Death at Hilliard High

A Susan Lombardi Mystery, Book 3

De: Carole B. Shmurak

Narrado por: Barbara Benjamin-Creel

Professor/sleuth Susan Lombardi is back with two mysteries to solve: Who is playing the cruel pranks on the new teacher - a twisted student or a jealous colleague? And what has become of the teacher whose wife's body was found in their cellar?

©2009, 2011 Carole B. Shmurak (P)2014 Carole B. Shmurak

Enjoyable cozy mystery set in educational setting.

Any additional comments?

Death at Hilliard High is another good cozy mystery written by Carole B. Shmurak. The story centers on Susan Lombardi who is an education professor and educational consultant at a Connecticut university. Susan is asked by a former student to visit her classroom at the prestigious Hilliard High where she was recently hired after graduating from college. The new teacher is being harassed by pranks, which appear to be racially motivated. While looking into the pranks, Susan unwittingly becomes involved in the murder of one of the teachers' wives at the school. The same supporting cast of characters is back, including Susan’s husband and her best friend. With their help, Susan solves the murder by uncovering the murderer's secret hideout.

Unlike other books in a typical series, I don’t believe you must read the first book in the series beforehand. Sufficient background is given to fully understand the various characters and enjoy the story.

I listened to the Audible version of this story. Barbara Benjamin-Creel's narration was great. She's maintained consistent voices from the first two books, differentiating the various characters. She also exhibited the right amount of “spunk” and cheekiness needed in a good cozy mystery. Great job!

Enjoyable Listen

This story begins with an African-American teacher named Shauna Thompson who teaches English at Hilliard High which is an all white school. She receives an interesting sort of secret admirer note and an even more interesting present. It wasn't really offensive, just curious and somewhat creepy. She calls on Susan to help her get to the bottom of the mystery.

At the same time there's another plot brewing. Another teacher goes missing after his wife is found dead, lying at the bottom of the basement stairs at the couples home.

I like the way the author ties in two plots together in one story. That was a good idea and it worked. I also like Susan's hubby Swash. He becomes more active in this installment by purchasing a classic car from the internet and getting involved with the car club. Susan's friend Elaine is back and having on and off issues with her beau whose off writing a novel in N.Y.

Overall, this is a good listen and knowing the main players is great. It's as if you're part of the family. As always, Barbara Benjamin-Creel does a wonderful job voicing these very likeable characters. I think anyone would enjoy listening to or reading this series. Its fun and light. Another good one!

I received this audiobook foc inx for an unbiased review

Fun cozy figure as you go mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What a fun mystery! I would definitely recommend this book to others. It's a double mystery--who killed the protagonist's friend and who is harassing an African American teacher awash among Causasian teachers and students? The main caharacter, Susan, figures out the mystery in first-person format and keeps us guessing with her.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

IT did! I love love cozy mysteries because the dialogue doesn't always focus on the mystery. Death at Hilliard High did a good job of weaving the 2 mystery stories and giving us some fun day to day stories

What about Barbara Benjamin-Creel’s performance did you like?

Ms Creel has a soothing voice and does a fine job of distinguishing different characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was, and I did!

Mystery

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this mystery by Ms. Shmurak. All 3 books in this series staring Susan Lombardi and each book was fun and fast reading.. Very interesting mystery stories.

A cozy little mystery ...

Any additional comments?

Death at Hilliard High is the latest in the Susan Lombardi mystery series. Susan gets called out to Hilliard High as a favor to her friend Elaine. One of Elaine's former students, Shawna, is a first year teacher and there are some pranks being played on her. In the course of investing to find out who the prankster is, Susan also stumbles onto the mystery of who killed the wife of one of Shawna's colleagues.

This is the 3rd book in this series. The mysteries in this book are a little weak compared to books 1 and 2. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters from the previous 2 books and the Swash subplot was interesting.

Ms. Benjamin-Creel's characterizations were consistent with the previous books and made the story interesting. I would still recommend this book to my friends who like light mysteries. At a little over 4 hours, this book is a quick listen.

I'm interested to see what is next for Susan, Swash and the gang.