Reviewing: History Lessons by Zoe. B. Wallbrook

Read time: 2 minutes

📚 Genre: Cozy Mystery
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙 Narrated by: Jasmin Walker
⏱ Duration: 10 hours
🏷 Publisher: Soho Crime
🎧 Audio-book Publisher: Recorded Books
📖 Part of Goodreads Challenge: Heart-Warmers (Cozy Books for Fall Reading)

Book Blurb:

History Lesson by Zoe B. Wallbrook starts off as an academic cozy mystery filled with small-town intrigue. University professor Daphne Reed stumbles into a chilling puzzle when a colleague is murdered under suspicious circumstances. Drawn into secrets of academic rivalries, hidden pasts, and a web of lies, Daphne must piece together clues before the killer strikes again. With its college campus setting and blend of intellectual intrigue and small-town charm, this mystery seems perfect for fans of fall cozy reads.

Let’s talk about the book:

On paper, History Lesson promised everything I love about a cozy: a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth, an atmospheric campus backdrop, and an audio-book narration that pulls you in. Jasmin Walker’s voice gave the story a warm, inviting tone, and the early chapters (about 40%) unfolded with a steady, engaging build.

But then, things took a very sharp turn. Instead of the lighthearted cozy mystery I signed up for, the book suddenly dove into unsettling territory of stalking, voyeurism, and even sexual assault, all without any trigger warning. The tonal shift was jarring, and it left me completely unprepared. What should have been a comforting fall cozy mystery audio-book became an overwhelming and uncomfortable read.

Daphne’s reactions to these dark events also felt strangely flat. At times, I found myself more shaken than the protagonist, which broke my connection with her journey. The victim’s character arc from intriguing conspiracy-holder to manipulative creep felt equally disjointed.

I’ll be honest: I skipped sections out of discomfort, and maybe that clouded some of my understanding. But the lack of cozy warmth, clarity, and heart made this a frustrating read. It was pitched as part of a “Heart-Warmers” cozy challenge, but it didn’t deliver on that promise.

Would I recommend it?

If you’re looking for a classic cozy mystery audiobook full of charm, quirky characters, and gentle suspense, this isn’t it. Sensitive listeners especially should proceed with caution. This cozy goes uncomfortably dark.

Your thoughts on cozy gone dark?

Have you ever picked up a cozy mystery that veered off into something much darker? Did you read History Lesson by Zoe B. Wallbrook and maybe enjoy it where I didn’t? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop a comment and let’s chat about when cozy mysteries cross the line.

Book links:

Amazon CA
Goodreads
Follow Zoe B. Wallbrook on her author page
Check out other books by Caledon Books and Soho Crime Books