I would not recommend starting this series with this book. I think it is the most important part of my review. I went in with the complete background of our key players and my prior fondness for them all, and that helped me enjoy this one. Without that background, I am not sure how much of an emotional impact any of the interactions would have.
It has not been long since we saw Ella Shane and her team on stage last; this time around, they are in full throttle to put forward their latest show.
We start off quite quickly with the finding of a body and an arrest, and then it simmers at the back of people's minds as they go ahead and work their way through their daily routine. The love story here is handled very delicately and has the subtlety required for the complicated issues that would follow the union of the lead couple. Daily life is a focus, as are the prejudices and lack thereof in New York of 1899. If you go in for the mystery alone, it is hard to be completely invested in the outcome, but there are multiple issues at hand to be handled, so as a complete tale, it works well. It lays solid groundwork for the next instalment.
I would recommend it to fans of the historical mystery subgenre of the cozy mysteries. There is a parrot who lives with Ella and is an entertaining bonus to the real storyline.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

his title follows on last year’s debut by this author. A Fatal Finale was a good title for cozy readers and the same can be said for A Fatal Night. Here, readers welcome back Ella Shane. This time around she is getting ready for opening night. The opera is one based on the well-known story of the princes in the tower.

Well, aficionados know that passions are often aroused at the opera. Still, it is a surprise when a murder occurs.

Watch as this Gilded Age mystery is solved by the intrepid heroine. It is a fun read with a nice sense of its period’s way of life..

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Kathleen Marple Kalb has Ella Shane, opera singer, in 1899 New York immersed in performances of The Princes in the Tower. One of the singers is arrested for murder which she does not think he did. A number of misfortunes befall Ella and her associates, but she carries on the triumphant performances. Her romantic interest , an English duke, has returned to New York. Will she solve the crimes and settle her romantic affairs?

You know it's a good book when you get to the end and keep swiping in the vain hope that there's another page! This is another fine work in the Ella Shane mystery series. I have to admit that the mystery here is pretty slight and not at all the focus of the work. This series so far is primarily a slow, sweet, clean romance and the characters make the series worth it. Very enjoyable.

I’m a sucker for cozy mysteries and this one did not disappoint! I loved the characters, the setting and the plot as a whole

This is the 2nd installment in the Ella Shane Mystery series. Ella and cousin Tommy Hurley (former boxing champion) have an opera company and the book opens with opening night of their new opera the Princes in the Tower. Ella is a singer known for her trouser roles (she plays a man) and she has two parts in this opera and this production is filled with friends as she shares the role of one of the princes with her friend Marie and the music was composed by her friends Louis and Anna. Opening night starts out fine until the lead male Albert (Richard III) is found standing over a dead body and covered in blood in his dressing room. He is immediately arrested and although Ella has her doubts she does no investigating. Her friend Hetty is a female reporter and in New York City 1899 the stories she is given are all fashion etc related. She has landed a sensational trial of a socialite accused of stabbing her husband as she can provide the “female” perspective”. Ella is continuing to have correspondence with her Duke Gil St. Aubyn and is surprised when he shows up in New York City. He is in town for something beyond visiting her (as she will be in London in a few months for the show) and she has to trust him and learn what it is about. I really like the characters and adore how Ella and Tommy have put together a family of friends and family. Tommy is devastated when a former boxer is killed in an accident and they both support the family with a benefit. They know their humble beginnings but look out for the little guy and even friends from the tough neighborhood (i.e. Irish Gangster). I agree with other reviews in that this is not a typical cozy, however, I think that is what makes this so realistic as it holds to limitations of women during this time. I really enjoyed this book and like how the murder was solved. I can’t wait for the next in this series and what happens with Gil and Ella in London (I hope that is where the next one is set). Highly Recommend.

Opera singer Ella Shane is back in A Fatal First Night. Murder once again finds its way into the diva’s show, this time on opening night when her lead basso is found with a dead body in his dressing room.

