The Understudy is a thrilling story of mystery and intrigue in the world of professional opera singers set against the iconic background of the Sydney Opera House in the 1970s and rural Australia in the 1950s.

When understudy Sophie gets the chance to star as the lead role in Madama Butterfly with handsome Italian tenor Armando Cecchi, her excitement is tempered by the mysterious disappearance of leading lady Margaret Gardiner. Not only is Margaret gone but everyone thinks that Sophie must know what happened to her and her relationship with Armando is all over the papers.

The 1950s timeline tells us more about how Margaret became the overbearing leading lady and provides clues about what happened to make her disappear in the 1970s

I particularly enjoyed the 1970s setting of Sydney and the Opera House, which was inspired by the author’s own experiences performing there for its opening performance. The power plays between the performers was brilliantly executed and I thoroughly recommend this debut novel.

The Theatre, the Underworld, the 1970's. This is the makings of a great book.

An opera singer goes missing, an understudy steps in. Is it all a coincidence? This is theatre drama captured in a book and it is great. All the lights, costumes and drama you would expect, all the colourfulness of showbiz, this book will take you on a journey behind the curtains and backstage but also beyond.

For a debut book this is fantastic as he has all the passion, intrigue, suspense and wonderful characters that make it an excellent book. The story is well written, the characters are strong and also some parts are unexpected and unpredictable which I love.

Highly recommend this to anyone who wants a great read that keeps you coming back for more. A long book but a good book!

This is a brilliant debut novel by Julie Bennet. Set in 1973 and 1953.
I don’t even like Opera!
Always take a chance on a different type of genre and a new Author.
I received, by request this ARC from #netgalley and #simon&schuster(Australia).
The scene is set.
Opening night at the brand new Sydney Opera House 1973. The very first show at the Opera house is Madam Butterfly, and whilst everyone is expecting Australian Opera Diva Margaret Gardiner, they receive her Understudy Sophie Carlton.
Sophie puts on excellent performance on stage, but is she also putting one on in real life.
And what has happened to Margaret, why would she not turn up for the opening of the Opera house and to sing in front of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, something doesn’t add up.
A very enjoyable book, full of intrigue, mystery and romance.

Happy Publication Day

Australian new debut author Julie Bennett brings us The Understudy, a mix between a Whodunit Mystery vs Historical Fiction novel.

In 1970, Margaret, a Opera singer goes missing and it's up to Sophie, the Understudy to take over while Margaret is found. As the story unfolds, we are constantly thinking through and ticking off people who may have an inkling to where Margaret is or who may have caused Margaret to disappear.

The Understudy is set in dual timelines and goes back and forth between Margaret (1950s) and Sophie (1970s). Now while I loved both timelines I think I did like Margaret's background story a bit more as I found it interesting how she became one of the most famous opera singers in Australia.

I also loved that The Understudy is set in Australia's Sydney CBD, literally one of my favourite places in NSW. I loved learning about factual events that occurred in Sydney, especially learning about the Opera House. It made me feel like I was in Sydney again. Thanks to Julie for giving me a holiday in my own home.

Now while I don't know alot about Opera singing, I was amazed at how much detail went into the book. I felt like I got a little lesson about it. I loved that Bennet explained the story while the Opera singers were "singing" and the huge commitment that goes behind the scenes into Opera singing. It was just truly marvellous.

If you like Historical Fiction set in Sydney, learning about or love Opera Singing, and mystery then I highly recommend this novel.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Understudy is a debut novel by Australian author Julie Bennett and takes us into the world of Opera and the opening of the Sydney Opera House in the 1970’s.

Sophie is cast as the understudy of Margaret Gardiner who has the joint title role in the opera of Madama Butterfly alongside the charismatic Italian Armando. When Margaret suddenly goes missing Sophia is thrust into the lead role to great acclaim for her performances from all around her.

What follows is a story of love, loss, passion and intrigue- what happened to Margaret? This story is told in two timelines with Margaret’s story set in the 1950’s and Sophie’s in the 1970’s. Great descriptions of the Opera House and the issues that were apparent at that time in Sydney in the 70’s.

Julie is another graduate of Fiona McIntosh’s masterclass and has been on my radar for quite some time. I am amazed at the quality of writers that are coming out of this programme.

The Understudy takes us to a place behind the scenes that was fascinating to learn about and was a definite 5 star read for me. Perfect for readers of Women’s Fiction and Australian stories.

Thank you to Net Galley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie Carlton was the cover, the understudy for Margaret Gardiner in the opera, Madama Butterfly to be held in the new Sydney Opera House, which was to be opened by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. It was 1973 and Sophie’s heartfelt wish was to play opposite Armando Cecchi, the greatest Italian tenor of his generation, but there wasn’t much chance of that with his leading lady, Margaret Gardiner, ready to go on stage. But when Margaret went missing only hours before opening night, Sophie had her opportunity…

Sophie’s joy was tempered by not knowing where Margaret was. It seemed no one knew where she was or how long she’d be missing. Sophie, as Cio-Cio-San, and Armando as Mr Pinkerton, worked well together; their magic was obvious, and the newspapers the following day praised Sophie’s debut. But where was Margaret?

The Understudy is the debut novel by Australian author Julie Bennett and (in Ms Bennett’s words) was inspired by her own experience, performing as a child extra in the Australian Opera Company’s 1973 production of War and Peace. The intrigue and mystery of backstage, of the many cast and crew on the sidelines, and the under currents that rippled through the opera community, is well done. With Margaret’s early life set in 1953, and the main part of the novel in 1973, the entwined path of both Margaret and Sophie enables The Understudy to be an addictive and fascinating novel. An excellent debut which I recommend highly.

With thanks to Simon & Schuster AU and NetGalley for my uncorrected proof ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.