Review: The Class Assignment is Murder - Carolyn Kleinman

Review: The Class Assignment is Murder - Carolyn Kleinman - October 2023

What would you do if an innocent-looking classroom project led you into a chilling murder investigation, buried secrets and memories you had spent a lifetime trying to forget? That is exactly the situation Hannah Stein finds herself in in The Class Assignment is Murder by Carolyn Kleinman.

Set in the seemingly peaceful town of Parkerville, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the story introduces us to Hannah, a Jewish English professor and widow in her forties. Back in 2005, the town was rocked by a horrific crime when teenage Matthew Baker murdered his family and raped his cousin. Fourteen years later, Baker suddenly claims he is innocent, leaving Hannah with more questions than answers.

Looking for an unusual topic to capture the interest of three students, Hannah suggests they investigate the old Baker case. What begins as an academic exercise soon becomes something far more personal and dangerous. As the students dig deeper, unsettling discoveries emerge, violence escalates and Hannah finds herself caught up in a mystery that refuses to stay in the past.

There is also Ethan, Hannah's handsome neighbour, who would much rather she stopped investigating and paid attention to him! But Hannah is not about to abandon her curiosity simply to keep a man happy. I rather liked that about her. She is determined, independent and prepared to follow her instincts, even when the consequences become frightening.

Carolyn Kleinman brings together a compelling mix of murder, suspense, family secrets, romance and psychological intrigue. I particularly enjoyed the premise of students investigating an actual murder case as part of a class assignment. It certainly makes choosing a research topic sound a lot more exciting than anything I remember from my classroom days!

There is plenty here to keep mystery lovers turning the pages, with questions about innocence, guilt, memory and how well we really know the people around us. Just when you think you might have things figured out, another question seems to appear.

The Class Assignment is Murder is an intriguing mystery with a strong female protagonist and a fascinating premise. It also leaves you wondering whether some secrets are better left buried.

My question to you: If you could choose absolutely any topic for a class assignment, what would it be? Would you play it safe with history or literature, or would you dare to investigate an unsolved mystery? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0eKB0O0I