A review by frootlupo
Study Guide for Murder: A Master Class Mystery by Lori Robbins

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Study Guide for Murder was a fun and uncomplicated romp which, at times, got more serious than I was expecting. 



What you get is really on the cover for this one. It features an English teacher caught up in the middle of a murder mystery. If you’re looking for a gritty, realistic, hardboiled mystery, I feel like you probably didn’t pick up this book in the first place. If you want a witty, fun escapade with some admittedly ham-fisted Lit Fiction references, then you’re in the right place. 



The dialogue started occasionally clunky at first but smoothed out quite a bit as the story progressed. Our protagonist had some good and surprisingly nuanced character-work, while the majority of cast beside her didn’t really have enough page-time to warrant much depth anyway. 

I will say one of the plot points that caught me by surprise is about the protagonists unhappy marriage. It’s handled quite well, but I’ll admit my own bias that I never enjoy that plot line much personally. Not a knock against the author or book at all, but it did dampen my personal enjoyment. 



Overall the book was fun - I liked it and don’t have any more complicated emotions regarding it than that. 

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.