History Lessons - by Zoe B Wallbrook (Paperback)

About the Book

"As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, writing her first academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies. The rising star of Harrison University's anthropology department was never one of Daphne's favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn't prevent Sam's killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam--something the killer will stop at nothing to get. Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on an investigation to find out what connects her to Sam's murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague's murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.

As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.

The rising star of Harrison University's anthropology department was never one of Daphne's favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn't prevent Sam's killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam--something the killer will stop at nothing to get.

Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam's murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.

This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.

Review Quotes

Praise for History Lessons

Nominated for the NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author
Nominated for the ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel
Nominated for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel
A New York Times Editors' Choice
A New York Times Best Mystery Novel of the Year
Nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel
A CrimeReads Best Debut Crime Novel of the Year
A Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
An ABA Indie Gift Guide Selection

"History professor Daphne Ouverture might be your next favorite unsuspecting sleuth."
--USA Today

"History Lessons brilliantly mixes pointed satire, fabulous characters (especially Daphne's two besties) and a thoughtful meditation on whose fortunes get to rise, and whose are ground down on the altar of power."
--Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review

"Wallbrook has crafted a campus mystery that's both propulsive and cerebral. The book blends classic whodunit pleasures with a reflective exploration of race, power and who gets believed. Also: 'Drag Race' jokes, squirrel riots and a simmering romance with a bookish ex-cop. Top marks."
--The Seattle Times

"Clever, quirky, and full of heart, History Lessons is a cozy mystery for the academics and romantics among us."
--Shondaland

"Equal parts nerdy and funny, romantic and thrilling, Wallbrook's debut has introduced a fascinating new sleuth: Daphne Ouverture. Just like her overprotective parents (who may have some secrets of their own), her ride-or-die besties, and the handsome bookseller/ex-detective, I'm ready to follow Daphne anywhere. Bring on her next case!"
--Mia P. Manansala, author of the bestselling Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery series

"History Lessons is a fun-and funny-academic mystery that deftly takes on tough topics. Zoe B. Wallbrook uses her own college background and love of snark to create a memorable and quirky character in Daphne Ouverture. I can't wait to spend more time on campus with Daphne, her besties, and above all else, her dad."
--Kellye Garrett, award winning author of Missing White Woman

"Daphne Ouverture is a total badass--a smart-as-a-whip faculty member by day, amateur sleuth by night, and exactly the heroine we need right now. Wallbrook winningly tackles everything from racism and harassment in the ivory tower to prison abolitionism--all while crafting a sharp, twisty, deeply enjoyable mystery. I cannot wait for Daphne's return."
--Halley Sutton, USA Today bestselling author of The Hurricane Blonde

"Fresh, fierce, and funny as hell, History Lessons is a pitch-perfect blend of campus mystery and nail-biting suspense. In this confidently crafted debut, Zoe B. Wallbrook has given us an unforgettable amateur sleuth: Professor Daphne Ouverture, whose investigation into a colleague's murder at her elite university crackles with wit and intelligence. A brilliant start to what promises to be an absolutely outstanding series."
--Elizabeth Little, bestselling author of Dear Daughter

"Junior history professor Daphne Ouverture is the perfect academic sleuth. She's nerdier than a card catalog, with brains and determination in equal measure. Following Daphne as she navigates a twisty murder case that exposes her elite university's dark underside was exhilarating and heart-pulsing. Sign me up for Daphne's next case!"
--Delia Pitts, author of the Vandy Myrick mysteries

"This is a book for people who love books, who love strong women helping other women, who love a mystery and an adventure, who love learning about art and history, who love sumptuous descriptions of West African cuisine, who love cute dogs and protective dads and overbearing mothers and drinks with friends and tall booksellers and happy endings."
--Galesburg Public Library

"There are twists, turns and multiple layers in this charming romantic mystery that will keep readers' eyes glued to its pages."
--BookTrib

"An ode to academic curiosity, in the form of a mystery novel!"
--CrimeReads

"With sly humor, fascinating historical details, and razor-sharp commentary on race and power in academic spaces, Wallbrook delivers a debut that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining."
--MomAdvice

"Invigorating . . . [A] fond satire."
--Crime Fiction Review

"Inventive and sure to make anyone with experience in academia laugh, History Lessons is an excellent debut. Fans of Kellye Garrett or Elle Cosimano will appreciate Wallbrook's witty banter and layering of humor with the macabre."
--Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

"Daphne is smart, competent, and kind . . . A terrific addition to the academic sleuth canon."
--Library Journal, Starred Review

"This humorous debut mystery with a soupçon of romance empathetically addresses difficult issues of racism, sexism, and harassment."
--Stop, You're Killing Me!

"The pleasures of this book are many . . . More Daphne can only make the world a much better place."
--First Clue Reviews

"There's plenty to enjoy about this witty, erudite mystery, including a lovable cast of characters, enlightening historical tidbits from Daphne's lectures, and a dash of romance."
--Publishers Weekly

"Entertaining."
--Foreword Reviews

"Funny, touching, and extraordinary."
--Booklist

About the Author

Zoe B. Wallbrook is a tenured professor whose idea of a break from academic writing is apparently more writing. History Lessons, her first novel, has been nominated for an Edgar Award, ITW Thriller Award, and NAACP Award, among other distinctions. In her spare time, she and her husband try to convince their dog Sophie to actually listen to them for once.