Wallbrook’s debut novel is touted as a book that will appeal to readers who enjoy writers such as Janet Evanovich and Ali Hazelwood. These are two of my favorite authors. Was this book worthy of these accolades?

The answer is mostly yes, but also, in one regard, no. Yes, in writing style, flow of dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and strong female protagonists. While it does have a romance subplot, the book as a whole is layered with dark undertones and infused with real history. In a nutshell, it's not your typical rollicking good time mystery/romance book.

History Lessons opens with a harrowing scene of Sam Taylor trying to escape being killed. He has research that others are willing to do the unthinkable in order to prevent it from getting out. In a desperate attempt to save the information he knows from dying with him, he sends a text in badgered French to the one person he is certain will figure it all out.

And then we meet Daphne Ouverture, the heroine of this book. I immediately liked her. She's a witty, spitfire with a sharp mind and keen sleuthing skills. But why did Sam, an anthropologist, reach out to a history professor in order to save his research? At first she disregards his text (going as far as deleting it), but it's not long before she gets wrapped up in the investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed History Lessons. The idea of an academic historian (whose profession is to dig into the long ago past) to use her skill set to track down a modern day killer is really intriguing to me. I hope Wallbrook returns with Daphne (and her love interest, Rowan) in another book.

Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for early access to this free audiobook. History Lessons is available in print and audiobook formats now.

One of my favorite things in a book is when an author writes so passionately about a subject I previously felt neutral about that they make me fall in love with it. This book did exactly that - the main character Daphne is such a history nerd and I love it so much. Daphne made me want to learn more about her area of study and the mystery of the book kept me engaged. Some of my enjoyment may also have come from the fact that I work in higher ed and so many of the departmental dynamics felt true to life.

This was a perfect cozy mystery - not too fluffy and not too intense. Though I do definitely classify it as cozy, it still dealt with some big themes about how both students and scholars of color are treated on campus as well as the racist history of many of these institutions.

I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent. I was so happy to see this is going to be part of a series and I’m looking forward to the next installment. Overall, I had high hopes for this book and still exceeded them. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC!

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook
Narrator, Jasmin Walker
Excellent overall especially for a debut novel. Maybe a tad bit long and chock full of characters. Even so the character development was very good and I loved all the good characters and hated all the bad guys, two in particular. The start is a bit slow but the action picks up at about the 70% mark.
The main character saves herself which I appreciate and the romance was somewhat secondary but hopeful for the future.
And speaking of hope, I really hope this is the beginning of a series because I would like to see more of Daphne and her family and friends.
Narration was fine except for some odd pronunciations.
I never knew academia could be so dangerous in so many ways.

This had an interesting premise but I had a difficult time getting immersed in the story. The main character is an academic and, while this may appeal to some, the emphasis on scholarly works and dissertations was not for me. As a result, I couldn’t connect to anyone and the story droned on, not really grabbing my attention. The writing itself was overly wordy and dry.

I was worried whether or not I'd enjoy this since I am not too fond of history. But I was pleasantly surprised upon starting this book. I absolutely love Jasmine Walker's narratives and upon hearing her voice I knew I was going to love this story. She makes the story truly feel cozy with her bubbly way of reading to us. I believe she was a great choice for a collaboration of this book.

FMC Daphne was such a delight to tag along with on this fun story with serious intonations of toxic male presence in every day situations. It was a fun twist to learn her family has a history in "solving problems" out loud whereas she wanted to live a quieter life than what was expected of her family name. I absolutely loved her parents, especially her mother during the scene of the detectives questioning her at home. "It was a pleasure for you to speak to us, we cannot say the same about you."

There were so many different stories to tell within this plot. Cracking each one open the reader initially wouldn't think that they have anything to do with each other but upon resolution they seamlessly came together. I'm not sure if there is going to be a second book but I absolutely will be reading it if there is!

What a stunner of a debut novel from Zoe B Wallbrook - Wow! History Lessons starts with the murder of professor Sam Taylor-a hot shot anthropology professor at Harrison University. Daphne Ouverture, a new professor at Harrison, is dragged into the mystery when Sam sends her a mysterious message about a book she owns. She starts her own investigation to discover who murdered Sam Taylor, with the killer on her tail.

Wallbrook also ties in the politics of academia, which I found so interesting. It reminded me of my days at University, including a reference to a book called Sweetness and Power by Sidney Mintz, which I still have in storage....somewhere.

I loved Daphne, and really enjoyed the twists and turns of History Lessons. I look forward to hearing more about her, and more from Zoe Wallbrook in the future!

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for access to this title in exchange for my honest review.

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook is ideal for readers who enjoy witty, fast-paced mysteries with academic intrigue and a dash of romantic tension, blending amateur sleuthing and campus antics.

Daphne, a junior professor at an elite college, enjoys working hard while maintaining a low profile. This peace she has worked so hard to cultivate comes to a screeching halt when a well-known colleague is found dead, and he leaves behind breadcrumbs of clues only Daphne can solve, given her academic area of expertise and her unusual gift of being able to recall everything she has ever read. As this mystery quickly proves to be sinister, will Daphne ever be able to return to the quiet ways of her life before?

I really enjoyed this book; I thought it was excellent for a debut novel! Zoe Wallbrook's description of university academia seemed so spot on that I suspect she may have a background in the field herself. The writing was intelligent and informative without being stuffy; amongst informative tidbits about French colonialism, there were humorous points with fun dialogue between Daphne and her friends. I also enjoyed the budding romance plot point as well as the diverse representation within the characters. The mystery had several twists and the end left me wondering (hoping) for a sequel!

I was given an advanced audio copy in exchange for my honest review. The audio narration was exceptional and lent itself well to the story. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

An interesting (and adorable) mystery novel for book and history lovers set in current day academia. Daphne, a tenure-track professor of History, manages to sneak in quite a few tidbits of history while being one of the few women of color in the mostly white university and town. She’s managed to find her tribe in two fiercely loyal fast friends, but has had little luck on the dating scene until she finds herself in the midst of a colleague’s murder. Daphne’s overprotective parents (and their cooking) make an appearance, and Daphne’s family dynamics add a lot of interesting backstory.
Very enjoyable listening with this well-narrated audiobook. 4.5 rounded up.
My thanks to the author, @RBMedia, @RecordedBooks, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #HistoryLessons for review purposes. This book is currently available.

This was such a fun cozy mystery with strong academia vibes—something I really appreciated as a current PhD student! It’s clear that Wallbrook either has firsthand experience in academia or did some serious research, because the campus dynamics felt spot on.

In this mystery, we follow newly minted professor Daphne Ouverture, who’s just trying to find her footing when she receives a strange text from a colleague… who soon turns up dead. From there, Daphne, reluctant but determined, finds herself drawn into the investigation of Sam Taylor’s death, uncovering a scandal that could shake the entire university.

Along the way, Daphne also falls in love (which felt a bit rushed for me), but I did appreciate her growth as both a sleuth and a fierce ally to those affected by Taylor’s abuse of power. I especially loved the nods to prominent Black writers sprinkled throughout the story—it gave the book real depth. I just wish we got more of her family and friendships, but I’m hoping future books in the series will explore those dynamics more!

⚠️ Definitely check the content warnings before diving in, but if you’re craving a fresh cozy mystery to match your back-to-school vibes, this one’s worth checking out.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Soho Press for the advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest thoughts!

The university setting works so well for a murder mystery! I love the main character, you can absolutely tell a historian wrote this. The analogy about detective work and reading against the archival grain made me laugh out loud -- and the description of the different kinds of students was so accurate it hurts. A lot of cozy mysteries lack a solid cast of friends/family/network in the main character's life, so often it's the victim, suspects, and a hot detective, and maybe a witty best friend. History Lessons has an extensive social network that makes her feel grounded and real. And I love the romance subplot too! I can't wait for the next book.

This was a good book! I loved the narrator and how they brought the characters to life.
Love the mystery aspect, the settings, but especially the social commentary.
The character development was so interesting to read and loved the dog!

This book intrigued me because I had heard it was a college campus mystery with a little bit of lighthearted tone (like Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum series), so I immediately put this debut novel on my TBR and couldn't wait to read it!

The audiobook of this title was fantastic; I am a big fan of Jasmin Walker as a narrator, and she did not disappoint in bring awkward college professor Daphne to life.

Zoe B. Wallbrook's first book is one that should not be overlooked! She tackles campus politics and societal issues in an impactful way, tucked nicely into the storyline that it reads like a cozy mystery, which I think will appeal to many who may think it's not their cup of tea. The characters were a lot of fun and the mystery was an enjoyable slow-burn with a lot of aspects thrown at you. I will say as I read it, I was a little worried it would end up being a mess of a story, but Wallbrook tied it all up nicely, and it was fascinating to see how all of those aspects came together!

I am definitely recommending this book! Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia | Recorded Books for the advanced digital copy of this audiobook!

I had such a fantastic time with this mystery!

I'm not someone who usually reads many mysteries, but this book called out to me since I learned of its existence. I'm glad I followed my instincts and picked this up!

For a debut, this was really well done. The mystery was intriguing, and I thought this book talked about some very important topics: the struggles of people of color in professional settings, sexual assault, and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority. I also loved the academic setting, the constant literary references (that you can definitely mine for recommendations), and the romantic side plot.

I'm really impressed by how much I loved this book, and I'll definitely look out for more books by this author in the future!

From the start, Jasmin Walker’s lively narration of *History Lessons* offers more than just textbook summaries—it presents a murder mystery filled with humor, cultural insights, and surprising depth. Zo B. Wallbrook creates a unique mix of academic humor and social commentary, focusing on Daphne, a young Black historian whose talent is often overlooked by those around her.

This story stands out because it addresses identity, family support, and professional respect with both humor and emotion. Daphne is not just solving a murder; she is claiming her place in a world that does not fully appreciate her, while also dealing with the quirky chaos of her college's history department. She relies on her instincts and the loving support of her family, which drives her quest for justice.

Jasmin Walker’s narration improves every moment, adding seriousness to emotional scenes and providing excellent comedic timing in the dialogue and turns.

Thank you, Netgally and RBmedia, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

History Lessons by Zoe B. Wallbrook
Released July 1st
4.5 stars:

History Lessons follows Daphne Ouverture as she deals with the death of a coworker and she navigates being one of the few brown faces in a small college town. She finds her self thrown into solving not just the death of a coworker but other issues surrounding the school and the students.

I didn’t want this one to end. I am completely enamored with Daphne. This story was a engaging listen and had all the elements of a mystery novel that I enjoy. Daphne faces many hurtles in this book but is not discouraged to get justice or take a chance on something new. The narrator did a great job, she drawn me in even more to not just the FMC but all the characters because she made every voice sound different. I am excited to see what Zoe B Wallbrook brings next!

Thank you Netgally and RBmedia for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Having never set foot on a university campus, I think what I enjoyed most about this book was learning about college/university and what people (history students and professors specifically) do whilst they're there. It delves into the politics between professors as well as what the treatment of students and professors with coloured skin on campus can be like.
The story of Daphne being embroiled in the murder of a fellow professor held my interest with this being a good mystery with a touch of romance.
The narrator, Jasmin Walker is great and I loved the accent of Daphne's mother the most!
Thank you to Netgalley and RBMedia for the audiobook arc for review.

I can't believe this was a debut!

This was really good. I loved the twisty mystery that dealt with hard truths in academia and in our society at large. I’m impressed by how much truth
it contained and how well it exposed all of those truths.

This feels like the set up for a series and honestly, I'm all for it! I would love to read more of Daphne's stories.

Overall, I really enjoyed History Lessons — the writing is sharp and the premise is fresh. That said, it felt like the author tried to cram a bit too much into one novel. There are a lot of characters (some wonderfully complex, others bordering on caricature), and the plot juggles so many big themes that a few get lost in the shuffle. Still, most of it really works! Just maybe one subplot too many.

A perfect blend of mystery, social commentary, and light humor. Recommended.



Review copy provided by publisher.