Lessons in Death, Sophie McKenzie
Lessons in Death, Sophie McKenzie
List: $14.99 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.49

Lessons in Death
A thrilling new murder-mystery series

Author: Sophie McKenzie

Series: Murder Academy #1

Narrator: Sarah Ovens

Unabridged: 4 hr 55 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 10/23/2025


Synopsis

The first book in a new murder-mystery school series set at Mayfield Academy from Sophie McKenzie, the bestselling author of million-copy-seller, Girl Missing. 

It’s a week into the summer term, the last day of April, and murder is the last thing on my mind . . .

Life at Mayfield Academy seems normal enough – that is until Georgia discovers the drama teacher, dead, in the school library. Then, when she goes back to look for him, having gone for help, his body has vanished.

Georgia knows what she saw, but only her best friend Billy believes her.

Determined to find out what has gone on, Georgia and Billy hunt for evidence with new girl, Wren. But with friendship dynamics also at play there’s a lot more at stake than dead bodies. And it’s not long before it becomes clear that someone is prepared to go to any lengths to stop their investigation . . .

Praise for Girl, Missing:

'Page-turning' The Independent
'Will have you gripped for hours' Sunday Express
'Please read this book: it is brilliant!; The Guardian
'Whenever I hear the phrase YA thriller I only ever think of one name - and that's Sophie Mckenzie. Why? Because noboody does it better' Phil Earle, award-winning author
'Sophie's thrillers are brilliant... you can't stop reading' Robert Muchamore, bestselling author
'Brilliantly described, scary and touching' The Daily Mirror

10 YEARS OF AWARDS FOR Girl, Missing
Manchester Children's Book Awards
Bolton Children's Book Award
Soilhill Book Award
Winner of the Sakura Medal
Red House Children's Book Award
Richard and Judy Best Kids' Book
Lewisham Children's Book Award

 

About Sophie McKenzie

 Sophie McKenzie was born and brought up in London, where she still lives with her teenage son. She has worked as a journalist and a magazine editor, and now writes full time. She has tallied up numerous award wins and has twice been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Cyd’s Books on September 08, 2025

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 3.25 stars. This is a fun fast paced YA mystery with A Good Girls Guide to Murder vibes with a little Pretty Little Liars sprinkled in there. I like the plot and the characters, it was an easy engaging read. I......more

Goodreads review by Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) on September 17, 2025

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐ Lessons in Death wasn’t quite what I expected, but it turned out to be a surprisingly entertaining read—I finished it in just one day! There’s something about the story that kept me flipping pages, despite a few bumps I found along the way. The mystery itself was pretty engaging.......more

Goodreads review by Roanreads on September 23, 2025

This was a quick and enjoyable book to read. However, I wished it were longer and went more in-depth. The overall plot was well done, but I found the investigation to be a bit rushed due to the length of the book. I found the ending to be particularly rushed, especially the last chapter, as we didn’t......more

Goodreads review by Emily on September 03, 2025

I received an ARC from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! When I requested this book I thought it was going to be a teen/YA murder mystery as on NetGalley it’s labelled as children’s fiction AND teen and YA. Therefore, I acknowledge that this low rating is partl......more

Goodreads review by Nicola on September 14, 2025

This has set itself up to be an addicting and interesting series to come. I read this on the train in pretty much one sitting and it made the miles go past really quickly! I got lost into the story of murder and intrigue and would also be suitable for younger readers as well as YA as it was simple ye......more