Death at Hilliard High

A Susan Lombardi Mystery, Book 3

By: Carole B. Shmurak

Narrated by: Barbara Benjamin-Creel

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Another "COZY" Mystery

Really enjoy Susan, her husband, and several other characters. Discussion of the 1957 Chevy was fun as we're all of the references to great literature. This is a short, light, and interesting mystery with a surprising ending. The narration was very good and I would recommend this audiobook.

Audiobook provided for an honest review.

Great short mystery

Another great quick mystery. Susan is an interesting character and I love the supporting cast. Her husband Swash and BFF are both supportive.

The mystery this time starts out fairly safe, just some harassment of a teacher. It does of course later take a turn to a murder. We all know that peaks Susan's curiosity.

The whole book is from Susan's POV, which adds to the mystery I suppose. You find out details and uncover clues with her. Which makes it your mystery to solve as well.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Barbara Benjamin-Creel. She does a great job keeping the energy of the lead character and makes the story move. She has a great feel for Susan, which is important because it all comes from her POV. Nice pace and tone throughout the read. I also loved her work with Elaine and Swash. They have been consistent and distinct throughout the series.

I am a big fan of these mini mysteries. They are super short, but contain plenty of detail. I can not wait to see what happens next.

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.