I finished Much Ado About Murder a few days ago, but then I couldn’t remember if I finished it or not. I had started another book on my Kindle, which meant I must have finished it, but then I had to look back and see who the killer was. The book obviously didn’t leave much of a lingering impression, or at least the reveal didn’t.

I like the setting, a hotel/theater in the Catskills. I also like Charlotte. She’s from England and is a very talented costume designer. Due to the turnover of directors and her friendship with the Director of the Board, she is to some extent in charge of the theater. Between the actors, director and costume staff, we’ve got a lot of characters, several of whom had motive for killing Edmund, because of course Charlotte’s right—it was murder.

I guess overall it was just fine. The characters were fine, each had their bit of backstory that made them possible suspects. The clues were there, not too obvious, but it made sense (once I remembered how it ended). Charlotte and her cop boyfriend have a fine relationship, they get along well but without any major ups or downs. In the end, the play does go on.

Fine is not bad though. It’s a quick, light read and sometimes that’s just what you’re looking for. The murder doesn’t happen until almost halfway through the book, so there’s plenty of time to get to know the people involved.

Oh, my, I wish I'd discovered this series sooner! A traditional puzzle with lots of clues but some red herrings, too. Will you correctly deduce the killer before the heroine does? [Disclaimer: I am quite fond of Crooked Lane Books' publication, so very happily requested this title from NetGalley.]

This is the third book in the Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery series, it is the first for me and I had no problem reading it without having read the other two. I likes it so much I read the first two afterwards!! The characters are well done and the story moves along quickly
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This series is centered around The Shakespeare Theater Company. They decided to put on Much Ado About Nothing which is one of Shakespeare's more comedic plays. The director has some of his own ideas which leads to trouble.. Charlotte is the fashion designer and it falls to her to find out what happened when the director allegedly commited suicide. Was it suicide or murder???

This is a fun series centered on Shakespeare Theater Company. Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's more comedic plays, so when the Brits hit the Catskills and the director has some of his own ideas, trouble brews quickly. Charlotte is the fashion designer and it falls to her to suss out what happens when the director allegedly commits suicide. Great characters and setting, a very fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of the book

I enjoyed this easy story about a Shakespearean theatre company in the Catskills. Although I've never been to the area, it sounds like an ideal place to have a theatre (I do know that the area is famed for its autumn colours and draws thousands of people for that reason alone.) And who doesn't love Shakespeare? Well, me, actually, but that's not applicable to the review...

Considering the author is Canadian (from my hometown) and brings in several English characters into upstate New York, it's done very well. The English idioms and sayings are well done, and I like Charlotte as a character. This is the third book in the series, but the first I've read and I managed to follow it easily, although there's enough there to encourage me to find the first two to learn how Charlotte and Ray met, how Charlotte arrived in the US and how she met Paula. Although I didn't see her working much in this book, I understand she's a costume designer for the company.

The mystery was well done and the red herrings led me to the wrong conclusion, although I wasn't entirely surprised by the ultimate reveal of the killer.

Probably the only thing that annoyed me in the whole book was the (over)use of 'Paula Van Dusen'. There's only one Paula in the story and therefore I don't see the need to use her full name more than once or twice, rather than a dozen times throughout. Likely just a pet peeve of mine.

Recommended.

Much Ado About Murder

by Elizabeth J. Duncan

England comes to the U.S. in Much Ado About Murder. Charlotte Fairfax is a costume designer formerly with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Audrey Ashley is an actress from a famous English dramatic family; she insists on a particular English director. Set in the Catskills, a production of Much Ado About Nothing is anticipated to draw crowds of tourists to help sustain the town and local hotel. Add in a few Corgis and a lot of tea to round out the British ambiance.

Unfortunately, trouble plagues the production with conflicts, injuries, a murder, and lots of suspects. Charlotte and her wealthy friend Paula, chairperson of the theater board, bear major responsibilities for ironing out difficulties and investigating the murder. Charlotte has support from her boyfriend Ray, the chief of police.

