What do you think?
Rate this book
Murder by the Book
Near a small college campus, a student is found strangled in an abandoned barn on the outskirts of town. She's been posed to look like a painting of Ophelia from Shakespeare's Hamlet, the scene taunting the police with messages that they don't understand. Detective Ian Carter is known as a straitlaced cop, but seeing the girl's body leaves him shaken and uncertain of where to turn—until a chance meeting with a charmingly awkward literature professor ends with her accidentally seeing, and solving, a clue left by the killer.
Professor Emma Reilly knows that the books she loves might hold the key to unraveling the killer's crimes now that a second murder has been discovered, with the victim posed as the Lady of Shalott this time. However, when the murderer strikes too close to home and kills a third student, one from Emma’s classes, she realizes that the safety of her insular life might be nothing more than an illusion. She must find the strength to confront a killer who is turning the stories she loves into lurid scenes of death.
Amie Schaumberg has crafted a smart, thrilling and utterly compelling mystery that will have you trying to figure out whodunit right up until the end.
Professor Emma Reilly knows that the books she loves might hold the key to unraveling the killer's crimes now that a second murder has been discovered, with the victim posed as the Lady of Shalott this time. However, when the murderer strikes too close to home and kills a third student, one from Emma’s classes, she realizes that the safety of her insular life might be nothing more than an illusion. She must find the strength to confront a killer who is turning the stories she loves into lurid scenes of death.
Amie Schaumberg has crafted a smart, thrilling and utterly compelling mystery that will have you trying to figure out whodunit right up until the end.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2025
36 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 20, 2025
✰ 2.5 stars ✰
A serial killer who is targeting his female victims by following each of his Murder by the Book would make for an interesting premise. Drawing inspiration literally from literary folklore from Shakespeare to medieval romances, it is enough to send chills down one's spine for the intricate and meticulous care he derives from capturing the most authentic portrayal to his poor victims. 😥 Maybe that's where it failed to draw a real twinge in my heart; for the lack of knowledge I possessed in finding the significant relevance to each point made it a weak murder mystery for me to be engaged with.
“The paintings, the quotes, the clues . . . it can’t be random...”
Not that I don't applaud the author's efforts of providing such rich analysis into finding the parallels to the murderer's motives to each artistic work that it captured. It was written with a lot of heart and enthusiasm; albeit at times, it went over my head. 😔 I felt like I wasn't smart enough to be part of the club by piecing together what the clues laid out had to offer! And as a reader, it felt like I was on the receiving end of a literary discussion rather than trying to figure out who the culprit was.
Which, to be brutally honest - left little imagination to who it actually was. Disregarding the efforts Emma and her cohorts went through to analyze each meaning behind the intent - as a reader, it was too easy. How many times do I have to repeat myself till it finally makes sense!? If you have such a meager number of suspects, it makes it so very obvious and easy to strike off each choice before you know without doubt who it was. Here - it was too on the nose to even be worth the struggle of figuring it out. 😮💨
“I’ve spent my life reading and learning and teaching exactly this. And you know what? I’m not going to quit, and I’m not going to break.”
The dual perspective between thirty-five-year-old Detective Ian and thirty-three-year-old English professor Emma was well done; the author built up their respective backgrounds and personalities well and they were likable characters, too. 👍🏻 Although I was slightly annoyed with how persistent Emma was in wanting to be a part of the investigation, even if she did provide the most helpful insight. He was only looking out for her; but her amateur sleuth skills certainly did shine on more than one occasion. But, I never felt the stakes rise - even when they did; even when their paths crossed, I was never really feeling the tension. 😞
Ah, it's marketed as cozy - I swear that wasn't there before! 😣 That makes sense now! Had I known or seen it, I probably would not have been slightly miffed by the group of intellects gathered together to solve it alongside Emma - 'the feeling of acceptance and comradery. But it was the challenge, the puzzle—the game.' Playing detective felt a bit too light-hearted for me, but knowing that it was meant to be - I'm sure others will appreciate that vibe. And as for a thriller - ah, very faint; I really did not feel any of the suspense or danger, despite there being danger. It's heartbreaking. But, when I think about it, it does have just the slightest potential to be a spin-off series, so who knows? 🕵🏻♀️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“Can we, the readers, trust what we are being told?”
A serial killer who is targeting his female victims by following each of his Murder by the Book would make for an interesting premise. Drawing inspiration literally from literary folklore from Shakespeare to medieval romances, it is enough to send chills down one's spine for the intricate and meticulous care he derives from capturing the most authentic portrayal to his poor victims. 😥 Maybe that's where it failed to draw a real twinge in my heart; for the lack of knowledge I possessed in finding the significant relevance to each point made it a weak murder mystery for me to be engaged with.
“The paintings, the quotes, the clues . . . it can’t be random...”
Not that I don't applaud the author's efforts of providing such rich analysis into finding the parallels to the murderer's motives to each artistic work that it captured. It was written with a lot of heart and enthusiasm; albeit at times, it went over my head. 😔 I felt like I wasn't smart enough to be part of the club by piecing together what the clues laid out had to offer! And as a reader, it felt like I was on the receiving end of a literary discussion rather than trying to figure out who the culprit was.
Which, to be brutally honest - left little imagination to who it actually was. Disregarding the efforts Emma and her cohorts went through to analyze each meaning behind the intent - as a reader, it was too easy. How many times do I have to repeat myself till it finally makes sense!? If you have such a meager number of suspects, it makes it so very obvious and easy to strike off each choice before you know without doubt who it was. Here - it was too on the nose to even be worth the struggle of figuring it out. 😮💨
“I’ve spent my life reading and learning and teaching exactly this. And you know what? I’m not going to quit, and I’m not going to break.”
The dual perspective between thirty-five-year-old Detective Ian and thirty-three-year-old English professor Emma was well done; the author built up their respective backgrounds and personalities well and they were likable characters, too. 👍🏻 Although I was slightly annoyed with how persistent Emma was in wanting to be a part of the investigation, even if she did provide the most helpful insight. He was only looking out for her; but her amateur sleuth skills certainly did shine on more than one occasion. But, I never felt the stakes rise - even when they did; even when their paths crossed, I was never really feeling the tension. 😞
Ah, it's marketed as cozy - I swear that wasn't there before! 😣 That makes sense now! Had I known or seen it, I probably would not have been slightly miffed by the group of intellects gathered together to solve it alongside Emma - 'the feeling of acceptance and comradery. But it was the challenge, the puzzle—the game.' Playing detective felt a bit too light-hearted for me, but knowing that it was meant to be - I'm sure others will appreciate that vibe. And as for a thriller - ah, very faint; I really did not feel any of the suspense or danger, despite there being danger. It's heartbreaking. But, when I think about it, it does have just the slightest potential to be a spin-off series, so who knows? 🕵🏻♀️
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2025
This book!! Omg. What an amazing debut novel. I basically finished this in one sitting, only had 13% left when I stopped and then picked it back up a little later when my phone + earphones charged. I was hooked from the very start. I love myself a good murder-mystery/thriller.
Bodies start popping up in a small college town and they're posed as how multiple works of art that are pieces of literature.
A detective (Ian/Detective Carter) and a professor (Emma) go on a date, they're still his apartment for dinner and he accidentally left case photos on his coffee table. She sees them and pieces together what he and the police couldn't. Ian doesnt want her near the case but now that Emma seen the photos, and she can't forget, won't give up.
This book was amazing, it was a fun, cozy read and none of it felt rushed or forced.
I think the one thing I do wish was different was that I had hoped it would be Ian and Emma solving it together, not a group project like it actually was.
It's rare that recently I finish an audiobook in one day, I finished this I a couple hours and it was great.
I would gladly read anything else by Amie Schaumberg is she writes and publishes more books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an audiobook copy of this arc!
Bodies start popping up in a small college town and they're posed as how multiple works of art that are pieces of literature.
A detective (Ian/Detective Carter) and a professor (Emma) go on a date, they're still his apartment for dinner and he accidentally left case photos on his coffee table. She sees them and pieces together what he and the police couldn't. Ian doesnt want her near the case but now that Emma seen the photos, and she can't forget, won't give up.
This book was amazing, it was a fun, cozy read and none of it felt rushed or forced.
I think the one thing I do wish was different was that I had hoped it would be Ian and Emma solving it together, not a group project like it actually was.
It's rare that recently I finish an audiobook in one day, I finished this I a couple hours and it was great.
I would gladly read anything else by Amie Schaumberg is she writes and publishes more books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an audiobook copy of this arc!
September 1, 2025
3,5*
Netālu no universitātes pilsētiņas norisinās noziegumu sērija, kurā upuri atgādina tēlus no slaveniem literāriem darbiem, piemēram, Šekspīra Ofēlija un Tenisona Lēdija Elena. Viegls, izklaidējošs romāns, bez lieliem sižeta pavērsieniem, tomēr pietiekoši saistošs. Pluss, dažu literāro darbu un mākslas darbu analīze (autore pati ir literatūrzinātniece). Mīnuss - čīkstīga galvenā varone.
Netālu no universitātes pilsētiņas norisinās noziegumu sērija, kurā upuri atgādina tēlus no slaveniem literāriem darbiem, piemēram, Šekspīra Ofēlija un Tenisona Lēdija Elena. Viegls, izklaidējošs romāns, bez lieliem sižeta pavērsieniem, tomēr pietiekoši saistošs. Pluss, dažu literāro darbu un mākslas darbu analīze (autore pati ir literatūrzinātniece). Mīnuss - čīkstīga galvenā varone.
