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History Lessons
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague's murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam’s murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.
This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam’s murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.
This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2025
214 people are currently reading
18704 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
August 14, 2025
History Lessons sounded like my kind of story - a college professor must solve a colleague’s murder before she becomes the next victim. And parts of this were well done. Wallbrook does a good job of painting the college scene - the politics, the students, the esoteric studies. She tackles some important issues - how POC are viewed in higher education, prison corruption, stalking and sexual harassment. But I missed that word “romantic” in the blurb. And overall, the book comes across way more romance/glib women’s lit than mystery. One scene in particular just got my goat when there’s a big make out session right after a serious violent encounter. Please…
Daphne is a single, black history associate professor. She’s a well developed character. I thought her friends were great fun and would like to get together with them. Flip side, I felt the villains in the piece were more cliched, heavy on the chauvinistic attitudes.
The mystery wasn’t to my liking. I like police procedurals where I can see if I can solve the crime before the MC. Here, Daphne gets lightning bolts of inspiration based on info the reader isn’t privy to. Having said that, I did suss out the murderer early on in the story.
I listened to this and Jasmin Walker did a fine job as the narrator.
Daphne is a single, black history associate professor. She’s a well developed character. I thought her friends were great fun and would like to get together with them. Flip side, I felt the villains in the piece were more cliched, heavy on the chauvinistic attitudes.
The mystery wasn’t to my liking. I like police procedurals where I can see if I can solve the crime before the MC. Here, Daphne gets lightning bolts of inspiration based on info the reader isn’t privy to. Having said that, I did suss out the murderer early on in the story.
I listened to this and Jasmin Walker did a fine job as the narrator.
June 21, 2025
This was not my usual read but I liked it a lot! The story is smart and twisty with engaging characters and an intriguing mystery. As you might expect there's quite a bit of tension here, between the murder mystery and the academic politics, which definitely held my interest. There are lots of quirky and interesting details to pay attention to, with quite a few layered sub-plots, so slow down your reading for peak enjoyment. Daphne has a wry voice and outlook that I really enjoyed. Her sincere love of teaching and passion for her subject matter was endearing. Her frustration regarding how her age and ethnicity shaped other's views of her was clear and compelling, and should be relatable to a lot of readers. There is a large cast of vivid and unique supporting characters, although to me Rowan's character felt a little underdeveloped considering his role in Daphne's narrative. As mentioned above there are a lot of moving parts in this story, my only complaint is maybe there's a bit too much going on here. This made it a little harder for me to stay focused on all the facets of the murder mystery, and it extended the story past what could have been assumed to be several natural stopping points. And while it wasn't a concise book it was still very engaging and ultimately wrapped up the plot in a satisfying way. A content note: given the variety of dark themes in this book, if you're sensitive to certain content besides the obvious murder plot then it may be a good idea to risk spoilers and carefully review any content warnings. (I have a bone to pick with the publisher's description of the book, it gives the false impression that the humor and romance elements of the book have a much larger role than they actually do. This is definitely not a light-hearted book overall, so please be aware of that going in.) But on a lighter aside, there's just way too many mentions of the town squirrels in this book to be a coincidence! It's either an inside Ivy League town joke that I don't get, or the author has a squirrel fixation lol.
This book felt like maybe it's being set up as a series, one I'd happily continue reading. This is a new-to-me author with a great voice and a sharply intelligent writing style, and I would definitely read her again! 4.5 stars. Publishes July 1, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.
This book felt like maybe it's being set up as a series, one I'd happily continue reading. This is a new-to-me author with a great voice and a sharply intelligent writing style, and I would definitely read her again! 4.5 stars. Publishes July 1, 2025. This review was based on a complimentary eARC of the book, all opinions are my own.
April 25, 2025
History Lessons is perfect for anyone looking for an intriguing mystery with more substance than a classic cozy. It’s been a long time since I’ve reached out asking for an ARC but once I read the synopsis of History Lessons I knew it would be one I would love to get my hands on an early copy of.
The Gist…
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague's murder before she becomes the next target.
My Thoughts…
I feel educated after reading this smart mystery… it takes place at Harrison University… very much a campus setting… I kept thinking how wonderful this would be as a September-Back to School-Autumnal read. Our main gal Daphne is a junior professor giving lectures about French colonialism. What I loved about this book was almost every few pages Zoe has placed 🥁 HISTORY LESSONS… little tidbits/facts that left me reaching for my phone to google more about. I thought all the info shared was clever and highly interesting. Which no surprise Zoe B. Wallbrook is a tenured professor herself. The mystery of it all kept me on my toes. Lots of cooks in the kitchen which I personally enjoy. There is even a swoon worthy romance that involves…Books🥰Say no more. I thought the ending wrapped up seamlessly and I was left with wanting to follow Daphne & Chloe around in France… Zoe painted a beautiful picture of the glimpse of Daphne’s travels at the end. Which leaves me to speculate will the next book be set overseas? Or back on campus? Either way I’m looking forward to being back with this crew of characters and seeing where the series will take us.
Thank you Soho Press/ Soho Crime for the ARC
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
The Gist…
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague's murder before she becomes the next target.
My Thoughts…
I feel educated after reading this smart mystery… it takes place at Harrison University… very much a campus setting… I kept thinking how wonderful this would be as a September-Back to School-Autumnal read. Our main gal Daphne is a junior professor giving lectures about French colonialism. What I loved about this book was almost every few pages Zoe has placed 🥁 HISTORY LESSONS… little tidbits/facts that left me reaching for my phone to google more about. I thought all the info shared was clever and highly interesting. Which no surprise Zoe B. Wallbrook is a tenured professor herself. The mystery of it all kept me on my toes. Lots of cooks in the kitchen which I personally enjoy. There is even a swoon worthy romance that involves…Books🥰Say no more. I thought the ending wrapped up seamlessly and I was left with wanting to follow Daphne & Chloe around in France… Zoe painted a beautiful picture of the glimpse of Daphne’s travels at the end. Which leaves me to speculate will the next book be set overseas? Or back on campus? Either way I’m looking forward to being back with this crew of characters and seeing where the series will take us.
Thank you Soho Press/ Soho Crime for the ARC
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
April 7, 2025
What a wonderful debut from Zoe B. Wallbrook! History Lessons is an ambitious book that not only has a suspenseful mystery at its core but also delves into larger questions about problematic legacies and the systemic rot at old institutions. I'm already looking forward to the next installment in the series.
Also, I'm just putting it out there: This novel has all of the makings of an excellent movie adaptation.
Content warning: Murder, assault, mentions of sexual misconduct and assault
Also, I'm just putting it out there: This novel has all of the makings of an excellent movie adaptation.
Content warning: Murder, assault, mentions of sexual misconduct and assault
May 21, 2025
This was GOOD. French colonial history + laugh out loud moments with girlfriends + a twisty mystery that dealt with hard truths in academia. I’m impressed by how much it contained!
Full review coming for Shelf Awareness.
Full review coming for Shelf Awareness.
March 3, 2025
Daphne is a junior history professor at an elite university. She wants to keep her head down, but is drawn against her will into the murder case of a well-known colleague. I would call this a semi-cozy murder mystery that investigates many themes of social justice. For a debut, this is a really solid effort, and there were many things I liked, but there were also things I didn't like.
Let's start with the things I enjoyed:
- Both the primary and secondary characters in this book felt well-developed and distinct. They were dynamic people, and the ones we were meant to like were genuinely likeable. The 'villains' of the story were a little cartoonish at times, but the vibrancy of the rest of the cast made up for that. I appreciated that so many of the supporting characters were also BIPOC, from the MC's immigrant family, to her best friends, to the Iraqi detective on the case. They make the narrative feel truly multicultural, which was not a given in such a white setting as an elite university.
- Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the author's insights into what it's like to be a person of color in elite academia in the US. This portrayal felt realistic, and it was woven well into the rest of the narrative. The author also says really interesting things about how BIPOC women are often fetishized and objectified rather than seen as legitimate romantic options.
- I also really appreciated the other themes that were explored in the novel. Throughout the story, the author focuses on many abuses of power and privilege, whether it's gender, race, or class. That made the story feel very pertinent to our current society.
- The reason why I feel that the story can be classified as 'cozy' despite its sometimes very dark themes, is the fact that all of the people who abuse their power in the story get their comeuppance, and most of the victims get justice. This felt a little unrealistic, but honestly, it also felt very refreshing and satisfying, so I'm listing it with the positives.
Now for a few things I didn't enjoy as much:
- Debut authors have a tendency to put 'too much' into their first novels, and that was definitely the case here. The first part of the book deals with corruption and abuse in prisons, but that storyline is wrapped up almost completely around the 60% mark. The book then pivots hard, and the second part of the story is about sexual harassment and assault of women. This causes the first and second half of the book to feel disjointed -- it almost feels like two different novels.
