Strangled by Simile

Chalkboard Outlines #3

by Kelley Kaye

Southern transplant Emma Lovett and her best friend, Leslie Parker, can hardly believe it’s Emma’s third year at Thomas Jefferson High School. In addition to an amazing year with Emma’s boyfriend, Hunter Wells, and Leslie’s brand-new love interest, they’ve gotten all the way through Homecoming with no one dying.

Oops!

At the end of October, Emma discovers the strangled body of Charlie Foreman, one of Leslie’s favorite nemeses. But the first clue implicates Leslie in the crime. To make things worse, Emma’s feeling a little oogy. She’s tired and dizzy and something’s wrong with her eyes.

All Emma and Leslie are trying to do is find new methods for teaching the youth of America, hopefully using lessons from the Great Bard, their hero, William Shakespeare.

But someone has a different idea: more schooling in murder.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2021

About the author

Kelley Kaye taught High School English and Drama for twenty years, but her love for storytelling dates back to creating captions for her high school yearbook. Maybe back to the tales she created around her Barbie and Ken—whatever the case, the love’s been around for a long time.

Kelley is married to this amazing man who cooks for her, and they have two funny and wonderful sons. She lives in Southern California.

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chalkboard Outlines series by Kelley Kay Bowles is one of my personal favourite cozy mystery series. There's drama, quirky humour, a pinch of romance, and lots of intrigue as the mystery unfolds. Being able to pick up Strangled by Simile was an absolute pleasure and I'm still reeling and grinning from all of the hijinks. It ranks up there as one of my personal faves, and I do occasionally jump back into this series with a wicked grin on my face. It's a lot of fun!

So it's time for round three - Emma Lovett and her best friend Leslie Parker are back teaching at Thomas Jefferson High School and MORE murders happen. Emma's boyfriend Hunter Wells is back too! This poor school can't get enough of these murders, and Emma always appears to be linked somehow. But, don't worry folks, Emma and her band of misfit teachers will save the day (somehow or another...).

One of Emma's worst nightmares of a colleague, Charlie Foreman, is found dead. It's quite awkward this time, since yet again Emma seems to be a suspect... her and her friends are in for a treat as they unwind the tangled mess that is this murder mystery.

My only negative of this book was that I wanted more Hunter Wells! I love romance books, so I wanted a dash more of that handsome fella, but it didn't affect the story at all so it's just a personal preference. This book was absolutely marvellous without the extra dash of handsome man floating around.

The side quest/story of this book pulls in Emma's health issues. I really like how the health issues were tackled because they felt real and helped me understand Emma more as a character. I won't give away the ending on what was going on, but it really made me respect and appreciate Kelley Kay Bowles. Adulting and health issues are real and scary, and seeing a book character experiencing true and honest issues in a real and honest way was honourable. While I normally like light, fluffy and avoiding all negative things in my book (my life has been quite the tornado/hurricane/tsunami of un-fun), this one really made me nod and go "Yes, Kelley Kay Bowles gets it." I respect and highly recommend this series because of it. It's brave and important to share health issues stories like the one in this book and not make it super depressing or scary. It's just real. I like it.

Before I tie up this review (pun intended... Strangled... Tied... Get it? Dad jokes, anyone?), here are some notes I took while reading the book. Take what you will, but my play by plays are quite fun while I'm reading away and oohing and ahhing at the book:
1. This book gives me high school flashbacks with how great the writing was on reflecting back on a high school experience.
2. Delightfully funny with lots of Shakespeare quotes! I dig it!
3. Why are there so many murders at this school? This whole city feels like it should be on a lockdown.
4. There is lots of foreshadowing in this book about what is going on with Emma.
5. Teenagers acting suspicious and oversharing... Yep, that holds up.
6. Teachers being called "lounge lizards" is one of the best things I've ever heard. I will be using this in my everyday, common vocabulary from now on. Someone copyright this line quick!
7. Prank wars!
8. The writing style of this book is fun, sassy, up-beat and full of references. It really kept me hooked!
9. Wizard of Oz reference!
10. The reference of going to an ER being like dropping your money in a food processor... Yep, only in America.
11. The pain of losing one's parent... That one hit home. Too hard. Too many feels.
12. I've got theories on theories about what's going on... Gotta love a book that allows my inner theorist to come out!

And now, time to finish up the show!

