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K.D. Upton

Graded for Murder

Graded for Murder

Regular price $18.99 USD
Regular price $19.99 USD Sale price $18.99 USD
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Criminology student Kaitlynn Dahl faces her toughest exam yet: solve a murder or become the next victim!

Still grieving the loss of a dear friend, Kaitlynn seeks refuge in the thrilling world of crime solving, and when she's offered the chance to take part in a murder mystery dinner hosted by her professor in a grand Victorian mansion, she jumps at the distraction. But what begins as a game of Clue soon turns into a deadly reality.

As the lights flicker and go out, the guests find themselves locked in a sinister escape room with a killer on the loose. The exits are sealed and the windows barred. There is no escape. And as the body count rises, Kaitlynn realizes that the murderer has a deadly arsenal of guns, knives, and all things lethal.

With no one to trust, and her own life on the line, Kaitlynn must dig deep to unravel the clues and reveal the shocking truth. And as she uncovers a well-kept secret linked to her friend's death, she realizes that the killer may be closer than she ever imagined.

Can Kaitlynn solve the mystery before it's too late? Or will she become the next victim in this deadly game of murder?

 

Graded for Murder is a short and exciting one-day read that introduces you to Kaitlynn Dahl, a scrappy, strong female lead with the skills to deduce whodunnit. Perfect for readers who like tough and determined amateur sleuths.

Read Kaitlynn Dahl’s first adventure today!
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Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
83%
(5)
17%
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A
Anonymous
great start to a mystery series

this was a wonderfully done mystery novel, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the mystery aspect going on in this book. I look forward to more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A
Anonymous
A fun, modern, YA mystery

My daughter has long been a fan of Nancy Drew stories, though so many of them are so very dated. This new YA mystery book satisfied her desire for a mystery, and was much more present day, more current, more hip, more enjoyable. A college student, Kaitlynn, attends a Mystery Dinner party hosted by one of her professors, and ends up solving an actual mystery, filled with danger and twists, in the process. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys YA mysteries.

A
Anonymous
Like the first installment!

Graded for Murder held my interest to the turning of the last page! K.D. Upton’s ability to have multiple plots throughout the book kept the twists and turns of the mystery engaging. The dialogue is rich with imagery in a Sherlock Holmes type of theme. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the Kaitlynn Dahl Mystery series.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A
Anonymous
Good mystery

This was an enjoyable mystery. I liked that Kait was finally able to stand up for herself with her mother. I was really upset with how her mom bullied her and her audacity and demands! I was a bit disappointed in her dad not backing her, but luckily she had a supportive grandma and bff to help bolster her. I felt bad for Olivia. I voluntarily read a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. I would read more by this author.

E
E.P.
Fun read

This was a fun read. An throw back to college memories and a dinner party that you want to be a part of.

Based on 26 reviews
88%
(23)
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Enjoyable Read and Characters

This was an enjoyable read with lots of interesting and fun characters. The story kept me involved and wanting to learn more about the characters and story. This is not my typical read so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I hope to see a second book to find out how the story continues.

I was given a free copy from the author, but the views expressed are my own.

Ominous Visions

This was a great overall feel to this book, it had a great plot overall and that it worked in the mystery genre. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and what was going on with the plot. K.D. Upton has a great writing style and it worked with the genre. I can't wait to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A new-to-me author and that is always a gamble, but it paid off big time!

I was pulled in right from the start. And that is always a good sign. I loved Sky. The story was well written and well developed. I did NOT want to stop reading EVER! The investigation was well done and had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Great find!

Secrets exposed...

Wow, from Chapter 1, the reader will absolutely be glued to the story line as we read of Hazel Wren’s last horrific moments facing her killer! With her last ounce of strength, fueled by desperation, she slips a note in the pocket of a sweater, hoping Sky would find it in time.

Skylar Night (“Sky”) made some scones to thank Nuri for investing in her herbal remedy store and cafe a year ago. She is chatting with Nuri and Willow when Trixie Diamond appears. Trixie looked at Sky. Sky’s phone rang and Trixie muttered that this would hurt, something bad has happened. Then her face drained of color and she reached for Sky saying she was so sorry. As Sky said hello, a familiar voice told her she had to come home; her Great Aunt Hazel is dead. Ophelia would pick her up when the plane landed and bring her home. Sky asked Nuri to run the shop for the next week. Trixie, Willow, and Nuri, her friends, put up the closed sign on her door and all three told her they would be going with her. She couldn’t do this alone. And Nuri had already called in someone else to run the shop for her. Then they all bundled into the car and headed for Raven's Hollow and all its secrets, one which will be quite surprising to Sky. With the police doing little about the murder, her friends would be joining her in their own investigation. Time may be running out and their own lives might be in danger as well if they can’t figure this out.

I couldn't put this book down.

This book has it all from the mystery, adventure, assassins, and more. I couldn't put this book down. I didn't get my house cleaned because of how much this book dragged me into it. This is the 1st book of the Protectorate Series and I look forward to reading more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I loved every minute of this book.

Anna was involved in an accident, and she wakes up in a hospital. She is unsure what has happened. This incident is just the start of the chaos that becomes her life. Angels, assassins and time travel! This book is filled with action and adventure. The characters are amazing, and the plot is engrossing. I loved every minute of this book.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

The Protectorate is a gripping introduction to a series

The Protectorate, the first book in The Protectorate Series by K.D. Upton, immerses readers in a world where everything Anna thought she knew is turned upside down. After a traumatic Jeep accident, Anna is rescued by a mysterious man and wakes up in a hospital room with beeping machines and her disheveled mother by her side. However, she soon realizes that her reality is far from ordinary.

As Anna navigates dilapidated hallways and finds herself pursued by assassins, she discovers that angels walk among humans and time travel is a reality. Her life takes a drastic turn as she is thrust into a dangerous game of secrets and deception. With only a voice to guide her, she escapes her pursuers and finds refuge in an underground establishment called Department 126.

But what exactly is Department 126, and why are they keeping Anna against her will? As she faces bullets and black-clad enemies, she begins to question whether she has escaped one evil only to find herself trapped in another.

K.D. Upton masterfully builds suspense and intrigue in The Protectorate, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Anna's journey of discovery and survival. The fast-paced narrative, filled with action and danger, propels the story forward and leaves readers eager to unravel the secrets of Department 126.

Through vivid descriptions and skillful storytelling, Upton creates a world where ancient family secrets can be deadly and trust becomes a rare commodity. The intricate plot twists and turns, providing constant surprises and keeping readers guessing until the final pages.

The Protectorate is a gripping introduction to a series that delves into the realms of angels, time travel, and hidden agendas. K.D. Upton's ability to combine elements of suspense, fantasy, and mystery make this book a thrilling read for fans of action-packed adventures. Prepare to embark on a journey where nothing is as it seems and danger lurks around every corner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A great start to a hopefully long series.

A great start to a hopefully long series. Scotland, archeology and a murder, what more could you ask for in a new adventure series.the original leader has a fatal accident. When she gets to the site many things don't add up and instead of the fun and excitement of her first major dig she is investigating her friends "accident" and missing artifacts.
An easy exciting adventure that is the beginning of a enjoyable new series.

Suspenseful!

Suspenseful! Who’s killing off people related to an archeological dig? Why are they being killed?

An amazing beginning to a new series.

An amazing beginning to a new series. Murder, intrigue and interesting characters that keep you wanting to learn more.

What a fabulous book this was!

What a fabulous book this was! I was hooked from the very first page until the last. Wonderful characters throughout and a lovely supernatural twist at the end. I can't wait to read more in this series. Highly recommended!

Exciting, intriguing read, and educational to boot.

A new-to-me author, whose blurb drew me in and definitely no regrets there. Dr Day, American anthropologist, whose bucket list included a dig site in Scotland, was over the moon when she was selected to replace the lead recently deceased Dr Pinnick. A chance in a lifetime, but was it a chance or was she manipulated into being chosen and perhaps framed for theft and murder.

Exciting, intriguing read, and educational to boot. Great background setting and lets to learn about archeology, without the boring stuff and murder thrown in - What's not to like?!

A
Key to Murder
Anonymous
The best in this series!

This book is the third in the Kaitlynn Dahl series, and I have to admit that having read all three, "Key To Murder" is my favorite of the series. My daughter is also a mystery fan, and she has also greatly enjoyed this whole 3 book series. There was a twist at the end which I didn't see coming, even though looking back there were clues dropped in the story, and I think the twist was what made me love this book the most. An excellent YA mystery.

A
Key to Murder
Anonymous
The best in this series!

This book is the third in the Kaitlynn Dahl series, and I have to admit that having read all three, "Key To Murder" is my favorite of the series. My daughter is also a mystery fan, and she has also greatly enjoyed this whole 3 book series. There was a twist at the end which I didn't see coming, even though looking back there were clues dropped in the story, and I think the twist was what made me love this book the most. An excellent YA mystery.

A
Key to Murder
Anonymous
I love the Kaitlynn Dahl Mysteries series

I love the Kaitlynn Dahl Mysteries series and this worked so well in the series. It does what a good mystery should and worked in the series. The characters had what I was looking for and am glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A
Key to Murder
Anonymous
This is by far one of my favorite cozy mystery series.

This is by far one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Kaitlynn is once again in the thick of things as she tries to solve the murder of her best friend’s father. There is always a personal aspect of why Kaitlynn is so driven to solve the murder which keeps an edge of suspense while reading. I also like the flirty and underlying current of emotions between Kaitlynn and the detective, Zack. Max, although dead, is always in Kaitlynn’s thoughts which helps guide her to solving the case. An enjoyable read!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

this was another great entry in the Kaitlynn Dahl Mysteries series

this was another great entry in the Kaitlynn Dahl Mysteries series, I enjoyed how well this mystery was. I had enjoyed the first book a lot and was glad it was continuing. The story worked so well and it did what I was hoping for after the first book. I hope this continues as these two books have been strong.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Who Killed Max Stone . . .

Kaitlynn Dahl is a professional photographer working at a photo studio, mostly taking photos of children. But when she is called out of a tech convention to help the detectives by photographing a dead body, she is in for a surprise. The victim she needs to photograph is her friend, Max Stone!

Kaitlynn quickly notices Max’s bracelet is unaccounted for in the evidence, and there is a button missing off his cuff. But when the cops decide not to pursue this, not seeing any “foul play”, Kaitlynn knows she will have to investigate on her own. Will she find the clues she needs to track down the killer? Is she putting herself at risk? And why is Detective Knight interfering with her? And then he tells her there has been a second murder… and the female victim was wearing Max’s missing bracelet!!

Enjoyable and engrossing modern day murder mystery.

This book is a very engrossing follow up to "Graded for Murder", the first book in this series, though this book works well as a stand-alone story as well. My daughter has long been a fan of Nancy Drew stories, but so many of them are so very dated. This new YA mystery book series has satisfied her desire for mystery, while being much more present day, more current, more hip, more enjoyable. It centers on the continuing adventures of Kaitlynn Dahl, who is now working at a photo studio, and has to solve the mystery of the murder of one of her close friends. Very well written and enjoyable.

A tear jerker cozy mystery

From the first chapter my attention was grabbed and it didn’t end until the final sentence of this book! There were so many things happening and through it all Kaitlynn kept her focus on solving the murder. I was surprised, shocked, laughed, and also experienced some sadness while reading this book. It was a winner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

great start to a mystery series

this was a wonderfully done mystery novel, the characters were great and I really enjoyed the mystery aspect going on in this book. I look forward to more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

A fun, modern, YA mystery

My daughter has long been a fan of Nancy Drew stories, though so many of them are so very dated. This new YA mystery book satisfied her desire for a mystery, and was much more present day, more current, more hip, more enjoyable. A college student, Kaitlynn, attends a Mystery Dinner party hosted by one of her professors, and ends up solving an actual mystery, filled with danger and twists, in the process. I would recommend this for anyone who enjoys YA mysteries.

Like the first installment!

Graded for Murder held my interest to the turning of the last page! K.D. Upton’s ability to have multiple plots throughout the book kept the twists and turns of the mystery engaging. The dialogue is rich with imagery in a Sherlock Holmes type of theme. Can’t wait to read the next installment of the Kaitlynn Dahl Mystery series.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Good mystery

This was an enjoyable mystery. I liked that Kait was finally able to stand up for herself with her mother. I was really upset with how her mom bullied her and her audacity and demands! I was a bit disappointed in her dad not backing her, but luckily she had a supportive grandma and bff to help bolster her. I felt bad for Olivia. I voluntarily read a free copy of this and am giving an honest review. I would read more by this author.

Fun read

This was a fun read. An throw back to college memories and a dinner party that you want to be a part of.