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Cassandra Sato #2
Dead Week
Will Dead Week kill Cassandra's career?
VP of Student Affairs Cassandra Sato has a desk full of problems and it's not even Thanksgiving break.
A student's injury and a deaf advocacy project brings national media attention to underfunded Morton College. Cassandra's new boss talks to her dead husband. Cassandra's mentor thinks he's a superhero in a senior citizen's body. And Cassandra, recently moved from Hawai'i, can't crack the code of what to wear during November in Nebraska.
If you like academic cozy mysteries with funny BFFs, hilarious student shenanigans, and small town drama, you'll like this series. Get Dead Week now!
VP of Student Affairs Cassandra Sato has a desk full of problems and it's not even Thanksgiving break.
A student's injury and a deaf advocacy project brings national media attention to underfunded Morton College. Cassandra's new boss talks to her dead husband. Cassandra's mentor thinks he's a superhero in a senior citizen's body. And Cassandra, recently moved from Hawai'i, can't crack the code of what to wear during November in Nebraska.
If you like academic cozy mysteries with funny BFFs, hilarious student shenanigans, and small town drama, you'll like this series. Get Dead Week now!
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2019
32 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Brakenhoff
32 books255 followersKelly Brakenhoff is the author of 16 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 26, 2020
Dead Week is the 2nd book in the Cassandra Sato cozy mystery series written by Kelly Brakenhoff. I previously read the first one and the prequel short story (which takes place in Hawaii), and the latest comes out next month, so I had to get caught up. I've even joined the upcoming blog tour for the third book. So... what did I think of this one?
It was great! A new president, a former professor / administrator, returns for a short term while the college seeks a new permanent one. Cassandra has a run-in with her before the job even starts, and it is not good news. Neither is the situation surrounding the almost-murdered student in Cassandra's class; was she pushed? Did she slip on the ice? Was one of the strange dogs all around campus involved? Seriously, they are rampant this semester!
Between academic rivalries, an older mysterious death, an affair, and an adoption, the secrets are buried deep in this clever tale. Cassandra is pretty much on her own to solve the case. The police think the current accident is just an accident. No one wants to bring up the one from nearly 50 years ago either... at least Cassandra's bestie wants to help, until she's sidelined with a pregnancy concern. What is going on at Morton this term?
When the culprit's plot begins to unravel, we think we understand what happened... but we're not quite all the way there yet. There are other secrets to come to light, and when they do, it solves a lot of problems while creating many new ones. Cassandra is also starting to think about two potential suitors... wonder where her head will settle out.
Brakenhoff makes the campus a place I want to visit. While I'd tell many of the leadership level folks to chill during Dead Week, and the professors to be less controversial on all the diversity and inclusion (those against it, I mean)... it ultimately creates the perfect smokescreen and combustible tension to make this a a must-read story. Kudos to the author for bringing it even stronger in the second in series.
It was great! A new president, a former professor / administrator, returns for a short term while the college seeks a new permanent one. Cassandra has a run-in with her before the job even starts, and it is not good news. Neither is the situation surrounding the almost-murdered student in Cassandra's class; was she pushed? Did she slip on the ice? Was one of the strange dogs all around campus involved? Seriously, they are rampant this semester!
Between academic rivalries, an older mysterious death, an affair, and an adoption, the secrets are buried deep in this clever tale. Cassandra is pretty much on her own to solve the case. The police think the current accident is just an accident. No one wants to bring up the one from nearly 50 years ago either... at least Cassandra's bestie wants to help, until she's sidelined with a pregnancy concern. What is going on at Morton this term?
When the culprit's plot begins to unravel, we think we understand what happened... but we're not quite all the way there yet. There are other secrets to come to light, and when they do, it solves a lot of problems while creating many new ones. Cassandra is also starting to think about two potential suitors... wonder where her head will settle out.
Brakenhoff makes the campus a place I want to visit. While I'd tell many of the leadership level folks to chill during Dead Week, and the professors to be less controversial on all the diversity and inclusion (those against it, I mean)... it ultimately creates the perfect smokescreen and combustible tension to make this a a must-read story. Kudos to the author for bringing it even stronger in the second in series.
January 25, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Dead Week – The last full week of classes before final exams, a period of substantial and predictable quiet study time for undergraduate students.
With Dead Week quickly approaching Student Affairs VP Cassandra Sato is juggling student issues, a deaf advocacy project, a new college President, and a Nebraska Winter. Her Diversity Council is barely underway when a student is injured. A student that had a mission of her own. When her injury gets national media attention her story gets out drawing unwanted attention to Morton College and the new President may pull the plug on Cassandra’s project completely. There is something going on with her mentor so she is unsure how much help he will be but Cassandra delves in to try to find the truth bringing the ire of even more people.
As with the first book in this series, Death by Dissertation, Ms. Brakenhoff gives readers a wonderfully detailed story featuring characters that are rich and unique.
Cassandra Sato knows some basic American Sign Language to converse with the deaf students at the college, some who work for her. Her friend Meg is an ASL interpreter at Morton College and helps Cassandra when needed. Be it signing and interpreting or helping Cassandra with her clothing and footwear choices, dating advice or just being a sounding board Meg is a great friend. Cassandra also pitches in to help Meg and her family too. It is hard being so far away from her family but slowly she is feeling more at home in Nebraska. Something happens at the end of the story that just may make that easier.
The author is an ASL interpreter herself, so she is writing what she knows and she does an excellent job. She has opened my eyes to so many things regarding the struggles hearing impaired people face not only at college but in daily life. Within this story, we see two sides, the things the deaf students need, which would also benefit hearing students and the college side dealing with budget constraints.
The author also delivers a mystery the not only deals with who hurt the student and continues to torment them but an incident that happened several years ago at the college. The incidents are definitely connected, it is just a matter of splicing all the clues together and a little bit of digging. I did find myself drawn to the right person early in the story but as the story evolved and more information came out it my theory was firmed up in an almost heartbreaking way. There was also a very interesting twist.
The college community gives the book a small-town feel. While Cassandra is new to the college many people on staff have been there for years. All the interactions between the characters felt very realistic.
I really enjoyed Cassandra’s reaction to snow and the November Nebraska weather. Coming from Hawaii it is quite an adjustment. It provided a few giggles. I also enjoyed her unique Hawaiian phrases of speech thrown in here and there. You can take the girl out of Hawaii but you can’t take Hawaii out of the girl.
Dead Week is a strong follow up to Death by Dissertation. I am looking forward to the next semester at Morton College. You know Cassandra will be in the middle of another mystery or two.
Dead Week – The last full week of classes before final exams, a period of substantial and predictable quiet study time for undergraduate students.
With Dead Week quickly approaching Student Affairs VP Cassandra Sato is juggling student issues, a deaf advocacy project, a new college President, and a Nebraska Winter. Her Diversity Council is barely underway when a student is injured. A student that had a mission of her own. When her injury gets national media attention her story gets out drawing unwanted attention to Morton College and the new President may pull the plug on Cassandra’s project completely. There is something going on with her mentor so she is unsure how much help he will be but Cassandra delves in to try to find the truth bringing the ire of even more people.
As with the first book in this series, Death by Dissertation, Ms. Brakenhoff gives readers a wonderfully detailed story featuring characters that are rich and unique.
Cassandra Sato knows some basic American Sign Language to converse with the deaf students at the college, some who work for her. Her friend Meg is an ASL interpreter at Morton College and helps Cassandra when needed. Be it signing and interpreting or helping Cassandra with her clothing and footwear choices, dating advice or just being a sounding board Meg is a great friend. Cassandra also pitches in to help Meg and her family too. It is hard being so far away from her family but slowly she is feeling more at home in Nebraska. Something happens at the end of the story that just may make that easier.
The author is an ASL interpreter herself, so she is writing what she knows and she does an excellent job. She has opened my eyes to so many things regarding the struggles hearing impaired people face not only at college but in daily life. Within this story, we see two sides, the things the deaf students need, which would also benefit hearing students and the college side dealing with budget constraints.
The author also delivers a mystery the not only deals with who hurt the student and continues to torment them but an incident that happened several years ago at the college. The incidents are definitely connected, it is just a matter of splicing all the clues together and a little bit of digging. I did find myself drawn to the right person early in the story but as the story evolved and more information came out it my theory was firmed up in an almost heartbreaking way. There was also a very interesting twist.
The college community gives the book a small-town feel. While Cassandra is new to the college many people on staff have been there for years. All the interactions between the characters felt very realistic.
I really enjoyed Cassandra’s reaction to snow and the November Nebraska weather. Coming from Hawaii it is quite an adjustment. It provided a few giggles. I also enjoyed her unique Hawaiian phrases of speech thrown in here and there. You can take the girl out of Hawaii but you can’t take Hawaii out of the girl.
Dead Week is a strong follow up to Death by Dissertation. I am looking forward to the next semester at Morton College. You know Cassandra will be in the middle of another mystery or two.
March 15, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
An engrossing cozy mystery, readers don’t have to study hard to appreciate this addition to the “Cassandra Sato Mystery” series.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
An engrossing cozy mystery, readers don’t have to study hard to appreciate this addition to the “Cassandra Sato Mystery” series.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 7, 2020
In this second Cassandra Sato Mystery, we again find Cassandra in her administrative role at a small college in Nebraska. She’s still very ambitious – she wants to be a college president someday. But real life intrudes on personal plans when a student member of the deaf students’ advocacy group is injured. Was it an accident or an intentional attack? It’s up to Cassandra to figure out what’s really going on.
Reading Dead Week brings up the anthropological phrase “culture shock.” Watching how different groups and individuals, most especially Cassandra, deal with cultural shock(s) is one of the most interesting aspects of this book. First, Casandra has to deal with the academic culture where too many professors are far more concerned about issues like tenure and academic reputation than about making sure students come first. Second, Cassandra has a special interest, both personally and professionally, with one particular student group that has its own unique culture – deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Navigating her role as a representative of the college and at the same time advocating whole-heartedly for the deaf is at times a challenge for Cassandra.
Finally, there’s the culture shock within Cassandra herself. She’s a native of Hawaii, a Japanese-American deeply ingrained in Japanese-American culture, and a person who says the Buddhist chant “Namo Amida Butsu” when concerned about her friends. And she’s living in Nebraska! She’s OCD about the weather. Should she wear snow boots or high heels to her next meeting? And what about those two guys who are expressing interest in her? Is she ready to deal with the grief of having lost her beloved fiancé eight years earlier?
This is a cozy mystery with clues, false clues, and the untangling of a 50-year old murder mystery. Watching the culture shock(s) unfold make the story richer. And best of all, in the final pages Cassandra, who has a big heart, rescues a canine critter. And that bodes well for Cassandra’s future.
Reading Dead Week brings up the anthropological phrase “culture shock.” Watching how different groups and individuals, most especially Cassandra, deal with cultural shock(s) is one of the most interesting aspects of this book. First, Casandra has to deal with the academic culture where too many professors are far more concerned about issues like tenure and academic reputation than about making sure students come first. Second, Cassandra has a special interest, both personally and professionally, with one particular student group that has its own unique culture – deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Navigating her role as a representative of the college and at the same time advocating whole-heartedly for the deaf is at times a challenge for Cassandra.
Finally, there’s the culture shock within Cassandra herself. She’s a native of Hawaii, a Japanese-American deeply ingrained in Japanese-American culture, and a person who says the Buddhist chant “Namo Amida Butsu” when concerned about her friends. And she’s living in Nebraska! She’s OCD about the weather. Should she wear snow boots or high heels to her next meeting? And what about those two guys who are expressing interest in her? Is she ready to deal with the grief of having lost her beloved fiancé eight years earlier?
This is a cozy mystery with clues, false clues, and the untangling of a 50-year old murder mystery. Watching the culture shock(s) unfold make the story richer. And best of all, in the final pages Cassandra, who has a big heart, rescues a canine critter. And that bodes well for Cassandra’s future.
January 29, 2020
This book is a nice departure of the cozy mysteries I have read before. Although still a female "detective", the main character's setting is on a college campus and she is not a store owner. No, she is a college vice president and has a load to figure out.
I was intrigued by this book to begin with as the characters in the book, with the exception of the VP, are Deaf. It is also written into the book that they use ASL to communicate their issues on campus. This is mainly the premise of the book to advocate for those on the campus who would not be able to hear in emergency devices being used on campus. The teacher backing this project is also Deaf, the VP is the student's advocate, and all of them find themselves in a 40 year old mystery which ties together so nicely.
It is very unusual to find good stories, if any, about Deaf culture. I could identify with many of the issues surrounding this group as I too am deaf. Because of that, I could not put the book down but even more so, the author wrote a good mystery! The twists were just enough that I wanted to keep going and certainly glad I did. Just as I thought the "killer" was caught, BAM, a twist to make me think otherwise.
Great piece! 4 stars from me.
Disclosure: I received a Kindle copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
I was intrigued by this book to begin with as the characters in the book, with the exception of the VP, are Deaf. It is also written into the book that they use ASL to communicate their issues on campus. This is mainly the premise of the book to advocate for those on the campus who would not be able to hear in emergency devices being used on campus. The teacher backing this project is also Deaf, the VP is the student's advocate, and all of them find themselves in a 40 year old mystery which ties together so nicely.
It is very unusual to find good stories, if any, about Deaf culture. I could identify with many of the issues surrounding this group as I too am deaf. Because of that, I could not put the book down but even more so, the author wrote a good mystery! The twists were just enough that I wanted to keep going and certainly glad I did. Just as I thought the "killer" was caught, BAM, a twist to make me think otherwise.
Great piece! 4 stars from me.
Disclosure: I received a Kindle copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle
January 24, 2020
Kelly Brakenhoff has done it again, another brilliant book that keeps you guessing until the end!
Cassandra Sato has started to settle into her new job, although the weather leaves much to be desired! Changes are afoot however, her boss has retired and an interim president has been appointed, the problem is that Dr Winter seems bent on removing some of the diversity changes that have been set up, meaning that the ones that Cassandra and her friend Meg are hoping to introduce wont happen either. Even this fades into insignificance though when a partially deaf student (Rachel Nargle) ends up in the hospital, supposedly because she fell on the ice - although she claims to have been pushed! The problem is this particular student has a "helicopter Mom" and now Cassandra has visions of Morton University being sued, especially when Rachel is targeted again.
The more Cassandra digs, the more she realises that all the seems to link back to a tragic death 40 years ago, before she loses her job or her life Cassandra is determined to get justice for Rachel and the dead woman she is eerily like.
Cassandra Sato has started to settle into her new job, although the weather leaves much to be desired! Changes are afoot however, her boss has retired and an interim president has been appointed, the problem is that Dr Winter seems bent on removing some of the diversity changes that have been set up, meaning that the ones that Cassandra and her friend Meg are hoping to introduce wont happen either. Even this fades into insignificance though when a partially deaf student (Rachel Nargle) ends up in the hospital, supposedly because she fell on the ice - although she claims to have been pushed! The problem is this particular student has a "helicopter Mom" and now Cassandra has visions of Morton University being sued, especially when Rachel is targeted again.
The more Cassandra digs, the more she realises that all the seems to link back to a tragic death 40 years ago, before she loses her job or her life Cassandra is determined to get justice for Rachel and the dead woman she is eerily like.
January 10, 2025
Cassandra Sato’s second book didn’t disappoint! Cassandra is still navigating her new role as Administrator of Student Affairs at Morton College while adapting to the icy Nebraska winters—a far cry from her Hawaiian home.
The academic setting provides a great backdrop for intrigue, with a focus on diversity and inclusion that feels timely and relevant. This story revolves around Rachel, a deaf student searching for her birth family and answers about her deafness. Cassandra’s friend Meg, an ASL interpreter, plays a key role in supporting efforts to secure proper accommodations for deaf students at the college.
Once again, Rosemary Cline’s narration really brings the story to life. Her expressive performance adds depth to the characters and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
The academic setting provides a great backdrop for intrigue, with a focus on diversity and inclusion that feels timely and relevant. This story revolves around Rachel, a deaf student searching for her birth family and answers about her deafness. Cassandra’s friend Meg, an ASL interpreter, plays a key role in supporting efforts to secure proper accommodations for deaf students at the college.
Once again, Rosemary Cline’s narration really brings the story to life. Her expressive performance adds depth to the characters and makes the experience even more enjoyable.
September 13, 2020
In Dead Week, Cassandra Sato is a long way from home. Having landed her dream job, in this second installment in Kelly Brakenhoff’s Cassandra Sato Mystery series, Sato has moved from Hawaii to work at Merton College in Nebraska. Her first winter is turning out to be quite heated with a new boss that is looking to close down her best programs, national advocacy protestors on campus, and a mystery that stretches back over the decades and could leave a vulnerable co-ed in danger.
This is a different kind of cozy and I found it quite enjoyable. A possible, but seemingly unprovable assault and a connection to a long distant car accident doesn’t seem to add up to much, but Cassandra never wavers.
Brakenhoff has done a wonderful job of conveying the culture shock of a move to the midwest. I could instantly relate, though my own move was only from So. California. Daily highs that take the thermometer nowhere close to a high temp, falling leaves, and falling snow, along with a nearly universal passion for college sports are really just the beginning of learning a new way of life. With a little help from her friends, I will say that Cassandra is actually acclimating nicely.
The glimpse into her friends, coworkers, and students is so authentic that it kind of feels like a real-life glimpse into the back office workings of a major university. It makes one wonder if there really is a grumpy hermit advisor napping in his uni office somewhere. I often thought that this how some of my college advisors spent their days. Brakenhoff has also managed quite well to lay out a balanced portrayal of both sides of advocacy. On one side the passion and the need for change. On the other, the possible costs and the need to have the ability to effect the change. The reminder that there are always many sides to an issue and the biggest problem is in all those sides communicating effectively, is quite timely.
Once Cassandra gets into full mystery-solving mode, not even a little snow accumulation will stop her. The mysteries are pretty solid and kept me guessing to the end. I will admit to wanting the bad guy to be the bad guy, only due to my own irritation with that type of character, but I was as surprised as anyone for it to be true. Still, the clues were there all along. I can see myself enjoying more from Kelly Brakenhoff and Cassandra Sato.
I received a complimentary evaluation copy of this book. All opinions and insights are my own.
This is a different kind of cozy and I found it quite enjoyable. A possible, but seemingly unprovable assault and a connection to a long distant car accident doesn’t seem to add up to much, but Cassandra never wavers.
Brakenhoff has done a wonderful job of conveying the culture shock of a move to the midwest. I could instantly relate, though my own move was only from So. California. Daily highs that take the thermometer nowhere close to a high temp, falling leaves, and falling snow, along with a nearly universal passion for college sports are really just the beginning of learning a new way of life. With a little help from her friends, I will say that Cassandra is actually acclimating nicely.
The glimpse into her friends, coworkers, and students is so authentic that it kind of feels like a real-life glimpse into the back office workings of a major university. It makes one wonder if there really is a grumpy hermit advisor napping in his uni office somewhere. I often thought that this how some of my college advisors spent their days. Brakenhoff has also managed quite well to lay out a balanced portrayal of both sides of advocacy. On one side the passion and the need for change. On the other, the possible costs and the need to have the ability to effect the change. The reminder that there are always many sides to an issue and the biggest problem is in all those sides communicating effectively, is quite timely.
Once Cassandra gets into full mystery-solving mode, not even a little snow accumulation will stop her. The mysteries are pretty solid and kept me guessing to the end. I will admit to wanting the bad guy to be the bad guy, only due to my own irritation with that type of character, but I was as surprised as anyone for it to be true. Still, the clues were there all along. I can see myself enjoying more from Kelly Brakenhoff and Cassandra Sato.
I received a complimentary evaluation copy of this book. All opinions and insights are my own.
January 28, 2020
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Happy Wednesday! I hope ya'll remember my review of Death by Dissertation, if not please check it out now. Today I've got the sequel, Dead Week. It's a different sort of cozy set in Nebraska as Cassandra moves from Hawaii to be an administrator at Morton College, where her BFF is a deaf interper.
About Dead Week:
IMHO: Dead Week
Cassandra Sato is back! She's survived the last scandal and is looking forward to an uneventful Dead Week. Well....not so lucky, our girl. Thank goodness she's so dauntless because the old guard is working hard to thwart all her diversity and modern progress programs.
And is someone out to hurt HER students, again?!? The audacity.
Her two love interests are the same. One she goes on a date with, the other helps her rescue a dog. I know which one I'm rooting for, *cough*.
We've got Meg, the BFF and interpreter of course. Bergstrom the mentor. Lance, the student worker who's roommate died in the first book, and Rachel, another student worker that they just might be a thing.
There's more from Dr. Bryant, the deaf professor. He's a pivotal, instructional role here. Not only with the deaf students, but with Cassandra. He honestly opened my eyes and taught me so much about the deaf community and advocacy. I mean, so much that I agreed with him more than Cassandra on the topics.
I did enjoy the mystery and totally fell for the red herrings. It's nice breath of fresh air,
About the Author:
Giveaway:
(10) Kindle Copy - Dead Week (A Cassandra Sato Mystery) by Kelly Brakenhoff
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
About Dead Week:
IMHO: Dead Week
Cassandra Sato is back! She's survived the last scandal and is looking forward to an uneventful Dead Week. Well....not so lucky, our girl. Thank goodness she's so dauntless because the old guard is working hard to thwart all her diversity and modern progress programs.
And is someone out to hurt HER students, again?!? The audacity.
Her two love interests are the same. One she goes on a date with, the other helps her rescue a dog. I know which one I'm rooting for, *cough*.
We've got Meg, the BFF and interpreter of course. Bergstrom the mentor. Lance, the student worker who's roommate died in the first book, and Rachel, another student worker that they just might be a thing.
There's more from Dr. Bryant, the deaf professor. He's a pivotal, instructional role here. Not only with the deaf students, but with Cassandra. He honestly opened my eyes and taught me so much about the deaf community and advocacy. I mean, so much that I agreed with him more than Cassandra on the topics.
I did enjoy the mystery and totally fell for the red herrings. It's nice breath of fresh air,
Just like I said for Death by Dissertation...
Perfect for cozy mystery fans, obviously, and those looking for something new in the genre especially. I think this is has great crossover appeal with fellow rom com & crime lovers too. It reminds me The Chronicle Mysteries on Hallmark .
If you don’t read cozies, you should start with this one! It’s a mystery, but light and down to Earth with amateursleuthing. It’s all about the people, relationships, and setting.
Ya know, God can't steer a parked car.
The idea of two men interested in her was scarier than facing a line of protestors and the board.
Meg did a low whistle, "Ho-ly Mary, Mother of God. It's the Helicopter Moms versus the Tightwad Dads!"
About the Author:
Giveaway:
(10) Kindle Copy - Dead Week (A Cassandra Sato Mystery) by Kelly Brakenhoff
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tour Schedule:
This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
September 20, 2020
I like the first book in the series and was great to continue into the second. Cassandra has a lot in her plate and now she has to add murder to the list, or at least solving a murder. It's a very good book.
January 28, 2020
Dead Week on a college campus is normally a time of quite study before final exams. Yet this particular week is anything but calm for Morton College's Vice President of Student Affairs Cassandra Sato, who finds herself in a whirlwind of activity. Cassandra is juggling various claims on her time, from consulting on a student advocacy project; to adjusting to the bizarre leadership style of the new interim college president; to responding to the neediness of helicopter parents; to re-entering the dating scene; to coping with her first Nebraska winter.
As chair of the college's diversity council, Cassandra is determined to create a more inclusive campus environment for students and faculty of all backgrounds and abilities. Working toward this goal, Cassandra immerses herself in the Deaf Studies Advocacy Project. While the project is an important endeavor, it causes considerable growing pains to bring the entire college community onboard. When Rachel Nagel, the outspoken student activist for the project is injured in two separate campus incidents, it seems that someone may be targeting her because of her activism. Is Rachel the victim of an attacker who opposes improving the campus community?
In Dead Week Cassandra's administrative skills and personal tenacity are again put to the test. Just how far is she willing to go on behalf of the students--not only to advocate on their behalf, but to ensure their safety? And as the circumstances of a long-ago student death appear to tie into the current situation, will the revelations of deeply buried campus secrets put Cassandra herself in harm's way?
Brakenhoff's second installment in the Cassandra Sato mystery series is a welcome return to the college community she introduced readers to in Death by Dissertation. Cassandra's drive to make her mark in the field of higher education is as strong as ever, despite the campus politics and personalities she must navigate for her professional survival. On the personal side, Cassandra's relationships with her core group of coworkers and friends get more interesting, and romance is a distinct possibility. As her first semester at Morton draws to a close, I am eagerly anticipating Cassandra's further adventures in academia.
As chair of the college's diversity council, Cassandra is determined to create a more inclusive campus environment for students and faculty of all backgrounds and abilities. Working toward this goal, Cassandra immerses herself in the Deaf Studies Advocacy Project. While the project is an important endeavor, it causes considerable growing pains to bring the entire college community onboard. When Rachel Nagel, the outspoken student activist for the project is injured in two separate campus incidents, it seems that someone may be targeting her because of her activism. Is Rachel the victim of an attacker who opposes improving the campus community?
In Dead Week Cassandra's administrative skills and personal tenacity are again put to the test. Just how far is she willing to go on behalf of the students--not only to advocate on their behalf, but to ensure their safety? And as the circumstances of a long-ago student death appear to tie into the current situation, will the revelations of deeply buried campus secrets put Cassandra herself in harm's way?
Brakenhoff's second installment in the Cassandra Sato mystery series is a welcome return to the college community she introduced readers to in Death by Dissertation. Cassandra's drive to make her mark in the field of higher education is as strong as ever, despite the campus politics and personalities she must navigate for her professional survival. On the personal side, Cassandra's relationships with her core group of coworkers and friends get more interesting, and romance is a distinct possibility. As her first semester at Morton draws to a close, I am eagerly anticipating Cassandra's further adventures in academia.
January 24, 2020
Cassandra Sato is back, and so is chaos and disruption at little Morton College. Academia has a long memory, and Cassandra is caught in the middle when a student starts something too big for her to handle. The mystery that develops is partly about a long-ago student's death, and partly about who is so upset about it and why. Brakenhoff does a great job of creating a compelling mystery without much of a body-count, because she is really writing about humans and their motivations.
I enjoyed the story, which was a solid puzzle (as with the first, I had a pretty good inkling about who did what, but enjoyed watching Cassandra work out the details). I also appreciate the continuing concern with deaf rights and advocacy. The author's sympathies are clear, and well-presented. The book skates at times perilously close to being an "issue story" but dodges that bullet--the deaf rights issues are truly central to the story because they are central to the characters.
And that, I think is the key to why the Cassandra Sato books are so satisfying: they are really about people. This time, the author fleshed out the secondary characters more fully. In some cases that happens gradually, as Cassandra stops seeing them as "types" and recognizes their motivations and needs. The romance element continues to be a bit of background complication, rather than a dominating part of the story. Cassandra seems to be at a point where she needs to examine her life and her choices. She seems to be at least thinking about doing so--I look forward to seeing how she resolves her many personal tensions.
My Recommendation:
Pour a cup of hot cocoa and settle down with a blanket and the book. Even if it's not cold where you are, you'll feel that Nebraska wind blowing right through you while you enjoy the story!
I received an ebook ARC through Great Escapes Blog Tours, with no expectation other than an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed the story, which was a solid puzzle (as with the first, I had a pretty good inkling about who did what, but enjoyed watching Cassandra work out the details). I also appreciate the continuing concern with deaf rights and advocacy. The author's sympathies are clear, and well-presented. The book skates at times perilously close to being an "issue story" but dodges that bullet--the deaf rights issues are truly central to the story because they are central to the characters.
And that, I think is the key to why the Cassandra Sato books are so satisfying: they are really about people. This time, the author fleshed out the secondary characters more fully. In some cases that happens gradually, as Cassandra stops seeing them as "types" and recognizes their motivations and needs. The romance element continues to be a bit of background complication, rather than a dominating part of the story. Cassandra seems to be at a point where she needs to examine her life and her choices. She seems to be at least thinking about doing so--I look forward to seeing how she resolves her many personal tensions.
My Recommendation:
Pour a cup of hot cocoa and settle down with a blanket and the book. Even if it's not cold where you are, you'll feel that Nebraska wind blowing right through you while you enjoy the story!
I received an ebook ARC through Great Escapes Blog Tours, with no expectation other than an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 30, 2020
Dead Week is book 2 in the Cassandra Sato mysteries, but it’s the first one I’ve read. It took me a little while to get into this book, and I think that if I’d read Death by Dissertation, I’d have enjoyed the beginning of the book more. Even though this can be read as a stand alone book, knowing the characters and setting ahead of time would have helped me. You may find that you can just jump in and go, but that’s my recommendation!
Once I started figuring out who was who and what Cassandra’s job at Morton College entailed, I was able to really get into the story. In fact, once I got about halfway through, I couldn’t stop reading. I think it was just the initial who’s who and what’s what that threw me off at first.
There are several different mysteries and odd happenings going on in Dead Week, but you’ll see…they all tie together in the end.
Cassandra is a strong character, and she’s finding her way in her “new” life in Nebraska. I have to say, I’d have a really hard time leaving Hawai’i for Nebraska! She’s making friends, helping the students, negotiating with administration, shoveling snow (!), and she may be headed for a romance….but with who? I know who I want her to end up with, but we’ll see where this goes!
I think you mystery fans will enjoy figuring out whodunnit (and why!) along with Cassandra in Dead Week.
Once I started figuring out who was who and what Cassandra’s job at Morton College entailed, I was able to really get into the story. In fact, once I got about halfway through, I couldn’t stop reading. I think it was just the initial who’s who and what’s what that threw me off at first.
There are several different mysteries and odd happenings going on in Dead Week, but you’ll see…they all tie together in the end.
Cassandra is a strong character, and she’s finding her way in her “new” life in Nebraska. I have to say, I’d have a really hard time leaving Hawai’i for Nebraska! She’s making friends, helping the students, negotiating with administration, shoveling snow (!), and she may be headed for a romance….but with who? I know who I want her to end up with, but we’ll see where this goes!
I think you mystery fans will enjoy figuring out whodunnit (and why!) along with Cassandra in Dead Week.
December 22, 2019
This second book was just as enjoyable as the first. Cassandra is getting more comfortable, meeting her colleagues, and preparing for a Nebraska winter despite missing her Hawaiian home. The Morton College faculty, staff, and students are realistic with their unique quirks in this well-written mystery. I appreciated the advocacy for the deaf community woven within the dynamics of living in a small town and working at a college. I look forward to seeing what next semester brings for Cassandra.
December 14, 2019
Another awesome one!
Kelly has done it again. Like I said when I reviewed Death By Dissertation, I'm not a fan of fiction, but this book hits home for me as a Deaf person. I could actually relate to this book, Rachel's experiences, the small college experience, all of it. The story was just riveting. A must read. I look forward to Kelly's next book in this series.
Kelly has done it again. Like I said when I reviewed Death By Dissertation, I'm not a fan of fiction, but this book hits home for me as a Deaf person. I could actually relate to this book, Rachel's experiences, the small college experience, all of it. The story was just riveting. A must read. I look forward to Kelly's next book in this series.
April 16, 2020
A great addition to this series; Death by Dissertation was a special opening salvo, but Dead Week is "dead on" as Brakenhoff continues to give those of us with adequate hearing a fascinating look into how the world works for those who live, love and listen with all of their other senses. Her character development makes this book matter to her readers. Can't wait for the next installment.
January 25, 2020
I really liked this. I like to Kelly’s first book, but the plot in this one seems even more complex. Cassandra Sato is earnest and hardworking, but I especially appreciate her dry wit. I look forward to book 3 in the series.
January 3, 2020
It was so good. I loved it!!! Can’t wait for another. Great job Kelly.
August 15, 2025
I am so enjoying the Cassandra Sato mystery series. This book is the 2nd one, and I am ready to start the 3rd one. Cassandra is still feeling her way in her new position as Administrator of Student Affairs at Morton College. At the same time she is coping with the snow and ice of a Nebraska winter for the first time after growing up in Hawai'i.
I loved the intrigue set in an academic setting and the focus on diversity and inclusiveness, a hot topic in today's America. This story centers on a deaf student Rachel who enrolled at Morton to search her birth family history and to find the cause of her deafness. Her birth mother had also attended Morton back in the 70s, had given up a baby for adoption, and subsequently had died in a car crash. Cassandra's good friend Meg is an ASL interpreter and supporting Cassandra in her fight to get the college to provide accommodations for deaf students.
I loved the intrigue set in an academic setting and the focus on diversity and inclusiveness, a hot topic in today's America. This story centers on a deaf student Rachel who enrolled at Morton to search her birth family history and to find the cause of her deafness. Her birth mother had also attended Morton back in the 70s, had given up a baby for adoption, and subsequently had died in a car crash. Cassandra's good friend Meg is an ASL interpreter and supporting Cassandra in her fight to get the college to provide accommodations for deaf students.
March 11, 2024
An interesting story, if a bit slow-paced. Dr. Sato is determined to do her best for the students, in spite of her own problems. She makes a few false assumptions but finally arrives at the person I had suspected in the first place. I did find my eyes glazing over at the abundance of academic speech, committees and meetings.
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