Overall, this book is fantastic, fabulous and fiercely fun! I seriously love it and highly recommend it to my cozy murder mystery loving readers. This book is where it's at (well, the whole series really). Pick up this book and give me a ring - let's chat about this hilariously awesome book!

Five out of five stars!

I received this book for free from the author, Kelley Kay Bowles, in exchange of an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Leslie are back, ready to unravel the mystery of who is teaching a private class about murder at Thomas Jefferson High, all without being murdered themselves, or worse, becoming highly likely suspects.

STRANGLED BY SIMILE by Kelley Kaye is another quirky, cozy tale with the ever plucky Emma Lovett going where no one with a lick of sense would venture, but hey, the authorities seem to be clueless and just spinning their wheels.

Follow Emma as she struggles through her own mysterious health issues, begins to suspect everyone of being a murderer and throws caution to the wind at every turn. Witty, wonderfully entertaining, this mystery is neither dark not too fluffy to be believed. Take this one to the beach or the pool!

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Kelley Kaye! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Series: Chalkboard Outlines - Book 3
Publisher : Red Adept Publishing, LLC (May 25, 2021)
Publication date : May 25, 2021
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Print length : 241 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the scene of high school murders in Kelley Kaye’s lighthearted mystery threequel Strangled by Simile! Emma Lovett is back, hoping for a quiet teaching year without a death. Those hopes are quickly dashed as a body turns up, and the clues implicate Emma’s best friend. Kaye doesn’t slow pace with the third installment to the series, adding in all the fun lighthearted banter, well-crafted mystery, and some romantic intrigue that makes this series so much fun to read! If you love lighthearted who dunnits, you have to come take a course in murder with Strangled by Simile!

[Robert Williscroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangled by Simile is the third book in the Chalkboard Outlines Series, murder mysteries written for high school girls. I have not read the earlier books, but that doesn’t matter. Author Kaye gives the reader fully drawn characters with sufficient flashbacks to fill in the blanks from the earlier stories. The main character is Emma, a ditzy high school drama teacher who is a clutz, a “rabid pacifist,” and is terrified by spiders—but she won’t kill one. Her best friend, equally ditzy Leslie, science-fiction teacher and newly wealthy thanks to her former wealthy husband whom she caught in flagrante delicto with his boyfriend, and who looks like she just stepped off a page in Vogue. Somehow, murder follows Emma wherever she goes. Leslie and their boyfriends pitch in to help solve the most recent murder of the high school coach, which the local cops are oddly incompetent to solve themselves.

When I review a book, I usually have several observations on the author’s lack of understanding Point-of-View (PoV), or confusing “lie” and “lay,” or some other equally shoddy understanding of the English language. Not so here! Kelly Kaye is a master wordsmith—her writing is flawless. Furthermore, it is well structured. And further-furthermore, it is witty. Kaye’s characters insert into their dialog appropriate, and sometimes entirely inappropriate but witty, Shakespear quotes. Their ditzy reactions to the world around them and their fellow teachers are delightful and will completely captivate any high school girl’s imagination. This is a wonderful 5-star story.

[Benjamin X. Wretlind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't believe I have ever read a book like this. That's not to say I haven't read humorous mysteries, but Strangled by Simile by Kelley Kaye was special. While this is the third book in the Chalkboard Outlines series, I have to say I will read the others.

Strangled by Simile is a modern-day who-dun-it murder mystery that will keep you on your toes. Emma Lovett, a young English teacher with physical challenges, works at Thomas Jefferson High in a small western Colorado town. She has a knack for discovering murder victims, and this time she finds herself involved in the investigation into the death of the football coach, Charlie Foreman. As Emma and her colleagues, including her best friend, Leslie Parker, try to unravel the mystery, they uncover hidden depths to Charlie's character and motives that they never suspected.

As with all great books, the characters are what really make Strangled by Simile special. Emma and her crew are a likable and relatable bunch, with each member bringing their unique strengths and quirks to the table. Leslie, in particular, is a delight, with her witty Shakespearean repartee and fashion sense. The plot is well-paced and intriguing, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the end. I appreciated the inclusion of a developmentally disabled person, and the story's generous humanity and good sense of humor.

Despite being a murder mystery, there is a lot of heart to this book. Kaye digs deep into the delicacies of life and how twists and turns and unwelcome surprises can happen to anyone, not just those involved in a murder. Emma's own challenges, both in her personal and professional life, add depth to the story and give her character real relatability. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with well-developed characters.

