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Cold Creek #1
Murder at Cold Creek College
Sheridan Hendley is a professor and psychologist, not a sleuth. When her colleague at Cold Creek College, Adam Millberg, is murdered, she is charged with helping the Detective assigned to the case. Immediately, her good friend becomes the prime suspect and Sheridan is motivated to help solve the case and prove Kim isn’t guilty. It also becomes apparent that Sheridan is attracted to the handsome Detective. As Sheridan tries to implement the crisis plan on campus and connect all the people in Adam’s life, she finds out that many women have a motive for Adam’s murder. Slashed tires are the first indication that Sheridan’s involvement is obviously making someone nervous.
First published October 5, 2013
About the author
Christa Nardi
36 books253 followersFrom childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 4, 2020
This wasn't bad but it took me quite a bit to get through it. I admit to choosing this during a very busy week and that may have affected my feelings here. I felt like this was a bit slower than it needed to be and there was far more telling than showing. So much, in fact, that the characters mostly came off as flat and indistinguishable. It felt the only character the author was interested in giving any real characterization to was Brett, the detective, love interest to the main character, Sheridan. I wasn't amused & it really blunted my engagement with the story. The investigation of the murder was done well enough and I liked that but it still felt a bit secondary to other things. I'll read the next in the series (I already have it because, Kindle Unlimited).
February 8, 2016
This was a really enjoyable mystery. It took me a good few pages to get into the first person style and the highly descriptive nature of the story, yet once in I was drawn along with Sheridan Hendley as she rationalised her way through the clues after her colleague, Adam Millberg, is murdered on campus. It’s certainly true that she isn’t conducting the official investigative job that the handsome Detective Brett McMann is doing, but it seems that way as she uses her knowledge of psychology and behavioural studies to wonderful effect. The pace of the story is excellent throughout; the writing crisp and clear. Small College life in a small town setting is a very good one for this cosy mystery. If I had a pen and paper at hand all the way through, I’m fairly sure I could have drawn the campus accurately – so excellent is the depiction of it. There is a large cast of characters in the story and all are well defined-good points and less good. Sheridan is a strong and feisty female, yet not overtly so. Her strength is quiet, her nature one that it’s easy to empathise with – she would be the person in real life that you would turn to for a shoulder to cry on, or someone who would lend an ear while you vented some frustration on some topic or other. Her colleagues are nicely rounded and are a good mix of the sensible and more colourful, even volatile, characters one would expect in an educational establishment. Deciding on who the murder is was a difficult task as the story unfolded!
October 31, 2015
"Murder at Cold Creek College" by Christa Nardi is a solidly written genre murder-mystery, enigmatically set upon the premises of a small town college in northern Virginia. The author presents a detailed and in depth portrayal of the organization, politics and infighting present in this type of academic setting, told with the kind of realism that most likely stems from a font of personal experience.
Our story opens, as is quite typical with tales in this style, with a murder. Dr. Sheridan Hendley, our heroine, is busy organizing the myriad of details that crop up in the life of a teaching professor of psychology during the week prior to the start of the fall session at Cold Creek College. While she attempts to block out all distraction and concentrate on her important work at hand her staff and colleagues interrupt with news of a tragic death, just across the campus quad in the rec center. Initially she wants to believe that some type of unfortunate accident might have occurred, but it rapidly becomes clear that the death of her fellow professor, Dr Adam Milberg, is anything but an accident.
When the State Police and the local force descend on the college, Sheridan and many of her friends find themselves both shocked at the sudden death as well as subject to interrogation and suspicion of involvement in the crime! Enter into this rapidly evolving plot the handsome divorced State Police Detective Brett McMann who is leading the investigative effort. Our story takes off from there with Sheridan and Detective McMann working together to both clear the cloud of suspicion that has befallen her friends as well as track down the surprising killer.
I gave this story a rating of three stars. It was solidly written and has a well rounded, albeit formulaic, plot with some twists that readers will enjoy. Where this story lost some points was in the overly-detailed day-by-day (hour by hour) descriptions of each day in the life of our heroine as well as the single minded plotting and first person POV which leaves the story somewhat uni-dimensional. A thorough editing with attention to paring down description and timeline to the essentials would benefit the movement of the plot immensely. That said "Murder at Cold Creek College" was an interesting read and one did identify easily both with Sheridan and officer McMann as well depicted and likable characters. Good Show!
Our story opens, as is quite typical with tales in this style, with a murder. Dr. Sheridan Hendley, our heroine, is busy organizing the myriad of details that crop up in the life of a teaching professor of psychology during the week prior to the start of the fall session at Cold Creek College. While she attempts to block out all distraction and concentrate on her important work at hand her staff and colleagues interrupt with news of a tragic death, just across the campus quad in the rec center. Initially she wants to believe that some type of unfortunate accident might have occurred, but it rapidly becomes clear that the death of her fellow professor, Dr Adam Milberg, is anything but an accident.
When the State Police and the local force descend on the college, Sheridan and many of her friends find themselves both shocked at the sudden death as well as subject to interrogation and suspicion of involvement in the crime! Enter into this rapidly evolving plot the handsome divorced State Police Detective Brett McMann who is leading the investigative effort. Our story takes off from there with Sheridan and Detective McMann working together to both clear the cloud of suspicion that has befallen her friends as well as track down the surprising killer.
I gave this story a rating of three stars. It was solidly written and has a well rounded, albeit formulaic, plot with some twists that readers will enjoy. Where this story lost some points was in the overly-detailed day-by-day (hour by hour) descriptions of each day in the life of our heroine as well as the single minded plotting and first person POV which leaves the story somewhat uni-dimensional. A thorough editing with attention to paring down description and timeline to the essentials would benefit the movement of the plot immensely. That said "Murder at Cold Creek College" was an interesting read and one did identify easily both with Sheridan and officer McMann as well depicted and likable characters. Good Show!
December 6, 2013
I should start with saying that I normally don't read murder mystery types of books. I always seem to steer away from them, and head for fantasy or romance. But this one certainly spoke to me. And thanks to the author I got a copy to review.
First of all I’m totally convinced that I should read more murder mysteries. This book is amazing. You know when they say I just couldn’t put it away. Well this was the case with this book. I read it all through the night and at a certain moment I thought I really aught to go to sleep. But then again I wanted to know what was going to happen. So you can probably guess it.. I kept on reading.
This book is absolutely enthralling from beginning till the end. I kind of hoped that there would be a sequel somewhere. But I know the is probably not going to happen. So I’m going to check if the author has any other books.
I especially loved the character of Sheridan; She is so vibrant full of life. But also has a lot in of depth. I love the way her relationship with the inspector evolves and how she is pulled into this mystery.
So the conclusion. A realy good book. That you should take the time to read!!!!
First of all I’m totally convinced that I should read more murder mysteries. This book is amazing. You know when they say I just couldn’t put it away. Well this was the case with this book. I read it all through the night and at a certain moment I thought I really aught to go to sleep. But then again I wanted to know what was going to happen. So you can probably guess it.. I kept on reading.
This book is absolutely enthralling from beginning till the end. I kind of hoped that there would be a sequel somewhere. But I know the is probably not going to happen. So I’m going to check if the author has any other books.
I especially loved the character of Sheridan; She is so vibrant full of life. But also has a lot in of depth. I love the way her relationship with the inspector evolves and how she is pulled into this mystery.
So the conclusion. A realy good book. That you should take the time to read!!!!
February 3, 2014
Murder at Cold Creek College by Christa Nardi was a throughly delightful books. The protagonist is Sheridan Hendley, a member of the Psychology staff at Cold Creek College. The murder of a professor on campus brings much activity and unwlecomed limelight to the College. Brett McMann, a detective wit the State Police, is called in to assist the local police.
He and Sher begin to have an attraction that develops from almost the beginning. Sher uses her Psychology degree to try and figure out the clues. This is especially important as Sher becomes a target of the murderer.
I loved the descriptiveness that Christa Nardi uses. The story progesses smoothly as does the budding romance between Sher and Brett. 1st of what will be a series, I hope.
Love this type of mystery. It is very easy going with no intensive brain strain. Great book to read between several intense books.
Christa Nardi's Cold Creek College books are now on my to read list. Book 2 comes out in July, 2014.
He and Sher begin to have an attraction that develops from almost the beginning. Sher uses her Psychology degree to try and figure out the clues. This is especially important as Sher becomes a target of the murderer.
I loved the descriptiveness that Christa Nardi uses. The story progesses smoothly as does the budding romance between Sher and Brett. 1st of what will be a series, I hope.
Love this type of mystery. It is very easy going with no intensive brain strain. Great book to read between several intense books.
Christa Nardi's Cold Creek College books are now on my to read list. Book 2 comes out in July, 2014.
December 7, 2022
I do love a book by this author and the narrator always suits. This was really charming and it is going to be interesting watching the dynamics develop. the story itself keeps your interezt and is gripping whilst still being cozy.
November 24, 2013
This Review was originally posted @ Readers' Muse
When the writer contacted us for the review, we sort of jumped into it right away. Murder of a Womanizer, Psychologist in the play. Bring it on! Given my dear co-blogger's pile of “To-Read” books is overflowing, I dived to reading it.
Psychology professor Dr.Adam Millberg is found murdered in Cold Creek college's rec center. The usual suspects : Girlfriend (Plenty there), Ex-Wives ( again plenty : 4), colleagues and the students. The story follows the investigation of the murder narrated by Adam's Colleague Dr.Sherdian. Enter State police office Brett McMann who has been assigned to investigate. He takes Sherdian's help to crack the case and love blossoms between them (Well...okay! The case gets cracked).
There are multiple suspects ranging from Sherdian's colleagues Kim, Ali to various other staff and students in the college. Thanks to a fact that Adam was playboy and traps every other women with his charm. Our protagonist seems to be one amongst the handful women who didn't fall for his antics and kept him at arm's length. Thus she is chosen to “help” the cop out. Turns out Adam slept with a lot of women, took photos/videos of them in the act and blackmailed them. Not only did he simply blackmail, he kept ledgers of the blackmail.
Predictably, that turns out to be the motive for his murder. That's the ironical part of the book. Normally in a crime novel, the motive is elaborated then the murderer is found. But in this book, the murderer is “found” and the motive is later elaborated before the murderer is officially arrested.
The writer has done a rather good job of not revealing the suspects till almost mid way of the book. She kept me guessing till the very end. Initially the book seemed rather mysterious. It sort of lacked that suspense element in the start. But as the story line progressed so did the suspense element. The plot sort of peaked only when Sherdian's car gets vandalized. That is actually when the reader begins to really suspect whom the murderer might be.
There are strong influences of Nancy drew in Christa's writing. Though the story line is unique, for a seasoned Nancy Drew reader the similarities are hard to escape.
What I loved about the book: The writer clings on to that mystery and suspense element very well. The writing was clean sans that usual twisting redirection one finds in a mystery book
What could have been better: Way too many suspects and characters. Every other woman seem to have had an affair with Adam,
VERDICT: Definitely worth a read though it has the usual recepie for a crime novel
RATING: 3.8 on 5
When the writer contacted us for the review, we sort of jumped into it right away. Murder of a Womanizer, Psychologist in the play. Bring it on! Given my dear co-blogger's pile of “To-Read” books is overflowing, I dived to reading it.
Psychology professor Dr.Adam Millberg is found murdered in Cold Creek college's rec center. The usual suspects : Girlfriend (Plenty there), Ex-Wives ( again plenty : 4), colleagues and the students. The story follows the investigation of the murder narrated by Adam's Colleague Dr.Sherdian. Enter State police office Brett McMann who has been assigned to investigate. He takes Sherdian's help to crack the case and love blossoms between them (Well...okay! The case gets cracked).
There are multiple suspects ranging from Sherdian's colleagues Kim, Ali to various other staff and students in the college. Thanks to a fact that Adam was playboy and traps every other women with his charm. Our protagonist seems to be one amongst the handful women who didn't fall for his antics and kept him at arm's length. Thus she is chosen to “help” the cop out. Turns out Adam slept with a lot of women, took photos/videos of them in the act and blackmailed them. Not only did he simply blackmail, he kept ledgers of the blackmail.
Predictably, that turns out to be the motive for his murder. That's the ironical part of the book. Normally in a crime novel, the motive is elaborated then the murderer is found. But in this book, the murderer is “found” and the motive is later elaborated before the murderer is officially arrested.
The writer has done a rather good job of not revealing the suspects till almost mid way of the book. She kept me guessing till the very end. Initially the book seemed rather mysterious. It sort of lacked that suspense element in the start. But as the story line progressed so did the suspense element. The plot sort of peaked only when Sherdian's car gets vandalized. That is actually when the reader begins to really suspect whom the murderer might be.
There are strong influences of Nancy drew in Christa's writing. Though the story line is unique, for a seasoned Nancy Drew reader the similarities are hard to escape.
What I loved about the book: The writer clings on to that mystery and suspense element very well. The writing was clean sans that usual twisting redirection one finds in a mystery book
What could have been better: Way too many suspects and characters. Every other woman seem to have had an affair with Adam,
VERDICT: Definitely worth a read though it has the usual recepie for a crime novel
RATING: 3.8 on 5
February 17, 2014
Gee, it is getting dangerous getting an education these days, not just ridiculously expensive. Nice elitish private college near Appomattox. Did I spell that right? Our protagonist is an Assistant Professor of Psychology, and the Psychology department is filled with the usual collection of rara avis that I recall from my days in the halls of academe. Yeah, same sh*t, different century. But I digress.
A lot of commotion in the parking lot of the recreation center, and it turns out that one of the Psychology Department's teachers has met a psychologically untidy end. The State Police are called in to investigate, probably because the local police, headed by a fellow with his eyes on the retirement and pension prize is just not up to snuff for a homicide investigation.
Well, the State detective is something of a hottie and not married, and our lady protagonist is maybe not quite such a hottie but also unmarried, so ...... need I babble on further?
It turns out the Dearly Departed was a handsome and charming man who really liked the ladies. REALLY liked the ladies. Oh, let's just call a spade a shovel here: he was a womanizing jerk who had been married four times. And who kept large boxes of condums in his office. Getting the picture now?
So, his killer could have been anybody. With that kind of rep, had to be hundreds of distressed hubbies and boyfriends floating around, right?
