Scarlett's identity has been revealed, Peacock is trying to control her temper, Mustard and Plum may still hate each other and they are all the murder crew. Clue as a boarding school returns with more twists and turns leading up to a finale. A worthy addition to the series and good build to the finale.

In the Study with the Wrench by Diana Peterfreund is the second book in the young adult Clue Mystery series. The story in this new young adult mystery/thriller is based on the board game of Clue. As a kid I loved playing Clue and after taking a closer look at this series I saw that it was also in one of my favorite settings of a boarding school so of course I had to read these.

The story in this series is set at Blackbrook Academy which is located in the woods of Maine. In the first book of the series there was a big storm and the students of the academy, Beth “Peacock” Picach, Orchid McKee, Vaughn Green, Sam “Mustard” Maestor, Finn Plum, and Scarlet Mistry were stranded at the academy along with Mrs White and a handful of other school employees when the body of the headmaster was discovered.

Now Orchid, Vaughn, Scarlett, Peacock, Plum, and Mustard are among the few that have returned to Blackbrook Academy where other students have deemed these students as the “Murder Crew”. Unfortunately for the group they soon end up with another dead body on the campus and with threats coming towards them they need to find out who the murderer is among them.

Now I wouldn’t say the Clue Mystery series is the strongest young adult mystery book out there but there is definitely an air of nostalgia to these after loving the game and other takes of the concept that came before. The story is always told from multiple points of view but it’s easy to follow, especially being familiar with the names. It’s overall a bit campy and silly but still fun to read and puts a smile on my face while reading. I think for me I even enjoyed this second a bit more than the first so I’ll definitely be back for the next book.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I love this series. Hope there are more to come. Solid mystery. The story moved quickly and I wasn't sure what twists and turns the author would take.

This is a solid whodunit for teens. I would not suggest it to a life long mystery reader but someone new would find it exciting and adventurous. The cover is eye catching.

DNF'ed at 50% I actually ended up enjoying the first book in this series but I felt like I was done with the characters by the end. I wish this was more of an anthology where the characters and story got changed up. I jest felt like NOTHING was happening and after reading other's reviews it seems like noting really happens until closer to the end which I don't have time for.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In the Study with the Wrench (a title that I could not remember for the life of me) picked up right after book one, and I remembered nothing. I was hoping for mysteries that stood on their own, as I'm not willing to go back and reread other books in the series. This one was high on romance and drama, low on mystery. So to me, it was just ok.

Six word summary: More murder, more drama at Brookwood!

Loved: This is just such a fun series! Love love the continuation of the color-themed names, even if they are over the top (looking at your Perry!). I loved that we saw a little more development of each of the characters in this sequel. While I definitely prefer the first book, this was still so much fun to read and I will absolutely continue with the series!

Recommend for: Teens and up, fans of murder mysteries, fans of Clue

Reminds me of: Clue (movie) meets Pretty Little Liars.

Verdict: Add it to your TBR!

A fun mystery, perfect for fans of Clue! Diana Peterfreund has crafted another clever outing for her Mystery Crew in this sequel. And while it's not necessary to have seen (and loved) the 1985 Clue film, the author has included several easter eggs and 'red herrings' for true fans.

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the eARC of this sequel! I also received the first one via NetGalley, and I loved how it took the beloved board game and morphed it into a fun, intense, and suspenseful young adult novel. I was so excited to find out that it was going to be a series, and 'In the Study' did not disappoint! We have our 'usual suspects' back and murder seems to follow them. Despite there being familiar faces-- the content is a breath of fresh air; a new exciting plot that will leave you speechless.

I thought that this installment was a good window into how life changes after trauma. The 'Murder Crew' try to go back to their normal lives, but the smell of death follows them like an obedient dog. The group rises to the occasion once another body is discovered, however, and new bonds are forged through it. There are so many twists and turns throughout and nothing is what it seems. Between the new background characters and the further development of the kids we have grown to know and love-- this story is rich in humanity. Despite the fantastical air of it all, it is a novel that has a lot of heart in the midst of the spooks.