I had mixed feelings about A Fatal First Night. It’s a story I want to love because the settings and characters are ripe with potential. However, Kathleen Marple Kalb never quite hits the mark for me. This is supposed to be a cozy mystery but – as with the first Ella Shane Mystery, A Fatal Finale – almost no time is devoted to the mystery itself. Instead, we’re treated to a sometimes roaming journey of Ella and co.’s daily lives, not to mention Ella’s very slow-burn romance with her handsome duke. If I hadn’t been expecting a mystery, this would be less of a problem, but I was left wanting on the entire mystery plot. The book itself isn’t bad and I like all the characters well enough. I do wish Kalb delved deeper beneath the surface, though. The good guys are all fairly perfect, Ella never missteps, and there’s a flatness to everything because of this.

There are things I quite like about A Fatal First Night. I enjoyed learning more about Ella’s past and seeing how she melds her Jewish and Catholic heritage. I also liked that – despite everyone pushing her to marry Gil – Ella stands her ground and is taking the time to consider what it could mean for her career. The supporting cast members are all likeable and I appreciate how accepting everyone was – I wouldn’t mind another outing with them. Hopefully in future books we can delve more into the mystery part of the Ella Shame Mysteries and more depth (and perhaps a few flaws) will come to light.

This was a fun cozy mystery. The wit and banter was fantastic, and I loved the characters. The setting is so much fun, and the mystery was well done.

While a show must go on, will a murder shadow its success...

When I first read this book blurb, I was looking if there were some romantic elements in it, as I mainly read historical romance but I also like a dash of mystery so when I switch category, I love to find a bit of what I love in a new read.
And while it was not the read I expected through the summary, I much liked it.
It is as much a romance than a cozy mystery.
And there is in fact two affairs to solve.
It was fun to learn about the run of a show from opening night to its last, how it works for the different parts, crew and cast.
Ella is an opera singer who made a name thanks to a great talent and her peculiar male roles. She rose from the poorer part of the city to become an accomplished leading star. And with her success, she was able to surround herself with her dearest friends, those who shared her difficult childhood and have known hunger.
I quite liked her and understand her reservation about her none-understanding with her from-the-other-side-of-the- ocean beau, as a successful artist, she enjoys a freedom only afforded by wealth and celibacy, a treasure for women in her time. And while her would-be suitor is very progressive, he is also a lofty peer.
Gil is a gem, for a titled fellow, he is the cherry on top of the cake, openminded and respectful of anyone’s plight.

After despite the story opening with a murder backstage, a second affair holds most of the limelight. And the sleuthing aspect is not the main feature of this book, it is what reunite the characters, yet it shares the pages with the heroine’s professional and personal life.
So, while it was quite different from the blurb’s promise, it is a good and entertaining romantic mystery.
I can’t wait to see how the company will fare in London.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 a kiss

I have been granted an advance copy by Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

The Second Ella Shane Mystery by Kathleen Marple Kalb A Fatal First Night, is set in New York in the late 1800's.in the opera house owned and run by coloratura mezzo Ella Shane and her cousin Tommy Hurley. On the opening night of their most recent production basso Albert Reuter is found standing over the body of Florian Lutz another singer. It seems like an open and shut case but Ella is not sure that Albert is the killer. What ensues is a good look at 1899 Manhattan lifestyles with all its pros and cons. While the historical aspects move the story along, they do push the murder solving to a more minor role than in most cozies. Eventually, aided by her loving Duke and other friends, Ella unmasks the murderer. Some romance, some mystery and history makes this an easy, enjoyable read. Provided for review by NetGalley and Kensington 🌟🌟🌟🌟

The second book in the Ella Shane series, it’s not completely necessary to read the first but it does help with context and background. More historical cozy mystery than romance, this story gives a delightful look behind the scenes of a Gilded Age opera company. The heroine is an opera diva (little d, not Diva) who is charming and virtuous and everything lovely, and is surrounded by the dearest family and close friends one could ask for. The mystery is not particularly action-packed, but it held my attention until the big reveal.

I certainly hope there’s a third book where the company takes the show to London. I can’t imagine what it’s been like for the author to launch her first two books during a global pandemic.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Fans of historical cozies will enjoy this one as much for the characters as for the mystery. Ella, an opera singer, once again (don't worry- fine as a standalone) finds herself investigating a murder! This time, it's Albert, whose sister was the wife of Florian, who has just been murdered. Here's the thing- Albert's sister was murdered two years ago and he's never liked Florian. But neither did anyone else, as Ella and (swoon) Gil, the Duke of Leith, soon discover. This is also distinguished by its delightful setting and by all of Ella's family, friends, and acquaintances. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.

This one is a tough one because, while I enjoyed the story's details about theatre life, I didn't really feel like this was a mystery. The characters are wonderful but I found the mystery portion was lacking and I found myself a little bored at times waiting for more investigations. Still, I liked the setting and the characters and the setting enough to continue with the series.

3.75 stars

Enjoyable historical series featuring opera singer and theater company owner Ella Shane. She is a rare financially independent woman in the late 1800's who is a strong, warm, and competent businesswoman. Her opera company is like a family and her partner is her cousin and retired boxer Tommy.

An opening night is spoiled when a body is found in a dressing room and the suspect is one of the company singers. Ella can't believe he is guilty and starts conducting her own investigation. She is involved in a long distance relationship with a British aristocrat, and before long he turns up in New York. He obviously has business of his own which he can't/won't discuss but also wanted to see Ella.

The mystery is interesting, but the relationship between Ella and the Duke is also well-handled. They love each other, but Ella has no intention of giving up her career or moving to England. They are a bit older and experienced and they both know they have a lot of brainstorming to figure out how to be together without either of them giving up too much.

The theatrical setting and turn of the century New York City is great fun and the ensemble is nicely drawn. Ella is a terrifically appealing character and I am a fan of this series. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As book two in this series, it felt like the focus was more on the relationships amongst the characters, and the developing romance between the lead, Ella, and her Duke with a backdrop of her professional career, his duties and commitments and all the personal insecurities and complicatiions that these would entail at that time. (around the turn of the twentieth century). Just how will they be able to juggle it all?

Once again, there is an unfortunate and untimely death of Ella Shane’s employee, but that doesnt take up much of the story. And I cant claim it held my attention. Hmmm, perhaps I'll find a better balance in the nest one. Will it be set in London?

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

Set in New York in 1899, this is the second in the series and has fun written all over it! Delightfully sharp wit and banter abound in spades but not over the top, not at all.

Ella Shane is an opera singer/performer who often plays men and though she is now accustomed to relative luxury, her past as an orphan is barely beneath the surface in ways. She does not hesitate to scrap or speak directly and she does not take wealth for granted. She has a philanthropic side as well. Her beau, Gil, is besotted with her but gives her space to be her own person. Their banter is great but she is in no rush to commit. Her admirers are many but she knows who has captured her heart.

When a dead body is found on her turf, Ella and Gil are determined to discover the murderer's identity. There are twists but in my view the murder is secondary to the characters. Montezuma is a marvelous addition! We see personal glimpses into Ella's childhood which explains a few things. Mrs. G. is hilarious in how she shows her love through baking for different guests. I just love details like that, not to mention delectable food descriptions. The opera snippets are interesting as well...such a joy to learn more about the Gilded Age. And then there's murder...

Do read this delicious series. I am hungering for the next installment.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early e-ARC of this witty and well-crafted book!

I had a hard time getting into this book.
It was okay but I did connect with the characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This has been a fun series so far, and this second entry is as enjoyable as book one. Set in the theater world in Gilded Age Nee York, this is almost set up like a historical cozy with some lovely characters and character development. This one is a little light on the mystery, it focuses more on Ella and co. (this isn’t a complaint). The mystery aspect is trying to figure out who the killer is when a man is murders backstage and one of the crew is the prime suspect, buy of course Ella wants to know what really happened. But back to the characters, Ella is an awesome and I really enjoy getting to know her world even more in this book. Gil is a great romantic interest, especially since he’s no pushing Ella to give up her career. This is a fun series and I look forward to the next book!

Ella Shane is an amazing character. Between owning and running her own Opera company, she still finds time for romance and mystery solving. The mystery surrounds killings at her opera company, all while they premiere their new opera to rave reviews. Ella has to juggle the murders, her home life, and her love life with the Duke. And who doesn't love a Duke?

Absolutely charming...this historical fiction had me holding my breath in anticipation. Set in the late 1800s in New York City following a kind and good natured Diva! I was captured by all the characters, whom each had their own story to tell. I could not believe how delightful it was to read even though you are aware there’s a murder on the loose. This is a true gem of a story. Standing ovation to Kathleen Marple kalb!