Code Grey (A Dulcie Schwartz Mystery) by Clea Simon is a very confusing mystery. Dulcie Schwartz has decided to stay home (in Cambridge) during spring break to work on her dissertation. Her boyfriend, Chris went to his mother’s house at her request. There have been a series of break in’s on campus. No one is sure what if anything has been stolen since everyone is away during the break. Then Jeremy “Mumbles” Mumbleigh is arrested for the crimes. He was found clutching a rare book from the Mildon. The book went missing in 1989. Jeremy was a former student who had a breakdown (but he continues to hang around the campus).

For some reason Dulcie decides she has to clear his name. She is sure it is all just a misunderstanding. So instead of writing, she runs around campus investigating. Then someone breaks into the library using the old steam tunnels. The Islington Bible is stolen (which has beautiful jewels embedded in the cover) and then is found nearby with the cover ripped off (cover was found as well with the jewels intact). Whoever is behind the burglaries knows about the steam tunnels under the college especially the library. Dulcie is guided by the voice of Mr. Grey, her dead cat (her spirit animal according to her mother). He provides her with cryptic clues. Does this book have anything to do with her research on an anonymous Gothic author? Detective Rogovoy (who is tired of Dulcie’s interference with cases) tells her to stay out of it and so does her boyfriend, Chris. Dulcie works with Thomas Griddlehaus, the Director of the Mildon Rare Book Collection. Dulcie follows the clues to find out who is committing the thefts.

I did not enjoy Code Grey. It is never explained if Dulcie actually hears the cat’s voices (Mr. Grey’s and her new cat, Esme) or if it is her imagination. We never get Chris’ last name (he comes across as very whiny and controlling). We get long paragraphs of Dulcie’s ramblings or thoughts on the crime, her dissertation, and books. It was just not a fun book to read. I give Code Grey 2.5 out of 5 stars. The basic idea is good, but the execution was lacking. The perpetrators of the crime were easy to figure out with the clues and information provided. Would it have made a different if I had read the previous books? I do not know and I do not think I am willing to read any more books in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of Code Grey from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own. ( )