Washington Whodunit series; we've already killed off a Senator, so who's next?
Read
November 30, 2018Miniseries: A Washington Whodunit
June 18, 2024
It's an entertaining read. If you are looking for something to read by the pool or while traveling this would be a good choice.
February 3, 2024
Cozy mystery that was quite fun, loved the location and the main character and the surrounding characters and the life they inhabit working in DC. I started with the first in the series but will definitely read the others.
November 27, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/st...
Stabbing in the Senate
Washington Whodunit, Book #1
By Colleen J. Shogan
ISBN: 9781603813310
Author website: http://www.colleenshogan.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Life is good for Kit Marshall. She’s a staffer in D.C. for a popular senator, and she lives with an adoring beagle and a brainy boyfriend with a trust fund. Then, one morning, Kit arrives at the office early and finds her boss, Senator Langsford, impaled by a stainless steel replica of an Army attack helicopter. Panicked, she pulls the weapon out of his chest and instantly becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
Circumstances back Kit’s claim of innocence, but her photograph has gone viral, and the heat won’t be off until the killer is found. Well-loved though the senator was, suspects abound. Langsford had begun to vote with his conscience, which meant he was often at odds with his party. Not only had the senator decided to quash the ambitions of a major military contractor, but his likely successor is a congressman he trounced in the last election. Then there’s the suspiciously dry-eyed Widow Langsford.
Kit’s tabloid infamy horrifies her boyfriend’s upper-crust family, and it could destroy her career. However, she and her free-spirited friend Meg have a more pressing reason to play sleuth. The police are clueless in more ways than one, and Kit worries that the next task on the killer’s agenda will be to end her life.
Book 1 in the Washington Whodunit mystery series.
Review:
Author Colleen J. Shogan has written a wonderful whodunit and started what is bound to be a very entertaining new cozy mystery series. Stabbing in the Senate is a great first novel and a fun first in a series. Her writing style is enjoyable and easy. This is shorter than a lot of cozies, but packs a punch even so. Main character Kit Marshall is interesting and someone I would enjoy knowing. She is a staffer for D.C. Senator Langsford, a popular man on the hill that has taken a different course lately. He has been quite vocal about his changes in beliefs when it comes to voting. Especially an upcoming vote that could have huge repercussions. When Kit comes in to work a bit early to do some work, she finds her boss impaled by a model Army attack helicopter. Kit makes a big mistake as she pulls the murder weapon out hoping to give him first aid. Now her prints are on the murder weapon.
Kit has a great cast of characters surrounding her. Best of course is her waif-like coworker/best friend Meg. There is also her food motivated beagle Clarence and her intelligent boyfriend Doug who is a trust fund baby, whose family is could trace their history back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her coworkers are interesting and diverse for sure. Some she thought were not friends, but are and some she thought were friends that aren’t. Gossip on the Hill runs rampant and Kit has her face plastered in all the news. This is not going to be good for her job prospects. Kit and Meg decide they have to find the real killer before Kit is completely blackballed in politics. The two are a fun pair of friends and their exploits are entertaining.
Full of political intrigue, high stakes decision makers, twists and turns and red herrings, Stabbing in the Senate is a wonderful new cozy. The characters are entertaining and the writing is spot on for a great whodunit. I am not really a fan of politics or D.C. in particular, but the way Colleen J. Shogan presented this story drew me in and kept me excited about it. I am sure fans of politics will love this new cozy series, but those like me that don’t, will not be put off. The author somehow writes about the political word in a fresh and exciting style. Anyone that enjoys a well written classic whodunit, will love this book. It bodes well for a continuation of this series and I for one hope it does continue.
Stabbing in the Senate
Washington Whodunit, Book #1
By Colleen J. Shogan
ISBN: 9781603813310
Author website: http://www.colleenshogan.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Life is good for Kit Marshall. She’s a staffer in D.C. for a popular senator, and she lives with an adoring beagle and a brainy boyfriend with a trust fund. Then, one morning, Kit arrives at the office early and finds her boss, Senator Langsford, impaled by a stainless steel replica of an Army attack helicopter. Panicked, she pulls the weapon out of his chest and instantly becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
Circumstances back Kit’s claim of innocence, but her photograph has gone viral, and the heat won’t be off until the killer is found. Well-loved though the senator was, suspects abound. Langsford had begun to vote with his conscience, which meant he was often at odds with his party. Not only had the senator decided to quash the ambitions of a major military contractor, but his likely successor is a congressman he trounced in the last election. Then there’s the suspiciously dry-eyed Widow Langsford.
