Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an e-book ARC.

This is the debut novel for Amie Schaumberg, a nice little cozy mystery/thriller: A student is found murdered and posed like Ophelia from Hamlet, sparking a chilling case for Detective Ian Carter. When literature professor Emma Reilly accidentally deciphers a clue, she’s drawn into the investigation. As more victims are found staged like tragic literary figures, Emma must use her knowledge to stop a killer turning classic tales into real-life horror.

The story made me think of The Davinci Code in a sense it was a professor deciphering the hints..where Dan Brown's professor Langdon is a symbologist, Amie Schaumberg's Emma is a literature professor.

I think this would be good for readers who really enjoy the slow reveal. The 'scooby gang' (I'm calling them that, it's not used in the book) where they were putting heads together to interpret and figure out motive/clues was interesting.

While I didn't mind the book, where it faltered for me was that I *really* would have liked it more if there was more background between Emma and Ian. Like, Ian meets Emma 3 times and she quite aggressively inserts herself into a murder case and holds a grudge when he is telling her that it's police business.. I mean... If they knew each other longer or maybe she was sought out for her expertise?

There was also terminology used quite early on in the book I would have used different word choices for, for example: Sotto voce. I could see if Emma was using it in conversation, but as a description in third p.o.v I was like... really?
Some other ones: Sartorial
Sonorous
Palimpsest.

I also would have preferred quicker pacing to the book. At times it did feel very long.

All in all though, I could totally see Emma in another book on another mystery.

Murder by the Book by Amie Schaumberg is a light, cozy mystery set in a charming small-town bookstore. The premise is appealing — a bookish sleuth uncovering secrets while juggling local drama — and Schaumberg does a good job creating a warm, quirky setting.

The mystery itself is mildly suspenseful, though not overly complex. The pacing starts slow but picks up in the second half, and while some plot points feel predictable, there are a few clever twists. The main character is likable, if a bit underdeveloped, and the supporting cast adds personality.

Overall, it’s a pleasant read for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love stories set among books. It may not be groundbreaking, but it delivers comfort and intrigue in equal measure.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Near a quiet college campus, a young woman is discovered strangled in an abandoned barn on the town's outskirts. Her body is eerily arranged to mimic a painting of Ophelia from Hamlet, leaving the police baffled by cryptic messages left at the scene. Detective Ian Carter, a by-the-book officer, finds himself rattled by the gruesome display—until a fateful encounter with an endearingly awkward literature professor reveals an unexpected breakthrough: she inadvertently deciphers a clue left by the killer.
Professor Emma Reilly suspects that the classic literature she cherishes may hold the key to understanding the murderer’s twisted motives especially after a second victim is found posed as the Lady of Shalott. But when a third student is killed, one from her own class, Emma is forced to confront the harsh truth that her sheltered world isn’t as safe as it once seemed. Now, she must summon the courage to stop a killer who is turning beloved literary scenes into grim tableaus of death.
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
It took a while for this book to really pull me in; I even had to take a break from it before continuing. The way it incorporates literary references is a strong point, but the pacing felt off at times. The middle section, in particular, seemed to drag with too much repetitive back-and-forth. Additionally, several characters felt too similar, almost like the same person with different names. That said, I found myself more engaged as the story moved toward the end, and I did enjoy the conclusion. Overall, I’d still suggest giving the book a chance. It has its merits, and while it may not have completely clicked with me, it could resonate more with other readers.

Thank You @netgalley and @Harlequin Trade Publishing for allowing me to read this ARC

Reviewed for NetGalley:

When a Detective finds a young college student murdered, and posed in the style reminiscent of a famous literary character, he doesn't know where to turn to solve the case.

But when a Literature Professor finds some of his crime scene photos while in the midst of a date, fate has brought them together to find the murderer before it's too late.

A quick, thrilling, overall enjoyable read.

Where do I begin? I absolutely loved this book. It had everything I love, mystery, a University setting, Shakespeare, Literature and Art, and a bit of romance. Emma is a Professor at a small University and gets involved in a murder mystery (or three) and the detective investigating them. She and her friends try and figure out what’s happening to a few of the female students on campus much to the dismay to the detective and his colleagues. I loved this book and look forward to more from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC. 

This was such a good book. I've been on a real string of misses with mystery/thriller books and really needed a hit and this book provided just that. 

The mystery is engaging and has lots of twists and turns. I saw some of it coming, but it still had several surprises for me. 

I really loved the love story. Emma and Ian had such good banter and chemistry. I really wish we got to see them be happy a little bit more before everything goes wrong, but I did love all the yearning throughout the story.

The story had a beautiful ending, I really enjoyed the last chapter. 

The literary and artistic connection were so fun and so well done. 

This book was just exactly what I needed and exactly what I wanted it to be and that makes me so happy.

Professor Emma helps Detective Ian solve the case of murdered young women who are being staged in literature settings. Creepy but also a good story. The clues lead to several red herrings until the creepy murderer is exposed. Liked this one and would highly recommend it.

Murder by the Book was a solid mystery/thriller. The plot was twisty and kept a solid pace. This book had some elements of a procedural mystery combined with a mind boggling murder. Despite loving this novel, I did struggle to read the sections where Emma and her professor friends talked about the Shakespearean stories that the murders were re-creating. Those specific parts of the book felt dry and would not be well suited for readers who are not avid lovers of Shakespeare’s plays. However, those specific parts did not take up too much of the plot, and I was able to move past them pretty quickly. I liked the tension and push and pull of Ian and Emma‘s relationship. The twist at the end of the novel was really what bumped this book’s rating up for me. Most parts of this book were predictable, but that ending was not as easy to foresee. I would certainly read another book by this author, and I would even enjoy another book involving Ian, Emma, and Mike.

The premise of the book is a fine one, intertwining Shakespeare with grotesque murders. The characters were mostly easy to empathize with with, though full of their own quirks and limitations. While the books mostly flows well, I found parts to stall at times. The books mostly flows can drag a bit and could definitely pick up in pace. I liked it for the most part but definitely can’t say I loved it.

Murder by the Book

If you’re into a niche dark academia x thriller type of stories. This could possibly be right up your alley.

A psycho who wants to recreate Shakespearean literature with unwilling victims, while using a college town as their hunting grounds, how much worse could it get? The answer is so much worse.

I had an okay time, which is on my lack of only knowing a few of Shakespeare’s plays and how the end. (Yes the author described really well on what was happening) I just couldn’t visualize it in my own brain.

There was a few times towards the middle that I couldn’t get into it, a lot of back and forth nonsense, and some of the characters felt like the same person but with a different name.

Maybe in the future after it’s been released I can try reading it again.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Taut and addictive mystery twists at every turn, red herrings, and an undercurrent of emotion that buffers the intense investigation. Interesting mix of detectives and a team of amateur, amd overly educated, sleuths that definitely adds interest. A must read for crime mystery fans. Looks like there can even be room to see the team again?

I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book, and I’m so glad I did!

I always love when I can connect with a protagonist on a personal level. I grew up on Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew, was an avid bookworm, and became a literature teacher. While main character Emma Reilly and I are not the same person, I saw enough of myself in her to be thoroughly engaged.

Set on a small college campus, it becomes evident that a serial killer is in their midst. The twist: He is placing the victims in tableaus that mirror famous literary works and corresponding works of art.

Although the initial pacing was slow, author Amie Schaumberg got her feet under her, and the story took off. I was able to figure out portions of the mystery which gave me some self-satisfaction, but there were fun twists that surprised me.

The ending leaves the possibility for a series, and I’m all in if that is the case!

I did not like this book as much as I was hoping I would. There was really nothing that was pulling me in and grabbing my attention. I love a good thriller but this one was a miss for me. I don’t think I’d read this one again.

Thank you NetGalley, Amie and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC!

Publication Date: August 19 2025
Rating: ✨✨

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.
#MurderByTheBook #AmieSchaumberg #LiteraryMystery #Harlequin #Harlequintrade #DebutNovel

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!