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Ph.D in Murder
Ph.D in Murder is a cozy mystery short by bestselling author R. Barri Flowers. A doctoral student’s independent study reenactment of the well-known and still unsolved murder of Marilyn Sheppard ends with a modern day murder and killer on the loose.
Also includes a bonus mystery suspense short, “Kill and Say Goodbye.” A woman discovers a dead woman on the beach that bears a striking resemblance to her.
Included as well are excerpts from the bestselling women’s sleuth novel, Murder In Honolulu: A Skye Delaney Mystery, by R. Barri Flowers.
PRAISE FOR MYSTERY AND THRILLER FICTION BY R. BARRI FLOWERS:
“A heart-thumping thriller, this is that rare novel that is downright scary. Pick it up at your peril, because you won't put it down until you've read the last word." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and bestselling author of Twist on BEFORE HE KILLS AGAIN
“A masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure one would expect from an author who is also a top criminologist. A terrific read!" -- Douglas Preston, co-creator of the bestselling Pendergast series of novels on MURDER IN MAUI.
"An excellent look at the jurisprudence system...will appeal to fans of John Grisham and Linda Fairstein." -- Harriet Klausner on PERSUASIVE EVIDENCE
"An exquisitely rich and masterfully constructed mystery.... A savvy, smooth, and sumptuous read that's as hot as Waikiki beach sand." -- Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong Vengeance on MURDER IN HONOLULU
"It gets no better than this! R. Barri Flowers has written another thriller guaranteed to hold onto its readers! -- Huntress Reviews on DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL
“A gripping and tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Author Flowers neatly contrasts the natural beauty of a tropical paradise with the ugliness of murder and its aftermath." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and bestselling author of Pulse on MURDER IN MAUI
"R. Barri Flowers writes with the passion and knowledge of someone who truly knows his craft. A steamy, non-stop thrill-ride through the seamy underbelly of Hawaii." -- Allison Leotta, former federal prosecutor and author of Discretion on MURDER IN MAUI
“Flowers once again has written a page-turner legal thriller that begins with a bang and rapidly moves along to its final page.” -- Midwest Book Review on STATE’S EVIDENCE
“A model of crime fiction .... Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices.” -- Statesman Journal on JUSTICE SERVED
Also includes a bonus mystery suspense short, “Kill and Say Goodbye.” A woman discovers a dead woman on the beach that bears a striking resemblance to her.
Included as well are excerpts from the bestselling women’s sleuth novel, Murder In Honolulu: A Skye Delaney Mystery, by R. Barri Flowers.
PRAISE FOR MYSTERY AND THRILLER FICTION BY R. BARRI FLOWERS:
“A heart-thumping thriller, this is that rare novel that is downright scary. Pick it up at your peril, because you won't put it down until you've read the last word." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and bestselling author of Twist on BEFORE HE KILLS AGAIN
“A masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure one would expect from an author who is also a top criminologist. A terrific read!" -- Douglas Preston, co-creator of the bestselling Pendergast series of novels on MURDER IN MAUI.
"An excellent look at the jurisprudence system...will appeal to fans of John Grisham and Linda Fairstein." -- Harriet Klausner on PERSUASIVE EVIDENCE
"An exquisitely rich and masterfully constructed mystery.... A savvy, smooth, and sumptuous read that's as hot as Waikiki beach sand." -- Jon Land, bestselling author of Strong Vengeance on MURDER IN HONOLULU
"It gets no better than this! R. Barri Flowers has written another thriller guaranteed to hold onto its readers! -- Huntress Reviews on DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL
“A gripping and tightly woven tale you won't want to put down. Author Flowers neatly contrasts the natural beauty of a tropical paradise with the ugliness of murder and its aftermath." -- John Lutz, Edgar Winner and bestselling author of Pulse on MURDER IN MAUI
"R. Barri Flowers writes with the passion and knowledge of someone who truly knows his craft. A steamy, non-stop thrill-ride through the seamy underbelly of Hawaii." -- Allison Leotta, former federal prosecutor and author of Discretion on MURDER IN MAUI
“Flowers once again has written a page-turner legal thriller that begins with a bang and rapidly moves along to its final page.” -- Midwest Book Review on STATE’S EVIDENCE
“A model of crime fiction .... Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices.” -- Statesman Journal on JUSTICE SERVED
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
66 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2013
About the author
R. Barri Flowers
274 books100 followersR. Barri Flowers is an award-winning criminologist and bestselling author of romantic suspense, crime and thriller fiction, crime nonfiction and true crime, relationship novels, young adult mysteries, and children's books.
The author is a member of the International Thriller Writers,
The author is a member of the International Thriller Writers,
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 18, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Three will written murder mystery family relationships adventure thriller short stories. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
Three will written murder mystery family relationships adventure thriller short stories. Each story is different with interesting well developed characters lots of action, misdirection, and violence leading to each conclusion. I would recommend this novella and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
August 19, 2021
While I didn't enjoy the short stories in this book I do want to give the author's longer books a chance. I think writing a short is much harder than a full length book. I believe I was spoiled by the old Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. In both of the stories here, it just seemed like the story had to end so it did.
October 9, 2025
Only download if free
There are 2 short stories in this and an excerpt to a 3rd longer story.
The 1st short story (for which this is titled) isn't worth the download. The 2nd story, though good, would've, of course, been better as a fully fleshed out, full-length book. The excerpt at the end was interesting.
Also, dear author, I'm not a fan of the cover image.
There are 2 short stories in this and an excerpt to a 3rd longer story.
The 1st short story (for which this is titled) isn't worth the download. The 2nd story, though good, would've, of course, been better as a fully fleshed out, full-length book. The excerpt at the end was interesting.
Also, dear author, I'm not a fan of the cover image.
May 11, 2019
Life Likes to Bite us in the Ass
SOMETIMES I'ts nice to have just a short read to get one off to dream land these short mysterys are fabulous in thier dry humorous take on murder mysterys taken with a quick and precise turn of events. 🤔 Kat
SOMETIMES I'ts nice to have just a short read to get one off to dream land these short mysterys are fabulous in thier dry humorous take on murder mysterys taken with a quick and precise turn of events. 🤔 Kat
April 2, 2024
Banal
I regret to say neither the story nor the characters engage my interest at all. The rather trite style of writing had me sure of the murderer in the first paragraph; the motive is the only surprise.
I regret to say neither the story nor the characters engage my interest at all. The rather trite style of writing had me sure of the murderer in the first paragraph; the motive is the only surprise.
July 10, 2025
Short Story: Quick endings for both short stories. In both short stories, the ending came so fast as far as the who-dun-it. I liked the second story better, but how the ex found her was not divulge, though it's an important question that needs an answer (to me).
January 16, 2019
Not only do readers get a great cozy mystery while reading Ph, D in murder, but they get a couple of bonus mysteries. Great writing makes this short story collection one to grab.
January 8, 2021
Just ok
I expected this to be one story but it was in fact two short stories and excerpts from other books. Sadly the stories were ok. Just ok.
I expected this to be one story but it was in fact two short stories and excerpts from other books. Sadly the stories were ok. Just ok.
June 19, 2026
This one was just stupid. I didn't even bother to read the bonus short story.
July 30, 2015
I listened to the audible version.This short story was pretty good.It should have been longer!I fear if I say anythging that I'll reveal something! Mary Price was 'priceless' as narrator!
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com"
"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com"
October 4, 2016
Two stories are included in this short book. I rate the first 2 stars, the second one 3.
While the writing was pretty good, the story about the theatre and adultery ended too abruptly for my tastes. I kept thinking she would wake from a dream.
The second tale was better, had more substance. It was still quite brief and basic.
Considering it is a short story, I enjoyed it more than the first.
While the writing was pretty good, the story about the theatre and adultery ended too abruptly for my tastes. I kept thinking she would wake from a dream.
The second tale was better, had more substance. It was still quite brief and basic.
Considering it is a short story, I enjoyed it more than the first.
April 29, 2017
This novel comprised of two short short stories and two 'first' chapters of additional tales. I have always had one problem with these types of tales...rarely does one find a well-paced story. Unfortunately, this was the case with the first tale...
Ph.D in Murder had an interesting concept...a reenactment of a famous murder case. The story was evident and the characters somewhat developed. My complaint was the predictable outcome came all at once and wham! The book ended. I was disappointed.
The second tale was 'Kill and Say Goodbye.' This tale was more evenly written. I knew instantly what was going on and so it held no surprises for me.
To be fair, I didn't bother to read the two first chapters. I had lost interest by that time. They may have been very good. This compilation just wasn't for me.
Ph.D in Murder had an interesting concept...a reenactment of a famous murder case. The story was evident and the characters somewhat developed. My complaint was the predictable outcome came all at once and wham! The book ended. I was disappointed.
The second tale was 'Kill and Say Goodbye.' This tale was more evenly written. I knew instantly what was going on and so it held no surprises for me.
To be fair, I didn't bother to read the two first chapters. I had lost interest by that time. They may have been very good. This compilation just wasn't for me.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews