“Sexy, scary and sharp-tongued, Amy Bloom’s spin on PI noir stings like a bee.”–Val McDermid

This entertaining, sexy adventure in not-so-dark academia checks all the classic detective-story boxes. Keep ‘em coming.–Kirkus Reviews

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More In the Press:

The New York Times

Blunt Instrument, the first in a new mystery series by Bloom, startled me in the best possible way… Bloom takes pure pleasure in Dell’s complicated feelings about academia, how it’s tied to it’s relationship to her father, and how reckoning with this past while investigating a bristly killing is bound to throw serious emotional curve balls. This is rich terrain, and I’m eager for Bloom to delve deeper in future installments.
–Sarah Weinman

The Boston Globe

The first crime novel from Bloom introduces Dell Chandler, English prof turned P.I., investigating the murder of a faculty member at a small Connecticut college. Who bonked Oliver Bullfinch with a bust of Nathaniel Hawthorne? Bloom’s writing is witty and winsome as ever.

The Los Angeles Times:

Bloom’s first foray into crime fiction nails the genre’s conventions while her bona fides as a recently retired professor of English and psychotherapist in mid-state Connecticut make this book resonate as spot-on, hilarious truth.
–Paula L. Woods, 6 summer mystery reads that are sure to make waves

Shelf Awareness (starred review)

Immensely entertaining… Dell’s romantic diversions and family melodrama inject intrigue into an action-packed plot, while a second killing and a near-death experience add urgency to her investigation. The first volume in a planned series, Blunt Instrument signals an exciting new direction for the already successful Bloom.
–Shahina Piyarali

CrimeSpree Magazine

Bloom keeps the story humming along, juggling motives, suspects and lovers with a deliciously snarky tone… Blunt Instrument is at once hilariously satirical and a sly deconstruction of this well-worn subgenre. It’s practically begging for a sequel, because competent detective or not, we really can’t get enough of Dell Chandler.
–Peter Handel

Criminal Element

Amy Bloom continues to show the impressive range of her storytelling capabilities here. The nuanced explorations of human nature that define her literary novels are readily apparent, allowing for an organic transition to crime fiction that exemplifies the elasticity of the genre, in which people, place, politics, and phraseology enhance the machinations of plot. With vivid characterizations and vibrant language, the author utilizes all the shades of her color wheel to present a mystery that’s both comedic and credible.
–John Valeri

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Listen to Amy’s Interview on Book Nook with Vick Mickunas

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Where We Read:

A glorious whodunit set in the brutal world of academia. Droll, erudite, with a plot like a coiled spring. I love it and I wish I’d written it.
–Tom Mead, Prize-winning, best-selling mystery writer

Publishers Weekly Galley Tracker:

A witty whodunit!… It’s a blast!… A sequel would be welcome!

People.com:

I’ll Be Right Here Author Amy Bloom Announces New Mystery Blunt InstrumentView full article

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