Jen Dalton is Head of the writing Centre at Clarion University in Virginia helping student in all Faculties with writing. She’s also an author of a series of mysteries in her spare time, so has experience with writing for publication, even though some of her colleagues look down on her for writing ‘genre’ fiction.

One afternoon Jen is in library when she finds the body of a Professor from the English Department who appears to have fallen from a mezzanine floor. He was known to have had an argument with Mia, one of Jen’s students, shortly before his death and now Mia has disappeared, leading everyone to thin she must have killed him. Determined to clear Mia’s name Jen must use the sleuthing abilities to solve the mystery of his murder.

This is a promising start to a new series from Victoria Gilbert. It’s fun and engaging with a lively plot, host of likeable characters and a touch of romance in the background.

Jenn, a murder mystery writer, stumbles upon a real murder scene. She decides to do some sleuthing. I really enjoyed this story. I like the writing style, it’s easy to read and entertaining. The characters are likeable and I enjoyed the banter between some of them. I didn't want 3 put it down.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Crooked Lanes Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

A nice start to a new series featuring a college professor who writes-wait for it- cozy mysteries on the side! Clarion is like so many academic environments but Jen surely did not expect to find herself solving a murder. She knows her student Mia didn't do it but who did? Luckily she has pals Christine and Briana to help. She's also got a frenemy thing going with Zach. The mystery isn't too twisty bur I didn't guess it. Know that these characters might seem a bit light now but that Gilbert, a veteran of the genre will flesh them out in the coming installments. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Schooled in Murder is book 1 in Victoria Gilbert's new Campus Sleuth Mystery series and it was a great start to the series.

Told in first person from the point of view of Jennifer (Jenn) Dalton, the story opens with her finding a dead body in the library, so we are immediately pulled into the action from page one.

Jenn is a mystery writer, and head of Clarion University's writing center so after finding out that the dead man is that of one of her co-workers who worked in the English department, she decides to test the skills she developed writing mysteries, to see if she can help solve the case. It's especially important to her because everyone is assuming the killer is a student Jenn was mentoring, and who showed promise as a romance author.

From co-workers with grievances against the dead man, to an unhappy marriage, and secret lover, there are no end of suspects for Jenn to investigate, and soon it seems clear that she is in danger as well.

Along with the mystery, we also see a bit of an enemies to lovers relationship starting to develop between Jenn and Zachary, a psychologist who has his own practice and who also treats students at the clinic on campus. It's pretty obvious that he's interested in Jenn from the start, but she is prickly and oblivious to his interest. It's actually quite amusing seeing their interactions.

I really enjoyed this mystery and will be looking for more books in the series and hoping to see more of the romance between Jenn and Zach.

This series debut stars Jen Dalton who is an author of mysteries and who is in charge of the writing center at Clarion University. When one of her mentees is accused of murdering her belittling English professor, Jen is on the case for a real-life mystery.

As she investigates along with her friends Cristine Kubiak who is a cafeteria manager and Brianna Rowley who is a librarian, she learns to appreciate the dangers of the situations she puts her fictional characters into since she is putting herself into danger for real.

I enjoyed her budding relationship with Zachary Flynn who is a psychologist first assigned to counsel her after the murder. I liked that he tried to be the voice of reason when Jen had her more dangerous ideas.

Jen had lots of intriguing suspects including the wife and the mistress of the murdered professor. Then there was her friend who is an English department rival of the deceased and even the head of the college who might have wanted the professor dead.

This was a nice introduction to Jen Dalton and her friends and an enjoyable mystery.

The plot's pretty nice and the mystery is well written too. The book is fast-paced and the chapters are quite short, so you'll get through this in no time. I liked that the romance did not take away from the mystery.

This book has amazing descriptions of the university - made me feel like I was in there. However, I wish I could say the same about its characters - I couldn't connect to a single one. Jack creeped me out when he was first introduced - which is not a good look, cause he's a psychologist - and it took a long time for me to warm up to him. The romance was cute though.

one thing I want to point out is the book's synopsis - 'A mystery writer must solve a real murder case'. this is not true? sure, there was a bit of investigation but the killer just confessed to their crimes in the end. where was the solving??

Great start to a new cozy mystery series! Loved the main sleuthing characters and can't wait to read more stories with the investigative crew of Jen, Zachary, Christine and Brianna! Love the college/university setting too. Schooled in Murder was really well written and held my interest throughout. Excited to read more.

In SCHOOLED IN MURDER by Victoria Gilbert Jenn (Jennifer) Dalton, the director of the writing center at Clariton University, finds a dead body in the library. The victim is one of Mia Jackson’s professors, who favors literary fiction over Mia’s preferred genre writing—romance. As it turns out, Mia Jackson is missing. How did the professor die? Is Mia’s disappearance connected to his death? Does Jenn find the answers? I read on to find out.

I like this first book in the Campus Sleuth Mysteries series, SCHOOLED IN MURDER. I enjoy Victoria Gilbert’s writing. Jenn Dalton is an interesting main character, and the way she reflects on her own writing experiences is a nice addition to the narrative. I am interested in Jenn's budding relationship with Zach and look forward to seeing where that goes. Another wonderful cozy mystery with a well-constructed plot from Victoria Gilbert. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review and advance reader copy of SCHOOLED IN MURDER.

Since I was a student aide for my college's education department, which was alongside the English department, this one drew me immediately. The first of a new series for author Victoria Gilbert, the main character is a professor as well as the author of a mystery series. She works with students who want to write but finds there is a bit of a stigma from some higher minded souls when the students want to write, let's say, non-serious material such as romance or, dare I say it, cozy mysteries. Jenn Dalton finds herself in the middle of what could be one of her mysteries when one of her students, Mia, has a confrontation with a professor who, although he finds her talented, has belittled her romance writings as being a waste of her talents. As if that isn't bad enough, the student goes missing just as the snobby professor's body is found in the library....by Jenn. Mystery author or not, Jenn was totally shaken by the experience but with the help of friends is determined to discover the truth. Who killed Professor Doug Barth?

I won't detail the plot but it was fun to see a mystery writer trying to summon everything she knows, or thinks she knows, about sleuthing. She has friends to help, including one who just seems to drive her nuts. If you're like me, having read enough cozies over the years to see it coming, I immediately thought, "Ah, ha, romantic interest". That said, I didn't quite warm up to Jenn immediately. She seemed a bit prickly at times although maybe stand-offish would be a better word choice. I did enjoy the setting, however, and the ease with which her fellow workers jumped in to help her sort it all out. Zach, the psychologist and romantic interest, seemed almost condescending at first but I credited that to Jenn's inability to accept that her reactions were anything but normal and she'd be perfectly fine. The dance around ultimate attraction between them was fun to watch, even if I wondered at times if I'd like either one in real life.

As for the murder, the initial focus is on talented writing student Mia, who goes missing at the wrong time. As it turns out, there are several potential suspects, all complicated by the dynamics of what appears to be professional rivalries and some less than professional actions. That's all I'm saying about that other that Jenn found out reality doesn't always fall into line with creative plot lines. Nor are people always what the appear to be. While I wasn't fully pulled in by Jenn, there's promise to this new series and I'll definitely read the next. Thanks #CrookedLaneBooks for the early peek into Jenn's literary and new-found sleuthing life.

A brand new series from a much beloved author. Professor Jenn Dalton of Clarion University in Virginia is on the top floor of the library when she spies the body of a man on the floor. The man was Professor of English Douglas Barth who was seen with one of Jenny's students shortly before. So when suspicion falls on the student Jenn sets out to find the real killer. Great story plot with realistic characters. A most awesome start to a new exciting series. Thanks #Netgalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Book Title: Schooled in Murder
Series: Campus Sleuth Mysteries #1
Author: Victoria Gilbert
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: January 7, 2025
My Rating: 4.5 Rounded up
Pages: 272

Jennifer ‘Jenn’ Dalton is a professor at the Writing Centre at Clarion University in Virginia, and is also an author. She is on the top floor of the library when she sees the body of a man sprawled on the floor. She immediately seeks help by going to another floor where there should be someone to help. Police are called. The man is English Professor Douglas Barth.
Mia Jackson was seen upset in the library. Professor Barth humiliated her in class stating she was much too talented to be writing romance novels and gives her a poor grade which is worth 50% of her grade. Rumor has it that her essay was found near the body making Mia a suspect.

Mia is one of Professor Dalton’s most promising students. With the help from Bri, the reference librarian, and Christine, the manager of Student Union Cafe, who also believe in Mia's innocence, they work to find out what really happened.
I read a lot of thrillers and also have a long suspect list~ totally love when I missed whodunit!!

Great story!!
PLIS I always I love the college setting. SO am already for Book #2

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 7, 2025.

A first book in a new series, from the blurb this seemed an amazing read. Plus, I've read other Victoria Gilbert books, which I thought were well done.

Being the first book in a series, I really needed detail on setting and characters. The book has both, but many of the characters, including the protagonist, seem lacking in enough detail to give me a full picture of who they are. I feel like the author was attempting to make the protagonist a bit of a prickly personality, maybe trying to season her with an Agatha Raisin vibe. While I appreciate the attempt to create a different personality type for a cosy protagonist, I'm not sure if the balance was right. The prickly personality seemed too strong.

Maybe the reason for this was to introduce an enemies to lovers story line with Zach, a psychologist who should not be a psychologist, given his personality in the book. Both Zach and protagonist, Jen, trade more barbs than politicians at a debate. And apparently, that's what they're both attracted to. So maybe like does attract like. I found the whole enemies to lovers story line, which almost felt insta-love as well, a bit off-putting in this book. I found Zach more than a little creepy.

Now for the mystery side of things. It's a decent enough setup, and our protagonist has a good reason to meddle. But while that was good, the resolution felt too easy. It wasn't about sleuthing really. It was more the culprit walking up and admitting they did the deed.

The journey to the end did have some interesting moments, and on balance I enjoyed the story. But Victoria Gilbert is a seasoned author, so I expected little more. Maybe we'll get more in the second book.

Jennifer Dalton is an educator and author at Clarion University. Her role in the English department is to guide students who seek higher literary aspirations. After one of the college's professors humiliates one of her students, the confrontation between the two results in the discovery of his dead body. Along with his body is a crumpled, marked-down story submission from Mia, one of his students, incriminating her in the murder.
Jen is confident Mia is innocent, but when she mysteriously disappears, Jen moves full speed ahead, using the investigating skills she acquired as a mystery writer and the help of those around her to find the truth and clear Mia’s name.

3.5 stars

Cozy series debut featuring mystery writer/academic Jen Dalton. She runs the creative writing center so is firmly implanted in the college world with its accompanying rivalries and jealousies. When the body of a professor is found and a young mentee of Jen's comes under suspicion, she and several friends decide to help investigate.

Jen is not a particularly likable character. She has a major chip on her shoulder and seems to find snark easier than normal communication. There is a perilous maybe-romance with school psychologist Zachary Flynn. I think the tone attempts banter and repartee but it just feels mean-spirited.

It isn't long before another body turns up. Is it murder? Is it related? Jen and company end up solving both mysteries after a few close calls. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Jen Dalton, the popular head of the Writing Centre at Clarion University in Virginia, is also the author of a successful mystery series in her 'other' life, which the stuffier members of the English faculty are less than impressed by. Intending to do some research in the university library, she is horrified to find the body of one of the more disapproving department's professors.

When Mia, one of her more talented students, is blamed for the death, Jen and two of her friends, Christine, and Brianna, are determined to clear her name and hopefully find the person responsible as well. The campus psychologist, Zach, somehow joins their small team as a somewhat annoying voice of reason. It soon becomes clear that the killer has Jen in their sights, but with Mia still top of the suspect list, she can't stop investigating now, can she?

Book one in this new cosy series is a fun visit to academia, and Jen Dalton is an easy to like main protagonist. The investigation was intriguing, and although everything is new and the inevitable descriptions have to take place, it's clear that this is an experienced author and the necessary facts never overtake the storyline. There is plenty of scope here for another successful series for Victoria Gilbert.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very good series starter. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This is a new series by Victoria Gilbert, set in a fairly recognizable area by anyone who reads her Blue Ridge Library series. Set on the college campus of Clarion, where Richard Muir teaches dance, those characters get a quick mention, we meet Jenn Dalton, director of the campus writing center. Jenn is also a cozy mystery writer by night, where she has an eight book series published. Jenn has arrived at the top floor of the library to find a journal entry not yet offered online when she discovers a dead body instead! Shocked to find something like this in the college library where she also has her office, she even more thrown off when she finds out her colleague was murdered and one of her most talented students is considered the main suspect, and she's is no where to be found. With the help of her friends, Bri, a reference librarian, and Christine, the manager of Student Union Cafe, who also believe in Mia's innocence, they work to find out what really happened. I love the setting here, the college vibe, the diverse characters while still maintaining a small town feeling. I will admit it took a while for Jenn to grow on me. She comes off as very cool and maybe even a little stand offish, but eventually, we get to see a little more from her. It's definitely worth checking out. Thank you to #Netgally, #CrookedLaneBooks, and the author for a chance to read! #SchooledInMurder #VictoriaGilbert #CampusSleuthMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

I wanted to like this book i did. the setting the plot... it all seemed soo up my ally. but.. the characters. I could not fully enjoy this book because the characters are so flat that is my biggest complaint there seems to be no growth no personality no nothing. they really just feel like characters on a page. outside of that the stories good! but the characters take away from that 3/5 stars

This is a first in a new series by Victoria Gilbert.

Jennifer "Jen" Dalton helps English students at Clarion University Library in Virginia. She's also a fiction genre author, which is looked down upon by some of the petty members of the English department who encourage 'higher literary aspirations'. One of these uppity professors is found dead after having an argument with one of Jen's students.
Jen enlists the help of Christine Kubiak, cafeteria manager, Zachary Flynn, campus psychologist and Brianna Rowley, librarian. Together they attempt to identify the real killer, putting Jen in harms way more than once.

The protagonist, Jennifer "Jen" Dalton, is a relatable and compelling character who uses her sleuthing skills to clear her student's name after a shocking murder at Clarion University. Gilbert weaves together a fun web of motives and suspects, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The dynamic between Jen and her fellow sleuthers adds depth and humor to the story, making them a lovable and effective investigative team. The novel is not just a murder mystery but also delves into the politics and rivalries within academia, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Overall, Schooled in Murder is a good for fans of cozy mysteries and amateur sleuths. Victoria Gilbert's storytelling prowess and knack for crafting compelling characters make this book a standout in the genre.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-crafted mystery novel.

#SchooledinMurder #NetGalley @crookedlanebks

"Schooled in Murder" the 1st instalment in the "A Campus Sleuth Mystery" series by Victoria Gilbert. I think this is a great start to a new series. A mystery writer must solve a real murder case before an innocent girl is condemned…

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one sitting. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises. I did guess the killer before Jen but I still found this to be a fun easy read.

I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are going for Jen, Zach and the rest of her new found friends.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.