The Square Root of Murder

July 1, 2011

Dr. Sophie Knowles is a fortysomething math professor teaching summer session at a small Cape Cod women's college. Her close-knit academic community is suffering through a sweltering summer heat wave when, out of the blue, a much-despised chemistry professor is poisoned in his lab. Wanting to help the graduate student who's been fingered as the killer, Dr. Knowles begins her amateur investigation. Along the way, she learns about the darker side of academia. The ensemble cast includes the requisite wacky best friend (who owns a bead shop) and the action boyfriend (an emergency medical responder), making this a comfortable read with forays outside the science building. It takes time and math to find out why murder was the final grade for Dr. Appleton in this leisurely paced cozy. VERDICT Veteran series author Camille Minichino, also known as Margaret Grace, introduces an engaging new protagonist with a fresh venue for her fans. This mystery is a puzzler designed for word problem skill building. Puzzles and brainteasers included.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.