August 9, 2025
It sounds ironic to complain about the melodrama of the FMC in a story that borrows from tragedies, but Emma is one of the most irritating characters I've come across. Sometimes an unlikable character is good because you love hating them, and sometimes their brand of unlikability is necessary for the plot/situations. And then there's Emma. Her unlikability is just grating. In real life she wouldn't just be socially awkward, she would repel, not just from long term relationships but from any level of involvement. She's a scholar and yet she acts like a teenager with a large vocabulary.
We spent, what was it? The first 2/3 of the book listening to Emma throw tantrum after tantrum about needing to be involved in the case, arguing that she could handle the violence and brutality, and then the last 1/3 she's wailing because she's traumatized. The romance was invisible to my eyes and I just thought they were both being a'holes. Match made in heaven? No. Keep these two apart so they don't multiply.
Did I see the story through? Yes. Was I invested in the outcome? Somewhat. Was the reveal surprising? Nope.
We spent, what was it? The first 2/3 of the book listening to Emma throw tantrum after tantrum about needing to be involved in the case, arguing that she could handle the violence and brutality, and then the last 1/3 she's wailing because she's traumatized. The romance was invisible to my eyes and I just thought they were both being a'holes. Match made in heaven? No. Keep these two apart so they don't multiply.
Did I see the story through? Yes. Was I invested in the outcome? Somewhat. Was the reveal surprising? Nope.
August 12, 2025
Thank you MIRA/Harlequin Press for the ARC!
Okay so this is going to be a VERY niche thriller. And fortunately for me, it is EXACTLY my niche.
A murderer who is staging his victims and crime scenes to mimic famous works of art based on some of my favorite pieces of literature? Hamlet and Ophelia being a central part to the story?? Jane Eyre? The Lady of Shallot?? If there was ever a thriller written for me and my classic literature loving heart, it's this one!!
....being said, if you're not a fan of classic literature, academia, or general "stuffyness," you won't have nearly as good of a time as I did. But alas, I am Emma, she is me, and therefore I had a BLAST. Sure, I predicted the ending within the first 30 pages--I read a lot of thrillers. But the ride to get there was great, and we get quite a band of characters. Where else would you get a college dean and art professor, literature professor, psychologist, admin assistant, and newspaper intern working together to try to solve a crime because the police think you're all useless and can't help? When, in fact, the POLICE are useless, which is true to life! Life truly imitates art with this book (see what I did there?)
This is dual POV and it does change POVs at the start of a new chapter, but there's no delineation of who's POV you're getting. Even though it generally switches every chapter and there are only two POVs, I think it would have been nice to have a heading about whose POV you're in at the start of the chapter.
I do wish we got more of Emma's students in the book as well--she's a professor and while it makes sense that they sort of vanish for the last half of the book, it also felt really random that they were super prevalent in the beginning and then were just never mentioned again. The other small thing that bothered me was Ian's ending to the story--it's an incredibly unrealistic way for that to have played out and ended, and made me roll my eyes. It pulled me out of the story and almost made me stop caring with like, 2 chapters left. Which is SUCH a bummer because I really loved the last chapter and the way the story ended. But how things resolved for him after everything really bothered me and almost took away from Emma's resolution which I LOVED.
If you're an academia nerd (particularly and art history and/or English Literature nerd), you're going to love this! And we should also be friends.
Okay so this is going to be a VERY niche thriller. And fortunately for me, it is EXACTLY my niche.
A murderer who is staging his victims and crime scenes to mimic famous works of art based on some of my favorite pieces of literature? Hamlet and Ophelia being a central part to the story?? Jane Eyre? The Lady of Shallot?? If there was ever a thriller written for me and my classic literature loving heart, it's this one!!
....being said, if you're not a fan of classic literature, academia, or general "stuffyness," you won't have nearly as good of a time as I did. But alas, I am Emma, she is me, and therefore I had a BLAST. Sure, I predicted the ending within the first 30 pages--I read a lot of thrillers. But the ride to get there was great, and we get quite a band of characters. Where else would you get a college dean and art professor, literature professor, psychologist, admin assistant, and newspaper intern working together to try to solve a crime because the police think you're all useless and can't help? When, in fact, the POLICE are useless, which is true to life! Life truly imitates art with this book (see what I did there?)
This is dual POV and it does change POVs at the start of a new chapter, but there's no delineation of who's POV you're getting. Even though it generally switches every chapter and there are only two POVs, I think it would have been nice to have a heading about whose POV you're in at the start of the chapter.
I do wish we got more of Emma's students in the book as well--she's a professor and while it makes sense that they sort of vanish for the last half of the book, it also felt really random that they were super prevalent in the beginning and then were just never mentioned again. The other small thing that bothered me was Ian's ending to the story--it's an incredibly unrealistic way for that to have played out and ended, and made me roll my eyes. It pulled me out of the story and almost made me stop caring with like, 2 chapters left. Which is SUCH a bummer because I really loved the last chapter and the way the story ended. But how things resolved for him after everything really bothered me and almost took away from Emma's resolution which I LOVED.
If you're an academia nerd (particularly and art history and/or English Literature nerd), you're going to love this! And we should also be friends.
August 15, 2025
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin audio for this ARC copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t really read synopsis’s so I wasn’t totally sure what the book was about, but it caught on quickly.
(Not sure if any of this is spoiler-y, since it’s a mystery. So if you don’t want ANY spoilers based on opinions, close this review out lol)
I was trying to figure out who the culprit was the whole time and I am happy to say I was right. I knew early on but not because the author made it obvious. She did really well with the mystery, but I loved the context clues. I loved how parts of the book were mirrored in the texts of other books mentioned.
My ONLY thing that bothered me was that one of the characters mentioned that The UK pavilion was in disneyLAND, which is inaccurate. I thought it would be a plot point but it wasn’t.
Overall I really liked this concept. It made me want to read more Shakespeare lol.
I did t want to put it down. I had to find out what was going on. Also, I feel like the main character had some neurospicy tendencies which was cool. It didn’t seem overdone. I actually felt seen.
I really enjoyed this book. I don’t really read synopsis’s so I wasn’t totally sure what the book was about, but it caught on quickly.
(Not sure if any of this is spoiler-y, since it’s a mystery. So if you don’t want ANY spoilers based on opinions, close this review out lol)
I was trying to figure out who the culprit was the whole time and I am happy to say I was right. I knew early on but not because the author made it obvious. She did really well with the mystery, but I loved the context clues. I loved how parts of the book were mirrored in the texts of other books mentioned.
My ONLY thing that bothered me was that one of the characters mentioned that The UK pavilion was in disneyLAND, which is inaccurate. I thought it would be a plot point but it wasn’t.
Overall I really liked this concept. It made me want to read more Shakespeare lol.
I did t want to put it down. I had to find out what was going on. Also, I feel like the main character had some neurospicy tendencies which was cool. It didn’t seem overdone. I actually felt seen.
August 31, 2025
While I always enjoy books that draw upon literary and Shakespearean allusions, this fell short of my expectations. Sure, there were a few that were then beaten into the ground, but they also proved amateurish and simplistic in their application.
Dr. Emma Reilly, the socially awkward literature professor was thoroughly unlikeable as she was either pedantically talking down to those around her-while apologizing for doing so, acting hysterically melodramatic, or petulantly sulking when denied her way.In comparison,her clearly intended slow-building love interest, homicide detective Ian Carter only knows how to act insubordinately, throw punches, quote randomly from Noir Pulp (see, he's no illiterate)or take long pulls on beers of which he's got a seemingly endless supply. Perhaps his continual simpering around the professor to stay in her good graces is supposed to make him endearing, but instead, he struck me as an insecure emo loser.
As if this isn't bad enough, the real culprit is glaringly revealed in the earliest chapters, but then somehow remains a mystery in a bloated storyline that gained little traction beyond its wordless page count.Unrelatable characters, a weak plot, and poor editing all contributed to a book that-in a sense- was murder.
Dr. Emma Reilly, the socially awkward literature professor was thoroughly unlikeable as she was either pedantically talking down to those around her-while apologizing for doing so, acting hysterically melodramatic, or petulantly sulking when denied her way.In comparison,her clearly intended slow-building love interest, homicide detective Ian Carter only knows how to act insubordinately, throw punches, quote randomly from Noir Pulp (see, he's no illiterate)or take long pulls on beers of which he's got a seemingly endless supply. Perhaps his continual simpering around the professor to stay in her good graces is supposed to make him endearing, but instead, he struck me as an insecure emo loser.
As if this isn't bad enough, the real culprit is glaringly revealed in the earliest chapters, but then somehow remains a mystery in a bloated storyline that gained little traction beyond its wordless page count.Unrelatable characters, a weak plot, and poor editing all contributed to a book that-in a sense- was murder.
Read
September 2, 2025Literature professor Emma Reilly is invited to a first date at homicide detective Ian Carter's house. While waiting for Ian to complete dinner, Emma stumbles upon some crime scene photos from an active homicide investigation and immediately recognizes that the victim is posed as Ophelia from William Shakespeare's Hamlet. She begins to realize that the killer is sending messages through literary symbolism. Ian will not allow Emma to participate in the investigation. But, when another victim is found, Emma takes the situation into her own hands.
This book was cover-to-cover fun for a murder mystery and literature lover! Amie Schaumberg took the easy-reading, super-fun murder mystery novel and added haunting and intelligent literary references. She explores how so many of the stories that define classic literature utilize murder and death of women as defining plot points. Truly, so many famous works of literature detail the cruelty of humans to one another. She explores the frequent use of iconography in literature and art. I found these aspects of the novel fascinating! Emma is a female literary-focused Robert Langdon!
