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University Police #1
With a Minor in Murder
Officer Clare Sawyer, newly arrived at the University of Washington’s campus police department, hopes her investigation of a murdered professor will give her a chance to show her worth and prove to herself she made the right choice leaving the big city behind. Life on campus brings back uncomfortable memories, but she is determined to do her job and remain on the outskirts of the academic world. Until Professor Hart walks into her interrogation room…
Architectural historian Libby Hart found her true home when she entered college, and she hasn’t left academia since. She loves her friends, her job, and the gorgeous buildings surrounding her. When the harsh reality of murder brings chaos into her world, she tries to help Clare restore order on campus.
Clare and Libby are from different worlds, but the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore their growing feelings for one another—until the murderer targets Clare and danger threatens to destroy their happiness.
Architectural historian Libby Hart found her true home when she entered college, and she hasn’t left academia since. She loves her friends, her job, and the gorgeous buildings surrounding her. When the harsh reality of murder brings chaos into her world, she tries to help Clare restore order on campus.
Clare and Libby are from different worlds, but the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore their growing feelings for one another—until the murderer targets Clare and danger threatens to destroy their happiness.
252 pages, Paperback
First published May 10, 2022
24 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Karis Walsh
33 books152 followersKaris Walsh is a native of the Pacific Northwest and an adopted citizen of Texas. When she isn’t wrapped up in a book—either reading or writing one—she spends her time with her animals, playing music on her viola or violin, or hiking among the prickly pears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 24, 2022
I always know when I am deep in a story’s thrall. My reading slows to a crawl to enjoy each word, story twist and especially in this case, Libby’s quips. Walsh has created two unique and compelling characters in Libby and Clare which I genuinely hope to see again in future novels. Karis Walsh are you listening?
Libby Hart is a professor of architectural history who loves everything about academia. If she could, she would still live in student housing to never have to leave the campus. Officer Clare Sawyer has just made a hasty lateral move from the Seattle Police force to the campus police department. Clare is looking for career growth opportunities at the University of Washington policing department. An architectural professor is murdered on campus and Clare solicits Libby’s help to gain insight into the slain professor and the ins and outs of academia.
The murder mystery is expertly composed with a number of plausible red herrings to muddy the waters until the reveal. Walsh paces the mystery perfectly with the romance to never allow a lag in either component. It is refreshing to read a high quality mystery in the romance genre. Clare and Libby’s growing attraction compliments the mystery perfectly.
Walsh has a gift for dialogue. The bantering between Clare and Libby is a mix of humorous wit, soulful insights and architectural history lecture. I love learning about something that I would not have naturally sought out and architectural history now fascinates me.
A Minor in Murder is an enjoyable and entertaining read for both mystery and romance readers.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Libby Hart is a professor of architectural history who loves everything about academia. If she could, she would still live in student housing to never have to leave the campus. Officer Clare Sawyer has just made a hasty lateral move from the Seattle Police force to the campus police department. Clare is looking for career growth opportunities at the University of Washington policing department. An architectural professor is murdered on campus and Clare solicits Libby’s help to gain insight into the slain professor and the ins and outs of academia.
The murder mystery is expertly composed with a number of plausible red herrings to muddy the waters until the reveal. Walsh paces the mystery perfectly with the romance to never allow a lag in either component. It is refreshing to read a high quality mystery in the romance genre. Clare and Libby’s growing attraction compliments the mystery perfectly.
Walsh has a gift for dialogue. The bantering between Clare and Libby is a mix of humorous wit, soulful insights and architectural history lecture. I love learning about something that I would not have naturally sought out and architectural history now fascinates me.
A Minor in Murder is an enjoyable and entertaining read for both mystery and romance readers.
I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2022
Officer Clare Sawyer is a recent transfer to the University Police Department and is still settling in when she meets Libby Hart in line at the coffee shop. Professor Hart has found herself in a rut but the new officer she meets makes her more bold than normal after their interactions turn flirty. When there is a murder on campus and Libby and Clare get pulled in to solving the case they both find a bit more than they were expecting.
This was my first book by Karis Walsh and I definitely enjoyed it. I loved the murder mystery side story in addition to Libby and Clare’s romance. The characters were likable and kept the plot flowing. The mystery is engaging but doesn’t take over the whole plot, still leaving space for the romance. I did find a couple things a bit unrealistic and the romance was a bit insta-love with the characters understanding quirks about each other’s personality 2 weeks after meeting. Clare’s partner, Cappy, also seems to have really deep insight into her character flaws after the same two weeks of working together. I did enjoy the book though and would recommend picking it up if you’re looking for a fun murder mystery with a side of romance.
This was my first book by Karis Walsh and I definitely enjoyed it. I loved the murder mystery side story in addition to Libby and Clare’s romance. The characters were likable and kept the plot flowing. The mystery is engaging but doesn’t take over the whole plot, still leaving space for the romance. I did find a couple things a bit unrealistic and the romance was a bit insta-love with the characters understanding quirks about each other’s personality 2 weeks after meeting. Clare’s partner, Cappy, also seems to have really deep insight into her character flaws after the same two weeks of working together. I did enjoy the book though and would recommend picking it up if you’re looking for a fun murder mystery with a side of romance.
April 16, 2022
This is my second book by Walsh and I liked it much better than the first book I read by this author.
As you can gather from the title this book centers around a murder, or a couple of murders. One of our MCs is a new police officer/ detective for the campus police. I never knew that was a separate division with other rules. Clare has come to the university division to have better career opportunities. During her first week she meets Libby, a multi disciplinary professor focused mainly on architecture and history. Clare gets assigned a murder case with a very reluctant partner in Cappy. I enjoy all interactions they have together, it’s direct, it’s banter, this is the way I love to communicate as well.
The sparks between Clare and Libby are there as well and I like how forward and flirty Libby is, it’s funny how she shocks herself with it.
As for the murder mystery, I had some suspicions, it isn’t a very hard case to crack, it does remain entertaining and keeps you on your toes..
I liked the writing, the characters and I wouldn’t mind if this would turn into a series. The potential is there.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
As you can gather from the title this book centers around a murder, or a couple of murders. One of our MCs is a new police officer/ detective for the campus police. I never knew that was a separate division with other rules. Clare has come to the university division to have better career opportunities. During her first week she meets Libby, a multi disciplinary professor focused mainly on architecture and history. Clare gets assigned a murder case with a very reluctant partner in Cappy. I enjoy all interactions they have together, it’s direct, it’s banter, this is the way I love to communicate as well.
The sparks between Clare and Libby are there as well and I like how forward and flirty Libby is, it’s funny how she shocks herself with it.
As for the murder mystery, I had some suspicions, it isn’t a very hard case to crack, it does remain entertaining and keeps you on your toes..
I liked the writing, the characters and I wouldn’t mind if this would turn into a series. The potential is there.
*ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review*
May 22, 2022
Karis Walsh's books are either a hit or miss with me. The premise of the plot appealed to me, but in all honesty, I expected more thrill, a tad more excitement. With a Minor in Murder isn't a bad book, it is a pretty good read. Not a page-turner which I was hoping for but all in all, I did enjoy it.
How quickly the relationship between the 2 main characters, Clare and Libby seemed to happen very quickly, not much spark there, I'm not a fan of ‘quickly formed relationships
With a Minor in Murder is a good read, something to settle down with on a Sunday evening.
I've given With a Minor in Murder a 3.5 out of 5.
How quickly the relationship between the 2 main characters, Clare and Libby seemed to happen very quickly, not much spark there, I'm not a fan of ‘quickly formed relationships
With a Minor in Murder is a good read, something to settle down with on a Sunday evening.
I've given With a Minor in Murder a 3.5 out of 5.
May 19, 2022
A woman who made it up to the Detective level of the Seattle PD up and quits one day because her temporary assignment to the Homicide unit ended with her being pulled back into her prior position, and some dumb man was made a permanent detective with the unit. Not sure how dumb or not dumb the man was, all the above took place before the start of this book and the dumb comment was made in passing.
Book opens as that specific woman, Clare Sawyer, starting her first day with the University of Washington's Campus police department in/near/around the Seattle area. One note I didn't think I'd distract myself from feeling the need to make: it was a lateral move, moving from Detective with Seattle PD to the University police department, meaning she's still a Detective. So why does the book description say "Officer Clare Sawyer"? Isn't that one of those things you see in fiction, and possible real life? "Ma'am, I'm a detective, not an officer"? No? Eh, whatever, let's move on.
Right, so. On Clare's first day she gets some food on campus, specifically a lemon bar. Yes, I plan to detail every single thing that happens in this book in vivid detail. heh. No. Reason I mentioned: the woman behind her orders her usual Monday morning lemon bar and drink. Only . . . the last lemon bar had been bought! By Clare! So this is how the two main point of view characters meet for the first time. Naturally they immediately become friends or lovers, or, at least, acquaintances. Nope, weeks go by before they bump into each other again. This time while Clare is on the job.
That other main character is Professor Libby Hart. And why does Libby meet Clare "on the job"? Because, at some point between their first meeting and second, a professor is murdered right outside the library. A professor who worked in the same department (or, well, one of them), that Libby works in. They meet because Clare is interviewing professors.
There's some kind of instant chemistry going on here, something that causes Libby act somewhat against her normal nature. This involves such things as offering to guide Clare into the murdered guys life, and help Clare learn more about the inner workings of the campus. Oh, and flirt.
One thing leads to another and . . . Clare takes her up on the offer. For reasons (reasonable reasons). The two grow closer, stuff happens, people die, etc.
On their own, I'm not specifically sure I'd feel the same way I do about the two main characters, but together in the same book, I rather liked them and enjoyed their bantering. The others, including the two main POV characters friends, Clare's boss, and Clare's partner seem to have had a certain amount of characterization added to them, but they also seem to be a mix of stereotypes and thinly characterized extras. That . . . can be problematic when you are dealing with a Mystery, and need to spot the killer. Did I spot the killer before they were revealed? No, but rereading this paragraph, I probably should have. I was somewhat distracted by the nice bantering, between Clare & Libby, and between Clare and Crappy, Clare's police partner. Wait, no, Cappy, for Caprice. Not Crapy for Craprice. I think.
I liked the mystery, the budding romance, and the characters.
Rating: 4.67
May 19 2022
Book opens as that specific woman, Clare Sawyer, starting her first day with the University of Washington's Campus police department in/near/around the Seattle area. One note I didn't think I'd distract myself from feeling the need to make: it was a lateral move, moving from Detective with Seattle PD to the University police department, meaning she's still a Detective. So why does the book description say "Officer Clare Sawyer"? Isn't that one of those things you see in fiction, and possible real life? "Ma'am, I'm a detective, not an officer"? No? Eh, whatever, let's move on.
Right, so. On Clare's first day she gets some food on campus, specifically a lemon bar. Yes, I plan to detail every single thing that happens in this book in vivid detail. heh. No. Reason I mentioned: the woman behind her orders her usual Monday morning lemon bar and drink. Only . . . the last lemon bar had been bought! By Clare! So this is how the two main point of view characters meet for the first time. Naturally they immediately become friends or lovers, or, at least, acquaintances. Nope, weeks go by before they bump into each other again. This time while Clare is on the job.
That other main character is Professor Libby Hart. And why does Libby meet Clare "on the job"? Because, at some point between their first meeting and second, a professor is murdered right outside the library. A professor who worked in the same department (or, well, one of them), that Libby works in. They meet because Clare is interviewing professors.
There's some kind of instant chemistry going on here, something that causes Libby act somewhat against her normal nature. This involves such things as offering to guide Clare into the murdered guys life, and help Clare learn more about the inner workings of the campus. Oh, and flirt.
One thing leads to another and . . . Clare takes her up on the offer. For reasons (reasonable reasons). The two grow closer, stuff happens, people die, etc.
On their own, I'm not specifically sure I'd feel the same way I do about the two main characters, but together in the same book, I rather liked them and enjoyed their bantering. The others, including the two main POV characters friends, Clare's boss, and Clare's partner seem to have had a certain amount of characterization added to them, but they also seem to be a mix of stereotypes and thinly characterized extras. That . . . can be problematic when you are dealing with a Mystery, and need to spot the killer. Did I spot the killer before they were revealed? No, but rereading this paragraph, I probably should have. I was somewhat distracted by the nice bantering, between Clare & Libby, and between Clare and Crappy, Clare's police partner. Wait, no, Cappy, for Caprice. Not Crapy for Craprice. I think.
I liked the mystery, the budding romance, and the characters.
Rating: 4.67
May 19 2022
November 21, 2022
4,25 stars
I liked the characters and the story (despite me figuring out who the killer was in the first half of the book).
I especially liked the combination of high IQ, low social skills Libby and non-academic dyslexic Clare.
They balanced each other quite well.
So I won't reread it, but I had fun
I liked the characters and the story (despite me figuring out who the killer was in the first half of the book).
I especially liked the combination of high IQ, low social skills Libby and non-academic dyslexic Clare.
They balanced each other quite well.
So I won't reread it, but I had fun
June 21, 2025
I listened to the audiobook and liked the storyline very much. I’ll definitely listen to more books narrated by Paige McKinney. Especially her voice for Libby was smooth and very pleasant to listen to in my opinion.
April 12, 2022
Officer Clare just start to settle in her new job when a murder concur and she and her reluctant partner Cappy are task to finding out who will murder professor Jimmy Turnbow. Libby is a professor at the University when her friends ask her to break out of her routine to come out of her comfort zone she meets Clare and they hit it off and she decides to help Clare with the investigation.
I enjoy this read I love the banter that Clare and Libby had it’s was so cute that they only know each other for short time but it’s felt like they knew each other for years. I like Libby friends and Clare friends. I like that Cappy warm up to Clare and I was surprise who the murder was why they did it. This could easily be on the Hallmark Movie & Mysteries.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I enjoy this read I love the banter that Clare and Libby had it’s was so cute that they only know each other for short time but it’s felt like they knew each other for years. I like Libby friends and Clare friends. I like that Cappy warm up to Clare and I was surprise who the murder was why they did it. This could easily be on the Hallmark Movie & Mysteries.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
June 25, 2022
My first Walsh book and I absolutely loved it! I love crime-mystery with romance combined and this was so well done.
Clare and Libby have such great chemistry from the get-go (meet-cute and lemon bars) and I enjoyed their flirty banter a lot!
I'm also an architecture fan so this whole plot line was great, especially being interwined with the murders and investigation. I actually didn't guess the murderer until it was revealed but was amazed because it was very cleverly done. Maybe I'm also just a little rusty in the crime book department.
An absolute joy to read and so much potential for a series, would 100% recommend!
Clare and Libby have such great chemistry from the get-go (meet-cute and lemon bars) and I enjoyed their flirty banter a lot!
I'm also an architecture fan so this whole plot line was great, especially being interwined with the murders and investigation. I actually didn't guess the murderer until it was revealed but was amazed because it was very cleverly done. Maybe I'm also just a little rusty in the crime book department.
An absolute joy to read and so much potential for a series, would 100% recommend!
June 11, 2022
Clare has recently quit her detective job in a huff and is starting work for the smaller University of Washington Police Force. She fears she has made a career mistake. When a murder happens on campus it is her chance to prove herself to her new force. Libby has double PHD’s and loves teaching and architecture. Her friends have an intervention suggesting she take up a new hobby or interest. When she is questioned regarding the murder she decides her new interest will be helping Clare understand the University and the campus ins and outs. Libby is delightfully flirty and the ease of their conversations are fun. This is a fairly simple investigation but it draws the two together. The feelings between the two grow but physically there isn’t intimacy beyond kissing. (I’ve only read one other book by the author and it also was PG, so maybe that is her style preference.)
I thought the pacing is good as is the developing relationship between Clare and Libby. I also like Cappy, and seeing Clare’s working relationship grow as they become police partners. There is a lot of talk about architecture which I enjoy but it can be skimmed if you have less interest. An entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the pacing is good as is the developing relationship between Clare and Libby. I also like Cappy, and seeing Clare’s working relationship grow as they become police partners. There is a lot of talk about architecture which I enjoy but it can be skimmed if you have less interest. An entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2022
Wow, I am really going to be in the minority here. I found this story to be very boring with splashes of excitement that lasted a few pages. The romance was tepid, the murder mystery was so guessable and the epilog was more of the same. After reading other reviews I was so anxious to start reading. But sadly it was not to be.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 30, 2022
Karis Walsh is now one of the go to authors. This is a really good book, enchanting, bit of a thriller, a good love story. Looking forward to Book 2 - new characters or more of Clare & Libby? Recommended.
October 11, 2022
I love Karis Walsh books. She's probably my number one go-to author now because I know I'm going to enjoy getting to know the characters, diving into the story, and have a great time with the humor.
I finished With a Minor in Murder a few days ago but got sick and couldn't get to the reviewing part of the ARC deal until today. But I STILL miss Clare and Libby. I loved getting to know them both separately and as a couple. And Cappy! I came to adore her, too.
With a Minor in Murder is a sweet romance mixed with some gruesome murders and a nice little mystery. I'm going to keep this review short because I'm still not feeling 100% but suffice it to say that I will read this one again - even though I know who the killer is. Also the mystery was nicely done, too. I was caught off guard by the reveal and totally suspected someone else. I love when that happens.
So a huge thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for hooking me up but an even bigger thanks to Karis Walsh for creating such lovely worlds for me to escape to. Very much looking forward to the next one.
I finished With a Minor in Murder a few days ago but got sick and couldn't get to the reviewing part of the ARC deal until today. But I STILL miss Clare and Libby. I loved getting to know them both separately and as a couple. And Cappy! I came to adore her, too.
With a Minor in Murder is a sweet romance mixed with some gruesome murders and a nice little mystery. I'm going to keep this review short because I'm still not feeling 100% but suffice it to say that I will read this one again - even though I know who the killer is. Also the mystery was nicely done, too. I was caught off guard by the reveal and totally suspected someone else. I love when that happens.
So a huge thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for hooking me up but an even bigger thanks to Karis Walsh for creating such lovely worlds for me to escape to. Very much looking forward to the next one.
June 3, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
With a Minor in Murder is a standalone romance/mystery by Karis Walsh. Released 10th May 2022 by Bold Strokes Books, it's 252 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a campus murder mystery, full of historical minutiae and academics. It's told in third person PoV and surprisingly well written. There were some plot points on which my suspension of disbelief got stuck, however. I couldn't, for example, find any sources online where campus police ever investigate serious crimes, especially not murder. For readers who get past that hurdle, it's a readable and engaging book. The main characters are well rendered and three dimensional. Most of the secondary characters are lightly sketched in and seem to primarily be there to provide plot advancement.
I enjoyed the discussions of art and architecture and history. I get the feeling that the author has a deep and eclectic interest in the subject and she does a good job of making it accessible and interesting. Readers who are interested primarily in a murder mystery in a rarefied academic setting (Kate Fansler, Inspector Morse, Hilary Tamar) will likely be outraged and/or disappointed. Readers who are after a lightly drama filled F/F romance which is well written and smut-free will find a lot to like here.
There is no NSFW sexual content. Some of the on-page descriptions are moderately graphic (throat slashing and blunt force trauma).
Three and a half stars. It's unclear if this is a series starter.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
With a Minor in Murder is a standalone romance/mystery by Karis Walsh. Released 10th May 2022 by Bold Strokes Books, it's 252 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.
This is a campus murder mystery, full of historical minutiae and academics. It's told in third person PoV and surprisingly well written. There were some plot points on which my suspension of disbelief got stuck, however. I couldn't, for example, find any sources online where campus police ever investigate serious crimes, especially not murder. For readers who get past that hurdle, it's a readable and engaging book. The main characters are well rendered and three dimensional. Most of the secondary characters are lightly sketched in and seem to primarily be there to provide plot advancement.
I enjoyed the discussions of art and architecture and history. I get the feeling that the author has a deep and eclectic interest in the subject and she does a good job of making it accessible and interesting. Readers who are interested primarily in a murder mystery in a rarefied academic setting (Kate Fansler, Inspector Morse, Hilary Tamar) will likely be outraged and/or disappointed. Readers who are after a lightly drama filled F/F romance which is well written and smut-free will find a lot to like here.
There is no NSFW sexual content. Some of the on-page descriptions are moderately graphic (throat slashing and blunt force trauma).
Three and a half stars. It's unclear if this is a series starter.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
May 10, 2022
4.5
Well-written romantic suspense set in academia
Is Walsh‘s newest book a supense with a minor in romance or vice versa? Both parts are in my opinion well balanced. I really liked both main characters: Libby the enthusiastic and inspiring teacher who is a bit set in her ways. She infused the story with all sorts of interesting tidbits about architecture and history - I love if the setting expands my mind and appreciation of something and this constant infusion of the love of teaching and architecture hit the spot for me. Clare is the counterpart to Libby: very earnest and career oriented and not much into academics. Turns out there is a good reason for that. Both characters evolve, there is a mutual attraction. I was glad to see that the author avoided insta-love and insta-sex. She gives the romance its proper time to develop.
The suspense is the steady basso ostinato of this book. It‘s interesting, well developed, the perp is not too obvious - well done. I really grew to like Clare‘s colleagues, Kent and Cappy.
The writing is steady and just right and well-proved. I esp. loved the witty banter going on throughout the book.
Well-written romantic suspense set in academia
Is Walsh‘s newest book a supense with a minor in romance or vice versa? Both parts are in my opinion well balanced. I really liked both main characters: Libby the enthusiastic and inspiring teacher who is a bit set in her ways. She infused the story with all sorts of interesting tidbits about architecture and history - I love if the setting expands my mind and appreciation of something and this constant infusion of the love of teaching and architecture hit the spot for me. Clare is the counterpart to Libby: very earnest and career oriented and not much into academics. Turns out there is a good reason for that. Both characters evolve, there is a mutual attraction. I was glad to see that the author avoided insta-love and insta-sex. She gives the romance its proper time to develop.
The suspense is the steady basso ostinato of this book. It‘s interesting, well developed, the perp is not too obvious - well done. I really grew to like Clare‘s colleagues, Kent and Cappy.
The writing is steady and just right and well-proved. I esp. loved the witty banter going on throughout the book.
May 15, 2022
With A Minor In Murder is a fun romantic murder mystery and the first Karis Walsh book I have read.
Set on a University Campus, Libby, a professor, volunteers herself into a murder investigation being led by Clare, who is new to her position. Having only briefly met beforehand, these two have instant chemestry. Libby is hillarious! The banter getting thrown back and forth between herself and Clare really took the edge off a gritty topic, while keeping the reader held in suspense. There are several secondary characters who also add to the plot with so much clever dialogue being exchanged resulting in a lot of laugh out loud moments.
The mystery side of the story kept me guessing until the last moment. It was well thought out and captivating. Karis Walsh set the scenes using the history and architecture of the university to paint beautiful pictures of the locations.
If you like mystery mixed in with humour and a bunch of strong willed independent women, I definitely recommend checking this story out.
I received an ARC from the publisher Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review
Set on a University Campus, Libby, a professor, volunteers herself into a murder investigation being led by Clare, who is new to her position. Having only briefly met beforehand, these two have instant chemestry. Libby is hillarious! The banter getting thrown back and forth between herself and Clare really took the edge off a gritty topic, while keeping the reader held in suspense. There are several secondary characters who also add to the plot with so much clever dialogue being exchanged resulting in a lot of laugh out loud moments.
The mystery side of the story kept me guessing until the last moment. It was well thought out and captivating. Karis Walsh set the scenes using the history and architecture of the university to paint beautiful pictures of the locations.
If you like mystery mixed in with humour and a bunch of strong willed independent women, I definitely recommend checking this story out.
I received an ARC from the publisher Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for my honest review
April 17, 2022
Clare Sawyer, a Seattle Police detective, quit her job in a snit when a man was given her coveted position as a murder investigator. Needless to say, she hadn’t considered the consequences of walking out the door. When she regained her equilibrium, she realized she had few options. She found herself employed by the University of Washington’s campus police department. While it isn’t her ideal job by any stretch of the imagination, she figures she can use it as a stepping-stone to something more suited to her self-image. On the new job, she initially does everything wrong, and her resentment grows. When a professor is found murdered on the steps of one of the university’s buildings, she is assigned to work with another officer and she’s not happy. As she investigates, Clare meets quirky Professor Libby Hart. Romance is not anywhere on Clare’s radar, but the fates don’t care.
Walsh has written a mystery/romance with two main characters who prove that opposites attract. The author has developed her secondary characters well, especially Clare’s new colleagues. The author’s writing keeps the story moving along despite numerous detours to describe the buildings on the campus. There are enough twists and turns, including a second murder, to keep even the most jaded reader coming back to this book. The guilty party is hidden in plain sight and might surprise readers. The romance is subtle and isn’t consummated leaving the reader to wonder if this is the first book in a series featuring Clare and Libby.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery, this isn’t it. However, if you’re looking for a well-written mystery with a slow-burn romance sub-plot, this is the book for you.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
Walsh has written a mystery/romance with two main characters who prove that opposites attract. The author has developed her secondary characters well, especially Clare’s new colleagues. The author’s writing keeps the story moving along despite numerous detours to describe the buildings on the campus. There are enough twists and turns, including a second murder, to keep even the most jaded reader coming back to this book. The guilty party is hidden in plain sight and might surprise readers. The romance is subtle and isn’t consummated leaving the reader to wonder if this is the first book in a series featuring Clare and Libby.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery, this isn’t it. However, if you’re looking for a well-written mystery with a slow-burn romance sub-plot, this is the book for you.
My thanks to Bold Strokes Books for an eARC.
April 7, 2022
I was surprised on the who done it. The romance was ok, although there were no steamy scenes there was intimate ones. There is also quite a bit of architecture that is pretty descriptive.
May 4, 2022
This is about new campus police officer Clare who recently quit the SPD, she feels uncomfortable in her new position and is doubting her career change. A murder occurs on campus and since she has experience, she is put in charge of solving it. Libby Hart is a professor of Architecture and History and loves the buildings on campus and all the history surrounding them. She also befriends and guides troubled students to enjoy campus life and bringing them out of their shells.
This is a light romance with a bit of witty dialogue between the MCs and supporting cast. I liked Libby and her outlook on life. Clare’s cop partner Cappy and Sargent Kent added a lot to the story as supporting characters.
The murder mystery is an easy one without much graphic violence.
ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
This is a light romance with a bit of witty dialogue between the MCs and supporting cast. I liked Libby and her outlook on life. Clare’s cop partner Cappy and Sargent Kent added a lot to the story as supporting characters.
The murder mystery is an easy one without much graphic violence.
ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
October 8, 2022
Story is Very Slow
I read 50% of this and was bored to death. There wasn’t any content that made you want to turn the page. Lots of information about architecture but not a mystery or thriller. Wouldn’t recommend.
I read 50% of this and was bored to death. There wasn’t any content that made you want to turn the page. Lots of information about architecture but not a mystery or thriller. Wouldn’t recommend.
June 4, 2022
I enjoy reads that involve colleges and universities. I also like mysteries. This was an enjoyable read with an interesting story. Officer Clare Sawyer, decides to leave her current position and join the University of Washington campus police department because she felt her talents and skills were not being utilized or appreciated. Professor Libby Hart, architectural historian, loves her job.
When a murder takes place on campus, Clare and Libby work together to solve it. I like the interaction between Libby and Clare with good dialogue and banter. The murder mystery provided several red herrings which is one of the foundations of a good mystery. I also liked the secondary characters especially Cappy and their boss. Even though there is a murder which is sad, there is also humor.
When a murder takes place on campus, Clare and Libby work together to solve it. I like the interaction between Libby and Clare with good dialogue and banter. The murder mystery provided several red herrings which is one of the foundations of a good mystery. I also liked the secondary characters especially Cappy and their boss. Even though there is a murder which is sad, there is also humor.
July 11, 2022
I really enjoyed ‘A Minor in Murder’; I instantly connected with the characters and the crossover of crime and romance really appealed to me from the offset.
On the University of Washington campus, a professor is murdered and new addition to the police department, Clare takes the case up in hope of redemption. During the investigation she encounters Libby, an architectural historian who enables Clare to get the inside scoop on the faculty, students and a whole list of possible suspects.
The banter that Libby adds in particular really pulled me in from the beginning. The murder mystery storyline felt really well paced and added a really great backdrop for the main characters and overall it was a sweet, fun, sapphic mystery.
On the University of Washington campus, a professor is murdered and new addition to the police department, Clare takes the case up in hope of redemption. During the investigation she encounters Libby, an architectural historian who enables Clare to get the inside scoop on the faculty, students and a whole list of possible suspects.
The banter that Libby adds in particular really pulled me in from the beginning. The murder mystery storyline felt really well paced and added a really great backdrop for the main characters and overall it was a sweet, fun, sapphic mystery.
May 30, 2022
Excellent.
I really enjoyed With A Minor in Murder. Just the right combination of romance, police procedure and murder. A fun book.
I really enjoyed With A Minor in Murder. Just the right combination of romance, police procedure and murder. A fun book.
April 14, 2022
𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙼𝙴𝚂: 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴. 𝙾𝙵𝙵𝙸𝙲𝙴𝚁/𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙵𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙾𝚁. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝙷𝙴𝙰.
I love how simple the story is. I thought it was going to be all about murder but my heart melted along. The start, middle and end were really good and well-written.
The romance build-up between Clare and Libby was so sweet. I love how Karis handled them. There was a sweet delicacy and understanding between them, I loved it. The murder seemed such a byline but also NOT. (If that makes sense.)
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿: I loved the sweetness, the vulnerability but also the strength and acceptance of her flaws??. Her backstory was sad but I am glad she made it.
𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘁: Now, she was the true sweetheart. Her humour was so endearing.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬: I loved how each character had their friends that cared about them.
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.
I love how simple the story is. I thought it was going to be all about murder but my heart melted along. The start, middle and end were really good and well-written.
The romance build-up between Clare and Libby was so sweet. I love how Karis handled them. There was a sweet delicacy and understanding between them, I loved it. The murder seemed such a byline but also NOT. (If that makes sense.)
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿: I loved the sweetness, the vulnerability but also the strength and acceptance of her flaws??. Her backstory was sad but I am glad she made it.
𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘁: Now, she was the true sweetheart. Her humour was so endearing.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬: I loved how each character had their friends that cared about them.
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.
April 14, 2022
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Bold Strokes Books, Inc and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
A delightful debut, well written mystery, suspenseful story I look forward to reading more.
A delightful debut, well written mystery, suspenseful story I look forward to reading more.
August 21, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital galley of this book.
After impulsively quitting her job with Seattle PD, Claire takes a job at the University of Washington. It’s a more inclusive workplace but there may be fewer opportunities for advancement. It seems like a more chill job, that is, until a body shows up on campus soon into her tenure. Architectural historian Libby Hart has fallen into a rut, and her friends challenge her to pick up a hobby outside of her academic interests. None of them realized it would be helping to solve a murder. Claire and Libby find each other attractive, but Claire is determined to keep Libby from the more grisly aspects of the case, which is difficult because Libby is super into helping solve the murder, and the ones that follow as the two grow closer.
This one was fun. I’m not one for murder mysteries, but throw in some lesbians, and that’s how you get me. I liked the playful nature of Claire and Libby’s relationship, even in the middle of a serious situation, and as they grow closer and the stakes get higher, the tension builds well, and I was just as interested in solving the mystery as rooting for their relationship. It’s also pretty PG-PG13, so if you like your romance sans steam, definitely check this one out. You can get it wherever you procure your books.
After impulsively quitting her job with Seattle PD, Claire takes a job at the University of Washington. It’s a more inclusive workplace but there may be fewer opportunities for advancement. It seems like a more chill job, that is, until a body shows up on campus soon into her tenure. Architectural historian Libby Hart has fallen into a rut, and her friends challenge her to pick up a hobby outside of her academic interests. None of them realized it would be helping to solve a murder. Claire and Libby find each other attractive, but Claire is determined to keep Libby from the more grisly aspects of the case, which is difficult because Libby is super into helping solve the murder, and the ones that follow as the two grow closer.
This one was fun. I’m not one for murder mysteries, but throw in some lesbians, and that’s how you get me. I liked the playful nature of Claire and Libby’s relationship, even in the middle of a serious situation, and as they grow closer and the stakes get higher, the tension builds well, and I was just as interested in solving the mystery as rooting for their relationship. It’s also pretty PG-PG13, so if you like your romance sans steam, definitely check this one out. You can get it wherever you procure your books.
April 26, 2022
Libby Hart, an architectural historian, is just where she wanted to be career wise. The only thing missing was someone in her life. She has great friends who keep trying to break Libby out of the rut she’s in.
Clare Sawyer worked with the police force in Seattle but it seemed everyone was moving up the ladder. So she turns in her uniform for another one, working with the police force at the University of Washington. She hated her whole university experience but now instead of being a student she spends her time helping staff and students. Much better.
What Clare didn’t expect was murder. Not knowing the ways around university, she was glad when Libby offered to help her find the person responsible. The attraction is something both women will have to work with.
Ms Walsh surprised me when not once did a horse make its way into this romance. Not complaining, just observing. Great cast along with a very interesting plot. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
Clare Sawyer worked with the police force in Seattle but it seemed everyone was moving up the ladder. So she turns in her uniform for another one, working with the police force at the University of Washington. She hated her whole university experience but now instead of being a student she spends her time helping staff and students. Much better.
What Clare didn’t expect was murder. Not knowing the ways around university, she was glad when Libby offered to help her find the person responsible. The attraction is something both women will have to work with.
Ms Walsh surprised me when not once did a horse make its way into this romance. Not complaining, just observing. Great cast along with a very interesting plot. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books
August 6, 2023
Entirely mediocre. The writing wavers between decent and poor; the character interactions are largely juvenile; the plot is nonexistent until the halfway point—and even then, very little happens. I almost dropped this book a half dozen times, and I kinda wish I had. I ended up skimming the epilogue.
I was so excited to read a book with actual adult lesbians—I've been reading way too many YA books lately, and I wanted something more mature. Sadly, the adults here are less mature than the students in many other novels. This felt like a high school romance stuck onto a completely uninteresting murder mystery. The author made so many strange choices, and the policework feels completely unrealistic. Bah.
The only saving grace is that the main characters are pretty cute, and their banter had me smiling more often than not. But, again, this banter would have made infinitely more sense in a high school or middle school setting.
Read at your own risk; I don't think I'll be checking out any more of this author's work
I was so excited to read a book with actual adult lesbians—I've been reading way too many YA books lately, and I wanted something more mature. Sadly, the adults here are less mature than the students in many other novels. This felt like a high school romance stuck onto a completely uninteresting murder mystery. The author made so many strange choices, and the policework feels completely unrealistic. Bah.
The only saving grace is that the main characters are pretty cute, and their banter had me smiling more often than not. But, again, this banter would have made infinitely more sense in a high school or middle school setting.
Read at your own risk; I don't think I'll be checking out any more of this author's work
May 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of a murder mystery and it was an added bonus that the characters were sapphic and well written.
Clare Sawyer is a recently transferred police officer to the university police department. She meets Libby Hart who is a professor with a hard set routine. There is a murder on campus that Clare takes the lead on with her partner Cappy. Cappy, Clare, and Libby are thrust together to get to the bottom of it.
My favorite part of this book is that the plot was really well rounded. The murder mystery got as much air time as the romance and all felt complete. Another great part is that the characters had some amazing dialogue. Libby was my favorite character and I really enjoyed the chemistry between her and Clare.
Ultimately, this is a great sapphic murder mystery and I highly recommend checking it out!
*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
Clare Sawyer is a recently transferred police officer to the university police department. She meets Libby Hart who is a professor with a hard set routine. There is a murder on campus that Clare takes the lead on with her partner Cappy. Cappy, Clare, and Libby are thrust together to get to the bottom of it.
My favorite part of this book is that the plot was really well rounded. The murder mystery got as much air time as the romance and all felt complete. Another great part is that the characters had some amazing dialogue. Libby was my favorite character and I really enjoyed the chemistry between her and Clare.
Ultimately, this is a great sapphic murder mystery and I highly recommend checking it out!
*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
May 12, 2022
“The least you can do after accusing me of murder is buy me lunch.”
A sapphic murder mystery? Yes, please! With A Minor in Murder is a cute book that I found myself invested in. Both the murder mystery and the romance were equally intriguing and I liked the way that the point of view switched between the two main characters, Officer Clare Sawyer and Professor Libby Hart, as we got to see their relationship grow. From the beginning of cute banter and it just grows to be a nice relationship from there. I felt that the character interactions were realistic and made me feel like I was reading about a real couple, who had lives outside of being together. There was excitement and insecurity, which is reality for everyone. I really liked seeing the characters grow to be more comfortable with each other. I laughed a few times and nearly cried a few times.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
A sapphic murder mystery? Yes, please! With A Minor in Murder is a cute book that I found myself invested in. Both the murder mystery and the romance were equally intriguing and I liked the way that the point of view switched between the two main characters, Officer Clare Sawyer and Professor Libby Hart, as we got to see their relationship grow. From the beginning of cute banter and it just grows to be a nice relationship from there. I felt that the character interactions were realistic and made me feel like I was reading about a real couple, who had lives outside of being together. There was excitement and insecurity, which is reality for everyone. I really liked seeing the characters grow to be more comfortable with each other. I laughed a few times and nearly cried a few times.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
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