DESCRIPTION:
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 is 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. A famous critic from a national newspaper is attending the show, 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 jealously 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 cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will absolutely love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
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 is 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. A famous critic from a national newspaper is attending the show, 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 jealously 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 cosy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will absolutely love the Julia Bird Mysteries.
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Author: Katie Gayle
Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #7
Publisher: Bookouture
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Kindle ARC
No. of Pages: 281
Date of Publication: March 11, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
MY THOUGHTS:
The gun was supposed to be a prop. The actors in an amateur play on stage have delivered their lines with ease. It is the final scene and the lead actor Graham suddenly drops. The gun used in that last scene was real, and Julia Bird is determined how a prop gun became all too real, and who was responsible for Graham’s murder.
The amateur actor Oscar who was holding and shot the gun is beside himself. He has convinced himself that he is now a murderer, and Julia knows that nothing could be further from the truth. Then there is Graham’s wife Jane, devastated by her husband’s murder. But Julia soon sees odd behavior between Oscar and Jane and that gives her pause. Something is amiss and Julia is determined to get to the bottom of it.
The director, naturally saddened by the news, remains resolute in his desire to continue the show and seeks to cast a new male lead. However, the production faces numerous challenges. Despite this, Julia, as always adept at solving crimes, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth and apprehend the guilty culprit.
The reader’s visit to the charming village of Berrywick is a delightful experience. The dynamic between Julia and Dr. Sean O’Connor has evolved, and we are introduced to new supporting characters who enrich the narrative. Katie Gayle’s latest book offers a captivating read, and while these stories can be enjoyed as standalone novels, readers who appreciate continuity, especially after witnessing a woman in her 60s blossom and build a new romantic relationship, may find it more rewarding to read the entire series in order.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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