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Schooled in Murder #1
Murder Is Our Mascot
Murder is the new mascot at Ellington High…
A murdered coach and a missing counselor has thrown the school into a foreign curriculum of anger, fear, and suspicion. English teacher Emily Taylor is determined to prove that her missing friend is not a murderer. But if she’s not, then who is? And where could her friend be? Against the advice of fellow math teacher and former crush Tad, Emily and her best friend Gabby dig into the dead coach's pasts. But someone doesn’t want Emily unearthing their secrets and is determined to see that she gets a failing grade in the sleuthing department. Soon, Emily finds herself scrambling for a new lesson plan to solve the murder...before the killer sets his own deadline!
"Fun, fast paced, and completely engaging! Tracy D. Comstock's new Schooled in Murder series will leave you dying for more!"
~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling mystery author
A murdered coach and a missing counselor has thrown the school into a foreign curriculum of anger, fear, and suspicion. English teacher Emily Taylor is determined to prove that her missing friend is not a murderer. But if she’s not, then who is? And where could her friend be? Against the advice of fellow math teacher and former crush Tad, Emily and her best friend Gabby dig into the dead coach's pasts. But someone doesn’t want Emily unearthing their secrets and is determined to see that she gets a failing grade in the sleuthing department. Soon, Emily finds herself scrambling for a new lesson plan to solve the murder...before the killer sets his own deadline!
"Fun, fast paced, and completely engaging! Tracy D. Comstock's new Schooled in Murder series will leave you dying for more!"
~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling mystery author
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2015
28 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 26, 2015
It was okay - that's probably the best way to put it. The characters have potential, but the heroine suffers from a bad case of "too stupid to live", and really seems obsessed with the size of her hips.
February 17, 2018
When Emily Taylor discovers the football coach has been murdered, and her friend, neighbor and school counselor is missing. The police believe that Helen is responsible for the murder.
Emily and her best friend Gabby decide to investigate and try to find the missing counselor on their own and clear her name. Putting themselves in danger multiple times.
This is a decent first story, the main characters are young and immature, and make plenty of mistakes that prove non-professionals should stay out of investigations. Having said that, there are plenty of laughs and touching moments in the story to keep it an interesting read. I look forward to reading another of these stories to see in what way the characters grow and develop.
Emily and her best friend Gabby decide to investigate and try to find the missing counselor on their own and clear her name. Putting themselves in danger multiple times.
This is a decent first story, the main characters are young and immature, and make plenty of mistakes that prove non-professionals should stay out of investigations. Having said that, there are plenty of laughs and touching moments in the story to keep it an interesting read. I look forward to reading another of these stories to see in what way the characters grow and develop.
August 20, 2018
This one hovers around 3.5* for me. Though I thought the writing flowed well, I had a problem with a couple of items. For one, I got tired of the mc's continued use of a silly nickname for the lead detective. It was rather childish for a teacher, not to mention disrespectful to the man, even if she didn't call him the name to his face. She had a couple of other obsessions that eventually got to me, as well.
It was a good mystery, otherwise. Plus I liked the school setting; it's one I don't run into very often.
It was a good mystery, otherwise. Plus I liked the school setting; it's one I don't run into very often.
July 18, 2017
I’m a huge fan of cozy mysteries and make no apologies for it. This was the first I had heard of set in a school setting so that alone intrigued me.
The beginning was rocky for me. I don’t know if the writing style wasn’t engaging enough or I was reading it at a bad time. Either way, it took roughly a quarter of the book to interest me. By the end I was staying up a bit later to get a few more chapters in. But part of that too was to get it finished.
One bone of contention is that I didn’t care about the main character. I wanted to but it never happened. Even giving the benefit that this may be due to it being the first in the series, there was no connection. Her personality was all around inconsistent. The only steady trait was her stubbornness. This translated into a complete lack of survival skills which quick became tiresome. This resulted in her almost getting killed a lot of times. I cared more about the secondary characters than I did her and would have loved to hear more about them.
In truth, I can’t call the ending predictable since it took me the better part to piece it together. Once the ‘reveal’ for the Coach was done the pieces did fall into place quickly for me. The ending seemed a bit corny and forced. It wasn’t natural at all by any stretch of the imagination. I am unsure if I would continue this series since the feeling it left me with was a little bit less than ‘meh’. I won’t avoid the books if they come across me, but it is unlikely I will actively seek them out.
The beginning was rocky for me. I don’t know if the writing style wasn’t engaging enough or I was reading it at a bad time. Either way, it took roughly a quarter of the book to interest me. By the end I was staying up a bit later to get a few more chapters in. But part of that too was to get it finished.
One bone of contention is that I didn’t care about the main character. I wanted to but it never happened. Even giving the benefit that this may be due to it being the first in the series, there was no connection. Her personality was all around inconsistent. The only steady trait was her stubbornness. This translated into a complete lack of survival skills which quick became tiresome. This resulted in her almost getting killed a lot of times. I cared more about the secondary characters than I did her and would have loved to hear more about them.
In truth, I can’t call the ending predictable since it took me the better part to piece it together. Once the ‘reveal’ for the Coach was done the pieces did fall into place quickly for me. The ending seemed a bit corny and forced. It wasn’t natural at all by any stretch of the imagination. I am unsure if I would continue this series since the feeling it left me with was a little bit less than ‘meh’. I won’t avoid the books if they come across me, but it is unlikely I will actively seek them out.
May 5, 2016
Enjoyable first entry in a new series. Some weird formatting errors in the Nook version. Probably closer to 3.5 to 3.75 than 4 but it is a close call for me. I will be reading the second book in the series at some point.
Note: A couple of paragraphs partway into the book had smaller font size. The text is all there just smaller than the rest of the book. Does not affect my score.
Note: A couple of paragraphs partway into the book had smaller font size. The text is all there just smaller than the rest of the book. Does not affect my score.
December 22, 2017
A cozy mystery focused on Emily, her cute neighbor teacher Tad, and her best friend Gabby. After Emily finds the dead body of the football coach, she can't help herself but to try and solve the murder... of course!
It was an ok cozy. I have read better, but it did what I wanted-a light read with a mystery and romance. My biggest issue of it was there are questions about the mystery I needed answered and some relationship questions that needed to be explained better for me. With that said, it was cut enough and I will keep reading the series.
It was an ok cozy. I have read better, but it did what I wanted-a light read with a mystery and romance. My biggest issue of it was there are questions about the mystery I needed answered and some relationship questions that needed to be explained better for me. With that said, it was cut enough and I will keep reading the series.
September 5, 2017
I figured out this story long before the end but it was a nice, cozy read. It also fueled my desire to Erie again. Her personal story is just as interesting as her book.
January 30, 2019
Not bad. A nice bubblegum read.
September 2, 2024
I had a really hard time getting into this book, but I finally finished it. I didn't like any of the characters.
April 30, 2025
This book had me laughing and crying all at the same time. Tracy Comstock has officially become one of my all time favorite authors, right up there with JRR Tolkien.
July 8, 2015
The main character, "heroine", I guest you could call her is truly unlikable in my opinion. She continually complains about the size of her hips but refuses to exercise even when her friends repeatedly try to persuade her to change her mind. This became infuriating to read after the 20th time is occurred in the book. I don't know if it was suppose to be a message to readers that everyone doesn't have to try to obtain the same body image (if so it failed miserably), or if the author herself just hates to exercise and wanted to make sure we as readers became aware of that (if so she succeeded). The character, whose name I have forced out of my mind, also vows that she can protect herself even though at every turn she gets herself and her friend injured. She is all around a character I did not root for, at one point I actually hoped she would be the next victim of the crazed killer. I suggest no one read this book, it could turn the biggest feminist into a misogynist.The female lead was not independent, strong, nice, or even smart in any way. The other characters are actually likable though, which is the sole redeemable aspect of this "novel". The plot was predictable and the murderer was insultingly easy to uncover. It became infuriating to read the main character fumble around trying to grasp at straws while I already knew who had done it less than halfway through the story. I don't even know why I finished reading it, probably just to see if it got any better. Who know? All in all a terrible read.
May 26, 2015
Murder is our Mascot is a light, entertaining murder mystery, set in a high school. When the schools coach is murdered and the guidance counsellor goes missing, Emily - the schools English teacher - sets out to prove her friend innocent of murder.
I thought the characters were fun. Emily - as is the case with these sort of stories is plucky, determined and is always sticking her nose where it's going to get bitten. Tad is the male love interest and perfectly poised to offer all manner of advice which Emily will instantly do the opposite of. Gabby was a fun character and frankly, I would have liked to see more of her in the story.
My only criticism of the book is that it is told mostly in passive text. There a huge swathes of "telling" rather than showing and I find that (personally) disengaging. The big revel of who the killer was and why, was disclosed by a supporting characters memory and from then on out, it was simply a waiting game to see when Emily would catch on. Also, Emily's obsession with who she wanted to be guilty was distracting and not an effective red herring. It actually screamed "he's not the one. Nothing to see here folks, keep on moving."
Murder is Our Mascot is the first in a planned series - I assume - and it definitely a series I'd come back to, to see the next adventures of Emily, Tad and Gabby.
I thought the characters were fun. Emily - as is the case with these sort of stories is plucky, determined and is always sticking her nose where it's going to get bitten. Tad is the male love interest and perfectly poised to offer all manner of advice which Emily will instantly do the opposite of. Gabby was a fun character and frankly, I would have liked to see more of her in the story.
My only criticism of the book is that it is told mostly in passive text. There a huge swathes of "telling" rather than showing and I find that (personally) disengaging. The big revel of who the killer was and why, was disclosed by a supporting characters memory and from then on out, it was simply a waiting game to see when Emily would catch on. Also, Emily's obsession with who she wanted to be guilty was distracting and not an effective red herring. It actually screamed "he's not the one. Nothing to see here folks, keep on moving."
Murder is Our Mascot is the first in a planned series - I assume - and it definitely a series I'd come back to, to see the next adventures of Emily, Tad and Gabby.
January 6, 2015
When English teacher Emily Taylor stumbles upon the body of her dead coworker and her friend and school councilor goes missing and is the prime suspect, Emily has to prove that her missing friend is not a murderer. But if she's not, then who is? And where could her friend be? Against the advice of fellow math teacher and former crush Tad, Emily and her best friend Gabby dig into the dead coach's past. But someone doesn't want Emily unearthing their secrets and is determined to see that she gets a failing grade in the sleuthing department. Emily works against the clock to find the true killer and her friend before he can strike again.
This was a good mystery. I had a little trouble getting hooked but once I was, I couldn't put it down. I figured out who the killer was about half way through and I knew most of the motive and all that, but still there were enough questions left to keep me interested.
I like Emily. She has a good sense of humor and I found the Nancy Drew stuff hilarious. I really liked the chemistry between Emily and Tad. I kept hoping for them to get together. They are cute together and I'm glad she has him.
It was a cute enjoyable cozy mystery. If that's something you’re into them you should read this book.
This was a good mystery. I had a little trouble getting hooked but once I was, I couldn't put it down. I figured out who the killer was about half way through and I knew most of the motive and all that, but still there were enough questions left to keep me interested.
I like Emily. She has a good sense of humor and I found the Nancy Drew stuff hilarious. I really liked the chemistry between Emily and Tad. I kept hoping for them to get together. They are cute together and I'm glad she has him.
It was a cute enjoyable cozy mystery. If that's something you’re into them you should read this book.
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January 31, 2015A murdered coach and a missing counselor has thrown the school into a foreign curriculum of anger, fear, and suspicion. English teacher Emily Taylor is determined to prove that her missing friend is not a murderer. But if she's not, then who is? And where could her friend be? Against the advice of fellow math teacher and former crush Tad, Emily and her best friend Gabby dig into the dead coach's past. But someone doesn't want Emily unearthing their secrets and is determined to see that she gets a failing grade in the sleuthing department. Soon, Emily finds herself scrambling for a new lesson plan to solve the murder...before the killer sets his own deadline.
The murderer is Arlene, the mother of the kidnapped Stevie. She killed the coach, who was Stevie's real uncle and kidnapped Helen. Arlene is caught and Stevie goes with his real dad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2015
A well presented first in a series, Murder is Our Mascot is a strong, well-written cozy mystery. While the heroine's tendency to snoop is standard the plot is well above standard. I look forward to reading more about Emily, Gabby, and Tad.
When Emily discovers the body of a coach in the teachers lounge, she is appropriately shook up, but when her neighbor appears to be missing and the finger starts pointing her way, Emily feels compelled to both find her and prove her innocent. Aided by her best friend, she begins snooping and shortly someone responds with an attempt on their lives. Her shifting relationship with Tad adds to the story without distracting from the mystery.
When Emily discovers the body of a coach in the teachers lounge, she is appropriately shook up, but when her neighbor appears to be missing and the finger starts pointing her way, Emily feels compelled to both find her and prove her innocent. Aided by her best friend, she begins snooping and shortly someone responds with an attempt on their lives. Her shifting relationship with Tad adds to the story without distracting from the mystery.
January 14, 2015
Emily is a high school teacher doing her darndest to inspire the young minds of the future when she stumbles upon the dead body of a colleague. The police set their sights on Emily's neighbor, so Emily begins a race against the clock to prove her friend's innocence.
As s teacher, I found the depiction of teachers to be spot on. I was not at all surprised to see the author is a teacher as well! Comstock's characters are intriguing. I love the chemistry between Emily and Tad. I hope to read more of her adventures soon!
As s teacher, I found the depiction of teachers to be spot on. I was not at all surprised to see the author is a teacher as well! Comstock's characters are intriguing. I love the chemistry between Emily and Tad. I hope to read more of her adventures soon!
July 2, 2015
This is a great first-in-series! The story will quickly grab your attention and keep you turning the pages until the end. There are plenty of twists and surprises along the way to keep you guessing at who "dunnit". The characters are warm, heartfelt , and believable - you want to get to know them and care about what happens. With a little bit of romance, plenty of suspense, and a good mystery, this is a great way to spend the evening. I look forward to reading more in this series and finding out what happens next for these characters.
January 19, 2015
I could not stop reading this book! There is no way you can tell this is the author's first book!
Emily is a High School English teacher. She goes to the copy room to get a test copied for her students the next day. She falls over the Coach who is dead. Emily and her best friend, Gabby, decide to investigate. The book explodes from there!
There is humor, romance and plenty of mystery. Everything I want in a book. Do not miss this book!
Emily is a High School English teacher. She goes to the copy room to get a test copied for her students the next day. She falls over the Coach who is dead. Emily and her best friend, Gabby, decide to investigate. The book explodes from there!
There is humor, romance and plenty of mystery. Everything I want in a book. Do not miss this book!
June 6, 2016
Adorable! 4.5 stars. I thought it was refreshing to read about a victim that wasn't hated by many therefore having an unlimited list of suspects. I also think that this book did a great job of creating a romance with someone who is not in the line of criminal justice. As for the mystery, I think at times I felt that questions were being asked, however the right questions were being overlooked, if that makes any since?
January 28, 2015
A great mystery to settle in and get cozy with on a cold winter night! This author knows her stuff! She knows how to keep her readers interested and turning those pages as they are on edge trying to put the pieces together before it's time! A good book up on the recommendation list!
***Received for an honest review***
***Received for an honest review***
February 27, 2015
Cute, light-hearted read. This is the authors first book and I think this potential series has some promise. Set in small- town Missouri at the local high school - our heroine finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. You'll figure it out before she does- but there's humor and ambiance also. I'd recommend it. East read.
June 4, 2015
Good
I love reading and all kinds of different ones this one was good I'm not going to go as far as great but it was well written and characters were cute... It was easy about the middle to figure out who done it..It reminded me of the game Clue...you did good Tracy Comstock thank you for a cute mystery...Gina Clabo
I love reading and all kinds of different ones this one was good I'm not going to go as far as great but it was well written and characters were cute... It was easy about the middle to figure out who done it..It reminded me of the game Clue...you did good Tracy Comstock thank you for a cute mystery...Gina Clabo
January 20, 2015
Very interesting view of live at high school and murder
This will give you a new look at teachers as real people with really lives. Murder and love come from from strange places in this mystery. The people you think you know the best are not who you think they are.
This will give you a new look at teachers as real people with really lives. Murder and love come from from strange places in this mystery. The people you think you know the best are not who you think they are.
September 30, 2015
Emily literally trips over a dead body at school. She and her best friend decide to solve the case. they want to prove their missing friend is innocent.
interesting concept for the "why" for the murderer
interesting concept for the "why" for the murderer
June 10, 2015
Ms. Comstock has deftly written “Murder is Our Mascot”. There is quick wit and comical banter between the primary characters.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 22, 2016
Great series
This is a great new series. I have had this book and book 2 in my to be read list for quite a while. I am so glad I moved them up in time to read book 3 when it came out.
This is a great new series. I have had this book and book 2 in my to be read list for quite a while. I am so glad I moved them up in time to read book 3 when it came out.
March 15, 2015
i just wished it was longer and that the main characters went abt a few things a little smarter. i figured out the mystery early although not the why until later. will continue this series.
February 16, 2015
Good cosy
Enjoyed the book really liked the characters especially Emily. Hope there will be more of this series. Humorous at times
Enjoyed the book really liked the characters especially Emily. Hope there will be more of this series. Humorous at times
March 2, 2015
On the level with the much-cited Nancy Drew. Great if your under 12
April 2, 2015
Great first novel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews