Square Root of Murder
Professor Sophie Knowles Series, No 1
Ada Madison

Berkley Prime Crime
July 2011/ ISBN 978042524193
Mystery
Amazon

Reviewed by Barbara Buhrer

Dr. Sophie Knowles is a popular teacher of math at Henley College in Massachusetts. In addition to teaching she also is the publisher of puzzles and brainteasers. She has a boyfriend who is a helicopter pilot for Medical Evacuation Group.

It is a tradition to celebrate the birthdays of famous scholars. Faculty member Dr. Keith Appleton complains to the college president about their "noise", complains about his students and is the most disliked member of the faculty. He is found dead in his office. Evidence points to Rachel, Sophie’s assistant. She is the prime suspect because Appleton has refused to recommend her for medical school. Sophie decides to investigate on her own because she believes in Rachel's innocence.

Camille Minichino, author of the Periodic Table mysteries and the Miniature mysteries, has introduced her readers to a new and welcome amateur sleuth in this well written cozy mystery. The plot is complex; the setting in a college campus is intriguing. The characters are well developed covering the gamut of personality types.

Also included are a few brainteasers and puzzles to challenge the reader.

The Probability of Murder, No 2