Murder 101

In the span of a week, Alison Bergeron's divorce became final and her car was stolen. Just when things couldn't get any worse, two NYPD detectives come to her office to inform her that they found her car... with a dead body in the trunk. Alison quickly becomes the number one suspect in this case despite her numerous vomiting and fainting spells whenever she comes in close contact with the police.

Alison is an English professor at St. Thomas, located in the Bronx. The college campus is small and lacks any drama. Suddenly the news media and police have invaded the campus and brings classes and activities to a stand still. The question everyone is thinking: who killed Kathy and why?

Alison begins her own investigation, not only to clear her name, but to find out why Kathy was killed. During the course of the investigation, Alison becomes extremely close with Detective Crawford. Not sure if she's ready for another relationship, she decides to take things slowly with him and soon discovers his feelings for her mirrors her own. As soon as she begins to let her guard down, she learns Crawford has been hiding a secret. A secret that could cause their relationship to be over before it even starts.

I really liked this book and read it in one day. The mystery was light, with a touch of romance. What I liked best was Alison's character. She considers herself to be "nothing special". Just someone who is trying to move on from a divorce, pick up the pieces and wants to remain hopeful for her future. She's not flashy or snobby or conceited. She has her moments when she's not perfect and doesn't always say the right things.

This is the first book in the series. The ending left somewhat of a cliff hanger. I can't wait to read book two, Extracurricular Activities to find out what happens next. (I think number three, Quick Study, will be released sometime in December.) 4.5/5