This is an entertaining and well written book. You have to suspend judgement to a degree ;-) because an inexperienced officer and an academic would surely not be investigating in this way. But put that aside and the interaction and push/pull between the lead characters is well captured and nicely developed. I like the slow change in the partnership between the existing campus cop and the new officer Clare. The plotting is a little slow but it allows the relationships to develop and I enjoyed the book.

This might not be as strong as Ms Walsh’s previous books but it is a good addition to her catalogue and I will continue to read her work.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

With A Minor In Murder is a fun romantic murder mystery and the first Karis Walsh book I have read.

Set on a University Campus, Libby, a professor, volunteers herself into a murder investigation being led by Clare, who is new to her position. Having only briefly met beforehand, these two have instant chemestry. Libby is hillarious! The banter getting thrown back and forth between herself and Clare really took the edge off a gritty topic, while keeping the reader held in suspense. There are several secondary characters who also add to the plot with so much clever dialogue being exchanged resulting in a lot of laugh out loud moments.

The mystery side of the story kept me guessing until the last moment. It was well thought out and captivating. Karis Walsh set the scenes using the history and architecture of the university to paint beautiful pictures of the locations.

If you like mystery mixed in with humour and a bunch of strong willed independent women, I definitely recommend checking this story out.

Instead of the stunning environment setting and often the inclusion of animals in the books by Karis Walsh this one had an academical setting. It's a light mystery / romance with two engaging leads in Clare, the new cop on campus and Libby, one of the teachers there.
The dialogue is natural as usual with fun banter, the vivid descriptions I associate with Walsh' work are still there, only focused on architecture instead of nature. The plot moves forward rather slowly, but with that the writer avoids the insta-love trap so for me it worked when it came to their relationship and even though I like the relaxed writing she has shown in many of her previous books I am not sure if it's a good fit within this genre.
I know a lot people like those slower paced mystery novels though, so if you are one of them this is a great pick for you!

***Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for the chance to read and review this book***

“The least you can do after accusing me of murder is buy me lunch.”
A sapphic murder mystery? Yes, please! With A Minor in Murder is a cute book that I found myself invested in. Both the murder mystery and the romance were equally intriguing and I liked the way that the point of view switched between the two main characters, Officer Clare Sawyer and Professor Libby Hart, as we got to see their relationship grow. From the beginning of cute banter and it just grows to be a nice relationship from there. I felt that the character interactions were realistic and made me feel like I was reading about a real couple, who had lives outside of being together. There was excitement and insecurity, which is reality for everyone. I really liked seeing the characters grow to be more comfortable with each other. I laughed a few times and nearly cried a few times.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

Unfortunately, this did not work for me.

My parents were in law enforcement. Through them I have a reasonable understanding of police procedure. As a result, I was unable to accept almost everything about this book. In my view, the biggest ask was believing that a major city PD would allow woefully inexperienced college campus police to investigate a murder. It was a hurdle I couldn't get over.

Less egregious but also not great, this one contains shoddy detective work. Early in the book Clare owns (via internal monologue) that she is inexperienced, so I was never quite sure if this was intentionally the story of a bumbling campus police office.

This one is a pass for me but may be enjoyable to those less familiar with investigative work.

This was a well written murder mystery/romance that was filled with suspense. I thought the Main characters were highly intelligent, strong and had great chemistry. The supporting characters helped moved the story along nicely. Overall, an entertaining read, Well done.

I recommend stars.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Well-written romantic suspense set in academia
4.5
Is Walsh‘s newest book a supense with a minor in romance or vice versa? Both parts are in my opinion well balanced. I really liked both main characters: Libby the enthusiastic and inspiring teacher who is a bit set in her ways. She infused the story with all sorts of interesting tidbits about architecture and history - I love if the setting expands my mind and appreciation of something and this constant infusion of the love of teaching and architecture hit the spot for me. Clare is the counterpart to Libby: very earnest and career oriented and not much into academics. Turns out there is a good reason for that. Both characters evolve, there is a mutual attraction. I was glad to see that the author avoided insta-love and insta-sex. She gives the romance its proper time to develop.
The suspense is the steady basso ostinato of this book. It‘s interesting, well developed, the perp is not too obvious - well done. I really grew to like Clare‘s colleagues, Kent and Cappy.
The writing is steady and just right and well-proved. I esp. loved the witty banter going on throughout the book.

Libby Hart, an architectural historian, is just where she wanted to be career wise. The only thing missing was someone in her life. She has great friends who keep trying to break Libby out of the rut she’s in.
Clare Sawyer worked with the police force in Seattle but it seemed everyone was moving up the ladder. So she turns in her uniform for another one, working with the police force at the University of Washington. She hated her whole university experience but now instead of being a student she spends her time helping staff and students. Much better.
What Clare didn’t expect was murder. Not knowing the ways around university, she was glad when Libby offered to help her find the person responsible. The attraction is something both women will have to work with.
Ms Walsh surprised me when not once did a horse make its way into this romance. Not complaining, just observing. Great cast along with a very interesting plot. Very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of a murder mystery and it was an added bonus that the characters were sapphic and well written.

Clare Sawyer is a recently transferred police officer to the university police department. She meets Libby Hart who is a professor with a hard set routine. There is a murder on campus that Clare takes the lead on with her partner Cappy. Cappy, Clare, and Libby are thrust together to get to the bottom of it.

My favorite part of this book is that the plot was really well rounded. The murder mystery got as much air time as the romance and all felt complete. Another great part is that the characters had some amazing dialogue. Libby was my favorite character and I really enjoyed the chemistry between her and Clare.

Ultimately, this is a great sapphic murder mystery and I highly recommend checking it out!

*Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Wow, I am really going to be in the minority here. I found this story to be very boring with splashes of excitement that lasted a few pages. The romance was tepid, the murder mystery was so guessable and the epilog was more of the same. After reading other reviews I was so anxious to start reading. But sadly it was not to be.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I do enjoy a good murder mystery, particularly when a romance is added into the equation. I thought the characters were well-written and I was definitely invested in the plot. One the things I always look for when reading, especially a romance novel, is the dialogue between the main characters. And this book had nice, well-written dialogue. The murder mystery plot done in a way where you feel as though you have to see the book through to the end. I really enjoyed it.

This is about new campus police officer Clare who recently quit the SPD, she feels uncomfortable in her new position and is doubting her career change. A murder occurs on campus and since she has experience, she is put in charge of solving it. Libby Hart is a professor of Architecture and History and loves the buildings on campus and all the history surrounding them. She also befriends and guides troubled students to enjoy campus life and bringing them out of their shells.

This is a light romance with a bit of witty dialogue between the MCs and supporting cast. I liked Libby and her outlook on life. Clare’s cop partner Cappy and Sargent Kent added a lot to the story as supporting characters.

The murder mystery is an easy one without much graphic violence.

ARC received in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

I loved everything about this book. The relationship between Clare and Libby was a friends to girlfriends slow burn cute relationship , I loved how they interacted with each other, their relationship was very flirty and playful, but serious when it needed to be. The murder mystery was really good and kept me guessing who done it till nearly the very end of the book. The supporting characters were well written and helped to move the story along. I get the feeling that this is book one of a series and if so I am here for it. I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends and family, and I look forward to what comes next from this author.

Karis Walsh crafted a fast paced murder mystery / romance set amongst the University of Washington campus and architecture. The story was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat. The reveal of the murder suspect made sense, but wasn’t an easy one to guess either.

As for the romance portion of the storyline, I enjoyed how Clare and Libby made each other better when they were together. Their romance was sweet, their dialogue was laced with humor and suggestion, and they developed an understanding between each other.

I’d recommend this murder mystery to other readers. 4 stars

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I always know when I am deep in a story’s thrall. My reading slows to a crawl to enjoy each word, story twist and especially in this case, Libby’s quips. Walsh has created two unique and compelling characters in Libby and Clare which I genuinely hope to see again in future novels. Karis Walsh are you listening?

Libby Hart is a professor of architectural history who loves everything about academia. If she could, she would still live in student housing to never have to leave the campus. Officer Clare Sawyer has just made a hasty lateral move from the Seattle Police force to the campus police department. Clare is looking for career growth opportunities at the University of Washington policing department. An architectural professor is murdered on campus and Clare solicits Libby’s help to gain insight into the slain professor and the ins and outs of academia.