Kit’s tabloid infamy horrifies her boyfriend’s upper-crust family, and it could destroy her career. However, she and her free-spirited friend Meg have a more pressing reason to play sleuth. The police are clueless in more ways than one, and Kit worries that the next task on the killer’s agenda will be to end her life.
Book 1 in the Washington Whodunit mystery series.
Review:
Author Colleen J. Shogan has written a wonderful whodunit and started what is bound to be a very entertaining new cozy mystery series. Stabbing in the Senate is a great first novel and a fun first in a series. Her writing style is enjoyable and easy. This is shorter than a lot of cozies, but packs a punch even so. Main character Kit Marshall is interesting and someone I would enjoy knowing. She is a staffer for D.C. Senator Langsford, a popular man on the hill that has taken a different course lately. He has been quite vocal about his changes in beliefs when it comes to voting. Especially an upcoming vote that could have huge repercussions. When Kit comes in to work a bit early to do some work, she finds her boss impaled by a model Army attack helicopter. Kit makes a big mistake as she pulls the murder weapon out hoping to give him first aid. Now her prints are on the murder weapon.
Kit has a great cast of characters surrounding her. Best of course is her waif-like coworker/best friend Meg. There is also her food motivated beagle Clarence and her intelligent boyfriend Doug who is a trust fund baby, whose family is could trace their history back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Her coworkers are interesting and diverse for sure. Some she thought were not friends, but are and some she thought were friends that aren’t. Gossip on the Hill runs rampant and Kit has her face plastered in all the news. This is not going to be good for her job prospects. Kit and Meg decide they have to find the real killer before Kit is completely blackballed in politics. The two are a fun pair of friends and their exploits are entertaining.
Full of political intrigue, high stakes decision makers, twists and turns and red herrings, Stabbing in the Senate is a wonderful new cozy. The characters are entertaining and the writing is spot on for a great whodunit. I am not really a fan of politics or D.C. in particular, but the way Colleen J. Shogan presented this story drew me in and kept me excited about it. I am sure fans of politics will love this new cozy series, but those like me that don’t, will not be put off. The author somehow writes about the political word in a fresh and exciting style. Anyone that enjoys a well written classic whodunit, will love this book. It bodes well for a continuation of this series and I for one hope it does continue.
October 26, 2015
Kit Marshall, is a D.C. staffer for the popular Senator Langsford. One morning she comes to work early so that she can place a report on his desk that is very important.
Unfortunately Kit finds that her boss will not be attending meetings, reading reports or anything else. Senator Langsford is dead.
The murder weapon is an army attack helicopter. Before she thinks about what she is doing Kit pulls the helicopter out of the senator's chest. Soon she is off the suspect list but that isn't good enough for Kit. She wants to know who murdered her boss and why?
Besides she will soon be out of a job and job offers won't knocking down her door unless she can find the killer of her beloved senator.
Kit's boyfriend and his well to do family is horrified my the news. They are more horrified that Kit wants to solve the mystery.
Kit can always count on her friend Meg and together they follow the clues, suspects and politics to a riveting conclusion.
I have to say it is one of the best whodunit I have read this year. Colleen writes with clarity, wit and she knows her subject matter. She has done her research, turned her talent into one of the best new books to be on the 2016 market.
STABBING in the SENATE, is a look at Washington D.C. that is sure to be a memorable, page-turning, bestseller.
I give this one ten stars.
Unfortunately Kit finds that her boss will not be attending meetings, reading reports or anything else. Senator Langsford is dead.
The murder weapon is an army attack helicopter. Before she thinks about what she is doing Kit pulls the helicopter out of the senator's chest. Soon she is off the suspect list but that isn't good enough for Kit. She wants to know who murdered her boss and why?
Besides she will soon be out of a job and job offers won't knocking down her door unless she can find the killer of her beloved senator.
Kit's boyfriend and his well to do family is horrified my the news. They are more horrified that Kit wants to solve the mystery.
Kit can always count on her friend Meg and together they follow the clues, suspects and politics to a riveting conclusion.
I have to say it is one of the best whodunit I have read this year. Colleen writes with clarity, wit and she knows her subject matter. She has done her research, turned her talent into one of the best new books to be on the 2016 market.
STABBING in the SENATE, is a look at Washington D.C. that is sure to be a memorable, page-turning, bestseller.
I give this one ten stars.
