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Red Solaris #1
The Red Queen's Run
A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. The police suspect members of the faculty who had been engaged in a fierce quarrel with the dean -- distinguished scholars who behaved like schoolyard bullies. When Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation,but new threats lead him to believe that Red is the next target for death.
301 pages, Paperback
First published December 9, 2014
About the author
Bourne Morris
8 books24 followersAfter Bennington College, I worked at McCall's Magazine and then went to Ogilvy&Mather, New York during the "Mad Men " era. David Ogilvy and his colleagues treated me wonderfully, promoted me several times and then sent me west to become head of their agency in Los Angeles. I managed an agency of 200 great people. I was invited to be on the 1984 Olympic Committee and the boards of a law school and a major charity. I had a terrific and unusually successful time in advertising.
A move to Reno brought me to the attention of the University of Nevada where I was invited to join the faculty as a full professor in Journalism. I taught marketing communications and media ethics until 2009. I learned about campus politics and tensions when I served as Chair of the Faculty Senate. That experience sent me back to my first love: writing fiction. So, after 26 years of college teaching, I retired to write academic mysteries about campus violence.
Published in 2014 by Henery Press, "The Red Queen's Run," is the first in a trilogy. The story opens with the brutal death of the dean of journalism. Dr. Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed as interim dean and must navigate a vicious faculty quarrel in search of the murderer before she becomes the next target. The second novel in the Red Solaris trilogy is due out December 2015
I share my home in northern Nevada with a kind and generous husband. Between us we have four children, and eight grandchildren.
A move to Reno brought me to the attention of the University of Nevada where I was invited to join the faculty as a full professor in Journalism. I taught marketing communications and media ethics until 2009. I learned about campus politics and tensions when I served as Chair of the Faculty Senate. That experience sent me back to my first love: writing fiction. So, after 26 years of college teaching, I retired to write academic mysteries about campus violence.
Published in 2014 by Henery Press, "The Red Queen's Run," is the first in a trilogy. The story opens with the brutal death of the dean of journalism. Dr. Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed as interim dean and must navigate a vicious faculty quarrel in search of the murderer before she becomes the next target. The second novel in the Red Solaris trilogy is due out December 2015
I share my home in northern Nevada with a kind and generous husband. Between us we have four children, and eight grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 17, 2014
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The story starts out with a real punch. Reminding us of a true story of a faculty meeting at the University of Alabama that came to an abrupt halt when one member stood up and shot 6 people, 3 who died. Meredith “Red” Solaris was starting to wonder if something like that could happen at her school, Mountain West University. The debates were getting more vicious than ever and the staff is clearly turning against each other. When she receives a call telling her that her boss had been found dead at the bottom of the marble stairs in the school she realizes it can and one of her colleagues could be a murderer.
Borne Morris takes us behind the scenes of the School of Journalism at Mountain West University. The politics, the backstabbing, the crazy world where tenure is coveted and scorned when it leaves bad professors in the classrooms. We learn about cheating and plagiarizing, curriculum debates and student/faculty relationships. Sometimes this world drives people over the edge and people end up severely hurt or even dead.
There is a lighter side of the story with a bit of romance between “Red” and the detective investigating the dean’s death. He is also doing his best to keep her safe.
This was a very quick read. The content completely held my interest and rang true as this crime was not solved in a short period of time. The lead detective was even asked to let another detective look at the case with fresh eyes. Maybe Detective Joe Morgan had grown to close to the case to see the clues clearly. There was a variety of ways this story could have played out and there were the right amount of twists to have it make complete sense as everything feel into place.
I think we have just scratched the surface of what we know about “Red” Solaris and Detective Joe Morgan. Morris has given us some rich characters here and she has left them plenty of room to grow.
a perfect escape
September 17, 2014
The Red Queen's Run by Bourne Morris begins with a faculty meeting in the school of journalism. The protagonist Meredith "Red" Solaris is concerned about the animosity displayed by a few of the faculty members, and her thoughts go to the Amy Bishop shooting in Alabama.
(OK--first page, and I'm wondering...fact or fiction? Somehow those lines didn't feel like fiction; the name didn't exactly jog my memory, but I stopped right there and Googled Amy Bishop. Indeed, when Bishop failed to be granted tenure at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, she went to a faculty meeting and shot and killed three professors, wounding three others.)
As Red Solaris regrets that the ivory tower is not all sweetness and light, intelligent discussion, and academic camaraderie, the reader knows to expect violence as well. An interesting way to introduce the darker side of university politics.
