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The Sheridan County Mysteries #1
The New Teacher
Elizabeth Blau upended her life in the city to move to the Middle of Nowhere and start over. She reconnects with her estranged brother and begins her new life. First, Elizabeth lands a great job, then a date, and her luck seems to change for the better. But when the man’s body is found mangled in a ravine, the murder rocks the small town as fault descends upon the Blau Family.
Frustrated with the pace of local law enforcement, Elizabeth investigates loose threads among the ranchers. But when she starts to dig into the past, she gets a warning: folks don’t like outsiders poking around, and someone is on a mission to scare her out of town.
With friends becoming enemies in a landscape forged for hiding true intentions, Elizabeth must unravel the accumulating evidence to name the murderer. After one attempt on her life, if she can’t organize the proof in time, she will be the next target.
Frustrated with the pace of local law enforcement, Elizabeth investigates loose threads among the ranchers. But when she starts to dig into the past, she gets a warning: folks don’t like outsiders poking around, and someone is on a mission to scare her out of town.
With friends becoming enemies in a landscape forged for hiding true intentions, Elizabeth must unravel the accumulating evidence to name the murderer. After one attempt on her life, if she can’t organize the proof in time, she will be the next target.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2022
1030 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Erin Lark Maples
17 books333 followersErin is a lover of fountain pens and the trail they leave behind. She is an award-winning author of cozy mysteries, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal women's fiction. Her work is highly praised for its heart and snark as well as her knack for breathing magic into the everyday.
A diehard gadabout and champagne fanatic, Erin is a firm believer in the tender and wild. A native Arizonan, when not behind a keyboard, you’ll find her under the stars, howling at the moon.
A diehard gadabout and champagne fanatic, Erin is a firm believer in the tender and wild. A native Arizonan, when not behind a keyboard, you’ll find her under the stars, howling at the moon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 24, 2023
Book club, 6/3/23
May 30, 2023
The story was good, the writing was not.
April 26, 2023
The New Teacher is a captivating murder mystery that has connectable characters and fast paced chapters. Elizabeth Blau and her young son move to her brother’s ranch after a messy divorce. Elizabeth accepts a teaching position in the remote township. She has been estranged from her brother for many years and this reconnection is awkward in the beginning. She meets Justin Hart, her brother’s best friend and owner of the neighboring property. Elizabeth has settling issues due to her non verbal son . She and Justin go on a date and the next day he is found dead . I found this book to uphold the feelings of a small town as the residents keep newcomers at arms length and do not willingly accept differences and change . I adore Casey Blau and his unique ideas and commitment to his animals. I am desperate to know more about Kade . I look forward to know more about the Sheridan County in the following books . This tale addresses many trigger warning issues in a sensitive manner including selective mutism, divorce , diversity and small town prejudices.
January 23, 2024
This one is for all the Virgin River fans… this has nothing to do with the show, but reminded me of the show SO much. If you like one, you’ll like the other!
Definitely a good read. I wanted to read it in one sitting… but, you know, I have that pesky thing called a job. I digress… newly divorced mom moves to Sheridan County to stay with her brother until she gets back on her feet. Tiny town embraces her and she is immediately hit on by all the good looking guys. Seriously, they are all coming out of the woodwork. Low and behold, they need a teacher in their tiny town... so position accepted! Divorced, single mom life is looking grand. Then of course there is a murder. And the one sheriff has to solve it ever so slowly. And our faithful new teacher main character is stuck in the middle so she does her own super sleuthing.
All in all a super cute read. I can’t give it a glowing rec for three reasons: 1. Unless you have ever been a teacher, don’t attempt to write about them. I cringed every time a teacher part was mentioned because it was soooooo unrealistic and just awful. 2. There were definitely situations that seemed unrealistic. Yes, every man wants to date you, yes you find a babysitter with no problem, yes everyone gives you a ride wherever you want to go, yes you constantly don’t have your son because every one else has him (thanks for leaving us hanging on the sub plot of your concerns about your son’s development, by the way), and 3. I figured out who committed the murder by the 2nd page of reading about the murder.
Overall, liked it. I liked it as much as I liked watching Virgin River - which is why I think those fans would love this.
Definitely a good read. I wanted to read it in one sitting… but, you know, I have that pesky thing called a job. I digress… newly divorced mom moves to Sheridan County to stay with her brother until she gets back on her feet. Tiny town embraces her and she is immediately hit on by all the good looking guys. Seriously, they are all coming out of the woodwork. Low and behold, they need a teacher in their tiny town... so position accepted! Divorced, single mom life is looking grand. Then of course there is a murder. And the one sheriff has to solve it ever so slowly. And our faithful new teacher main character is stuck in the middle so she does her own super sleuthing.
All in all a super cute read. I can’t give it a glowing rec for three reasons: 1. Unless you have ever been a teacher, don’t attempt to write about them. I cringed every time a teacher part was mentioned because it was soooooo unrealistic and just awful. 2. There were definitely situations that seemed unrealistic. Yes, every man wants to date you, yes you find a babysitter with no problem, yes everyone gives you a ride wherever you want to go, yes you constantly don’t have your son because every one else has him (thanks for leaving us hanging on the sub plot of your concerns about your son’s development, by the way), and 3. I figured out who committed the murder by the 2nd page of reading about the murder.
Overall, liked it. I liked it as much as I liked watching Virgin River - which is why I think those fans would love this.
April 12, 2023
Elizabeth’s estranged brother, Casey, had sent her an employment ad out of the blue. That, and her cheating husband, convinced her to divorce him and head off to a new career, a new life, a place for her son Rhett and her to start over. She was to be the school system for the local children, meaning she was to be a single-room, all-ages teacher or schoolmarm, like in the movies, the young woman who taught the town’s children. When she arrived in the area, on her way to her brother’s place, she met her brother’s old roping partner, Justin, who she nearly drooled over. Only one problem, someone murdered him a few days later, and her brother is being blamed for it. Now she feels she needs to clear her brother’s name.
I can say nothing bad about the world-building in this tale of second chances. The character interactions are smooth and based in reality. I also enjoyed the HEA feel.
I feel all cozy and warm inside as the protagonist, the amateur sleuth who solved the mystery and helped save her brother’s business of boutique products from animals without harming the animals. I give this story five stars out of five stars.
I can say nothing bad about the world-building in this tale of second chances. The character interactions are smooth and based in reality. I also enjoyed the HEA feel.
I feel all cozy and warm inside as the protagonist, the amateur sleuth who solved the mystery and helped save her brother’s business of boutique products from animals without harming the animals. I give this story five stars out of five stars.
July 4, 2024
A fresh start, with new beginnings and a chance to reconnect with her estranged brother, leads Elizabeth Blau from the west coast to the open skies of Wyoming. Tragedy strikes as the man Liz had just begun to date is killed in a freak accident. But was it intentional? When the town turns against her brother, Liz takes a closer look at her newfound utopia.
It took a while to get to the mystery part of this mystery - a third of the book, in fact, before the murder was committed. And yet, I was happily engaged with the story of a woman learning to make her own way in life. While the investigation had its twists and turns, I unfortunately solved it well ahead of the main character. Anxious to know if my suspicions were correct, the latter half took a fair bit of my patience as the author wended her way to the climax. This was the nature of the story, though which gave me a chance to practice some self-restraint.
The Sheridan County Mysteries is a series that I'll be pursuing.
It took a while to get to the mystery part of this mystery - a third of the book, in fact, before the murder was committed. And yet, I was happily engaged with the story of a woman learning to make her own way in life. While the investigation had its twists and turns, I unfortunately solved it well ahead of the main character. Anxious to know if my suspicions were correct, the latter half took a fair bit of my patience as the author wended her way to the climax. This was the nature of the story, though which gave me a chance to practice some self-restraint.
The Sheridan County Mysteries is a series that I'll be pursuing.
August 3, 2025
Very Good!
I enjoy most mysteries, but often find them predictable, with only specific details providing interest. Some stories are exactly what I expect. Others claim that nothing is as it seems, and it isn't at first, but often becomes clear long before three fourths from the end. This book kept me alert and interested with twists, turns and surprises to the very end. I guessed a couple of things, but not how they got there. The characters were real, too. Roz is the only one I didn't feel was fully fleshed out, but not getting to know her the way I got to know others may have simply been her personality.
