I found this book more serious than her other books. Ann is an character would I have liked more information on. The mystery though well written felt rushed to me.

This book is a reissue from 2000 and it's quite visible in the first couple of chapters because the students are using typewriters but other then that not really an issue. I thought this was an engaging read with a well thought out plotline.

I really enjoyed this story about Ann, a reporter who is now teaching at a Private School while also grieving a lover who has died. Ann recieves an anonymous letter from someone claiming to have seen her with another teacher and when she is told that a certain student is looking to speak with her Ann deliberately avoids the situation only to find the dead body of that student later in the evening. Once it has been deemed that the student was murdered, everyone on campus becomes a suspect, especially the faculty, most of whom seem to be dealing with poison-pen letters of their own. This was a good, suspenseful story with lots of secrets and multiple suspects. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

This is a easy read with no great surprises.
It also showed it's age in places.

I read most of the author's Death on Demand series many years ago (loved them). This was a lot more serious than that series,and it was a good mystery. I believe this book was first written in the 80s and is being re-released. Although technology has changed quite a bit, that didn't take me out of the story (which often happens in this situation). It was too short for a ton of characterization, but I thought some of the things - like the guilty feelings expressed by various characters - were well done and realistic. 3.5 stars. (Note: I got this book from netgalley, which did not influence my review.)

I loved this book that was first published in 1983 under a pen name. It was one of those that I did not want to put down. The story was engaging from the first few pages and enough twists and turns that I wanted to keeping reading.

It was interesting reading a book that is set in a time without cell phones. I never realized how much that could change a story. I liked the setting and both main characters. Although I thought the detective provided more information to her that would be normal.

I hope that there may be follow-up books in the future.

Excellent well crafted mystery that is a delight from cover to cover. It has many mysterious elements, great characterization and a perfect setting in a ghostly old school. I loved it ! Well Done sleuth that captured this reader as a avid reader of mysteries.

"On a mist-shrouded private school campus in Southern California, ex-reporter and new teacher Ann Farrell finds the body of a student sprawled among the rocks at the bottom of a barranca. Did the victim write the ugly poison pen notes sent recently to several faculty members, including Ann? Did the notes lead to his murder? Ann Farrell doesn't think so. Determinedly, Ann starts asking questions. She gets some shocking answers, and ultimately faces a deadly encounter with a ruthless and calculating killer."--From the publisher.
Author Hart is good at creating suspense and highly readable. There are worse ways to spend a lazy afternoon. However, this particular title really shows its age, particularly the technology (and lack thereof) mentioned and references to (then) current events. The main character is highly flawed, and, for anyone who knows anything about teaching or law enforcement, there are cringe-worthily unrealistic moments--think a cop casually sharing case information with a potential suspect and a teacher and counselor breezily breaking privacy laws regarding student records. At one point, the main character even calls her lesson plan into a student and never shows up to teach her class. These are all career busters in both professions.
Be prepared to not just suspend your disbelief, but to cut all ties with it!
Full Disclosure--Net Gallery and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

This was a fast-paced thriller set in a high school where teacher/reporter, Ann finds the dead body of one of her students. Was it a suicide or murder? Several clues and suspects abound and no motives are clear. Throw in a handsome detective and the plot thickens visibly. I devoured this in one sitting and hadn't figured out the end. All in all it is a terrific mystery and I look forward to reading more of her books!

I've been a fan of Carolyn Harts for many years, and it was interesting to read a book she wrote more than thirty years ago. In my opinion, the reader should be told the book was first published in 1983.because there are so many anachronisms in the book including smoking and typewriters. It will seem historical to younger readers. I'm a fan of mysteries with strong female characters, but in this case the main character seems relatively unobservant for someone who had worked in Central America at a time when violence was so prevalent. I think knowing the date of publication would be helpful to discussion groups because it would provide a more realistic context for discussion.