When the Dean of the Journalism School is found dead from an apparent heart-attack and/or a fall down the stairs, Red is appointed interim Dean and begins to wonder if the death of her friend and mentor was an accident or murder.
Several issues are tackled in the novel: faculty in-fighting, student/professor sexual relationships, curriculum, and cheating and plagiarism. There is also a romance developing between Red Solaris and the detective assigned to the case.
I didn't find the detective's willingness to share information with Red too believable, but otherwise, I was all in and eager to discover who had actually murdered the dean.
Read in Sept.; blog post scheduled for Nov. 20
NetGalley/Henery Press
Mystery. Dec. 9, 2015. Print length: 280 pages.
(OK--first page, and I'm wondering...fact or fiction? Somehow those lines didn't feel like fiction; the name didn't exactly jog my memory, but I stopped right there and Googled Amy Bishop. Indeed, when Bishop failed to be granted tenure at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, she went to a faculty meeting and shot and killed three professors, wounding three others.)
As Red Solaris regrets that the ivory tower is not all sweetness and light, intelligent discussion, and academic camaraderie, the reader knows to expect violence as well. An interesting way to introduce the darker side of university politics.
When the Dean of the Journalism School is found dead from an apparent heart-attack and/or a fall down the stairs, Red is appointed interim Dean and begins to wonder if the death of her friend and mentor was an accident or murder.
Several issues are tackled in the novel: faculty in-fighting, student/professor sexual relationships, curriculum, and cheating and plagiarism. There is also a romance developing between Red Solaris and the detective assigned to the case.
I didn't find the detective's willingness to share information with Red too believable, but otherwise, I was all in and eager to discover who had actually murdered the dean.
Read in Sept.; blog post scheduled for Nov. 20
NetGalley/Henery Press
Mystery. Dec. 9, 2015. Print length: 280 pages.
October 31, 2014
A delightful cozy mystery with twist of romance situated in Northwesten Nevada. The College of Journalism Dean is found at the foot of stairs DEAD. The death is considered suspicious. Meredith Solaris better known as "RED" is appointed interim Dean. She taking over a department that has,many problems as teacher and student relationship, plagiarism and faculty tenure. Red is starting a romance with a police inspector of the town.
The writing is great and flows smoothly. The characters are in depth and will relate with you. Red as the Dean with hard choices to make, the faculty who are fighting among themselves for various reasons. The student who is in trouble in her classes and sleeping with a professor. I highly recommend this book I
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
The writing is great and flows smoothly. The characters are in depth and will relate with you. Red as the Dean with hard choices to make, the faculty who are fighting among themselves for various reasons. The student who is in trouble in her classes and sleeping with a professor. I highly recommend this book I
Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions are my own.
August 28, 2014
The Red Queen's Run is a traditional whodunnit. The dean of the journalism school has had a suspicious death, through their investigation the police have determined that it is a homicide. Meredith "Red" Solaris has not only lost a good friend and her boss, but now she has been thrown into the lion's den with a killer at large. With the help of the lead police detective she must discover Henry's killer or she may be next.
I always have a heck of a time with reviews like this. The story did exactly what it was supposed to do. It started off with a bang (i.e. the murder). There was a good list of very devious suspects and a little bit of a love story tossed in, to keep the ladies happy. The story was professionally written, little or no typos, perfect formatting and with a general good flow.
My problem with The Red Queen's Run was that I just didn't connect with any of the characters. For me, it is important to connect, to care, otherwise it takes away from the tension and suspense that are essential to a great whodunnit.
What I really did enjoy was the office dynamics of the university professors. I spent several years in university myself, I had no idea that the professors were on worse behavior than the students. Bourne Morris has done an excellent job of describing the politics of a university department and the childish antics of these scholarly individuals.
The Red Queen's Run is a good whodunnit and gives a unique perspective into a world that is mostly unseen.
I always have a heck of a time with reviews like this. The story did exactly what it was supposed to do. It started off with a bang (i.e. the murder). There was a good list of very devious suspects and a little bit of a love story tossed in, to keep the ladies happy. The story was professionally written, little or no typos, perfect formatting and with a general good flow.
My problem with The Red Queen's Run was that I just didn't connect with any of the characters. For me, it is important to connect, to care, otherwise it takes away from the tension and suspense that are essential to a great whodunnit.
