The Student Body

Sarah Deane Mystery #3

by J.S. Borthwick

Sarah Deane, a new teaching fellow at Bowmouth College, is determined to solve the mystery when the body of a student is found frozen in an ice sculpture

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy

293 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

J. S. Borthwick is the pseudonym of Jean Scott Creighton. She lives on the Maine coast. She is the creator of 'Sarah Deane', a professor of English and amateur sleuth.

Series:
* Sarah Deane Mystery

Reviews

[Eugene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this, the series so far is very good. Sarah Deane gets a position as a teaching fellow at Bowmouth College in Maine, where she’ll also continue her graduate studies in English at the same time. Her paramour Alex (Dr. McKenzie) takes a position at the allied hospital so the two can stay together. It’s not long before Sarah is aware that the English department is rife with rivalries, enmities, and a scheming department secretary -and then the body of a student is found frozen into one of the ice sculptures at the Winter Carnival on campus. Alex is called on to act as certifying professional that the deceased didn’t die of natural causes…but human ones. The story takes off, and we’re in for prolonged and difficult case, including an unexpected second murder.
A well done book, the plot is thorny and detailed, all the characters well developed, and the finish is excellent. I even overcame the result of my 1/2 lifetime in northern New England and dealt with the nasty winter weather! This is not a book you’ll sail through, it requires some effort and diligence, but it’s totally worth it. A winner for me.

[Vjera · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I skipped book #2 (missing at library). This one was not birder-centric like the first one but I enjoyed the tour of a literary college. Some cheesy descriptions but overall I like the style and story. Lots of characters and places, got convoluted at times.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great satire of university English departments!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable cozy (but not cutesie) mystery series with two calm, intelligent, likeable MCs.

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of one of my favorite mystery series. These mysteries have fun recurring characters, a spicy relationship, and good mysteries. Definitely a series to check out if you like your mysteries on the lighter side.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I worked in academia for years and felt the author nailed all of the personalities. If you have ever come close to a college campus, I think you'll like this mystery.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire series, but this is my favorite of them (book number 3 in the series) - something about this being set at a small New England college just has the perfect feel.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Deane #3

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay book with a pretty good ending that I really didn't see coming.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent writing, dry humor, fairly normal lead characters. Fun, enjoyable.