Reviewed by layawaydragon on

4 of 5 stars

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I received this book for free from Great Escape Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Hello everybody! Happy Monday. 🙃 But at least there's this amazing tour for Death by Dissertation to help ya'll make it through the day.

This cozy follows a new faculty member from Hawaii at a college in NEBRASKA with several deaf students where one ends up murdered. There's quite a lot going on here, so let's dive on in.

About death by dissertation:



Purchase Link – Amazon  June 22 – 30 – Just $0.99!!


IMHO: death by dissertation


Death by Dissertation was so great!!! I love cozies but I'm always looking for something different that stands out. Death by Dissertation didn't disappoint in any sense.

It was so easy to fall in sync with Cassandra. I loved all the little details of her day to day, her hectic schedule, and all the pressure she's under. I do think she needs to loosen up a bit, but I think that'll be great to watch her go from a tight bud to a full blossom.

Cheat Sheet:



  • Love Cassandra

  • So happy to have an ambitious woman doing her own thing, setting off on her own in such a big bold way

  • Love finding out all the details about Hawaii's culture

  • The Culture Shock is real!

  • BFFS 3

  • Deaf interpreters & deaf students, not a gimmick but integral to the setting & story

  • Appreciate the honest talk about miscarriage

  • All the events on campus sounded amazing

  • It is a very white area that Cassandra has to deal with & I think it's handled well

  • Cassandra's parents are adorable, hope we see more of them. Maybe even go back to visit??

  • The behind the scenes stuff about running a collage is so cool.

  • Love how Cassandra's so concerned about the students

  • There are possible LIs down the line..

  • Love Cassandra's mishaps, kinda like a rom com in that way

  • Figured out who's behind it all along with Cassandra

  • Stuck the landing.

  • Quick & fun read.

  • Can't wait to continue the series




Perfect for cozy mystery fans, obviously, and those looking for something new in the genre especially. I think this is has great crossover appeal with fellow rom com & crime lovers too.  It reminds me The Chronicle Mysteries on Hallmark .

If you don't read cozies, you should start with this one! It's a mystery, but light and down to Earth with amateursleuthing. It's all about the people, relationships, and setting.

About the Author:



Giveaway:


(5) Winner’s Choice - Print or Digital Death by Dissertation (Cassandra Sato) by Kelly Brakenhoff

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This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon

Last modified on

Reading updates

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  • 17 June, 2019: Reviewed