The "M" Word

Bel Barrett #1

by Jane Isenberg

With a sensibility shaped in the sixties and kids born in the seventies, Jersey City community college professor Bel Barrett hit the big five-O in the nineties. The patronage politics of urban academia and the dreams and demands of city students threaten to burn Bel out but it's hot flashes and a fancy fundraiser that really turn the heat on. Before Bel has a chance to do justice to the tempting display of calorie-laden food, her slim and attractive boss, college president Dr. Altagracia Garcia, pops a few goodies, crumples to the floor, and is pronounced dead. Student of Murder

The murder is pinned on one of Bel's students, but Bel isn't buying it. The accused is a Culinary Arts major whose best grade in English was an "incomplete," but the boy is no killer. Although President Garcia had made her presence felt at the college, she'd ground her stiletto heels into a few administrative toes in the process. But most students and faculty adored her, and finding out who wanted the assertive lady out of the way is the least Bel can do--even when it means chasing through a maze of phony clues and false leads that challenge her mid-life memory...and learning that she herself has become the target of someone majoring in murder.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5* I was a little worried about this book when I started it, but it picked up quickly and ended up being a very enjoyable mystery. Bel was a great protagonist; a professor at a community college going through menopause. Betty was irritating, but as the book progressed she relaxed and became a much better character. I was surprised by how involved the murder was, but since the patronage system was well established throughout the book it made perfect sense. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in this series.

[Amy Ingalls · Rating 3 out of 5]

After picking up number 2-5 in this series at a library book sale, I was glad to see number one offered on Kindle Unlimited. I'm anal and missing number one was really going to bug me.

This was a quick read, and a nice, easy-breezy cozy. I was pleased to learn at the end that the author lives in Amherst, MA, which is right down the road from me. I always like to read local authors.

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. I could not finish this book. It’s just not my preference. I wanted to read it because the plot takes place in Jersey City & Hoboken NJ (childhood places for me). It’s a pleasant read but just not thrilling enough for me. It’s definitely a cozy mystery which I have enjoyed from time to time. I just couldn’t get enthusiastic about this one. .

[Mary Newcomb]

Bel Barrett teaches at a community college. One of her students is accused of murdering the controversial college president. She decides to look into this with the help of some of her colleagues. This was entertaining and worth reading the next in the series.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun light mystery. Very engaging and humorous. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

[janet conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun, entertaining and quirky

Easy, fun, read with quirky characters and fast paced.
Read this in a day, great characters and easy to read. Highly recommend.

[Barbara Cryer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring...too much menopause filler not enough real plot.

[Ann Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read!! I hope to read the whole series. I have found all but the second one.

I will go on without it if I must!!

[Velma Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am going to continue reading this author. She has a good cast of characters.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for older women. The "M" is not only for murder it is for menopause.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light read; not great literature but entertaining. Somewhat predictable outcome.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series about menopausal community college professor in N.J., Bel Barrett.
College president is poisoned.
Mel and two friends investigate.

[Ken Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fluff. Dated (well, yes, it was written 20 years ago.) Didn't learn anything from it. Passed time waiting on the arrival of other books.