Author: Lori Robbins
Title: Lesson Plan for Murder
Series: Master Class #1
Location: Valerian Hills
Main Character: Liz HopewellÂ
Other Characters: Marcia Deaver. Mr. Pescarelli, Mrs. Donnatella, George, Caroline, Timmy, Bill, Emily, Susan, Detective Brown, Detective Harriman, Ashlee, Rebecca
Starts: 4
Lori Roberts’ Lesson Plan for Murder is a cozy mystery that combines high school drama with the resolve of an amateur detective determined to solve a murder.
The protagonist, English teach Liz Hopewell, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when she discovers one of her colleagues dead under mysterious circumstances. With her love of solving puzzles, she dives right into the investigation juggling her teaching responsibilities and her sleuthing skills. when two more colleagues are poisoned. Will the deceased woman’s lesson plans point Liz toward the murderer, putting her own safety at risk?
Liz is a likable and relatable character, with just enough imperfections to makes her  appear genuine. Liz’s knack for literary references and sharp humor make her a relatable and entertaining lead. I found it harder to relate to the supporting cast, making it difficult for me to connect with them. Some characters felt more like caricatures than fully developed individuals, which detracted slightly from the story’s emotional depth. The pacing feels uneven at times, with a slow start that picks up midway but occasionally gets bogged down by unnecessary side plots.
Despite these minor flaws, Lesson Plan for Murder is an enjoyable choice for cozy mystery fans who appreciate a clever, snarky heroine and a well-crafted, albeit somewhat predictable, mystery.
Happy Reading!
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