Kelley Kaye

Death by Diploma by Kelley Kaye is a fun, cozy mystery that is perfect for binging!

I've gotta say, I have been yearning for some teacher centered reads lately (ironically, since school is getting out around now for the elementary school kids in my area). And what is my luck that Kelley Kaye has an awesome mystery series that's full of teachers, silly antics and loads of thrills!

Our lead Emma working at a new school and meets Leslie, the current head of the English department. While being introduced to her new life as the high school English teacher, she discovers a murder! Leslie, Emma and a band of jolly characters must work together to find out who killed a beloved janitor and all of the secrets he held behind the scenes in his life.

The book is FULL of quotes - Star Wars and Shakespeare just to name a couple! I loved all of the silly references that I understood, and the ones I didn't I got to look up and find MORE books to add to my never ending to-be-read pile! Add in the comedy that Kelley Kaye is clearly an expert at providing, and you've got yourself a fun time! Work your way through this book and try to solve the mystery, or just enjoy the giggles you'll get from the wacky one liners!

For me as a reader, I couldn't find much wrong with this book. It was short enough to binge it but long enough to feel fulfilling. It was also packed with everything I love - silly comments, epic quotes and fun characters. There's drama, a splash of flirtiness and romance, gossip, thrills and chills. It hits all the notes I want in a sweet novel!

I would say this book is for 16 , due to some of the adult comments used in the book. That being said, if you've got a mature teen they will have no problem reading this book! It's not R rated, it just has adult comments that you might not want to read to your children.

Five out of five stars! It was a fun ride that I definitely want more of! I'll be searching for Kelley Kaye's books on every bookshelf I can!

I received a free copy of this book from the author Kelley Kaye in exchange for an honest review.… (altro)

A cute & cozy murder mystery!

Emma Lovett, a new teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School, befriends school janitor Melvin McManus. One late night while Melvin is working late, he hears a noise and goes to investigate. Sadly, he gets hot by someone or something and dies. Emma takes it upon herself to find out what happened to the beloved Melvin, who was like a second father to her.

Definitely excited to read the book in this series!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.… (altro)

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.… (altro)

4.5
Book source ~ Purchased

Emma Lovett and her best friend Leslie Parker are teachers at Thomas Jefferson High School in Pinewood, Colorado. Emma’s first year there had her and Leslie solving a murder and nearly becoming victims themselves. So, you’d think they’d want to lay low from now on. Right? Ah. Nope. Emma starts her second year at TJ High trying to solve the murder of student Kisten Hollis before anyone else dies. Between her teaching duties, her sleuthing, and her dating life, Emma is a busy woman. But busy is better than dead, right?

I’m really liking the start of this series. I really enjoyed book 1, so I anticipated liking book 2. I was correct! The world-building is great, the characters well-rounded, and the plots so far are twisty enough for me to work overtime on the brain noodling. An all-around thoroughly enjoyable way to pass the time.… (altro)