September 25, 2015
I received an advanced copy of this book and as a lover of cozy mysteries, I enjoyed it very much! This is the first in a series of books about Kit, a staffer who works in the Senate, and her friend and fellow sleuth, Meg. When Kit is the first on the scene of a murder, she and her friend use their inside knowledge and contacts to try to solve the murder and clear her reputation. The author's inside knowledge of Washington DC and the political system, makes this book much more interesting and very informative. Kit is a very likeable character and her boyfriend and pet Beagle are a great bonus. This book will be released in November 2015.
November 27, 2015
Colleen Shogan's first book in her Washington Whodunit series is definitely a page turner. She had me guessing the identity of the killer right to the end, along with Kit and Meg. Highly recommend this book for mystery readers as well as political junkies. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.
June 1, 2016
Great read!
August 18, 2022
A improbably stupid opening put me off. I like mysteries set in D. C. but this was so lame, I quit one chapter in.
November 2, 2023
Writing is not easy. Well, maybe for a lucky few it is. The writing greats. The rest of us have to work at it. Shogan needs to work at it a bit more. The writing in this book was pretty bad. The story was boring, frankly. The characters were stiff and robotic. The only thing going for it was that it was just over 200 pages.
Kit works for Senator Langsford. She comes to work early one day to get a memo on his desk before he gets in but he's already there. He's been stabbed in the chest with the blade of a model helicopter. And Kit's first instinct is to pull it out.
So by page 5, I've already determined Kit is an idiot. Admittedly, Kit also agrees what she did was stupid. But this was Shogan's way of getting Kit involved with the case. And frankly, that's sloppy writing and character damaging. Now Kit has an uphill battle redeeming herself in my eyes. (Spoiler alert. She doesn't).
So the police are called and she's handcuffed and magically the press are also RIGHT THERE and her picture is taken and so she's all over the papers. But almost immediately after she's handcuffed, she tells them she didn't do it and they were like "Oh, our bad. Here you are free to go". *eyeroll* But she knows she has no job now and no one will hire her thinking she's the number one suspect. So she has to solve the murder.
She figures out that it all has to do with a defense contract (helicopter as the death weapon didn't give it away?) Carter Powell. We learn only a few people knew that Langsford was going to vote against it. Matt (Kit's boss), Lucinda (CoS), and Langsford. But we learn that VIvan, Langsford's wife found out from Lucinda. Who also told Jeff who works for Carter Powel. (I think? Whatever I can't remember and it's not important). There were some other suspects like a political rival, Jessop. And another named Regan. But both had alibis. Which Kit felt the need to personally verify.
Like when she and Meg (her BFF that she works with) snuck into Jessop's office and Kit looked at his planner. Didn't take pictures of it with her phone. No. She just stood there and read it.
So obviously Meg also knew. And her cube mate Trevor apparently also knew. And then they learn press secretary Mandy also knew. So it wasn't really much of a secret.
Meg helps Kit with the investigation. And they are not subtle. Nothing is subtle in this book. Oh, and did I mention Kit has a pretentious upper class wasp boyfriend named Doug who is a pompous condescending jerk yet she "is so happy with him and bitter she has no ring". Ok that wasn't a direct quote but if felt like it should have been one.
So at a service for Langsford, Kit has figured out who the killer is. And she's trying to whisper it to Meg who can't hear her for REASONS so she basically yells whispers it. (doesn't text her during a memorial service. NO. It makes MUCH MORE SENSE to verbalize this during an event focused on mourning. But she DOES text the detective who wants to meet her back at her office. So she leaves and hears someone behind her, it's MANDY and she's got SCISSORS. And she chases her. But the police show up and phew she's safe.
So Mandy wanted a press job for Carter Powell, but if the deal fell through it would hurt her job prospect? So she killed the senator, supposedly instigated by the Jeff guy. Sure. Ok.
The story ends with all the 'good' people at Kit and Doug's apartment having dinner. (Including the detective). Trevor announcing he's taking the press job at Carter Powell.... and Meg taking a job investigating fraud and stuff for the house of representatives. And Kit may go work with her. The End.
I can't sugar coat this. It was bad. I was excited to read a mystery series focused on DC, but I'll keep looking. I won't be reading another of this series.
Kit works for Senator Langsford. She comes to work early one day to get a memo on his desk before he gets in but he's already there. He's been stabbed in the chest with the blade of a model helicopter. And Kit's first instinct is to pull it out.
So by page 5, I've already determined Kit is an idiot. Admittedly, Kit also agrees what she did was stupid. But this was Shogan's way of getting Kit involved with the case. And frankly, that's sloppy writing and character damaging. Now Kit has an uphill battle redeeming herself in my eyes. (Spoiler alert. She doesn't).
