The Semester of Our Discontent by Cynthia Kuhn is the first book in the NEW “Lila Maclean” mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, April 2016

English professor Lila Maclean is thrilled about her new job at prestigious Stonedale University until she finds one of her colleagues dead. She soon learns that everyone, from the chancellor to the detective working the case, believes Lila—or someone she is protecting—may be responsible for the horrific event, so she assigns herself the task of identifying the killer.

More attacks on professors follow, the only connection a curious symbol at each of the crime scenes. Putting her scholarly skills to the test, Lila gathers evidence, but her search is complicated by an unexpected nemesis, a suspicious investigator, and an ominous secret society. Rather than earning an “A” for effort, she receives a threat featuring the mysterious emblem and must act quickly to avoid failing her assignment. . .and becoming the next victim.

I like it. When Lila’s cousin becomes the primary person of interest, she does what every amateur sleuth does, and that is to find the killer herself and what a good start to this new series. I like how the mystery was set-up, plotting clues here and there with a bevy of suspects and a few twists and turns that made it fun to watch how it all played out. The author took us backstage on the life of a college professor which enhanced the telling of this story. I admired that the author gave us an intelligent heroine who knew when to ask for assistance in her pursuit of justice. Boasting engaging dialogue and a likable cast of characters, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more forays with Lila and her friends.