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Suzy Spencer Mysteries #3
The Death of a Teacher
A COZY MURDER MYSTERY SET ON THE PICTURESQUE CUMBRIAN COAST
A young man is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs in Pelliter. His face has been slashed and his eyes have been gouged out.
He was last seen in the grounds of St Mungo’s school where new teacher Alison MacDonald has taken on Molly Spencer’s tricky Year Six class.
No one knows the dead man.
WHAT WAS HE DOING AT THE SCHOOL AND WHO IS HE?
Meanwhile, local odd couple Suzy and Robert are concerned about Suzy’s daughter Molly. She’s not doing so well at school and is acting up at home . . .
Then there’s another killing — a teacher is found brutally stabbed to death.
Secrets long buried are making an unwelcome reappearance . . .
Perfect for fans of Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Betty Rowlands and M.C. Beaton.
A young man is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs in Pelliter. His face has been slashed and his eyes have been gouged out.
He was last seen in the grounds of St Mungo’s school where new teacher Alison MacDonald has taken on Molly Spencer’s tricky Year Six class.
No one knows the dead man.
WHAT WAS HE DOING AT THE SCHOOL AND WHO IS HE?
Meanwhile, local odd couple Suzy and Robert are concerned about Suzy’s daughter Molly. She’s not doing so well at school and is acting up at home . . .
Then there’s another killing — a teacher is found brutally stabbed to death.
Secrets long buried are making an unwelcome reappearance . . .
Perfect for fans of Jeanne M. Dams, Frances Evesham, Betty Rowlands and M.C. Beaton.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 26, 2024
The Death of a Teacher is book three in the Suzy Spencer Mysteries by Lis Howell. When a young man's body is found at the bottom of the cliffs of Pelliter, who was discovered at the bottom of the cliffs in Pelliter, everyone wonders why he was in town. Suzy Spencer was worried about her daughter Molly when another teacher was murdered, and she started to investigate. The readers of The Death of a Teacher will continue to follow Suzy Spencer to discover what happens.
I was a little disappointed in this cozy mystery. I enjoyed this book but did not engage me enough to read another book in this series. I did enjoy Lis Howell's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. I did like Lis Howell's written style and her description of the settings of The Death of a Teacher, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of The Death of a Teacher will understand how school time can be cruel for children, especially when they are shy. Also, The Death of a Teacher will teach about the role of primary school teachers.
I recommend this book.
I was a little disappointed in this cozy mystery. I enjoyed this book but did not engage me enough to read another book in this series. I did enjoy Lis Howell's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. I did like Lis Howell's written style and her description of the settings of The Death of a Teacher, which complemented the book's plot.
The readers of The Death of a Teacher will understand how school time can be cruel for children, especially when they are shy. Also, The Death of a Teacher will teach about the role of primary school teachers.
I recommend this book.
February 2, 2021
Interesting!
Very slow start and extremely unpleasant characters ! I almost abandoned the book. Finally, less unpleasant characters but lacking direction or perseverance entered. Mystery itself was very intricate but the development was unpleasant, tormented children, bullying students not stopped, inefficient and unpleasant teachers, made for a disquieting reading experience. Very little of Dust and Robert's in comment so certainly was not their adventure, except marginally.
Very slow start and extremely unpleasant characters ! I almost abandoned the book. Finally, less unpleasant characters but lacking direction or perseverance entered. Mystery itself was very intricate but the development was unpleasant, tormented children, bullying students not stopped, inefficient and unpleasant teachers, made for a disquieting reading experience. Very little of Dust and Robert's in comment so certainly was not their adventure, except marginally.
April 15, 2021
the setting and the characters --a school, teachers, classrooms, and parents make this an intriguing mystery especially for me as a teacher at a private school. The plot revolves around school politics and Suzy is involved because of her daughter and her friend who attend the school. The violent murder of a mysterious stranger starts the book off on a complicated plot that involves family secrets and characters with hidden agendas. New characters with interesting backstories are introduced and connect with Suzy and her family. A great addition to this series.
October 25, 2022
Family?????
Suzy has, once again, told the story of this village extremely well.
She has left you wondering. Will there be another set in the future with the enigmatic Jonty. Who seems to have walked away from an consequences of his actions.
I hate spoilers so will just say this is a well thought out and well written set.
Did you work out all the intertwined relations? Did you work out the who and why?
I found this an interesting set and will happily but more from this writer.
Suzy has, once again, told the story of this village extremely well.
She has left you wondering. Will there be another set in the future with the enigmatic Jonty. Who seems to have walked away from an consequences of his actions.
I hate spoilers so will just say this is a well thought out and well written set.
Did you work out all the intertwined relations? Did you work out the who and why?
I found this an interesting set and will happily but more from this writer.
July 30, 2026
A good story with lots of twists and turns. Makes you wonder about small communities how many are inter-related and what histories they share. Characters were interesting and well described. Main character I found my empathy stopped and started as she took time to stand up for herself and realise that she could overcome bullies no matter who. I am not sure that is was particularly relatable or totally believable but a good yarn which I enjoyed reading. All the lose ends were tied up by the close of the book.
January 29, 2021
Best book in the series
When a stranger is found murdered it marks the start of a series of events that will affect everyone involved.
This really has been the best book in the series. Lis Howell has written a novel that had me gripped from beginning to end. And I'm not afraid to admit I was shocked when the killer was revealed. All the characters old and new are strongly defined and work well together.
Highly recommended.
When a stranger is found murdered it marks the start of a series of events that will affect everyone involved.
This really has been the best book in the series. Lis Howell has written a novel that had me gripped from beginning to end. And I'm not afraid to admit I was shocked when the killer was revealed. All the characters old and new are strongly defined and work well together.
Highly recommended.
June 27, 2022
I do enjoy this series, but this is my least favorite so far. Suzy and Robert were supporting characters, not as central as I expected. Some of this was there in the second booth in the series, but much more here. And what happened to Alex and Edwin?? They’re not ever mentioned in this book despite the friendship that developed in the second book.
And then there are the characters. Too many are one -dimensional, especially those being set up as possible suspects.
And then there are the characters. Too many are one -dimensional, especially those being set up as possible suspects.
May 10, 2026
Questions arise when an unknown young man is found dead after having been seen on the grounds of the school where Suzy's daughter Molly is in new teacher Alsion MacDonald's year six class, but Suzy is more concerned about Molly's recent behavioral changes. Then a teacher fro the school is found stabbed to death, and several community members must put their heads together to uncover long-buried secrets and solve the crimes.
February 27, 2021
A satisfying read.
For me, this is the strongest title in the series.. It is also the one where Suzy has a minor role.
There is tension, Intrigue, jealousy, selfishness, evil and a touch of magic.
The characters are a mixed bunch bringing a range of issues to the proceedings.
As with life, some of the outcomes are positive, some frustrating and some leave the reader wondering.
For me, this is the strongest title in the series.. It is also the one where Suzy has a minor role.
There is tension, Intrigue, jealousy, selfishness, evil and a touch of magic.
The characters are a mixed bunch bringing a range of issues to the proceedings.
As with life, some of the outcomes are positive, some frustrating and some leave the reader wondering.
February 27, 2021
Really different
This is a very different kind of mystery. Some of the characters are the same, but there is a boat load of new ones. Some will probably make return appearances, maybe.
It is the most impressive of the series, although it's the most muddled if you're not paying attention.
This is a very different kind of mystery. Some of the characters are the same, but there is a boat load of new ones. Some will probably make return appearances, maybe.
It is the most impressive of the series, although it's the most muddled if you're not paying attention.
December 26, 2021
Exciting
This story has everything suspense, murder and suspects galore. Along with its familiar characters Ms. Howell has introduced some new characters that enhanced the storyline splendidly. I hope the author continues the series with these new characters as they are all rather interesting and seems to have more stories to tell.
This story has everything suspense, murder and suspects galore. Along with its familiar characters Ms. Howell has introduced some new characters that enhanced the storyline splendidly. I hope the author continues the series with these new characters as they are all rather interesting and seems to have more stories to tell.
November 18, 2023
teachers and preachers
When I first started reading this, I did not like it at all. It was very hard to imagine such rude and dislikable women most of homework teachers at the local school. I enjoy that the same characters, or at least some of them, are carried through from book to book.
When I first started reading this, I did not like it at all. It was very hard to imagine such rude and dislikable women most of homework teachers at the local school. I enjoy that the same characters, or at least some of them, are carried through from book to book.
February 2, 2021
A good read.
I liked the way that the characters in this book are somewhat familiar from previous novels . Suzy is once again embroiled in mystery and murder. The storyline is complicated and intriguing. An enjoyable story.
I liked the way that the characters in this book are somewhat familiar from previous novels . Suzy is once again embroiled in mystery and murder. The storyline is complicated and intriguing. An enjoyable story.
April 9, 2021
Bit of everything
This book had some really interesting and fun plots. The children's characters had interesting personalities and quirks. Not just your standard ornery boys and smart girls. This is well worth reading for enjoyment. Nice twists in the end.
