Teacher's Threat

Mad for Mod Mystery #8

by Diane Vallere

A professor murdered during office hours. A decorator enrolled in his course. Can she outsmart the killer who designed the perfect crime?

Madison Night just learned that business isn’t sexy. She modeled her decorating career on a Doris Day movie, but after losing her company in a legal battle, the local banks are unimpressed with her unique sales angle. Determined to get her MBA, she attends night school – until her professor is found dead in his office after an intensely-heated lecture. Now the only degree she can think about is murder in the first.

While the college recovers, Madison’s last hope for a loan is denied. The dean resumes the coursework himself, and Madison can’t help wondering if the curriculum holds the clues to the murder. Continuing her education is not without risk; pursuing her MBA may leave her DOA.

Can Madison’s sleuthing make the grade or will failure be a fatal lesson?

Teacher's Threat is the eighth captivating mystery in the Madison Night series. If you like smart protagonists, classroom controversies, and Cabot Cove syndrome, you’ll love Diane Vallere’s enjoyable book.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

260 pages, ebook

First published June 22, 2021

About the author

I use Goodreads to track my reading and TBR list. For that reason, my rating scale is less important. I don't force myself to finish books, and I don't rate books I DNF. Each year I choose my own BOTY from my have-read list.

AUTHOR BIO: Diane Vallere is the national bestselling author of several mystery series. She edited the Agatha Award-winning essay collection Promophobia: Taking the Mystery out of Promoting Crime Fiction. Diane majored in art history at the College of William and Mary and worked in luxury retailing before reigniting her love of fiction. She currently lives in Pennsylvania. Find out more at: www.dianevallere.com.

Amazon: http://bit.ly/DianeVallere
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3nGyOGZ:
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3aVXczm
YouTube: https://bit.ly/2RfiyAE

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madison Night needs cash to buy inventory to relaunch her decorating business. After the banks keep turning her down, she hopes that getting an MBA will change their minds. The only class she is finding helpful in the program is Radical Business Theory, even after the professor uses her as an example on her first day. However, when the professor is killed in the parking lot, Madison wonders what is going on at her new school. Can she figure out how to relaunch her business while also solving the murder?

This book really is focused on both parts of that question, and new comers to the series will definitely find the mystery slow as a result. As a fan of the series who is invested in Madison’s life, I found the dual focus enjoyable. It certainly helps that we have an ingenious murder method and a surprising yet logical climax. The characters, both new and returning, are great as always. Fans of Doris Day will laugh at the massive Easter Egg in this book, but if you haven’t watched the movies, you’ll be fine since the author uses the scene to advance the plot. If you are a fan of this mystery series, you’ll be happy with this book. If the series sounds fun to you, I recommend you start at the beginning.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[3 no 7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Teacher’s Threat” has a cute dog, Rocky, on the cover, so readers know immediately that this will be a fun read. The book is part of the “Mad for Mod Mystery” series featuring fashion and fun, with suspense thrown in for good measure; that is all any new reader needs to know to laugh along. The intrigue begins with the title; it is a “teacher’s threat” that starts people down a dangerous path of no return.

The story unfolds in Madison Night’s first person narrative. Readers learn about her life and her fabulous mid-century modern couture clothing; even her car is a classic blue Alfa Romeo. Night has accomplished a lot, but she has made some mistakes as well. Unfortunately her business is now like a broken-down car on the side of the road; she has to fix it or get a different car. To that end, she goes back to school, business school, to get her MBA where she faces an entirely different set of problems. College is a different world for Night what with students dressed in head-to-toe black Lycra, cropped sweatshirts, and neon pink sneakers, and using a vocabulary not familiar to a fifty-year-old. Events become dangerous and certainly illegal when Night finds her cantankerous professor dead in the college parking lot.

