Artful Murder

Shandra Higheagle Mystery #10

by Paty Jager

Book ten in the Shandra Higheagle Mystery Series Secrets... Scandal... Murder... An autistic boy and his brother need potter Shandra Higheagle's help when a teacher's body is found after a confrontation with the older brother. Shandra knows the boy is innocent. Digging into the teacher's life, she and Ryan turn up scandal. Detective Ryan Greer has believed in Shandra's dreams in the past, but she can't always be right. When his investigation uncovers a principal on the take, females being harassed, and parents kept in the dark, he discovers more suspects than the brothers. Shandra's time at the school is coming to an end, and the killer has struck again.

278 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2018

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[Sherry Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from this excellent author. A touch of the paranormal, compassionate handling of two sensitive issues, no foul language. Definitely someone to read!

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another good mystery involving Shandra Higheagle. In all the books in this series Shandra always seems to get involved in her fiancé’s murder cases. This time Shandra is volunteering at the high school in a pottery class. There is a slime ball teacher who is sexually harassing women teachers and students. The principal has multiple complaints against the teacher but has done nothing about it. Then one day the teacher is found dead at the school.

I loved how Shandra always wanted to protect the students. It broke my heart how some students and adults treated a young student with Autism so bad, but he had such a loving heart and forgave many of them. I like how Ryan gets frustrated with Shandra but always tries to protect her. This is a wonderful mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book.

[Dalice Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Artful Murder, Shandra Higheagle is teaching a class in pottery at the local high school. However (and you knew this was coming) she stumbles upon the murder of a particularly loathsome teacher. The suspects are many and diverse. I must say she kept me guessing “who dun it” until the very end. Not that it wasn’t fairly played: the clues were there. This was a really good installment in the Shandra series; it was an excellent mystery, and I liked that Shandra and Ryan are becoming more comfortable with each other. This book is highly recommended! I rec’d an advance copy for a fair review, and I’m too opinionated to give any other kind.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a well-written, entertaining book. A teacher's body is found at the school where Shandra Higheagle is volunteering and a student in her class is implicated, along with his brother. Detective Ryan Greer needs to solve this murder. Ryan appreciates Shandra's insights and dreams, but she can't always be right. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of the Shandra Higheagle Mystery Series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pride myself on usually having at least a good guess about who the real villain is in any mystery I read. This book managed to keep me guessing all the way up to the big reveal. And even then, I kind of had difficulties believing that that was the true solution. I love the way Ryan and Shandra work together (even when they're not supposed to). Leaning into one another's strengths, they're so much more effective as a team than either one would be on their own. Now, I'm already anxious to learn what's coming next for the pair.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Like all Paty Jager's murder mysteries with Shandra Higheagle and Ryan Greer this book is hard to put down. Warning do not read late at night, it hurts when the book hits you in the head and wakes you up. A great read that keeps you riveted and wondering who done it right to the end. I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good murder mystery with more then one murder.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by this author who has the skill to write great characters and plot a good mystery with lots of twists and turns. I have read all the books in this series and I have never been disappointed. I have never been able to predict the murderer!

Shandra and Ryan are perfect together! I also love how Shandra's grandmother shows up in her dreams giving her clues to the murderer in Ryan's cases

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved revisiting Shandra Higheagle. This is a great series. I like the touch of paranormal with visitations from her grandmother. Her characters are well rounded and the mysteries are well written with lots of twist and turns. I didn't have this one figured out at all and was surprised at the end. I look forward to each book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this latest book in the series and want to read the next instalment now....

Shandra is volunteering at the High School and living at Ryan's house. As usual, there is a murder and Shandra gets involved in helping Ryan solve the case. The case brings back memories of the abuse Shandra experienced so she feels she can help some of the victims.

Of course Sheba, the Shetland Pony sized Dog is involved too...

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malicious Intent

The villain strikes close to home when Shandra Higheagle becomes aware that a teacher is intimidating and sexually harassing teachers and students. A number of twists and two deaths in this gently-told murder mystery. This novel stands alone, but the more of the series you've read, the deeper Shandra's "trigger point" is felt and, I suspect, the more compelling the story becomes.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series. This book addressed some hard topics that unfortunately happened in schools today. I love how Shandra is with the students in her pottery class especially the young man with Autism. It angered how some of the faculty and student treated him. It also angered me how a certain teacher got away with harassment just because who his family was. I am happy with the outcome of the mystery. I recommend to book to all mystery fans.

[karen mutter · Rating 1 out of 5]

loved the duck warden series

BUT I’m sure this Shanda series is IA written. What happened to the sharp wits and provoking stories. This is not well written. It’s written in sentences instead of paragraphs. Thumbs down. BUT I can’t wait till u have another duck warden written. I find theses two series unexplainable. It like two different authors wrote these.

[louise davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome read. I love to follow the main character Shandra Higheagle in each adventure. This is a great series. If you ever read one of the books you will want more. They pull you in and you can't wait to see what happens next. Waiting patiently for the next book. Great job.

[Ralph Raunft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear echos

The compelling aspect of this story was the pacing. The narrative was clear and easy to follow. As a retired educator, I found the setting ,physically and psychologically ,absolutely on target.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This book has this young women who is great native American Indian potter who makes great prices of pottery.very famous.