This book works well as a stand alone story. At the same time there are some unanswered questions, mentioned or alluded to, that might bring one to the next in the series--if getting to getting to spend some time with, and getting to know the characters better isn't enough.
I enjoy most mysteries, but often find them predictable, with only specific details providing interest. Some stories are exactly what I expect. Others claim that nothing is as it seems, and it isn't at first, but often becomes clear long before three fourths from the end. This book kept me alert and interested with twists, turns and surprises to the very end. I guessed a couple of things, but not how they got there. The characters were real, too. Roz is the only one I didn't feel was fully fleshed out, but not getting to know her the way I got to know others may have simply been her personality.
This book works well as a stand alone story. At the same time there are some unanswered questions, mentioned or alluded to, that might bring one to the next in the series--if getting to getting to spend some time with, and getting to know the characters better isn't enough.
January 2, 2023
The New Teacher by Erin Lark Maples
Elizabeth and her young Son (Rhett) move near her Brother after her divorced. Soon a man is murdered and Elizabeth is drawn in. As she searches for answers her life is in danger as secrets are revealed.
A fast paced story with Likable characters and a who-done-it feel. Elizabeth and her Son are going through changes after her divorce. She and her Brother have each-other (but) their lives become complicated as they search for a killer.
I enjoyed The New Teacher and look forward to more in this series. I recommend to those who enjoy murder/mystery.
Elizabeth and her young Son (Rhett) move near her Brother after her divorced. Soon a man is murdered and Elizabeth is drawn in. As she searches for answers her life is in danger as secrets are revealed.
A fast paced story with Likable characters and a who-done-it feel. Elizabeth and her Son are going through changes after her divorce. She and her Brother have each-other (but) their lives become complicated as they search for a killer.
I enjoyed The New Teacher and look forward to more in this series. I recommend to those who enjoy murder/mystery.
January 8, 2024
Most of the characters felt very scattered to me and therefore I had a hard time connecting to or investing in any of them.. with the exception of Rhett, the almost 2 year old-- and maybe Casey. Whether my curiosity about them is strong enough to carry me further into the series is undecided at this time.
This is a cozy mystery so the setting is that typical small-town-small-suspect-pool and the plot is the typical I'm-not-a-detective-but-someone-I-know-is-being-accused-of-something-they-didn't-do-so-it's-up-to-me.. I kept waiting for a twist--
This is a cozy mystery so the setting is that typical small-town-small-suspect-pool and the plot is the typical I'm-not-a-detective-but-someone-I-know-is-being-accused-of-something-they-didn't-do-so-it's-up-to-me.. I kept waiting for a twist--
February 28, 2024
This is a great murder mystery set up.
I loved the small-town setting with a female sleuth at the helm, though she didn’t really do much investigating until around 60% into the book.
I did find that I knew who the killer was fairly early on, however there were some other developments that I didn’t foresee.
This is written and paced well, I loved the back story of the FMC and the added hardships she was facing gave an additional layer to the story.
I’d recommend this one, it was a fun read.
I loved the small-town setting with a female sleuth at the helm, though she didn’t really do much investigating until around 60% into the book.
I did find that I knew who the killer was fairly early on, however there were some other developments that I didn’t foresee.
This is written and paced well, I loved the back story of the FMC and the added hardships she was facing gave an additional layer to the story.
I’d recommend this one, it was a fun read.
May 22, 2024
Having grown up in Middle of Nowhere Kansas and currently living in Middle of Nowhere Oklahoma, this author's writing rings true.
"Cottonwoods loomed overhead, indicating the creekline. Scrub brush formed a sea of hiding places for nightlife. An owl swooped past in a swift flutter of wings and was gone."
As a teacher in a small community, I understand Elizabeth (mostly) but much like Miss Marple, it seems like murder and mayhem follows her. (I've never been around a real murder, but certainly enjoy reading a good mystery!)
"Cottonwoods loomed overhead, indicating the creekline. Scrub brush formed a sea of hiding places for nightlife. An owl swooped past in a swift flutter of wings and was gone."
As a teacher in a small community, I understand Elizabeth (mostly) but much like Miss Marple, it seems like murder and mayhem follows her. (I've never been around a real murder, but certainly enjoy reading a good mystery!)
May 11, 2023
For a first in a series, the author did a great job. The characters are rich and interesting. The plot was well thought out and didn't drag. I haven't read a book long into the night in quite a while, but I did this one. It wasn't that it was edge of your seat thrilling, but I found it compelling....trying to sort out who has murdered a nearby rancher and clear her brother's name. I would definitely like to read more in this series.
June 5, 2023
The last thing that Maquetta and Rick need now is another murder case. Marquetta is expecting their baby very soon, so she needs no added stress. But when a group of people come into Seaside Cove B&B, it is quite clear they aren't exactly a 'fun loving bunch', they are dubbed The Band of Six. Then one of them is found dead after a disturbance at the Crooked Mast. Alex now has her detective hat on, whether Rick likes it or not. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 29, 2023
This was a great read and I look forward to reading the series. Elizabeth takes her son to go and live with her brother after her divorce. She has the opportunity of a date and he ends up murdered. As this murder affects her family she goes all out to try and help the sheriff solve the crime. She has a lot to deal with along the way, including being a target herself. I look forward to seeing what life has in store for Elizabeth in the next book.
October 23, 2023
Elizabeth’s life has fallen apart. Her husband has cheated on her repeatedly, their 18 month old son is behind in developmental skills he doesn’t speak, and her mother-in-law controls their family.
She decides to move to Colorado to live with her brother at his ranch and has accepted a teaching position in the one-room school house. Just as her life starts to become a bit normal again everything unravels…what could happen next?
She decides to move to Colorado to live with her brother at his ranch and has accepted a teaching position in the one-room school house. Just as her life starts to become a bit normal again everything unravels…what could happen next?
June 4, 2024
Interesting Sleuthing
The story has a good plot with a few different twists. Liz is an admirable protagonist with good qualities. I liked the relationship she had with her brother. I didn't like all the drinking, but maybe that acted as a prop to bring the characters together at the bar. It was a little slow in the middle. And I wished the author gave a ray of hope for Liz's son.
The story has a good plot with a few different twists. Liz is an admirable protagonist with good qualities. I liked the relationship she had with her brother. I didn't like all the drinking, but maybe that acted as a prop to bring the characters together at the bar. It was a little slow in the middle. And I wished the author gave a ray of hope for Liz's son.
September 29, 2024
2.5 stars
Not really a cozy mystery, just a tame mystery. The killer(s) were a bit obvious early on. The drama with the ex was a bit over the top for this story, we really only needed a brief background on the situation. I liked the descriptions of the small town life and the countryside. The ease with which the new teacher integrated into the town was ridiculously easy - not realistic at all. Overall, an easy read.
Not really a cozy mystery, just a tame mystery. The killer(s) were a bit obvious early on. The drama with the ex was a bit over the top for this story, we really only needed a brief background on the situation. I liked the descriptions of the small town life and the countryside. The ease with which the new teacher integrated into the town was ridiculously easy - not realistic at all. Overall, an easy read.
August 28, 2022
I liked this book because it’s not cheesy like the forced-funny cozies. No shame on people who like that but this is a more realistic depiction of a small town. Soft mystery? Maybe we need a new term.
Elizabeth is a character I’m interested to keep reading about. I’m guessing one of the other characters is a potential live interest, and while there are some tropes it’s the right amount.
Elizabeth is a character I’m interested to keep reading about. I’m guessing one of the other characters is a potential live interest, and while there are some tropes it’s the right amount.
January 8, 2023
This isn't your typical cozy mystery. It doesn't have any fun/comedy that the usual cozy mystery has. For me, the book was a bit dry. Perhaps if there had been a little bit (even just the smallest amount) of humor to the book, it would have been a bit more palatable. Otherwise, it was a decent story.
April 3, 2023
I loved this book and I loved Elizabeth. I also liked the small town setting.
I also loved how the author portrayed Rhett, Elizabeth's 2 year old son, like a normal baby, it was refreshing and different from other portrayals.
I loved the storyline too and the rest of the books in the series are worth a read, can't wait to try them!
I also loved how the author portrayed Rhett, Elizabeth's 2 year old son, like a normal baby, it was refreshing and different from other portrayals.
I loved the storyline too and the rest of the books in the series are worth a read, can't wait to try them!
