Murder at the Alma Mater - by Katherine Anderson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Nora Phillips has made a name for herself with her beloved Charlie Donoahue mystery series but all good things must come to an end. Or so Nora thought when she turned in her most recent manuscript, a departure from her usual cozy mysteries. Instead, her editor has unceremoniously rejected her work, leaving her with mere weeks to come up with another installment of Charlie Donahue before she's forced to pay back her hefty advance. The only problem is that Nora is suffering from a severe case of writer's block. In an effort to distract herself, Nora returns to her alma mater for a trip down memory lane but she gets a bit more than she bargained for when one of her former professors suggests she look into the college's most popular urban legend for inspiration.

Nora begins to dig through the tale that's been passed through generations of Elms students: the story of Catherine, a student who had an illicit affair with a faculty member. When the dalliance ends, Catherine throws herself from the bell tower rather than face the consequences of the relationship. But did she really jump, or was she pushed? Is the college responsible for covering up a decades-old murder? Or is there something far more sinister lurking in the not-so-distant past? Teaming up with a current Elms student- an unlikely partner in crime- Nora finds herself immersed in the details of an unexpected crime that just might repeat itself if she doesn't solve it, and fast.

Review Quotes

Murder at the Alma Mater by Katherine Anderson is a gripping read for fans of mystery, crime, and detective novels. Nora Phillips, an author of cozy mysteries, has little time to add another book to her best-selling series. Nora's editor is not happy with the latest manuscript. Also, Nora must take care of her injured knee. Following her doctor's advice, Nora starts swimming in the pool at her alma mater, Elms College. A professor urges Nora to write about the local urban legend of a girl who fell out of the college's bell tower long ago. Nora meets Selena, a student researching the college's history. Together, they analyze two puzzling events that took place at Elms College in the early 1950s. Are these events connected? And is it possible that Elms College or the Catholic Church are hiding something horrible?

In Murder at the Alma Mater, Katherine Anderson captures the unique ambiance of Elms College. The setting gives additional depth to the narrative. Anderson revives the history of the college and explores the topic of women's independence in the middle of the twentieth century. The author motivates us to be more attentive to a loved one or a friend in an ambiguous situation. Nora is a realistic protagonist whose vulnerability brings her closer to readers. We catch a glimpse of Nora's work on her new book, which is a rare opportunity to study the writing process. I like Sister Eleanor, a complex secondary character, and her thought-provoking subplot. Anderson intrigues us with the events of the distant past and sets an almost impossible task for her heroines to uncover the truth behind them. Nora and Selena's investigation gives us chills and culminates in a powerful scene. I highly recommend this gem of a book!