“Teacher’s Threat” is filled with characters who are focused yet spontaneous, funny then deadly serious, and driven but nevertheless adaptable; there is not a bystander in the bunch. Vallere perfectly balances comedy and tension to keep readers laughing and frantically turning the pages. Through all the ups and down in eight books, Madison Night has become a stronger, more confident, more determined person. The books are quick to read with unexpected events, and compelling relationships. Madison Night may wear mid-century modern clothes, but she has a twenty-first century attitude.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Madison Night goes to business school in order to save her now extinct interior design studio, that she lost in a lawsuit along with some of her inventory she gets a nasty surprise. One of her Professors uses her so called “failure” as a business owner as the outline of his first class. After class, Madison witnesses her Professor dying inside of his car. Once Tex determines that the Professor didn’t die of natural causes, as part of the investigation he goes undercover as a businessman and joins Madisons classes, complicating their already complicated relationship. All in all, the mystery was so so, but things ended on a positive note for Madison. I hope it leads to exciting things in the next book, and that the tone becomes more positive.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific addition to this series, I couldn’t put it down. There is a lot happening in this story between Madison trying to rebuild her business, deciding to start school, and the various mysteries she inevitable finds herself involved with. The story kept me on the edge of my seat in anticipation and suspense, as well as kept me guessing on on how the various stories subplots were going to unfold. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this latest addition to the series. The reader is given an appreciation of Madison’s business acumen, and can’t help but cheer her on in her endeavours.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are a lot of fun! I enjoyed the storyline in this one. Madison is a good character and I like that she has found her footing again. I was surprised at the culprit. This book could have used some additional editing, Rocky just appeared in the middle of a scene and I feel like there were some timeline issues.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tastes can change as a person ages. When I was young, the Doris Day movies when she starred with Rock Hudson or James Garner were okay and good for a laugh or two, and I certainly remember those mid-century modern clothes and interior design (even if I didn't care for them very much). Years passed, and Doris Day was no longer on my radar. Then I read the talented Diane Vallere's "Material Witness" cozy series and thought I'd give another of hers a try. I dove into The Decorator Who Knew Too Much, even though, up to that point, I'd been ignoring the Madison Night/Mad for Mod books because of their "too cute" covers. Now I love the covers that remind me of the McCall's and Simplicity patterns my grandmother used when she made all my clothes. I think Doris Day is an actress who had an amazing range and that she makes a perfect role model. What about the mid-century modern interior design? Well, you're never going to find it in my house, but I now have an appreciation for it, and I can absolutely love it when reading the books in this series.

I enjoyed Teacher's Threat a lot. It takes a good book to make me forget that I'm sitting in an Emergency Room waiting room, and this book did the trick. I didn't find the mystery aspect of the book overly taxing-- there were two secondary characters who stuck out like sore thumbs to me so I knew they were up to something-- but it was more than good enough to hold ER Funk at bay. The mystery also introduced me to two police officers named Ling Tsu and Sue Niedermeyer whose 99% rating on suspect confessions has led to a new saying at the Lakewood Police Department: You've been Sued. I definitely want to see more of these two in future books!

The cast of characters is far from static, and the character who's changed the most is Donna "Nasty" Nast. Well, that's not quite accurate. Nasty hasn't changed, it's just that readers have learned more about her as Madison has. Nasty may be abrasive. She may say exactly what's on her mind. Her conversation may not be littered with please's and thank you's, but that's not what really matters. This is one intelligent woman who's made a life and a successful business all by herself, and when your chips are down, this is one person you want on your side. Neither Nasty or Madison would ever want to admit how similar they are, but readers can just smile at them and feel indulgent.

What can really make me fall in love with these Madison Night mysteries is when Madison's creative juices start flowing. When her natural talents for design, for pulling things together start to percolate, these books can sing. The simple act of creation fires them up, and it doesn't make one molecule's difference that I don't care for mid-century modern design. Madison has the power to make her passion my passion, and that takes the kind of talent that will keep me coming back for more. I was thrilled when things began-- finally!-- to look up for Madison and her business!

Do you think the book covers are too cute? Get over it. Do you think Doris Day is a crazy choice for a role model? Get over it. Do you think mid-century modern clothing and interior design are ugly? Get over it. Because if you don't, you'll be missing out on an excellent, unique cozy mystery series with an intelligent heroine who will never go out of style. Hurry up and write the next one, please!

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Knight has been going through a bit of a rough patch. While her mid-century fashion sense is still sound, her confidence is flagging. She still hasn’t gotten her business back up and running after her legal troubles, and she seems to be spinning in circles trying to figure out what to do. She needs inventory but for that she needs money, and the banks don’t think her unorthodox approach and business history – even though it was profitable from the start - meet their criteria for a loan, so she gets turned down again and again and again. She decides to go to night school and get an MBA – that will show those banks! They’ll realize she’s serious and educated, staying within the box, following the rules.

