The Subject of Malice by Cynthia Kuhn–book 4 in the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery series–is now available wherever books are sold!
Here’s what it’s about:
The organizers have rustled up plenty of surprises for the literary conference at Tattered Star Ranch. But the murder of an influential scholar wasn’t on the program—someone has clearly taken the theme of Malice in the Mountains to heart. This shocking crime is only the beginning: other dangers and deceptions are soon revealed.
English professor Lila Maclean has a full agenda: she must convince a press to publish her book (possibly), ace her panel presentations (hopefully), and deal with her nemesis (regrettably). However, when Detective Lex Archer requests Lila’s academic expertise, she agrees to consult on the case. While her contributions earn high marks from her partner, it could be too late; the killer is already taking aim at the next subject. As Lila races to keep her colleagues alive, publish or perish takes on new meaning.
Here’s what people are saying about it:
“A pure delight from page one. Cynthia Kuhn’s Lila Maclean mysteries will cure what ails you. Funny and fantastic.” — Becky Clark, author of the Mystery Writer’s Mysteries
“An intelligent, witty mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end.” — Libby Klein, Author of the Poppy McAllister Mysteries
“Lila’s latest adventure is full of high drama and high crimes. Such FUN!” — Julie Mulhern, USA TODAY bestselling author of the Country Club Murders
“A twisty mystery with a gentle, gracious humor and a touch of whimsy. Reading it is like spending the afternoon with a best friend.” — Keenan Powell, Lefty and Agatha nominated author of the Maeve Malloy mystery series
“Smart, action-packed, and immensely satisfying. . . I love this series, and it just keeps getting better.” —Wendy Tyson, author of Rooted in Deceit
“Absolutely addictive.” — Kathleen Valenti, Lefty and Agatha nominated author of the Maggie O’Malley Mysteries
Here’s your VIP ticket for the launch party:
You’re invited to the Facebook launch party hosted by A Cozy Experience! Join us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24, for fun, special guests, and giveaways!
5 pm Pacific / 6 pm Mountain / 7 pm Central / 8 pm Eastern
In the meantime, please visit the event page, click “going,” and invite your friends! The more, the merrier.
Once the party begins, all you have to do is click on the discussions tab to participate!
And here’s where you can find it:
Amazon: amzn.to/30kTwjL
Barnes and Noble: bit.ly/2HmURil
IndieBound: bit.ly/2YCCa07
iTunes: https://apple.co/2VQe1kH
Kobo: bit.ly/2JKhZce
Bookbub: https://bit.ly/2VMqeqJ
Goodreads: bit.ly/2W7u0iu
Hope you can join us tomorrow! For today–a giveaway question ($10 amazon gift card, selected by random number generator)–if you’ve read this series, which book has been your favorite so far and why? If you haven’t, what’s your favorite book with an academic setting and why? Comment below to be entered and the winner will be posted in the thread tomorrow.

Happy book birthday, Cynthia! I’m horribly behind on everyone’s series, so I’ve only read the first two Lila books. I’d have to say the first was probably my favorite. Your descriptions of all those meetings Lila had to attend and the people she had to deal with in her department were just so funny.
Thank you, Marla! Nothing academia loves more than a meeting, ha.
Christmas in July? I think so. I have been waiting all summer. Like everyone else, can’t wait for more!!!
Oh, yay! That’s so nice! Thank you, Etta!
My favorite is the first book in the series. I loved meeting Lila, she’s a great main character.
That’s so lovely to hear–thank you, Christi!!
Happy book birthday, Cynthia! The Subject of Malice downloaded to my Kindle app this morning. I like book 3 the best although I am sure I will enjoy reading your newest book, too!
Hi Grace and thank you for the book birthday wishes! So hope you enjoy #4.
Can’t wait to celebrate tomorrow!
Can’t wait, can’t wait! Hope everyone can make it to the party!
Congratulations, Cynthia! It is a delightful book and I’m sure everyone will love it as much as I did.
Thank you so much for being for being an early reader (and kind supporter)!!
Happiest of book birthdays, Cynthia! I loved this book and am so happy that it’s out in the world for everyone to enjoy!! <3 Hugs, champagne toasts, and confetti all around!
*Clinks glass* Thank you for your sweet enthusiasm and for being an early reader too!
Yay — happy book birthday, Cynthia!!
Thank you, V!!
Yippeeeee!! So excited about the new book, Cynthia! AND the PARTY tomorrow night! Come one, come all; it’s going to be a blast!
Thank you, Leslie! Can’t wait for party time!!
My review is coming tomorrow. Spoiler alert: I give it an A+. This is my favorite in the series to date, and I’m already anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Thank you so much, Mark (and oh wow…that spoiler alert made tears spring into my eyes just now…absolutely thrilled that you liked it)!!
Wonderful, Cynthia! Congratulations and much success with the new book!
Thank you, Karen! Much appreciated!
Doing a happy dance here for you and SUBJECT OF MALICE, Cynthia! And also for the rest of us, of course, because we get to read it. Lila is one of my favorite sleuths–and you can’t beat campus (and conference) intrigue! Can’t wait to celebrate at your FB party tomorrow!!!!
Aw, thank you, Lisa! So honored and happy about you all coming to the FB party! Can’t wait.
Congratulations!! I love this series SO much!! Can’t wait to read the new addition, which should be syncing up to my Kindle as I write this!! xoxoxo
Yay–and thank you so much, El! Beyond grateful!!
It’s hard to choose a favorite. But maybe, if I had to, it would be The Art of Vanishing. Just because Violet O is so wonderful! Congratulations on the latest release!
-Melanie
Thank you, Melanie! Very much appreciate the kind comments (and Violet O. is one of my fave characters to write…the things she says surprise me regularly).
I haven’t started this series yet but it looks delightful. Amelia Peabody and her Husband are in the academic field as Egyptologists right off the top of my head and I loved that series. But Jessica in Murder She Wrote also teaches and I love that series too…
Marilyn
ewatvess@yahoo.com
Hi Marilyn! Thank you for the comment. Loved both of those series!
I haven’t read this series yet, but plan to. My favorite books in an academic setting would be the Harry Potter series. Legallyblonde1961 at yahoo dot com
YES! Hogwarts is a most amazing academic setting indeed! Thank you!
MELANIE, you are the randomly selected winner of the giveaway! Check for an email soon. Thank you so much, everyone, for celebrating #4 today!! xoxo