There's No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene

 There's No Murder Like Show Murder

Book Summary

Tasha Weaver has seen her fair share of divas come and go while working as the costume shop head at the Eastbrook Playhouse, but her beloved theater is put at risk when the star of the show is killed in this fun but deadly debut, perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Kellye Garrett.

Tasha Weaver is most at home in the cozy backstage world of the Eastbrook Playhouse. As the costume shop head at the charming regional theater, she’s used to watching dramatic acts of love and revenge from the shadows. But when Kurt Mozer—the insufferable Broadway reject who stars in their production of Annie Get Your Gun—is shot center stage, the spotlight turns to her. 

Everyone knows Kurt was difficult to work with, and after he got into a fight with both director Marnie Mason and artistic leader Arthur Winston, he promptly decided to quit the show. In deep financial trouble, the Eastbrook Playhouse depended on a big name like Kurt to keep afloat. With reporters coming in from the Big Apple to Tasha’s little corner of Connecticut, she realizes it's up to her to save their local theater and keep her community safe. After all, the show must go on…but what do you do when the killer could very well be one of your loved ones? 

With the help of her friends, her long-time crush Bruno Machado, and her feline colleague Hilly, Tasha must catch a murderer before the shining lights of the playhouse go out forever.

My Thoughts

I was eager to read There’s No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene.  I liked the idea of a cozy mystery centered around a theater. We are introduced to a multitude of characters.  It is impossible to keep track of all of them. It did seem that there were too many people in charge at the theater (I am surprised they managed to put on a production). Some of the characters lacked subtlety.   Tasha Weaver, seamstress extraordinaire, is a protagonist who does not stand out. She is a mousy individual who fades into the background. I appreciate that the author took the time to develop Tasha’s character, but I wish she had not made her such an unexciting individual. 

Tasha has a good staff who are loyal to her.  I can tell the author knows about the theater based on all the details included in the story.  Some of it is interesting, but it does become tedious at times (a little goes a long way). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but I should not be able to identify the guilty party before the crime takes place (again, lack of subtlety). There was a part of the reveal that I thought was clever. I felt that the wrap up was incomplete. In the story, there is a lot of telling rather than showing (I want in on the action—not told about it afterward).  I liked Hilly, the feline who hung around the theater.  She is a clever cat.  There’s No Murder Like Show Murder had me ready to leave when the curtains came down.  

While There's No Murder Like Show Murder was not for me, I encourage you to download a sample to check it out for yourself.  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Puzzle Me a Murder by Roz Noonan. It is the debut of An Alice Pepper Lonely Hearts and Puzzle Club Mystery. What are your plans for the day?  I have work to do around the house (there is always something that needs to be done).  I still have not got the walls painted inside the house (plus I need to do weeding on one side of the house and pressure wash the awning).  I keep hoping a magic fairy will stop by during the night and complete the tasks (a girl can dream).  I will get the work done, but it  will take me a a little while to get it done (my fibromyalgia slows me down).  I hope that you have a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Isn't this bench adorable?  It is in London! I would love to sit a spell on this bench!

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