HISTORY LESSONS
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague’s murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
A college history professor must solve her superstar colleague’s murder before she becomes the next target in this funny, romantic debut mystery, perfect for readers of Janet Evanovich, Kellye Garrett, and Ali Hazelwood.
As a newly minted junior professor, Daphne Ouverture spends her days giving lectures on French colonialism, working on her next academic book, and going on atrocious dates. Her small world suits her just fine. Until Sam Taylor dies.
The rising star of Harrison University’s anthropology department was never one of Daphne’s favorites, despite his popularity. But that doesn’t prevent Sam’s killer from believing Daphne has something that belonged to Sam—something the killer will stop at nothing to get.
Between grading papers and navigating her disastrous love life, Daphne embarks on her own investigation to find out what connects her to Sam’s murder. With the help of an alluring former-detective-turned-bookseller, she unravels a deadly cover-up on campus.
This well-crafted, voice-driven mystery introduces an unforgettable crime fiction heroine.
- Soho Crime
- Paperback
- July 2026
- 384 Pages
- 9781641298322
Buy the Book
$19.95
About Zoe B. Wallbrook
Zoe B. Wallbrook is a tenured professor whose idea of a break from academic writing is apparently more writing. History Lessons, her first novel, has been nominated for an Edgar Award, ITW Thriller Award, and NAACP Award, among other distinctions. In her spare time, she and her husband try to convince their dog Sophie to actually listen to them for once.
Praise
Nominated for the NAACP Award for Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author
Nominated for the ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel
Nominated for the Anthony Award for Best First Novel
A New York Times Editors’ Choice
A New York Times Best Mystery Novel of the Year
Nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel
A CrimeReads Best Debut Crime Novel of the Year
A Library Journal Mystery Debut of the Month
An ABA Indie Gift Guide Selection
“History professor Daphne Ouverture might be your next favorite unsuspecting sleuth.” —USA Today
“History Lessons brilliantly mixes pointed satire, fabulous characters (especially Daphne’s two besties) and a thoughtful meditation on whose fortunes get to rise, and whose are ground down on the altar of power.” —Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
“Wallbrook has crafted a campus mystery that’s both propulsive and cerebral. The book blends classic whodunit pleasures with a reflective exploration of race, power and who gets believed. Also: ‘Drag Race’ jokes, squirrel riots and a simmering romance with a bookish ex-cop. Top marks.” —The Seattle Times
“Clever, quirky, and full of heart, History Lessons is a cozy mystery for the academics and romantics among us.” —Shondaland
“Equal parts nerdy and funny, romantic and thrilling, Wallbrook’s debut has introduced a fascinating new sleuth: Daphne Ouverture. Just like her overprotective parents (who may have some secrets of their own), her ride-or-die besties, and the handsome bookseller/ex-detective, I’m ready to follow Daphne anywhere. Bring on her next case!” —Mia P. Manansala, author of the bestselling Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series