History Lessons - by Zoe B Wallbrook (Hardcover)

About the Book

"As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, writing her first academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies. The rising star of Harrison University's anthropology department was never one of Daphne's favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn't prevent Sam's killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam--something the killer will stop at nothing to get. Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on an investigation to find out what connects her to Sam's murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus."-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague's murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.

As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.

The rising star of Harrison University's anthropology department was never one of Daphne's favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn't prevent Sam's killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam--something the killer will stop at nothing to get.

Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam's murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.

This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.

Review Quotes

Praise for History Lessons

"Equal parts nerdy and funny, romantic and thrilling, Wallbrook's debut has introduced a fascinating new sleuth: Daphne Ouverture. Just like her overprotective parents (who may have some secrets of their own), her ride-or-die besties, and the handsome bookseller/ex-detective, I'm ready to follow Daphne anywhere. Bring on her next case!"
--Mia P. Manansala, author of the bestselling Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series

"History Lessons is a fun-and funny-academic mystery that deftly takes on tough topics. Zoe B. Wallbrook uses her own college background and love of snark to create a memorable and quirky character in Daphne Ouverture. I can't wait to spend more time on campus with Daphne, her besties, and above all else, her dad."
--Kellye Garrett, award winning author of Missing White Woman

"Daphne Ouverture is a total badass--a smart-as-a-whip faculty member by day, amateur sleuth by night, and exactly the heroine we need right now. Wallbrook winningly tackles everything from racism and harassment in the ivory tower to prison abolitionism--all while crafting a sharp, twisty, deeply enjoyable mystery. I cannot wait for Daphne's return."
--Halley Sutton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hurricane Blonde

"Fresh, fierce, and funny as hell, History Lessons is a pitch-perfect blend of campus mystery and nail-biting suspense. In this confidently crafted debut, Zoe B. Wallbrook has given us an unforgettable amateur sleuth: Professor Daphne Ouverture, whose investigation into a colleague's murder at her elite university crackles with wit and intelligence. A brilliant start to what promises to be an absolutely outstanding series."
--Elizabeth Little, bestselling author of Dear Daughter

"Junior history professor Daphne Ouverture is the perfect academic sleuth. She's nerdier than a card catalog, with brains and determination in equal measure. Following Daphne as she navigates a twisty murder case that exposes her elite university's dark underside was exhilarating and heart-pulsing. Sign me up for Daphne's next case!"
--Delia Pitts, author of the Vandy Myrick mysteries

"The pleasures of this book are many . . . More Daphne can only make the world a much better place."
--First Clue Reviews

"There's plenty to enjoy about this witty, erudite mystery, including a lovable cast of characters, enlightening historical tidbits from Daphne's lectures, and a dash of romance."
--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Zoe B. Wallbrook is a recently tenured professor whose academic research has appeared in outlets such as the New York Times and The New Yorker. She was selected for mentorship by LA Times bestseller Elizabeth Little, and History Lessons, her first novel, was a runner-up for the Eleanor Taylor Bland Award. Zoe's hobbies include beginning all emails with, "My sincerest apologies for my slow reply," pretending to understand how astrological signs work, and crying at the end of every Call the Midwife episode. She and her husband live with their stalker, a black lab/pittie mix named Sophie.