The prose was a delight to read. The murder scenes were intricately described without being overly graphic or scary. The suspense in this novel was unrelenting. I did find the plot to be a bit predictable. But, the characters were infinitely likeable and the plot infinitely compelling. I had so much fun trying to piece together references to famous scenes in literature. I really enjoyed the challenge. I cannot wait to give copies of this novel to my murder mystery loving literary friends!
This book was cover-to-cover fun for a murder mystery and literature lover! Amie Schaumberg took the easy-reading, super-fun murder mystery novel and added haunting and intelligent literary references. She explores how so many of the stories that define classic literature utilize murder and death of women as defining plot points. Truly, so many famous works of literature detail the cruelty of humans to one another. She explores the frequent use of iconography in literature and art. I found these aspects of the novel fascinating! Emma is a female literary-focused Robert Langdon!
The prose was a delight to read. The murder scenes were intricately described without being overly graphic or scary. The suspense in this novel was unrelenting. I did find the plot to be a bit predictable. But, the characters were infinitely likeable and the plot infinitely compelling. I had so much fun trying to piece together references to famous scenes in literature. I really enjoyed the challenge. I cannot wait to give copies of this novel to my murder mystery loving literary friends!
August 4, 2025
3.5/5 rounded up!
A cozy thriller if you're looking for something quick to read.
Emma is a a literature professor with a deep interest in Shakespeare, Ian is a detective assigned to a case where the Murderer is posing its victims like Shakespearean scenes. When Emma accidentally gets wrapped up in the case, she becomes a key player in catching the murder - much to Ian's dismay.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book for what it was. It wasn't a super gritty murder mystery in terms of plot and the characters were really the main focus. I enjoyed the not so subtle romance between Emma and Ian and how that effected the murder case. Emma, with her brain gremlins that won't let go, was likeable in the fact that she was so knowledgable. It was interesting to see how she connected the stores to the crime scenes. It was very Robert Langdon, if you know what I mean. I actually wanted more from Ian, they kept referencing an old case he was tied too but didn't build too much on why it was effecting his relationship with Emma. I really felt that would have made the storyline a little more compelling.
The cast of characters is pretty limited, so I do feel like I called the murderer from the get go - but that didn't take away from the story as I wanted to still learn the big reveal. In a lot of cases I feel like books could be shorter, but I actually wanted this one a little bit longer to really flesh out certain plot points.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and The Hive for an eARC. All thoughts are honest and my own.
A cozy thriller if you're looking for something quick to read.
Emma is a a literature professor with a deep interest in Shakespeare, Ian is a detective assigned to a case where the Murderer is posing its victims like Shakespearean scenes. When Emma accidentally gets wrapped up in the case, she becomes a key player in catching the murder - much to Ian's dismay.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this book for what it was. It wasn't a super gritty murder mystery in terms of plot and the characters were really the main focus. I enjoyed the not so subtle romance between Emma and Ian and how that effected the murder case. Emma, with her brain gremlins that won't let go, was likeable in the fact that she was so knowledgable. It was interesting to see how she connected the stores to the crime scenes. It was very Robert Langdon, if you know what I mean. I actually wanted more from Ian, they kept referencing an old case he was tied too but didn't build too much on why it was effecting his relationship with Emma. I really felt that would have made the storyline a little more compelling.
The cast of characters is pretty limited, so I do feel like I called the murderer from the get go - but that didn't take away from the story as I wanted to still learn the big reveal. In a lot of cases I feel like books could be shorter, but I actually wanted this one a little bit longer to really flesh out certain plot points.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing and The Hive for an eARC. All thoughts are honest and my own.
August 7, 2025
(Thank you Harlequin Audio and Netgalley for gifting me the Advance Listener Copy)
Murder By The Book by Amie Schaumberg is a murder mystery/thriller inspired by Shakespeare stories. A murder strikes a small town, and the victim is posed to look like Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Professor Emma Reilly, after accidentally seeing something she wasn’t supposed to, begins to try and solve the murder with her ragtag group of professors, all who are obsessed with literature. Detective Ian Carter tries to stop her from being involved and solve the murder at the same time, and thus begins an intense game to catch the killer and make it out alive.
What I really liked about this story is that Schaumberg subscribes to the theory that literature interpretation is both objective and subjective. There are things the author is clearly trying to tell us, but also the way we interpret that is conditioned on our life experiences. The only way the professor was able to realize what was happening is because she has been trained to engage critically with the text and art, something that the detective lacks. This story emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and training oneself to engage with what you are consuming…because you never know, you may be needed to solve a serial killer.
Murder By The Book by Amie Schaumberg is a murder mystery/thriller inspired by Shakespeare stories. A murder strikes a small town, and the victim is posed to look like Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Professor Emma Reilly, after accidentally seeing something she wasn’t supposed to, begins to try and solve the murder with her ragtag group of professors, all who are obsessed with literature. Detective Ian Carter tries to stop her from being involved and solve the murder at the same time, and thus begins an intense game to catch the killer and make it out alive.
What I really liked about this story is that Schaumberg subscribes to the theory that literature interpretation is both objective and subjective. There are things the author is clearly trying to tell us, but also the way we interpret that is conditioned on our life experiences. The only way the professor was able to realize what was happening is because she has been trained to engage critically with the text and art, something that the detective lacks. This story emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and training oneself to engage with what you are consuming…because you never know, you may be needed to solve a serial killer.
July 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Murder by the Book by Amie Schaumberg
I listened to the ALC of this one and really enjoyed it! I don’t usually read a ton of thrillers, so I don’t have a ton to compare it to—but this one had me hooked right from the start, and I ended up finishing it in just two days!
If you love a good murder mystery and have an appreciation for classic literature, this is such a fun combination of both. It kept the suspense going without ever feeling too heavy, and the audiobook format made it even more engaging.
The only thing I’ll say (and it’s not even a bad thing!) is that I did see the final twist coming—but maybe that’s just because I watch way too many crime shows and listen to too many true crime podcasts 😅 Either way, it was a super satisfying read!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
Murder by the Book by Amie Schaumberg
I listened to the ALC of this one and really enjoyed it! I don’t usually read a ton of thrillers, so I don’t have a ton to compare it to—but this one had me hooked right from the start, and I ended up finishing it in just two days!
If you love a good murder mystery and have an appreciation for classic literature, this is such a fun combination of both. It kept the suspense going without ever feeling too heavy, and the audiobook format made it even more engaging.
The only thing I’ll say (and it’s not even a bad thing!) is that I did see the final twist coming—but maybe that’s just because I watch way too many crime shows and listen to too many true crime podcasts 😅 Either way, it was a super satisfying read!
Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC of this book!
September 5, 2025
This book had a very captivating premise, but the delivery lacked quite a bit. I was hooked with the prologue and while the mystery aspect was engaging enough to hold my attention, the rest of the book was a bit of a mess. For one, there were way too many characters to keep track of. I switched between audio and and e-book hoping it would help but it did not. The narration also wasn't the best. I think this one might have benefited from a full cast or at least dual narration (even though there was no distinction between POVs) to break up the monotony of the reading. I was so confused by the end of the book that I was just glad it was over. The mystery revelation took too long, the author kept running us around in circles and when the final reveal came through, I just didn't get it anymore. This might be great for someone who enjoys a heavily casted mystery, but not for me.
August 19, 2025
~ Rating 3.5 (rounded down)
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Mystery
*Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a very fun mystery. I had a great time following Ian and Emma on the journey of finding the serial killer.
With Emma’s advanced knowledge in Shakespeare, she quickly becomes fixated on how to catch the killer who is posing his victims to re-enact many moments from Shakespeare’s work. I was pleasantly surprised to see this story take a different direction than what I was expecting.
The narrator did a great job of bringing a voice to Emma’s character. Especially the difficult moments of her arguing and standing up for her insight into the killer's love for art. I was thrown off a little by 4 grown adults playing Nancy Drew, but I learned to love the dynamic that the group brought to understanding the killer.
Format: Audiobook
Genre: Mystery
*Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for providing this ALC in exchange for an honest review. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a very fun mystery. I had a great time following Ian and Emma on the journey of finding the serial killer.
With Emma’s advanced knowledge in Shakespeare, she quickly becomes fixated on how to catch the killer who is posing his victims to re-enact many moments from Shakespeare’s work. I was pleasantly surprised to see this story take a different direction than what I was expecting.
The narrator did a great job of bringing a voice to Emma’s character. Especially the difficult moments of her arguing and standing up for her insight into the killer's love for art. I was thrown off a little by 4 grown adults playing Nancy Drew, but I learned to love the dynamic that the group brought to understanding the killer.
August 26, 2025
Murder by the book by Amie Schaumberg published by Mira 352 pg. Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC of this one!
Here we are following a series of murders committed by a killer who is using literary tropes as a framework for murder. I am being very general about my reveal here so as not to spoil anything!
The audio quality was good. I did have an issue with the narrator. Whenever she spoke in the male voice she sounded just like Mara from the Progressive commercials. It took me out of the story.
This is a largely plot driven story with fairly bog standard characters who seemed somewhat plug and play.
The twists were well executed and I think readers of Frieda Mcfadden or Ruth Ware would enjoy this. Three of out of five stars for me.
Here we are following a series of murders committed by a killer who is using literary tropes as a framework for murder. I am being very general about my reveal here so as not to spoil anything!
The audio quality was good. I did have an issue with the narrator. Whenever she spoke in the male voice she sounded just like Mara from the Progressive commercials. It took me out of the story.
This is a largely plot driven story with fairly bog standard characters who seemed somewhat plug and play.
The twists were well executed and I think readers of Frieda Mcfadden or Ruth Ware would enjoy this. Three of out of five stars for me.
April 5, 2025
The premise of Shakespeare coming to life had me running to this book. I fear this mystery was a bit too cozy for my personal tastes – because there were not many characters to suspect. Professor Reilly is well researched and applies her literary analysis to help catch a killer. Through her analysis we are given the killer’s profile and we learn how these novels play out through murders. I loved the parallels between the novel and detective work. Ultimately, what made this a 3 out of 5 for me was how I felt the foreshadowing lead to us already knowing the identity by the end of the novel. I did not feel surprised but it was still a fun read. Thank you net galley for the advanced copy!
Read more in depth of my review on 4.21 here
https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Read more in depth of my review on 4.21 here
https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
September 6, 2025
I. Freakin. Knew. It!
Totally guessed the killer a while ago but the author really threw me and had me believing it was someone else. I will say the reveal at the end, gave me chills!!! An entire star for that twist. Overall, this was a good mystery especially if you’re a literary person. I was engaged for the majority of the story, there were a few slow points but definitely had me wanting to know more and solve the crimes. The characters felt very real and well developed as did the situations. The setting really took a backseat but it wasn’t integral to my enjoyment. I would recommend this one!
Totally guessed the killer a while ago but the author really threw me and had me believing it was someone else. I will say the reveal at the end, gave me chills!!! An entire star for that twist. Overall, this was a good mystery especially if you’re a literary person. I was engaged for the majority of the story, there were a few slow points but definitely had me wanting to know more and solve the crimes. The characters felt very real and well developed as did the situations. The setting really took a backseat but it wasn’t integral to my enjoyment. I would recommend this one!
August 13, 2025
Spoiler free review: the mystery itself is excellent. The main character's relationship with the detective is bizarre, so much so that I almost didn't finish the book. I'm glad I stuck with it though! JUST rating the mystery, this is a 5/5.
Spoiler FULL review:
~
~
~
~
~
~
Emma sees crime scene photos in the detective Ian's house on their first date, he handles it really well and says "oh my gosh I am so sorry you shouldn't have seen those" and she flips out, for seemingly no reason at all. Is she an expert here? Yes absolutely. Can she help? for sure. But the book even explains that "hey we can't consult random people in this case we have to get an offical consulting expert so that when the case goes to trial the defense can't say we used you because you'd give us the anwsers we want etc etc." Emma doesn't know the girl, but she is insistent that the police aren't doing enough to find the killer and is angry that the detective says "hey don't get involved in this, this is really dangerous, it's my job and I know what I'm doing" and she gets so angry that she leaves. GIRL. This is a murder investigation. You are an English professor. As of yet she has no reason to believe the police aren't doing everything they can, the reaction felt so forced and unrealistic. That conversation was so baffling and annoying that I almost dropped the book.
The story would have been way more interesting if they do the dinner scene, he says "hey seriously, if you help it needs to be through offical channels" and then have the police bring her on officially as a consultant. If that means the cool prof sleuth squad narrative gets messed up, HIRE THEM AS A TEAM! Then you don't have this unnecessary tension of "I'm not a maiden in need of rescue!" and shift it more to Ian feeling conflicted about keeping Emma involved in the case as his feelings for her grow and the killer keeps taking new victims. THAT would feel very satisfying, and you can keep pretty much all the same beats for the rest of the story. Instead of scenes of them fighting, change it to scenes where they grow closer working late nights pouring over the case.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free arc, all opinions are my own.
Spoiler FULL review:
~
~
~
~
~
~
Emma sees crime scene photos in the detective Ian's house on their first date, he handles it really well and says "oh my gosh I am so sorry you shouldn't have seen those" and she flips out, for seemingly no reason at all. Is she an expert here? Yes absolutely. Can she help? for sure. But the book even explains that "hey we can't consult random people in this case we have to get an offical consulting expert so that when the case goes to trial the defense can't say we used you because you'd give us the anwsers we want etc etc." Emma doesn't know the girl, but she is insistent that the police aren't doing enough to find the killer and is angry that the detective says "hey don't get involved in this, this is really dangerous, it's my job and I know what I'm doing" and she gets so angry that she leaves. GIRL. This is a murder investigation. You are an English professor. As of yet she has no reason to believe the police aren't doing everything they can, the reaction felt so forced and unrealistic. That conversation was so baffling and annoying that I almost dropped the book.
The story would have been way more interesting if they do the dinner scene, he says "hey seriously, if you help it needs to be through offical channels" and then have the police bring her on officially as a consultant. If that means the cool prof sleuth squad narrative gets messed up, HIRE THEM AS A TEAM! Then you don't have this unnecessary tension of "I'm not a maiden in need of rescue!" and shift it more to Ian feeling conflicted about keeping Emma involved in the case as his feelings for her grow and the killer keeps taking new victims. THAT would feel very satisfying, and you can keep pretty much all the same beats for the rest of the story. Instead of scenes of them fighting, change it to scenes where they grow closer working late nights pouring over the case.
Thanks to NetGalley for the free arc, all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2025
3.5⭐️
A literary murder with Shakespearean flair… but not quite a standing ovation.
The idea of a serial killer staging murders inspired by classic literature—particularly Shakespeare’s Hamlet—was immediately intriguing to me. As a huge Shakespeare fan, the concept alone gave me chills. The premise is brilliant: a killer mimicking the dark tragedies of theatre’s most iconic works? Deliciously eerie.
Amie Schaumberg’s Murder by the Book is the debut novel, and I have to applaud her creativity and enthusiasm. This story is clearly written with heart, and the literary theme is woven cleverly into the investigation. Schaumberg does a great job bringing academia and mystery together, balancing chilling intrigue with cozy pacing and a lightly teased romance subplot between our heroine Emma and detective Ian.
Emma, as the protagonist, is passionate, intelligent, and deeply entrenched in the world of literature. Her transition from academic to amateur investigator gives her emotional depth and a good deal of narrative presence—even when her persistence starts to feel a bit too “main character syndrome.” Still, her connection to the case is handled well, and her literary insights add a unique dimension to the mystery. I appreciated that the romance didn’t overpower the main plot nor was it awkwardly inputted, and Emma’s strength shone most in unexpected moments.
What I wasn’t quite as sold on: the group dynamics. The inclusion of Emma’s fellow scholars and academic peers as active participants in the investigation felt a bit too much like a group project unraveling a murder mystery. It stretched believability at times, and lessened the tension in key scenes. The cast of characters was also too limited enough that the eventual reveal felt relatively predictable.
From a writing perspective, Schaumberg’s style is intelligent—but occasionally overwritten. There were moments where it felt like the prose had been triple-checked with a thesaurus, which pulled me out of the story. That said, the ideas behind the writing were engaging, especially when they touched on the power of storytelling—how literature can be a tool for brilliance or destruction. There’s a fascinating undertone in this book about how the stories we love can mirror our darkest human instincts.
Narrator Gail Shalan delivered a fantastic performance for the audiobook—measured, emotive, and immersive. Her narration added a lot to the experience.
All in all, Murder by the Book is a solid, thought-provoking debut that will definitely appeal to fans of literary-themed mysteries and classic puzzles. You don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy this one—but if you are, you’ll definitely catch a few chilling extra layers.
My congratulations go out to Amie Schaumberg on her wonderful upcoming debut!
**Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.**
A literary murder with Shakespearean flair… but not quite a standing ovation.
The idea of a serial killer staging murders inspired by classic literature—particularly Shakespeare’s Hamlet—was immediately intriguing to me. As a huge Shakespeare fan, the concept alone gave me chills. The premise is brilliant: a killer mimicking the dark tragedies of theatre’s most iconic works? Deliciously eerie.
Amie Schaumberg’s Murder by the Book is the debut novel, and I have to applaud her creativity and enthusiasm. This story is clearly written with heart, and the literary theme is woven cleverly into the investigation. Schaumberg does a great job bringing academia and mystery together, balancing chilling intrigue with cozy pacing and a lightly teased romance subplot between our heroine Emma and detective Ian.
Emma, as the protagonist, is passionate, intelligent, and deeply entrenched in the world of literature. Her transition from academic to amateur investigator gives her emotional depth and a good deal of narrative presence—even when her persistence starts to feel a bit too “main character syndrome.” Still, her connection to the case is handled well, and her literary insights add a unique dimension to the mystery. I appreciated that the romance didn’t overpower the main plot nor was it awkwardly inputted, and Emma’s strength shone most in unexpected moments.
What I wasn’t quite as sold on: the group dynamics. The inclusion of Emma’s fellow scholars and academic peers as active participants in the investigation felt a bit too much like a group project unraveling a murder mystery. It stretched believability at times, and lessened the tension in key scenes. The cast of characters was also too limited enough that the eventual reveal felt relatively predictable.
From a writing perspective, Schaumberg’s style is intelligent—but occasionally overwritten. There were moments where it felt like the prose had been triple-checked with a thesaurus, which pulled me out of the story. That said, the ideas behind the writing were engaging, especially when they touched on the power of storytelling—how literature can be a tool for brilliance or destruction. There’s a fascinating undertone in this book about how the stories we love can mirror our darkest human instincts.
Narrator Gail Shalan delivered a fantastic performance for the audiobook—measured, emotive, and immersive. Her narration added a lot to the experience.
All in all, Murder by the Book is a solid, thought-provoking debut that will definitely appeal to fans of literary-themed mysteries and classic puzzles. You don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to enjoy this one—but if you are, you’ll definitely catch a few chilling extra layers.
My congratulations go out to Amie Schaumberg on her wonderful upcoming debut!
**Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the advance audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.**
August 15, 2025
Great debut novel! I really enjoyed the Shakespearian aspects of the murders, and also enjoyed the dual POVs of Ian and Emma.
August 8, 2025
First, thanks so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to review, but I have to give an honest review even so, so here we go. I hate that this one is getting the review that it is, and I am promising here to try and pick this back up as a physical copy, because one huge reason for this is the narrator, but in general I could not make it more than 5 chapters into this book. First, within the first five chapters the “grizzled” small town cop (who is not much more than that exact trope a la Broadchurch and so many other tortured I work alone and am haunted by my past but also I am just a simple blue collar dude kind of guy) has used the phrase “banal human cruelty” and then waxes poetic about the blue grey color of the victim’s skin. I cannot with that. The female protagonist is again a caricature of the frazzled academic who is afraid of the world and too into books, to the point where her inner dialogue uses the word “sonorous.” Now, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against a protagonist being purposefully pedantic, but since it is both characters and is done with so little subtlety, I have so think that this is the author going for a style, and it is one that I cannot get on board with. Tie that in with the narrator’s ridiculous overemphasis on fricatives and sibilants, you end up with a bad 50s noire detective novel that reads almost like a parody, but takes itself way too seriously to actually be meant as a parody. This author’s premise is smart and could be held up well with a witty repartee between characters who hit more than one note, and it could easily be a book that does really well in the realm of Paula Hawkins and other thriller writers, but sadly she was failed badly by whoever edited this book and by the audiobook producers. Someone needed to rein this new author in and push her to make her voice sound authentic and unique instead of a complete cliche.
August 2, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the advanced reader copy.
2.5 stars
When a female college student is murdered, Detective Ian Carter is stumped. Not only is there no forensics left behind but the student has been posed like a historic literary character, complete with a Shakespearean quote left behind. Then Ian meets Emma Reilly, a literature professor at the college, whose focus is exactly what Ian might need to help him solve what's becoming a serial killing case, and a potential love interest. But, in an effort to protect her by pushing her away from the details of the case, Ian sends Emma into the arms of a new group of friends (who also work at the college), including her ex-boyfriend, who are all game to try and help the police. The closer Ian and Emma get to finding out who is killing young women, the more danger they both find themselves in.
The premise of this book isn't new but I do enjoy the genre of academic mystery/thriller. MURDER BY THE BOOK has some things going for it: the idea of a killer going through all the trouble to get the details of each posed scene adds layers to what the killer is trying to get across and the setting (a small college town in Oregon) provides good atmosphere and makes some of the plot elements more probable. What didn't work for me was 1) how convoluted the literary elements became, 2) the unbelievability of the relationship between Ian and Emma, and 3) how obvious the killer is.
1) The killer leaves behind quotes from several different literary writers and has posed his victims in ways that correspond. The story spends a lot of time showing how Emma is the key to finding out why the murders are happening and what they mean. But Emma mostly seems to bumble through doing a literary analysis of each scene without confidently coming to many conclusions
2) Ian and Emma have a moment where it seems they might begin a romantic relationship but it gets thwarted, leaving the wake of romantic tension between them. Given how much time they've spent together by the time the story of the murders really gets going, Ian's response to Emma throughout the book felt overly done and even made him seem unhinged at points
3) I'm a great reader for mystery writers, in that while I can be engaged and making guesses about who I think "did it" I'm usually surprised at the end; in this book the murderer felt very obvious to me about halfway through and there wasn't anything that really added surprise or other layers to make the reveal feel fresh.
Overall, MURDER BY THE BOOK has some enjoyable elements but if you're looking for a great academic mystery/thriller, this might not be the book for you.
Murder by the Book is out August 19, 2025
2.5 stars
When a female college student is murdered, Detective Ian Carter is stumped. Not only is there no forensics left behind but the student has been posed like a historic literary character, complete with a Shakespearean quote left behind. Then Ian meets Emma Reilly, a literature professor at the college, whose focus is exactly what Ian might need to help him solve what's becoming a serial killing case, and a potential love interest. But, in an effort to protect her by pushing her away from the details of the case, Ian sends Emma into the arms of a new group of friends (who also work at the college), including her ex-boyfriend, who are all game to try and help the police. The closer Ian and Emma get to finding out who is killing young women, the more danger they both find themselves in.
The premise of this book isn't new but I do enjoy the genre of academic mystery/thriller. MURDER BY THE BOOK has some things going for it: the idea of a killer going through all the trouble to get the details of each posed scene adds layers to what the killer is trying to get across and the setting (a small college town in Oregon) provides good atmosphere and makes some of the plot elements more probable. What didn't work for me was 1) how convoluted the literary elements became, 2) the unbelievability of the relationship between Ian and Emma, and 3) how obvious the killer is.
1) The killer leaves behind quotes from several different literary writers and has posed his victims in ways that correspond. The story spends a lot of time showing how Emma is the key to finding out why the murders are happening and what they mean. But Emma mostly seems to bumble through doing a literary analysis of each scene without confidently coming to many conclusions
2) Ian and Emma have a moment where it seems they might begin a romantic relationship but it gets thwarted, leaving the wake of romantic tension between them. Given how much time they've spent together by the time the story of the murders really gets going, Ian's response to Emma throughout the book felt overly done and even made him seem unhinged at points
3) I'm a great reader for mystery writers, in that while I can be engaged and making guesses about who I think "did it" I'm usually surprised at the end; in this book the murderer felt very obvious to me about halfway through and there wasn't anything that really added surprise or other layers to make the reveal feel fresh.
Overall, MURDER BY THE BOOK has some enjoyable elements but if you're looking for a great academic mystery/thriller, this might not be the book for you.
Murder by the Book is out August 19, 2025
June 30, 2025
Schaumburg’s debut will undoubtedly fit solidly onto the mystery/thriller shelf, perfect for lovers of dark academia and bibliomysteries.
Set in a dark-academia–tinged college town, literature professor Emma Reilly and detective Ian Carter chase a killer who recreates literary tableaux—Ophelia from Hamlet, the Lady of Shalott, and more—posing students as grisly living art. It takes the expertise of Detective AND Professor to solve the case.
The trope of literary tableaux as murder scenes is clever, well-executed, and ripe for meta-literary commentary.
The small-college milieu, infused with gothic undertones and academic obsession, gave me Da Vinci Code vibes but not as complex or action packed. It’s a comfort zone thriller.
The dynamic between the earnest, bookish Emma and the buttoned-up Detective Carter was a bit gritty but there was some definite tension there.
It’s compelling, keeps you guessing, delivers some intellectual satisfaction, and occasionally has some thrills.
I wouldn’t say you need to know Shakespeare by any means to enjoy this one but it would be more resonant if you did.
If you relish puzzles layered with literary trivia, atmospheric tension on a college campus, and smart, dialogue-driven sleuthing, this one’s built for you. It offers the comfort of familiar mystery conventions alongside the thrill of an intellectual chase.
Set in a dark-academia–tinged college town, literature professor Emma Reilly and detective Ian Carter chase a killer who recreates literary tableaux—Ophelia from Hamlet, the Lady of Shalott, and more—posing students as grisly living art. It takes the expertise of Detective AND Professor to solve the case.
The trope of literary tableaux as murder scenes is clever, well-executed, and ripe for meta-literary commentary.
The small-college milieu, infused with gothic undertones and academic obsession, gave me Da Vinci Code vibes but not as complex or action packed. It’s a comfort zone thriller.
The dynamic between the earnest, bookish Emma and the buttoned-up Detective Carter was a bit gritty but there was some definite tension there.
It’s compelling, keeps you guessing, delivers some intellectual satisfaction, and occasionally has some thrills.
I wouldn’t say you need to know Shakespeare by any means to enjoy this one but it would be more resonant if you did.
If you relish puzzles layered with literary trivia, atmospheric tension on a college campus, and smart, dialogue-driven sleuthing, this one’s built for you. It offers the comfort of familiar mystery conventions alongside the thrill of an intellectual chase.
August 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
So I have a feeling I may be in the minority with rounding up to a 5 star rating because I expect this may be a bit too cerebral for the typical mystery/ thriller reader but for me it completely drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. So much so that I kept my headphones on as we played minigolf as a family with a very understanding husband!
First, the narration… What I really appreciated about Gail Shalan’s narration was her pacing! She spoke swiftly but very clearly which propelled the story forward. I wasn’t as keen on her voice acting for the male characters which sounded like a caricature but I ended up simply getting used to it. The overall production was well done.
As far as the prose… at first I made notes to myself that it seemed like the author really liked her thesaurus but then I looked her up and read that she was neurodivergent and it made the word choices make sense. That being said, the typical reader is going to get lost as the word choices at times were just too much. Such as instead of saying that the person was speaking quietly she said they were speaking Sotto Voce. She did this twice in a very short person of time. Now had it been the FMC who is an autistic individual say this or other wise been involved in its usage, it would have been fine. Why? Because it would have aided in the laying of the groundwork for how her mind worked and how she was “quirky” and a bit different. But, that wasn’t the case and it was clear that it was just an author choice. Now the language styles out as the book progressed but having many of these choices at then wry beginning of the book may be a bit turn off for some readers as it comes across talking down to them.
I mention that because if you can bear with it for a short while, it gets better!
The author expertly weaves in literary references to the investigation which I find to be fun and engaging. It made me feel like I was back in college a bit so it was fitting with the FMC who was a college profession in classic literature. I loved how this group of academics immersed themselves into a murder case and worked out the clues to help the police work things out. I definitely think that the format I read it in made a big impact in my enjoyment as I didn’t get bogged down in the more cerebral machinations and kept pushing on through.
The book is written in the 3rd person which I don’t mind in general but I do think that it would have read better had it been in 1st person, dual POV between our FMC Professor Emma Reilly and MMC Detective Ian Carter. Lastly, it was quite predictable who the culprit was for a good amount of the book, however, I didn’t care and never focused on it as I just enjoyed the ride!
