Physical Education by Maggie Barbieri

Physical Education by Maggie Barbieri is the sixth book in the “Murder 101″ mystery series. Publisher: Minotaur, November 2011

Catching a murderer or taking over the victim’s job as basketball coach—for veteran sleuth and college professor Alison Bergeron, sport is a fate worse than death.

College English professor and sometime amateur sleuth Alison Bergeron would’ve been thrilled to hear that her husband, NYPD Detective Bobby Crawford, was leaving Homicide if that were the whole story, but it turns out that Bobby’s next assignment is even worse—undercover. As if that weren’t bad enough, Alison is forced to take over the women’s basketball team after the coach dies of a heart attack during a game. She may not know much about basketball, but she’s no stranger to sleuthing—so it isn’t long before she suspects that the coach’s death may be more than unexpected, but premeditated as well.

With Bobby deep undercover and Alison always on her way to deep trouble, it’s only a matter of time before they run smack into each other in Physical Education, the latest in Maggie Barbieri’s charming Murder 101 mystery series.

Once again, Alison finds herself involved in another murder and with her new husband being scarce; she wonders what he is hiding. Determined to uncover the truth behind her best friend’s removal from the church, Alison embarks on a search for the truth. What a great read! This well-written and evenly-paced story was an enjoyable read. From the moment the dead body was found, we are taken on a journey of lies, secrets, betrayal and some fun as we watch a tenacious Alison seek out clues in an investigation that nobody wants her on. With a mystery that will keep you turning the pages, this is the author’s best work ever in this heartwarming and charming series.