So the police are called and she's handcuffed and magically the press are also RIGHT THERE and her picture is taken and so she's all over the papers. But almost immediately after she's handcuffed, she tells them she didn't do it and they were like "Oh, our bad. Here you are free to go". *eyeroll* But she knows she has no job now and no one will hire her thinking she's the number one suspect. So she has to solve the murder.
She figures out that it all has to do with a defense contract (helicopter as the death weapon didn't give it away?) Carter Powell. We learn only a few people knew that Langsford was going to vote against it. Matt (Kit's boss), Lucinda (CoS), and Langsford. But we learn that VIvan, Langsford's wife found out from Lucinda. Who also told Jeff who works for Carter Powel. (I think? Whatever I can't remember and it's not important). There were some other suspects like a political rival, Jessop. And another named Regan. But both had alibis. Which Kit felt the need to personally verify.
Like when she and Meg (her BFF that she works with) snuck into Jessop's office and Kit looked at his planner. Didn't take pictures of it with her phone. No. She just stood there and read it.
So obviously Meg also knew. And her cube mate Trevor apparently also knew. And then they learn press secretary Mandy also knew. So it wasn't really much of a secret.
Meg helps Kit with the investigation. And they are not subtle. Nothing is subtle in this book. Oh, and did I mention Kit has a pretentious upper class wasp boyfriend named Doug who is a pompous condescending jerk yet she "is so happy with him and bitter she has no ring". Ok that wasn't a direct quote but if felt like it should have been one.
So at a service for Langsford, Kit has figured out who the killer is. And she's trying to whisper it to Meg who can't hear her for REASONS so she basically yells whispers it. (doesn't text her during a memorial service. NO. It makes MUCH MORE SENSE to verbalize this during an event focused on mourning. But she DOES text the detective who wants to meet her back at her office. So she leaves and hears someone behind her, it's MANDY and she's got SCISSORS. And she chases her. But the police show up and phew she's safe.
So Mandy wanted a press job for Carter Powell, but if the deal fell through it would hurt her job prospect? So she killed the senator, supposedly instigated by the Jeff guy. Sure. Ok.
The story ends with all the 'good' people at Kit and Doug's apartment having dinner. (Including the detective). Trevor announcing he's taking the press job at Carter Powell.... and Meg taking a job investigating fraud and stuff for the house of representatives. And Kit may go work with her. The End.
I can't sugar coat this. It was bad. I was excited to read a mystery series focused on DC, but I'll keep looking. I won't be reading another of this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2018
“Stabbing in the Senate” by Colleen J. Shogan is the first in the “Washington Whodunit” series. Kit Marshall is a staff member in the offices of Senator Lyndon Langsford. When she arrives early to the office one morning with the intention of delivering a memo to her boss, she gets a nasty surprise when she discovers him dead in his chair, stabbed through the heart with the blade of a model helicopter. Since she found the body, Kit becomes the main suspect, and becomes an amateur sleuth to clear her name.
This is an entertaining start to the series. Kit is a very likeable character, practical and dedicated to her job. She also has an underlying dry sense of humor that pops out in her narration. I was very impressed by the way the author was able to weave details about the workings of political business in Washington, D.C. into the story. She gave just enough detail that I was never lost or confused, and yet the detail didn’t overshadow the story and it never got boring. Plus, there are a lot of colorful supporting characters to keep things interesting. My favorite was Trevor, the eccentric staffer with an odd sense of humor and sharp observational skills.
The mystery is engrossing. There are enough clues and suspects to keep things humming along. I didn’t guess who the killer was, so not only was I surprised at the reveal, but the clue that finally tipped Kit off was very clever, and one that I never would have guessed.
All in all, this is a great series that has an interesting premise and a great protagonist. I would definitely recommend this series.The other two titles in the series are Homicide in the House and Calamity at the Continental Club. I plan to pick up both books.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
This is an entertaining start to the series. Kit is a very likeable character, practical and dedicated to her job. She also has an underlying dry sense of humor that pops out in her narration. I was very impressed by the way the author was able to weave details about the workings of political business in Washington, D.C. into the story. She gave just enough detail that I was never lost or confused, and yet the detail didn’t overshadow the story and it never got boring. Plus, there are a lot of colorful supporting characters to keep things interesting. My favorite was Trevor, the eccentric staffer with an odd sense of humor and sharp observational skills.
The mystery is engrossing. There are enough clues and suspects to keep things humming along. I didn’t guess who the killer was, so not only was I surprised at the reveal, but the clue that finally tipped Kit off was very clever, and one that I never would have guessed.
