Rating: 
Summary: Definately worth reading. Had interesting plot twists.
Review: It was hard to put down this book. The plot twists were quite interesting. The plot did thin in spots as well as having some parts that did not tie in and had to re-read to make sure it made sense. A wonderful first try from this author. I'd like to read more Nikki Chase adventures.
Rating: 
Summary: Unimaginative mystery, decent writing.
Review: Ms. Thomas-Graham did an admirable job for a first novel. I think it's too long by 100 pages and the "mystery" wasn't too dificult to figure out. [Without giving some things way, one immediately knew who was responsible for the budget discrepancies after the first 30 pages.] As for the death of Ella, if you've read enough mysteries, you could have figured that one out, as well. The writing isn't bad; it's breezy without being pedestrian and I learned a few new words. I think it's the plotting that's the problem: lots of useless information about characters; lots exposition about her specialty (economics) that don't move the story along, and several stereotypical characters (Maggie immediately comes to mind along with Isiah).My central problem: How Nikki reacted every time she came in contact with Dante. It was distracting and unrealistic and in the end, it could have been cut completely from the book. I liked the insights into Harvard (such as they were), but most of those characters came off as stereotypes and nothing in their behavior (words or actions) provided any new or insightful information. As for the antagonist: didn't buy it at all. At page 260, I jumped to the end because, by then, the story was essentially over. I went back and skimmed through the pages I didn't read and I didn't miss a thing. All that said, I'll read the next book in the series because one book doesn't give an author a chance. And while I think the character of Nikki is pretty bland, maybe the author will give her some "umph" in the next and subsequent books as she develops as a writer.
Rating:
Summary: Unimaginative mystery, decent writing.
Review: Ms. Thomas-Graham did an admirable job for a first novel. I think it's too long by 100 pages and the "mystery" wasn't too dificult to figure out. [Without giving some things way, one immediately knew who was responsible for the budget discrepancies after the first 30 pages.] As for the death of Ella, if you've read enough mysteries, you could have figured that one out, as well. The writing isn't bad; it's breezy without being pedestrian and I learned a few new words. I think it's the plotting that's the problem: lots of useless information about characters; lots exposition about her specialty (economics) that don't move the story along, and several stereotypical characters (Maggie immediately comes to mind along with Isiah). My central problem: How Nikki reacted every time she came in contact with Dante. It was distracting and unrealistic and in the end, it could have been cut completely from the book. I liked the insights into Harvard (such as they were), but most of those characters came off as stereotypes and nothing in their behavior (words or actions) provided any new or insightful information. As for the antagonist: didn't buy it at all. At page 260, I jumped to the end because, by then, the story was essentially over. I went back and skimmed through the pages I didn't read and I didn't miss a thing. All that said, I'll read the next book in the series because one book doesn't give an author a chance. And while I think the character of Nikki is pretty bland, maybe the author will give her some "umph" in the next and subsequent books as she develops as a writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Very very bad...
Review: Simply put, this was one of the worst mystery books I've ever read. How simplistic could she be!! The book read like a list of the best-known cliches and I could barely get through it. Ms. Thomas-Grahan should stick to her day job...
Rating:
Summary: Yet another tedious tome by yet another wannabe
Review: This book is little more than a paean to the author's good fortune at having gotten into Harvard. I, too, am an alumnus of that august institution, but I got over it a long time ago. And this, in sum, would be my advice to Ms. Graham before she pens any more of these banal "Ivy League Mysteries" : It's wonderful that you were able to get an Ivy League degree or two, but this alone does not validate your existence. Get over it and get on with the more substantive aspects of living.
Rating:
Summary: Not a very good book
Review: This book was horrible -- don't waste your money. If you really have to read it get it from a library. I wish I had. The plot is weak, the writing is stiff and the relationship between the lead characters silly. If you want a good thriller with an African American female, try Riding the Snake by Steven Cannell.
Rating:
Summary: Way to exploite the Ivy League
Review: This book was poorly written and exploited the Harvard name. No, I don't go to Harvard, but I do go to Yale, and I think it's sad this woman needs resort to writing a super-market shelf novel using her alma mater as the selling point to make money. It's just a school, get over it! If you want to address race relations, or any other social situations at Harvard, don't do it through a mystery novel. I hope readers realize that this book does not fairly represent Harvard or any other Ivy League school.
Rating:
Summary: Bad in every way
Review: This book was so awful in so many ways that an attempt to fully review it would convey more of a suggestion that it should be read than I am willing to make. This was a real stinker. I made my way through not to find out the "surprise" ending but because I paid for the book. Don't make the same mistake.
Rating: 
Summary: Easy read with a little suspense
Review: This was a nice inside look at an African-American's view of what is like to attend Harvard and ultimately teach there. Moreover, I think the author does a good job of demonstrating how we (African-Americans) can often mistake tolerance for acceptance. Thomas-Graham's characters are well-rounded and believeable. However, I think the professor-turned-PI was often too naive and trusting while conducting a murder investigation. This book was the July selection of my book club. Overall, I enjoyed the book. I wish Thomas-Graham the best and hope she continues to write books featuring her professor/PI character - giving the character depth and breadth with each new adventure.
Rating: 
Summary: This was one of the best written mysteries I've read.
Review: This was one of the best written mysteries I've read in a long time. It kept me guessing and very interested from the beginning to the end. I couldn't put it down. It is obvious that she used her experiences as a student at Harvard as the basis for much of her information. Additionally, the protagonist's background was very similar to her personal educational background. There were no stereotypes and it was very realistic. For a first novel/mystery, it was excellent.
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