Emma Lovett leaves her philandering husband and crosses the country to begin her teaching career at a high school in Pinewood, Colorado.There, she meets Leslie Parker, a fellow teacher given to quoting Shakespeare to fit all situations, and the two become fast friends.
Arriving at work early one morning, Emma discovers the body of the school custodian, a man who reminds her of her late father. … late father. When the police struggle to find the killer, the ladies decide to help solve the murder. Their efforts lead them to a myriad of suspects: the schizophrenic librarian, the crude football coach, the mysterious social studies teacher, and even Emma’s new love interest.
As Emma Lovett discovers the perils of teaching high school, she and Leslie learn more than they ever wanted to know about the reasons people kill.
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Leaving the South & heading north English teacher Emma finds a body of another school employee just a few days after arriving in Pinewood, Colorado. Along with her friend Leslie, they work to try and solve the murder mystery. Some Twists, some turns, love the characters. It was an enjoyable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a fun cozy and fantastic start to the Chalkboard Outlines series with a great cast of characters and a well-executed mystery that immediately captivated me and kept me glued to the book from start to finish. I felt an immediate connection to Emma Lovett who begins her teaching career at Thomas Jefferson High School in Pinewood, Colorado and loved her southern charm and dynamic with the other characters especially Leslie Parker, head of the English Department who becomes her friend and fellow sleuth when the school janitor is found dead. If you enjoy smartly written must-solve mysteries, you will love “Death by Diploma” by gifted author Kelley Kaye. I received an advance reader copy of this book from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Teachers never have it easy but to be a first time teacher and find a dead body, well that could make anyone question their career choice!
This is the first in a new series set in Colorado and featuring a transplanted Southern woman named Emma and her new found friend and fellow teacher, Leslie, who quotes Shakespeare at every turn. I found their interactions witty but also had to shake my head at some of their actions since it put them into danger more often than not. There is a budding romance for Emma with a coach from the school, Hunter. Leslie has something happening romantically in her life but we don’t know much about the other party yet.
The mystery is very well written and I never suspected the killer. I honestly didn’t know who to suspect and looking back I don’t recall any clues that just stood out that pointed one direction or another.
There is also a little bit of sadness when we learn who Melvin (the murder victim) left behind and didn’t know how close he was to the love of his life. I enjoyed how this story unfolded, sadly after the fact. But it explains so much!
The only thing I didn’t like was using “ahm” or something similar to represent Emma’s southern drawl. After the first few times to illustrate her drawl I think it could have been left out since I was putting the accent in my head anyway!
We give this first in a new series 4 paws up.
Emma has just moved to Pinewood, Colorado to begin her teaching career. She instantly becomes good friends with Leslie, another teacher at her school.
Being a bit nervous about her first week of school, Emma has trouble sleeping and decides to go in to the school during the early morning hours to get a head start on her day. When she gets to the offices to check her mail, she sees Melvin, the janitor sprawled on the floor. Someone has used a paperweight to kill him.
Leslie has a past with Carl, the town detective. The two of them had dated when they were in high school. Leslie doesn’t have a high opinion of Carl. As Emma was the one that found the body, Leslie convinces her that they should do some investigating on their own. Together, they are able to put the pieces together to solve the mystery.
The book was a fun read and it was refreshing to read a teacher-centered cozy mystery. The characters are well-developed and full of snark and sass. Plenty of comedic scenarios in this tragic tale. It does not surprise me that the author is a former school teacher.
I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
This book was amazing, a page-turner to rival any best seller out there today! the characters and story are so well developed. This book was excellent! Twists and turns, plenty of drama and intrigue, Wonderfully written interactive plots that will certainly keep your attention from page one through to the end. You’ll find yourself saying, just one more chapter, then the next thing you know you’ve been up all night! This action-packed novel certainly needs to be on your list of books that need reading! So pick up this fun cozy mystery and get ready to enjoy your newest favourite book!
I received an ARC of this book from Booksirens and am delighted to provide my unbiased, unsolicited, and honest review.
Who is Mickey? Why is Marlena writing Mickey? Who is Melvin? Where does he work? What does he do for a living? When Melvin investigates something odd at his place of employment, what happens? Who is Emma? Where do we find her? Where is she located geographically? Oh goodness, I sort of am amused with Edward, but appalled at the same time. What things happen to Emma? Who is Hunter? What do we learn about him? Who is Marlena? What do we learn? Holy smokes! I was stunned as to who was behind the murders and everything else that happened. So worth the read!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Booksirens FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
What a crazy Cozy Mystery! Ms. Kaye’s delightful satirical prose is spot on, folks. Great characters, great mystery, great weekend read. Thank you Kelley.