Extracurricular Activites by Maggie Barbieri

Title: Extracurricular Activities
Author: Maggie Barbieri
Series: Alison Bergeron (Murder 101) #2
ISBN-10: 0312355386
Pages: 294
Year Published: 2007
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Date Finished: January 31

First sentence: I have two best friends; one is a nymphomaniac and the other is a priest.

My review: When we first met Alison Bergeron, she was the number one suspect in a college student's murder. Not only did Alison have a past with the victim's parents, her ex-husband had an affair with the student as well. Just clearing her name from one investigation, Alison soon finds herself involved with another murder. . . her ex-husband Ray. Ray's death has Peter Miceli's name written all over it, as his death was a signature Mob hit. As much as she despised Ray (after all he had numerous extra-martial affairs), Alison is stunned by his death and can't help but to play amateur sleuth once again.

Finding Ray's killer will also distract her from her on-again, off-again relationship with NYPD homicide detective, Bobby Crawford. Crawford has marital issues of his own: he's legally separated from his wife, however he failed to mention this at the start of his relationship with Alison. It's quite difficult for Alison to avoid Crawford because his partner is marrying Alison's best friend, Max, and he is best man while Alison is maid of honor. And not to mention, with all of Alison's snooping, she finds herself in situations that only a police officer can assist her with.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Alison is an amateur sleuth with good sense. The plot at times is funny, but not over the top. The author provides enough twists and turns that will make the reader wonder who really is the killer. After the killer's identity is revealed, we learn why Ray was killed and how Alison is involved.

Alison's character is one the reader can relate to: she's hard working, trying to pick herself up after a bitter divorce while contemplating re-entering the dating scene. The reader will hope Bobby figures things out with his estranged wife before Alison moves on. The two definitely have chemistry and both deserve a second chance on love. If you're looking for a good cozy mystery, I recommend this series.

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