alerts

book

BOOK CLUB PICKS

ABOUT

AUTHORS & BOOKS

HOME

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Lefty Award Finalist

audio

available

audio

available

Cynthia Kuhn is an English professor and author of the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. Honors for the series include an Agatha Award (best first novel), a William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant, and Lefty Award nominations (best humorous mystery). Originally from upstate New York, she lives in Colorado with her family.

cynthia

KUHN

THE SEMESTER OF OUR DISCONTENT (#1)

academic mysteries, amateur sleuths, cozy, humorous

Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries

English professor Lila Maclean is thrilled about her new job at prestigious Stonedale University, until she finds one of her colleagues dead. She soon learns that everyone, from the chancellor to the detective working the case, believes Lila—or someone she is protecting—may be responsible for the horrific event. Putting her scholarly skills to the test, Lila gathers evidence, but her search is complicated by an unexpected nemesis, a suspicious investigator, and an ominous secret society. Rather than earning an “A” for effort, she receives a threat featuring a mysterious symbol and must act quickly to avoid failing her assignment…and becoming the next victim.

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Award Mention Here

“An engaging heroine, a college setting that will have you aching to go back to school, and a puzzler of a mystery make this a must-read for cozy lovers.” – Laura DiSilverio, National Bestselling Author of The Reckoning Stones

THE ART OF VANISHING (#2)

When Professor Lila Maclean is sent to interview celebrated author and notorious cad Damon Von Tussel, he disappears before her very eyes. Damon is supposed to headline Stonedale University’s Arts Week, and the chancellor makes it clear he expects Lila to locate the writer and set events back on track. But someone appears to have a different plan: strange warnings are received, valuable items go missing, and a series of dangerous incidents threaten the lives of Stonedale’s guests. After her beloved mother rushes onto campus and into harm’s way, Lila has even more reason to bring the culprit to light before anything—or anyone—else vanishes.

”Tightly plotted with a deliciously memorable cast of characters, The Art of Vanishing kept me guessing from start to finish, and Kuhn’s smart sense of humor made every page a pleasure.” – Marla Cooper, Author of Terror in Taffeta

Agatha Award Winner

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Lefty Award Finalist

Lefty Award Finalist

audio

available

THE SPIRIT IN QUESTION (#3)

English professor Lila Maclean knew drama would be involved when she agreed to consult on Stonedale University’s production of Puzzled: The Musical. But she didn’t expect to find herself cast into such chaos: the incomprehensible play is a disaster, the crumbling theater appears to be haunted, and, before long, murder takes center stage. The show must go on—yet as they speed toward opening night, it becomes clear that other members of the company may be targeted as well. Lila searches for answers while contending with a tenacious historical society, an eccentric playwright, an unsettling psychic, an enigmatic apparition, and a paranormal search squad.

“Delightful heroine Lila and her supporting cast conjure a fun show stopper in The Spirit in Question. Old scandals, new rivalries, a ghostly menace, and a determined killer will keep readers puzzling over whodunit until the final act.” — Vickie Fee, author of the Liv & Di in Dixie Mysteries

Lefty Award Finalist

audio

available

THE SUBJECT OF MALICE (#4)

The organizers have rustled up plenty of surprises for the literary conference at Tattered Star Ranch. But the murder of an influential scholar wasn’t on the program. This crime is only the beginning. English professor Lila Maclean has a full agenda: She must convince a press to publish her book (possibly), ace her panel presentations (hopefully), and deal with her nemesis (regrettably). However, when Detective Lex Archer requests Lila’s academic expertise, she agrees to consult on the case. While her contributions earn high marks from her partner, it could be too late; the killer is already taking aim at the next subject. As Lila races to keep her colleagues alive, publish or perish takes on new meaning.

”Everyone’s favorite professor, Lila Maclean (secret powers include reading and finding bodies), is back and she’s on the case (officially)! Lila’s latest adventure is full of high drama and high crimes. Such FUN!” — Julie Mulhern, USA Today Bestselling Author of The Country Club Murders

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Lefty Award Finalist

Lefty Award Finalist

audio

available

THE STUDY OF SECRETS (#5)

There could be nowhere more fitting for English professor Lila Maclean to spend her sabbatical than the whimsical Callahan House with its enchanting towers, cozy nooks, and charming library. Unfortunately, it also features a body in the study. The murder on the estate sets the town buzzing. Wild rumors are fueled by a gossipy blogger who delights in speculation, and further crimes only intensify the whispers and suspicions. A newly discovered manuscript, however, appears to expose startling facts beneath the fictions. When Lila steps in to sort the truth from the lies, it may cost her everything, as someone wants to make dead certain that their secrets stay hidden.

”With its smart and intrepid protagonist, witty writing, and insightful look into the power struggles that erupt when literary and academic egos collide, this clever and puzzling whodunit earns top marks in my book.” — Leslie Karst, Lefty Award-Nominated Author of the Sally Solari Mysteries

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

Lefty Award Finalist

Lefty Award Finalist