I requested an ARC of this book, and these opinions are my own.

Having not read the first two books in this series, I was not sure what to expect. I was delighted to find a superb mystery with plenty of intriguing characters. There weren’t many twists and turns, but it was still a fun story to read.

I definitely recommend picking this up, and given the amount of back story included, I think it will stand well on its own without reading the other two books. Of course, you certainly can - if for no other reason then spending more time with the wonderful characters.

What a fantastic continuation of Kitty Underhay story! In this third installment of the Miss Underhay Mystery series, Kitty finds herself having to defend Matt who is accused of murderering a guest of the house party next door. Matt's neighbors are a family of means and connections and they are all too happy to pin the crime on Matt and move forward with their lives and the potential knighthood that has been offered.

Luckily for Matt, Kitty is all to keen to help clear his name. With the help of some friendly faces, Kitty embarks on figuring out who killed the party goers and why. Along the way, the relationship between Kitty and Matt continues to develop.

This book was such a quick and delightful read. I flew through this in just over a day. I love seeing the relationship between Matt and Kitty develop although I do wish it was a bit faster! Will they be together or not?! Avid readers want to know! I can't wait for the next in the series to come out. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. .

This was a delightful little mystery read. The investigative duo, Kitty and Matt, are lovely, well-developed characters. The supporting cast is very well done as well, and each adds to the story in a good way. Alice, Grams, and the Inspector in particular were favorites of mine. The mystery was well paced and I was kept engaged in the story. I didn’t figure out who the murdered was until Kitty did, so it wasn’t too simple. The clues added up, however, and the reveal made sense.

I think it’s important to note that this is the third book featuring Kitty and Matt’s detective adventures. I had not read the previous two when I began this book. At times, there were references made to events that had come before. It wasn’t difficult to follow this part of the plot, however. While I likely won’t go back and read the first two books, I will be looking for the next one in the series. My only gripe with this book connects here, so I will say that I wasn’t very impressed with the incredibly abrupt ending. I understand there will be a continuation, but another chapter that wraps up this story felt very needed. As it is, it seemed like the author didn’t know what else to say other than “pick up the next book to find out more”. Keeping a plot point going through a series is fine - not ending the current book correctly isn’t great though.

Another great read from Helena Dixon.

I really enjoyed getting to know both Kitty and Matt a little better and appreciated their complicated relationship. Kitty also continues to investigate her own past and this thread is increasingly intriguing. The balance between the personal narrative and the resolving of the murder mystery is exquisite. Not easy to achieve, and indeed well done in this instance

The mystery is wrapped up very neatly, and this time I hadn't guessed whodunnit!

The relationship between Kitty and Matt...Hmm, let’s just say I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

This is a most enjoyable cozy murder mystery. Easy to read with well-written characters. I highly recommend it.

With thanks to #NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for my free advanced reader copy to review in exchange for an honest opinion.

If you are the owner of and sole operative in a new private investigation company getting arrested for murder is never going to be good for business! That is the position Captain Matthew Bryant finds himself in after a young woman he gave a leather bootlace to as a clue in a treasure hunt is found murdered.

Matt's friend, and partner in two successful murder investigations, Kitty Underhay, knows it is down to her to find out what happened. The dead girl had been a guest at a party held at the beautiful home of theatre impresario Stanley Davenport and his family who, conveniently, live next door to Captain Bryant, and soon Kitty finds herself involved with the daughter Genny and her charity work. Determined to clear Matt's name Kitty also wants to show she is able to handle difficult and dangerous situations as well as he can.

This is the third book in this series and once again I really enjoyed it and wasn't at all ready for it to end. This was because, alongside the main case in each book, a budding romance and family mystery have been gathering pace and this was even more apparent in this story and then it finished! So I really need book four now, please!

I love the historical details in each of these books, which are set between the wars, and show a time when there was still an accepted class structure which is apparent throughout without taking over. As the co-owner of the Dolphin Hotel, Kitty is a thoroughly modern young woman and very likeable as is Matt Bryant whose frailties add an extra dynamic to the personal side of these stories.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good cosy crime with a hint of romance. This is a great series and one I hope will continue for a good while yet.

I was so pleased to receive a copy of Murder at the Playhouse, the 3rd book in the Miss Underhay Mystery series - many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I love this series, and this one lived up to the previous two. The cover is also lovely, just like the previous two covers.

As always, the writing quality was excellent, and the setting and atmosphere of the book very pleasing. I enjoyed coming back to Kitty and Matt, and the author always manages to come up with different and intriguing plots and settings. The characters are well realised and sympathetic, and it was interesting to see Matt having to take more of a back seat in this investigation, and how the pair of them cope with a slightly different dynamic.

The murder mystery itself was engrossing and elusive, with the evidence always just slipping away before the police can get hold of it, thanks to the mysterious “thin man” who is constantly one step ahead. It kept me guessing right until the final scene, which is unusual for me. I can’t wait to read the next instalment in this fun and exciting series, which is definitely a favourite.

I was given a free copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series so I was keen to read more about Kitty and Matt and their entertaining lives.

In Murder at the Playhouse Kitty finds herself again being drawn in to help solve the murder of a young girl. This time however it is because Matt has been arrested for committing the crime. Kitty and all their friends know he could not have done it, but how will they prove his innocence.

I found this one to be a very fast read, mostly because I did not want to put it down. There were lots of possible suspects and another murder, and things got dangerous for Kitty despite her being very careful. The continuing themes of Kitty and Matt's relationship and the search for Kitty's mother both had developments and hopefully indicate that there is going to be a book four!

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. Murder at the Playhouse is the third title in the Miss Underhay series, and may work for some as a standalone title. I found this to be a fast and fun read.

This title finds Matthew arrested as the prime suspect in the murder of a young lady who was found strangled on hole 11 on the gold course near his house. Kitty knows there is no way that Matt did it and decides to do whatever she can to help clear his name.

One of his neighbors, the Davenports, had a party the night before the body were discovered, but guests are less than forthcoming and deny knowing the dead girl or her missing friend. Kitty is sure that they know more than they are saying and goes undercover helping Genny Davenport with her charity events to raise money. Will Kitty be able to uncover the real murderer and clear Matt's name before the killer realizes her motives and connection to Matt?

As with many cozy mysteries, the characters are as much of the draw as the mystery. I enjoy watching Matt and Kitty's relationship continue to develop as well as uncover a little more of the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Kitty's mother years ago. The secondary characters are amusing including Peter Davenport, his "special friend" Sebastian, and Alice (the young maid from the Dolphin Hotel). Reading this book felt a little like checking in on old friends and I look forward to the next title in the series.

Kitty Underhay is definitely on track to be a popular favourite amongst fans of cosy mysteries and with this her third adventure.

Kitty having still not made it up with Matthew Bryant the debonair ex Army Captain and now private investigator from the previous two novels, she finds herself rather lost and missing him.

Matthew is much in the same mood, but that is all forgotten when a knock at his door reveals the police come to arrest him for murder.

Kitty rushes to his aid.

The deceased is a young actress on the cusp of something bigger, Pearl Bright, found strangled with one of Matthew's bootlaces. There is a straightforward believable explanation from Matthew.

Stanley Davenport a theatre impresario and on verge of a knighthood is as well as Matthew's neighbours seemed convinced it his him and that there is no need to look any further, especially not at Stanley Davenport and his family and associates seem to have a lot to hide.

Kitty manages through Mrs Craven to get to know the Davenport's and she finds herself centre stage with helping with a local theatre show for a charity. Being this involved means she might be able to get to the truth if it all plays out right.

It will be alright on the night - surely?

Regular characters are back, including the insurmountable Mrs Craven as well as Kitty's maid at the hotel, Alice who is a great character and I am pleased she is featuring more dominantly. Her sound advice and obvious observations are a great for Kitty.

The sub plot of Kitty's missing mother is still throughout this book and Matthew is kept occupied with this and we start to find out a bit more of what might have happened to her.

All in all a great mystery with good characters both likeable and absolutely dreadful that you love them and the continual mystery makes we excited to read book four!

Time flies when you are having fun and I most certainly had a lot of fun reading this third adventure with Kitty and Matt as the main players.

Kitty not only has a new murder case on her hands but she also has other fish to fry. As always she can count on Matt, but this time it seems like he's in a pickle.

In my opinion the series gets better and better with every new book. I like that the author decided to give Alice a bigger role again too.

Often the relationship between the police team and the amateur sleuths is not a very good one. The detectives more than once see the sleuths as interfering busybodies and don't appreciate their help. Well, this officer is smarter than some of his colleagues and works with them in stead of against them. There is strength in numbers, obviously. ;)

A very entertaining series and I am dying to know how the mystery in Kitty's private life will develop. 5 stars.

Thank you, Helena Dixon and Bookouture

3.75 stars

This series, set between the world wars in England, is nicely done. Kitty Underhay is helping her grandmother run a resort hotel. Kitty is a pleasing heroine: smart, strong, logical, and capable. She has a special relationship with her grandmother since her mother mysteriously disappeared when she was young, and her rascal of a father is rarely around and always up to something disreputable.

Kitty's partner in solving crime is World War One vet and widower Matt Bryant. But this time Matt is the main suspect in the murder of a young woman so it's up to Kitty and her maid Alice to clear his name and find the real murderer. The action takes place during a charity theater production which serves as a good backdrop.

Lots of great period detail, and the developing relationship between Kitty and Matt adds interest. Kitty's search (with Matt's help) for the real story on what happened to her mother is a continuing sub-plot. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When the body of a young girl is found strangled on a golf course Captain Matthew Bryant comes forward with some information and gets himself arrested for the murder. After Kitty learns about it she decides to help prove his innocence and clear his name investigating the murder with the help of some old friends we already met in previous books.

It's always a pleasure reading about Kitty and Matthew. They make such a cute couple. I'm glad to see their relatioship is evolving, although at quite a slow pace. It was also nice seeing back some characters as Mrs. Craven. I couldn't help but laugh at her conversations with Kitty. One of the things I like about this series, that not always happen in the amateur detectives genre, is that the police seek actively Kitty and Matthew's help (I can't stand when they inmediately dismiss the findings of the amateur detectives and treat them condescendigly).

The murder investigation was interesting enough and not too convoluted as it's sometimes the case.

I could end my review here but I'm terribly curious so I have a question for all you british friends. How many gallons of tea can you drink every day? Cause these characters are constantly "sending for tea"! When I reached the last page I felt like I had drank it all myself!

Another great addition to this cozy historical mystery series.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great Helena Dixon cozy mystery.
When two girls go missing and are found dead, Matt is arrested and accused of murder, even though no one truly believes him to be guilty. Upon his release from jail, it is recommended that he reside at the Dolphin Hotel instead of going home to avoid the scene of the crime, his next door neighbor's house. Kitty feels compelled to investigate and clears Matt's name, so she volunteers to help out at the playhouse where Matt's neighbors are putting on a charity fundraising production. There are many suspects, many motives, but can Kitty figure out who the real killer is before she becomes the third victim? Simultaneously Matt is helping Kitty with some new leads and information surrounding the disappearance of her mother 17 years ago.
I love this series and this book did not disappoint. Great characters and wonderful plot.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The body of a young girl has been found on the local golf course, strangled with a bootlace. Captain Matthew Bryant comes forward with information that he believed the girl to be one of two who came to his house as part of a scavenger hunt, asking for a bootlace. Now he’s “assisting the police with their enquiries.” Enter Kitty Underhay, proprietress of the Dolphin Hotel, and Matt’s sometimes partner in investigation. She knows Matt is innocent and that something is very wrong with the situation. It’s up to her to clear his name.

In a story involving murder, potential blackmail, and budding romance, not one of those things stood out. Kitty’s investigation, which is more passive than active, involves overhearing conversations, picking up tidbits of information while handing out tea and coffee, and garnering facts from Inspector Grenville.

I loved the idea of the characters, but had a hard time connecting with them. There were plenty of facts given, but nothing that made me want to know them more. I can only assume that they were developed more fully in the first two books of the series?

The murder investigation often takes a backseat to Kitty’s search for answers concerning her mother, who disappeared at some point early in her life. Those sections of the story devoted to that subplot, and Matt's investigation into the disappearance, were much more interesting than the search for the murderer. But as it seems to be a running theme through all of the books, I was left unsatisfied for this particular read.

So, all in all this was a pleasant, but meh kind of read for me. But definitely not unputdownable as advertised.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a really enjoyable cosy mystery that had great characters, great storyline. I enjoyed it.

cosy-mystery, 1930s, England, murder-investigation, family-dynamics, friendship, private-investigators, PTSD

Miss Underhay lives and works at her grandmother's hotel near the theatre, has a romantic interest named Matthew who has bad memories of serving in The War and other things, has friends involved in a charity function at the theatre, a reprehensible father, and a mother who went missing in 1916. Oh, yes, she and Matthew are sort of partners in his private detective venture. Cue the first murder and Matthew being held at the jail on circumstantial evidence. Good sleuthing complete with devious plot twists and red herrings. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Bookouture via NetGalley. Thank you!

I loved the first two books in the Miss Underhay Mystery series and I have been eagerly anticipating the third instalment! Kitty and Matthew have solved murders togethers before, but will they be able to solve this one? As Matthew is cast as the killer and the evidence continues to be stacked against him, can Kitty (along with the delightful help of Alice, Inspector Granville and of course the handful of Mrs. Craven) prove his innocence? Through twists and turns that keep you guessing and the continued blossom of romance that leaves you wanting more I had only one question as I finished the last page… when can I read book four?

Do yourself a favour, cozy up with a blanket, a cup of something warm and dig into this cozy mystery.

A big thank you to Bookouture for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

#NetGalley #MurderAtThePlayhouse #Goodreads