I am so happy to be part of this tour!
II An Act of Murder
by Mary Angela
An Act of Murder (Professor Prather Mystery)
Series: Professor Prather Mystery (Book 1)
Cozy Mystery
Setting – South Dakota
Publisher: Camel Press (October 15, 2016)
Paperback: 236 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1603813754
E-Book ASIN: B01M622C3B
Synopsis
In the sleepy college town of Copper Bluff, South Dakota, English professor Emmeline Prather is enjoying the start of a new semester. But when one of her students dies working on the fall musical, it disrupts life on the small, quiet campus. Although the police rule the death accidental, Prof. Prather has good reason to suspect foul play.
Unmasking the murderer proves much more challenging than finding dangling participles, so Em recruits fellow English professor Lenny Jenkins for assistance. Together, they comb the campus and vicinity for clues, risking their reputations and possibly their jobs. After an intruder breaks into Em’s house, Lenny advises caution–and perhaps a change of address. Em, on the other hand, is all the more determined to forge ahead, convinced they’re on the brink of an important breakthrough.
Set in South Dakota in a small college town, big city drama arrives with a murder of a freshmen in the theater. Emmeline Prather was his English professor and she felt like she was just getting to know this young man but can’t imagine why anyone would want him dead. With the help of another professor, Lenny Jenkins, she is determined to find the killer while putting herself in danger.
I had sympathy for the victim, his life had been the family farm and his small high school. Away from home and at college is a huge change for everyone, but he was having trouble finding his place. Em knew he was trying to join a fraternity and her first thought was a hazing incident gone wrong may have been how the student met his demise. The more she and Lenny dug into the case more possibilities and suspects came to light.
As for Em, she impressed me as an amateur sleuth. She is a smart woman and doesn’t back down. She followed the clues through several twists very realistically. I was totally surprised where the clues led and the drama that ensued in pursuit of justice.
I like her relationship with Lenny, it brings a little levity to the story. They work well together and exchange a few barbs along the way. I am excited to see where the author takes these characters in the future.
This series is off to a great start. The mystery is complicated and believable. The characters are real with plenty of room to evolve. The setting is intriguing with a huge pool of people to draw into future stories. Mary Angela is an author to watch. I am excited about upcoming installments to this story.
About The Author
Like her protagonist in the Professor Prather mystery series, Mary Angela lives on the Great Plains and teaches college writing and literature. When she’s not grading papers (when is she not grading papers?), she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have two amazing daughters, one adorable dog, and a cat who would rather not be limited by an adjective. For more information, go to www.maryangelabooks.com.
Author Links
Webpage Blog GoodReads Facebook Twitter
Praise for An Act of Murder
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was filled with mystery. I was guessing till the end a few twists and turns. A very well written book.
~Books, Dreams, Life
I got a kick out of quirky English professor Emmeline Prather, who is just bloody-minded enough to continue to investigate a mysterious death on campus, against the advice of…well, just about everyone.
~Island Confidential
There are numerous interesting angles and twists and turns in An Act of Murder that make it a most enjoyable read.
~Back Porchervations
The ending was explosive with secrets that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat.
~Texas Book-aholic
Tour Participants
October 15 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
October 16 – Books,Dreams,Life – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – Island Confidential – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
October 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 19 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
October 21 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
October 22 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
October 24 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 26 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW
October 26 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
October 27 – Jane Reads – REVIEW
October 28 – Varietats – GUEST POST
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This sounds like an intriguing mystery. I’ll be looking for it.
Thank you for the opportunity to win!
I’d love to start reading a series set in our neighboring state.
Thank you for reviewing my book and for the opportunity to be on tour with Great Escapes! As a debut author, I have enjoyed the experience so much. It has been invaluable. As a reader, I know where to find my next great book!
Mary Angela
Sounds like a great read.
As a former teacher and mystery lover, the plot intrigues me. Will definitely be adding this one to my reading list and looking for more from this author.
Love sampling debut authors. Thanks!
so want to read the new series. Thanks for sharing.
A new author to me. Sounds like a fascinating read, looking forward to reading.
Congrats on the new release! It sounds like an intriguing book. Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoy mysteries. Thanks for this opportunity.
I’m always looking for a new mystery, I’m looking forward to this series!