The murder mystery is expertly composed with a number of plausible red herrings to muddy the waters until the reveal. Walsh paces the mystery perfectly with the romance to never allow a lag in either component. It is refreshing to read a high quality mystery in the romance genre. Clare and Libby’s growing attraction compliments the mystery perfectly.

Walsh has a gift for dialogue. The bantering between Clare and Libby is a mix of humorous wit, soulful insights and architectural history lecture. I love learning about something that I would not have naturally sought out and architectural history now fascinates me.

A Minor in Murder is an enjoyable and entertaining read for both mystery and romance readers.

I received an advanced review copy from Bold Stroke Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Officer Clare Sawyer is a recent transfer to the University Police Department and is still settling in when she meets Libby Hart in line at the coffee shop. Professor Hart has found herself in a rut but the new officer she meets makes her more bold than normal after their interactions turn flirty. When there is a murder on campus and Libby and Clare get pulled in to solving the case they both find a bit more than they were expecting.
This was my first book by Karis Walsh and I definitely enjoyed it. I loved the murder mystery side story in addition to Libby and Clare’s romance. The characters were likable and kept the plot flowing. The mystery is engaging but doesn’t take over the whole plot, still leaving space for the romance. I did find a couple things a bit unrealistic and the romance was a bit insta-love with the characters understanding quirks about each other’s personality 2 weeks after meeting. Clare’s partner, Cappy, also seems to have really deep insight into her character flaws after the same two weeks of working together. I did enjoy the book though and would recommend picking it up if you’re looking for a fun murder mystery with a side of romance.

Clare has recently quit her detective job in a huff and is starting work for the smaller University of Washington Police Force. She fears she has made a career mistake. When a murder happens on campus it is her chance to prove herself to her new force. Libby has double PHD’s and loves teaching and architecture. Her friends have an intervention suggesting she take up a new hobby or interest. When she is questioned regarding the murder she decides her new interest will be helping Clare understand the University and the campus ins and outs. Libby is delightfully flirty and the ease of their conversations are fun. This is a fairly simple investigation but it draws the two together. The feelings between the two grow but physically there isn’t intimacy beyond kissing. (I’ve only read one other book by the author and it also was PG, so maybe that is her style preference.)

I thought the pacing is good as is the developing relationship between Clare and Libby. I also like Cappy, and seeing Clare’s working relationship grow as they become police partners. There is a lot of talk about architecture which I enjoy but it can be skimmed if you have less interest. An entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is my second book by Walsh and I liked it much better than the first book I read by this author.

As you can gather from the title this book centers around a murder, or a couple of murders. One of our MCs is a new police officer/ detective for the campus police. I never knew that was a separate division with other rules. Clare has come to the university division to have better career opportunities. During her first week she meets Libby, a multi disciplinary professor focused mainly on architecture and history. Clare gets assigned a murder case with a very reluctant partner in Cappy. I enjoy all interactions they have together, it’s direct, it’s banter, this is the way I love to communicate as well.
The sparks between Clare and Libby are there as well and I like how forward and flirty Libby is, it’s funny how she shocks herself with it.
As for the murder mystery, I had some suspicions, it isn’t a very hard case to crack, it does remain entertaining and keeps you on your toes..

I liked the writing, the characters and I wouldn’t mind if this would turn into a series. The potential is there.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Bold Strokes Books, Inc and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A delightful debut, well written mystery, suspenseful story I look forward to reading more.

𝚃𝙷𝙴𝙼𝙴𝚂: 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝙲𝙴. 𝙾𝙵𝙵𝙸𝙲𝙴𝚁/𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙵𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙾𝚁. 𝙼𝚈𝚂𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚈. 𝙷𝙴𝙰.⁠
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𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘;⁠
I love how simple the story is. I thought it was going to be all about murder but my heart melted along. The start, middle and end were really good and well-written. ⁠
The romance build-up between Clare and Libby was so sweet. I love how Karis handled them. There was a sweet delicacy and understanding between them, I loved it. The murder seemed such a byline but also NOT. (If that makes sense.)⁠
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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒: ⁠
𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿: I loved the sweetness, the vulnerability but also the strength and acceptance of her flaws??. Her backstory was sad but I am glad she made it. ⁠
𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝘁: Now, she was the true sweetheart. Her humour was so endearing.⁠
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬: I loved how each character had their friends that cared about them. ⁠
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𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬.