Book Review of Study Guide for Murder by Lori Robins a cozy mystery and book 2 of A Master Class Mystery series about a teacher using Literature to solve crime
| Title | Study Guide for Murder |
| Writer | Lori Robbins |
| Series | Master Class #2 |
| Publisher | Level Best Books |
| Publication date | 3rd September 2024 |
| MBR star rating /5 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Genre | Cozy Mystery |
by Lori Robbins
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Synopsis: Study Guide for Murder
Liz Hopewell’s quiet, suburban life is upended when murder intrudes in the most personal and shocking way.
After leaving behind the violence and hardship of her Brooklyn upbringing, Liz has worked hard to build a stable life in New Jersey, where she enjoys her roles as an English teacher, wife, and mother.
The existential questions she once pondered now stay safely confined to the classroom, where she leads her students through discussions of classic literature like Frankenstein and Hamlet.
However, Liz’s past catches up with her when a shocking murder strikes close to home. Elliot Tumbleson, a fellow community member, is found dead, and in a cruel twist of fate, it’s Liz’s golf club that is the murder weapon.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that this crime is not an isolated incident. A second murder follows, complicating matters with a case of mistaken identity that sends Liz spiralling back into her turbulent childhood.
Haunted by memories she thought she’d left behind, Liz takes matters into her own hands. Using her unique perspective as an English teacher and her analytical skills honed through years of literary analysis, she begins to connect the dots between the two murders.
Drawing on literary theory, Liz embarks on an unconventional investigation that digs as deep into her past as it does into the current murders. The journey takes her back to her childhood neighbourhood, where old grudges, secrets, and unresolved issues resurface.
Despite warnings from the police and the advice of those closest to her, Liz can’t help but pursue the truth. With a sharp eye for hidden meanings and symbolic connections, she discovers clues that others might overlook.
But in this real-world drama, the killers—much like her students—don’t always follow the expected narrative arc, and not everyone reads the story to its logical conclusion.
As Liz closes in on the murderer, she realizes that her life may once again be in danger. The past and present converge in an explosive climax, forcing her to confront the violence she tried to escape while using the skills she’s honed as a teacher to solve a mystery that threatens to destroy the peace she’s worked so hard to achieve.
Study Guide for Murder blends humour, literary allusions, and a tense, twisting mystery into a compelling read. Liz Hopewell’s intellect, vulnerability, and tenacity make her a captivating protagonist in this sequel, as she navigates both personal demons and a deadly threat lurking in the shadows of her suburban life.
Review of Study Guide for Murder
Is ehe second book in Lori Robbins’ A Master Class Mystery series, following the adventures of Liz Hopewell, an American high school English teacher with an unexpected knack for solving murders using her deep knowledge of literature.
In this instalment, Liz and her husband join a local golf club, but the leisurely outing quickly takes a dark turn when Elliot Tumbleson is found dead—struck down with Liz’s very own golf club.
One of the key questions for any sequel is whether it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, and Study Guide for Murder offers a somewhat mixed answer.
While Robbins provides enough context to allow new readers to follow along, there are plot threads that carry over from the first book. The overarching storyline, particularly regarding Liz’s personal growth and unresolved issues from Lesson Plan for Murder, adds layers of depth, but does not overwhelm the central mystery.
Readers can dive in without having read the first book, though they might miss some of the nuances that tie the series together.
In typical cozy mystery fashion, Study Guide for Murder delivers everything fans of the genre crave: an array of suspects, an upscale setting, and a generous serving of red herrings.
The elite golf club backdrop provides the perfect location for murder and intrigue, where Liz must once again tap into her literary mind to navigate the twists and turns of the investigation.
What really sets this series apart is its heroine, Liz Hopewell. She’s a middle-aged woman dealing with the everyday pressures of life—balancing a demanding job, a marriage that’s showing signs of strain, and the existential questions that often arise in midlife.
At the beginning of the novel, Liz is uncertain about whether she’s truly content, both personally and professionally, and this inner conflict adds complexity to her character. The mystery is as much about Liz figuring out her own life as it is about finding a killer.
What makes Liz unique among cozy mystery protagonists is how her role as an English teacher permeates her worldview. Robbins skilfully weaves Liz’s literary background into the story, influencing how she interprets clues and interacts with others.
This characteristic is neither overdone nor gimmicky but instead enriches Liz’s perspective, making her a fully realized character whose career and intellect play a meaningful role in the plot. Robbins succeeds in creating a protagonist who feels realistic and relatable, a standout trait in a genre where characters can sometimes fall into predictable moulds.
That said, Liz’s effectiveness as an amateur sleuth remains debatable. While her literary insights occasionally help her uncover clues, her inexperience as an investigator is palpable.
This adds a level of believability to her character—Liz isn’t a natural-born detective, but someone who stumbles through the process of crime-solving with determination and wit. Robbins makes this work, creating tension without pushing Liz into an implausibly skilled investigator.
Conclusion
Study Guide for Murder is a charming and enjoyable cozy mystery. Robbins brings together a well-rounded, introspective protagonist, an engaging plot, and a lively cast of suspects in a setting that feels both familiar and fresh. The novel provides a satisfying mix of humour, tension, and heart, making it a solid addition to the series.
While Study Guide for Murder will not break new ground for cozy mysteries, it’s a fun, well-written mystery that fans of the genre—especially those with a love for literature—will appreciate.
Meet : Lori Robbins
A former dancer, Lori performed with a number of modern dance and classical ballet companies, including Ballet Hispanico and the St. Louis Ballet. Her commercial work included featured spots for Pavlova Perfume and Macy’s. After ten very lean years onstage she became an English teacher and now writes full time.
Lori’s experiences as a professional dancer, English teacher, writer, and mother of six have made her an expert in the homicidal impulses everyday life inspires.
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Mark.
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thanks what is the question