All in all, this is a great series that has an interesting premise and a great protagonist. I would definitely recommend this series.The other two titles in the series are Homicide in the House and Calamity at the Continental Club. I plan to pick up both books.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2021
Synopsis: Life is good for Kit Marshall. She's a staffer in D.C. for a popular senator, and she lives with an adoring beagle and a brainy boyfriend with a trust fund. Then, one morning, Kit arrives at the office early and finds her boss, Senator Langsford, impaled by a stainless steel replica of an Army attack helicopter. Panicked, she pulls the weapon out of his chest and instantly becomes the prime suspect in his murder. Circumstances back Kit's claim of innocence, but her photograph has gone viral, and the heat won't be off until the killer is found. Well-loved though the senator was, suspects abound. Langsford had begun to vote with his conscience, which meant he was often at odds with his party. The police are clueless in more ways than one, and Kit worries that the next task on the killer's agenda will be to end her life.
Review: This is a good start for a series. Kit Marshall is smart, inquisitive, and has a sense of humor. Her side-kicks are great foils for helping her solve the crime. The writing and pacing are decent.
Review: This is a good start for a series. Kit Marshall is smart, inquisitive, and has a sense of humor. Her side-kicks are great foils for helping her solve the crime. The writing and pacing are decent.
July 15, 2023
I was looking for a quick, easy summer time read when I came across an article that the Nation Archivist was a mystery writer. So I checked out her first mystery book from the library. It did not disappoint in being a quick read. It fit what I wanted perfectly.
Having said that, just be aware, this is her first book and it shows the lack of experience in writing this type of a story. Many of the clue are given repeatedly and in obvious ways. The writing style, while not bad, does not rise to any of the really good writers.
Still it served what I wanted and I will probably read her second book just to see if she improves or not.
For more of my thoughts, please see my book blog.
Having said that, just be aware, this is her first book and it shows the lack of experience in writing this type of a story. Many of the clue are given repeatedly and in obvious ways. The writing style, while not bad, does not rise to any of the really good writers.
Still it served what I wanted and I will probably read her second book just to see if she improves or not.
For more of my thoughts, please see my book blog.
December 27, 2019
Senator Langsford is found murdered in his chair by a staffer. Kit stupidly pulls the weapon out of his chest, and of course, runs out of the room holding it, only to be arrested for the murder. She is quickly released as security cameras show she was there after the murder. Kit and best friend Meg try and find out on their own who the murderer is. They arrange get togethers to ask questions and get to the bottom of it all. Kit's boyfriend is a history prof and writer who does not really agree with her getting involved. Good story and a quick read. I now nothing of the workings on the Hill, and don't care to. Probably why I liked the book.
August 3, 2018
I totally enjoyed this murder mystery set in Washington D.C. The author knows her territory and drops in bits of knowledge about how the political scene works. I loved the mention of the Senate v House snobbery of the Senate aides. The more I read, the more I think the Capital and its environs are a foreign entity compared to the rest of the country. I thought the story was well paced and I look forward to reading more in this series.
September 29, 2018
When staffer Kit Marshall discovers the murdered body of the senator she works for, she immediately becomes suspect number one. You think it would be bad enough that she's going to lose her job when a new senator is appointed! But how is she going to get a new job if she's a murder suspect? Kit and her best friend Meg decide to investigate, since they know the people involved far better than the police do.
April 27, 2022
Stabbing in the Senate is the first in the Washington Whodunit mysteries. The amateur sleuth heroine, Kit Marshall, a staffer on Capitol Hill. She finds her boss, Senator Langford dead with a replica war helicopter stuck in his chest. The book has the perfect blend of politics and a cozy murder mysteries, when they usually don't mix. Kit is a great amateur sleuth and worthwhile protagonist. This stoy was a treat and had a well planned mystery.
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars. I decided to try this author's books after she was named Archivist of the United States recently, and I was not disappointed. Narrator Kit Marshall works as a staffer to Massachusetts Senator Lansford, and enjoys the job. But one morning she arrives early, to find the senator dead, stabbed, and becomes an obvious suspect. To clear herself, Kit and her friend and colleague, Meg, undertake their own investigation.
September 26, 2018
This book is an easy read. Easy to see how Washington D.C.'s info spreads quickly, knowing who your true friends are, and scratch my back & I'll scratch yours to stay working in the senate or house. Nothing catty or overly intense, but fast paced and very well written. Big thumbs up to this first book of a series.
February 2, 2020
The title intrigued me and it is a quick read. A fascinating look into the behind the scenes in a US Senator's office where politics may just be the death of you. So who killed the Senator? One of his staff, his wife, a lobbyist, a rival for his seat, or another senator? I really enjoyed this novel.
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