An Extremely Unlikely Death, by Hannah Hendy

 

Publication March 20, 2025

This was a new-to-me series and I’m glad I gave it a chance. I was quickly able to orient myself with who was who and info on previous relationships and plots flowed smoothly into the story and dialogue. While some may find it relatively slow paced, it unfolded in such a way that I felt comfortable with the characters as I became equally comfortable with the largely school setting. Margery and Clementine make an interesting couple sleuths and differences in approaches are noted as we go along. They also have a job that I don't recall encountering an amateur sleuth in, albeit countless are in that same general field, food. Nope, not owners or bakers of a trendy bakery or cafe. They provide meals in Summerview school's cafeteria. They, along with their friends, The Dinner Lady Detectives, wind up not only having a case to solve but must worry about salvaging their own jobs given the arrival of a new headmaster after the first is found dead at the bottom of the steps at his home. Despite ample evidence to the contrary, the local police quickly declare it a tragic accident and block their soon to be detective, Symon, from investigating further. Bothered by it all, he's the one who asks Margery and Clementine to  look into it. Then, much to their surprise, the discover they inherited everything from FItzgerald, including his beloved Jack Russell, Jason.

That's when the story really takes off. They visit his, now their, new property and find some interesting clues, not to mention lots of, well, miscellaneous stuff. They even have some unmarked keys but are having trouble finding the one they're just sure will help them find some vital clues. Toss in the upheaval at the school, where the new, seemingly to-be-temporary headmaster, Janet Cooper, is issuing some odd demands and new rules. She's also set up a sort of "tattle tale" group of students who are taxed with reporting anything out of the ordinary to her. As a former teacher, I could see where this could lead to trouble, no, make that Trouble with a capital "T". Nope, not telling. You'll have to read the book. Then there is the very troublesome issue of why the police seem to be covering up evidence. What is going on? In the middle of all this, Margery is told she must learn a new computer program to order cafeteria food and supplies, cutting out local suppliers for a company the new headmaster mandates be used. On the home front, the question is, will their cats get along with new dog Jason. Speaking of Jason, it's a hoot watching Dinner Detective/teacher Rose take him around with her at school while dog-sitting. Emotional support dog? Okay, works for me. And, oh, so much more but that's enough teasers for now. 

All in all, a fun, interesting read with both its serious moments and humor. While not quite hooked yet, I will definitely be on the look out for the next book. I really do want to get to know this cast of characters  better, not to mention keep up with senior dog Jason. Poor baby. Locked in a cabinet? I already disliked whoever the whodunit character was and the book had only begun. And, as a former teacher, of course I found the school setting of interest, albeit I'm happy to say my schools were never as, oh, what word should I use? Okay, let's be mundane, "interesting" as Summerview. I definitely give kudos to author Hendy for sharing that former headmaster James admits he's surprised to discover how much he's enjoying being with students and his return to teaching English without carrying all that bureaucratic responsibilities. Thanks #Canelo for introducing me to not just Margery and Clementine but their school. I'm sure I'm going to feel right at home there. Well, as long as I don't get murdered. Grin.

My Schoolwork Is a Mess!, by Jennifer Licate , Suzanne Beaky (illustrator)

 Publication August 27, 2024

Yes! We gave a winner! 

Seriously, this one is great. Provides easy to follow, direct ideas for how to get organized and take charge of your life or, in this case, school days. As an adult who uses variations of many of these suggestions, I can definitely recommend it to not just teacher friends but parents struggling to help their children who are also struggling in school. The colorful illustratins and fun and main character Dakota is easily likeable. You'll root for him as his mother and counselor work to help him,. I particularly liked that these aren't ideas engraved in stone, either, but ideas that recognize the need for down time, too.

I won't detail the basic suggestions, the blurb does a good job of that, but will note that I also liked the emphasis on reaching out for help. Dakota's mother is there for him but every child wanting to appear cool and in control will relate to how Dakota struggles to do a simple task that seems easy for most, simply pick up the phone and call a classmate to ask what the homework was for a class that night. Dakota's mother, who calls him Kota, is disappointed but instead of going off on him, she shows him ways to get things done. Then, she herself reaches out for help, enlisting the counselor's assistance, showing that even adults need a helping hand at times. I definitely liked that his math teacher, the same one Dakota accused of being out to get him, took time to praise him one-on-one, too, rather than doing it in front of a classroom of Dakota's peers and possibly causing embarrassment. A good reminder to us so called adults, I'd say, on taking the time to acknowledge effort and improvement. 

Bottom line, I highly recommend this book to not just my teacher and parent friends but anyone, quite frankly, not just the targeted middle grades, who maybe needs a bit of a help getting organized. Honestly, I use many of these suggestions without thinking, including the idea of using modern technology to snap a photo of information that I need to remember. Thanks #NetGalley and #BoysTownPressPublishing - #IBPA for sharing an early peek at this title with me. Let's face it, part of getting organized is getting started, so I assure you I'll be sharing this with others.

Lesson Plan for Murder, by Lori Robbins

 

Having written more than a few lesson plans in my past, including for a stint as an English teacher, I have to admit to being drawn in by the title. Boy, the teachers at Liz's school didn't much like each other, that's for sure. I'm glad my teaching days weren't quite as, well, murderous. 

Murder victim Marcia Deaver most definitely isn't well liked. Maybe not even well tolerated? Surely a missing office chair didn't lead to her murder? Do people kill over such frivolous things? Of course they do. That said, oh, my, Marcia's murder suspect list isn't a short one. It was interesting to see so much of the mystery set in a school setting as we got to know both the victim and accidental sleuth, as well as those about her. Is anyone sad Marcia is dead? Um, maybe? Maybe not? Makes finding her killer all the harder, which is maybe why the police don't turn away Liz as she rather bumbles her way along looking into things. As she discovers, murder investigations aren't as tidy as lesson plans, however. In addition, they can put not just Liz in danger but those she cares about. 

To be honest, I didn't much care about Liz initially. She seemed insecure and a bit envious of Marcia's place in the school hierarchy. She also has a healthy respect for education, however, even while hating wasting time in meetings, a trait which made me warm up to as the story went along. She's bemused and intrigued by Marcia's substitute lesson plans, however. Heck, Marcia didn't even believe Shakespeare wrote his plays, probably a bit much for many to accept. As for the teachers, while I'm happy to say I never encountered any as unfriendly, catty, and selfish as those Liz worked with, they still mostly came across as qualified and well-meaning ... sorta. As a teacher, too, I noted the nod to the importance of the administrative staff and how the principal was given a bit of humanness when Liz noted his usual nervousness at public speaking. Yes, there is humor in the story, too.

Bottom line, this was a promising start to what appears to be a new series. I'm not quite hooked yet but will definitely give the next book out a read. Thanks #BookSirens and author #LoriRobbins for reminding me all I'm missing -- not -- by not being in the classroom anymore. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

The Silver Ladies Do Lunch, by Judy Leigh

 Publication June 2, 2023

I was hooked from the opening sentence. Is there anyone among us who didn't wonder who our teacher would be? Would they be nice, boring, or mean? Our school year would seem endless or brief based on who was sitting at that desk trying to look strict on the first day. Toss in oddball classmates, humor, crushes, and, best of all, best friends forever, and it'll take you right back to those good-old-days when you sat in a classroom. I've been behind both desks, so this was real for me.

Of course, we age. People come in and out of our lives. We meet the characters as children and then their senior years. Author Judy Leigh does an excellent job introducing us to them, each quickly becoming well-rounded personalities in their own right. Miss Hamilton was a catalyst.

Although there are many moments within I'd love to share, after thinking about it, I decided sharing would dilute the pleasure of reading them raw, without preconceived notions in your minds. Old age isn't for sissies, there is loss and heartache along with joy and love.  

Miss Hamilton, who rides back into their lives as a 90 year old on a flashy purple scooter and instructs them to now call her Cecily, is a wake-up catalyst. It was a delight hanging out with this bunch as they navigated real life, their aging bodies, did lunch, and surmounted obstacles. Easy? No. Life isn't always easy but they had each other's backs and, with the inspiration of a memorable teacher, looked forward to the future. 

I can't thank #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks enough for introducing me this author. I loved it and while it'll obviously appeal more to golden oldies like me, there's a great deal within that should appeal to readers of all ages. I'll definitely be looking for Leigh's books to read in the future. I think I'll go round up some ladies and do lunch.