Death by Committee

A Susan Lombardi Mystery, Book 2

By: Carole B. Shmurak

Narrated by: Barbara Benjamin-Creel

Faculty squabbling at a large state university turns deadly when Professor of Education Susan Lombardi joins a committee to make a tenure decision about Abby Gillette, a controversial faculty member. After one colleague is hospitalized following a suspicious fire and another is found dead in Abby's office, Susan must try to figure out who is doing what to whom...without becoming the next victim. At the same time, she must deal with her husband's highly dysfunctional family and help a friend handle a questionable romance.

©2006, 2011 Carole B. Shmurak (P)2014 Carole B. Shmurak

Quick entertaining and to the point

This is a very quick and entertaining book. This book is very focused and stays on point. There are no pointless plot twists The story is very focused and entertaining. I wish the rest of the series was available.

Narration truly brought characters to life

If you could sum up Death by Committee in three words, what would they be?

Twisty and great characters

What did you like best about this story?

The storyline

What about Barbara Benjamin-Creel’s performance did you like?

She truly brings the characters to life in your ears

Exciting MysteryThriller About Campus Politics

I really enjoyed listening to Death by Committee. It was fun and easy to listen to. The story revolves around the main character of Susan Lombardi who after seven years received tenure at Metropolitan University where she is asked to become a member of the department evaluating committee. There are many fun and interesting characters in the story including Abby who currently has tenure and in the end remains in tenure. Everyone on the committee including and especially Nannette wants Abby out and will stop at nothing to rid her of the position. There is much political squabbling and deception taking place and also a group of radical students who decide to go on a hunger strike. I like how the book begins with Susan having a sign taped on the front of her computer saying "Tenured means never having to say yes, I'll serve on that committee". Another fun character in this story is her best friend Elaine and her boyfriend Jon Henninger who is an author but Elaine is unable to find any of the books he's written and suspects he writes under a pen name so she has him investigated by a detective friend of Susans named Mark Golden or Private Dick as she sometimes refers to him. What he learns is interesting. And Swash, Susan's husband whose Aunt Rose has died reunites with his family. They are jealous of his past inheritance and are always bickering back and forth but then decide it's time to get together and become closer as a family. This book was just overall a fun listen. I had no idea throughout how this story was going to end. Great job by the author Carole B. Shmurak. Also I can't even begin to say what a terrific job Barbara Benjamin-Creel did with the character's voices. She has fantastic voice characterization and I loved her accents. She also kept the story at a perfect pace. I look forward to listening to more from both her and the author. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery thriller.
I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

Good Cozy Mystery Set in University Setting

Any additional comments?

Death by Committee is another good cozy mystery written by Carole B. Shmurak. Like the first book, the story centers on Susan Lombardi who is an education professor at a Connecticut university. Shortly after earning tenure, she is asked to join a committee to make a decision about whether to grant tenure to a controversial faculty member. Shortly thereafter one member of the tenure committee is killed and another one is severely injured in a suspicious fire. The same supporting cast of characters is back, including Susan’s husband, her best friend, and her former PI student. With their help, Susan solves the murder and arson fire quicker than the police.

Unlike other books in a typical series, I don’t believe you must read the first book in the series, Deadmistress, prior to reading this one to appreciate the plot and main characters. Sufficient background is given to fully understand the various characters and enjoy the ride. Think of this book as pure brain candy.

Barbara Benjamin-Creel ‘s narration was great. She maintained consistent voices from the first book, differentiating the various characters. She also exhibited the right amount of “spunk” and cheekiness needed in a cozy mystery. I’d listen to another one of her narrations any time.

Book 2

Any additional comments?

Professor Susan Lombardi promised that she wouldn't be on any more committee at the college. Unfortunately she gets asked to be on the committee to decide tenure for Abby Gillette. Abby is a very controversial teacher. Susan's will be the deciding vote. This is a good follow up book. I'm glad the narrator is the same as with book1. She clearly portray the different characters.