Death by Diploma

Emma Lovett has moved to Colorado to get away from her ex-husband. She's ready to start a new life there as a teacher at Thomas Jefferson High. With her fellow teacher and new bestie Leslie, she's learning the ropes and getting to know people. And when the school custodian is found dead, the new dynamic duo has a mystery to solve.

My husband is a teacher, so while I haven't taught myself, I've heard a lot about the educational environment. Kelley Kaye does a good job of depicting characters that fit their setting. The librarian who's just a little obsessive about his books. The coach who's more concerned with his athletes' ability to play than their grades. They all ring true.

The mystery is engaging. There are lots of little twists and turns, and Emma and Leslie have to follow them all, since the detective in charge is a bit of a dolt (and not terribly good at what he does). And it wasn't one I figured out quickly, either. I was surprised at the outcome - and I love a good surprise in my mysteries.

I was an English major in college, so I just adore the use of Shakespeare quotations. Makes me want to go back and read some more of the Bard's finest. And Emma and Hunter are too cute for words. So you've got mystery, humor, and a little romance - what more does a book need?

For the most part, Ms. Kaye's writing is a delight. It flowed smoothly, and there weren't a lot of things that gave me pause. But the written spelling of Emma's Southern accent grated on my nerves after about two pages. I'm a Southern girl. I know what we sound like. I didn't feel it was necessary to use “Ah” and “Ah'm” every time Emma says “I” or “I'm”. It was visually and mentally distracting, and I do hope Ms. Kaye sees fit to let go of that stylistic quirk in her future books.

Good read, not too easy to figure out - if you enjoy a nicely done cozy mystery, pick up Death by Diploma!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary advance copy of the book. All opinions here are mine, and I don't say nice things about books I don't actually like.