Claire loves the life she has in Fairview, Colorado. She just purchased a home and is in her fifth year teaching seventh-grade science. But Fairview isn’t as tranquil as it seems. On her nightly jog, Claire follows a stray kitten into an empty home and stumbles across a murdered jewelry thief. To make matters worse, the next day, she gets a cryptic email from a former student.The more Claire … Claire tries to contact her old student, the more dangerous her life becomes. Now someone is after her and the missing jewels. As the killer’s attacks escalate, Claire decides to take matters into her own hands. With an old friend who’s now a detective and his handsome older brother, they pursue the murderer. Claire has a plan. It isn’t perfect, but anything is better than becoming the next victim.
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What a great cozy read that you will love!
Claire is a teacher who lives in a cozy little town of Fairview, CO. A small town with low crime where everyone knows everyone. Which is why Claire has the no dating locals rule. It is hard to see said ex everywhere and listen to the whispers behind the backs.
Life is pretty good for our simple quiet teacher. That is until she stumbles onto the dead body of a jewel thief. Now someone thinks she has something and they will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
Overall this book was entertaining. The story plot was well played. It sure did have a few unexpected twists. For a minute I thought the book was done and the killer caught…..but then bam! A twist!
The characters of the story are interesting and played there parts well. I think I am falling in love with the local vet. I really hope to see some spark between him and our little school teacher. Claire is such and sweet and shy girl. She reminds me of myself when I was a bit younger. Not knowing how to flirt and finding dating to be a bit of a challenge. Also she shows a lot of care and compassion in her character. Especially with her care for her past and present students.
If you love a good cozy read with fluffy kitties and cute puppies, then you may just love this book and all its great characters. I suggest you take the time to get to know our gang in the quaint little town of Fairview, CO.
Claire Anderson is a seventh grade science
teacher. She lives in Fairview, Colorado.
On her nightly jog, Claire notices a small
stray kitten going into the abandoned house
across the street fthe house she recently
bought. Following the kitten inside she
discovers a DEAD body. It is the body of
one of the thieves which robbed a jewel
store that afternoon.
Claire takes the kitten to the veterinarian who
happens to be the brother of the detective on
the murder case.
Claire adopts the Siamese kitten naming him,
Tod. The kitten helps are feel safer in her house.
Get ready for a puzzling plot which puts Claire
in the crossfire of the murder and jewel thief.
A shooting, another murder, a former student
sending a crypt email, a hurt puppy, animal
rescue, the next store neighbor’s son, Korean
drama and culture, all combine for a
good read.
I was really impressed by how Claire’s family
was always there for her. Her brother was
willing to stay at her home when she was scared
to be alone. Her sister was available to help
Claire with her technology skills and her parents
cut their vacation short to come home to help
her.
The characters were all well written, colorful,
clever with interesting backstories.
Looking forward to the reading the next book.
I volunteered to read Teaching is Murder.
Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for
the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and
my own.
A fun read and great start to the Ms. Anderson Mysteries by new-to-me author Monique Bird with a great cast of characters, humor, small town vibe and a good must-solve mystery. I really liked the fact that Claire Anderson is a seventh grade science teacher in her hometown of Fairview, Colorado and enjoyed her dynamic with her family and friends. I knew as soon as I started reading, I wouldn’t be able to put this book down until I read the last word. If you enjoy cozies, don’t miss out on “Teaching Is Murder”. I look forward to what happens next with Claire. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
This was the first book in a new series and I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read, but the story had lots of twists and turns; the resolution made good sense and there were just enough red herrings that I was able to mostly figure things out myself, but not too far in advance of the actual ending. There were some things that didn’t ring true and the protagonist was a bit unnecessarily awkward at times, but the story kept me engaged—I was eager to read it straight through if possible. The main characters were very likable and there is potential for further development, as well as the possibility of romance. I would definitely be interested in reading more in this series. I was provided a copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.
Teaching is Murder: (A Ms. Anderson Mystery #1) by Monique Bird is the first book I’ve read by this author. I enjoyed the book and will check out her other books. I do hope other characters are featured more in the next book in this series, such as the main character’s sister Zoe. I enjoyed Zoe’s demeanor and craftiness, even though she played a small role in the book.
Teaching is Murder started well, and I liked the characters. The mystery seemed plausible. There were a few questionable things the main character, Claire, did. Plus, some scenes that played out seemed too convenient (e.g., her friend’s door being unlocked, and Claire was able to enter without being heard).
I did guess who was involved in the mystery, but it did not detract from me continuing to read and find out why.
I liked that Claire was a science teacher. I also thought the animal rescues were a nice addition to the story. Several things included in the story made this book original, such as Korean pop culture references.
Overall, a satisfying mystery and quick read from an author that is new to me.