The second in this series is an absolute joy. Douglas has delivered a delightful mystery with convivial characters who reel you in page by page into their madcap world of acting and murder. With, of course, a nod and a wink to certain actors of the small screen which brings a bit of merriment into a deary day.

I was pleased that a friend had initially recommended the Lowe & Le Breton Mysteries as not only is the writing splendid but when you turn that last page you are left with an overall satisfying feeling of being entertained. I really hope Douglas continues to come up with more adventures for our clumsy crime fighting heroes as they are wonderful.

It’s 1971 and, in between filming seasons of Floggit and Leggit, ageing actors Edward Lowe and John Le Breton sign up for a short run of Shakespearean tragedies at the Bolton Playhouse. But, once in Lancashire, they discover they have been invited to join the theatre’s repertory company for two reasons – because the company manager is keen to take advantage of the publicity surrounding their successful BBC comedy series, and because Sir Nathaniel Thompson, the much-lauded star of the show and knight of the realm, has been sacked for drunkenness.
I reviewed the first book in this set last year, and am very pleased to see Stuart Douglas’s Death at the Playhouses is more of the same and is a rollicking delight, a 1970s-set whodunnit that bursts with charm and keeps you guessing until the final curtain falls. The second installment in the Lowe and Le Breton Mysteries, this novel follows our intrepid duo—ageing actors Edward Lowe and John Le Breton—as they try to juggle both the spotlight and sleuthing, tackling a murder that unfolds in the shadow of a Bolton based theatre. When the recently sacked star of their show Sir Nathaniel Thompson turns up dead in an alley, bludgeoned and unceremoniously discarded, the pair dive into a case that whisks them from Bolton to the Netherlands, with a trail of clues and delves into the characters past.
As like the last book Douglas writes a story that’s both witty and warm, a perfect cozy mystery with a pace that clips along like a well-rehearsed farce. Lowe, the gruffly determined leading man, and Le Breton, his more laid-back foil, are an archetypical chalk and cheese duo. Their banter plays off well and the grounding of the mystery in camaraderie gives us something to root for. The 1970s backdrop adds to the cozy feel and the plot itself is a clever tangle of red herrings and revelations.
As before there are more than a few echoes of Dad’s Army in the duo’s dynamic, a subtle nod to the bumbling yet brilliant spirit of Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier. Douglas play on this less this time than in the first book I think meaning this is no pastiche but a tale that stands tall on its own merits. The supporting cast,from theatrical egomaniacs to a suspiciously involved ex-wife gives a brilliant “also starring” vibe.
Death at the Playhouses is just good fun, it’s a mystery that invites you to go back in time to the 1970s and enjoy the unlikely duo. Douglas has kept winning formula from the first book, take two unlikely heroes, toss in a juicy murder, and season with just enough humour. It’s the kind of book that leaves me eager for the next act in this delightful series. More soon please!

I absolutely adored the first Lowe and LeBreton Mysteries. I was so excited for the second in the series and I am not disappointed at all. These mysteries are brilliant at invoking a sense of nostalgia (but not with rose-tinted glasses). There is all the drama (pun intended) of the theatre and all the vibrant characters as well. I love Lowe and Le Breton and I still feel that should this be ever made into the show or movie (it most defiantly should) that Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart or Sir Derek Jacobi would be perfect fits with the amount of sass and wonderful relationship Lowe and Le Breton have.
While the characters are indeed a stand out feature of this series the writing in general is fantastic. A touch of humour mixes with a brilliantly written mystery that keeps us hooked from the start. If you enjoy cosy crime and interesting duos this is one series you need to read. Despite not growing up in the 70s I loved every minute of this one!

As always thank you to Titan Books for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Aging thespians turn detectives to solve a murder. The second in the series, but reads as a stand alone.
Set in 1970s Bolton and the Netherlands a fun read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for my review.

Death at the Playhouses by Stuart Douglas is a gripping and atmospheric mystery that transports readers to the vibrant and tumultuous world of 1970s theatre. With its sharp plotting, richly drawn characters, and evocative setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of classic whodunits and stories that delve into the darker side of the arts.

The story follows amateur sleuth and theatre enthusiast as he investigates a series of murders tied to bustling playhouses. When a prominent actor is found dead under suspicious circumstances, we are drawn into a web of deception, rivalries, and secrets that threaten to unravel not only the theatre world but also the fragile relationships of those involved. As the body count rises, we must navigate the dangerous intersection of art, ambition, and betrayal to uncover the truth.

One of the standout features of Death at the Playhouses is its vivid and immersive setting. Douglas captures the essence of 1970s with remarkable detail, from the smoky backstage corridors and neon-lit streets to the cultural shifts and social tensions of the era. The theatre world, with its larger-than-life personalities and cutthroat competition, serves as a perfect backdrop for the mystery, adding layers of drama and intrigue.

There is a compelling protagonist, equal parts charming and flawed. His sharp intellect, dry wit, and deep love for the theatre make him an engaging guide through the story’s twists and turns. The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, with a mix of eccentric actors, ambitious directors, and shadowy figures who add richness and complexity to the plot. The interactions between Hardy and the colourful personalities of the theatre world are particularly enjoyable, offering both humour and insight into the dynamics of the industry.

The mystery itself is expertly crafted, with plenty of red herrings, unexpected twists, and a satisfying resolution. Douglas keeps the pacing tight, balancing moments of tension with quieter, character-driven scenes. The plot is layered and intricate, with clues carefully planted throughout the narrative, inviting readers to piece together the puzzle alongside Hardy.

Thematically, Death at the Playhouses explores the darker side of ambition, the fragility of reputation, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets. Douglas also touches on the social and cultural shifts of the 1970s, including the changing roles of women and the tension between tradition and modernity. These themes add depth to the story, making it more than just a straightforward mystery.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the pacing slow in places, particularly during the more detailed explorations of the theatre world. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise well-crafted and engaging novel.

Death at the Playhouses is a standout mystery that will appeal to fans of classic whodunits and stories set in the world of the arts. Stuart Douglas has created a richly detailed and suspenseful tale that captures the spirit of 1970s London while delivering a compelling and satisfying mystery.

A masterfully crafted mystery, Death at the Playhouses is a thrilling and immersive journey into the heart of 1970s theatre, perfect for fans of intrigue, drama, and richly drawn characters.