Zoe B Wallbrook’s debut novel “History Lessons” introduces readers to Professor Daphne Ouverture, a newly minted junior history professor specializing in French colonialism at the prestigious Harrison University. What begins as Daphne’s mundane academic life—giving lectures on nineteenth-century European imperialism, grading papers, and enduring catastrophic dates—transforms into a deadly puzzle when her colleague Sam Taylor is murdered, and she becomes the prime suspect’s unlikely investigator.
The novel expertly balances the cozy comfort of academic life with genuine thriller elements, creating a mystery that feels both intellectually engaging and viscerally suspenseful. Wallbrook demonstrates an impressive command of both academic satire and crime fiction conventions, crafting a narrative that never feels derivative despite drawing from familiar genre elements.
The Compelling Protagonist: Daphne Ouverture
Daphne emerges as a refreshingly authentic academic heroine. As a Black French history professor navigating the predominantly white institution of Harrison University, she faces the familiar challenges of academic life while maintaining her scholarly integrity and personal boundaries. Wallbrook skillfully portrays the isolation many junior academics experience—Daphne’s self-described existence as a “crazy dog lady” alternating between campus obligations and home life with her dog Chloe rings remarkably true.
The author’s portrayal of Daphne’s expertise in eighteenth-century Black families in France provides both narrative authenticity and thematic depth. Her research background becomes integral to the plot, as her historian’s instincts for uncovering truth and contextualizing evidence prove essential to solving Sam’s murder. This integration of academic expertise into the mystery-solving process feels organic rather than forced, distinguishing “History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook from mysteries that merely use academic settings as backdrop.
Daphne’s romantic struggles add genuine humor and relatability to her character. Her disastrous date recounting Belgian colonial atrocities over dinner provides some of the novel’s funniest moments while simultaneously highlighting her passionate commitment to historical truth—even when it kills the mood.
A Mystery with Meaningful Stakes
The central mystery surrounding Sam Taylor’s murder evolves from a straightforward whodunit into a complex exploration of power dynamics, sexual assault, and institutional complicity. Sam initially appears as Harrison University’s golden boy—a charismatic anthropology professor and media pundit advocating for prison abolition. However, as Daphne investigates, a darker picture emerges of a predator who used his position to exploit vulnerable women, particularly students of color.
Wallbrook handles these sensitive themes with remarkable nuance. The revelation that Sam was a serial abuser doesn’t diminish the complexity of his character or reduce him to a simple villain. Instead, the author examines how institutions can simultaneously champion progressive causes while harboring dangerous individuals. The ultimate revelation that his fiancée Molly Henderson killed him with a meat hammer after witnessing him assault a student creates a morally ambiguous conclusion that resists easy answers.
The supporting mystery involving Andrew Westmount’s prison corruption scheme and his attempts to retrieve incriminating evidence from Sam adds political thriller elements that elevate the stakes beyond campus intrigue. The connection between academic research and real-world corruption feels plausible and urgent.
Romance That Complements Rather Than Dominates
The romantic subplot between Daphne and Rowan, the former detective turned bookseller, develops with satisfying authenticity. Their shared love of literature—particularly their book exchange relationship and discussions of Toni Morrison’s work—creates a foundation of intellectual compatibility that feels genuine rather than contrived.
Rowan’s background as an ex-detective who chose bookselling over policing provides an interesting character dynamic. His gentle, thoughtful approach to both books and people contrasts appealingly with the aggressive masculinity represented by Sam Taylor. The romantic tension builds naturally through their investigative partnership, culminating in genuinely steamy moments that feel earned rather than obligatory.
The relationship benefits from Wallbrook’s restraint—romance enhances the story without overwhelming the mystery elements. Their passionate encounter in the library during the climactic confrontation strikes exactly the right note of danger and desire.
Academic Satire with Genuine Affection
Wallbrook demonstrates insider knowledge of academic culture, creating satirical moments that feel loving rather than mean-spirited. The faculty meeting where critical theorist Olaf delivers incomprehensible jargon about toilet paper policies perfectly captures academic pretension while maintaining sympathy for the characters involved.
The portrayal of Harrison University feels authentic, from the competitive dynamics between departments to the pressure facing junior faculty like Daphne. Miranda Nurse, the history department chair who shields Daphne from excessive committee obligations, represents the kind of academic mentor many scholars desperately need. Chef Marcel, the Haitian dining hall employee who commands respect from faculty through his culinary authority, provides delightful commentary on academic hierarchies.
These details ground the fantastic elements of the murder mystery in recognizable academic reality, making the extraordinary circumstances feel believable within the established world.
Writing Style: Accessible Excellence
Wallbrook’s prose strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and sophistication. Her writing style mirrors Daphne’s academic voice—intelligent and well-informed without being pretentious or exclusionary. The author demonstrates particular skill in integrating historical knowledge naturally into the narrative, whether Daphne is explaining colonial rubber production to a bored date or connecting Sam’s cryptic text message to Henri Charrière’s “Papillon.”
The pacing maintains steady momentum while allowing for character development and academic world-building. Dialogue feels natural and distinctive for each character, from Daphne’s thoughtful observations to Sadie’s blunt pronouncements about dating and politics.
Areas for Critical Consideration
While “History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook succeeds admirably as a debut, certain elements could benefit from refinement. The resolution involving multiple criminal enterprises—Molly’s vigilante justice, Westmount’s prison corruption, and the various harassment cases—occasionally feels overstuffed. Some readers might find the convergence of these plot threads slightly convenient, though Wallbrook handles the complexity with admirable skill.
Additionally, while the academic setting is well-rendered, some of the university politics and administrative details may feel dense to readers unfamiliar with higher education. However, these elements serve the story’s authenticity rather than detracting from the mystery.
The climactic confrontation in the art museum, while suspenseful, relies somewhat heavily on coincidental timing and Daphne’s ability to overcome trained adversaries. Though the author provides reasonable explanations, some readers might find these moments stretch plausibility.
Cultural and Social Commentary
Beyond its entertainment value, “History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook offers thoughtful commentary on contemporary social issues. The novel’s exploration of sexual assault in academic institutions feels particularly relevant, addressing how predators exploit power dynamics while institutions prioritize reputation over victim protection.
The book also examines racial dynamics within predominantly white academic spaces, showing how Daphne navigates both overt and subtle forms of discrimination. Her relationship with students of color and her commitment to supporting victims of assault demonstrate academic responsibility beyond classroom obligations.
The prison corruption subplot connects to broader conversations about criminal justice reform, showing how good intentions can be exploited by malicious actors. Sam’s public advocacy for prison abolition while privately engaging in predatory behavior illustrates the gap between progressive rhetoric and personal conduct.
Comparison to Genre Contemporaries
“History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook joins a growing subgenre of academic mysteries that includes works by authors like Elizabeth Peters, Gillian Flynn’s academic elements, and more recent entries like Sarah Stewart Taylor’s academic police procedurals. Wallbrook’s contribution distinguishes itself through its focus on a Black female protagonist in French colonial history and its integration of contemporary social justice themes.
The novel shares DNA with cozy mysteries in its academic setting and ensemble cast, but the serious treatment of sexual assault and institutional corruption gives it more weight than typical cozy fare. It feels more akin to Kellye Garrett’s Hollywood mysteries or Naomi Hirahara’s Japanese-American detective fiction in its blend of cultural specificity and universal appeal.
Recommendations for Similar Reads
Readers who enjoy “History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook should consider:
- Kellye Garrett’s Hollywood Homicide series – Features a Black female protagonist solving mysteries while navigating predominantly white professional spaces
- Naomi Hirahara’s Mas Arai series – Combines cultural identity with mystery-solving in contemporary settings
- Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series – Academic elements and character-driven mysteries with social commentary
- Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series – Academic archaeology meets mystery with strong female protagonists
- Sarah Stewart Taylor’s Maggie D’arcy series – Academic connections and complex family dynamics in mystery settings
- Ausma Zehanat Khan’s Esa Khattak series – Diverse protagonists tackling serious social issues through crime fiction
Final Verdict
“History Lessons” announces Zoe B Wallbrook as a significant new voice in mystery fiction. The novel succeeds both as entertainment and social commentary, offering readers a compelling mystery wrapped in authentic academic detail and meaningful cultural observations. While debut novels often struggle to balance multiple elements, Wallbrook demonstrates impressive control over her material.
The book rewards readers seeking intelligent mystery fiction that doesn’t condescend to its audience. Academic readers will appreciate the authentic portrayal of university life, while general mystery fans will find a well-constructed puzzle with satisfying resolution.
Despite minor structural issues common to debut works, “History Lessons” establishes a strong foundation for what promises to be an engaging series. Daphne Ouverture deserves further adventures, and readers will eagerly anticipate her return to solve whatever mysteries await at Harrison University.
The novel ultimately argues that understanding history—both personal and institutional—remains essential for addressing contemporary injustices. In Daphne’s capable hands, the historian’s pursuit of truth becomes both academic calling and moral imperative, making “History Lessons” by Zoe B Wallbrook a mystery novel with genuine substance beneath its entertaining surface.
Highly recommended for readers of academic mysteries, contemporary crime fiction with social commentary, and anyone seeking diverse voices in mystery fiction.