- My major issue, unfortunately, was the writing. Writing style is a question of personal taste, of course, so this may not bother other readers, but to me the writing often felt stilted. The dialogue didn't feel natural, and the author employs words and turns of phrases in ways that just felt strange to me. This is an ARC, so I can't quote any examples because the text could still change, but the word choices of the author were often so jarring that they took me out of the story.
- Finally, the romance. I know for so many readers this will be a plus, but I really didn't enjoy the romantic subplot. A particular literary pet peeve of mine is insta-love/lust, and we had that in spades here. I also can't help but roll my eyes when the MC's life is in serious danger, yet she just can't stop salivating over how attractive the love interest is. Get your priorities straight! I also didn't enjoy how clichéd the romance writing was, from releasing breaths she didn't know she was holding, to the MC thinking how she wants to climb the love interest like a tree. Not my thing.
To end with, I want to give some trigger warnings, because some of the book gets pretty dark:
On the whole, this is a solid debut novel with many enjoyable aspects. The writing and romance will probably work better for other readers than they did for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Let's start with the things I enjoyed:
- Both the primary and secondary characters in this book felt well-developed and distinct. They were dynamic people, and the ones we were meant to like were genuinely likeable. The 'villains' of the story were a little cartoonish at times, but the vibrancy of the rest of the cast made up for that. I appreciated that so many of the supporting characters were also BIPOC, from the MC's immigrant family, to her best friends, to the Iraqi detective on the case. They make the narrative feel truly multicultural, which was not a given in such a white setting as an elite university.
- Speaking of which, I really enjoyed the author's insights into what it's like to be a person of color in elite academia in the US. This portrayal felt realistic, and it was woven well into the rest of the narrative. The author also says really interesting things about how BIPOC women are often fetishized and objectified rather than seen as legitimate romantic options.
- I also really appreciated the other themes that were explored in the novel. Throughout the story, the author focuses on many abuses of power and privilege, whether it's gender, race, or class. That made the story feel very pertinent to our current society.
- The reason why I feel that the story can be classified as 'cozy' despite its sometimes very dark themes, is the fact that all of the people who abuse their power in the story get their comeuppance, and most of the victims get justice. This felt a little unrealistic, but honestly, it also felt very refreshing and satisfying, so I'm listing it with the positives.
Now for a few things I didn't enjoy as much:
- Debut authors have a tendency to put 'too much' into their first novels, and that was definitely the case here. The first part of the book deals with corruption and abuse in prisons, but that storyline is wrapped up almost completely around the 60% mark. The book then pivots hard, and the second part of the story is about sexual harassment and assault of women. This causes the first and second half of the book to feel disjointed -- it almost feels like two different novels.
- My major issue, unfortunately, was the writing. Writing style is a question of personal taste, of course, so this may not bother other readers, but to me the writing often felt stilted. The dialogue didn't feel natural, and the author employs words and turns of phrases in ways that just felt strange to me. This is an ARC, so I can't quote any examples because the text could still change, but the word choices of the author were often so jarring that they took me out of the story.
- Finally, the romance. I know for so many readers this will be a plus, but I really didn't enjoy the romantic subplot. A particular literary pet peeve of mine is insta-love/lust, and we had that in spades here. I also can't help but roll my eyes when the MC's life is in serious danger, yet she just can't stop salivating over how attractive the love interest is. Get your priorities straight! I also didn't enjoy how clichéd the romance writing was, from releasing breaths she didn't know she was holding, to the MC thinking how she wants to climb the love interest like a tree. Not my thing.
To end with, I want to give some trigger warnings, because some of the book gets pretty dark:
On the whole, this is a solid debut novel with many enjoyable aspects. The writing and romance will probably work better for other readers than they did for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
July 18, 2025
1 1/2 stars. For all my gripes about the overwriting, overly broad heroes, and reductive villains, I’ll keep reading this series! After all, I want a partner who will give me Nalo Hopkinson novels, and has read King Leopold’s Ghost. I would find adult friends who are that devoted, and have that much time for me to be uncomfortably clingy, but it’s lovely wish fulfillment all the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2025
I had such a fantastic time with this mystery!
I'm not someone who usually reads many mysteries, but this book called out to me since I learned of its existence. I'm glad I followed my instincts and picked this up!
For a debut, this was really well done. The mystery was intriguing, and I thought this book talked about some very important topics: the struggles of people of color in professional settings, sexual assault, and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. I also loved the academic setting, the constant literary references (that you can definitely mine for recommendations), and the romantic side plot.
I'm really impressed by how much I loved this book, and I'll definitely look out for more books by this author in the future!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I'm not someone who usually reads many mysteries, but this book called out to me since I learned of its existence. I'm glad I followed my instincts and picked this up!
For a debut, this was really well done. The mystery was intriguing, and I thought this book talked about some very important topics: the struggles of people of color in professional settings, sexual assault, and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. I also loved the academic setting, the constant literary references (that you can definitely mine for recommendations), and the romantic side plot.
I'm really impressed by how much I loved this book, and I'll definitely look out for more books by this author in the future!
Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
August 25, 2025
Junior Professor Daphne Wallbrook finds herself sucked into a murder case after one of her colleagues is killed and she gets attacked shortly after.
This was NOT a cozy mystery. Tonally this book was all over the place. The author seemed to combine several ideas together that didn't mesh together. It wanted to be light and frothy like classic chicklit like the amateur sleuth mysteries of the 2000s, but it also wanted to be tackle heavy subjects like systematic racism, sexual harassment, rape culture without having the bandwidth to cover them.
The romance was poorly constructed. In a book filled with bad white men who commit heinous acts the author presents one sole good one. A former detective (who still consults on cases) who now runs an indie bookstore named Earthseed and is well versed in classic diverse literature. The instalove romance felt like something out of a teen book including make out sessions at inappropriate times.
Daphne is a smart woman but her info dumps about French culture didn't really tie into the mystery at hand and did not help when it came to the pacing mid book. This book tries very hard to remind readers it's feminist and how often the world overlooks women of color.
If this was just a fun story about professors working at a prestigious university and the politics behind it, it would've been a much stronger narrative. As a mystery novel the plot felt convoluted despite the killer being so obvious.
The writing was often overly wordy and leaned heavily into cliched lines and similes most creative writing classes will tell you to avoid.
This was NOT a cozy mystery. Tonally this book was all over the place. The author seemed to combine several ideas together that didn't mesh together. It wanted to be light and frothy like classic chicklit like the amateur sleuth mysteries of the 2000s, but it also wanted to be tackle heavy subjects like systematic racism, sexual harassment, rape culture without having the bandwidth to cover them.
The romance was poorly constructed. In a book filled with bad white men who commit heinous acts the author presents one sole good one. A former detective (who still consults on cases) who now runs an indie bookstore named Earthseed and is well versed in classic diverse literature. The instalove romance felt like something out of a teen book including make out sessions at inappropriate times.
Daphne is a smart woman but her info dumps about French culture didn't really tie into the mystery at hand and did not help when it came to the pacing mid book. This book tries very hard to remind readers it's feminist and how often the world overlooks women of color.
If this was just a fun story about professors working at a prestigious university and the politics behind it, it would've been a much stronger narrative. As a mystery novel the plot felt convoluted despite the killer being so obvious.
The writing was often overly wordy and leaned heavily into cliched lines and similes most creative writing classes will tell you to avoid.
July 2, 2025
Zoe B. Wallbrook's debut mystery "History Lessons" delivers a compelling academic thriller that expertly weaves together the intellectual rigor of historical research with the pulse-pounding tension of a murder investigation. Set against the backdrop of Harrison University, this novel introduces readers to Daphne Ouverture, a newly minted French history professor whose expertise in uncovering buried truths proves invaluable when she becomes entangled in her colleague's murder.
Plot and Pacing: A Murder Most Academic
The narrative begins with a chilling prologue that immediately establishes the stakes: Sam Taylor, a charismatic anthropology professor, faces his final moments with his killer at the door. This opening sets a tone of inevitable doom that permeates the entire novel, creating an atmosphere of suspense that Wallbrook maintains masterfully throughout.
Daphne's journey from reluctant witness to determined investigator unfolds with the methodical precision of scholarly research. When Sam texts her a cryptic line from Henri Charrière's "Papillon" shortly before his death, Daphne finds herself drawn into a web of campus politics, academic rivalries, and dark secrets. The pacing mirrors the protagonist's analytical mind—deliberate, thoughtful, but building to moments of genuine tension and revelation.
The mystery's structure benefits from Wallbrook's understanding of academic life. Faculty meetings become opportunities for character development and clue-gathering, while Daphne's classroom interactions with students like Olivia Vail add layers of complexity to the investigation. The author skillfully balances the procedural elements of detective work with the everyday realities of university life, creating an authentic academic setting that serves both the mystery and character development.
Character Development: Academic Excellence in Human Form
Daphne Ouverture: The Reluctant Detective
Daphne emerges as a refreshingly complex protagonist whose academic training in French colonial history becomes her greatest asset in solving the mystery. Wallbrook crafts a character who approaches investigation with the same rigor she applies to historical research—questioning sources, reading against the grain, and contextualizing evidence within broader patterns of behavior.
Her vulnerability and strength exist in perfect balance. As a Black woman navigating the predominantly white academic world of Harrison University, Daphne understands isolation and the pressure to prove herself. This perspective gives her unique insight into the experiences of other marginalized individuals on campus, particularly the women who have suffered at Sam's hands.
The romantic subplot with former detective Rowan serves multiple narrative purposes beyond simple romantic tension. Their shared love of literature, particularly Toni Morrison's works, creates authentic connection points that feel earned rather than forced. Rowan's support of Daphne's investigative instincts validates her approach while providing professional insight that enhances rather than overshadows her deductive abilities.
Supporting Cast: A University Ecosystem
Miranda, the department chair, represents the kind of mentor figure many academics hope to find—supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to share institutional memory that proves crucial to solving the case. Her revelation about the Henderson family's dark history provides a key turning point in the investigation.
Sam Taylor, though dead from early in the narrative, emerges as a fully realized character through flashbacks and other characters' memories. Wallbrook avoids the trap of making him either purely villainous or sympathetically complex, instead presenting him as the kind of charismatic predator who hides in plain sight within academic institutions.
The students, particularly Olivia Vail and Branwen, represent different aspects of the undergraduate experience. Their interactions with Daphne feel authentic to the professor-student dynamic while serving important plot functions.
Themes: Power, Truth, and Academic Responsibility
The Abuse of Academic Power
Wallbrook confronts the uncomfortable reality of sexual harassment and assault within university settings with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty. Sam's predatory behavior toward students reflects broader institutional failures to protect vulnerable individuals. The novel doesn't shy away from examining how charismatic figures can exploit power dynamics inherent in academic hierarchies.
The Henderson family subplot, revealing a history of abuse covered up by political power, extends this theme beyond the university setting. Magnus Chaucer's crimes against his nieces, and the family's subsequent cover-up, demonstrate how institutional protection of powerful men perpetuates cycles of violence.
Historical Method as Detective Work
Perhaps most cleverly, Wallbrook draws explicit parallels between historical research and criminal investigation. Daphne's training in reading primary sources, questioning official narratives, and contextualizing evidence within broader social patterns translates directly to her detective work. This connection feels natural rather than forced, emerging organically from the character's academic background.
The book's title takes on multiple meanings throughout the narrative—referring not only to Daphne's profession but also to the lessons learned from examining how institutions handle (or mishandle) violence and accountability.
Romance in Academic Settings
The developing relationship between Daphne and Rowan avoids many of the pitfalls common to mystery-romance hybrids. Their connection develops through shared intellectual interests and mutual respect rather than immediate physical attraction. Their exchanges about literature feel authentic to the characters' backgrounds, and their book-sharing correspondence adds a delightful element of courtship that distinguishes this romance from more conventional approaches.
Writing Style and Voice: Academic Precision with Narrative Flair
Wallbrook demonstrates remarkable control over voice and tone throughout the novel. Daphne's first-person narration captures both her analytical mind and her emotional responses to the unfolding mystery. The prose style reflects the protagonist's academic background without becoming overly scholarly or inaccessible to general readers.
The author's background in historical research evident in the novel's attention to detail and institutional authenticity. University politics, departmental dynamics, and the pressures facing junior faculty members all ring true to the academic experience. This authenticity extends to the investigation itself, where Daphne's research methods mirror actual historical scholarship.
Dialogue feels natural and character-specific, with each voice distinct enough to feel authentic. The academic jargon never overwhelms the narrative, and Wallbrook successfully translates complex historical concepts into accessible language without dumbing down the material.
Mystery Elements: Academic Rigor Meets Procedural Drama
The central mystery of Sam's murder unfolds with satisfying complexity. Red herrings emerge naturally from the academic setting—disgruntled students, professional rivalries, and institutional conflicts all provide plausible motives for murder. The revelation that Molly Henderson killed Sam to protect both herself and other women from his predatory behavior provides a resolution that feels both surprising and inevitable.
The missing book "Papillon" serves as an effective MacGuffin, connecting Daphne to the victim while providing a tangible clue for her to pursue. The book's themes of imprisonment and escape prove symbolically relevant to multiple characters' situations, adding layers of meaning to its significance in the plot.
Wallbrook handles the police procedural elements competently, though these aspects of the novel feel less developed than the academic setting. Detective Ahmed and the official investigation serve primarily as counterpoint to Daphne's amateur detection rather than as fully developed plot threads in their own right.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Areas for Development
Notable Strengths
The novel's greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of academic life and the seamless integration of scholarly methodology with detective work. Wallbrook's understanding of university dynamics, from departmental politics to student-faculty relationships, provides a rich foundation for both character development and plot advancement.
The handling of sensitive subjects like sexual assault demonstrates both awareness and responsibility. The author neither sensationalizes violence nor minimizes its impact, instead focusing on the institutional failures that enable such behavior and the courage required to confront it.
Character development, particularly of Daphne herself, shows remarkable depth for a debut novel. The protagonist's growth from reluctant witness to determined investigator feels earned and authentic.
Areas for Improvement
The pacing occasionally suffers from the academic setting, with some scenes of university life feeling more like atmosphere-building than plot advancement. While the authenticity is admirable, certain sections could benefit from tighter editing to maintain momentum.
The police procedural elements feel underdeveloped compared to the academic mystery aspects. Detective Ahmed's investigation runs parallel to Daphne's but rarely intersects in meaningful ways until the conclusion, creating a sense of two separate novels running simultaneously.
Some secondary characters, particularly among the faculty, could benefit from additional development. While they serve their plot functions adequately, they occasionally feel more like academic archetypes than fully realized individuals.
Cultural Impact and Representation
"History Lessons" contributes meaningfully to the growing body of diverse crime fiction. Daphne's perspective as a Black woman in academia provides insight into experiences often overlooked in traditional mystery novels. The intersection of racial and gender dynamics within university settings adds complexity to the mystery while addressing real-world issues facing academic institutions.
The novel's treatment of sexual violence within academic settings feels particularly timely, addressing institutional failures that have received increased attention in recent years. Wallbrook's approach neither exploits these issues for dramatic effect nor shies away from their reality.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Academic Excellence
"History Lessons" succeeds admirably as both an engaging mystery and a thoughtful examination of academic life and institutional responsibility. Wallbrook's debut demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing multiple narrative elements while maintaining focus on character development and thematic depth.
While certain aspects of the novel could benefit from refinement—particularly the integration of police procedural elements and pacing in some academic scenes—the overall experience proves both entertaining and intellectually satisfying. The authentic academic setting, combined with a complex mystery and well-developed protagonist, creates a reading experience that respects both genre conventions and reader intelligence.
Plot and Pacing: A Murder Most Academic
The narrative begins with a chilling prologue that immediately establishes the stakes: Sam Taylor, a charismatic anthropology professor, faces his final moments with his killer at the door. This opening sets a tone of inevitable doom that permeates the entire novel, creating an atmosphere of suspense that Wallbrook maintains masterfully throughout.
Daphne's journey from reluctant witness to determined investigator unfolds with the methodical precision of scholarly research. When Sam texts her a cryptic line from Henri Charrière's "Papillon" shortly before his death, Daphne finds herself drawn into a web of campus politics, academic rivalries, and dark secrets. The pacing mirrors the protagonist's analytical mind—deliberate, thoughtful, but building to moments of genuine tension and revelation.
The mystery's structure benefits from Wallbrook's understanding of academic life. Faculty meetings become opportunities for character development and clue-gathering, while Daphne's classroom interactions with students like Olivia Vail add layers of complexity to the investigation. The author skillfully balances the procedural elements of detective work with the everyday realities of university life, creating an authentic academic setting that serves both the mystery and character development.
Character Development: Academic Excellence in Human Form
Daphne Ouverture: The Reluctant Detective
Daphne emerges as a refreshingly complex protagonist whose academic training in French colonial history becomes her greatest asset in solving the mystery. Wallbrook crafts a character who approaches investigation with the same rigor she applies to historical research—questioning sources, reading against the grain, and contextualizing evidence within broader patterns of behavior.
Her vulnerability and strength exist in perfect balance. As a Black woman navigating the predominantly white academic world of Harrison University, Daphne understands isolation and the pressure to prove herself. This perspective gives her unique insight into the experiences of other marginalized individuals on campus, particularly the women who have suffered at Sam's hands.
The romantic subplot with former detective Rowan serves multiple narrative purposes beyond simple romantic tension. Their shared love of literature, particularly Toni Morrison's works, creates authentic connection points that feel earned rather than forced. Rowan's support of Daphne's investigative instincts validates her approach while providing professional insight that enhances rather than overshadows her deductive abilities.
Supporting Cast: A University Ecosystem
Miranda, the department chair, represents the kind of mentor figure many academics hope to find—supportive, knowledgeable, and willing to share institutional memory that proves crucial to solving the case. Her revelation about the Henderson family's dark history provides a key turning point in the investigation.
Sam Taylor, though dead from early in the narrative, emerges as a fully realized character through flashbacks and other characters' memories. Wallbrook avoids the trap of making him either purely villainous or sympathetically complex, instead presenting him as the kind of charismatic predator who hides in plain sight within academic institutions.
The students, particularly Olivia Vail and Branwen, represent different aspects of the undergraduate experience. Their interactions with Daphne feel authentic to the professor-student dynamic while serving important plot functions.
Themes: Power, Truth, and Academic Responsibility
The Abuse of Academic Power
Wallbrook confronts the uncomfortable reality of sexual harassment and assault within university settings with both sensitivity and unflinching honesty. Sam's predatory behavior toward students reflects broader institutional failures to protect vulnerable individuals. The novel doesn't shy away from examining how charismatic figures can exploit power dynamics inherent in academic hierarchies.
The Henderson family subplot, revealing a history of abuse covered up by political power, extends this theme beyond the university setting. Magnus Chaucer's crimes against his nieces, and the family's subsequent cover-up, demonstrate how institutional protection of powerful men perpetuates cycles of violence.
Historical Method as Detective Work
Perhaps most cleverly, Wallbrook draws explicit parallels between historical research and criminal investigation. Daphne's training in reading primary sources, questioning official narratives, and contextualizing evidence within broader social patterns translates directly to her detective work. This connection feels natural rather than forced, emerging organically from the character's academic background.
The book's title takes on multiple meanings throughout the narrative—referring not only to Daphne's profession but also to the lessons learned from examining how institutions handle (or mishandle) violence and accountability.
Romance in Academic Settings
The developing relationship between Daphne and Rowan avoids many of the pitfalls common to mystery-romance hybrids. Their connection develops through shared intellectual interests and mutual respect rather than immediate physical attraction. Their exchanges about literature feel authentic to the characters' backgrounds, and their book-sharing correspondence adds a delightful element of courtship that distinguishes this romance from more conventional approaches.
Writing Style and Voice: Academic Precision with Narrative Flair
Wallbrook demonstrates remarkable control over voice and tone throughout the novel. Daphne's first-person narration captures both her analytical mind and her emotional responses to the unfolding mystery. The prose style reflects the protagonist's academic background without becoming overly scholarly or inaccessible to general readers.
The author's background in historical research evident in the novel's attention to detail and institutional authenticity. University politics, departmental dynamics, and the pressures facing junior faculty members all ring true to the academic experience. This authenticity extends to the investigation itself, where Daphne's research methods mirror actual historical scholarship.
Dialogue feels natural and character-specific, with each voice distinct enough to feel authentic. The academic jargon never overwhelms the narrative, and Wallbrook successfully translates complex historical concepts into accessible language without dumbing down the material.
Mystery Elements: Academic Rigor Meets Procedural Drama
The central mystery of Sam's murder unfolds with satisfying complexity. Red herrings emerge naturally from the academic setting—disgruntled students, professional rivalries, and institutional conflicts all provide plausible motives for murder. The revelation that Molly Henderson killed Sam to protect both herself and other women from his predatory behavior provides a resolution that feels both surprising and inevitable.
The missing book "Papillon" serves as an effective MacGuffin, connecting Daphne to the victim while providing a tangible clue for her to pursue. The book's themes of imprisonment and escape prove symbolically relevant to multiple characters' situations, adding layers of meaning to its significance in the plot.
Wallbrook handles the police procedural elements competently, though these aspects of the novel feel less developed than the academic setting. Detective Ahmed and the official investigation serve primarily as counterpoint to Daphne's amateur detection rather than as fully developed plot threads in their own right.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Areas for Development
Notable Strengths
The novel's greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of academic life and the seamless integration of scholarly methodology with detective work. Wallbrook's understanding of university dynamics, from departmental politics to student-faculty relationships, provides a rich foundation for both character development and plot advancement.
The handling of sensitive subjects like sexual assault demonstrates both awareness and responsibility. The author neither sensationalizes violence nor minimizes its impact, instead focusing on the institutional failures that enable such behavior and the courage required to confront it.
Character development, particularly of Daphne herself, shows remarkable depth for a debut novel. The protagonist's growth from reluctant witness to determined investigator feels earned and authentic.
Areas for Improvement
The pacing occasionally suffers from the academic setting, with some scenes of university life feeling more like atmosphere-building than plot advancement. While the authenticity is admirable, certain sections could benefit from tighter editing to maintain momentum.
The police procedural elements feel underdeveloped compared to the academic mystery aspects. Detective Ahmed's investigation runs parallel to Daphne's but rarely intersects in meaningful ways until the conclusion, creating a sense of two separate novels running simultaneously.
Some secondary characters, particularly among the faculty, could benefit from additional development. While they serve their plot functions adequately, they occasionally feel more like academic archetypes than fully realized individuals.
Cultural Impact and Representation
"History Lessons" contributes meaningfully to the growing body of diverse crime fiction. Daphne's perspective as a Black woman in academia provides insight into experiences often overlooked in traditional mystery novels. The intersection of racial and gender dynamics within university settings adds complexity to the mystery while addressing real-world issues facing academic institutions.
The novel's treatment of sexual violence within academic settings feels particularly timely, addressing institutional failures that have received increased attention in recent years. Wallbrook's approach neither exploits these issues for dramatic effect nor shies away from their reality.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Academic Excellence
"History Lessons" succeeds admirably as both an engaging mystery and a thoughtful examination of academic life and institutional responsibility. Wallbrook's debut demonstrates remarkable skill in balancing multiple narrative elements while maintaining focus on character development and thematic depth.
While certain aspects of the novel could benefit from refinement—particularly the integration of police procedural elements and pacing in some academic scenes—the overall experience proves both entertaining and intellectually satisfying. The authentic academic setting, combined with a complex mystery and well-developed protagonist, creates a reading experience that respects both genre conventions and reader intelligence.
July 21, 2025
4.5⭐️ Well, this was a delight! As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I was interested but this book exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the way that the author blended mystery with some behind the scenes of academia, humour, and a little romance. And before you start thinking that this is a light and fluffy read, the author touches on some more serious topics and has a lot to say about being a woman and a woman of colour both in academia and society more broadly. Check trigger warnings if you need to. I loved the main character, Daphne and the relationship with her two best friends felt so realistic. Sadie is a riot! It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut mystery. I will definitely be reading more from Zoe B. Wallbrook. If you’re looking for a mystery with some humour, but also exploration of some serious topics that is well-written, feminist, and voicey, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you to SoHo Crime, RBmedia, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to SoHo Crime, RBmedia, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
4.25★
If you come to History Lessons expecting a swoony romance, you’re going to be disappointed. Yes, there’s a romance here, but it lingers in the margins like a quiet footnote. This is first and foremost a murder mystery with teeth: sharp, cerebral, and stuffed with academia, power politics, sexism, obsession, and literature.
The story hurls you straight into Harrison University, where Daphne Ouverture, a young assistant professor of French history, just wants to survive the endless swirl of grant deadlines, campus gossip, and departmental backstabbing. Then Sam Taylor, the campus golden boy and anthropology professor, is found murdered. On the night of his death, he sends Daphne a cryptic text quoting a rare book called Papillon. Suddenly, her life spins out of control: missing books, break-ins, dark secrets, university cover-ups, and a killer no one sees coming (I kinda did, but the reasons were all wrong😅).
I’ll be honest, the first few chapters nearly lost me. But somewhere around the third or fourth chapter, things start clicking into place, and once that happens, the book is pure momentum. Twists pile up, motives unravel, and the story turns into this morally complicated puzzle that won’t let you go.
What makes it work is Daphne herself. She’s ambitious, sharp, and deeply human, juggling the weight of sexism, intellectual ambition, danger, and the constant moral tightrope of academic life. Through her eyes, the story digs into big themes—power, justice, institutional complicity, identity, trauma, healing—without losing the propulsive energy of a murder mystery. It helps that the killer reveal lands with just the right punch, neither too neat nor too messy, forcing the university and its players to confront the cost of their silence.
The romance between Daphne and Rowan, the consultant detective investigating the case, is a soft undercurrent running beneath all the academic drama and danger. It’s slow, cautious, and refreshingly adult, built on mutual respect rather than overblown angst. Their chemistry doesn’t hijack the main plot, but it does offer glimmers of hope and warmth. It’s the kind of romance that feels earned rather than inserted, like the author knew when to let it speak and when to let it stay quiet.
By the final chapters, History Lessons becomes something bigger than a simple whodunit. It’s about truth-telling, about what it takes to hold power accountable, about the tension between personal ambition and institutional ethics. It’s a novel that crackles with intelligence and moral complexity, wrapped in the gripping momentum of a mystery that actually has something to say.
So this really only leaves one critique, and it’s that the writing can be heavy on exposition, especially early on. The info-dense style will not be for everyone, and at times I wished for a bit more space to breathe between twists. But the ambition and intelligence behind the story more than make up for it.
If you come to History Lessons expecting a swoony romance, you’re going to be disappointed. Yes, there’s a romance here, but it lingers in the margins like a quiet footnote. This is first and foremost a murder mystery with teeth: sharp, cerebral, and stuffed with academia, power politics, sexism, obsession, and literature.
The story hurls you straight into Harrison University, where Daphne Ouverture, a young assistant professor of French history, just wants to survive the endless swirl of grant deadlines, campus gossip, and departmental backstabbing. Then Sam Taylor, the campus golden boy and anthropology professor, is found murdered. On the night of his death, he sends Daphne a cryptic text quoting a rare book called Papillon. Suddenly, her life spins out of control: missing books, break-ins, dark secrets, university cover-ups, and a killer no one sees coming (I kinda did, but the reasons were all wrong😅).
I’ll be honest, the first few chapters nearly lost me. But somewhere around the third or fourth chapter, things start clicking into place, and once that happens, the book is pure momentum. Twists pile up, motives unravel, and the story turns into this morally complicated puzzle that won’t let you go.
What makes it work is Daphne herself. She’s ambitious, sharp, and deeply human, juggling the weight of sexism, intellectual ambition, danger, and the constant moral tightrope of academic life. Through her eyes, the story digs into big themes—power, justice, institutional complicity, identity, trauma, healing—without losing the propulsive energy of a murder mystery. It helps that the killer reveal lands with just the right punch, neither too neat nor too messy, forcing the university and its players to confront the cost of their silence.
The romance between Daphne and Rowan, the consultant detective investigating the case, is a soft undercurrent running beneath all the academic drama and danger. It’s slow, cautious, and refreshingly adult, built on mutual respect rather than overblown angst. Their chemistry doesn’t hijack the main plot, but it does offer glimmers of hope and warmth. It’s the kind of romance that feels earned rather than inserted, like the author knew when to let it speak and when to let it stay quiet.
By the final chapters, History Lessons becomes something bigger than a simple whodunit. It’s about truth-telling, about what it takes to hold power accountable, about the tension between personal ambition and institutional ethics. It’s a novel that crackles with intelligence and moral complexity, wrapped in the gripping momentum of a mystery that actually has something to say.
So this really only leaves one critique, and it’s that the writing can be heavy on exposition, especially early on. The info-dense style will not be for everyone, and at times I wished for a bit more space to breathe between twists. But the ambition and intelligence behind the story more than make up for it.
August 4, 2025
History Lessons was a cozy mystery with more depth than your average cozy mystery. Daphne is a Black professor of French Colonialism whose main hobby outside of work is being a dog mom and going on bad dates. That is, until a rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department dies and the killer seems to think Daphne has something that belonged to him.
Since the killer is after Daphne for reasons unknown to her, she decides to begin her own investigation into Sam Miller’s death to determine her connection to it all. And the charming police consultant, former detective + current bookstore owner, may just be the person to help her unravel the cover-up and crack the case.
I really enjoyed this book! The way it examines the dark side of academia, from suppressing student grievances to suppressing diverse voices among faculty, was incredibly well done. Daphne was a super likable, intelligent, and clever character, so I honestly just wanted to be more like her by the end of the story! The way that she was able to maintain her integrity and stay true to the way she was raised + her beliefs despite navigating some truly shady stuff was admirable, and I love that there was a bit of a mystery side plot as well. Also, the fact that the man was a bookshop owner and could banter with her intellectually.. what more could you want in a man!! I highly recommend everyone who enjoys a good mystery with an insightful FMC go ahead and read this one.
TW: discussion of sexual assault occurrence (with limited detail), abuse of power by professor
Thank you to Soho Press for the gifted ARC of this book!
Since the killer is after Daphne for reasons unknown to her, she decides to begin her own investigation into Sam Miller’s death to determine her connection to it all. And the charming police consultant, former detective + current bookstore owner, may just be the person to help her unravel the cover-up and crack the case.
I really enjoyed this book! The way it examines the dark side of academia, from suppressing student grievances to suppressing diverse voices among faculty, was incredibly well done. Daphne was a super likable, intelligent, and clever character, so I honestly just wanted to be more like her by the end of the story! The way that she was able to maintain her integrity and stay true to the way she was raised + her beliefs despite navigating some truly shady stuff was admirable, and I love that there was a bit of a mystery side plot as well. Also, the fact that the man was a bookshop owner and could banter with her intellectually.. what more could you want in a man!! I highly recommend everyone who enjoys a good mystery with an insightful FMC go ahead and read this one.
TW: discussion of sexual assault occurrence (with limited detail), abuse of power by professor
Thank you to Soho Press for the gifted ARC of this book!
July 14, 2025
This was such a fun cozy mystery with strong academia vibes—something I really appreciated as a current PhD student! It’s clear that Wallbrook either has firsthand experience in academia or did some serious research, because the campus dynamics felt spot on.
In this mystery, we follow newly minted professor Daphne Ouverture, who’s just trying to find her footing when she receives a strange text from a colleague… who soon turns up dead. From there, Daphne, reluctant but determined, finds herself drawn into the investigation of Sam Taylor’s death, uncovering a scandal that could shake the entire university.
Along the way, Daphne also falls in love (which felt a bit rushed for me), but I did appreciate her growth as both a sleuth and a fierce ally to those affected by Taylor’s abuse of power. I especially loved the nods to prominent Black writers sprinkled throughout the story. I just wish we got more of her family and friendships, but I’m hoping future books in the series will explore those dynamics more!
⚠️ Definitely check the content warnings before diving in, but if you’re craving a fresh cozy mystery to match your back-to-school vibes, this one’s worth checking out.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for the advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
In this mystery, we follow newly minted professor Daphne Ouverture, who’s just trying to find her footing when she receives a strange text from a colleague… who soon turns up dead. From there, Daphne, reluctant but determined, finds herself drawn into the investigation of Sam Taylor’s death, uncovering a scandal that could shake the entire university.
Along the way, Daphne also falls in love (which felt a bit rushed for me), but I did appreciate her growth as both a sleuth and a fierce ally to those affected by Taylor’s abuse of power. I especially loved the nods to prominent Black writers sprinkled throughout the story. I just wish we got more of her family and friendships, but I’m hoping future books in the series will explore those dynamics more!
⚠️ Definitely check the content warnings before diving in, but if you’re craving a fresh cozy mystery to match your back-to-school vibes, this one’s worth checking out.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for the advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!
August 26, 2025
Maybe I’ve worked in higher ed for too long, but I found History Lessons to be smart, witty, and a lot of fun.
August 29, 2025
Audio/Narration: 4/5
Book/ Overall Story: 3.75/5
What a pleasant surprise! This book was equally everything I thought it would be and so much I didn’t expect. I actually love how perfectly misleading this book is with its cover and description. It definitely presents as a cozy mystery, and in most ways it is. Though it has this faintly darker undertone that approaches heavier topics and gives the story a needed weight and tension for readers to hold onto.
My only real annoyance with this book was the romance. I’m glad that overall the romantic aspects weren’t as forward—but on occasion they were ill fitted into the story or slightly distracting. Truly, it just came across as unnecessary because it wasn’t as developed. I enjoyed seeing her and the retired detective work together, but his character felt shallow. I don’t mean to minimize his role, since his assistance does play a large part in keeping Daphne informed and a step ahead. I just would’ve preferred more insight into his character outside of who he could be romantically to our leading lady.
Personally, I enjoyed the story and felt it definitely challenged my expectations while holding my interest the whole way. Even though there were some slower moments that could’ve been cut, I feel grateful I had an ALC and a final review copy to have an immersive read (thanks to the publishers & Netgalley). The narration was well done and further connected me with Daphne’s curiosity, reasoning, and dedication. I still believe many readers will be able to solve the mystery before the end of the book. But hopefully anyone who picks this title up can enjoy the story along the way.
All thoughts are my own.
Book/ Overall Story: 3.75/5
What a pleasant surprise! This book was equally everything I thought it would be and so much I didn’t expect. I actually love how perfectly misleading this book is with its cover and description. It definitely presents as a cozy mystery, and in most ways it is. Though it has this faintly darker undertone that approaches heavier topics and gives the story a needed weight and tension for readers to hold onto.
My only real annoyance with this book was the romance. I’m glad that overall the romantic aspects weren’t as forward—but on occasion they were ill fitted into the story or slightly distracting. Truly, it just came across as unnecessary because it wasn’t as developed. I enjoyed seeing her and the retired detective work together, but his character felt shallow. I don’t mean to minimize his role, since his assistance does play a large part in keeping Daphne informed and a step ahead. I just would’ve preferred more insight into his character outside of who he could be romantically to our leading lady.
Personally, I enjoyed the story and felt it definitely challenged my expectations while holding my interest the whole way. Even though there were some slower moments that could’ve been cut, I feel grateful I had an ALC and a final review copy to have an immersive read (thanks to the publishers & Netgalley). The narration was well done and further connected me with Daphne’s curiosity, reasoning, and dedication. I still believe many readers will be able to solve the mystery before the end of the book. But hopefully anyone who picks this title up can enjoy the story along the way.
All thoughts are my own.
July 5, 2025
I loved this campus mystery from the very first moment I started reading. It is whip-smart, funny, and the characters are so well drawn it feels like they might walk right in the door and start trying to feed, soothe, or interrogate me lol Wallbrook’s writing sparkles and the history she weaves throughout is fascinating. And there’s an adorable, erudite, cinnamon roll love interest to boot! 10/10 no notes!
June 2, 2025
I DNFed this about 100 pages in.
Let me explain before you assume this is not a good book. It is in fact a well written book and did well to set up not just the university but the murder as well.
I have conflicting political views/opinions/thoughts with this book. I struggled with seeing how men were trash unless they were deemed worthy of “climbing like a tree” and then called CIS males when worthy.
I believe in giving people the space and right to voice their views(seeing as I served in the military and support the first amendment). But I also believe in walking away from something when I don’t agree with it.
So I’m giving this 3/5 stars for the well written story and the hope that someone else greatly enjoys this story.
Let me explain before you assume this is not a good book. It is in fact a well written book and did well to set up not just the university but the murder as well.
I have conflicting political views/opinions/thoughts with this book. I struggled with seeing how men were trash unless they were deemed worthy of “climbing like a tree” and then called CIS males when worthy.
I believe in giving people the space and right to voice their views(seeing as I served in the military and support the first amendment). But I also believe in walking away from something when I don’t agree with it.
So I’m giving this 3/5 stars for the well written story and the hope that someone else greatly enjoys this story.
July 11, 2025
History Lessons‘ setup ticked lots of boxes for me, so my expectations for Zoe B Wallbrook’s debut novel were high.
This novel’s fictional university campus and university town make a great setting for a crime mystery. It offers up opportunities for plausible interactions between people from all walks of life within a complex social hierarchy rife with tension and secrets. Many elements of this setting are vividly drawn, some to the brink of satirisation, such as the questionable building architecture and pugilistic squirrels. I suspect many of the fictional details are actually Wallbrook’s sly nods to relevant historical places and artefacts.
Lead Daphne is a character who is special in many ways. A young female African-American professor specialising in French History at a US university, her minority experience and viewpoint is a well that Wallbrook plumbs at multiple depths. Being a history nerd, she’s an avid researcher and reader — cue many literary, art and history references. Plus, readers progressively learn of additional skills and experience Daphne has, which prove quite fortuitous given the gutsy sleuthing she finds herself undertaking.
Is Daphne a unicorn? Yes…. but that makes for a refreshingly interesting, and gutsy, literary cozy mystery heroine. The minority representation in History Lessons does not stop at Daphne either. Pleasingly, Wallbrook has populated her novel with a genuinely diverse cast and experience set, in which strong females shine bright. Wallbrook also throws into this mix an endearing father figure for Daphne to lean on, a bookish beau to bond with, and an affectionate pet to cuddle. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
This novel’s fictional university campus and university town make a great setting for a crime mystery. It offers up opportunities for plausible interactions between people from all walks of life within a complex social hierarchy rife with tension and secrets. Many elements of this setting are vividly drawn, some to the brink of satirisation, such as the questionable building architecture and pugilistic squirrels. I suspect many of the fictional details are actually Wallbrook’s sly nods to relevant historical places and artefacts.
Lead Daphne is a character who is special in many ways. A young female African-American professor specialising in French History at a US university, her minority experience and viewpoint is a well that Wallbrook plumbs at multiple depths. Being a history nerd, she’s an avid researcher and reader — cue many literary, art and history references. Plus, readers progressively learn of additional skills and experience Daphne has, which prove quite fortuitous given the gutsy sleuthing she finds herself undertaking.
Is Daphne a unicorn? Yes…. but that makes for a refreshingly interesting, and gutsy, literary cozy mystery heroine. The minority representation in History Lessons does not stop at Daphne either. Pleasingly, Wallbrook has populated her novel with a genuinely diverse cast and experience set, in which strong females shine bright. Wallbrook also throws into this mix an endearing father figure for Daphne to lean on, a bookish beau to bond with, and an affectionate pet to cuddle. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
August 13, 2025
I enjoyed this mystery, but its biggest strength was in its setting and vibes. the University setting felt very real, the problems faculty and students are facing relevant to today, but also the *feeling* of being in a university town was very well described and felt quite nostalgic to me.
Daphne was a believable character, fleshed out by a strong supporting cast. I especially liked her parents and the importance of her family history to her current research and values. This was helped by the great audiobook narrator who made each character come to life. I enjoyed the French elements too but as somebody who studied French I'm probably a bit biased on that front 😂
The mystery was engrossing and touched on some interesting and varied elements to keep you guessing, but I kept being taken out of it by the romance. I usually really like a romance subplot but this just felt too "instalove" for me, to the point that I didn't care about the subplot and just wanted Daphne to get back to business. Literally every time she looked at him she said something horny. It just all felt a bit much. This was probably worsened by the audiobook as if I read it in print I could have skipped over it, and it would have annoyed me less.
That said, this was an enjoyable well-written mystery and I would definitely read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Daphne was a believable character, fleshed out by a strong supporting cast. I especially liked her parents and the importance of her family history to her current research and values. This was helped by the great audiobook narrator who made each character come to life. I enjoyed the French elements too but as somebody who studied French I'm probably a bit biased on that front 😂
The mystery was engrossing and touched on some interesting and varied elements to keep you guessing, but I kept being taken out of it by the romance. I usually really like a romance subplot but this just felt too "instalove" for me, to the point that I didn't care about the subplot and just wanted Daphne to get back to business. Literally every time she looked at him she said something horny. It just all felt a bit much. This was probably worsened by the audiobook as if I read it in print I could have skipped over it, and it would have annoyed me less.
That said, this was an enjoyable well-written mystery and I would definitely read more from this author.
Thanks to NetGalley for a free audio copy of this book in exchange for a review.
July 11, 2025
I saw the cover, read the blurb, and figured this would be a fun campus whodunnit. I was right—but what I didn’t expect was how much I’d end up loving this smart, funny, and twisty mystery. History Lessons delivered a compelling amateur sleuth, well-placed humor, and just enough romance to keep things interesting—without ever losing sight of the central murder mystery.
Some of my favorite things:
✅ A brainy, socially awkward Black woman protagonist who actually uses her academic smarts to solve crime
✅ A cast of quirky but lovable side characters (shoutout to Daphne’s hilarious family and loyal friends)
✅ Slow-burn sleuthing that pays off—every detail matters in the end
✅ A flirtation with a mysterious bookseller that’s sweet but never cheesy
What didn’t quite work at first?
➖ I initially thought the pacing was a little scattered, but by the end, everything tied together so neatly that I couldn’t even be mad about it.
The audiobook narrator was excellent—her voice work really brought Daphne to life and kept me locked in from start to finish.
Overall, History Lessons was a thoroughly enjoyable listen and an excellent debut. I sincerely hope Daphne returns for more campus chaos and clue-chasing in future books.
#HistoryLessons
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some of my favorite things:
✅ A brainy, socially awkward Black woman protagonist who actually uses her academic smarts to solve crime
✅ A cast of quirky but lovable side characters (shoutout to Daphne’s hilarious family and loyal friends)
✅ Slow-burn sleuthing that pays off—every detail matters in the end
✅ A flirtation with a mysterious bookseller that’s sweet but never cheesy
What didn’t quite work at first?
➖ I initially thought the pacing was a little scattered, but by the end, everything tied together so neatly that I couldn’t even be mad about it.
The audiobook narrator was excellent—her voice work really brought Daphne to life and kept me locked in from start to finish.
Overall, History Lessons was a thoroughly enjoyable listen and an excellent debut. I sincerely hope Daphne returns for more campus chaos and clue-chasing in future books.
#HistoryLessons
#NetGalley
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
History Lessons
I Picked Up This Book Because: Random selection
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: P Public Library
Dates Read: 8/27/25 - 8/29/25
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Narrator(s): Jasmin Walker
The Characters:
Daphne Ouveture:
Roman/Rowan?? IDR:
Sam Taylor, Daphne's besties and parents, Detective “I can’t remember her name”
The Story:
I’m not even sure why I picked this up but I’m glad I did. I liked the mix of mystery, family, friendship and new love.
I Picked Up This Book Because: Random selection
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: P Public Library
Dates Read: 8/27/25 - 8/29/25
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Narrator(s): Jasmin Walker
The Characters:
Daphne Ouveture:
Roman/Rowan?? IDR:
Sam Taylor, Daphne's besties and parents, Detective “I can’t remember her name”
The Story:
I’m not even sure why I picked this up but I’m glad I did. I liked the mix of mystery, family, friendship and new love.
August 17, 2025
3.5 stars
Started out as a cozy mystery, but the second part was less cozy, heavy themes of , important topics but it did lose my interest a bit at the time.
Characters 7
Atmosphere 7
Writing Style 7
Premise 7
Plot 7
Pace 6
Length 7
Structure/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Narration 7
Started out as a cozy mystery, but the second part was less cozy, heavy themes of , important topics but it did lose my interest a bit at the time.
Characters 7
Atmosphere 7
Writing Style 7
Premise 7
Plot 7
Pace 6
Length 7
Structure/Setup 6
Enjoyment/Engrossment 7
Narration 7
August 23, 2025
One to savour
July 26, 2025
I was not the right audience for this. I thought I would be because I'm an academic (professor at a university in the school of business) and because a review I read described this as a cozy mystery with more meat to it.
As an academic, the hugging of current students, department chair addressing a faculty member as "darling" -- all in innocence, but I can't imagine this. Okay, at graduation, I'll hug a student if they initiate it. But if my chair called me darling -- same sex, opposite sex, makes no difference -- I'm stopping them right there. But that's just my experience in my schools.
The basic plot line was interesting enough. But I got hung up on details that I found problematic. He deleted everything in his dropbox account? It's still out there; police need to subpoena dropbox to get it. Picking the dean's pocket to get his phone so she could get past 2-factor verification to access his email -- she's going to have to get into his phone to complete that verification. The author did not tell us how she did that.
Aside from technology -- SPOILER ALERT --
So a person in the shower did not hear 2 thugs arrive and beat the heck out of the guy and ransack the house looking for the file, but did hear the girl being attacked?
She's at the entrance of a campus building with other people, including a security guard who has tazed one guy and has to have called for help after that. So what does she do? She runs deeper into the building, alone, knowing the other bad guy is on her heels, and she is running straight toward the thing he is chasing her to get. Of course she will end up cornered by the guy when she gets there. So why would she run?
I enjoyed the mother and father characters and the main character's two girlfriends. I just couldn't get past my disconnect with features of this academic context and some of the details.
As an academic, the hugging of current students, department chair addressing a faculty member as "darling" -- all in innocence, but I can't imagine this. Okay, at graduation, I'll hug a student if they initiate it. But if my chair called me darling -- same sex, opposite sex, makes no difference -- I'm stopping them right there. But that's just my experience in my schools.
The basic plot line was interesting enough. But I got hung up on details that I found problematic. He deleted everything in his dropbox account? It's still out there; police need to subpoena dropbox to get it. Picking the dean's pocket to get his phone so she could get past 2-factor verification to access his email -- she's going to have to get into his phone to complete that verification. The author did not tell us how she did that.
Aside from technology -- SPOILER ALERT --
So a person in the shower did not hear 2 thugs arrive and beat the heck out of the guy and ransack the house looking for the file, but did hear the girl being attacked?
She's at the entrance of a campus building with other people, including a security guard who has tazed one guy and has to have called for help after that. So what does she do? She runs deeper into the building, alone, knowing the other bad guy is on her heels, and she is running straight toward the thing he is chasing her to get. Of course she will end up cornered by the guy when she gets there. So why would she run?
I enjoyed the mother and father characters and the main character's two girlfriends. I just couldn't get past my disconnect with features of this academic context and some of the details.
abandoned
July 10, 2025I'm only 7% in, but I don't think this is the book for me. I'm already at the end of my rope with conversations like these:
Daphne: Hi best friend from childhood, who has always been my biggest cheerleader, ever since we bonded in gym class in seventh grade!
BFF: Daphne! Your dark hair looks especially nice today, it compliments your eyes, which are brown and perfectly ordinary. I can't help but notice your slender figure and your smart way of dressing.
Daphne: Thank you! How is your daughter, my favorite kid in the world, who is 9 years old, cute as can be, but has a little bit of a self-esteem issue which I'm sure will work itself out???
BFF: Oh Daphne, you are so thoughtful! This is why we have always felt like sisters and share a close relationship. Remember that time you were dumped on prom night and we stayed home and watched Titanic and ate pizza instead?
Daphne: I sure do! Thank you for bringing that up!
Daphne: Hi best friend from childhood, who has always been my biggest cheerleader, ever since we bonded in gym class in seventh grade!
BFF: Daphne! Your dark hair looks especially nice today, it compliments your eyes, which are brown and perfectly ordinary. I can't help but notice your slender figure and your smart way of dressing.
Daphne: Thank you! How is your daughter, my favorite kid in the world, who is 9 years old, cute as can be, but has a little bit of a self-esteem issue which I'm sure will work itself out???
BFF: Oh Daphne, you are so thoughtful! This is why we have always felt like sisters and share a close relationship. Remember that time you were dumped on prom night and we stayed home and watched Titanic and ate pizza instead?
Daphne: I sure do! Thank you for bringing that up!
April 8, 2025
Wow. Just…wow! In the most positive way, of course.
This was such an amazing and enjoyable read, that by the end, I’m very sad to part ways with Daphne Ouverture. She’s such a lovable, caring, and phenomenal character, and I’d love nothing more than to learn more about her and the new chapter in life she’s entered.
The mystery element of the book was beautifully done. It’s a who-dunnit that didn’t require being spoon-fed information to throw the reader off course; very well-balanced. I will say, seeing the gradual reveal of how sinister some people could be through Daphne’s eyes definitely hit close to home.
I, for one, really appreciated the writing style. Easy to follow, instantly got me hooked, perfectly conveyed the overt and covert emotions of each situation, and moves the story along at paces appropriate to the scene.
Honestly, I’m so excited for the official publication! It’s definitely a book I’d like to have on my bookshelf, simply because I’d like to pay Daphne a visit from time to time.
This was such an amazing and enjoyable read, that by the end, I’m very sad to part ways with Daphne Ouverture. She’s such a lovable, caring, and phenomenal character, and I’d love nothing more than to learn more about her and the new chapter in life she’s entered.
The mystery element of the book was beautifully done. It’s a who-dunnit that didn’t require being spoon-fed information to throw the reader off course; very well-balanced. I will say, seeing the gradual reveal of how sinister some people could be through Daphne’s eyes definitely hit close to home.
I, for one, really appreciated the writing style. Easy to follow, instantly got me hooked, perfectly conveyed the overt and covert emotions of each situation, and moves the story along at paces appropriate to the scene.
Honestly, I’m so excited for the official publication! It’s definitely a book I’d like to have on my bookshelf, simply because I’d like to pay Daphne a visit from time to time.
July 20, 2025
History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook (2025)
10h 28m narrated by Jasmin Walker, 384 pages
Genre: Mystery, African-American Fiction
Featuring: Professors, French Historian, Haitian MC, Detectives, Book Seller, Book About Books, Racism, Sexism, Murder Investigation, High Literature, Plagiarism, Classes, Immigrant Parents, West African Culture, Food, Dog, French, Assault, Gut, History, Academic Politics, Family Dynamics
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Pound Cake" by Drake White, Megan Thee Stallion, Chance the Rapper, Lil' Wayne, Destiny's Child, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cole Porter,
Books and Authors mentioned: Roald Dahl, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, Papillon by Henri Charrière, Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé, The Collected Poetry by Aimé Césaire, Sweetness and Power by Sidney Mintz, The Intimacies of Four Continents by Lisa Lowe, Tia Williams, Sylvia Plath, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Beverly Jenkins, Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, Trois Femmes puissantes (Three Strong Women) by Marie NDiaye, Audre Lorde, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison by Michel Foucault, John le Carré, Colson Whitehead, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp by Antoine Galland, Clue by John Landis and Jonathan Lynn [based on] Clue by Anthony E. Pratt, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, Eugène Delacroix, À une dame créole (To a Creole Lady) by Charles Baudelaire, Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson, Emily Dickinson, King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, The Collected Poems of W. S. Merwin, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, Xenogenesis Trilogy by Octavia E. Butler, Texaco by Patrick Chamoiseau, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Tracy K. Smith, Leïla Slimani
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾👩🏿🏫🧑🏼🏫👮📚🇺🇸🇭🇹🇫🇷
My thoughts: 📱10% 1:03:51 Chster 4 - This is going to be a struggle. This story is dry and intellectual; you can be one but not both at the same time. I'm going to scan my other books. This one has me longing for Ruth Ware's endless chatter about nothing.
📱15% 1:34:24 Chapter 5 - This was enough to make me want to sleep. I don’t know if I'm going to go the distance with this book.
This story improves greatly after Chapter 6. You will have to get used to random tangents about racism, history, and culture, that seem to have little to do with the current narrative but, like a Stephen King novel, once you accept the detours it gets easier to follow. I was expecting a cozy mystery, but this is just a standard mystery. Although it has some cozy elements, it's more serious than a cozy and a bit darker. The door is open for a series while giving you closure for this story. I knew who the killer was the second time they appeared, but it was a fun ride despite being more aware than the investigating parties.
Recommend to others: Maybe. This story takes a while to build as this story wears several hats.
10h 28m narrated by Jasmin Walker, 384 pages
Genre: Mystery, African-American Fiction
Featuring: Professors, French Historian, Haitian MC, Detectives, Book Seller, Book About Books, Racism, Sexism, Murder Investigation, High Literature, Plagiarism, Classes, Immigrant Parents, West African Culture, Food, Dog, French, Assault, Gut, History, Academic Politics, Family Dynamics
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Songs for the soundtrack: "Pound Cake" by Drake White, Megan Thee Stallion, Chance the Rapper, Lil' Wayne, Destiny's Child, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly and Maze, Cole Porter,
Books and Authors mentioned: Roald Dahl, Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling, Papillon by Henri Charrière, Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé, The Collected Poetry by Aimé Césaire, Sweetness and Power by Sidney Mintz, The Intimacies of Four Continents by Lisa Lowe, Tia Williams, Sylvia Plath, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, Beverly Jenkins, Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, Trois Femmes puissantes (Three Strong Women) by Marie NDiaye, Audre Lorde, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison by Michel Foucault, John le Carré, Colson Whitehead, An American Marriage by Tayari Jones, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp by Antoine Galland, Clue by John Landis and Jonathan Lynn [based on] Clue by Anthony E. Pratt, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, Eugène Delacroix, À une dame créole (To a Creole Lady) by Charles Baudelaire, Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson, Emily Dickinson, King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, The Collected Poems of W. S. Merwin, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, Xenogenesis Trilogy by Octavia E. Butler, Texaco by Patrick Chamoiseau, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, Tracy K. Smith, Leïla Slimani
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️¾👩🏿🏫🧑🏼🏫👮📚🇺🇸🇭🇹🇫🇷
My thoughts: 📱10% 1:03:51 Chster 4 - This is going to be a struggle. This story is dry and intellectual; you can be one but not both at the same time. I'm going to scan my other books. This one has me longing for Ruth Ware's endless chatter about nothing.
📱15% 1:34:24 Chapter 5 - This was enough to make me want to sleep. I don’t know if I'm going to go the distance with this book.
This story improves greatly after Chapter 6. You will have to get used to random tangents about racism, history, and culture, that seem to have little to do with the current narrative but, like a Stephen King novel, once you accept the detours it gets easier to follow. I was expecting a cozy mystery, but this is just a standard mystery. Although it has some cozy elements, it's more serious than a cozy and a bit darker. The door is open for a series while giving you closure for this story. I knew who the killer was the second time they appeared, but it was a fun ride despite being more aware than the investigating parties.
Recommend to others: Maybe. This story takes a while to build as this story wears several hats.
July 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This wasn’t the kind of cozy academic mystery I thought I was getting into—and honestly, I loved that.
At first, I was a little thrown by how deeply the book leans into the academic world. There’s a lot of theory, research, and heavy conversations about power, race, and womanhood in elite institutions. It took me a minute to settle in—but once I did? I couldn’t put it down. The mystery unfolded slowly, but when it hit its stride, it hit.
What really stood out for me was how this book wove the murder investigation into bigger questions about who gets to belong in academic spaces—especially women of color. There’s this underlying tension throughout the story that felt so real and intentional, and the way Zoe B. Wallbrook layered it with humor, grief, and sharp cultural insight? Brilliant.
I also appreciated the way the main character’s identity shaped the narrative. As a North African woman navigating a mostly white, privileged university setting, her observations felt both biting and vulnerable in a way that stayed with me. There were definitely moments that made me laugh—not because they were light—but because they captured that dry, knowing kind of truth.
My only hiccup came from the audiobook—while I enjoyed the narration overall, some of the French pronunciation threw me off in key scenes. Still, it didn’t take away from the strength of the story.
⸻
⭐️ Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a mystery that pushes beyond the surface—with social commentary, a sharp voice, and a story that challenges what we think of as “cozy”—History Lessons is worth your time.
⸻
Read If You Like:
– Campus novels with teeth
– Women of color challenging systems of power
– Slow-burn mysteries with emotional payoff
– Smart, layered writing that doesn’t talk down to you
– A dash of dry humor with your social critique
This wasn’t the kind of cozy academic mystery I thought I was getting into—and honestly, I loved that.
At first, I was a little thrown by how deeply the book leans into the academic world. There’s a lot of theory, research, and heavy conversations about power, race, and womanhood in elite institutions. It took me a minute to settle in—but once I did? I couldn’t put it down. The mystery unfolded slowly, but when it hit its stride, it hit.
What really stood out for me was how this book wove the murder investigation into bigger questions about who gets to belong in academic spaces—especially women of color. There’s this underlying tension throughout the story that felt so real and intentional, and the way Zoe B. Wallbrook layered it with humor, grief, and sharp cultural insight? Brilliant.
I also appreciated the way the main character’s identity shaped the narrative. As a North African woman navigating a mostly white, privileged university setting, her observations felt both biting and vulnerable in a way that stayed with me. There were definitely moments that made me laugh—not because they were light—but because they captured that dry, knowing kind of truth.
My only hiccup came from the audiobook—while I enjoyed the narration overall, some of the French pronunciation threw me off in key scenes. Still, it didn’t take away from the strength of the story.
⸻
⭐️ Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a mystery that pushes beyond the surface—with social commentary, a sharp voice, and a story that challenges what we think of as “cozy”—History Lessons is worth your time.
⸻
Read If You Like:
– Campus novels with teeth
– Women of color challenging systems of power
– Slow-burn mysteries with emotional payoff
– Smart, layered writing that doesn’t talk down to you
– A dash of dry humor with your social critique
July 8, 2025
4 stars
Fans of mysteries and generally amazing protagonists rejoice! Daphne Ouverture, the charming protagonist of this nicely paced mystery, MAKES this book.
Daphne is a new history professor and as a woman of color, she is facing all of the gross obstacles that exist for those of us who enter that profession not looking like tiny Chaucers and Emersons. Fortunately, she has an amazing network. Her parents are a kick, her friends are fully devoted (and hilarious), and her dog, Chloe, is a queen among dogs. Daphne is also brilliant, funny, driven, and layered. Folks who have worked in this field, particularly those who share one or more of Daphne's identities, will find aspects of this wildly relatable (from everyone's hatred of grading to students' approaches to their grades to the depiction of department meetings). I came for the mystery but absolutely stayed for the atmosphere.
Don't get me wrong; the mystery is also compelling. There are also romantic elements, interesting connections to texts, and generally great characters throughout.
I'd love to see this be the start of a series so that I can spend more time with these characters and with this writer. Recommended!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Recorded Books, and Soho Crime for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Fans of mysteries and generally amazing protagonists rejoice! Daphne Ouverture, the charming protagonist of this nicely paced mystery, MAKES this book.
Daphne is a new history professor and as a woman of color, she is facing all of the gross obstacles that exist for those of us who enter that profession not looking like tiny Chaucers and Emersons. Fortunately, she has an amazing network. Her parents are a kick, her friends are fully devoted (and hilarious), and her dog, Chloe, is a queen among dogs. Daphne is also brilliant, funny, driven, and layered. Folks who have worked in this field, particularly those who share one or more of Daphne's identities, will find aspects of this wildly relatable (from everyone's hatred of grading to students' approaches to their grades to the depiction of department meetings). I came for the mystery but absolutely stayed for the atmosphere.
Don't get me wrong; the mystery is also compelling. There are also romantic elements, interesting connections to texts, and generally great characters throughout.
I'd love to see this be the start of a series so that I can spend more time with these characters and with this writer. Recommended!
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Recorded Books, and Soho Crime for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
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