April 9, 2023
The New Teacher
Fantastic read. Characters were great and storyline kept me reading. Once started I couldn’t stop. Elizabeth moved away from her husband and took her son with her to her brothers. She starts making friends and then everything starts happening. A definite must read
Fantastic read. Characters were great and storyline kept me reading. Once started I couldn’t stop. Elizabeth moved away from her husband and took her son with her to her brothers. She starts making friends and then everything starts happening. A definite must read
February 25, 2024
Predictable
This mystery does have cozy elements, but I wouldn't call it a true cozy. It just didn't give me that vibe.
I also figured out who the main culprit was too quickly, although I was a little surprised, or should I say was in denial, of who the accomplice was.
Overall, this mystery was engaging and kept me reading.
This mystery does have cozy elements, but I wouldn't call it a true cozy. It just didn't give me that vibe.
I also figured out who the main culprit was too quickly, although I was a little surprised, or should I say was in denial, of who the accomplice was.
Overall, this mystery was engaging and kept me reading.
June 19, 2025
This book was ok but I found the main character (Elizabeth) annoying with her constant facts.
The book flowed hicely and was an easy read. The 'mystery' wasn't very challenging but I gelt it was more of an after thought as we were findigng out about the characters lives in this the first of a series.
Not sure I will go back for a seond but not ruling it out yet.
The book flowed hicely and was an easy read. The 'mystery' wasn't very challenging but I gelt it was more of an after thought as we were findigng out about the characters lives in this the first of a series.
Not sure I will go back for a seond but not ruling it out yet.
February 20, 2023
Wonderful read!
Loved the book! I couldn't stop reading. I would recommend reading this book to anyone who doesn't mind getting involved emotionally with the characters. A surprise at the beginning to the end.
Loved the book! I couldn't stop reading. I would recommend reading this book to anyone who doesn't mind getting involved emotionally with the characters. A surprise at the beginning to the end.
April 8, 2023
really nice
Yes I enjoyed this book, not perfectly proof read, if only one or two errors. This book is the start of a much longer story, although the ending is settled, there is much more to the story of the main characters to tell. When I found that out I was disappointed.
Yes I enjoyed this book, not perfectly proof read, if only one or two errors. This book is the start of a much longer story, although the ending is settled, there is much more to the story of the main characters to tell. When I found that out I was disappointed.
April 24, 2023
Buscando uma nova vida para si e para seu filho, Elizabeth se vê envolvida em um assassinato e uma luta por uma herança da qual ela não tinha a menor ideia. Uma narrativa cheia de mistérios e relacionamentos complicados. Muito bom.
April 25, 2023
Mystery of small town happenings
This was a great mystery in a small ranching town. Murders, poisoning , break ins, total mayhem were beginning to be daily happenings. The new teacher was not a good luck charm. Great read!
This was a great mystery in a small ranching town. Murders, poisoning , break ins, total mayhem were beginning to be daily happenings. The new teacher was not a good luck charm. Great read!
June 1, 2023
Another new to me author
This was an intriguing story with widely varying characters. There was a lot of intrigue but even more individual personal issues. I wasn't surprised by the ending but the path to get there had some surprising turns.
This was an intriguing story with widely varying characters. There was a lot of intrigue but even more individual personal issues. I wasn't surprised by the ending but the path to get there had some surprising turns.
November 30, 2023
3.5 stars
I definitely enjoyed this book. Did I end up guessing the killer? Surprisingly yes, but not fully the reason. I was sad to see Justin die as I was enjoying his character, but it was good to see how some f the people stood by Casey and did not believe the charges. I really hope in the next book that there will be answers about Rhett because he is honestly so adorable
I definitely enjoyed this book. Did I end up guessing the killer? Surprisingly yes, but not fully the reason. I was sad to see Justin die as I was enjoying his character, but it was good to see how some f the people stood by Casey and did not believe the charges. I really hope in the next book that there will be answers about Rhett because he is honestly so adorable
April 19, 2024
Excellent!
This is the first book by Erin that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed The New Teacher with all the twists and turns...not guessing until very near the end "who done it". Well done Erin and thank you.
This is the first book by Erin that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed The New Teacher with all the twists and turns...not guessing until very near the end "who done it". Well done Erin and thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews