Murder at the B-School

by Jeffrey L. Cruikshank

Book Overview

This riveting debut novel probes murder, pretension and conspiracy in the halls of Harvard Universitys famed graduate program.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892967935
• ISBN13: 9780892967933
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Mysterious Press
• Length: 323 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Murderer or Dupe

The prestigues Harvard Business School does not deal well with students dying. Eric had everything, why would he take his own life or - was he murdered. An out of favor professor is appointed to work with Eric's family and the police. As the clues roll in The professor's search for truth takes on new meaning when he becomes the lead suspect. Cruikshank use authentic dialogue, non-stop action and multi dimensional characters to move readers through the pages of the book. Found this to be an enjoyable read with the mystery holding you captive to the very end. Beverly J Scott, author of Ruth Fever, Righteous Revenge and Jena's Choice

Good murder story

For a first time novel this is an excellent story. It has a good plot line, and great descriptions.

well written exciting police procedural and amateur sleuth

The conservative Harvard Business School is one of the most prestigious learning centers in the world; so no one could imagine a murder occurring there. Yet that is what happened to student Eric MacInnes, a member of a very wealthy family. The lad somehow entered a locked area where a whirlpool was located; someone knocked him over the head killing him. Trying to avoid bad PR and wanting to keep on the good side of the MacInnes kin, Dean Bishop appoints Assistant Professor Wim Verneer as liaison between the college and the family. Wim is shocked to hear rumors that he had an affair with Eric. Police Captain Barbara Bouillard hears the same gossip, which makes Wim a suspect. E-mail proves that Eric and Wim communicated, but the professor denies this ever happened. Things turn worse for Wim when he meets and goes to dinner with Eric's sister Libby; not long afterward she was found strangled to death. Wim knows that someone is framing him. He begins his own inquiries that lead to Upstate New York and Vieques off eastern Puerto Rico. MURDER AT THE B-SCHOOL is a well written exciting police procedural and amateur sleuth tale. At times adversaries and at times allies, the captain and the professor make inquiries from different perspectives, but draw the same conclusions. They make excellent partners, who deserve co-featuring in future mysteries. Jeffrey Cruikshank will keep his fans satisfied with this winning who-done-it. Harriet Klausner

When Murder Hits School!

The background for this murderous tale is Harvard Business School, aka The 'B-School'. Boston Police descend upon the school when the school's golden boy, Eric MacInnes, the son of a wealthy dynasty is found dead in a Jacuzzi after hours in a locked building. A descendant of the 17th century Dutch painter, Wim Vermeer, is a teacher on The 'B-School' faculty who not only fears his career is on the line, but is stunned when this "freak" accident appears to look like an ingenious murder. He soon finds himself suspect in the case. Dean Bishop assigns Vermeer the task of liaison between Harvard and the MacInnes who are demanding answers. The lead investigator in the case is Captain Barbara Brouillard, nicknamed by the department as 'Ms. Biz', also known for making up her own rules. She takes a liking to Vermeer, but isn't sure if he's an asset or an impediment to her investigation. Desperate to clear himself and discover the truth, Wim begins his own investigation into the case. Corpses begin to pile up, when Libby, the MacInnes' daughter, is found murdered. Both rumors, as well as computer evidence begin to point towards Wim Vermeer. It doesn't take long for Vermeer to realize he's been setup for a devious cover-up. With secrets unraveling, and higher members of the faculty being held responsible, the atmosphere in the halls of the Harvard Business School quickly tense. Jeffrey Cruikshank's descriptive settings of Boston, Cambridge and the Harvard Campus, New York and Puerto Rico help create an interesting debut novel, although the story is somewhat slow to start. However, there are enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Reviewed by Betsie

college conspiracies

Rebeccasreads recommends MURDER AT THE B-SCHOOL as a thoughtful thriller, although the protagonists are in need of more passion as they tend to talk in lectures. However, Jeffrey Cruikshank does have a way with words, a fine sense of humor, an aptitude for suspense, & has the makings of a mystery writer to watch out for.