The stage is set for a killer performance...
Jamie West ~ Murder at the Matinee
Synopsis
An unexpected phone call from a rival playwright puts Bertie centre stage in another mystery. Can he help unravel the motive behind a mysterious newspaper advert that boldly declares a murder will take place during a show's third act? There's only one problem, there is no murder in the third act of the play!
When a victim is discovered and the police are brought in, Bertie and Inspector Hugh Chapman get thrown awkwardly back together as they both work to find the killer.
The spotlight falls on each suspect in turn and, this time, even Bertie is not above suspicion. But can rivalries and differences be put aside to solve this devious murder?
Review
A cosy murder mystery set in an historical theatre is precisely the book we all need to read now that autumn has sprung. It's the perfect mix of genres, with insightful information into one of London's long-gone landmarks, the Gaiety Theatre.
Since Death on the Pier, playwright Bertie Carroll has been down in the dumps, unsure why Hugh has not been in touch. Yet fate will bring them together again when there's another murder in another theatre.
Murder at the Matinee takes inspiration from Agatha Christie, along with the author's knowledge of working backstage in the West End. This passion really shows, along with discreet humour when discussing the crew and it's a real page turner. Pacing is fast, but with enough time to drop in clues and allow readers to spend a bit more time with Bertie and Hugh.
Once again there are some fantastic characters, no doubt drawn from real actors throughout the years. Katherine Debenham is feisty, elegant and outspoken, whilst Alice Crawford is a bit Marple-esque, but more erratic and stubborn. And Bertie is just adorable.
With lots of sneak peeks into the world of the Golden Age of the West End, Murder at the Matinee is a short, sharp read that invites you to test your sleuthing and solve the crime.
Thanks to the author and Insta Book Tours for my advanced copy of the book. Opinions my own.
Other books by Jamie West: Death on the Pier
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