THE PECULIAR CASE OF THE PETERSBURG PROFESSOR
It’s 1974, and Michelle Kilpatrick has her hands full trying to keep her mother happy while studying journalism at the University of Petersburg. The fall quarter gets more complicated when Michelle’s grades drop thanks to the demanding Professor Ladd, who believes Michelle should be more like the already-published Craig Miller. But when Michelle discovers the professor’s dead body during office hours, grades are the least of her worries. With the help of her friends from the Commuter Lounge, Michelle sets out to clear her name and soon realizes Craig may be the key to unlocking the mystery around Professor Ladd’s murder. But is the truth a story worth dying for?
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REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Mystery Book Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2024
Get ready for a captivating mystery with ‘The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor’ by Sharon Kay. Set in the 1970s, this book follows journalism student Michelle Kilpatrick as she uncovers the truth behind her professor’s death. With twists and turns that keep you guessing, Kay’s storytelling shines in this engaging read. Perfect for mystery fans!
5.0 out of 5 stars very good. Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
Step back to 1974 with ‘The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor,’ a delightful YA cozy mystery filled with retro charm, unexpected twists, and a strong female lead that will keep you hooked until the satisfying end.
5.0 out of 5 stars Mysteries Unveiled in Academic Halls. Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2024
Sharon Kay’s “The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” is a gripping narrative that ingeniously blends academic life with mystery, presenting a fresh twist on the detective genre.
Kay masterfully crafts a vivid setting, rich with 1970s nostalgia, while weaving an intricate plot that keeps readers guessing. The character development is stellar, with each persona meticulously fleshed out, contributing to a deeply immersive experience.
Engaging from start to finish, this book is a testament to Kay’s prowess in spinning a tale that’s both intellectually stimulating and thoroughly entertaining.
AMAZON: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Retro Whodunnit!
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2024
“The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” by Sharon Kay is an utterly delightful, cosy mystery that whisks you back to Ohio in the mid-1970s—no mobile phones, no internet, just good old-fashioned sleuthing! Michelle Kilpatrick, our spirited journalism student protagonist, finds herself smack in the middle of a murder investigation after discovering her professor’s dead body. Talk about a rough start to the semester!
This novel’s charming blend of suspense, character-driven drama, and vintage atmosphere makes it shine. Michelle is instantly likeable; she’s not perfect, which makes her feel more genuine. Surrounded by a circle of supportive friends, she bravely faces sceptical authorities and suspicious classmates while juggling her college workload. The historical details give you a taste of the era’s pace of life, adding a comforting nostalgia to the mystery.
Sharon Kay’s writing style is light, witty, and clear, making it easy to get lost in Michelle’s world. Although the plot deals with a tragic death, it’s never too grim—perfect for readers who crave a clever puzzle rather than gut-wrenching gore. If you love an old-school detective vibe with a plucky heroine leading the charge, “The Peculiar Case of the Petersburg Professor” will have you eagerly turning pages well into the night.
FASHIONABLY FIT, FATALLY FLAWED
University of Petersburg sophomore Michelle Kilpatrick and her friends from the Commuter Lounge start their Christmas break by celebrating the opening of the Petersburg Fitness Center. But when a fatal accident brings the festivities to an end and the owner—their friend’s mother—is faced with a wrongful death lawsuit, they spring into action.
Michelle is convinced that the treadmill malfunctioning was more than an accident, but when she teams up with mystery writer Craig Miller, she not only discovers proof of foul play but gets caught in a tangled web of betrayal and deception.
REVIEWS:
Goodreads
5 Stars
When a beauty contestant dies at the opening of a fitness gym owned by her friend’s mom, Michelle steps in to figure out what happened. Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed has a fresh plot, and it was fun to read how Michelle and fellow sleuther, Craig Miller, solved the crime. This is the second book in the Michelle Kilpatrick mysteries, and I highly recommend the book for those who love mysteries set in the seventies and a college atmosphere!
Amazon
5 stars May 17, 2024
Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed is a wonderful young adult book that is full of mystery! You never know what is going to happen next and it’s well-written. It is the second book in The Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries and is full of unexpected twists with a 1970s historical vibe. The author pulls in and entertains with the twists and turns within the pages. Highly recommend!
AMAZON:
5.0 out of 5 stars A sequel as strong as the original
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2024
Fashionably Fit, Fatally Flawed! returns the reader to Michelle Kirkpatrick as she celebrates Christmas in her quiet hometown of Petersburg during the winter of 1974. Just before the mother of her friend, Rick, opens her new gym, a mysterious death occurs on one of the gym’s treadmills. When the death is investigated as a murder, Michelle springs into investigative action. As she combs through the list of suspects and clues, she puts herself into the eye of the storm and turns to her old classmate and colleague, Craig, for help solving the mystery.
This story is a solid follow-up to the first book in the Michelle Kirkpatrick mystery series. It introduces a new and unique murder to solve while also further exploring Michelle’s relationships with the men in her life from her father to her best friend, T.J., and the mixed signals that she gets from Craig. This book will hook both new and returning readers as it thoroughly introduces and resolves a brand new conflict while seamlessly leaving open-ended plot elements for future stories.
Icy Secrets, Scandalous Lies
Reviews:
Icy Secrets, Scandalous Lies is a charming visit to the 1970s for the young set, and a nostalgic look back for those of us who remember the decade of disco, mullets and mood rings. Sharon Kay has crafted a cute cozy mystery with retro charm and compelling characters, and a clever plot that keeps the story moving quickly. The third outing for journalism major Michelle Kilpatrick is engaging, entertaining, and all around fun.
Jenna Bennett, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
Author of the Savannah Martin Mystery series and the Pippa Darling Mysteries
Sharon Kay masterfully crafts a delightful cozy mystery that blends the competitive world of Olympic figure skating and small-town intrigue. With the car stereo blasting the greatest hits from the seventies, Michelle Kilpatrick’s determined sleuthing makes Icy Secrets, Scandalous Lies a perfect read for fans of whodunnits.”
Cindy Quayle
Author of the Claire O’Keefe Mystery series
When an Olympic figure skating coach brings his team to Petersburg to train at the university’s ice arena, Michelle is excited to advance her career by interviewing the well-known coach. However, when he is murdered, Michelle becomes convinced the police have arrested the wrong person.
Ignoring her own family’s crises, she embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth. As her investigation deepens, she unravels a web of deceit that links the murder to a sinister mastermind responsible for a string of unsolved killings in the town. With her loved ones’ lives hanging in the balance, Michelle, with the help of her friends from the Commuter Lounge, must race against time to expose the killer before she becomes the next target in this tale of ambition, betrayal, and the search for justice.
Amazon – Kindle and Paperback
Coming soon: Paperback on Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and Bookshop.org
DON”T FORGET: you can also ask your local library and bookstores to carry the Michelle Kilpatrick Mysteries.