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelley Kaye – Chalkboard Outlines Bk 3 – Strangled by Simile – Reviewed 2/25/22 – Read 2/24/22

The third year and the third murder, small-town luck for a down south teacher!

Emma Lovett arrives early for work, stops by the gym, and finds another murder victim to her horror. Charlie Foreman, the football coach, often a very disagreeable man, had been strangled. One thing that confused her, though, around his neck was a scarf that she knew at one time belonged to her best friend. Realizing this means she will have to find the murderer to clear her. Her only obstacle is that she has been having problems with her balance and eyesight. She knows this will be difficult, but then she can always count on her friends to help her out.


What did I like Join Emma and her friends as they search for the killer and the reason for her medical problems…
? It was like finding an old friend, I loved the other book that I read in this series and knew it would be an exciting read, and I was not wrong. Loved the school setting and the way the teachers worked with the students.

What will you like? Exciting, interesting, mysterious, intriguing, murder, gambling, high school! The characters are so likable and friendly, close and behind each other! The storyline is unique, and a real clincher at the end will tug your heart for sure. Don’t miss adding Kelley Kaye’s third book in the Chalkboard Outlines series, “Strangled by Simile,” available NOW!!!

• ASIN: B0949N695X
• Publisher: Red Adept Publishing, LLC
• Publication Date: 5/25/2021
• File Size: 2287 KB
• Print Length: 241 pages
• Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Amateur Sleuths, Women Sleuths

[Sheilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve shared the journey of Emma Lovett and Leslie Parker for three books now. This female duo solve murder mysteries that keep happening at their school. At the same time, they quote Shakespeare like they eat it for breakfast. It’s a light read that keeps you guessing as you uncover the truth. Cozy mysteries are not my genre, so to speak. Which is funny, because I love cozy mystery TV like Father Brown. However, I have never chosen this genre in book format on my own. I’m finding with each story by Kelley Kaye, I am liking the genre the more I read.

Kaye is a good storyteller. Her stories are efficient at telling the tale without drawing it out. Every ending and revelation is a surprise to me and I never see it coming. I especially enjoyed the third book because it began to delve into deeper themes like health and the effects of disease on the body and mind. In this case, I have a personal connection to the situation. As a result, I was able to relate on some level.

If you are looking for a story that keeps you on your toes and makes you suspicious of every character that appears, then this might be a story for you. As long as you don’t mind a southern flare with campy flavor, Emma and Leslie’s teaching adventures might delight your reading taste buds. With each story I grow fonder of this team of English nerds. And I use nerds as a term of endearment.

[Ron Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Well done cozy mystery
~First, I’ll state that I received this book as a gift from the author to read and review.
~This series continues to be intriguing and delightful at the same time. The group of main characters is well formed and shows great loyalty to each other. There is additional character development and growth in each of the books in the series. In this book, Edward the rigid Librarian, is allowed to out of his shell of rules and regulations and we see him grow into a much more interesting character.
~The story line flows…it is rather fast paced, which makes it exciting to read. Yes, it is a story based upon a murder…however, it is not a grisly death. There are a couple plot twists and a few red herrings. Even Emma, our main character, has to deal with a red herring of her own making! While this is definitely a ‘cozy’ mystery is is not sappy or syrupy…nor is the main character a ditzy female.
~I though that the author took the book in a bit more serious direction…I’m definitely not going to give any spoilers here…but, I will say that I was very pleased and impressed with how a medical situation was handled. (I am looking forward to the next book for more answers)
~I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cozy mystery. It is a light, enjoyable, read.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

One morning, after being awoken before her alarm, Emma decides to go into work early. It is then she discovers the body of coach Charlie Foreman. As if find Charlie wasn't unpleasant enough, the local police give Emma a hard time at the scene. Later, the police implicate Leslie when a clue at the scene leads back to her. Emma, Leslie, and Hunter don their amateur sleuthing caps to exonerate Leslie and find the real killer.

Emma, Leslie, and Hunter are great characters. Emma and Leslie have a wonderfully developed friendship. Emma and Hunter have a cute romantic relationship. I enjoy all of their interactions. Strangled by Simile introduces a serious topic and the build-up is executed well by the author. They work well together at the school and while investigating the murder of Charlie.

Even with the serious undertones though, the author tastefully adds humor and wit to the mix. Leslie is a funny character and I enjoy her wittiness and penchant for Shakespeare quotes. Emma is a little more serious but she’s wonderful. The world building is done well. I was able to visualize the entire story and felt like I was there helping Emma, Leslie, and Hunter. The story was fast-paced - never a dull moment. I enjoyed Strangled by Simile.

[Cherie Kephart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kaye delivers another well-written, entertaining and creative installment in her Chalkboard Outlines series. Although I'm not generally a fan of reading mysteries, Kaye manages to transport me to a life in which I am. The primary draw for me is the idiosyncratic characters, Emma, Leslie, Edward, and Hunter. I feel like I know them, want to pull up a chair in the library or teacher's lounge and engage in their witty Shakespeare repartee while eating the unlikely healthy gourmet food the chef in the cafeteria makes for them. And, discuss the intricate details and clues of the latest murder while taking a ride in Leslie's red convertible in the quaint little Colorado town. Without giving any spoilers, Kaye does a beautiful job in this third book of digging deeper into the delicacies of life, how twists and turns and unwelcome surprises can happen for all of us, not just for those involved in a murder. The triumph, of course, is how we handle those situations and who we have by our side to support us through our most challenging moments. Brava!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

This is my first foray into this series but it won't be my last. We meet Emma a high school teacher who loves her job. Her new love interest is going well just making things that much better. She is even starting to think it may be a year without a murder but then she wakes up early one day heading into work hoping to catch Coach Charlie for a chat. Not once did she think he would be dead. Of course the inept detective thinks she is a suspect at least u films replaces her with her BFF Leslie. The girls start poking around until they find themselves in danger leading to a surprising ending. Makes for an enjoyable read thanks to quirky characters, clues spring lied throughout, and small town charm. Sure to delight cozy fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and it's a miracle that anyone still chooses to work in Thomas Jefferson high school after the last two years! The football coach is murdered and English teacher Emma and her friend Leslie are on the case, when they're not being considered suspects.

In this instalment, Emma is undergoing medical investigation alongside her own investigation- she's diagnosed with MS and the author gives a really in depth view of what the tests involve and the emotions associated with the diagnosis which added an extra layer of depth to the main character.

I felt that the murder mystery was a little too elaborate to still fit within the definition of 'cosy' but it was a wild ride!

[Anna Bornino-glusac · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is fall in Colorado and Emma is enjoying teaching English and drama in her third year at Thomas Jefferson High School. She and her quirky, teacher friends have already solved two murders which took place on campus. Maybe they will get through this year without another tragedy. But, no such luck. Emma finds the football coach dead in his office. This southern girl and her friends are soon involved in tracking down the killer. Adding to the stress of this mystery, Emma is faced with a personal health issue. Shakespearean quotes and southern sayings add to the twists and turns in this cozy mystery. This would be a great read for a chilly fall weekend.

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every book in this series, and this book is every bit as good. A cozy mystery with literature loving teachers, one of whom has a Shakespeare quote for every occasion... What's not to love? The characters of Emma and Leslie work so well together, and both are relatable to me. The plot is interesting and moves at a good pace, keeping me interested but without rushing. Bonus points for including references to Robert Frost poetry, which happens to be some of my favorite poems. I highly recommend this book for fellow book lovers!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been a while since reading book two that it took me a bit to remember all the characters. I adore this series. There was quite the major twist in this one. Emma sure has some struggles ahead. She has a great support system. I totally missed who the killer was. I hope we have many more books in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, which in no way influenced my review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love reading quick little mysteries like this book! It was easy to read and the characters all seem so perfectly described. The book produces a mystery and a little twist at the end! What a fun little book.

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.

Emma Lovett has moved from South Carolina to Pinewood, Colorado to teach at Thomas Jefferson High. Her first two years there started with a murder, so she’s hoping year three will just be about teaching English alongside her best friend Leslie Parker and her boyfriend Hunter Wells and there will be nary a murder to be had. Too late. I spoke too soon. Emma finds Coach Charlie Foreman strangled and if that’s not bad enough, Leslie is suspect #1. Uh, oh. Time to kick the sleuthing into high gear and maybe when she has time, she can figure out why she’s become so clumsy and her eyesight is so messed up all of a sudden.

I’m really enjoying this series. The writing is great, the world building detailed, and the characters are well-rounded. The plot is twisty enough to keep me guessing and there’s humor and a dash of romance, too. There’s also something going on with Emma that she has to deal with and it’s nice to see a main character have to stop and take stock while life keeps revolving around them. This is a great book to read on a lazy afternoon. Or, well, any time, really.