History Lessons

De: Zoe B. Wallbrook

Narrado por: Jasmin Walker

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 fans of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.

As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, writing her first 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 an 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 readers will root for.

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Intellectual Who Done It!

This was such a good read! Smart and thought provoking. I'm not typically a fan of mystery but I wanted to give it a try. Will absolutely check out more in this genre and more from the author!

An Extremely Enjoyable Story.

Funny, exciting, entertaining. Loved the storyline. The main character is relatable and her friend is so funny! will definitely listen again.

Murder mystery on campus!

I stumbled upon History Lessons and boy am I glad I did! It’s the perfect summer read; fun, quick, and has relatable characters that are so relatable. Zoe handles difficult topics skillfully without being overly dramatic. I look forward to reading more about adventures of Dr. Daphne and Chloe!

Enjoyed it…

I found this to be an enjoyable and engaging read. Though somewhat unrealistic, it makes for a charming autumn campus mystery

interesting! intellectually stimulating in unexpected ways

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook is an intelligent, quick-paced, thoughtful mystery that feels tailor-made for anyone who loves sharp heroines, bookish settings, and layered social commentary.

What I loved most about this story was how badass women take center stage. The protagonist, Daphne Ouverture, is not your typical sleuth. She’s a junior history professor who uses her research instincts to investigate a murder on her own campus, and she’s so richly drawn that you can’t help but root for her.

The novel is a bibliophile’s and educator’s dream. It leans into academic life with actual historical insight and witty banter that celebrates nerd culture and intellectual curiosity. The campus setting feels authentically academic, from grading papers and lectures to the humorous classroom moments, which makes it especially fun if you love books about books and thinkers.

Daphne’s growth as a character, from an under-the-radar professor to someone who seizes agency over her own narrative, gives this book real heart and thematic depth. Her journey isn’t just about solving a crime, it’s about claiming space in a world that often tries to minimize her.

The supporting characters help make this world feel lived-in. Her friends are fun and fiercely loyal, they feel like the girlfriends you always wished you had.

I especially appreciated that the romance and procedural elements aren’t the traditional cozy mystery you might expect, and the romance occasionally steps into “insta-attraction” territory. But the strength of Daphne’s voice and the clever writing keep it compelling.

History Lessons is funny, smart, and a brilliant and irresistible cozy mystery. It’s full of brilliant women, witty observations, and bookish joy everything you wanted and didn’t know you needed in a mystery.