We realize long before she does that she already pretty much knows everything in these classes, although watching her get dressed for class and gather her accessories is as much fun as any adventure with Madison always is. The comments about how old she is to be a student never stop, and she’s mistaken for an assistant to the professor. Her fellow students aren’t exactly welcoming, and the professor for her Risk class is especially aggressive, using Madison’s business as the case study, humiliating her and goading her into angry retorts to his comments. However, the anger and introspection this Madison feels might be what’s needed to get the other Madison back, the one that created and ran that wildly successful business all on her own.

You know it can’t be that simple, though. When the professor dies practically right before her eyes she’s in the middle again. Her relationship with Tex has just started to come out in the open, but her refusal to back down and stop her amateur investigating puts a wedge between them. And watch out when Tex goes undercover and shows up in class.

Madison is the same, comfortable, familiar Madison we’ve come to know and love. But – she continues to surprise us with her growth, her self-discovery, her insistence on always taking the path she thinks is best, whether it’s the easiest way or not. Her relationship with Tex has continued to grow as well and there are some especially sweet moments between them. And some pretty funny ones, too. Like when she sets up a fake business for the Tex/Rex of Risk class so the students can take a field trip. We see Madison in her element. While it is fun to be transported to mid-century Doris Day Land by Madison’s clothes, accessories and furniture, we realize that while, yes, this mid-century approach is a great hook for her niche business, it is also really the essence of her; this is the real Madison. So of course we have fingers crossed and are chanting little prayers that she’ll get back on track and be happy, confident and her crazy self soon.

Thanks once again to author Diane Vallere for taking me on a wonderful, satisfying journey with Madison Knight. She really is such a likeable, well-developed character (as are all of Vallere’s in all her books) that she pulls me right into her world. The descriptions of her clothes are so vivid you can picture the outfits, and green Banlon top or white Orlon cardigan trimmed with a green leaf motif were looks I hadn’t pictured in years. I think I may have had some of those clothes! The plot moves quickly, dialogue is witty, danger feels real, and every once in a while a sentence like, “Nasty was self-interested in a way that would have made Ayn Rand proud,” makes me smiles and say oh, yes. I received an advance copy of Teacher’s Threat in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished “Back To School” with Rodney Dangerfield. Wait, I mean I finished reading “Teacher’s Threat” featuring Madison Night of the cozy book series written by Diane Vallere. You can understand my confusion because in both instances, the lead character is a person of a certain age who goes back to college to fill some need in their life while hijinks and mayhem ensue as they express their real self around much younger classmates.

For Madison Night, that need is to get an MBA so she can prove to the banks in town that she deserves a loan for her business plan. See, Madison lost her previous business in a legal dispute and needs some serious capital to kick-start her new idea and get her new business started. So, a business degree is step one, a loan is step two, and a successful business launch is step three.

There is just one problem on that first step, which is when the mayhem ensues. Her most challenging professor gets murdered and Madison is involved since she was the last one to see him alive and may even have accidentally helped kill him. The hijinks involve her romantic partner- local sheriff Tex Allen goes undercover as a student in Madison’s class to investigate the suspects and keep an eye on Madison since she might be the next target.

As Madison plays co-ed and Tex plays B.M.O.C., suspects present themselves, leads are followed, and Madison’s friends pitch in to help her get re-centered after the blow of losing her business. In the end, the murderer reveals himself and the right people recognize Madison’s potential.

Since I started by referring to a movie, I’ll finish the same way. If this installment in Madison Night’s journey was a movie, I would say it is a reboot. Many of the normal elements from previous installments were wiped aside and all that is left is the framework of the series- Madison’s grit and spirit, her love of design, her thirst to innovate, and her ability to make friends and bring people to together. And, of course, her ability to stumble upon a murder and find the culprit when no one else can, all while looking fabulous in her mid-century attire.

(In exchange for an advanced reading copy, I am giving this honest opinion about the book.)

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher’s Threat by Diane Vallere, book eight in her humorous Madison Night Mystery series, is another “grab you on page one and not let go until the end” whodunit. Amateur sleuth and interior decorator Madison Night has hit a wall; her business is on indefinite hold because she lost her lawsuit and has no inventory. She has hit all the banks trying to obtain a loan to re-launch her career but has been turned down by each and everyone; none impressed with her unique sales angle. At the suggestion of one of the banks, Madison decides to get her MBA to prove she knows what she’s doing. Attending classes isn’t the problem, discovering her professor murdered sets her on a different course. Madison is strong-minded, determined and follows the clues, to find the killer. Could it be the controversial curriculum he was using? Could it be one of the coeds? Could it be …? Hopefully, Madison can continue her education, get her MBA, solve the crime, and not get murdered.

I genuinely enjoyed reading this book and had trouble putting this book down. The story line was riveting, edgy and kept my attention to the very end. Ms. Vallere does an excellent job keeping her readers on their toes as they read her stories. She had lots of red herrings causing me to wrongly guess the killer was and boy was I surprised when I found out. I highly recommend Teacher’s Threat to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher's Threat is another exciting installment in Vallere's Mad for Mod cozy mystery series. This book finds Madison trying to save her beloved business after a mistake she foolishly made in the previous book. Madison tries to get a loan to help save her business, and when that fails, she decides to go to business school to prove she is a good investment. Becoming a student is hard, but Madison is determined to make it work. When the professor who challenges her is murdered, Madison finds herself drawn into the case.

Vallere sets up a compelling story. I really liked how this murder mystery fit right in with how Madison is questioning her business decisions and what she wants to do now. This mystery really creates a complex situation for Madison as she tries to see what path she wants to go on next. I also really like this new dynamic between Madison and Nasty. I also really enjoyed seeing a new side of the Madison and Tex relationship as Tex tries to solve this murder with Madison's help. Teacher's Threat captures the reader's attention from the very beginning and never lets go. Overall Teacher's Threat was an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Madison's next adventure.

Received a copy of Teacher's Threat from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admire any fifty plus year old person who decides to go back to college! Sure to be treated as a dinosaur by the much younger students, this book addressed that as well as dealing with financing issues after a severe business setback. While sometimes I view Madison as a "Pollyanna" character, I was pleased to see her tackle her problems head on. I felt she didn't try for special treatments due to her previous business experience, and wasn't above accepting critique from professors or the much younger students. Pretty sure there's a valuable lesson in here!

The multiple mysteries in the book, including a murder, were well presented and interesting to try and decide who was responsible for what, as well as, what the con was all about. This book had the usual Madison scouting and finding stock, and a cute realization about a menswear source she'd forgotten about.

I felt that this was a pivotal book in this fun series, only I have no idea what will be next for Madison Night! That only makes me excited about the next book...wonder when that will be out?🤔😊

Great story with soooo much happening in a very short time! I loved it!

[Meredith H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

Gotta say, I enjoy watching Madison scramble. Fresh off the loss of her inventory due to a lawsuit, Madison struggles to find her footing and, out of desperation, lands in an MBA program. While the courses don't offer to teach her much, Madison finds herself challenged by a rather jerky professor. While meeting him after her very first class with him, the prof suddenly and not all that surprisingly drops dead.

While Madison is trying to sort out her next business steps, she and Tex are also trying to sort themselves out. Tex is all in, but Madison hovers around 85%. Even though she wants to be 100% there for him, she still finds it difficult to separate Tex's work from her natural curiosity. She deals with sketchy students, a lack of business plan, a busybody secretary, a jealous Dean, and a stripper turned entrepreneur in her efforts to resume business as usual and settle herself with Tex.

At turns hilarious and ridiculous, this book was fun and kept me guessing.

This ebook's editing was a little wonky towards the end - which bugged me. But it was still fun.

[Grandma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Be “Risky Business” (If Doris Day was in that movie.)

Book #8 of the Madison Night series, “Teacher’s Threat”, finds our Madison trying to put her business “Mad For Mod”, a mid-century design studio, back on track after losing her clients and inventory in a horrible law suit. While Madison thinks she sees a clear business plan, the banks don’t see it that way at all. “She doesn’t look good on paper”. If she even had an MBA it would give her loan application more weight.
This leads our Madison to Dallas’s version of the ivied halls, Van Doren U. She becomes a co-ed, although a bit older version. A dead professor brings Chief Tex Allen into the mix and more danger and intrigue follow. Actually several other prior characters as well as a cast of new ones make this another great add to this series.
Plenty of plot twists and turns make this Diane Vallare addition another fun read. Now, I have to patiently wait for February, 2022 for book #9 !!!
📚❤️

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Night is at a crossroads in her life. She is starting over from scratch and can't get anyone in the banking community to believe in her, so she decides to go back to college to get an MBA even though the semester started two weeks ago. I loved the college campus setting for this book, and all of the new characters that Madison was able to meet and the inspiration that she got from her professor. When the professor is killed, Madison is involved in another mystery. So many things are happening in Madison's life and I love how the author explores them throughout the book. I also enjoyed all of the descriptions of Madison's clothing. Her closet is endless! This is another great addition to the Mad for Mod series that you won't be able to put down.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the Madison Night series and was so glad to be back in her world. This 8th book in the series was terrific. Madison is trying to get business back on track after the lawsuit. But she’s getting rejected by the banks as not being a good risk and getting depressed. She decides to go to Van Doren College to get her MBA hoping that will impress the loan officers. She no sooner starts and her professor winds up dead. Is it someone in the class that’s responsible? Is it too dangerous for her to stay enrolled? Captain Allen even goes undercover to investigate. Diane Vallere does a great job of writing a cozy mystery that keeps you involved and wondering about the plot twists. You don't want to stop reading because you want to see what's going to happen next. I’m looking forward to the next one, especially to see where Madison and Tex’s relationship is going.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admire any fifty plus year old person who decides to go back to college! Sure to be treated as a dinosaur by the much younger students, this book addressed that as well as dealing with financing issues after a severe business setback. While sometimes I view Madison as a "Pollyanna" character, I was pleased to see her tackle her problems head on. I felt she didn't try for special treatments due to her previous business experience, and wasn't above accepting critique from professors or the much younger students. Pretty sure there's a valuable lesson in here!

The multiple mysteries in the book, including a murder, were well presented and interesting to try and decide who was responsible for what, as well as, what the con was all about. This book had the usual Madison scouting and finding stock, and a cute realization about a menswear source she'd forgotten about.

I felt that this was a pivotal book in this fun series, only I have no idea what will be next for Madison Night! That only makes me excited about the next book...wonder when that will be out?🤔😊

Great story with soooo much happening in a very short time! I loved it!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane Vallere has brough Madison Night into a thrilling mix of mystery drama and murder,she has also brought a familiar array vibrant and colorful past supporting characters that brings a mixture of thrills, anxiety, and unexpected alienses in educating and enlightening Madison in what a future could hold. And in a business college filled with even more vibran and outrageous characters with talents in greed, corruption 101 and murder means trouble for all.Will Madison make the grade or be able to bring her business back to life while struggling to solve her college mysterys.Acquire " Teacher's Threat " find these answers while enjoying the intriguing writings of Diane Vallere. 😏🙂Kat

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! Madison is trying to revive her decorating business, but can’t get loan officers to take her seriously. She decides she needs an MBA to show them she means business. When her professor dies, she finds that business education can be murder. The author’s expert storytelling, great plot and believable characters will keep the pages turning. I like the descriptions of the vintage clothing Madison wears. I enjoyed this fun cozy mystery and am looking forward to the next one. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone is Acting Out!
This book is the best of the series, but I say that each time I read a new release. Most of the action happens at business college. But there is more happening here than wanting to 'Bring Home a Diploma for Mama'. There are many suspects, several motives, and scams. And then there is Madison's business issues and her surprising solution. Ahhh, what a fine book to savor.

[Aighmi* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison Night is the highly relatable protagonist who has decided to go for her MBA in this entertaining and compelling mystery.  It is part of a wonderful series centered around Madison's life and sleuthing. You will enjoy this warm-hearted, funny, and unexpectedly deep book...and now I have to go back and start this series from the beginning (again) and I suggest that you do the same!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series! What is not to love about Madison Night? I know I will always enjoy these books, and Teacher's Threat did not disappoint. Loving the fire in Madison and can't wait for the next book!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison life has really taken a turn and not in the best way. Let’s hope college will bring help it turn to the better. Another book in the series that had me turning the pages to see what will happen to Madison life..

[Hank Acker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Campus conundrums

Well written and thoughtfully presented. The light touch of humor in a murder mystery makes me want to read Diane's next
offering.. Her characters are both believable and s kind like people we encounter everyday.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb!

[Laura Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another diverting Mad for Mod mystery; now, I can't decide if I want to decorate or watch a Doris Day film, next.

[Jane Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time that I have read a Madison Night series book. It was totally enjoyable, entertaining and fun. I will certainly look for other books in the Mad for Mod Mystery series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I blew through this one at lightspeed! The author made a smart move by putting Madison in a new environment—an MBA program.

[Patty Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madison is trying to get her business open again. Getting her MBA is the plan until unforeseen circumstances take over.

A quick read that is as entertaining as the other books in the series.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