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Josie Tucker Mysteries #3
Dead Man on Campus
A stalker. A liar. A dead man. But which is which?
A mysterious letter-writer causes havoc on the idyllic Bader University campus. After a professor receives numerous poison pen letters, more and more threatening in nature, Josie Tucker is on the case...grudgingly.
All the grumpy food blogger wants is to be left in peace with her dog, her man, and her laptop. She certainly doesn't need her own gang of meddling kids. Now, she's the leader of their pack.
A mysterious letter-writer causes havoc on the idyllic Bader University campus. After a professor receives numerous poison pen letters, more and more threatening in nature, Josie Tucker is on the case...grudgingly.
All the grumpy food blogger wants is to be left in peace with her dog, her man, and her laptop. She certainly doesn't need her own gang of meddling kids. Now, she's the leader of their pack.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2016
18 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Kaplan
24 books384 followersAward-winning mystery and fantasy author, EM Kaplan, was an 80s kid, spoonfed on six channels of a VHF dial TV. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and Edgar Rice Burroughs in rural Arizona where there were no sidewalks but plenty of tumbleweeds. A former wannabe spy, trombonist, toilet-cleaner, beginner ninja, and subversive marketeer, she currently lives in the frozen north with her husband, author JD Kaplan, kids, and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 1, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the continuing story of Josie Tucker. I throughly enjoyed this one. I had missed Josie's snarky humor and having to go back to school and endure cafeteria food. Even though I just finished this one I can't wait to read the next and see where Josie ends up next!
August 29, 2016
It’s another Josie Tucker mystery/adventure and this time, she’s gone back to college and living in the dorm with millennials. She’s there to investigate the strange stalking incident of a professor, who’s been receiving bizarre letters, but it gets much stickier than anticipated when a death occurs.
As with the other Josie Tucker books, she continues to be snarky, no-nonsense, and full of life loving, down-to-earth straightforwardness. I love the way the character has remained true. The rest of the cast has continued to be broadened as well, and they, along with the plot, are vibrant and solid. Kaplan’s writing style continues to entertain by instilling smiles, while keeping the mystery lover in us intrigued all the way through.
As with the other Josie Tucker books, she continues to be snarky, no-nonsense, and full of life loving, down-to-earth straightforwardness. I love the way the character has remained true. The rest of the cast has continued to be broadened as well, and they, along with the plot, are vibrant and solid. Kaplan’s writing style continues to entertain by instilling smiles, while keeping the mystery lover in us intrigued all the way through.
December 2, 2016
I really enjoy these Josie Tucker mysteries and Dead Man on Campus was another homerun from EM Kaplan. Josie's mentor Greta once again has need of her snooping talents and the diminuitive detective finds herself on campus investigating a stalker with the help of some students. The author has a gift for characterization and dialogue that is getting sharper with each installment. The blog entries that preface each section are perfectly balanced with the story. I look forward to the next book.
September 26, 2017
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
This book failed on so many levels. I really hate to be mean in my review, but it was so bad I almost could not finish it. I soldiered on because I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I wanted to be fair and leave an honest review about the complete book. The writing was not good. (For example, more than one use of "another thing coming" ... phrase is actually "another think coming" ...). The dialogue was stilted and the characters were largely undeveloped. The main character was just annoying, and her "I'm more snarky than you" attitude was off-putting. It was really hard to see how she had any friends at all. Also, it was equally difficult to see why a bunch of college students would be drawn to her, given that she was so abrasive and so much older than them. I did not realize that this was the third book in a series, and it was difficult to read for that reason because there were several references to the events in the first two books. I felt a little lost because of that -- the author just gave oblique references to what happened, not a clear explanation. Finally, the resolution of the mystery was not very satisfying. The "sleuth" did not really do anything to resolve the case.
The narration was also not great. The characters pretty much all sounded alike. Also, there were odd gasping intakes of breath between every couple of sentences.
This book failed on so many levels. I really hate to be mean in my review, but it was so bad I almost could not finish it. I soldiered on because I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I wanted to be fair and leave an honest review about the complete book. The writing was not good. (For example, more than one use of "another thing coming" ... phrase is actually "another think coming" ...). The dialogue was stilted and the characters were largely undeveloped. The main character was just annoying, and her "I'm more snarky than you" attitude was off-putting. It was really hard to see how she had any friends at all. Also, it was equally difficult to see why a bunch of college students would be drawn to her, given that she was so abrasive and so much older than them. I did not realize that this was the third book in a series, and it was difficult to read for that reason because there were several references to the events in the first two books. I felt a little lost because of that -- the author just gave oblique references to what happened, not a clear explanation. Finally, the resolution of the mystery was not very satisfying. The "sleuth" did not really do anything to resolve the case.
The narration was also not great. The characters pretty much all sounded alike. Also, there were odd gasping intakes of breath between every couple of sentences.
February 18, 2018
Ok, I'll be up front here and say I've given this 4* as I've spent quite a bit of the book shouting at Josie because she was too thick to put together the clues and work out who was behind the killings! However, the twists that come out at the end will surprise you, as all is not quite as simple as it appears! So, still a good read for mystery lovers, just expect to be a little frustrated at times with how thick Josie is this time out - I think it's because she's too busy obsessing with the awful food on campus and either obsessing over or ogling her boyfriend!
By the way, if you're like me and listen to the audiobook, expect a treat. Narrated by Kate Warner, it's an excellent listen, and makes it much more engaging (and less likely to throw across the room!!). I'd recommend the book, but if you get the chance to listen to the audiobook version, definitely take it!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
By the way, if you're like me and listen to the audiobook, expect a treat. Narrated by Kate Warner, it's an excellent listen, and makes it much more engaging (and less likely to throw across the room!!). I'd recommend the book, but if you get the chance to listen to the audiobook version, definitely take it!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
December 9, 2017
If you like funny with your mysteries, this is a book for you. The horrors of dorm living (at least mine wasn't co-ed!) were brought back to ghoulish life; and campus food? I lost 30 lbs. my freshman year (regrettably all long since reacquired but let's not go there). This tale is the third in the series although only the first I've read, and there are lots of references to the prior capers but the story stands alone quite nicely. Rounding out the goodness, I enjoyed the clear narration and vocalizations of Kate Warner on the AUDIO version.
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Disclaimer: "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
September 23, 2017
Dead Man on Campus
: EM Kaplan
After finishing this novel, I discovered it is the third in the Josie series. I have not read the first two. Thus said, I didn't have any reference point to understand Josie.
A "maybe P.I." goes undercover on a college campus to find out who is stalking a professor. There are plenty of twists and turns and suspense, toss in romance and young adult drama, mix well..........ta da........a fun listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kate Warner was enjoyable to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
: EM Kaplan
After finishing this novel, I discovered it is the third in the Josie series. I have not read the first two. Thus said, I didn't have any reference point to understand Josie.
A "maybe P.I." goes undercover on a college campus to find out who is stalking a professor. There are plenty of twists and turns and suspense, toss in romance and young adult drama, mix well..........ta da........a fun listen.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Kate Warner was enjoyable to listen to.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 10, 2017
What fun! Twentynine year old Josie getting planted as an undergrad doesn't sound too bad, but she has to live in a freshman dorm! The timing of this assignment is very unfortunate, but she does feel obligated to help find the professor's stalker. A couple of conventional students become her "Scooby Gang" and more madness ensues. The plot is well crafted and the characters certainly are, and the laughs are as entertaining as the suspense! Great light reading.
Kate Warner is absolutely perfect for this! She's got the chirpy and the snarky down to a science.
I requested and received a free audio copy via AudioBookBOOM.
Kate Warner is absolutely perfect for this! She's got the chirpy and the snarky down to a science.
I requested and received a free audio copy via AudioBookBOOM.
May 28, 2017
My first venture in to the Josie Tucker series.
Quirky, funny and sassy would describe Josie.
She is roped into investigating some threatening letters sent to a professor at the local college. She goes "undercover" as a student, even though she is much older than the rest of the students.
She forms a group of students to help her, her Scooby gang, (even though none of them know who Scooby Doo is!)
An interesting and funny read.
Quirky, funny and sassy would describe Josie.
She is roped into investigating some threatening letters sent to a professor at the local college. She goes "undercover" as a student, even though she is much older than the rest of the students.
She forms a group of students to help her, her Scooby gang, (even though none of them know who Scooby Doo is!)
An interesting and funny read.
March 24, 2017
Kindle Unlimited, Characters basically believable, overall, situations slightly less, okay idea but too much working up to actual crime, too much detail otherwise, and even when over isn't really over, just drags on. Not a cozy and not really a mystery much, would have been better to have just worked character around some other kind of story.
A Josie Tucker Omnibus: Three Snarky, Un-Cozy, Un-Culinary Humorous Mysteries
The Bride Wore Dead: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 1)
Dim Sum, Dead Some: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 2)
Dead Man on Campus: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 3)
A Josie Tucker Omnibus: Three Snarky, Un-Cozy, Un-Culinary Humorous Mysteries
The Bride Wore Dead: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 1)
Dim Sum, Dead Some: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 2)
Dead Man on Campus: An Un-Cozy Un-Culinary Josie Tucker Mystery (Josie Tucker Mysteries Book 3)
September 8, 2017
Always love Josie Tucker! Already have the next one lined up on my Kindle. EM Kaplan is a staple of my reading diet.
Marvelous banter and fun situations. I relate to the characters and adore them.
Starting a new Josie book is the highlight of my week!
Marvelous banter and fun situations. I relate to the characters and adore them.
Starting a new Josie book is the highlight of my week!
May 9, 2017
I love Josie. She's a fun character. And this third book didn't seem to have the handful plot holes/unresolved questions that the first two did, so that's a bonus :)
June 27, 2017
In the third edition of the Josie Tucker series we are facing a college dorm, lying professors, devious students and a priest! An that's only the start. Excellent addition to the series!
October 25, 2017
Good Read
Really good story. A bit of a different plot from other murder mysteries that I've read which made it appealing and loved the ending.
Really good story. A bit of a different plot from other murder mysteries that I've read which made it appealing and loved the ending.
December 12, 2018
What a story. Josie has another case to solve. It always impossible to stop reading until I found out the end.
May 9, 2020
Enjoyed it
I am enjoying seeing Josie start to grow as a character. Really enjoyed this mystery. Going to find the next book now
I am enjoying seeing Josie start to grow as a character. Really enjoyed this mystery. Going to find the next book now
October 2, 2016
Very enjoyable read
I was sad when Dead Man on Campus was over. I was spending an enjoyable afternoon reading when I came to the end. I wanted more by EM Kaplan. It was nice reading a captivating book without any overt sex or violence. The relationships between Josie, Drew, and Benjy added to the book's enjoyment. I am looking forward to her next book.
I was sad when Dead Man on Campus was over. I was spending an enjoyable afternoon reading when I came to the end. I wanted more by EM Kaplan. It was nice reading a captivating book without any overt sex or violence. The relationships between Josie, Drew, and Benjy added to the book's enjoyment. I am looking forward to her next book.
August 1, 2016
Dead Man on Campus is the third - and without a doubt, my favorite - installment in the snarky Josie Tucker mystery series by EM Kaplan, one of my new favorite authors.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book! It's well-written and cleverly paced - while I read the book quickly, it also felt substantial. This is a book that book clubs won't have a problem discussing over brunch, but will also be a dear companion on a road trip with family, when you want to dive into a world far away from your family (or so I would imagine). Another playful paradox was Josie's prickly independence - she does what she needs to do to get the job done - and her vulnerability, when faced with questions about her boyfriend, Dr. Drew, and when she finds herself heading up - and caring f0r! - an impromptu Scooby squad of college kids.
This novel could stand on its own, but I felt like reading Dead Man on Campus was a richer experience having read the first two books in the series. Not only did I get to see Josie grow and change from prickly reluctant bridesmaid to less-prickly dorm mom, I also got to anticipate familiar themes. Will Josie incur a life-threatening injury? Will she harness the power of technology for good? Will she have tummy troubles?
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It's the perfect blend of humor and mystery for the oh-my-God-it's-August-where-did-summer-go blues. I'm excited for Josie's next adventure!
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book! It's well-written and cleverly paced - while I read the book quickly, it also felt substantial. This is a book that book clubs won't have a problem discussing over brunch, but will also be a dear companion on a road trip with family, when you want to dive into a world far away from your family (or so I would imagine). Another playful paradox was Josie's prickly independence - she does what she needs to do to get the job done - and her vulnerability, when faced with questions about her boyfriend, Dr. Drew, and when she finds herself heading up - and caring f0r! - an impromptu Scooby squad of college kids.
This novel could stand on its own, but I felt like reading Dead Man on Campus was a richer experience having read the first two books in the series. Not only did I get to see Josie grow and change from prickly reluctant bridesmaid to less-prickly dorm mom, I also got to anticipate familiar themes. Will Josie incur a life-threatening injury? Will she harness the power of technology for good? Will she have tummy troubles?
Do yourself a favor and read this book! It's the perfect blend of humor and mystery for the oh-my-God-it's-August-where-did-summer-go blues. I'm excited for Josie's next adventure!
September 6, 2016
When Professor Sanborn starts gets threatening notes, it is up to Josie to go back to college in an attempt to identify the potential stalker.
Arriving in the freshman dorm, Josie meets up with several students who she refers to as her Scooby Gang. As Josie begins her stay at Baylor University, the first thing she notices is the atrocious dining conditions. As a food blogger, this makes it difficult for Josie to stay focused on the job at hand. Shortly after Josie's arrival at the University, Dean Handley is rushed to the hospital with a severe case of poisoning.
A little further investigation reveals that Professor Sanborn is a habitual liar and is also prone to cheating on his wife. This makes Josie wonder whether or not the rumors of a stalker is one of his lies or actually exists. When Dean Handley dies from the poisoning, the case takes an unexpected turn.
Can Josie solve the case of the mysterious stalker? Can she figure out who killed Dean Handley? Most importantly, can Josie keep herself out of trouble?
Arriving in the freshman dorm, Josie meets up with several students who she refers to as her Scooby Gang. As Josie begins her stay at Baylor University, the first thing she notices is the atrocious dining conditions. As a food blogger, this makes it difficult for Josie to stay focused on the job at hand. Shortly after Josie's arrival at the University, Dean Handley is rushed to the hospital with a severe case of poisoning.
A little further investigation reveals that Professor Sanborn is a habitual liar and is also prone to cheating on his wife. This makes Josie wonder whether or not the rumors of a stalker is one of his lies or actually exists. When Dean Handley dies from the poisoning, the case takes an unexpected turn.
Can Josie solve the case of the mysterious stalker? Can she figure out who killed Dean Handley? Most importantly, can Josie keep herself out of trouble?
August 16, 2016
The third book in the Josie Tucker series finds -- accidental detective and food blogger whose GI issues continue to be a sometimes problem -- undercover at Bader University. Posing as a student, Josie's on the trail of a stalker. The case becomes more difficult when, as often happens when Josie is involved, a murder occurs during a VIP luncheon. With help from her "Scooby gang" (her dorm mates), BFF Benjy and love of her life Dr. Drew, Josie triumphs again.
As in her previous books, Emily Kaplan moves the story quickly and includes enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and involved. Much like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, Josie's wry wit, sarcasm and self-deprecating humor can't mask her soft heart and her drive to find the truth. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review. The review and opinions are my own.
As in her previous books, Emily Kaplan moves the story quickly and includes enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested and involved. Much like Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, Josie's wry wit, sarcasm and self-deprecating humor can't mask her soft heart and her drive to find the truth. I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I received an ARC from the author in return for an honest review. The review and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2016
Best Josie Tucker Yet!
Josie posing as a student in a highly liberal college makes for great laughs in this engaging story of death, deceit, betrayal, and love. Campus life is everything it promises: socially inept professors, horrible food, and cramped living conditions. The new and hilarious characters make this story pop from the pages. Ms. Kaplan does such a fantastic job of scattering clues in all directions that it is far from readily apparent who the villain(s) are. She also dangles a romantic hook at the beginning that had me desperately flipping pages to find out how it would be resolved. Overall, a very funny, delightful mystery. Kudos!
Josie posing as a student in a highly liberal college makes for great laughs in this engaging story of death, deceit, betrayal, and love. Campus life is everything it promises: socially inept professors, horrible food, and cramped living conditions. The new and hilarious characters make this story pop from the pages. Ms. Kaplan does such a fantastic job of scattering clues in all directions that it is far from readily apparent who the villain(s) are. She also dangles a romantic hook at the beginning that had me desperately flipping pages to find out how it would be resolved. Overall, a very funny, delightful mystery. Kudos!
August 2, 2016
E.M. Kaplan has written another funny, quirky, and irresistible mystery!! This book had me either on the edge of my seat in suspense or laughing! Kaplan creates great, believable characters! The situations Josie gets put in!! The ending was the best! I received an ARC of the book from the author in exchange for a fair review. I love this series!
November 15, 2016
Different and often dry humor. I love the main characters quirkiness. Well worth the read. A new author for me. I recommend to anyone who likes a mystery that isn't traditional staunchy mystery.
January 3, 2017
Another Josie Tucker book to enjoy. This series gets better with each book. The humor is dry and snarky and it is fun attempting to figure out who culprit is. I recommend this series.
April 30, 2017
This was another nice installment in the Josie Tucker series. I really enjoyed seeing Drew and Benjy take a more integral part in this book. Benjy especially, since his character had reminded me of a stereotypical "goofy friend" role in previous books, if he was even thought of at all.
It was an easy reading mystery, but I liked not seeing the same type of things happen at the end of the book. It keeps the series from becoming predictable and I look forward to reading more of Josie and the gang's adventures.
It was an easy reading mystery, but I liked not seeing the same type of things happen at the end of the book. It keeps the series from becoming predictable and I look forward to reading more of Josie and the gang's adventures.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews