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A Murder of Principal
When a maverick principal comes in with a student-centered agenda, there’s no more business as usual at Lincoln High School. Killing the principal is just the beginning…
Someone sets fire to Lincoln High and kills the new principal, and chaos threatens to overtake the urban school. Assistant Principal Sally Pearce, hired to help the deceased principal revamp the culture, vows to carry on the mission. In so doing, she locks horns with fellow assistant principal, Wally Welburton, and gets caught up in gang threats, racial tensions, grievances, sexual harassment complaints, and murder.
Sally never dreamed she’d be faced with solving a mystery and returning the school to order. The odds are against her—a woman in a man’s job, a minority in a tough position. Her strong moral compass and commitment to students bolster her as she meets challenge after challenge. When a second murder happens on campus, Sally realizes she’s trapped in a cycle of violence that must be stopped--now.
“Curl up on the couch with your magnifying glass, cat, and some chocolate as you sift through the clues of this well-penned mystery. You're in for a treat!” —Avanti Centrae, author of the five-time award winning and #1 Amazon bestselling VanOps thriller series
“Saralyn Richard has written a compelling page-turner of a mystery. The book’s universe, the life of the administrators, teachers, and staff of an inner-city high school, rings with authenticity. A Murder of Principal has richly drawn characters that drive the story. There are many surprises as the story evolves. Start it early enough so you won’t stay up all night to finish it. I did.” –Marc Grossberg, author of The Best People: A Tale of Trials and Errors
"Enter Lincoln High School at your own risk--you'll be held captive by this suspenseful page-turner." ~Margaret Mizushima, author of the award-winning Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, including Hanging Falls
Someone sets fire to Lincoln High and kills the new principal, and chaos threatens to overtake the urban school. Assistant Principal Sally Pearce, hired to help the deceased principal revamp the culture, vows to carry on the mission. In so doing, she locks horns with fellow assistant principal, Wally Welburton, and gets caught up in gang threats, racial tensions, grievances, sexual harassment complaints, and murder.
Sally never dreamed she’d be faced with solving a mystery and returning the school to order. The odds are against her—a woman in a man’s job, a minority in a tough position. Her strong moral compass and commitment to students bolster her as she meets challenge after challenge. When a second murder happens on campus, Sally realizes she’s trapped in a cycle of violence that must be stopped--now.
“Curl up on the couch with your magnifying glass, cat, and some chocolate as you sift through the clues of this well-penned mystery. You're in for a treat!” —Avanti Centrae, author of the five-time award winning and #1 Amazon bestselling VanOps thriller series
“Saralyn Richard has written a compelling page-turner of a mystery. The book’s universe, the life of the administrators, teachers, and staff of an inner-city high school, rings with authenticity. A Murder of Principal has richly drawn characters that drive the story. There are many surprises as the story evolves. Start it early enough so you won’t stay up all night to finish it. I did.” –Marc Grossberg, author of The Best People: A Tale of Trials and Errors
"Enter Lincoln High School at your own risk--you'll be held captive by this suspenseful page-turner." ~Margaret Mizushima, author of the award-winning Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries, including Hanging Falls
- GenresMystery
Paperback
First published January 8, 2021
About the author
Saralyn Richard
10 books213 followersSaralyn Richard was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, where hurricanes shaped her life in both good and bad ways. A former educator, she has taught creative writing to teenagers and senior citizens. Her Detective Parrott mystery series and Quinn McFarland mystery series have won multiple awards, including three Silver Falchions from Killer Nashville. A standalone mystery and a children’s book, as well as many published stories, essays, and poems round out her list of works. Her latest novel, Port of Destiny: A Victorian History, Mystery, & Romance, is based on a secret she learned about her grandfather when she was 15 years old. Saralyn’s favorite thing about writing is connecting with readers. Learn more at https://saralynrichard.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 24, 2021
Sally Pearce is hired by the new principal of a midwestern high school to help adjust the culture. It turns out that the faculty doesn't like a student centered approach and the gangs sense opportunity. Saralyn Richard weaves a twisting tale through the school hallways that make the mean streets of Compton look like Disney World. There are shining stories of overcoming adversity woven into the tale to make it an inspiring novel that will keep the reader guessing to the last page.
Want to Read
October 26, 2021Today I want to thank everyone who's helped launch A MURDER OF PRINCIPAL. It's gratifying to know that the issues lurking behind the flagpole in an inner city high school hold interest and meaning for you.
I'm excited to know that readers are engaging with the quirky characters and dynamics of Lincoln High School, and I'm looking forward to your feedback. As always, connecting with readers is the very best part of being an author.
I also need to mention my deep and abiding respect for the teachers, administrators, and support staff--all of the dedicated people who work and have worked in schools. Education may be the hardest job in the world, but it is the most fulfilling. I hope A MURDER OF PRINCIPAL conveys that, even as it presents a murder mystery. Happy reading!
I'm excited to know that readers are engaging with the quirky characters and dynamics of Lincoln High School, and I'm looking forward to your feedback. As always, connecting with readers is the very best part of being an author.
I also need to mention my deep and abiding respect for the teachers, administrators, and support staff--all of the dedicated people who work and have worked in schools. Education may be the hardest job in the world, but it is the most fulfilling. I hope A MURDER OF PRINCIPAL conveys that, even as it presents a murder mystery. Happy reading!
October 5, 2020
Every day we read in the news of black and white confrontations, prejudice, and gang-related crime. In this murder mystery, Saralyn Richard tackles these important issues and delivers an exciting murder mystery to solve. The book is an anthem to better race relations and a belief that “we can all get along.” –Belle Ami, author of the best-selling mystery, The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci
January 25, 2021
SPELLBINDING
I felt the beginning dragged a bit. However, once it reached the action part... the pages simply flew by and I could not wait to see WHO DONE IT!! Thanks
I felt the beginning dragged a bit. However, once it reached the action part... the pages simply flew by and I could not wait to see WHO DONE IT!! Thanks
June 14, 2023
EXCELLENT READ
Another great story from Saralyn Richard. Suspense and plot to this story did not disappoint. Couldn’t put this book down.
Another great story from Saralyn Richard. Suspense and plot to this story did not disappoint. Couldn’t put this book down.
February 12, 2021
Author Saralyn Richard hits it out of the park—again. Penned by a real-life educator and school administrator, the setting and delicious details are brought to life as only someone "in the know" can. Richard gets an A+ in Murder and Mayhem.
January 12, 2021
I gave this books 5 stars because I was so engaged in it, I couldn't put it down! It was an action-packed page turner.
I enjoy reading fiction and cozy mysteries related to the profession of education, because I am an educator. I have worked as a substitute, a teacher, and a tutor in public education for many years. Although this book was based in a high school, I could still relate to the problems the faculty faced.
When a new principal with a student-centered agenda, R.J. Stoker is hired, the faculty at Lincoln High is disrupted. He hires a new female VP, Sally Pearce to help him carry out his plan. In a high school with a heavy gang presence, the focus of the previous principal was to uphold strict behavioral standards. The new principal is focused on an inclusive environment in which every student is given the opportunity to find success and teachers are expected to engage every learner (the exact philosophy the majority of the schools in this country have today). This leads to too many students enrolling, classes becoming overcrowded, and more observations of faculty teaching (which is common in schools now). The second vice principal, Wally Welburton, is disappointed he is not selected as principal and holds a grudge against the the new principal.
Teachers who were used to the ways of the old principal suddenly feel uncomfortable with the new expectations and ideals of the new principal. They feel the school will spiral out of control. Many faculty members file grievances against the new principal since they feel his new standards are unfair.
Everything quickly goes down hill at Lincoln High. First, the football team's star quarterback is found badly beaten on the field. When a fire breaks out in the school building and R.J. Stoker is found dead from a gunshot, Wally Welburton is named the new principal, and finally gets his chance at the opportunity he has always desired. Later in the story Welburton also meets his demise, and chaos ensues.
Are the gang members inside or outside of the school responsible for these deaths, or are the faculty members who hold have conflicts with either administrator responsible? Two police detectives, with the help of Vice Principal Sally Pearce, follow the clues to find a killer.
This book was gripping. Those who are in a position in the field of education should be able to understand and relate to the different viewpoints of the characters in this book. This is the best book I have read so far in 2021!
I enjoy reading fiction and cozy mysteries related to the profession of education, because I am an educator. I have worked as a substitute, a teacher, and a tutor in public education for many years. Although this book was based in a high school, I could still relate to the problems the faculty faced.
When a new principal with a student-centered agenda, R.J. Stoker is hired, the faculty at Lincoln High is disrupted. He hires a new female VP, Sally Pearce to help him carry out his plan. In a high school with a heavy gang presence, the focus of the previous principal was to uphold strict behavioral standards. The new principal is focused on an inclusive environment in which every student is given the opportunity to find success and teachers are expected to engage every learner (the exact philosophy the majority of the schools in this country have today). This leads to too many students enrolling, classes becoming overcrowded, and more observations of faculty teaching (which is common in schools now). The second vice principal, Wally Welburton, is disappointed he is not selected as principal and holds a grudge against the the new principal.
Teachers who were used to the ways of the old principal suddenly feel uncomfortable with the new expectations and ideals of the new principal. They feel the school will spiral out of control. Many faculty members file grievances against the new principal since they feel his new standards are unfair.
Everything quickly goes down hill at Lincoln High. First, the football team's star quarterback is found badly beaten on the field. When a fire breaks out in the school building and R.J. Stoker is found dead from a gunshot, Wally Welburton is named the new principal, and finally gets his chance at the opportunity he has always desired. Later in the story Welburton also meets his demise, and chaos ensues.
Are the gang members inside or outside of the school responsible for these deaths, or are the faculty members who hold have conflicts with either administrator responsible? Two police detectives, with the help of Vice Principal Sally Pearce, follow the clues to find a killer.
This book was gripping. Those who are in a position in the field of education should be able to understand and relate to the different viewpoints of the characters in this book. This is the best book I have read so far in 2021!
August 15, 2022
I bought this on a whim after seeing it on Twitter (I can't remember what it referenced - the books by Arthur Hailey, maybe?). It's been a while since I've read a book written in this style. There was a lot of background about school procedures etc, but it was still a murder mystery and it was still compelling. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading Arthur Hailey's detail rich books. I'll have to go read The Moneychangers again.
There are a lot of POV characters, but the main one is Sally Pearce - school administrator. I usually prefer crime novels with fewer POVs, but honestly, there was enough from each character to keep things ticking along. It made for a more rounded world, too. The book touches on a lot of social factors but remains a murder mystery at its core.
It was a good reminder to me that there are different styles of books and, when done well, they are wonderful. An excellent impulse buy.
There are a lot of POV characters, but the main one is Sally Pearce - school administrator. I usually prefer crime novels with fewer POVs, but honestly, there was enough from each character to keep things ticking along. It made for a more rounded world, too. The book touches on a lot of social factors but remains a murder mystery at its core.
It was a good reminder to me that there are different styles of books and, when done well, they are wonderful. An excellent impulse buy.
February 21, 2021
Saralyn Richard has read every Agatha Christie novel more than once. I enjoyed the whodunnit plotting of A Murder of Principal. Every time I suspected one person another one would claim my attention. In the end, I felt a great satisfaction that I got it right. For me, this feels even better than having been stumped until the big reveal.
This is the first novel I've read that mentions summative and formative evaluations. Another feeling of pride that I know about that trend in the academic world. A good portrayal of an inner city high school and a reminder of how hard educators work. Read this book and you'll know what I mean.
This is the first novel I've read that mentions summative and formative evaluations. Another feeling of pride that I know about that trend in the academic world. A good portrayal of an inner city high school and a reminder of how hard educators work. Read this book and you'll know what I mean.
April 12, 2021
As an educator, I’m always concerned when I pick up a book set in a school and doubly nervous when the story includes a murder. I’m afraid the author will include some of the stereotypes many people believe about education. But Saralyn Richard shares my background. She describes the school environment well—as a microcosm of the wider society with all it’s warts.
Of course, I don’t want anyone to die in a school, but since Saralyn writes in this genre, somebody’s got to go. The murder mystery part of the book was well done. The reader is led to believe it could be—him or—her or—that other person. This book will keep you guessing and teach you a little about schools at the same time.
Of course, I don’t want anyone to die in a school, but since Saralyn writes in this genre, somebody’s got to go. The murder mystery part of the book was well done. The reader is led to believe it could be—him or—her or—that other person. This book will keep you guessing and teach you a little about schools at the same time.
February 7, 2021
A Murder of Principal
Saralyn Richard draws on her experience as a compassionate educator to develop believable characters and situations in this murder mystery set in a high school. She understands both the feelings and passions of good and not-so-good educators as well as their dilemmas. She also understands and empathizes with the difficulties and emotions of teenagers, and the turmoil that is such a
part of their educational experience. This is a book that would benefit and entertain all parents, teachers, and school administrators.
Saralyn Richard draws on her experience as a compassionate educator to develop believable characters and situations in this murder mystery set in a high school. She understands both the feelings and passions of good and not-so-good educators as well as their dilemmas. She also understands and empathizes with the difficulties and emotions of teenagers, and the turmoil that is such a
part of their educational experience. This is a book that would benefit and entertain all parents, teachers, and school administrators.
April 3, 2021
Murder walks the halls of Lincoln High. No one feels safe—who might be next? Is it gang-related or the result of a more personal vendetta?
Saralyn Richard has crafted a story of urban high school life in the ‘90s and touches on social issues of the day, while bringing together a cast of characters you are drawn to and wonder about their fate.
I thought I’d determined the murderer, but was proven wrong. And that’s when I enjoy a mystery!
Well done, Saralyn
Saralyn Richard has crafted a story of urban high school life in the ‘90s and touches on social issues of the day, while bringing together a cast of characters you are drawn to and wonder about their fate.
I thought I’d determined the murderer, but was proven wrong. And that’s when I enjoy a mystery!
Well done, Saralyn
May 1, 2021
Get this one for a perfect summer beach read!!!! What a terrific murder mystery! Saralyn Richard develops these characters beautifully and I became fully invested in finding out the answer. She keeps you guessing until the very end. This is the third book I have read by this author and I can't wait for the next one!
January 27, 2021
A Murder of Principal, by award winning author, Saralyn Richard, has all the drama, intrigue and suspense needed to pull off this intense, inner-city high school mystery. Lincoln High is struggling with the usual issues surrounding students and faculty, even before the new principal, R.J. Stoker, shakes things up. Gangs, grievances, sexual harassment, and other tensions cause conflicts and rivalries. Stoker makes waves, and his new right-hand assistant struggles to balance the schedule before faculty grievances sink their maiden voyage. Just who has put a target on Stoker’s back? Plenty of characters have motives, but this suspense-filled mystery will keep you guessing who done it until the very end. Lots of clues and a few scattered red herrings will keep you engaged and trying to identify the killer. A Murder of Principal, is a nostalgic page turner that you won’t want to miss.
March 12, 2021
Saralyn Richard wrote a very engaging mystery set in an inner city high school. It involves gangs and teenage emotions. I really enjoyed how the author especially portrayed the emotions of young people. Good mystery. Would recommend this book
February 22, 2022
Surprising ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2021
Another great read
Sadly, this book ended too quickly! I Love reading books by this author. I cannot put them down! I usually end up reading them through the night! Wonderful book! Please, another one soon!
Sadly, this book ended too quickly! I Love reading books by this author. I cannot put them down! I usually end up reading them through the night! Wonderful book! Please, another one soon!
January 29, 2021
What a Fun Book
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. In.fact, toward the end I couldn't put it down. I learned a lot about i met city schools while being thoroughly entertained its well written and worth the read
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. In.fact, toward the end I couldn't put it down. I learned a lot about i met city schools while being thoroughly entertained its well written and worth the read
February 11, 2021
I can't say enough about this book. The author has managed to create an intriguing tale while introducing believable characters who face real dilemmas. She doesn't shy away from important contemporary issues: racism, teacher unions, gangs, and the challenges of running a school in modern times. It's easy to identify with all age groups, from misguided teens to principled adults, as they move through the story to the satisfying, if sobering, conclusion. An excellent and important read.
January 23, 2021
Saralyn Richard's latest murder mystery is set in an urban high school with all of the issues one could imagine confronting students, teachers and administrators -- including murder! It is a very suspenseful tale with wonderful characters you will like and identify with from your own experiences. You won't be able to figure out "whodunit" until the dramatic reveals at the very end. A great book.
April 16, 2021
Who knew that high school could be so dangerous! Saralyn has bravely and competently tackled some difficult issues, arousing my emotions and getting me engaged with the characters. I was sad at the first murder, cheered on the beleaguered young couple, and glad when the culprit was apprehended. Well done!
February 6, 2021
A suspends story
Beautiful mastery written book
Enjoyed the book characters, the students achievements despite their difficulties and the happy ending love story
Beautiful mastery written book
Enjoyed the book characters, the students achievements despite their difficulties and the happy ending love story
Read
March 31, 2022An interesting read with plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. Great and believable characters dealing with real life issues with added high school drama. Couldn't put it down.
January 30, 2021
Have you ever wondered what really goes on inside the walls of an inner-city high
school? Saralyn Richard has provided a unique insight into this incredibly
complex, challenging, yet rewarding microcosm. Mrs. Richard’s in-depth
portrayals of the complex disparities faced by students, teachers, administrators,
counselors, and parents in these multicultural settings are meticulously unfolded
by a veteran teacher and administrator who has clearly faced and overcome these
challenges many times. Her characters are richly layered and conflicted, as they
navigate a world that pits success against safety, scholarship against survival,
victory against vengeance--all factors that work to sabotage a harmonious school
environment. From the opening sentence, you won’t rest until the final threads
have been unraveled, and peace has once again been restored to Abraham Lincoln
High School. Those of us who have walked the hallways of such a high school
will appreciate the mixture of nostalgia, tension, excitement, and social
consciousness that Mrs. Richard has so deftly created.
Lena Condic
school? Saralyn Richard has provided a unique insight into this incredibly
complex, challenging, yet rewarding microcosm. Mrs. Richard’s in-depth
portrayals of the complex disparities faced by students, teachers, administrators,
counselors, and parents in these multicultural settings are meticulously unfolded
by a veteran teacher and administrator who has clearly faced and overcome these
challenges many times. Her characters are richly layered and conflicted, as they
navigate a world that pits success against safety, scholarship against survival,
victory against vengeance--all factors that work to sabotage a harmonious school
environment. From the opening sentence, you won’t rest until the final threads
have been unraveled, and peace has once again been restored to Abraham Lincoln
High School. Those of us who have walked the hallways of such a high school
will appreciate the mixture of nostalgia, tension, excitement, and social
consciousness that Mrs. Richard has so deftly created.
Lena Condic
May 8, 2021
When Sally Pearce is selected by the new principal to be the assistant principal, she prepares herself for a new role in the school she loves. What Sally didn't prepare for was the new principal's death, which plummets the school into a mystery of disappearances, gang violence, and a slew of grievances. While Sally struggles to uphold order and keep that principal's hopes for the school alive, she realizes that she has to assist the police as much as she can before the murder destroys her school.
This is the third Saralyn Richard novel that I have experienced and she never disappoints. Each set of characters have unique voices with a setting and plot that always lines up perfectly. Any reader looking for the perfect balance of characterization and well-structured, well-written mystery needs to pick up a Saralyn Richard's book.
This is the third Saralyn Richard novel that I have experienced and she never disappoints. Each set of characters have unique voices with a setting and plot that always lines up perfectly. Any reader looking for the perfect balance of characterization and well-structured, well-written mystery needs to pick up a Saralyn Richard's book.
January 4, 2021
Saralyn's latest stand-alone gripped me from the start. The story of a newly appointed high school principal is intriguing and mind opening. R.J. Stoker doesn't play politics with the teachers or school staff. His primary objective is to make sure all his students get the best education possible. But when he winds up dead, the many suspects include some gang members. Tension is high as the torch is passed to another administrator. Murder isn't something anyone wants at school. Let alone two.
To the last page, I love this book by Richards. She takes a difficult subject matter and with her eloquent style, the brushstroke of her pen takes us on the path to the necessary conversations in this day and age. A must read.
To the last page, I love this book by Richards. She takes a difficult subject matter and with her eloquent style, the brushstroke of her pen takes us on the path to the necessary conversations in this day and age. A must read.
June 8, 2021
Saralyn Richard will school you in the importance of solid evidence in her thrilling book Murder of Principal. This is a well-researched story in correct police procedures to find who's killing administrators at Lincoln High School.
Soon after beginning the book, I was transported to the campus and ensconced in the story, thanks to the author's skills for description and character development.
You will cheer for Sally Pearce, the vice principal, who must balance her duty to the school and its students with her own fears for her safety as murders occur around her. Will she be next? You will love Sally's devotion to all the students, even those being eyed by the police.
Things are not as they seem at Lincoln High. There is nothing elementary about this whodunnit!
Soon after beginning the book, I was transported to the campus and ensconced in the story, thanks to the author's skills for description and character development.
You will cheer for Sally Pearce, the vice principal, who must balance her duty to the school and its students with her own fears for her safety as murders occur around her. Will she be next? You will love Sally's devotion to all the students, even those being eyed by the police.
Things are not as they seem at Lincoln High. There is nothing elementary about this whodunnit!
March 24, 2021
What an exciting journey from the first page to the last! Saralyn immerses the reader in the story with memorable characters. I found myself wanting to read "just one more page" each time I needed to put the book down. The story moves at a perfect pace, and readers will feel very much a part of her story from the very beginning. I found myself continuously guessing as to who the murderer might be, and enjoyed the twists and turns. One of the things I loved was a message of hope weaved through the story. A greatly enjoyable book worth buying, reading, and rereading!
January 15, 2022
As a former school administrator, I was attracted to this story. I'm sure glad I didn't have all these troubles!!!! The book held my attention but was unrealistic in some ways. The character development was great despite so many characters. The ending was a little disappointing with the "happy ending". It would have been nice to see some of the transition Sally did to move the school from utter chaos to tranquility!
All in all, I liked the book; having read other books by Ms. Richard, I'll continue to look for her work.
All in all, I liked the book; having read other books by Ms. Richard, I'll continue to look for her work.
January 6, 2024
This book was nothing like the Parrott Mystery Books I've read by this author. It appears to be a standalone that is truly different, and I learned the author had teaching and education administrative experience. I don't think she could've pulled it off if she hadn't worked in the field. It was not like her usual fiction mystery/police procedural books. I didn't recognize the writing. If you don't want to start a book unless you have time to finish soon, I recommend you hold off on this one. This was very hard for me to put down, so I was up late at night finishing what I'd only started two days earlier. Although fiction, at times it seemed too real to be fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews