โWhen a string of murders inspired by famous literary classics shakes a small town, a detective and an English professor must confront a killer who seems to know their books as well as they do.
โโDetective Ian Carter and Professor Emma Riley are on a date at his apartment. While Ian cooks, Emma discovers crime scene photos on his coffee table. One detail immediately leaps out. The victim has been posed as Ophelia from Hamlet, one of William Shakespeare’s books.
โDespite Ianโs warnings to stay away from the case, Emma cannot let it go. And when another murder occurs, her suspicions are confirmed. The killer is staging the crimes as homages to classic literature. Determined to uncover the truth, she forms her own circle, a mix of intellectuals and misfits. They include: a psychologist, an administrative assistant, a college dean who is also an art professor, and a keen newspaper intern.
โTold in alternating perspectives between Ian and Emma, the narrative allows readers to experience both sides of the investigation while weaving in clever nods to the literary works being reflected in the murders. Though there are not many characters to suspect and the culprit may not be too difficult to identify, Schaumberg keeps the tension alive with a steady flow of mystery and suspense.
โMurder by the Book is a smart, atmospheric thriller best suited for readers who enjoy their serial killer tales light on gore but rich in intrigue. Also, fans of classic literature and dark academia who also love solving cases would absolutely devour this master piece.
Stephanie is a writer, avid reader and movie lover with great love and passion for thrilling, suspenseful and mystery stories. When sheโs not writing a traumatic character or reading through a gripping thriller sheโs definitely watching a dark psychological thriller movie.
