The Edith Wharton Murders

I had so much fun reading this book. Nick Hoffman is a clever, unassuming college professor who is coerced into hosting an Edith Wharton conference on his campus with the hope of tenure. He is more worried about the fact that Edith Wharton scholars are split into two groups and the strident interjections of homophobes than the possibility of a murder occurring. When the key note speaker is found dead, Nick's investigations turn up the gritty facts of university life and jealousies in the writing and publishing world. Nick gets support from his lover, Stefan, who is a writer and always knows how to soothe Nick when events overwhelm him.

The writing of this book is clever, intelligent, and humorous. I will be looking for more Nick Hoffman show more mysteries. show less

What a spoof - of writing and publishing, and academics and academic life! Lots of references to literature - Raphael has a PhD in the subject. Throw in a gay couple, a scattering of lesbians and a conservative preacher. It's a funny and quick read.

The Edith Wharton Murders is a solid second entry in Lev Raphael's high quality mystery series featuring gay professor-cum-detective Nick Hoffman. Perhaps not as engaging as the other Hoffman novels, this literary-themed murder tale will nonetheless please Raphael's fans.