Coming Up Murder by Mary Angela is the fourth book in the “Professor Prather” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Camel Press, coming November 12, 2019.

Everything’s coming up roses for Professor Emmeline Prather. Her scholarly book is finished, spring term is coming to a close, and her love life is blossoming. Then the festival surrounding the exhibit of Shakespeare’s First Folio opens, bringing with it a tempest more dramatic than the bard’s.

In his panel presentation, actor and grad student Tanner Sparks contends Shakespeare isn’t Shakespeare, boasting that he can prove the long-debated theory that an aristocrat actually penned the sonnets and plays. His bombshell sets off an acrid debate among scholars. But were they upset enough to kill him? That’s what Em wonders when Tanner is found dead in Shakespeare’s Garden, his macabre pose inspired by a scene from Hamlet.

At her department head’s urging, Em sets out to find the killer. Suspects abound, and Em finds herself targeted by Shakespeare-themed threats. Undaunted, she persists, determined to solve the case before the end of the semester.

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I really enjoy this series and the author has written an exceptionally wonderful whodunit that immediately grabbed my attention and I could not put this book down until all was said and done.

I like how the author staged this mystery with the right amount of intel to keep me immersed in all aspect of this intriguing drama. From the pool of suspects to several twists and turns, the author had me going and when I thought I had a handle on who was responsible, the author changed direction, all to enhance my reading pleasure. The pacing intensifies as the story came to its conclusion and I’m there right along with Em wondering how this is going to end.

With a comfortable tone, visually descriptive narrative (who wouldn’t want to be on a campus with a Shakespearian festival), engaging dialogue, and a feel-good atmosphere, I had a great time watching this all play-out and I especially like Mrs. Gunderson, whose presence makes me smile and that ending. . .yeah, that put a smile on my face. This was the best book in this charming series and I look for more adventures with Em and her friends.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) from the author.