A Village Theatre Murder: A completely unputdownable and utterly gripping cozy English murder mystery

By Katie Gayle

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. 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 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.

Readers love the Julia Bird Mysteries:

'I absolutely LOVED this... Julia Bird was an amazing and lovable character... Once I started it, I couldn't stop.' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'There just aren't enough stars for this one, so I can only give it FIVE ' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1835258689
• ISBN13: 9781835258682
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Bookouture
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"