I really enjoyed this debut mystery with a touch of romance and humor. I liked the female protagonist, who has interesting cultural roots and is trying to do the right thing amidst challenges. I also especially enjoyed her parents, each quirky in their own way: mom takes control and has strong opinions, dad is a cool guy and former spy. I liked the narrator's depiction of all the characters. This book was a nice change from other cozy mysteries and I hope to see another by this author soon!

Thank you to RBMedia and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

I loved this book--what a fantastic debut! I enjoy books set in academia, so this was right up my alley. Daphne, with all of her worries and struggles to balance teaching and research and get comfortable in her job, reminded me of myself and so many other academics I know. It is a challenging career and Daphne is a wonderfully real and complex character.. However, I've never become embroiled in a colleague's murder! Daphne becomes both a target and a detective and I thought that they story played out really well. It was a complicated and intriguing mystery, told with humor, evocative descriptions of academic life (including the campus, college town, and the students).. I'm grateful for the audiobook sent by the publisher through NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I will definitely look forward to more by this author.

Thanks to Netgalley for the review audio copy of this book! Unfortunately it was archived as I was halfway through listening a couple of days later so I was unable to finish it. What I heard was interesting and I feel had I been able to listen to it in its entirety it would have been a 3 star read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

History Lessons had me hooked from the beginning. The mystery was layered and so well-paced—every time I thought I had it solved, another twist pulled me right back in. It was smart, engaging, and genuinely fun to read.

I loved the FMC—an academic, a feminist, and a character I really enjoyed following. The supporting cast also stood out, with memorable side characters and strong relationships throughout. I especially appreciated the diverse representation, which made the story feel more grounded and inclusive. Books like this are easy to recommend because they reach such a wide audience.

I can’t remember if there are formal trigger warnings at the beginning, but I do think some readers might benefit from them—so just something to keep in mind.

I’m really hoping this turns into a series, because I’d love to see more of this lead. If you’re into clever twists, strong female leads, and stories that reflect the real world, this one’s worth checking out.

I did not finish this book. I made it about 10 chapters and was bored. It was too political for me and did not keep my interest.

It was a cute mystery story. Check the triggers is SA is a trigger. This reminded me of an Elise Bryant thriller it had a similar feel. It feels more fluffy than a traditional mystery. I wasn’t super into it but wanted to finish.

The narration was great on audio.

Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the audiobook.
All views are my own.

the book was so good. it hits the struggles of people of color in professional settings, sexual assault, and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. What really stood out for me was how this book wove the murder investigation into bigger questions about who gets to belong in academic spaces—especially women of color.

It was such a lovely audiobook. My favorite element of the book is murder combined with social criticism and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The narrative centers on a group of strong, multifaceted women. The mystery itself is tight and clever, but what really elevates it is how naturally it weaves in themes of racial injustice. Although Wallbrook doesn't sugarcoat reality, she also doesn't preach; instead, she demonstrates, and that has a greater impact. The storytelling is wonderful. Every character, but particularly the protagonist, who somehow manages to be both hilariously blunt and emotionally raw, is brought to life by her performance. It's more than just a whodunit. It's a "why it matters."

I thought this was a strong debut. It was a fun story set in higher ed, which I always like. I really liked the main character, and the supporting cast, for that matter. If it suffered from anything, I'd say it tried to do a lot. There were a couple of natural ends to the story, but if felt like it kept going to wrap up additional loose ends. The finish could have been a little tighter, but overall, I really liked it. I'll look for more from this author.

History Lessons follows a history college professor in her question to find her colleague’s killer. She decides to embark on this journey when she sees a text with a French quote from one of her books from the deceased. Then, she realizes her book has quickly gone missing. She begins following her tracks and interviewing people. She ends up uncovering some dark truths. This book is a cozy murder mystery sprinkled with interesting history facts throughout!

I absolutely lo,ved this book and sincerely hope that it becomes a series. Daphne Ouverture is a new professor of French History at prestigious, elite Harrison College (seems like Harvard). She comes from a family of investigators, and seems to have a finely tuned sixth sense, as well as an incredible memory for written text. She is Black, and is very aware and forthcoming of how differently she has to work to achieve success and be noticed and respected in the academic world. This point of view adds a lot of depth to the mystery. She is also protective of young women students, and becomes even more so when one of her colleagues, Sam Taylor, an up and coming star professor, is murdered. It seems that he had a well-hidden pattern of assaulting his students. As much as Daphne would like to keep her head down and work hard, she can't help but be drawn into solving Sam's murder. She also develops a love interest, which adds even more fun and interest to this story. I look forward to recommending this title and can't wait for more of Daphne's adventures.

Review of *History Lessons* by Zoe B. Wallbrook

Zoe B. Wallbrook’s *History Lessons* is a smart and stylish academic mystery that introduces Daphne Ouverture, a junior history professor at Harrison University. When a well-known anthropology professor turns up dead, Daphne—armed with her knowledge of French colonial history and a sharp sense of curiosity—is drawn into the investigation. What unfolds is an engaging mix of campus intrigue, intellectual sleuthing, and cozy mystery charm, all anchored by a sharp-witted, relatable heroine you’ll be eager to follow in future installments.

History Lessons has been one of my favorite audiobooks this year. Daphne is content leading a quiet life just teaching French history, but a fellow professor dies under the mysterious circumstances. After receiving a cryptic message, Daphne is thrusted into world of secrets, rivalries, and obviously danger! Perfect cozy academic murder mystery that is filled with humor, intrigue and a hint of romance. Will definitely add this to my physical library.

Great book, wish it was two books. It is packed with twist and turns, interesting characters and a flawed but lovable brilliant professor. I really enjoyed the mini history bits the detailed narration of Daphne’s deliberation and dedications and now have a deep craving for peanut stew!!!

This wasn’t the kind of cozy academic mystery I thought I was getting into—and honestly, I loved that.

At first, I was a little thrown by how deeply the book leans into the academic world. There’s a lot of theory, research, and heavy conversations about power, race, and womanhood in elite institutions. It took me a minute to settle in—but once I did? I couldn’t put it down. The mystery unfolded slowly, but when it hit its stride, it hit.

What really stood out for me was how this book wove the murder investigation into bigger questions about who gets to belong in academic spaces—especially women of color. There’s this underlying tension throughout the story that felt so real and intentional, and the way Zoe B. Wallbrook layered it with humor, grief, and sharp cultural insight? Brilliant.

I also appreciated the way the main character’s identity shaped the narrative. As a North African woman navigating a mostly white, privileged university setting, her observations felt both biting and vulnerable in a way that stayed with me. There were definitely moments that made me laugh—not because they were light—but because they captured that dry, knowing kind of truth.

My only hiccup came from the audiobook—while I enjoyed the narration overall, some of the French pronunciation threw me off in key scenes. Still, it didn’t take away from the strength of the story.

⸻

⭐️ Final Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a mystery that pushes beyond the surface—with social commentary, a sharp voice, and a story that challenges what we think of as “cozy”—History Lessons is worth your time.

⸻

Read If You Like:

– Campus novels with teeth
– Women of color challenging systems of power
– Slow-burn mysteries with emotional payoff
– Smart, layered writing that doesn’t talk down to you
– A dash of dry humor with your social critique

This was a smart, enjoyable mystery with a good dose of academic snark—always a win in my book. Jasmin Walker’s narration is solid, bringing the right tone to the dry wit and layered clues.

I especially appreciated how the story pokes fun at the absurdities of academia without veering into caricature. It’s clever without trying too hard to be clever, which is harder to pull off than it sounds.

A solid listen all around—would definitely pick up another in the series if it turns into one.

Well, this was a delight! As soon as I read the blurb, I knew I was interested but this book exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed the way that the author blended mystery with some behind the scenes of academia, humour, and a little romance. And before you start thinking that this is a light and fluffy read, the author has a lot to say about being a woman and a woman of colour in academia and some other heavy topics. Check trigger warnings if you need to. I loved the main character, Daphne and the relationship with her two best friends felt so realistic. Sadie is a riot! It’s hard to believe that this is the author’s debut mystery. I will definitely be reading more from Zoe B. Wallbrook. If you’re looking a mystery with some humour, but also exploration of some serious topics that is well-written, feminist, and voicey, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you to SoHo Crime, RBmedia, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A promising debut with a clever premise and a unique academic twist, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

I loved the idea of a history professor-turned-amateur-sleuth caught up in campus intrigue and murder—especially with the added flair of a brooding ex-detective bookseller as a potential love interest (yes, I swooned a little). Daphne’s dry wit and relatable awkwardness were definite highlights, and the academic setting gave it a fresh, bookish flavor I enjoyed.

But while the setup had major potential, the pacing dragged in parts, and I found myself wishing for more tension and urgency in both the mystery and the romance. Some of the plot points felt a little too convenient or underexplored, and the supporting characters didn’t stand out as much as I hoped.

Still, the voice is strong, the concept is fun, and I can definitely see this growing into a solid cozy mystery series—especially for fans of Janet Evanovich or Kellye Garrett who like their whodunits with humor and heart. I’ll keep an eye out for book two!

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook is a cozy campus mystery that gives readers a realistic view of academia (and all of its trials and tribulations) through the eyes of a Black junior professor.
In her first year at Harrison University, Daphne Ouverture felt that she had experienced everything professorship has to offer: giving lectures to fresh faced undergrads on French Colonialism, getting mistakenly identified for the only other Black professor on campus, and helping the next generation of PhD students with research for their dissertations. At least that’s what she thought until Sam Taylor, the rising star of the anthropology department, gets murdered. What follows is a fun and thrilling romp that puts Daphne’s career, morals, and even her life on the line!
History Lessons succeeds in balancing the trials of Daphne’s professional life with the thrilling nature of criminal investigation. Unlike many cozy mysteries, Daphne is brought into the investigation in a realistic way and provides strong character and moral reasons for her to keep investigating (even when the cops exclude her). And while the criminal investigation is enjoyable, personally I found that this book really shines when Daphne is focused on the machinations of the other academics at Harrison University.
All in all, this cozy was exactly what I seek in the genre: true to the premise and characters while keeping me on my toes. I can’t wait to read more from Wallbrook!

History Lessons was a very different read from what I’m usually drawn to. I went in expecting a cozy academic mystery, but the book delivered much more depth than that.

I’ll admit I initially felt a bit overwhelmed by the scholarly setting, the academic references were dense, and it took me some time to adjust. But once I reached the halfway point, I became fully immersed. The focus shifted more toward the murder itself and the broader issues it exposed: women in academia, the specific challenges faced by women of color, institutional power dynamics, and sexual assault. It went far beyond the tropes of a classic cozy mystery, yet remained digestible thanks to the accessible and often sharp writing style.

As a North African immigrant child raised in France, I also appreciated certain references that truly resonated with me — and even made me laugh out loud at times (in a good, "yes, that’s so real" kind of way).

One small note: while I enjoyed the audiobook version overall, the narrator’s French pronunciation was occasionally difficult to understand, which disrupted the flow a bit during key moments.

Thank you to Soho Crime and NetGalley for the free audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.