Amie Schaumberg's debut novel, Murder by the Book, is a captivating blend of literary homage and suspenseful mystery that earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars.​
Set against the backdrop of a small college town, the story follows Professor Emma Reilly, whose deep knowledge of literature becomes crucial when a series of murders mimic scenes from classic works like Shakespeare's Hamlet and Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott. As the killer's pattern unfolds, Emma's academic world collides with a chilling reality, compelling her to decipher the literary clues before more lives are lost.
Schaumberg, herself an English professor, brings authenticity to the academic setting and crafts a protagonist who is both relatable and intellectually formidable. The narrative is praised as "smart, thrilling and utterly compelling," keeping readers engaged and guessing until the final pages.
While the novel excels in weaving literary references into its plot, some readers might find the pacing uneven in parts. However, the richly drawn characters and the intricate interplay between classic literature and modern crime make this a standout read for fans of dark academia and bibliomysteries.
In summary, Murder by the Book is a thought-provoking and immersive mystery that showcases Schaumberg's literary acumen and storytelling prowess. It's a promising start to what could be a compelling series for lovers of intellectually infused thrillers.

Murder by the Book is a captivating and clever mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set on a college campus where a series of gruesome murders unfold, the twist is that each victim is posed in a way that mirrors scenes from iconic literary works. The attention to detail in how these paintings are recreated is chilling and unique.

What truly sets this book apart is the unlikely partnership between a literature professor and a seasoned detective. As the murders pile up, the professor begins to spot hidden clues in the posed artwork that seem to tie the killer's motives to specific literary themes. This intellectual angle adds depth to the investigation, making it not just about solving the crime but unraveling the symbolism behind it.

The pacing is strong, and the characters are well-developed, especially the professor, who brings a refreshing perspective to the investigation. The story is filled with red herrings and plot twists that will keep you guessing, and the final reveal is satisfying yet unexpected.

If you enjoy a mix of intellectual intrigue and classic crime solving, Murder by the Book is definitely worth a read. It combines art, literature, and suspense in a way that feels both fresh and engaging.

Smart, atmospheric, gripping, Murder by the Book is a cozy literary mystery with heart.

Set in a small college town, the novel opens with a chilling discovery: a student found posed like Ophelia from Hamlet in an abandoned barn. For Detective Ian Carter, a by-the-book investigator, it’s a case unlike any he’s ever seen. Out of his depth and desperate for answers, he crosses paths with Emma Reilly, a literature professor whose deep love of classic texts becomes the unlikely key to cracking the killer’s cryptic messages.

Amie Schaumberg does something special here — she layers literary allusions into the mystery so that they aren’t just clever nods but essential parts of the story. Each clue, drawn from works like Hamlet or something I was less familiar with like, The Lady of Shalott, adds weight. Emma's journey from reserved academic to brave, reluctant investigator is one of the novel’s most rewarding arcs.

The pacing is great. The characters are interesting and complex. Murder by the Book asks questions about the stories we tell — and blends literary love with psychological suspense.

Highly recommended for readers who like their thrillers with a side of intellect and heart.
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Amie Schaumberg's "Murder by the Book" is a literary thriller that masterfully intertwines the allure of classic literature with the chilling intrigue of a murder mystery. Set against the backdrop of a small college town, the novel begins with the discovery of a student’s body, posed to resemble Ophelia from Shakespeare’s "Hamlet". This haunting tableau sets the tone for a story as cerebral as it is suspenseful.

Detective Ian Carter, a methodical and straitlaced investigator, finds himself out of his depth when confronted with the killer’s cryptic literary references. Enter Professor Emma Reilly, a charmingly awkward literature professor whose deep knowledge of classic texts becomes the key to unraveling the murderer’s twisted game. Schaumberg’s portrayal of Emma is both relatable and compelling; her journey from academic isolation to the heart of a dangerous investigation is a testament to the strength found in unexpected places.

The novel’s pacing is impeccable, with each chapter revealing new layers of the killer’s psyche and the literary clues that drive the narrative forward. Schaumberg’s ability to weave literary allusions into the fabric of the mystery is nothing short of brilliant. From 'Hamlet" to "The Lady of Shalott', the references are not merely decorative but integral to the plot, adding depth and resonance to the story.

"Murder by the Book" explores the intersection between literature and life. The killer’s use of literary scenes to stage murders forces Emma—and the reader—to confront the darker side of the stories we cherish. Schaumberg raises thought-provoking questions about the power of art and its potential for beauty and for destruction.

While the novel is undeniably a thriller, it also offers moments of introspection and emotional depth. Emma’s interactions with her students and her growing bond with Ian add layers of humanity to the story, grounding the high-stakes mystery in relatable experiences.

"Murder by the Book" is a smart, thrilling, and compelling debut that will appeal to lovers of literature and of mysteries. Schaumberg’s ability to blend intellectual rigor with gripping suspense makes this novel a standout in the genre. It’s a book I recommended for anyone who appreciates a mystery with a literary twist.

Emma Reilly is a literature professor at a small university when girls at her school start turning up dead. That would be bad enough, but the bodies are displayed in elaborate scenes that puzzle the police. When Emma meets an interesting detective and goes to his house one evening for dinner, she spots some crime scene photos he's inadvertently left out. Emma immediately recognizes the scenes that are being replicated by the murderer as being drawn from literature. When she attempts to point out what the scenes are saying, the detective becomes angry and tells her not to meddle in his investigation. This puts an end to what Emma hoped would be a promising new romance. She could surely use the interaction as, apart from her job, she has little social interaction. She doesn't do well in social situations or even in face-to-face encounters that are outside of her work. Soon the killer starts sending photos of his as-yet-undiscovered next victims to a newspaper reporter and eventually to Emma herself, drawing her back into the investigation whether the police approve or not. As she gets closer to the truth, it seems Emma herself might become an unwilling part of turning literature into brutal reality.

While I liked the premise of the book, the character of Emma was so dull it was difficult to see why anyone would take any of her classes. She never missed an opportunity to lecture (in great, boring, monotonous detail) everyone in the vicinity about what every detail of the killings meant and what story/author/legend it featured in. It was extremely tedious, and no doubt that, rather than trying to avoid civilians having access to sensitive information, was what lead to the love-interest policeman trying to distance her from the case. It was really dry reading, even for a former English major like me! I had to really force myself to finish the book, and the ending was no surprise at all.

The premise of Shakespeare coming to life had me running to this book. I fear this mystery was a bit too cozy for my personal tastes – because there were not many characters to suspect. Professor Reilly is well researched and applies her literary analysis to help catch a killer. Through her analysis we are given the killer’s profile and we learn how these novels play out through murders. I loved the parallels between the novel and detective work. Ultimately, what made this a 3 out of 5 for me was how I felt the foreshadowing lead to us already knowing the identity by the end of the novel. I did not feel surprised but it was still a fun read.
This has me asking why does our expertise matter? As writers, researchers, and students we use literature to learn about our environment and how these lessons apply to the social climate of our lives. The work we do matters because the analysis is not just another essay but away to understand the society we live in. This is our lives and how we engage with it by digesting the literary content we consume. The more we understand it is how we critically access the world around us.
Finally, I loved the attention to detail to items and the EMS protocols. The author did their due diligence to create a sense of realism with the details. The inclusions of the little things helped to make it more believable. The setting came to live with the details that made up the characters quirks and predicaments. So, yes this is cozy but a well-detailed read! Thank you Net Galley and MIRA Publishing for providing this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!