This book had some really interesting and fun plots. The children's characters had interesting personalities and quirks. Not just your standard ornery boys and smart girls. This is well worth reading for enjoyment. Nice twists in the end.
February 9, 2022
As in real life, evil wins out
Hated the last chapter! The writing was good, plots were interesting, and that saved it from a single star. Too much of life in the United States is bad guys ruining everything and getting away with it, don't want it in my "recreational reading".
Hated the last chapter! The writing was good, plots were interesting, and that saved it from a single star. Too much of life in the United States is bad guys ruining everything and getting away with it, don't want it in my "recreational reading".
Read
May 14, 2022Another gripping read!
I'm a great fan! Lis Howell draws believable characters in settings that I almost know ( being from this part of the world) and weaves delicious takes of village life! More please!!
I'm a great fan! Lis Howell draws believable characters in settings that I almost know ( being from this part of the world) and weaves delicious takes of village life! More please!!
May 1, 2024
Great read with fascinating plot twists
A really great mystery. This third in the series continues with characters and relationships from Book 1 embroiling them in new mysteries and more murder. Very enjoyable and really has a surprise ending.
A really great mystery. This third in the series continues with characters and relationships from Book 1 embroiling them in new mysteries and more murder. Very enjoyable and really has a surprise ending.
January 27, 2021
Terrific! Waiting for the next in the series. :)
February 12, 2021
Twists and turns galore
This is an excellent novel with well developed characters and an intricate plot. The author does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing the outcome.
This is an excellent novel with well developed characters and an intricate plot. The author does an excellent job of keeping the reader guessing the outcome.
February 21, 2021
G
This was the first read by this author and I have to say I your this book. Will be reading more by this author.
This was the first read by this author and I have to say I your this book. Will be reading more by this author.
March 7, 2021
This was a great mystery, great characters, plot. Super book.
March 30, 2021
I hope there will be ore in this series! These are very well thought out, interesting and informative stories!
April 18, 2021
Good read keep me interested to the end.
November 17, 2021
Great Story
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was quite enjoyable. Lots of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it was quite enjoyable. Lots of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns.
March 29, 2022
Keep getting better.
May 6, 2022
A Good Read
I really enjoyed this 3rd book of the series. Such a pleasant surprise after the disappointment of the 2nd book. Really looking forward to the next!
I really enjoyed this 3rd book of the series. Such a pleasant surprise after the disappointment of the 2nd book. Really looking forward to the next!
April 20, 2023
Enjoyed reading most of the book, but disappointed by the end! I hate it when bullying is successful…
October 12, 2025
Third book of this series. Enjoyable.
July 17, 2026
Another good one.
August 11, 2014
Ro is a PCSO with a disabled son, Ben. Alison Macdonald is a new teacher at St Mungo's Primary School, living at home with her parents so that she can save up to buy a house with her fiancé. The headmaster of St Mungo's is wrapped up in his personal life and seems to be losing his grip on the school which means Liz Rudder, his deputy can step in and take charge and manipulate everyone around her. Then a unknown young man is murdered closely followed by Brenda, another teacher and everything starts to unravel in the Cumbrian village and old secrets are going to make an unwelcome re-appearance.
I found this an interesting and well written mystery story with plenty of ramifications and some very well drawn characters. There are a lot of characters for a book of this length but I didn't have any trouble remembering who was who or what their story was. I wanted things to work out for my favourite characters and I cared what happened to them. I didn't spot the villain until almost the end though I did think I'd worked out what was going on and why the crimes had been committed.
I thought the way the author created the manipulative characters was very good and we've all met people who pull the strings of others and make them act in ways they probably wouldn't normally do. I found I could sympathise with the less good characters even while deploring their actions. Altogether this is a well written and interesting mystery and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries set in small communities with well constructed characters and plots.
I found this an interesting and well written mystery story with plenty of ramifications and some very well drawn characters. There are a lot of characters for a book of this length but I didn't have any trouble remembering who was who or what their story was. I wanted things to work out for my favourite characters and I cared what happened to them. I didn't spot the villain until almost the end though I did think I'd worked out what was going on and why the crimes had been committed.
I thought the way the author created the manipulative characters was very good and we've all met people who pull the strings of others and make them act in ways they probably wouldn't normally do. I found I could sympathise with the less good characters even while deploring their actions. Altogether this is a well written and interesting mystery and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mysteries set in small communities with well constructed characters and plots.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews