The Student Body (A Susan Henshaw Mystery #12) [Mass Market Paperback]

Valerie Wolzien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 3, 1999

BAD CHEMISTRY

Like many fiftysomething housewives facing empty nests, Susan Henshaw decides that returning to college will give her life new meaning. But a murdered lab partner isn't what she had in mind--especially since the victim was strangled with the straps of Susan's own backpack.

So when Susan is named the prime suspect, she fits an investigation into her extracurricular activities. But after a strange student ominously named "Jinx" becomes her informant, Susan begins to wonder: What does she really know about the victim, academic politics, or even her newfound friends? One thing is certain--finding answers to this test could cost Susan her life. . . .

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A nice writing style and considerable wit."
--Chicago Tribune

"Valerie Wolzien is a consummate crime writer. Her heroines sparkle as they sift through clues and stir up evidence in the darker, deadly side of suburbia."
--MARY DAHEIM

"Wit is Wolzien's strong suit. . . . Her portrayal of small-town life will prompt those of us in similar situations to agree that we too have been there and done that."
--The Mystery Review

From the Inside Flap

BAD CHEMISTRY

Like many fiftysomething housewives facing empty nests, Susan Henshaw decides that returning to college will give her life new meaning. But a murdered lab partner isn't what she had in mind--especially since the victim was strangled with the straps of Susan's own backpack.

So when Susan is named the prime suspect, she fits an investigation into her extracurricular activities. But after a strange student ominously named "Jinx" becomes her informant, Susan begins to wonder: What does she really know about the victim, academic politics, or even her newfound friends? One thing is certain--finding answers to this test could cost Susan her life. . . .

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett; First Edition edition (August 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0449150372
• ISBN-13: 978-0449150375
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #454,713 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as ever, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Student Body (A Susan Henshaw Mystery #12) (Mass Market Paperback)

Susan Henshaw suffers from empty nest syndrome since her daughter got married and her son is away at college. Swearing not to vegetate, Susan enrolls at a nearby college. She figures all that studying will keep this fifty year old from investigating homicides as she has in the past.

A few weeks into the semester, her astronomy partner dies and Susan's backpack is the murder weapon. The police officers feel Susan is the prime suspect. Adding to Susan's woes is the fact that the detective assigned to the case is prejudice against suburban housewives entering college ever since he was personally burned by one. Susan knows that to clear her name she must make her own inquiries.

Valerie Wolzien writes both the Josie Pigeon and Susan Henshaw tales, but both are so good, who makes the better sleuth is a mystery unto itself. In THE STUDENT BODY, the female protagonist is changing her life even though she fears the outcome. That personal insight adds much to an interesting who-done-it story line loaded with red herrings. Still, the characters turn this novel into a first class reading experience.

Harriet Klausner

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Susan Goes Back to College, August 9, 2002

By 

Karen Potts (Lake Jackson, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Student Body (A Susan Henshaw Mystery #12) (Mass Market Paperback)

Susan Henshaw decides to go back to college after her children leave home. She is nervous about the prospect of returning to the academic life and trying to relate to 18-22-year-olds. She goes through the usual pangs of attending class and taking tests, but the real problems begin when her lab partner is murdered with Susan's backpack. Of course, suspicion centers on Susan, so she has to investigate the murder in self defense. She discovers that the murder victim had meddled in many people's lives and that several people might have a motive to murder her. Her semester of work parallels her investigation, and as finals approach, Susan zeroes in on the murderer. This book is recommended reading for "cozy" fans.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SUSAN HENSHAW GETS AN A IN MURDER, October 15, 2000

By 

"trautman" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Student Body (A Susan Henshaw Mystery #12) (Mass Market Paperback)

When Susan Henshaw suburban mom goes back to school, she finds murder instead.Every Valerie Wolzien novel is fun to read and the plots easy to follow. For long time fans the addition of two new characters will be something to cheer for. New readers to the series will want to go back to the beginning and follow Susan through her adventures from PTA soccer mom to Mother of the Bride and now college student.