What do you think?
Rate this book
Lessons in Murder #1
Meeting over Murder
Two women, a dead teen, and a cruel killer at large…
Jenna Ferrari is a tough-to-the-bone homicide detective with no patience for stupidity and an Italian’s penchant for displays of emotion. While she excels at catching criminals, she continues to strike out at relationships. At thirty-two, she wonders if she’ll ever find the right woman.
A brilliant, creative college literature professor, Miranda McLeod is respected by her peers and loved by her students. After years of walking an ambiguous line, she wants to come out but doesn’t know how.
When the two meet over the case of a murder on campus, could they have both found what they’ve been looking for, or will the unknown killer on the loose foil their chances for romance?
Jenna Ferrari is a tough-to-the-bone homicide detective with no patience for stupidity and an Italian’s penchant for displays of emotion. While she excels at catching criminals, she continues to strike out at relationships. At thirty-two, she wonders if she’ll ever find the right woman.
A brilliant, creative college literature professor, Miranda McLeod is respected by her peers and loved by her students. After years of walking an ambiguous line, she wants to come out but doesn’t know how.
When the two meet over the case of a murder on campus, could they have both found what they’ve been looking for, or will the unknown killer on the loose foil their chances for romance?
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2022
About the author
Edale Lane
50 books224 followersEdale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 7, 2022
**'If you're gonna write a story, do it like your life depends on the thoughts of readers or the last words you might think of...'
2.5stars!
An okay story at times but.... --- hidden potential if only less time was given to ev-verrryy character that were extensively and unnecessarily detailed ..
2.5stars!
An okay story at times but.... --- hidden potential if only less time was given to ev-verrryy character that were extensively and unnecessarily detailed ..
December 20, 2022
Yeah, nah… 😕
I've read a few of Lane's books before so I was excited for this. It's a short read but it took me a while to get through 'cause I couldn't fully get into the story.
While I thought each individual character was great and it was even greater that there are POC in the story too. BUT the conversations didn’t quite flow, and seemed forced as though to prove how intelligent the characters were. Both main’s inner monologues were awkward and a tad irksome… bordering on creepy. The policing side of it floundered a bit. It wasn’t procedural like most other crime books… nor as professional in some instances too.
So long story, short… based on the book description I was looking forward to reading this but it was just an okay read for me.
I've read a few of Lane's books before so I was excited for this. It's a short read but it took me a while to get through 'cause I couldn't fully get into the story.
While I thought each individual character was great and it was even greater that there are POC in the story too. BUT the conversations didn’t quite flow, and seemed forced as though to prove how intelligent the characters were. Both main’s inner monologues were awkward and a tad irksome… bordering on creepy. The policing side of it floundered a bit. It wasn’t procedural like most other crime books… nor as professional in some instances too.
So long story, short… based on the book description I was looking forward to reading this but it was just an okay read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2023
Innocent tale of murder, with heavily undisguised clues dropped all over the place. Short Novella, good start to the series.
December 28, 2023
3 stars
Short. Not exceptional. Either in the positive or negative sense. But it passed time and I wasn't annoyed. So I'll continue with this series.
Short. Not exceptional. Either in the positive or negative sense. But it passed time and I wasn't annoyed. So I'll continue with this series.
August 23, 2023
Adding the romance to this short murder mystery feels forced. I did enjoy it somewhat so I’ll try the next book in the series
July 7, 2024
4 Stars
Interesting introduction to a group of characters. I understand this is going to be an ongoing, continuation of stories with the same characters. So far, I am invested.
Interesting introduction to a group of characters. I understand this is going to be an ongoing, continuation of stories with the same characters. So far, I am invested.
August 12, 2022
She has a Pugh life and finding the right woman for her is not easy. A dead teen will bring her to a woman who is looking to come out but unsure how to do it. She needs to stop a killer before they kill again. Can she do it? Can she find a woman to love? How will it all go? Follow her to see just what is going to happen next
August 7, 2022
This book was a joy to read. Just enough detail to build a picture, give some insight into characters while also creating a whodunit that isn't completely obvious who the culprit is until further through the book. It also included just enough of a hint of romance without over powering the mystery as it unfolds. Easily could have been a slightly larger story; however, keeping it more compact also worked well. Two thumbs up.
August 18, 2022
This was an enjoyable read, although it took a little dip for me, just over a third of the way through when an important clue comes up in an interview, but the detectives completely ignore it. Unfortunately from then on I couldn’t help finding fault with the investigation. I’m afraid little things, like the unprofessional way they conducted the interviews with the mentally challenged gardener ‘Randall’ started to become annoying.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars, the story may well have been worth four, but in the end I have given three.
If possible I would have given 3.5 stars, the story may well have been worth four, but in the end I have given three.
January 8, 2023
Easy read.
I really loved reading this book. And I will read the .next books in the series. To me, it read sorta like a copy mystery. And I love those when I want to read and not get bogged down. Lane has a good writing style that keeps the book flowing
I really loved reading this book. And I will read the .next books in the series. To me, it read sorta like a copy mystery. And I love those when I want to read and not get bogged down. Lane has a good writing style that keeps the book flowing
July 28, 2022
The murder of a young college student, Allison Banks, brings together Dr. Miranda “Randi” McLeod and Detective Lt. Jenna Ferrari. Randi is a professor at Roanoke Community College, a students car parked in the wrong spot takes her on a gruesome discovery. Randi is pretty sharp, keeps her cool and goes into action.
Captain Jerome Meyers puts in a wake-up call to Detective Lt. Jenna Ferrari, there’s been a homicide. Jenna is really meticulous about the crime scene and she checks in and gives orders to her team. When she meets Randi they both have a slight interest about each other. But most of all, Jenna is extremely impressed with Randi’s very detailed information that she provides for the investigation.
As Randi and Jenna start a friendship and hopes for something more, Jenna
has to put her feelings aside, as the suspect pool becomes larger. Very unexpectedly the brilliant Randi, steps up, but has she put herself in danger?
Edale Lane brings a new sapphic, low key mystery to the masses. It’s not an insta-love but a gradual attempt for: Jenna Ferrari and Miranda McLeod, to take time and learn about their feelings and one another. Jenna and Randi are both very strong, intelligent, impressive women, who prove opposites can attract. They both are hesitant to share their real feelings at times but they are only starting out, so time will tell. There’s those sweet moments too, as both have special companions: Randi has Byron and Jenna has Bandit.
As far as the mystery “Meeting Over Murder” has an intriguing plot, with a very clean and step by step process of investigation. There’s those subtle twists, that a wide variety of subjects bring to the story and it keeps you guessing.
I like Jenna’s skilled and expert crime team and that the participants are different ethnicities and genders: Capt. Jerome Myers, Officer Trisha Jamison, Officer Owen, Officer Murphy, Coroner Dr. Valentine, Ethan Bauman, IT guru, Dr. Asita Gupta and Marcus of the crime lab, and crime scene tech Wilcox. There will definitely be more from them all.
I was highly impressed with Edale Lanes “Meeting Over Murder” and I think this new series “Lessons In Murder” has very high potential. I got a sneak peak at the next book “Skimming Around Murder” and again I was so impressed!
Captain Jerome Meyers puts in a wake-up call to Detective Lt. Jenna Ferrari, there’s been a homicide. Jenna is really meticulous about the crime scene and she checks in and gives orders to her team. When she meets Randi they both have a slight interest about each other. But most of all, Jenna is extremely impressed with Randi’s very detailed information that she provides for the investigation.
As Randi and Jenna start a friendship and hopes for something more, Jenna
has to put her feelings aside, as the suspect pool becomes larger. Very unexpectedly the brilliant Randi, steps up, but has she put herself in danger?
Edale Lane brings a new sapphic, low key mystery to the masses. It’s not an insta-love but a gradual attempt for: Jenna Ferrari and Miranda McLeod, to take time and learn about their feelings and one another. Jenna and Randi are both very strong, intelligent, impressive women, who prove opposites can attract. They both are hesitant to share their real feelings at times but they are only starting out, so time will tell. There’s those sweet moments too, as both have special companions: Randi has Byron and Jenna has Bandit.
As far as the mystery “Meeting Over Murder” has an intriguing plot, with a very clean and step by step process of investigation. There’s those subtle twists, that a wide variety of subjects bring to the story and it keeps you guessing.
I like Jenna’s skilled and expert crime team and that the participants are different ethnicities and genders: Capt. Jerome Myers, Officer Trisha Jamison, Officer Owen, Officer Murphy, Coroner Dr. Valentine, Ethan Bauman, IT guru, Dr. Asita Gupta and Marcus of the crime lab, and crime scene tech Wilcox. There will definitely be more from them all.
I was highly impressed with Edale Lanes “Meeting Over Murder” and I think this new series “Lessons In Murder” has very high potential. I got a sneak peak at the next book “Skimming Around Murder” and again I was so impressed!
February 7, 2026
An Enjoyable Whodunit
This police procedural with the beginnings of a romance was an enjoyable read. I guessed the murderer from the beginning, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment, and it was interesting to watch it unfold and see how the author arrived at the same conclusion. Still, I'm not sure how I knew since the suspect list was just getting started, and he wasn't even on it.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. One complaint, though: I didn't appreciate the cheap, uncalled-for, and unnecessary political shot, and when an author does this, it will always lower my star rating.
This police procedural with the beginnings of a romance was an enjoyable read. I guessed the murderer from the beginning, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment, and it was interesting to watch it unfold and see how the author arrived at the same conclusion. Still, I'm not sure how I knew since the suspect list was just getting started, and he wasn't even on it.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series. One complaint, though: I didn't appreciate the cheap, uncalled-for, and unnecessary political shot, and when an author does this, it will always lower my star rating.
September 10, 2022
3.5⭐️
August 7, 2022
This is an interesting read! Two strong female character & a murder mystery! Good twists & turns, a little on the cozy side so not too nasty! Well written & enjoyable! I do recommend for all that like this genre!
August 5, 2022
a great story, very addictive, and very lovely MCs, reading this book is like watching an exciting movie, it makes you forget everything else for a while, lost in the fictional world.
February 21, 2024
This cozy murder mystery was a quick and easy read. My first introduction to Detective Jenna Ferrari and Professor Miranda McLeod was pleasant. Edale Lane's writing style is always clean and relatable. The two MCs hit it off immediately and skipped the pretenses to get right to getting to know one another, which I appreciated. The mystery was fairly easy to solve, and there was no angst and no spice, making this a comfortable light read. I am not especially knowledgeable about police procedures or biology, so I can't comment on the accuracy. I found this book entertaining, and I have no qualms about carrying on with the series.
November 23, 2023
Good Mystery, Good Romance
If you like police procedural mysteries and your romance clean, this is for you. The murder is mysterious and we get to experience the solving of it every step of the way. But it isn't slow, it develops at a good pace (this is a quick read). Same with the romance, it goes from mutual attraction to definite possibilities nicely. Both story threads are nicely done.
I would really like this to continue, I could see many more stories about the two main characters. They're likeable and loveable. Give this book a try.
If you like police procedural mysteries and your romance clean, this is for you. The murder is mysterious and we get to experience the solving of it every step of the way. But it isn't slow, it develops at a good pace (this is a quick read). Same with the romance, it goes from mutual attraction to definite possibilities nicely. Both story threads are nicely done.
I would really like this to continue, I could see many more stories about the two main characters. They're likeable and loveable. Give this book a try.
September 12, 2025
What a way to meet!
Randi was the unfortunate witness and founder of a murdered college student, and met Detective Jenna Ferrari there. There was an instant attraction between them even though they didn't act on it instantly. I see great things coming for them.
Randi was the unfortunate witness and founder of a murdered college student, and met Detective Jenna Ferrari there. There was an instant attraction between them even though they didn't act on it instantly. I see great things coming for them.
July 27, 2023
Great start to a series
I really enjoyed this book. I pictured the characters, in my mind, like a movie. I can't wait to read the next book. Good job!
I really enjoyed this book. I pictured the characters, in my mind, like a movie. I can't wait to read the next book. Good job!
November 3, 2023
A murder on campus brings a detective and a professor together.
This is a nice start to a series. Loved the characters. Good mystery. Just the right amount of drama!
This is a nice start to a series. Loved the characters. Good mystery. Just the right amount of drama!
March 2, 2026
This book is a gripping mix of murder mystery and heartfelt romance that pulled me in from the very first page. I loved how the story opens with a tragic crime on a college campus and slowly builds tension around the search for the killer. The suspense is steady without being too heavy, so it is easy to follow even if you are not someone who reads a lot of crime fiction. I found myself guessing who the culprit might be while also enjoying the emotional layers of the story.
Jenna Ferrari is tough, outspoken, and passionate about her job, but when it comes to love, she feels real and vulnerable. Miranda McLeod brings a completely different energy. She is thoughtful, intelligent, and quietly struggling with her own journey of coming out. Their connection felt natural to me. It was not rushed or forced. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow in the middle of such a tense investigation.
What I appreciated most is how the author balances the murder case with personal growth and romance. It never feels like one part overshadows the other. The story has emotion, a bit of danger, and a satisfying sense of hope. For me, it was not just about solving a crime but about two women finding courage in different ways. If you enjoy a mystery with heart and meaningful character development, this one is definitely worth reading.
Jenna Ferrari is tough, outspoken, and passionate about her job, but when it comes to love, she feels real and vulnerable. Miranda McLeod brings a completely different energy. She is thoughtful, intelligent, and quietly struggling with her own journey of coming out. Their connection felt natural to me. It was not rushed or forced. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow in the middle of such a tense investigation.
What I appreciated most is how the author balances the murder case with personal growth and romance. It never feels like one part overshadows the other. The story has emotion, a bit of danger, and a satisfying sense of hope. For me, it was not just about solving a crime but about two women finding courage in different ways. If you enjoy a mystery with heart and meaningful character development, this one is definitely worth reading.
August 4, 2022
Edale lane is one of my favorite authors, I love her style of writing. Simple, straightforward and witty.
Meeting over murder is a murder mystery that brings Randi a school professor and Detective Ferrari. Throughout the investigation the heat between these two was just awesome to witness. The way the mystery unfolds was great too, I loved the characters and the subplots, the finale was on point too. This is a novella worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Meeting over murder is a murder mystery that brings Randi a school professor and Detective Ferrari. Throughout the investigation the heat between these two was just awesome to witness. The way the mystery unfolds was great too, I loved the characters and the subplots, the finale was on point too. This is a novella worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 12, 2022
Great opening for this new (and hopefully long) series ...
September 10, 2022
Excellent
Great story. No unnecessary plot filling. Just great MC. Who talked to each other no false pretence.I really liked them both. I have seen a follow up so very happy.highly recommend
Great story. No unnecessary plot filling. Just great MC. Who talked to each other no false pretence.I really liked them both. I have seen a follow up so very happy.highly recommend
August 9, 2022
I liked the premise but this book was not for me. I would actually give it 2.5 but to round up to 3 would be unfair to the other 3’s I’ve read.
It felt a bit over dramatic at the start, I don’t mean the dead body!. Also, in trying to be descriptive of everyone, and there were many people introduced at the beginning, all walk on parts and it was too much. Some of the shortcut descriptions were effective. “He strongly resembled a professional basketball player” Some of the language seemed quite stilted and unlikely. Her captain at the start of the case saying “I have confidence in you and your team.” Had it been set up as new promotion, or new detective or just after a muck up, I could maybe get it. Other sentences like “once the loved ones saw the body, they became complete basket cases and she couldn’t get two intelligent words out of them,”. For some reason “basket cases” irked me in this circumstance possibly so informal compared to “intelligent words”🤷🏻♀️. However at the end of that scene “As Jenna had expected, Mr. and Mrs. Banks broke when they saw her. A few moments later, they left amid sobs, unable to say anything else.” fitted perfectly. If you see nothing wrong with the first sentence you can happily conclude the issue is me and not the book. For me there were too many sentences, word choices and phrases that pulled me out the book.
The mystery part dropped subtle hints so when the guilty party was revealed it made sense.
It felt a bit over dramatic at the start, I don’t mean the dead body!. Also, in trying to be descriptive of everyone, and there were many people introduced at the beginning, all walk on parts and it was too much. Some of the shortcut descriptions were effective. “He strongly resembled a professional basketball player” Some of the language seemed quite stilted and unlikely. Her captain at the start of the case saying “I have confidence in you and your team.” Had it been set up as new promotion, or new detective or just after a muck up, I could maybe get it. Other sentences like “once the loved ones saw the body, they became complete basket cases and she couldn’t get two intelligent words out of them,”. For some reason “basket cases” irked me in this circumstance possibly so informal compared to “intelligent words”🤷🏻♀️. However at the end of that scene “As Jenna had expected, Mr. and Mrs. Banks broke when they saw her. A few moments later, they left amid sobs, unable to say anything else.” fitted perfectly. If you see nothing wrong with the first sentence you can happily conclude the issue is me and not the book. For me there were too many sentences, word choices and phrases that pulled me out the book.
The mystery part dropped subtle hints so when the guilty party was revealed it made sense.
October 8, 2022
Meeting over of Murder ( Lessons in Murder +Book 1)
This. was an interesting story and a good read. Meet Detective Jenna Ferrari who is tasked with solving the murder of a student at a collage , . She meets Meladi (Randi) a teacher who she likes. But her task is to find out who killed Allison.
This was an interesting story with a love interest
Author Edalle Lane did an excellent job writing this ,,looking forward to reading more by her.
Recommend =Yes 5***** STARS.
This. was an interesting story and a good read. Meet Detective Jenna Ferrari who is tasked with solving the murder of a student at a collage , . She meets Meladi (Randi) a teacher who she likes. But her task is to find out who killed Allison.
This was an interesting story with a love interest
Author Edalle Lane did an excellent job writing this ,,looking forward to reading more by her.
Recommend =Yes 5***** STARS.
September 10, 2022
Good weed
I gave it 5 stars because the characters And the story line will perfect I love murder mysteries with a little bit of Romance only thing I regret that it wasn't a bit longer I can't wait to wait to read the next book this is my 1st from this author and I'm sure I will be reading many more I recommend this book
I gave it 5 stars because the characters And the story line will perfect I love murder mysteries with a little bit of Romance only thing I regret that it wasn't a bit longer I can't wait to wait to read the next book this is my 1st from this author and I'm sure I will be reading many more I recommend this book
August 19, 2022
I tried a new author and this was a surprisingly pleasant read. I thoroughly enjoyed the budding relationship of two more mature woman, not so much older but no longer children. nice police procedural and not too intense. Have ordered the second book.
July 8, 2023
Meeting Over Murder: Lessons in Murder
I received this book as an Arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. This about the murder of a college student and the teacher who discovers her. I enjoyed it so much! Highly recommended!
I received this book as an Arc from the author and I’m writing a review because I want to. This about the murder of a college student and the teacher who discovers her. I enjoyed it so much! Highly recommended!
June 3, 2024
Cozy, Fun, Quick Read
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love a good cozy mystery and this book did not disappoint. I was so into it, I didn’t want it to end so soon. Great story, dialogue, and characters.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I love a good cozy mystery and this book did not disappoint. I was so into it, I didn’t want it to end so soon. Great story, dialogue, and characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews