Murder at the Matinee
This golden-age style theatrical murder mystery is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and, of course, Agatha Christie!
by Jamie West
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Pub Date 5 Sep 2024 | Archive Date 15 Oct 2024
Brabinger Publishing | Brabinger
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Description
Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll returns, this time in London's West End, to solve the mystery of an impossible murder and the newspaper advert that preceded it.
Following on from the success of Death on the Pier, gay playwright detective Bertie Carroll returns for the second book in this golden-age-style whodunnit series, set in the exciting world of theatreland in 1930s London.
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?
The next adventure for 1930s gay playwright detective, Bertie Carroll, and the follow-up to the Amazon bestselling DEATH ON THE PIER.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
“So happy to be taken back once again to that poignant lost land of nineteen-thirties theatre” – J.M. Hall
“A book cosy crime fans and theatre buffs will enjoy from Act One all the way through to the final curtain!” – Fiona Leitch
“Elegantly crafted and expertly plotted” – Orlando Murrin
“A brilliantly entertaining 1930s whodunnit” – Greg Mosse
“Another wonderfully clever and satisfying Golden Age-inspired mystery” – Tom Mead
“A stylish, charming murder mystery” – Kitty Murphy
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781739762247 |
| PRICE | £9.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
I really enjoyed the murder mystery element going on through this book. The overall story worked with the time-period and thought it worked for a stage and a killer. It had everything that I was looking for and thought everything worked with it. It was a great sequel in the series and left me wanting more. Jamie West has a great writing style and can’t wait for more.
Maria F, Reviewer
Murder at the Matinee is a welcome return to 1930s and the world of Bertie Carroll, playwright and amateur detective. Bertie first appeared in Death on the Pier, and having finished the second book in this series, I opted to read The first book, as I was curious about his adventures in Brighton. And the first novel, is equally full of theatrical info.
The author's knowledge of theatre and the history of the Gaiety Theatre is evident in every page, as this novel is full of historical details which added to my joy of the storyline.
This time around, Bertie has been invited to attend a performance of a new play by fellow playwright Alice, once a number of Death threats are received. And when a murder does occur (after all, a Golden Age mystery must involve a murder!), Bertie is reunited with his old school-friend, Hugh.
Now, a successful detective at New Scotland Yard.
There are numerous references to Bertie's friends and the places where he socialises - mainly when Hugh warns Bertie to be careful and I soon realised that my hopes for a relationship between these two, was seemingly unlikely. Hugh's reticence may well be related to the absurd laws of the time, outlawing homosexuality. However, our duplicate work so well together, with both parties playing a role in resolving the case (though Bertie plays a greater role in the denouncement) , and I can see them as less Sherlock & Holmes but more my beloved Tommy & Tuppence who work solidly as a team.
The case is a delightful mix of red herrings and hidden clues, as our duo struggle to work together again and resolve the mysteries taking place at the Gaiety Theatre.
There is a reasonably large cast of characters so I did need to keep my attention carefully focused on the storyline.
But to be fair, this was hardly a difficulty and I thoroughly enjoyed this charming and funny historical cosy mystery
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