Dying for Attention

In short story author Shannon’s first full-length mystery, Boston investigative reporter Matthew “Chug” O’Malley gets a job as a substitute English teacher to write an article about the life of a typical high school. Prescott High proves to be nothing like Chug imagined; soon he must deal with sexual advances from students, nasty messages from an anonymous stalker, and the murder of two students. Over Principal Prosky’s objections, he turns over the threatening letters to the police, which leads to Chug helping rookie detective Sgt. Miranda Cusack investigate the homicides. His involvement is partly motivated by his strong attraction to Miranda, but after the bloody ax murder of a popular faculty member, Chug realizes that he may be in over his head. Moreover, he may be the killer’s next target. There is little depth here, but the book should appeal to those looking for a quick read with plenty of sex and violence. (Feb.)