A Murder of Principal


Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
264 Pages
Reviewed on 11/24/2021
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

A Murder of Principal by Saralyn Richard is a pulsating murder mystery set in a black majority Midwestern high school in 1993. RJ Stoker is the new principal at Lincoln High. Determined to shake off the old way of doing things, Stoker tries to enable a student-oriented curriculum, frustrating the faculty. After the football coach receives a threat from the local neighborhood gang, Black Devils, the star high school quarterback, Tyrone, is attacked. Additionally, Stoker is killed in a school fire, leading to the appointment of Wally Welburton as the acting principal. Amidst the faculty politics, Stoker's murder investigation takes center stage. Now, assistant principal Sally Pearce must navigate hostile colleagues, gang-affiliated students, and an ambitious acting principal while trying to live up to Stoker's principles. But a second murder plunges everything into chaos.

Fans of whodunnit murder mysteries will find plenty to enjoy in this suspense-filled crime drama that keeps your eyes glued to the pages from start to finish. Author Saralyn Richard weaves a captivating sleuth story against the backdrop of an intense high school drama, touching upon some relevant social issues. Richard incorporates topics related to racism, sexism, workplace harassment, and much more, creating an authentic narrative that leaves a lot to ponder about long after you've finished reading the book. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns coming. Despite the large cast, each character feels well-developed and brings something unique to the story. Anyone who enjoys a well-written sleuth story will find A Murder of Principal an immensely satisfying reading experience.