This is a perfect fall read-- one that you can break out as the nights get longer and the weather gets colder. I can't say much for fear of spoiling both this one and the previous release, but I will tell you that I am so excited for the third installment. There have been so many popular reimaginings of attractions from the past, but none of them have caught my attention the way Diana's series does. If you like Clue, mystery, and/or the fun elements of YA novels (witty banter, the bittersweet taste of young love, the freedom of a life just starting to begin), then this book should be your next read. Just make sure you take in the 'Knife' first!

'In the Study With the Wrench' was an awesome follow up to 'In the Hall With the Knife!'
Inspired by the board game Clue, this series follows a group of students, dubbed the Murder Crew after their headmaster was found dead before holiday break, as they navigate their return to school and -gasp- another murder!! I loved this story, we got to learn more about each of the crews backstory and yet there are still more questions to be answered!! Especially after that ending! The pacing of the book never stalls and the characters are consistently interesting. A great YA murder mystery that I can't wait dive back into with the next book in the series!

After the death of the headmaster and the storm in the first book, Blackbrook Academy is barely functioning. Half the student population left, the school’s reputation is hanging on a thread, and Orchid, Vaughn, Scarlett, Peacock, Plum, and Mustard are now known as the Murder Crew. When another dead body is found, rumors explode, and the crew is once again in the spotlight. However, nothing is as it seems and there are still secrets left to be uncovered.

What I Loved:
This series, based on Clue, is so fun. In the first book, I loved all the clever inclusions of the characters and how each ‘room’ setting came to life. IN THE STUDY WITH THE WRENCH continues the fun and brings a signature suspense. My favorite part was the relationships between the main characters. Romance is a minor part of the story, but just like in book one, we get really sweet moments of it. From the slow burn build ups to the spontaneous kisses, the romance adds a heightened level of drama to the murder mystery.
Beyond the romance, the tentative friendships were just as compelling. Most of the crew don’t trust easily at best and are experts at driving people away at worst. While the events in book one bonded them, it will clearly take more than one solved mystery to form deep friendships. I also enjoyed the role academic pressures played in their interactions with each other and with themselves.

What Left Me Wanting More:
While I enjoyed all the intersecting relationships between the characters, overall, it felt like none of the characters got the full attention they needed. Balancing an ensemble cast is difficult, and I found myself frequently wishing for more time to dig deeper into each individual character rather than staying closer to the surface to allow everyone page time.
Without giving away any spoilers, the climax and ending felt abrupt and a bit rushed. The mystery didn’t truly feel resolved, even though some answers were provided. In the prior installment, the resolution remained strong while still leaving open mysteries for a sequel, but IN THE STUDY WITH THE WRENCH didn’t have the same force of resolution. However, if the series gets a third book, I would absolutely still be eager to read it.

Final Verdict:
While the ending plot was somewhat lackluster, the characters and the setting proved an enjoyable and fun read that Clue fans will devour.

What a cliffhanger of an ending!

But let's backtrack a bit to the rest of the story: the second book in the Clue-inspired series follows the same Blackbrook students as the first, but while the mystery wrapped up at the end of the first there's a new murder and a new mystery to solve.

Even though the pacing in this book felt slow at times, I really enjoyed reading this because of the characters. I like Orchid, Vaughn, Scarlett, Finn, Beth, Mustard, the whole Murder Crew and the rest. I like that the chapters switch from one character to the next, allowing us to get into their heads and see what they're up to and slowly get more info about the mystery. I do have to say that Orchid and Scarlett are my favorite -- they are very different but I love their sassy friendship. I wasn't sure I would like Orchid and Vaugh's budding romance, but I do -- it's sweet and cute and made all the more complicated by Vaughn having a hidden twin brother.

The resolution of the murder let to an even bigger mystery and more death and now I can't wait to read the third book in the series to find out more!

I pleasantly enjoyed this sequel and surprisingly enjoyed the sequel more than the first book. I’m a huge fan of anything related to Clue, and I loved the direction this story took. In the Study with the Wrench starts off a few weeks after the ending of the first book. Now known as the Murder Crew, the survivors of the events that took place in the first book try to live normal lives after school starts again. But eventually the past catches up to each character and secrets that should have stayed buried are brought to light. Secrets that, of course, lead to another murder. In the Study with the Wrench is a sequel filled with murder, drama, and a dash of romance, and it’s a book that will leave you needing the next installment.

In the Study with the Wrench keeps the Clue retelling going strong and I was living for it all. What was great was that the story naturally flowed together and was constantly developing. It took a direction that presented new conflicts and new twists, but kept true to the characters’ nature and behaviors and kept the readers engaged. There were instances where I thought I knew the direction the story was heading in but then it would take a completely different turn, which was a great surprise. Because of the constantly moving plot and wonderful character dynamics, I had a hard time putting this book down.

Whereas the first book introduced the readers to each of the main characters and extensive character development, the second book provided more plot than character development, which I enjoyed. (*hint, hint*) If you look closely in the first book, you may be able to identify a key foreshadowing for book two. One of the reasons I enjoyed this book more than the first was that each character’s unique voice stayed true to each character. As the reader, I was given the opportunity to further learn more about the characters and become more attached to them. I loved the new side characters and the fun banter between the Murder Crew; it created wonderful dialogue that kept me engaged.

And, of course, the sprinkle of romance in the second book is exactly what I was looking for. The first book set the stage for a romance between two main characters, and I was excited to see that finally unfold bit by bit. It’s enough romance that doesn’t overpower the plot but adds a bit of complexity, especially when one secret threatens to ruin this budding romance. I definitely ship these two characters and I hope to see more of that romance in the next book.

When it comes to the writing, I can tell Peterfreund truly cares about the Clue series with how much love and technique she’s poured into this story. Peterfreund articulates the Clue series so well and wonderfully captures the essence of the Clue game and characters. Plus, I was here for all the pun names, which definitely adds a bit more of fun to the story. Her writing brings the characters to life in a captivating (yet murderous) way that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Overall, with how In the Study with the Wrench ended, I’m eagerly awaiting the third installment in this series. It’s one of those endings that leaves you questioning what really happened and hoping for the best. If you’re a fan of the Clue board game and/or movie, I definitely recommend this series! And if you’re a fan of light mysteries with wonderful character development, then In the Hall with the Knife is a great book to check out!

3.5 stars

The second installment in the Clue Movie-inspired mystery series—another dead body, another mystery to solve, and (unfortunately) a bit too much time spent looking back at the first story.

Concept: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Character development: ★★ 1/2
Pacing: ★★ 1/2

So I really, really enjoyed the first novel in this series, In the Hall with the Knife. I HIGHLY recommend you check that book out if you haven't yet already—it's the perfect nod to the Tim Curry movie and will make you remember the board game fondly.

This book, In the Study with the Wrench, is the second novel in the trilogy. In this one, we're following the aftermath of the first novel as our motley crew of characters at Blackbrook Academy—Mustard, Scarlett, Peacock, Green, Plum, and the "new girl" to the canon Orchid—try to cope and move on from the tragic murder and events following the death of headmaster Boddy.

The group is referred to by the other students as the "Murder Crew" now. And while the group is trying to shuck off that label and ignore their recent past... fate has other plans. They discover another dead body. Again.

What's a group to do but solve another murder?

My thoughts:
So.... this is super painful for me to admit this about one of my most anticipated releases, but I just couldn't love this installment in the same way as the first one. We spend wayyy too much time rehashing the events of the first book. Now, I understand that there needs to be a "recap" grace period at the start of a sequel—it helps us to remember where the story left us if we haven't recently read the first one. But this novel spent 50% of its storyline on rehashing, regrouping, and focusing on the first book.

Because of that, this novel had a hard time standing on its own. I wish it had spent much more time on developing the current murder plotline, and more time on helping the characters grow/adapt. With its stale focus on previous plot, everything felt like one endless waiting room... waiting to wrap up the last story in order to get to the new.

I'm still very excited to read the third book in the series. Hoping this one was just a one-off problem and a victim of sequel syndrome. We'll see! Definitely still check this one out if you enjoyed the first novel—spending more time with the characters was fun.

Thank you to the publisher via NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

While not as unique and clever feeling as the first in the series, I still enjoyed the second book. It felt a little slower paced, and with the rest of the campus being back at school there were a lot of characters introduced. This leaves us with some significant cliffhangers for the next book in the series, and I'm intrigued enough that I'll be wanting to pick that up.

This is the second book in the Clue series by Diana Peterfreund. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series before this one to have a better understanding of the characters and their dynamics. It is a quick read and a great mystery. I highly recommend checking this one out.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! The entire concept of this series delights me in so many ways !! I mean it is YA and it based on my favourite board game!!! It feels like the game has been brought to life with the locations, weapons and characters being given life by this series !! There is so many mini mysteries in the book and as you try to piece together them, another curve ball is thrown your way!! I really appreciate each character and their story and relationship among others in the book!!!

I am so excited for the end of this series!!! ALSO WHAT IS THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC!!!!!

*Thank you to Netgalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I may be partial to this series because I love that its premise is around the game of Clue. I feel like their could be more mystery tied into the story and that they could be connected better. The most dynamic, interesting, and mysterious characters are Orchid and Vaughn, even though we definitely learn more about Orchid's story in this book. I wish the character's mysteries were more interconnected. We have Finn's secrets that are partially known by Scarlet and Mustard and the unanswered questions about what will happen between Orchid and Vaughn if she finds out his secrets. I'm honestly not entirely sure where Peacock fits in, other than the role her life coach provides.

The story is easy to follow and contains enough mystery to make you want to continue reading. However, there were chapters by characters that were a little slow and did not feel like they contributed as much to the plot.

Overall, if you are a fan of Clue or enjoyed the first book, I think you will still enjoy this one as you. For me, I continued to read this book because I was intrigued by the mystery behind Orchid and Vaughn. I'm not really tied to any of the other characters.

Well, I didn't hate In the Study with the Wrench, but I liked it less than its predecessor. It's still a fun romp--assuming you find murder and drama fun--and the references to the Clue movie were great ("Why would he want to kill you public?"), but there was something missing. Maybe it's the curse of the sequel, but it felt like there was too much going on. Although there's still only one big mystery to solve, all the little mysteries and side plots slowed down the pacing. Additionally, whereas book 1 had all the Murder Crew trapped together in one place, there are a lot more settings to experience here, and there's a lack of cohesion that didn't keep me as glued to the page.

That being said, I still enjoyed the characters and the fact that each of the Murder Crew still gets their own point of view. I did like seeing how the antics from the last book affected their relationships and personalities, but it sometimes felt as if there was some back-sliding on the character development. Furthermore, after seeing how keeping secrets negatively impacted the proceedings in the first book, I wished that more secrets were shared in this book and that the plot was focused on dealing with those reveals instead of keeping that for book 3. And speaking of book 3, this book ends on an interesting cliffhanger (fairly literally, actually), and I am looking forward to seeing how everything plays out.

All in all, I feel like this trilogy should've been a duology. A lot of In the Study with the Wrench feels like filler, and while there are some highlights, I don't think the plot progressed enough. I also think the pacing was too slow to start before bringing in all the action at the end. I will certainly be reading Book 3 to find out how things resolves for the Murder Crew, but this trilogy won't be making it to my favorites shelf.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and couldn’t wait to delve into this installment. I was a little torn as I read through this as I, for the most part, enjoyed the story, but felt that it was nowhere near up to par with the first.

The characters were all back and in full swing as we jump right in where we left off with the “Murder Crew”. I liked learning a little more about each character and I really liked that Peacock was given a little more personality in this installment. I did find that there was way too much teen drama and not enough murder solving going on. The murder seems to fall to the wayside often and get picked up when the plot gets stale. Orchid’s worry about revealing her identity to Scarlett is talked about way more than the murder and becomes very old very quickly for example.

Blackbrook School remained the same from the first book but lost a bit of its eeriness without the storm. It was also more approachable with the whole school open and the seclusion of Tudor House lost. I missed the secret passage and spooky antics that accompanied the first book.

The little references to the Clue movie were also very lacking. I loved so much seeing them in the first novel and picturing the scene in my mind. There were a few throughout this book, but not nearly enough.

I am hoping that the next book brings back the ambiance and fun of the first book and that we can continue on with this series. I would hate to say that I disliked this book, because I didn’t, but I think that the first book was so good that my expectations were way above what this second book provided. Will still purchase for the library and can hopefully get my patrons to keep reading with me!