What I really did enjoy was the office dynamics of the university professors. I spent several years in university myself, I had no idea that the professors were on worse behavior than the students. Bourne Morris has done an excellent job of describing the politics of a university department and the childish antics of these scholarly individuals.
The Red Queen's Run is a good whodunnit and gives a unique perspective into a world that is mostly unseen.
November 7, 2014
Meredith "Red" Solaris is associate dean for the School of Journalism at a University in northern Nevada. Shortly after a heated faculty meeting, the dean, Henry Brooks, is found dead at the bottom of a staircase. It isn't too long before it soon becomes apparent that what was at first thought of as an accident turns out to be a murder.
After the death, Meredith is appointed Interim Dean. Along with that comes the problems of the school - a student caught cheating and recommended for expulsion, for one - and a host of suspects, which includes three of the tenured faculty members.
Along the way, Meredith finds herself attracted to the lead detective, Joe Morgan. The attraction is mutual, but both have decided to keep their distance until the investigation is complete, which is proving hard to do. Add to that the demons of their own pasts that they carry and must deal with, which makes a relationship between them a lot harder to navigate. Yes, I know that as a detective Joe "shared" too much information with Meredith, but in my opinion I don't feel that it detracted from the book (and I am a stickler for things like that - just read my other reviews.)
I truly enjoyed this story. The characters are fleshed out and believable, and I found myself rooting the entire way for Meredith as she wends her way through the problems of being dean at a college, and watching her handle each one as it comes along.
I also liked the fact that the solving of the murder took place over a period of time - from just before Thanksgiving right up until early spring, just as it might have in the real world. In a murder such as this one, with no apparent suspects and no real evidence, it's not likely it would be solved in a week or two. Given the period of time involved, I got to see the changes that occurred in Meredith and Joe's relationship - the attraction, the insecurities, etc. It was refreshing, to say the least.
As to the murder itself, I really wasn't sure who the murderer was right away (and I'm pretty good at figuring it out since I read a lot of mysteries.) The reason for the murder, as it were, made sense and fit right in with the rest of what was happening. The plot was woven well, but not twisted or hard to follow; and it was enjoyable to see the "redemption" of one of the characters (you can't in reality expect redemption of all, even though it does happen in some books.) All in all, a highly enjoyable read that is also highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review but it in no way influenced my decision.
After the death, Meredith is appointed Interim Dean. Along with that comes the problems of the school - a student caught cheating and recommended for expulsion, for one - and a host of suspects, which includes three of the tenured faculty members.
Along the way, Meredith finds herself attracted to the lead detective, Joe Morgan. The attraction is mutual, but both have decided to keep their distance until the investigation is complete, which is proving hard to do. Add to that the demons of their own pasts that they carry and must deal with, which makes a relationship between them a lot harder to navigate. Yes, I know that as a detective Joe "shared" too much information with Meredith, but in my opinion I don't feel that it detracted from the book (and I am a stickler for things like that - just read my other reviews.)
I truly enjoyed this story. The characters are fleshed out and believable, and I found myself rooting the entire way for Meredith as she wends her way through the problems of being dean at a college, and watching her handle each one as it comes along.
I also liked the fact that the solving of the murder took place over a period of time - from just before Thanksgiving right up until early spring, just as it might have in the real world. In a murder such as this one, with no apparent suspects and no real evidence, it's not likely it would be solved in a week or two. Given the period of time involved, I got to see the changes that occurred in Meredith and Joe's relationship - the attraction, the insecurities, etc. It was refreshing, to say the least.
As to the murder itself, I really wasn't sure who the murderer was right away (and I'm pretty good at figuring it out since I read a lot of mysteries.) The reason for the murder, as it were, made sense and fit right in with the rest of what was happening. The plot was woven well, but not twisted or hard to follow; and it was enjoyable to see the "redemption" of one of the characters (you can't in reality expect redemption of all, even though it does happen in some books.) All in all, a highly enjoyable read that is also highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review but it in no way influenced my decision.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2015
This is your typical whodunit murder mystery book. It starts off great, the murder happens in the first chapter so there isn't a lot of waiting around for it. It was pretty fast paced and left me shocked at every turn. It made me wonder if this is really what life as dean of a university is like. If so then I won't no part of it, death threats and never catching a break no matter what you do...no thanks.
Meredith (Red) Solaris was just appointed the interim dean of a journalism college after the former dean is found dead. A police investigation starts when it is thought that the dean could have been murdered. The faculty working for her is full of mean and hateful people but is one of them capable of murder? Can Red along with her love interest, the detective on this murder case, figure out the murderer before Red is next?
I love Red as a lead character! She was strong and very independent. Even when she was given death threats she didn't let her enemies see her sweat. She didn't let it affect her job and she didn't run away from her issues. So unlike me, I would have run and never looked back. Yes, she told her super hot detective about the death threats but who wouldn't?
I liked Joe too. He was the only man in this whole book that wasn't a huge douche. He was nice and protective without being overbearing. Though I would want him to be if I was getting death threats.
This is the first whodunit that I actually figured out who did it! I figured it out way before the book said it was him. I was incredibly proud of myself for that because I have no detective skills. I'm not really sure why I thought it was him since everyone in this book was highly suspicious. Just when you think bullies are only in schools BAM they are also adults that work in universities. Technically still in a school though.
The only loose end that wasn't tied was Simon. What the heck happened to him, he just disappeared. I have a feeling he will be in the sequel, if there is a sequel. Even though that was left as a cliffhanger along with who was writing Red's death threats, (Same person maybe?) I still liked the ending.
For more of my reviews visit: http://www.hyperashley.com/
Meredith (Red) Solaris was just appointed the interim dean of a journalism college after the former dean is found dead. A police investigation starts when it is thought that the dean could have been murdered. The faculty working for her is full of mean and hateful people but is one of them capable of murder? Can Red along with her love interest, the detective on this murder case, figure out the murderer before Red is next?
I love Red as a lead character! She was strong and very independent. Even when she was given death threats she didn't let her enemies see her sweat. She didn't let it affect her job and she didn't run away from her issues. So unlike me, I would have run and never looked back. Yes, she told her super hot detective about the death threats but who wouldn't?
I liked Joe too. He was the only man in this whole book that wasn't a huge douche. He was nice and protective without being overbearing. Though I would want him to be if I was getting death threats.
This is the first whodunit that I actually figured out who did it! I figured it out way before the book said it was him. I was incredibly proud of myself for that because I have no detective skills. I'm not really sure why I thought it was him since everyone in this book was highly suspicious. Just when you think bullies are only in schools BAM they are also adults that work in universities. Technically still in a school though.
The only loose end that wasn't tied was Simon. What the heck happened to him, he just disappeared. I have a feeling he will be in the sequel, if there is a sequel. Even though that was left as a cliffhanger along with who was writing Red's death threats, (Same person maybe?) I still liked the ending.
For more of my reviews visit: http://www.hyperashley.com/
April 7, 2015
As with any thriller, this story starts with a murder. The dean of the journalism university was dead from falling down the stairs. Meredith Solaris nicknamed Red is named as interim dean. There is an ongoing fight between the faculties regarding the modern vs traditional curriculum, student/teacher relationship, politics etc. Some of the faculties feel the curriculum should be modernized whereas some feel the journalism should be in paper format. Red feels this debate may cause the death of her friend/mentor. Now she feels she was being threatened. Did she have the courage to continue as dean or will she quit? Will she identify the killer with the help of Detective Morgan with whom she is falling in love?
I have felt that the characters have not made any impressions. There is a just a bit of romance between Red and Detective Morgan. Morgan character doesn't have lot of work in detective side of the story. Maybe we can expect more in the next sequel if there is any. Since the ending is kept open, we can expect a sequel. Overall it’s a quick read. We can easily guess the murderer in the middle of the story itself.
I have felt that the characters have not made any impressions. There is a just a bit of romance between Red and Detective Morgan. Morgan character doesn't have lot of work in detective side of the story. Maybe we can expect more in the next sequel if there is any. Since the ending is kept open, we can expect a sequel. Overall it’s a quick read. We can easily guess the murderer in the middle of the story itself.
August 28, 2020
No bad, if stereotypical. I actually did enjoy the story... until the last 3 chapters. Then I was just annoyed at the characters. It became blatantly obvious who the killer was. And the characters in the book just never ever pretended to even consider this person(trying to keep it spoiler free).
At least the book was a quick read and didn't try to pull the plot out for too long of time.
At least the book was a quick read and didn't try to pull the plot out for too long of time.
December 31, 2025
A delightful read with a surprisingly realistic composite of academic life. Morris has drawn from the best of the worst of academe. The villain should be evident from the start and the lovey dovey paras are easily skipped.
January 13, 2017
Title: The Red Queen's Run - Red Solaris Mystery Book 1
Author: Bourne Morris
Published: 12-9-2014
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 262
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths; Romance
ISBN: 13: 9781940976570
ASIN: B00NO0VYZ8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "The Red Queen's Run" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
First in a New Series
Sub-Genre Tags: Suspense, Women Sleuths
A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. Accident or murder? The police suspect members of the faculty who had engaged in fierce quarrels with the dean—distinguished scholars who were known to attack the dean like brutal schoolyard bullies. When Meredith “Red” Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation, but incoming threats lead him to believe Red’s the next target for death.
My Review of "The Red Queen Rules":
Fiction imitating real life? Solaris wonders if her school might be endangered of repeating events that took place at another school not too long ago. Then her boss turns up dead. Only the first? Solaris soon realizes it is one of her colleagues. Can she root out the killer before she next one to loose tenure on life permanently.
"Red Queen Rules" is filled with intriguing characters that are well developed. Paired with a well though out plot that runs quickly and smoothly scene to scene, carrying the reader on the tide. My rating of "The Red Queen Rules" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194097657X/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-r...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Author: Bourne Morris
Published: 12-9-2014
Publisher: Henery Press
Pages: 262
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Women Sleuths, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuths; Romance
ISBN: 13: 9781940976570
ASIN: B00NO0VYZ8
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4.75 Stars
I received a copy of "The Red Queen's Run" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Description From the Publisher:
First in a New Series
Sub-Genre Tags: Suspense, Women Sleuths
A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. Accident or murder? The police suspect members of the faculty who had engaged in fierce quarrels with the dean—distinguished scholars who were known to attack the dean like brutal schoolyard bullies. When Meredith “Red” Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation, but incoming threats lead him to believe Red’s the next target for death.
My Review of "The Red Queen Rules":
Fiction imitating real life? Solaris wonders if her school might be endangered of repeating events that took place at another school not too long ago. Then her boss turns up dead. Only the first? Solaris soon realizes it is one of her colleagues. Can she root out the killer before she next one to loose tenure on life permanently.
"Red Queen Rules" is filled with intriguing characters that are well developed. Paired with a well though out plot that runs quickly and smoothly scene to scene, carrying the reader on the tide. My rating of "The Red Queen Rules" is 4.75 out of 5 stars.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194097657X/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-r...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
November 19, 2014
When I first picked up this novel I was not exactly sure what it would be about. My only clues were journalism and mystery. And I will put that in the heck yeah pile any time. I am a graphic artist at a daily newspaper and have a minor in journalism.
I found the background antics quite similar to what goes on around my work abode. It was funny yet scary yet ironic. And I really wanted to read on to figure out exactly how to deal with all those hostile personalities that come to light when the murder of the dean is discovered. Red is the assistant dean and gets shoved into the interim position once the body is discovered.
I enjoyed her cat and mouse antics with the dashing detective named Joe. He really liked her but she is considered a suspect and detectives dating suspects are high on the no no, not appropriate list.
There was a bit of the mystery left hanging at the end so I assume that there will be a book two in this series. It was a fast read, and I enjoyed it greatly. I do indeed look forward to book two. The Red Queen's Run starts off at a hectic pace and it doesn't let up. The story did cover quite a span of time which I found unusual in a book of this type. So the mystery was more difficult to figure out than most. But if you decide to dig into this one, you won't be disappointed.
4 Stars
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
I found the background antics quite similar to what goes on around my work abode. It was funny yet scary yet ironic. And I really wanted to read on to figure out exactly how to deal with all those hostile personalities that come to light when the murder of the dean is discovered. Red is the assistant dean and gets shoved into the interim position once the body is discovered.
I enjoyed her cat and mouse antics with the dashing detective named Joe. He really liked her but she is considered a suspect and detectives dating suspects are high on the no no, not appropriate list.
There was a bit of the mystery left hanging at the end so I assume that there will be a book two in this series. It was a fast read, and I enjoyed it greatly. I do indeed look forward to book two. The Red Queen's Run starts off at a hectic pace and it doesn't let up. The story did cover quite a span of time which I found unusual in a book of this type. So the mystery was more difficult to figure out than most. But if you decide to dig into this one, you won't be disappointed.
4 Stars
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank Net Galley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
November 14, 2014
If you've ever been in a meeting when a few (or more than a few) coworkers have gotten into a loud and heated discussion or disagreement, you'll know how associate dean Meredith "Red" Solaris feels among her colleagues. One might think that professors and academic doctors would be more of the calm, cool, and collected sort, but author Bourne Morris paints an entirely different picture in The Red Queen's Run. The story is an academic thriller that reminded me very much of Joanne Dobson's Karen Pelletier mysteries.
When the dean of Red's journalism school is found dead, Red finds herself thrust into the middle of a chaotic set of circumstances. Suddenly she is at the helm of a very troubled ship rife with mutinous teachers, professors, and doctors. As Red mourns the loss of her friend and mentor, it becomes clear that his death was not an accident. As a result, those tense staff meetings take on a sinister tone and Red starts seeing suspect all around her. Thankfully, she has a handsome detective watching her back. Even so, he may not be enough to keep her safe and sound.
The Red Queen's Run is the first in a planned trilogy. It masterfully sets up the series with a clever plot and plenty of suspicious characters who may be responsible for any number of nefarious deeds. Red may have uncovered one murderer in her midst, but it's clear that the danger is far from over.
When the dean of Red's journalism school is found dead, Red finds herself thrust into the middle of a chaotic set of circumstances. Suddenly she is at the helm of a very troubled ship rife with mutinous teachers, professors, and doctors. As Red mourns the loss of her friend and mentor, it becomes clear that his death was not an accident. As a result, those tense staff meetings take on a sinister tone and Red starts seeing suspect all around her. Thankfully, she has a handsome detective watching her back. Even so, he may not be enough to keep her safe and sound.
The Red Queen's Run is the first in a planned trilogy. It masterfully sets up the series with a clever plot and plenty of suspicious characters who may be responsible for any number of nefarious deeds. Red may have uncovered one murderer in her midst, but it's clear that the danger is far from over.
October 31, 2014
I received this e-galley from Net Gallery and Henery Press free in exchange for an honest review. Here's my review.
This was another new author for me and i, again, was not disappointed. The dean gets murdered and Meredith Solaris is appointed interim dean. She is one tough character who has to put up with three faculty members that bitch at everything, another faculty member who is abusing a student, a student who is cheating and has to be kicked out of school, a faculty member who is plagiarizing in his latest book and on top of that one of them is sending letters to other journalism schools saying that this university sucks. Meanwhile, she has her daily duties and evaluations to deal with. Rough times for "Red" as Meredith is nicknamed. Oh, and people are dying.
A lot of suspects together with several sub plots with many twists made this a great read for me. Red is a very likable character who also has a new guy in her life, oh and is dealing with the fact that the child she gave up for abortion when she was 15 is now living with her because her adoptive parents are dead. Yeah, this girl has a lot on her plate, but, really, it just adds to the story.
It was great entertainment for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it the whole time I was reading it.
This was another new author for me and i, again, was not disappointed. The dean gets murdered and Meredith Solaris is appointed interim dean. She is one tough character who has to put up with three faculty members that bitch at everything, another faculty member who is abusing a student, a student who is cheating and has to be kicked out of school, a faculty member who is plagiarizing in his latest book and on top of that one of them is sending letters to other journalism schools saying that this university sucks. Meanwhile, she has her daily duties and evaluations to deal with. Rough times for "Red" as Meredith is nicknamed. Oh, and people are dying.
A lot of suspects together with several sub plots with many twists made this a great read for me. Red is a very likable character who also has a new guy in her life, oh and is dealing with the fact that the child she gave up for abortion when she was 15 is now living with her because her adoptive parents are dead. Yeah, this girl has a lot on her plate, but, really, it just adds to the story.
It was great entertainment for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it the whole time I was reading it.
November 8, 2014
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway - my first "win"!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be a fast and leisurely read. I can usually figure out who the culprit is fairly early on or at least have a good guess. This one took me a little while longer. And how the murder/accident took place was a good twist, not just your regular old out and out murder.
I clearly noticed at the end that Simon is still AWOL -- perhaps the next installment explores this? And I'm not completely sure he was the one who wrote the letter to the heads of the schools across the country. Just a hunch, could be very wrong.
I think my only real problem was that I could not connect with the protagonist. We would only be two years apart in age. Many of her actions and language seem a little anachronistic. Also, why see kept reminiscing about her own darker college days didn't really seem necessary. Perhaps needed for future books in the series? One note: if this book is taking place in 2014, Red and I would have been in ugrad about the same time, (for me 94-98) When she is reminiscing about her friends fatal car crash and that she used her cell phone to call for help....cell phones were really not in use yet.
Congratulations to the author on a job well done!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be a fast and leisurely read. I can usually figure out who the culprit is fairly early on or at least have a good guess. This one took me a little while longer. And how the murder/accident took place was a good twist, not just your regular old out and out murder.
I clearly noticed at the end that Simon is still AWOL -- perhaps the next installment explores this? And I'm not completely sure he was the one who wrote the letter to the heads of the schools across the country. Just a hunch, could be very wrong.
I think my only real problem was that I could not connect with the protagonist. We would only be two years apart in age. Many of her actions and language seem a little anachronistic. Also, why see kept reminiscing about her own darker college days didn't really seem necessary. Perhaps needed for future books in the series? One note: if this book is taking place in 2014, Red and I would have been in ugrad about the same time, (for me 94-98) When she is reminiscing about her friends fatal car crash and that she used her cell phone to call for help....cell phones were really not in use yet.
Congratulations to the author on a job well done!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley. At first, I was worried that Morris' book might be a bit too pat and superficial. But as I read it, The Red Queen's Run really grew on me and I ended up really enjoying this mystery set in a faculty of journalism. The setting is clever -- painting academia as a world of dedicated people, unfortunately with some of them entrenched in their views and petty grievances. The characters are good, especially the main character Red as she is suddenly thrust into the role of acting dean after the former dean is murdered. And while the story and denouement are not especially original, they are held together by good details, a great setting and engaging characters. I didn't read Morris' bio until the end, when I saw that she recently started writing mysteries after retiring as a journalism prof. Great choice for a late career. She clearly has interesting material to draw on and I would be happy to read the next book...
October 19, 2014
Mysteries set in academia always appeal to me. My first professional position was at a large university and I enjoy reading about campus intrigue and politics.
So, I approached THE RED QUEEN'S RUN with great anticipation, but was ultimately disappointed by the book. The mystery itself was interesting but it felt like something was missing:
. . . the writing was almost too journalistic--it never held my interest;
. . . the protagonist could have been an appealing character, but she seemed like an incomplete sketch;
. . . the romantic relationship never felt right, it was just too implausible for me;
. . . the cop "shared" way too much with an interested party (our protagonist)
. . . and I could go on and on.
I wouldn't grumble if I wasn't so disappointed. I liked the premise of the book, but not its execution. It was far too workmanlike to be an interesting mystery, or a good read.
So, I approached THE RED QUEEN'S RUN with great anticipation, but was ultimately disappointed by the book. The mystery itself was interesting but it felt like something was missing:
. . . the writing was almost too journalistic--it never held my interest;
. . . the protagonist could have been an appealing character, but she seemed like an incomplete sketch;
. . . the romantic relationship never felt right, it was just too implausible for me;
. . . the cop "shared" way too much with an interested party (our protagonist)
. . . and I could go on and on.
I wouldn't grumble if I wasn't so disappointed. I liked the premise of the book, but not its execution. It was far too workmanlike to be an interesting mystery, or a good read.
November 2, 2014
I did not like the main character - Meredith 'Red' Solaris. The mystery only existed because she refused to see or believe what was right in front of her nose, because she dreaded confronting someone she thought of as a friend. How many times did this person have to prove he was rotten through and through for Red to believe that he was a bad person? Too many, for this reader. I was disgusted when Red I couldn't get over that.
December 3, 2014
The Red Queen's Run is one of the most intelligently written and emotionally gripping mystery novels that I have read this year. It starts with a chilling reference to a real murder that took place in academia and then smoothly moves us into the fictional heroine's fears regarding her own co-workers.
When the heroine, Red, receives a phone call telling her of the murder of her boss, the Dean of Journalism, at the university where she works, she is horrified. She is named as his temporary replacement, soon finds herself trying to identify his murderer and in a relationship with the investigating detective. The plot is fast paced and gripping.
I highly recommend The Red Queen's Run to any mystery lover. It ends with a satisfying HFN. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
When the heroine, Red, receives a phone call telling her of the murder of her boss, the Dean of Journalism, at the university where she works, she is horrified. She is named as his temporary replacement, soon finds herself trying to identify his murderer and in a relationship with the investigating detective. The plot is fast paced and gripping.
I highly recommend The Red Queen's Run to any mystery lover. It ends with a satisfying HFN. I look forward to reading more from this author.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
October 12, 2014
This is a very enjoyable and extremely well written mystery. Ms. Morris certainly did her homework on the workings of academic life and her development of the Red Solaris character is excellent. An added bonus is the romantic give and take between the Red Queen and her police detective friend. Would love to meet him! The author did a very nice job creating a satisfying conclusion but leaves open the door for the subsequent book in the series. I can't wait!
Disclosure - This review was written based on an Advance Reader Copy received through goodreads.
Disclosure - This review was written based on an Advance Reader Copy received through goodreads.
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January 31, 2015A famous journalism dean is found dead at the bottom of a stairwell. The police suspect members of the faculty who had been engaged in a fierce quarrel with the dean -- distinguished scholars who behaved like schoolyard bullies. When Meredith "Red" Solaris is appointed interim dean, the faculty suspects are furious. Will the beautiful red-haired professor be next? The case detective tries to protect her as he heads the investigation,but new threats lead him to believe that Red is the next target for death.
Max is the murderer.
Good book about college politics.
Max is the murderer.
Good book about college politics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2015
Experience the Nevada landscape, smell the pines and see the crystal blue skies as you get swept up sleuthing out the killer amongst this bickering bunch of erudite professors. Cheer for Red, the courageous interim Dean, and her sexy boyfriend, Joe the detective, as they pair up to solve this puzzling mystery. Bourne takes a deeper dive into the psychology and motives of the characters as she airs out heavier issue like alcoholism and human relations. A highly engaging, fast read – short chapters that leave you lingering for more.
January 24, 2016
I like that this story's protagonist is a professorial type. In this case she assists a local detective by being an insider to the university where she works. Most satisfying to me was the political machinery of upper education. Who knew academicians could be so conniving and petty? That part rings really true because education runs like a corporation and as long as humans are involved, things get messy. I'm thinking this is Morris's first effort and I give her kudos for getting this far. I'd like to see even more complexity in her characters and extra polish in future efforts.
October 30, 2016
3.75 stars
Very readable mystery series debut in an academic setting. Former journalist Meredith Solaris is thrust into the role of acting university department head when her boss and mentor dies in mysterious circumstances. The journalism department is torn by infighting and suspects abound. In the meantime, Red finds herself smitten by the investigating detective.
Nuanced and well-developed characters in a believable setting. I will look forward to the next books.
Very readable mystery series debut in an academic setting. Former journalist Meredith Solaris is thrust into the role of acting university department head when her boss and mentor dies in mysterious circumstances. The journalism department is torn by infighting and suspects abound. In the meantime, Red finds herself smitten by the investigating detective.
Nuanced and well-developed characters in a believable setting. I will look forward to the next books.
October 9, 2014
Who knew that college faculty were such a murderous group. Fighting and back-stabbing seem to be the norm in this smack Nevada college for Journalism. A great mystery with lots of suspects, a handsome police detective and a temporary dean who might be next on the hit list. Enjoyable and holds your interest. Would like to see these characters in future books.
November 18, 2014
Having worked for three different universities in the last eighteen years, it was an absolute delight to read this mystery set at a university, with a bunch of misanthropic, verging-on-sociopathic faculty members. In other words: pretty close to reality. I cracked up a number of times. It was just an absolute delight.
December 12, 2015
An exciting, well written read. I picked this up because the author is a fellow Westover alumna and I saw it in the last alumnae magazine, and I was further interested because my daughter shares her name with the main character. I was drawn to the book for these reasons, and the story held its own. Can't wait to read the second book.
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January 22, 2015“A psychological thriller that reveals the Ivory Tower to be a hothouse full of monstrous egos, where bullying thrives long past playground days and ‘academic discipline’ requires research skills of the detective kind.” – Kate Manning, Author of My Notorious Life
February 27, 2016
Think a university campus is a place of tranquility and quiet research? Guess again. Morris paints a picture of a campus filled with jealousies, anger, secrets, frustration and murder. The Red Queen must solve the riddles and she's in for a few surprises. Dive in.
July 12, 2016
I didn't care about the protagonist. I never felt close to her, never felt her fears, hopes, love....nothing.
It was a good story but i didn't ever feel like i disappeared into it.
I cared more about the peripheral characters than I did about Red.
It was a good story but i didn't ever feel like i disappeared into it.
I cared more about the peripheral characters than I did about Red.
July 17, 2016
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed this book's pace and storyline. I found it to be a good, suspenseful read. I enjoyed the female protagonist, and felt that the characters were well developed. Overall, a good thriller to keep you reading all night!
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