I enjoyed this cozy mystery with its interesting characters and setting. As a drama fan, I particularly appreciated that focus and found that it was integral to the plot rather than contrived. Reading about the difficulties of staging a professional production on a restricted budget in a more remote location got my attention and added an element of fun to the mystery.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Crooked Lane Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Mystery

Notes: #3 in the Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery Series, but worked well as a standalone for me

Publication: November 7, 2017—Crooked Lane Books

Memorable Lines:

Audrey shook her head as the server placed a generous slice of apple pie, its latticed crust golden and flaky, warm, cinnamon-laced chunky apple filling oozing onto the plate, in front of each diner. It was accompanied by scoops of homemade French vanilla ice cream and slices of mature cheddar cheese.

Theater rehearsal rooms are almost always closed to outsiders. They’re meant to be safe places where actors can try on a role and wear it for an hour or a day, experiment, do anything and everything to find the heart and voice of a role, make mistakes, indulge in whimsy and nonsense, until they understand where their character has come from and what he seeks and why he wants it. They do this by playing off other actors, and gradually, as they work out the mechanics of the play and the technical aspects, it comes together as the words are lifted off their pages and take on a life of their own.

Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan is the third tale in A Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery series. Charlotte Fairfax is the costume designer for Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company in Walkers Ridge. They are getting ready to stage Much Ado About Nothing with British actress, Audrey Ashley. When Simon Dyer, the director, bails on them, Audrey recommends (insists) upon Edmund Albright. Albright decides to stage Much Ado About Nothing just after the Civil War much to Audrey’s (and many others) dismay. The day after a special dinner party, Albright is found dead in his bungalow. It looks like suicide, but Charlotte is not so sure. Albright had no reason to kill himself. Charlotte, with assistance from Paula Van Dusen, starts looking into Albright’s life to discover what could have gotten him killed. Can Charlotte uncover the truth before the curtain rises on Much Ado About Nothing?

Much Ado About Murder is easy to read and can be read as a standalone. I did find the pace a little slow and the book lacks substance. The mystery was straightforward (aka simple) and the killer easily identified (I knew the person’s identity before the body was found). One clue is all that is needed (if that) to figure out the culprit. I did find the secondary mystery of Maxine’s admirer to be more entertaining. I felt that more of the book was devoted to Charlotte’s, dog, Rupert than to the mystery. There are few details on the characters. I was curious as to why Paula Van Dusen is always referred to as Paula Van Dusen. I wanted more substance and less filler (or fluff). If you are looking for a light cozy mystery (with emphasis on cozy), then you will like reading Much Ado About Murder.

Solid mystery. Too much distance and not enough warmth in the point of view for me. There were passages that felt like I was reading nonfiction - that sort of "distance." It was just not a great fit for me as a reader. I prefer my cozy mysteries to be more... cozy.

Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J Duncan is part of the Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery series. This is the only book in the series that I have read, but I had not trouble following the characters. Costume designer, Charlotte, is thrown for a loop when the current director quits suddenly. The star of the play demands that the new director be Edmund, who is someone she worked with previously. Things go from bad to worse when Edmund is found dead of a suspected suicide. Charlotte must uncover the truth to keep the play on track. This book got off to a slow start. Once I really got into it, I could not put it down. The varied characters and side stories were added bonuses.

This was an interesting book. The setting was great, and I wish I could visit it. The mystery was sort of predictable, sort of surprising, and very well written. I did find it a little hard to connect to the characters, but I still enjoyed the book.

If you like the world of plays (especially Shakespeare) then this is the cozy mystery series for you. We have made it to the fall performances but the Director quits his job and the new guest star demands a specific British guy be hired. They hire him but he has a vision of the play they all seem to disagree with which makes things a little dicey. When he is found shot things get even more complicated making the performance look like it will not go on. A quick new hire fixes things though in the way they expected. When the death is deemed a suicide Charlotte does not believe it so she starts looking into things in her own sweet way which while it may seem like a normal investigation it sure does come with some great results. The blend of murder, the play, and all the character interactions blend into a really wonderful cozy mystery that I highly recommend to fans of the genre. I highly enjoyed it so it gets 4/5 stars.

This is a great book; this is the third book in the Shakespeare in Catskills Mystery Series written by Elizabeth Duncan. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read it you will defiantly want to go back and catch up with the other books in this series. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

3,5 stars

I've had my eye on this series for a couple years and was happy that the timing of this book worked for me to read it and take part in the tour.

The Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company unexpectedly finds itself in need of a new director shortly before a new play is to start production. The star of the production and her manager/sister, brought over from England specifically for this production, are displeased and don't hesitate to say so. They refuse the services of a local director and insist on one they know from England. He is hired and events go downhill from there. :D

The new director's vision for the play is unusual, controversial, and poorly received. He also gives the star a hard time, much to her surprise. There's a lot of happiness floating around and before long, there are also dead bodies. Well, the bodies aren't floating but you get what I mean. :D

The beginning was a little confusing for me as I kept getting some of the characters mixed up but that sorted out quickly. I liked both Charlotte Fairfax, the costume designer, and Paula Van Dusen, the chair of the theater company. They were interesting, smart, and complex. Their love for theater was palpable, and I enjoyed all of the theater scenes, on-stage and off-stage. I liked that Charlotte, while she didn't exactly work with the police, wasn't working at cross purposes with them either. He significant other is a cop and they respect each other. It was a refreshing change from many cozies where the relationship between the amateur sleuth and the police is adversarial.

Charlotte and Paula worked well together, both in keeping the theater company running and in investigating the murders and other mysteries surrounding them. Duncan also did a super job of showing us the inner workings of community theater and producing a play. It was as if I were right there.

I thought the mysteries were done well with just enough red herrings to keep me guessing. While it wasn't the most clever or complex mystery, it wasn't easy to crack and it had some tricky elements to it. The setting, the people, the mystery - all were engaging and interesting and I had a fun time. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

This third Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery is another winner in Elizabeth Duncan's highly enjoyable series. From the talented (and British) Ms. Fairfax to her corgi Rupert who jumps into bed with her the second her partner's back is turned, the author has created a strong cast of characters to solve her mysteries, and Much Ado About Murder does have a strong mystery with plenty of suspects to ponder.

I do enjoy the characters and the stories, but I have to admit that another strong draw for me is the theater info which is woven into the narrative with a light, sure hand. While reading these books, I've been learning tidbits about directing, blocking scenes, costumes, budgets-- even ticket sales-- and logistics concerning a Shakespeare play being set during such an unusual time period was enlightening.

Fans of cozy mysteries, colorful characters, and theater should really enjoy Duncan's Shakespeare in the Catskills series. I know I do.

Much Ado About Murder is the third book in the A Shakespeare In The Catskills Mystery series.

Charlotte Fairfax, costume designer, and Paula Van Dusen, chair of the Shakespeare In The Catskills Theater group, are busy putting the finishing touches on the “star” bungalow in anticipation of the arrival Audrey Ashley. Charlotte and Paula are all set to introduce Audrey to the production’s producer, only to find that he has abruptly left to return home. Scurrying to find a new producer, they ask Wade Radcliffe, a local producer who they have worked with before, if he would be interested in producing their next play, but Ashley’s contract gives her the right of refusal. She refuses and asks that Edmund Albright, a producer she has worked with in England, be hired as producer.

Once Albright arrives on the scene and starts a meeting with the cast and crew, he announces that he wants the play to set just after the Civil War. This doesn’t sit well with many of the cast member, nor with Charlotte and her assistant, Aaron.

Being professional actors and with the first performance quickly approaching the cast begins to accept the changes, soon learn of Albright’s death. Since Albright was found with a gun in his hand and with no evidence to prove otherwise, the police are considering it a suicide. But Charlotte and Paula believe that it was murder and begin their own investigation.

The first person they suspect is Mattie, one of the members of the troupe, who feels that Audrey is too old to play the lead. Could see have had an argument with Albright over this and killed him. They also want to learn more about Audrey and her sister/manager, Maxine. Audrey is playing the role of a diva to the hilt and Maxine seems to be going out of her way to protect her sister. What may they be hiding?

With the first performance quickly coming up, Charlotte and Paula want to find the answer before anyone else gets hurt and before the curtain rises.

I love this series and its wonderful cast of characters.

Once again Ms. Duncan provides the reader with a well-plotted and beautifully told story.

I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Things are a bit up in the air for the Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company when their director quits right before their production of Much Ado About Nothing. Luckily, their featured star, Audrey Ashley, recommends a director she has worked with before, Edmund Albright. Costume designer Charlotte Fairfax is excited to work with the new director and looks forward to the production. But, Albright announces some changes to the play. He wants to modernize it, setting it in Civil War era America. Nearly the entire cast balks at the idea, but there is nothing the theater board can do about it. The contract with Albright gives him complete creative control over the production. There is no way to force him to change his mind, or to fire him. The show must go on.... Just as cast and crew come to terms with the director's ideas, Albright is found dead on his sofa with a gun in his hand. Did Albright commit suicide in such a dramatic fashion? Or was he murdered?

In order to save the production, Charlotte jumps in to help investigate. With all the cast and crew, she has a lot of potential suspects to consider. Who brought the curtain down on the eccentric director with such violence?

Much Ado About Murder is the third book in the Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery series. I enjoyed this book. Charlotte is an interesting and capable main character. The other crew members, actors and the star actress hired for Much Ado all come together to help her investigate. The mystery moves along at the perfect pace with plenty of suspects and twists. The ending wasn't really a surprise, but it was well done so I didn't mind that I guessed the killer's identity. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

Elizabeth J. Duncan also writes the Penny Brannigan series. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://elizabethjduncan.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

To be or not to be... involved in a small, out of the way theatre production company attempting to put on a Shakespearean play set at the end of the American Civil War. Amidst unexpectected staff and star changes, dealing with all the egos and deception the theatre has come to be known for, and struggling with budget as well as time restraints, costume designer Charlotte Fairfax has motive to want to get this production put to bed.
You do not need to be familiar with Shakespeare and his works to be drawn to this series.
The interaction between the players, all the characters involved, and the fast changes happening setting the theatre world on edge keep you turning pages, unsure who can be trusted and what anyone's motives may be. Danger is around every corner.
Well written and kept my attention until the very end.

This is the first in the series that I have read and is the third in the A Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery. This book did not disappoint. I liked the setting and main characters. The Catskills are beautiful, the concept is well developed, the characters have depth. The only thing I found odd was that this was more like telling a story until near the end when a few well placed curiosities/questions were revealed then, it became a mystery. The police were on the verge of ruling it a suicide. I thought placing the play’s time setting to just after the civil war was great.

First, I read this a couple months ago so I’m a little fuzzy on the details, except the corgi is Rupert and very cute. Anyhow the setting for the book is a lot of fun and I really like that Charlotte is not a young thing. The relationships between the characters are real and quirky and I really felt like I was there at the inn and theater. I’m afraid I figured out the murderer a long way in advance, but that’s okay because it was more about the process and the characters than the whodunnit for me. I enjoyed this book too (if I’m honest, I find myself putting down a lot of books I don’t care for these days, but I don’t write about them because my reason for not liking them is more about where my head is right now than the books).

Anyhow, if you like cozies, this book is for you. It’s good. 4/5 stars.

Charlotte Fairfax finds herself in the midst of another production at the Shakespeare Theater in the Catskills. This time the visiting actress is Audrey Ashley and she is into high drama. When Audrey decides she cannot work with the current director, Edmund Albright is hired. His vision of Much Ado About Nothing is to stage it in Civil War garb. Needless to say this does not make him popular with the cast. When he is found dead,Charlotte is in a fix, but determined to solve the crime..