Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #7
Publication Date: 11th
March 2025
Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0DGQL9HZFsocial
Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218711555-a-village-theatre-murder
Genre: Contemporary
Cozy Mystery
4 Stars
One Liner: This was
fun!
Book Blurb:
There’s nothing quite
like a night at the theatre. But Julia Bird is expecting a night of sweeping
drama, not an onstage murder!
At the end of
Berrywick’s amateur theatre’s latest production, a shot rings out amongst the
rapturous applause. But when Julia Bird peeks through the curtain,
she sees lead actor Graham lying still on the stage, his
co-actor Oscar looking down at his prop gun in shock. She
knows that Graham has been murdered, but with nearly everyone in the village
helping with the play, anyone could have tampered with the props. And why was a
beloved family man the target?
Graham’s wife Jane collapses
in a puddle of tears as Oscar is comforted and led away from the stage. But
days later when Julia spots prim and proper Jane kissing Oscar, she wonders if
the grieving widow’s tears were fake. Graham served Jane divorce papers the day
of the tragedy – was he killed before he could spill the beans on his wife’s
affair, and sully her perfect reputation?
Meanwhile, the aptly
named director, Roger Grave, wants the show to go on. The play is
up for a local award, and this might just be Roger’s big break. But when failed
actor Hector is not assigned the lead role he assumed he’d get, the
mood among the cast quickly turns sour. Could Hector have killed Graham out of
jealousy for the leading role, Julia wonders?
Then another member of
the crew is found dead and Julia discovers there’s a dark secret at the heart
of Berrywick’s local theatre society. But who would kill to protect it? Can
Julia find the murderer before it’s curtains for another victim?
A totally gripping,
charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton,
Faith Martin, and Betty Rowlands will absolutely love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
***
My Thoughts:
The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.
This seventh book in
the series can work as a standalone. The official blurb reveals too much, so
don’t read it beyond the first two paragraphs.
The mystery is decent
and has quite a few suspects as more truths come out. This keeps the reader
guessing, though if you are a fan of this genre, you’ll guess the killer after
50%. Still, there are a few surprising twists.
Things are steady
between Julia and Dr. Sean even with the new development. In fact, I like the
way Joan’s track progressed. Positive and hopeful.
As if Jake (the
adorable bumbling chocolate Lab) and the hens with a bossy Henny Penny weren’t
enough, Julia now has a cat named Chaplin. This cat is from the previous book.
Though Chaplin doesn’t have much space, he establishes himself very well, in a
way only cats can!
There’s a teeny
development for Hayley too, though you’ll have to wait to know more. She is
overworked as always, what with so many murders happening in the series, lol.
Despite the murder and
stuff, the book has quite a few humorous moments. My favorite is the
description of Hector’s audition; I laughed so hard at that one.
Nicky appears a few
times since she’s a part of the theatre group but her cutie son Sebby doesn’t
show up even once. I miss that kid and his interactions with Jake-y. Jake is
his naughty self as always, though this might change a wee bit as he calms
down. But where’s the fun in that?
To summarize, A Village
Theatre Murder is an enjoyable and short mystery with a few laughs and some
thoughtful themes. There will be another book, so I’m excited for it.
Thank you, Sarah
Hardy, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for eARC. This review is voluntary and
contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
***
About the Authors – Katie Gayle
Katie Gayle is the
writing partnership of best-selling South African writers Kate Sidley and Gail
Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various
genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery
genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg with their husbands, children,
dogs, and cats.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieGayleWriter
X: https://twitter.com/KatieGayleBooks
Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here: https://www.bookouture.com/katie-gayle
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best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo
***
This has been a pitstop
on the blog tour for #AVillageTheatreMurder by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank
you for stopping by!
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