Where Is Your Bookmark: My Bookish Mewsings on Schooled in Murder & Other Friday Fun

This week I finished reading Victoria Gilbert's Schooled in Murder and wanted to share my thoughts on the book along with a of couple excerpts with you. 

Along with this mini review, I am linking to both Book Beginnings, a meme in which readers share the first sentence of a book they are reading, hosted by Gillion of Rose City Reader and First Line Friday hosted by Carrie of Reading is My Super Power, as well as Friday 56 hosted by Anne of My Head is Full of Books, in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading.  

I stumbled over several things in my thirty-two years of life, including my words and a few relationships, but never a dead body. [opening of Schooled in Murder]

               ★                    

Zach’s expression grew stony. “You’re still going to pursue that, despite the threats?” 

I looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Of course. Why else would I be here?” [excerpt from 56% of Schooled in Murder]

Schooled in Murder (Campus Sleuth Mystery #1) by Victoria Albert

Berkley, 2025; 304 pgs  

Mystery/Cozy

Source: The publisher via NetGalley

My thoughts: I read and enjoyed the first book in Victoria Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library cozy mysteries, which I understand has a connection to this new series. Not having read more of that series didn’t stop me from enjoying Schooled in Murder, and I don’t really think reading one before the other is necessary. This new series is set around Virginia’s Clarion University, featuring mystery writer Jennifer Dalton who heads up the university’s writing center. She also happens to be a published mystery author, whose knowledge comes in handy when she decides to help clear the name of a student accused of murdering a professor on campus. Jenn teams up with her friend, Brianna, the school librarian, and Christine, a cafeteria manager, as well as the university’s psychologist, Zach Flynn, to solve the crime. Jenn and her co-amateur sleuths come up with a list of suspects, all of whom have various motives for wanting the professor dead. The investigation becomes even more complicated when another body is found, with everyone wondering if it is another murder or just an accident. There’s also the fact that someone doesn’t like that Jenn is sticking her nose where they don’t think it belongs. 

Schooled in Murder was an enjoyable cozy mystery with an interesting cast of characters. While not exactly trained in investigations, Jenn’s long standing mystery book series gives her a slight edge in knowing what to look for in their real life murder mystery she and her friends are now investigating. I really liked the inclusion of a cafeteria manager sidekick. She can provide a different perspective, not to mention may be able to get information others aren’t able to given how people seem to overlook those in service positions like hers. Despite there being plenty of suspects, Jenn never lost sight of the possibility that Mia, the student accused of the murder, could still be the killer, even if she didn’t want it to be true. I thought that was smart on Jenn’s part, trying to stay objective while acknowledging her own bias. She wasn’t without her blind spots though. I cannot say too much about the mystery itself without risk of spoiling the whodunit, but I will say there were aspects of the mystery that seemed pretty obvious, and I couldn’t help but wonder if the author did that on purpose. There’s something meta about a mystery author writing a mystery with a protagonist who is also a mystery writer.  

There is a thread of romance in the novel, which was well played. What starts out seeming to be annoyance with each other subtlety takes a more teasing note as the novel progresses, so when Jenn finally acknowledges her attraction to Zach, it comes naturally. The mystery was solid and had some tense moments. The university setting was a great backdrop for this story, touching on literary snobbery, misogyny, and a bit of academic politics.  I found it to be an entertaining read all around. I look forward to seeing what direction Victoria Gilbert takes the series next. (And maybe I should continue with the Blue Ridge Library cozy mysteries in the meantime!)

Does this sound like something you would enjoy? If you have read it, what did you think? 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. It is hosted by Linda Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell and Jen from That’s What I’m Talking About. Join in by answering this week's question in the comments or on your own blog.

What book have you most recently re-read? Did your opinion of the book change?

I re-read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver in December to refresh my memory for a book club meeting that was held this month. I had initially read the hardcover version of the book over the summer and decided to revisit the story via audiobook the second time around. It’s the first time I have re-read a book in the same year (at least one that wasn’t a children’s book). I loved it both times.

I am close to finishing re-reading On the Edge by Ilona Andrews for Anne’s COYER Ilona Andrews' Edge and Inn Keeper read-a-long. I was not as smitten with On the Edge as I had been with the Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews, but I did enjoy it the first time around. It is not a book I likely would have picked to re-read had it not been for the read-along. But since the first time I read it was in 2010, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to refresh my memory. Surprisingly, I remember quite a bit of it! My opinion of the novel so far hasn’t changed too much, although I find myself more critical of some aspects and yet admiring the world building a little more.

Are you a re-reader? What was the most recent book you re-read? 

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Have you participated in Sheila’s FIRST BOOK OF THE YEAR? [submitted by Submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver’s Review]

I did not this year, but I have in the past, including convincing my husband and daughter to join in a couple of years in a row and even my mom one year. Sharing with other readers what book we plan to read first in the new year is a fun tradition to be a part of. I love seeing what books everyone else starts the year off with! 

Do you participate in the First Book of the Year event? What was your first book of the year?

 I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

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