A really good mystery, with some likable characters, some unlikable characters (what's a faculty without some unlikeable characters), and a first person style of telling us all the minutiae of her days which could have gotten a bit tedious but I liked reading about the daily slog a college prof goes through in order to try to get some education through to the texting and sleeping student body.
I really liked the book, but want to know ... and this is a general question ..... why do all the female protagonists in mysteries have to be divorced and available, and all the lead investigating officers have to be good looking, single and available and instantly attracted to the female protagonists?
But what the hey, it's fiction, right? If we're gonna dream, might as well dream big.
A lot of commotion in the parking lot of the recreation center, and it turns out that one of the Psychology Department's teachers has met a psychologically untidy end. The State Police are called in to investigate, probably because the local police, headed by a fellow with his eyes on the retirement and pension prize is just not up to snuff for a homicide investigation.
Well, the State detective is something of a hottie and not married, and our lady protagonist is maybe not quite such a hottie but also unmarried, so ...... need I babble on further?
It turns out the Dearly Departed was a handsome and charming man who really liked the ladies. REALLY liked the ladies. Oh, let's just call a spade a shovel here: he was a womanizing jerk who had been married four times. And who kept large boxes of condums in his office. Getting the picture now?
So, his killer could have been anybody. With that kind of rep, had to be hundreds of distressed hubbies and boyfriends floating around, right?
A really good mystery, with some likable characters, some unlikable characters (what's a faculty without some unlikeable characters), and a first person style of telling us all the minutiae of her days which could have gotten a bit tedious but I liked reading about the daily slog a college prof goes through in order to try to get some education through to the texting and sleeping student body.
I really liked the book, but want to know ... and this is a general question ..... why do all the female protagonists in mysteries have to be divorced and available, and all the lead investigating officers have to be good looking, single and available and instantly attracted to the female protagonists?
But what the hey, it's fiction, right? If we're gonna dream, might as well dream big.
March 3, 2014
Professor and psychologist , Sheridan Hendley, works at Cold Creek College and is busy preparing for the new semester. She is surprised when she arrives at the school and finds much activity going on at the school’s rec center. She quickly learns one of her colleagues, Adam Millberg, has been murdered and her closest friend is being accused of the crime. Sheridan is determined to prove her innocence.
When the handsome detective on the case, Brett McMann, enlists her assistance in learning about the college and the people who worked there, it helps her own cause to clear her friend’s name. At the same time, she finds herself more and more attracted to Brett and the feeling appears to be mutual.
Brett and Sheridan uncover many unsavory things about Adam. He was much more than a professor at the school. There had been a whole other side of him and that other side may have got him killed.
As Brett and Sheridan’s relationship progresses, so does the investigation. Sheridan figures she must be getting close to solving the case because her tires are slashed and she’s attacked in the parking lot. Obviously she’s onto something, but she doesn’t have a clue as to what that something is.
I can already tell that Christa Nardi is on her way to a successful cozy mystery series. It took me a little time to jump into it, but when I did, it moved along at a nice pace. Nardi creates realistic characters that readers can identify with and grow to care about. The storyline is believable and fun to along with Sheridan.
It had the feel of an old-fashioned mystery with a sweet romance weaved through it. It is the definition of a cozy mystery – no blood, gore, or sex. A good mystery with a romantic touch. I already have the second book on my shopping list.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
When the handsome detective on the case, Brett McMann, enlists her assistance in learning about the college and the people who worked there, it helps her own cause to clear her friend’s name. At the same time, she finds herself more and more attracted to Brett and the feeling appears to be mutual.
Brett and Sheridan uncover many unsavory things about Adam. He was much more than a professor at the school. There had been a whole other side of him and that other side may have got him killed.
As Brett and Sheridan’s relationship progresses, so does the investigation. Sheridan figures she must be getting close to solving the case because her tires are slashed and she’s attacked in the parking lot. Obviously she’s onto something, but she doesn’t have a clue as to what that something is.
I can already tell that Christa Nardi is on her way to a successful cozy mystery series. It took me a little time to jump into it, but when I did, it moved along at a nice pace. Nardi creates realistic characters that readers can identify with and grow to care about. The storyline is believable and fun to along with Sheridan.
It had the feel of an old-fashioned mystery with a sweet romance weaved through it. It is the definition of a cozy mystery – no blood, gore, or sex. A good mystery with a romantic touch. I already have the second book on my shopping list.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2015
Fast read with a happy ending
Being a teacher, I especially enjoyed this book. I feel like the author really captured the atmosphere of a small college by adding details like the professors comparing the number of students each had, stopping for coffee on the way to class, how Sheridan, the main character prepared for the first day, and the inclusion of a character we've all worked with- Max, whose own research and career plans were of course the most important thing! I loved the fact that Sheridan wound up with a good man after being divorced and dating losers like the town dentist. I want to read the next book to see what develops between them. My only criticism would be that solving the murder was a little too easy. A few innocent suspects and red herrings would have added another layer to the story. I very much enjoyed the book for its setting and characters and would recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries- especially readers that are involved in academics.
Being a teacher, I especially enjoyed this book. I feel like the author really captured the atmosphere of a small college by adding details like the professors comparing the number of students each had, stopping for coffee on the way to class, how Sheridan, the main character prepared for the first day, and the inclusion of a character we've all worked with- Max, whose own research and career plans were of course the most important thing! I loved the fact that Sheridan wound up with a good man after being divorced and dating losers like the town dentist. I want to read the next book to see what develops between them. My only criticism would be that solving the murder was a little too easy. A few innocent suspects and red herrings would have added another layer to the story. I very much enjoyed the book for its setting and characters and would recommend it to lovers of cozy mysteries- especially readers that are involved in academics.
November 29, 2014
I received a copy of Murder at Cold Creek College from the author, Christa Nardi. This story is a murder mystery and following the first couple of chapter’s I became thoroughly engrossed in the mystery, not wanting to put it down. Besides keeping my interest in the lives of Sheridan, Brett, the tangled life of the newly departed Adam, I was stumped as to “who done it” until virtually the end.
Good writing and good storytelling, all in all….an enjoyable read. Thank you Christa for writing such an engaging and fun “cosy murder mystery”.
Good writing and good storytelling, all in all….an enjoyable read. Thank you Christa for writing such an engaging and fun “cosy murder mystery”.
October 9, 2015
A good mystery that will pull you into trying to figure out who's guilty. Sheridan the Psych prof at the university where the murder occurred, finds herself pulled into trying to solve the murder, some because of the cute detective who is assigned the case and partly because of the clues. Friends and coworkers have lives that surprise her and compel her to want to prove that her closest friends have to be innocent. I thought Sheridan was a well crafted character as she reminded me of a prof I had once. A good mystery well worth reading.
February 26, 2014
I didn't figure out who did this until the end. The author gives you a few hints but keeps you honestly guessing. Which made for an enjoyable read. It was well play out and plotted. I believe this book would benefit by a final edit, as there were places that words were repeated and it one instance where a name was missing and I wasn't able to figure out on my own who was the missing character.
I was given this book by the author for a honest review.
I was given this book by the author for a honest review.
February 19, 2014
I really enjoy mysteries, especially when the protagonist is a woman who has a healthy dose of curiosity and a brain. Sheridan fits the bill on both points. When she's not trying to solve the crime, you get a fun glimpse into the dilemmas in her dating life. I definitely enjoyed the book, and look forward to reading more from this author.
February 15, 2014
I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.
This was a gripping read from start to finish!!!
I really enjoyed reading this t had me completely gripped.
The constant twists and turns were excellent.
this book was extremely well written and I can't wait to read more by this author!
This was a gripping read from start to finish!!!
I really enjoyed reading this t had me completely gripped.
The constant twists and turns were excellent.
this book was extremely well written and I can't wait to read more by this author!
November 16, 2013
This book was a bit dry in the beginning, but as the plot progressed, I became more interested in knowing what was going on with the mystery and the characters. It is definitely a good story and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little mystery.
January 11, 2015
Murder mystery that keeps you guessing! Gotta love it!
June 19, 2018
Dr. Sheridan Hendley has been an assistant professor of psychology at Cold Creek College in Virginia for four years. She's comfortable there. Divorced, living in a three-bedroom home with her dog, Charlie, she dates occasionally, nothing serious. When one of her colleagues is killed in the rec center, her boss gives her the job of escorting/assisting State Police Detective Brett McMann as she introduces him to the other department members. The book is engaging and hard to put down. Unfortunately, the number of errors that should have been picked up on proofreading is almost distracting.
May 21, 2019
#PopsugarReadingChallenge2019
Prompt - A book set on a college or university campus
Cute and engaging enough for me to want to check out the rest of the series.
Prompt - A book set on a college or university campus
Cute and engaging enough for me to want to check out the rest of the series.
December 18, 2022
Alyssa Baumann delivers a great performance in this cozy murder mystery by Christa Nardi. There were unsuspecting twists and turns in this who-done-it book.
February 1, 2015
A Brilliantly Captured Segment of an Individual's Life
Murder at Cold Creek College by Christa Nardi is marketed as a murder mystery and, indeed, there is more than enough in the way of murder and sleuthing to justify this classification. But there is something more than that here. Nardi has taken a slice of a college professor’s life and thrown a murder into it. There are police detectives pursuing suspects and working on evidence but Professor Sheridan Hendley is privy to little of this. And as she tries to reason out who might be the murderer, Sheridan considers too many suspects with little serious focus on anyone specific. I would have liked more clarity about who the real suspects might have been from the police viewpoint but then, this is not that kind of a story.
Because one of her friends might be arrested as a suspect, Sheridan tries to piece together, using her training in logic and psychology, elements of the murder and uses a rating system to see who might legitimately be considered suspects and who are clearly innocent. She meets with little success but, ultimately, that becomes irrelevant as the solution is thrust upon her in the most violent way.
So, although I do not see this novel as a serious whodunit, it is a brilliantly captured segment of an individual’s life which goes on pretty much as normal in spite of the murder but also brings change to what had been a rather mundane existence. Nardi is a clever writer. Her style is charming and unpretentious but pacy and sharp. The book is very well edited and, as far as I could tell, mistake-free. The story, and the manner of its telling, bowls along with ease, flowing from the pen of a writer very comfortable with her craft. Her characters are well-drawn, very real people, some quite obnoxious, others extremely likeable, and the budding relationship between Sheridan and Detective McMann is engaging and attractive, unalloyed by any pointless intervals of gratuitous sex.
The whole, to me, is an account of the daily events and interactions of a college professor into whose mind we are given complete access. She is such an attractive personality that we cannot help but empathise with her, and the fact that she can talk endlessly about lesson preparation, student counselling, and other college minutiae without causing the reader any tedium, is a testament to Nardi’s story-telling skill and her understated but exceptional writing ability. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to reader’s who enjoy a good story in any genre.
Murder at Cold Creek College by Christa Nardi is marketed as a murder mystery and, indeed, there is more than enough in the way of murder and sleuthing to justify this classification. But there is something more than that here. Nardi has taken a slice of a college professor’s life and thrown a murder into it. There are police detectives pursuing suspects and working on evidence but Professor Sheridan Hendley is privy to little of this. And as she tries to reason out who might be the murderer, Sheridan considers too many suspects with little serious focus on anyone specific. I would have liked more clarity about who the real suspects might have been from the police viewpoint but then, this is not that kind of a story.
Because one of her friends might be arrested as a suspect, Sheridan tries to piece together, using her training in logic and psychology, elements of the murder and uses a rating system to see who might legitimately be considered suspects and who are clearly innocent. She meets with little success but, ultimately, that becomes irrelevant as the solution is thrust upon her in the most violent way.
So, although I do not see this novel as a serious whodunit, it is a brilliantly captured segment of an individual’s life which goes on pretty much as normal in spite of the murder but also brings change to what had been a rather mundane existence. Nardi is a clever writer. Her style is charming and unpretentious but pacy and sharp. The book is very well edited and, as far as I could tell, mistake-free. The story, and the manner of its telling, bowls along with ease, flowing from the pen of a writer very comfortable with her craft. Her characters are well-drawn, very real people, some quite obnoxious, others extremely likeable, and the budding relationship between Sheridan and Detective McMann is engaging and attractive, unalloyed by any pointless intervals of gratuitous sex.
The whole, to me, is an account of the daily events and interactions of a college professor into whose mind we are given complete access. She is such an attractive personality that we cannot help but empathise with her, and the fact that she can talk endlessly about lesson preparation, student counselling, and other college minutiae without causing the reader any tedium, is a testament to Nardi’s story-telling skill and her understated but exceptional writing ability. I really enjoyed this book and can recommend it to reader’s who enjoy a good story in any genre.
August 1, 2014
As, if the bio says below, The author's name is a pen name for a real-life professor and psychologist, the time spent working in her profession was excellent preparation for writing "Murder at Cold Creek College".
Let's just get this bit out right up front: It is never a good sign when you show up for work in the morning and see emergency vehicles at a nearby building. Agreed?
Aside from the fact that the murder victim (who did his fair share of victimizing) was also in the psychology department, it would make sense that another member of that department would be assigned as a police liaison of sorts. And lucky her. ;) (That's all I'm going to say about that.)
Sheridan Hensley escorts the state policeman around the department so he can interview the other members of the faculty and staff. So she hears things, sees things, and as it is her job to study human behavior, she begins to analyze what is going around her and put pieces of information together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. And darn it all if that doesn't make some people less than happy.
The plot is intricate, but understandable. There is definitely substance to the work. It is academic without being stuffy. (I don't know about you, but I appreciate that a lot.) The writing flows very well, making the story enjoyable.
Remember the old saying, "I'd like to be a fly on the wall...." (to hear whatever is going on)? I felt like I was right there with Sheridan. That is a wonderful quality for a book which is being read for enjoyment to have.
I figure this book will appeal to 5 main groups:
Those who have ever worked at a college/university.
Those who have ever studied at a college.
Those who think college is a good thing.
Those who think college is a waste of time.
Those who have ever heard the word "college".
I snuck a look at some of the other stops on the tour (which you can do as well by clicking the banner at the top of this post) to see if Ms. Nardi spilled the beans about her future writing plans. Luckily she did, and even better, there is going to be a sequel!
Let's just get this bit out right up front: It is never a good sign when you show up for work in the morning and see emergency vehicles at a nearby building. Agreed?
Aside from the fact that the murder victim (who did his fair share of victimizing) was also in the psychology department, it would make sense that another member of that department would be assigned as a police liaison of sorts. And lucky her. ;) (That's all I'm going to say about that.)
Sheridan Hensley escorts the state policeman around the department so he can interview the other members of the faculty and staff. So she hears things, sees things, and as it is her job to study human behavior, she begins to analyze what is going around her and put pieces of information together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. And darn it all if that doesn't make some people less than happy.
The plot is intricate, but understandable. There is definitely substance to the work. It is academic without being stuffy. (I don't know about you, but I appreciate that a lot.) The writing flows very well, making the story enjoyable.
Remember the old saying, "I'd like to be a fly on the wall...." (to hear whatever is going on)? I felt like I was right there with Sheridan. That is a wonderful quality for a book which is being read for enjoyment to have.
I figure this book will appeal to 5 main groups:
Those who have ever worked at a college/university.
Those who have ever studied at a college.
Those who think college is a good thing.
Those who think college is a waste of time.
Those who have ever heard the word "college".
I snuck a look at some of the other stops on the tour (which you can do as well by clicking the banner at the top of this post) to see if Ms. Nardi spilled the beans about her future writing plans. Luckily she did, and even better, there is going to be a sequel!
August 6, 2014
This cozy was a good one. Sometimes I find that the cozies I read are lacking in one area or another. I enjoy them, but they are also easy to put down and pick up later. Not this one. The biggest draw for me was that it was totally engaging from beginning to end. Truly interesting to read, I found myself creating theories about characters right from the start. Each character was unique in personality and several could have committed the crime. I was happy to find that I couldn't predict who the real murderer was until I got to the last few chapters of the book.
I really liked the main character, Sheridan. She was easy to relate to and I could easily see someone like her in the real world. The fact that she was in her forties, divorced, and worked full-time makes her someone readers can connect with. Her romance with McMann was slow to emerge in the story and didn't overtake the drama as it unfolded. It was well portrayed.
I also enjoyed learning about life at a small four year college and seeing the personal and professional turmoil that ensued when something big like this happened in such a small town. There was a decent amount of action once the story began coming to a head. It kept me turning the pages and there was no way I was putting the book down once the suspense began! I found that I was satisfied with the ending and was thrilled to find out that there was another book coming in the series. I will definitely be picking it up very soon. If you like cozies, this is one not to miss!
I really liked the main character, Sheridan. She was easy to relate to and I could easily see someone like her in the real world. The fact that she was in her forties, divorced, and worked full-time makes her someone readers can connect with. Her romance with McMann was slow to emerge in the story and didn't overtake the drama as it unfolded. It was well portrayed.
I also enjoyed learning about life at a small four year college and seeing the personal and professional turmoil that ensued when something big like this happened in such a small town. There was a decent amount of action once the story began coming to a head. It kept me turning the pages and there was no way I was putting the book down once the suspense began! I found that I was satisfied with the ending and was thrilled to find out that there was another book coming in the series. I will definitely be picking it up very soon. If you like cozies, this is one not to miss!
July 18, 2015
Murder at Cold Creek College focuses on professors and administrators with more than education on their minds! This book captures the day-to-day life of a psychology professor, Dr. Sheridan Hendley, at a small teaching college. There's surprisingly little moaning and groaning about the dreaded pursuit of tenure, but the book does a good job of describing the foibles of colleagues, the daily hassles of trying to stay a week or so ahead of students, and dealing with ever-changing rules and regulations imposed from on high by administration. When a colleague turns up dead in the campus recreation center, life at Cold Creek College takes some interesting twists and turns. Dr. Hendley soon finds herself drawn into the turmoil and not just because of practical problems created by the loss of a faculty member at the start of a new school year. The whole psychology department is under scrutiny and there's more than one faculty member who had an ax to grind with their dead colleague. As the investigation unfolds, led by the handsome Detective Brett McMann, the number of suspects grows, as does the connection between Sheridan and Brett. The dead psychology professor was a very busy man, apparently, and up to no good. With so many suspects from which to choose, how will they ever figure out whodunit and why? How much trouble can the good-hearted, well-organized, smart-as-whip Sheridan Hendley get into as she gets pulled further into the investigation? You'll have to get a copy of this light, easy read for yourself and find out!
July 2, 2014
An academic mystery worthy of Miss Marple
Set on the campus of a small Virginia college, this mystery seems like a classic cozy in the beginning. Dr. Sheridan Hendley is divorced, lonely, and wrapped up in teaching psychology courses until one of her colleagues is found murdered. Her natural curiosity is bolstered when Sheridan must introduce the handsome state investigator to everyone working in her department. When she gets too interested in the murder, Sheridan becomes a target of the killer.
This mystery lures the reader into the academic atmosphere. It seems like a tame puzzle to solve until the heroine discovers the ugly truth about the murder victim and wonders how many women the man has harmed over the years. How could intelligent women fall prey to such a lecherous womanizer?
There are few single men available to date in her small town, so Sheridan is attracted to Detective McMann, the handsome man sent to investigate the crime. She's reluctant to start a relationship with someone who would disappear after the case is solved, but she is lonely. Will she risk being hurt again or settle for dating the local dentist?
If you enjoy reading Miss Marple mysteries, this one should appeal to you. The heroine is easy to like and she methodically examines all the possible suspects. I see more mysteries ahead for Sheridan and McMann.
Set on the campus of a small Virginia college, this mystery seems like a classic cozy in the beginning. Dr. Sheridan Hendley is divorced, lonely, and wrapped up in teaching psychology courses until one of her colleagues is found murdered. Her natural curiosity is bolstered when Sheridan must introduce the handsome state investigator to everyone working in her department. When she gets too interested in the murder, Sheridan becomes a target of the killer.
This mystery lures the reader into the academic atmosphere. It seems like a tame puzzle to solve until the heroine discovers the ugly truth about the murder victim and wonders how many women the man has harmed over the years. How could intelligent women fall prey to such a lecherous womanizer?
There are few single men available to date in her small town, so Sheridan is attracted to Detective McMann, the handsome man sent to investigate the crime. She's reluctant to start a relationship with someone who would disappear after the case is solved, but she is lonely. Will she risk being hurt again or settle for dating the local dentist?
If you enjoy reading Miss Marple mysteries, this one should appeal to you. The heroine is easy to like and she methodically examines all the possible suspects. I see more mysteries ahead for Sheridan and McMann.
July 31, 2014
4 STARS
I kept having to put back up and down for different reasons today and was able to get right back into the story. I did not like the murdered man Adam and just felt disgusted with him and a few other characters. I just felt mostly negative feelings towards the characters.
I was impressed with all the details or getting ready for school and subject for teaching. It came across like a lot of extra time put in the book. It made the Character of Sheridan Hendley come alive for me. The characters were mostly smart educated people.
I would like to see more of Sheridan and Detective McMann and friends.
The setting for this book is small town called Cold Creek, VA, A college town.
Sheridan is asked to work with Detective McMann and show him around and help him with the contacts he will need after the murder of a Professor.
Sheridan tries to make sense of the murder and because she is seen with the detective a lot people have been doing a lot of gossiping about them. She has been targeted by someone.
This is a smart read that rather than a emotional read for me. It is also a clean read.
I would like to read more from Christa Nardi in the future.
I was given this ebook to read so I could give a honest review and be part of its blog tour.
November 8, 2015
1.5 stars. It could just be a personal preference thing but there was not one thing about this book that I liked. From the writing style- dialogue seemed forced and the narrative was filled with boring description of meals and bedtime rituals that did nothing to advance the story. I mean, how could a story about a murder be boring? It was for me. The characters were also just 'blah'. The main character, Sheridan, was fine. Nothing exciting there. Jumps in to figure out who the murderer was because she has a PHD in psychology and the police sort of bring her in to the investigation- or at least don't tell her to keep out of it. The unprofessional state cop who blabs about other suspects to Sheridan and then starts dating her- during the investigation. Alrighty.... And the murdered guy? Was a complete slimeball who slept with every woman he could get his hands on on campus! He was gross. Totally ridiculous! Sheridan may have been the only female in her department who didn't sleep with him. Whoever killed him did everyone a favor. I just couldn't care less who it actually was. The big reveal was pretty bland as well. No fun twists or immense drama. There are some questions left unanswered but maybe that's what the second book is for. Not for me!
March 5, 2017
You never know, do you?
Well plotted with side lines both delightful and surprising. The main character is a former clinical psychologist and current associate professor of psychology at a small four year college so the interactions are top notch and for once the main character doesn't do anything dumb! You won't be sorry you picked up this title, the problem will be putting it down again!
Well plotted with side lines both delightful and surprising. The main character is a former clinical psychologist and current associate professor of psychology at a small four year college so the interactions are top notch and for once the main character doesn't do anything dumb! You won't be sorry you picked up this title, the problem will be putting it down again!
January 15, 2021
I found this series quite by accident and read the first Sheridan Hendley Cozy Mystery first I enjoyed it and went back to read the Cold Creek Cozy Mystery Series. I enjoyed this book. I am a fan of cozy mysteries and look for a series that makes me feel a part of the group. The book being written in the first person style made it an easy read. The author's attempt to bring the small town, small college to life is beautifully done. I am ready to move on to book two.
August 24, 2014
Great start to a new series!
I very much enjoyed this book! Sheridan is a very likeable character, and I’d like to see more of her dog, Charlie. As a retired college professor myself, I particularly enjoyed the glimpses into academic life. The culprit was a complete surprise, but also quite plausible.
A suspenseful story with a touch of romance. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
I very much enjoyed this book! Sheridan is a very likeable character, and I’d like to see more of her dog, Charlie. As a retired college professor myself, I particularly enjoyed the glimpses into academic life. The culprit was a complete surprise, but also quite plausible.
A suspenseful story with a touch of romance. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
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