Overall, I found this fast paced and smartly written and ai can see myself reading it again down the road. I will definitely recommend it to my mystery loving friends.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Harlequin Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again
So I have a feeling I may be in the minority with rounding up to a 5 star rating because I expect this may be a bit too cerebral for the typical mystery/ thriller reader but for me it completely drew me in and I couldn’t put it down. So much so that I kept my headphones on as we played minigolf as a family with a very understanding husband!
First, the narration… What I really appreciated about Gail Shalan’s narration was her pacing! She spoke swiftly but very clearly which propelled the story forward. I wasn’t as keen on her voice acting for the male characters which sounded like a caricature but I ended up simply getting used to it. The overall production was well done.
As far as the prose… at first I made notes to myself that it seemed like the author really liked her thesaurus but then I looked her up and read that she was neurodivergent and it made the word choices make sense. That being said, the typical reader is going to get lost as the word choices at times were just too much. Such as instead of saying that the person was speaking quietly she said they were speaking Sotto Voce. She did this twice in a very short person of time. Now had it been the FMC who is an autistic individual say this or other wise been involved in its usage, it would have been fine. Why? Because it would have aided in the laying of the groundwork for how her mind worked and how she was “quirky” and a bit different. But, that wasn’t the case and it was clear that it was just an author choice. Now the language styles out as the book progressed but having many of these choices at then wry beginning of the book may be a bit turn off for some readers as it comes across talking down to them.
I mention that because if you can bear with it for a short while, it gets better!
The author expertly weaves in literary references to the investigation which I find to be fun and engaging. It made me feel like I was back in college a bit so it was fitting with the FMC who was a college profession in classic literature. I loved how this group of academics immersed themselves into a murder case and worked out the clues to help the police work things out. I definitely think that the format I read it in made a big impact in my enjoyment as I didn’t get bogged down in the more cerebral machinations and kept pushing on through.
The book is written in the 3rd person which I don’t mind in general but I do think that it would have read better had it been in 1st person, dual POV between our FMC Professor Emma Reilly and MMC Detective Ian Carter. Lastly, it was quite predictable who the culprit was for a good amount of the book, however, I didn’t care and never focused on it as I just enjoyed the ride!
Overall, I found this fast paced and smartly written and ai can see myself reading it again down the road. I will definitely recommend it to my mystery loving friends.
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Harlequin Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.
My general rating system is below. Since I primarily read ARC books I rate according to how I think like minded readers will receive the book. I will round up or down depending on many factors and try not to let my personal wants affect a books ratings.
⭐️ Hated It but pushed through as I don’t DNF ARCs I have received.
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, content issues, poorly edited.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but it had something that stopped me from rounding up. Usually the book may have much more potential than what was given. I recommend it but with reservations.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Really enjoyed it or think others will. These are solid reads that I definitely would recommend for a variety of reasons.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! These are books that remain rent free in my head for well after unfinished the book. It can be for a variety of reasons from being very well written or just the vibes that captured my mind. These books are also ones I would probably read again
August 21, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to hear “banal human cruelty” uttered so many times it becomes the unofficial motto of your life, congratulations, Murder by the Book is the gift that keeps on giving. This book feels like Hamlet crashing every awkward dinner party you’ve ever endured, with a professor who won’t stop lecturing and a detective brooding like he’s auditioning for a Lifetime movie nobody asked for.
Here’s the deal. A small college town is turning into a crime scene art gallery, with victims posed as Ophelia and the Lady of Shalott. Enter Emma, a literature professor so drenched in fancy words and neurodivergent brain gremlins she practically speaks in obscure synonyms and Shakespearean references. Then there’s Ian, the detective who’s either a walking cliché or secretly a brooding poet, but honestly, half the time he sounds like he’s reading from a noir script he swiped off Netflix.
Emma accidentally discovers some cop photos Ian left out on his coffee table, and from there it’s “I’m gonna solve this murder because I read a lot,” versus “Stay away from the case, you’re gonna get killed.” This leads to the worst and most exhausting slow dance in amateur sleuth romance history. Their chemistry is so stiff I wondered if they were both allergic to eye contact. The romance subplot feels like an afterthought tossed in because someone said, “We need something between the murders.”
The big problem? The book really wants you to know how smart it is. It slaps you over the head with a thesaurus so hard you start wondering if “sotto voce” actually means “please shut up.” Ian’s poetic musings on the victim’s skin tone? I half expected him to burst into a soliloquy. This story is a walking literary pretzel, twisted up in its own attempt to be clever. But hey, props for trying.
If you’re a Shakespeare fan who dreams of solving murders with literary analysis and a whole lot of academic elbow grease, this might be your jam. For everyone else, prepare to get bored around the third professor’s symbolism breakdown and a detective who treats brooding like a competitive sport. The killer’s reveal is about as surprising as a soap opera villain coming back from the dead, obvious, but you can’t look away.
Narrator Gail Shalan tries hard to inject life into this cerebral slog and does a pretty solid job. Her pacing keeps things moving and she gives each character a distinct voice, even if the male characters sometimes sound like bad impressions. Honestly, I’d listen to her read a phone book just to avoid the prose’s constant overreach.
The supporting cast is a group of academics who make solving murders feel less like a thriller and more like a study group that forgot to bring snacks. I wanted more sparks, more grit, more “why do I care about these people?” and less “let’s analyze every poem ever written” energy.
At the end of the day, Murder by the Book is a neat little academic puzzle that’s cozy enough to sip slowly but clunky enough to make you crave a stronger black coffee. It’s not terrible, but it gets stuck in that weird space between “I’m trying to be smart” and “I’m trying to be a page-turner,” failing to nail either. Three stars because it’s clever, it’s got heart, but mostly, it’s a slow burn for people who like their mysteries served with a side of footnotes.
This is Amie Schaumberg’s debut, and you can tell she’s reaching for something bigger and more ambitious. I see the glimmer of a truly sharp, literary thriller hiding beneath the slog, and I’m curious enough to pick up her next book.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspicious of Every Single Tweed Jacket and Spectacle-Wearing Professor in the County
Big thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy, without you I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of listening to this literary rollercoaster. All opinions are my own, fueled by caffeine and a desperate need for murder mysteries with a little less thesaurus abuse.
Here’s the deal. A small college town is turning into a crime scene art gallery, with victims posed as Ophelia and the Lady of Shalott. Enter Emma, a literature professor so drenched in fancy words and neurodivergent brain gremlins she practically speaks in obscure synonyms and Shakespearean references. Then there’s Ian, the detective who’s either a walking cliché or secretly a brooding poet, but honestly, half the time he sounds like he’s reading from a noir script he swiped off Netflix.
Emma accidentally discovers some cop photos Ian left out on his coffee table, and from there it’s “I’m gonna solve this murder because I read a lot,” versus “Stay away from the case, you’re gonna get killed.” This leads to the worst and most exhausting slow dance in amateur sleuth romance history. Their chemistry is so stiff I wondered if they were both allergic to eye contact. The romance subplot feels like an afterthought tossed in because someone said, “We need something between the murders.”
The big problem? The book really wants you to know how smart it is. It slaps you over the head with a thesaurus so hard you start wondering if “sotto voce” actually means “please shut up.” Ian’s poetic musings on the victim’s skin tone? I half expected him to burst into a soliloquy. This story is a walking literary pretzel, twisted up in its own attempt to be clever. But hey, props for trying.
If you’re a Shakespeare fan who dreams of solving murders with literary analysis and a whole lot of academic elbow grease, this might be your jam. For everyone else, prepare to get bored around the third professor’s symbolism breakdown and a detective who treats brooding like a competitive sport. The killer’s reveal is about as surprising as a soap opera villain coming back from the dead, obvious, but you can’t look away.
Narrator Gail Shalan tries hard to inject life into this cerebral slog and does a pretty solid job. Her pacing keeps things moving and she gives each character a distinct voice, even if the male characters sometimes sound like bad impressions. Honestly, I’d listen to her read a phone book just to avoid the prose’s constant overreach.
The supporting cast is a group of academics who make solving murders feel less like a thriller and more like a study group that forgot to bring snacks. I wanted more sparks, more grit, more “why do I care about these people?” and less “let’s analyze every poem ever written” energy.
At the end of the day, Murder by the Book is a neat little academic puzzle that’s cozy enough to sip slowly but clunky enough to make you crave a stronger black coffee. It’s not terrible, but it gets stuck in that weird space between “I’m trying to be smart” and “I’m trying to be a page-turner,” failing to nail either. Three stars because it’s clever, it’s got heart, but mostly, it’s a slow burn for people who like their mysteries served with a side of footnotes.
This is Amie Schaumberg’s debut, and you can tell she’s reaching for something bigger and more ambitious. I see the glimmer of a truly sharp, literary thriller hiding beneath the slog, and I’m curious enough to pick up her next book.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Suspicious of Every Single Tweed Jacket and Spectacle-Wearing Professor in the County
Big thanks to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy, without you I wouldn’t have had the pleasure of listening to this literary rollercoaster. All opinions are my own, fueled by caffeine and a desperate need for murder mysteries with a little less thesaurus abuse.
August 3, 2025
They say life imitates art... But sometimes art imitates death.
When a killer strikes a small, college town and begins leaving bodies posed in gruesome tableus reminiscent of famous works of art, police are stumped. Whoever this is, they have to be stopped - and fast - because the murders don't show any signs of stopping. When Detective Carter accidentally leaves police evidence on his coffee table and his unsuspecting date starts inspecting the photos, the first clues finally begin to make sense. But Ian doesn't want Professor Emma Riley anywhere near this case. He won't put her safety at risk like that. But Emma, now that she's seen the photos, refuses to give up. And her literature expertise and knowledge of art may prove vital to stopping the killer before it's too late. Can she decipher these macabre clues and keep this psychopath from harming any more women?
This was such an interesting murder mystery! I really enjoyed the premise of a sadistic killer posing his victims as works of art with ties to literature. There is a wealth of symbolism in the mysteries here and it's easy to see why Emma found herself gripped by this mystery. Besides, you know, the obvious of wanting to get such a horrific killer off the streets.
I was a little disappointed that this turned into a group project of sorts. I was really hoping Ian and Emma would work together better to solve the case. Unfortunately, that was not how this worked out. It was still interesting, and we saw a variety of characters able to provide different professional opinions on the murders, but it didn't quite scratch the itch that a closer collaboration between the two main characters would have for me.
I will say, I'm particularly pleased I was able to deduce the who done it pretty early on. I know some people might not find that enjoyable and want to be left guessing until the reveal but I really enjoy trying to get into the character's shoes and solve the case myself. I feel very proud to have figured things out and to have had my suspicions confirmed in the end!
Personally I liked our main girl Emma way more than I liked Detective Carter. She was so intelligent, so passionate. I really felt like she was a kindred soul. (Though if you get to the end of this one, that may not be such a good thing. IYKYK.) I was on the edge of my seat this whole book, hungry for more details. Ms. Schaumberg did a great job of pacing this novel out, giving us the clues in such a way that nothing felt rushed or forced. Overall, this was a solid murder mystery and one I would definitely read again. I hope there is more to come from Ms. Schaumberg! If so, I'll read it and gladly!
Thank you to HTP Books Audio and Mira Books for this gifted ARC.
When a killer strikes a small, college town and begins leaving bodies posed in gruesome tableus reminiscent of famous works of art, police are stumped. Whoever this is, they have to be stopped - and fast - because the murders don't show any signs of stopping. When Detective Carter accidentally leaves police evidence on his coffee table and his unsuspecting date starts inspecting the photos, the first clues finally begin to make sense. But Ian doesn't want Professor Emma Riley anywhere near this case. He won't put her safety at risk like that. But Emma, now that she's seen the photos, refuses to give up. And her literature expertise and knowledge of art may prove vital to stopping the killer before it's too late. Can she decipher these macabre clues and keep this psychopath from harming any more women?
This was such an interesting murder mystery! I really enjoyed the premise of a sadistic killer posing his victims as works of art with ties to literature. There is a wealth of symbolism in the mysteries here and it's easy to see why Emma found herself gripped by this mystery. Besides, you know, the obvious of wanting to get such a horrific killer off the streets.
I was a little disappointed that this turned into a group project of sorts. I was really hoping Ian and Emma would work together better to solve the case. Unfortunately, that was not how this worked out. It was still interesting, and we saw a variety of characters able to provide different professional opinions on the murders, but it didn't quite scratch the itch that a closer collaboration between the two main characters would have for me.
I will say, I'm particularly pleased I was able to deduce the who done it pretty early on. I know some people might not find that enjoyable and want to be left guessing until the reveal but I really enjoy trying to get into the character's shoes and solve the case myself. I feel very proud to have figured things out and to have had my suspicions confirmed in the end!
Personally I liked our main girl Emma way more than I liked Detective Carter. She was so intelligent, so passionate. I really felt like she was a kindred soul. (Though if you get to the end of this one, that may not be such a good thing. IYKYK.) I was on the edge of my seat this whole book, hungry for more details. Ms. Schaumberg did a great job of pacing this novel out, giving us the clues in such a way that nothing felt rushed or forced. Overall, this was a solid murder mystery and one I would definitely read again. I hope there is more to come from Ms. Schaumberg! If so, I'll read it and gladly!
Thank you to HTP Books Audio and Mira Books for this gifted ARC.
April 11, 2025
Amie Schaumberg's "Murder by the Book" is a literary thriller that masterfully intertwines the allure of classic literature with the chilling intrigue of a murder mystery. Set against the backdrop of a small college town, the novel begins with the discovery of a student’s body, posed to resemble Ophelia from Shakespeare’s "Hamlet". This haunting tableau sets the tone for a story as cerebral as it is suspenseful.
Detective Ian Carter, a methodical and straitlaced investigator, finds himself out of his depth when confronted with the killer’s cryptic literary references. Enter Professor Emma Reilly, a charmingly awkward literature professor whose deep knowledge of classic texts becomes the key to unraveling the murderer’s twisted game. Schaumberg’s portrayal of Emma is both relatable and compelling; her journey from academic isolation to the heart of a dangerous investigation is a testament to the strength found in unexpected places.
The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter revealing new layers of the killer’s psyche and the literary clues that drive the narrative forward. Schaumberg’s ability to weave literary allusions into the fabric of the mystery is nothing short of brilliant. From 'Hamlet" to "The Lady of Shalott', the references are not merely decorative but integral to the plot, adding depth and resonance to the story.
"Murder by the Book" explores the intersection between literature and life. The killer’s use of literary scenes to stage murders forces Emma—and the reader—to confront the darker side of the stories we cherish. Schaumberg raises thought-provoking questions about the power of art and its potential for beauty and for destruction.
While the novel is undeniably a thriller, it also offers moments of introspection and emotional depth. Emma’s interactions with her students and her growing bond with Ian add layers of humanity to the story, grounding the high-stakes mystery in relatable experiences.
"Murder by the Book" is a smart, thrilling, and compelling debut that will appeal to lovers of literature and of mysteries. Schaumberg’s ability to blend intellectual rigor with gripping suspense makes this novel a standout in the genre. It’s a book I recommended for anyone who appreciates a mystery with a literary twist.
Detective Ian Carter, a methodical and straitlaced investigator, finds himself out of his depth when confronted with the killer’s cryptic literary references. Enter Professor Emma Reilly, a charmingly awkward literature professor whose deep knowledge of classic texts becomes the key to unraveling the murderer’s twisted game. Schaumberg’s portrayal of Emma is both relatable and compelling; her journey from academic isolation to the heart of a dangerous investigation is a testament to the strength found in unexpected places.
The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter revealing new layers of the killer’s psyche and the literary clues that drive the narrative forward. Schaumberg’s ability to weave literary allusions into the fabric of the mystery is nothing short of brilliant. From 'Hamlet" to "The Lady of Shalott', the references are not merely decorative but integral to the plot, adding depth and resonance to the story.
"Murder by the Book" explores the intersection between literature and life. The killer’s use of literary scenes to stage murders forces Emma—and the reader—to confront the darker side of the stories we cherish. Schaumberg raises thought-provoking questions about the power of art and its potential for beauty and for destruction.
While the novel is undeniably a thriller, it also offers moments of introspection and emotional depth. Emma’s interactions with her students and her growing bond with Ian add layers of humanity to the story, grounding the high-stakes mystery in relatable experiences.
"Murder by the Book" is a smart, thrilling, and compelling debut that will appeal to lovers of literature and of mysteries. Schaumberg’s ability to blend intellectual rigor with gripping suspense makes this novel a standout in the genre. It’s a book I recommended for anyone who appreciates a mystery with a literary twist.
August 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
A string of murders inspired by literary classics. A student is found murdered near a college campus and posed to look like a painting of Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The killer is taunting the police with messages, Detective Ian Carter is on the case, unsure of where to turn. Literature Professor Emma Reilly has heard about the first murder but when she accidentally sees one of the clues she can’t help but start connecting the dots to her favorite classic works. With more murders and each one getting more eerily connected Emma she starts to fear that the killer will find her before she finds them.
Let me tell you what I loved about this book. I like this book because we know about the murders but we are getting the story from the perspectives of the leading detective and from the literature professor that’s slowly piecing it together. As someone who loves crime podcasts or crime procedural shows, I love the investigative thought process, the discovery of new information, the challenge of if I can figure it out before they do.
One of my favorite things when I’m reading is when there are references made to other books, so reading the blurb on this and seeing it as a serial killer inspired by the classics we've all heard of, I had to find out how that would play out. Will such an “educated” killer be able to evade getting caught?
I would have liked a little more lead up to the first murder, because I feel like we jump right into it but, on the other hand it gets you into the story pretty quickly. I understand Emma’s hyperfixation and drive to piece the clues together being as the references are her area of expertise. I don’t know if I’m just good at this or if it was easy to figure out who was guilty. I even kind of picked up on the twist, I wasn’t sure if it would happen until it did though. I was almost disappointed in myself for questioning that I had figured out the layers to the story. Around the halfway point I was worried that I would get bored but I am glad I kept reading because the second half really picked up and kept me engaged.
I received an Advanced Listeners Copy of this book through NetGalley & Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own.
A string of murders inspired by literary classics. A student is found murdered near a college campus and posed to look like a painting of Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The killer is taunting the police with messages, Detective Ian Carter is on the case, unsure of where to turn. Literature Professor Emma Reilly has heard about the first murder but when she accidentally sees one of the clues she can’t help but start connecting the dots to her favorite classic works. With more murders and each one getting more eerily connected Emma she starts to fear that the killer will find her before she finds them.
Let me tell you what I loved about this book. I like this book because we know about the murders but we are getting the story from the perspectives of the leading detective and from the literature professor that’s slowly piecing it together. As someone who loves crime podcasts or crime procedural shows, I love the investigative thought process, the discovery of new information, the challenge of if I can figure it out before they do.
One of my favorite things when I’m reading is when there are references made to other books, so reading the blurb on this and seeing it as a serial killer inspired by the classics we've all heard of, I had to find out how that would play out. Will such an “educated” killer be able to evade getting caught?
I would have liked a little more lead up to the first murder, because I feel like we jump right into it but, on the other hand it gets you into the story pretty quickly. I understand Emma’s hyperfixation and drive to piece the clues together being as the references are her area of expertise. I don’t know if I’m just good at this or if it was easy to figure out who was guilty. I even kind of picked up on the twist, I wasn’t sure if it would happen until it did though. I was almost disappointed in myself for questioning that I had figured out the layers to the story. Around the halfway point I was worried that I would get bored but I am glad I kept reading because the second half really picked up and kept me engaged.
I received an Advanced Listeners Copy of this book through NetGalley & Harlequin Audio. All opinions are my own.
August 7, 2025
4.5 stars!
This mystery thriller was an absolute page-turner! I must admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. You know me—I’m the type who skips the blurb and is lured in by a captivating cover!
A student is found strangled in an abandoned barn, posed like Ophelia from Hamlet, leading to a mysterious investigation. Detective Ian Carter struggles with the unsettling crime until he meets Professor Emma Reilly, who uncovers clues tied to literature. As a second murder occurs, this time with a victim posed as the Lady of Shalott, Emma realizes the danger reaches her personal life when another student from her classes is killed. She must confront the killer who turns beloved literary stories into gruesome scenes.
The protagonist, Emma, is a force to be reckoned with—brilliant, outspoken, and well-versed in literature and its nuances. I found myself brushing up on my literary knowledge, and I’m not exaggerating! I relish books that challenge me to expand my horizons, especially since I hail from a different country where the literary curriculum was a tad different.
The atmosphere described in the book was delightfully eerie and just a touch unhinged, yet it felt entirely plausible. It reminded me of an episode of *Criminal Minds* where a group of obsessed individuals were re-creating art to send a chilling message.
I was fortunate enough to experience both the audiobook and the eBook, and let me tell you, they complemented each other beautifully. The narrator is one of my favorites, and her performance elevated the entire experience. If you find the book’s pace a bit slow, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the audiobook—it’s a game-changer!
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a clever puzzle that isn’t easily solved, with a plethora of subtle hints sprinkled throughout that all come together in a satisfying conclusion. I was rooting for Emma and Ian to team up on this project; their dynamic was electric! The narrative flowed effortlessly, making it nearly impossible to put down. I devoured this gem in just one day!
Thank you, Harlequin Audio and MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This mystery thriller was an absolute page-turner! I must admit, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. You know me—I’m the type who skips the blurb and is lured in by a captivating cover!
A student is found strangled in an abandoned barn, posed like Ophelia from Hamlet, leading to a mysterious investigation. Detective Ian Carter struggles with the unsettling crime until he meets Professor Emma Reilly, who uncovers clues tied to literature. As a second murder occurs, this time with a victim posed as the Lady of Shalott, Emma realizes the danger reaches her personal life when another student from her classes is killed. She must confront the killer who turns beloved literary stories into gruesome scenes.
The protagonist, Emma, is a force to be reckoned with—brilliant, outspoken, and well-versed in literature and its nuances. I found myself brushing up on my literary knowledge, and I’m not exaggerating! I relish books that challenge me to expand my horizons, especially since I hail from a different country where the literary curriculum was a tad different.
The atmosphere described in the book was delightfully eerie and just a touch unhinged, yet it felt entirely plausible. It reminded me of an episode of *Criminal Minds* where a group of obsessed individuals were re-creating art to send a chilling message.
I was fortunate enough to experience both the audiobook and the eBook, and let me tell you, they complemented each other beautifully. The narrator is one of my favorites, and her performance elevated the entire experience. If you find the book’s pace a bit slow, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the audiobook—it’s a game-changer!
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a clever puzzle that isn’t easily solved, with a plethora of subtle hints sprinkled throughout that all come together in a satisfying conclusion. I was rooting for Emma and Ian to team up on this project; their dynamic was electric! The narrative flowed effortlessly, making it nearly impossible to put down. I devoured this gem in just one day!
Thank you, Harlequin Audio and MIRA, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2025
Amie Schaumberg has created an incredible new amateur sleuth in literature professor Dr. Emma Reilly, the intelligent and delightful protagonist at the centre of Murder By The Book.
A Pacific Northwest college student has been found dead, posed as Ophelia with lines from Hamlet found in her mouth, the police are stumped and soon Dr Emma Reilly and some of her colleagues are drawn into the case, attracting the attention of a vicious killer as more dead bodies pile up posed as literary figures.
Murder By The Book delves into this twisty and quite dark case in a way that grabbed my attention quickly and didn't let go, while the book's brief synopsis and description of the protagonist suggested that it would be a cozy mystery, this story was in fact much darker than I was expecting but Schaumberg's excellent character work developing both Emma and police detective/love interest Dectective Ian Carter into people worth rooting for takes some of the edge off especially in some of their more charming moments together.
The premise and core mystery were intriguing, and the novel was jam-packed with literary references and fantastic explanations that will help the audience understand, no matter how much or how little previous exposure they've had to the referenced material.
The only disappointing aspect of the novel was how predictable some of the twists were; there weren't a large number of suspects in the novel, and the conclusion left me wanting a bit more, especially given the uniqueness of the murders. Schauberg uses a lot of foreshadowing throughout the book and I think she went a little bit too far with it to set up the final "twist". Despite my slight disappointment with the ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that the adventures of Professor Reilly and Detective Carter continue in a sequel and/or series.
Murder By The Book was a genuinely fun read, and I'm happy to give it 4/5 stars and recommend it to many of my friends and followers.
Thank You to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Pacific Northwest college student has been found dead, posed as Ophelia with lines from Hamlet found in her mouth, the police are stumped and soon Dr Emma Reilly and some of her colleagues are drawn into the case, attracting the attention of a vicious killer as more dead bodies pile up posed as literary figures.
Murder By The Book delves into this twisty and quite dark case in a way that grabbed my attention quickly and didn't let go, while the book's brief synopsis and description of the protagonist suggested that it would be a cozy mystery, this story was in fact much darker than I was expecting but Schaumberg's excellent character work developing both Emma and police detective/love interest Dectective Ian Carter into people worth rooting for takes some of the edge off especially in some of their more charming moments together.
The premise and core mystery were intriguing, and the novel was jam-packed with literary references and fantastic explanations that will help the audience understand, no matter how much or how little previous exposure they've had to the referenced material.
The only disappointing aspect of the novel was how predictable some of the twists were; there weren't a large number of suspects in the novel, and the conclusion left me wanting a bit more, especially given the uniqueness of the murders. Schauberg uses a lot of foreshadowing throughout the book and I think she went a little bit too far with it to set up the final "twist". Despite my slight disappointment with the ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope that the adventures of Professor Reilly and Detective Carter continue in a sequel and/or series.
Murder By The Book was a genuinely fun read, and I'm happy to give it 4/5 stars and recommend it to many of my friends and followers.
Thank You to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an e-book ARC.
This is the debut novel for Amie Schaumberg, a nice little cozy mystery/thriller: A student is found murdered and posed like Ophelia from Hamlet, sparking a chilling case for Detective Ian Carter. When literature professor Emma Reilly accidentally deciphers a clue, she’s drawn into the investigation. As more victims are found staged like tragic literary figures, Emma must use her knowledge to stop a killer turning classic tales into real-life horror.
The story made me think of The Davinci Code in a sense it was a professor deciphering the hints..where Dan Brown's professor Langdon is a symbologist, Amie Schaumberg's Emma is a literature professor.
I think this would be good for readers who really enjoy the slow reveal. The 'scooby gang' (I'm calling them that, it's not used in the book) where they were putting heads together to interpret and figure out motive/clues was interesting.
While I didn't mind the book, where it faltered for me was that I *really* would have liked it more if there was more background between Emma and Ian. Like, Ian meets Emma 3 times and she quite aggressively inserts herself into a murder case and holds a grudge when he is telling her that it's police business.. I mean... If they knew each other longer or maybe she was sought out for her expertise?
There was also terminology used quite early on in the book I would have used different word choices for, for example: Sotto voce. I could see if Emma was using it in conversation, but as a description in third p.o.v I was like... really?
Some other ones: Sartorial
Sonorous
Palimpsest.
I also would have preferred quicker pacing to the book. At times it did feel very long.
All in all though, I could totally see Emma in another book on another mystery.
This is the debut novel for Amie Schaumberg, a nice little cozy mystery/thriller: A student is found murdered and posed like Ophelia from Hamlet, sparking a chilling case for Detective Ian Carter. When literature professor Emma Reilly accidentally deciphers a clue, she’s drawn into the investigation. As more victims are found staged like tragic literary figures, Emma must use her knowledge to stop a killer turning classic tales into real-life horror.
The story made me think of The Davinci Code in a sense it was a professor deciphering the hints..where Dan Brown's professor Langdon is a symbologist, Amie Schaumberg's Emma is a literature professor.
I think this would be good for readers who really enjoy the slow reveal. The 'scooby gang' (I'm calling them that, it's not used in the book) where they were putting heads together to interpret and figure out motive/clues was interesting.
While I didn't mind the book, where it faltered for me was that I *really* would have liked it more if there was more background between Emma and Ian. Like, Ian meets Emma 3 times and she quite aggressively inserts herself into a murder case and holds a grudge when he is telling her that it's police business.. I mean... If they knew each other longer or maybe she was sought out for her expertise?
There was also terminology used quite early on in the book I would have used different word choices for, for example: Sotto voce. I could see if Emma was using it in conversation, but as a description in third p.o.v I was like... really?
Some other ones: Sartorial
Sonorous
Palimpsest.
I also would have preferred quicker pacing to the book. At times it did feel very long.
All in all though, I could totally see Emma in another book on another mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews