This is book 3 in the Edie York Mystery series and I think I might have enjoyed it more if I had read the first two books. Set during WWII when women were getting assigned new roles in society, Edie is assigned to cover the theater for the news.The Victory Gang Parade theatre group are in town, entertaining the troops and the determinedly cheerful people of Manchester with their spectacular all-singing all-dancing show. But We’ll Meet Again becomes impossible for two cast members, when Leonard Lessiter dies suddenly mid-song, and leading lady Ginny Sutton goes missing the very same night.
Reluctantly encouraged by DCI Louis Brennan – up to his ears catching looters and ration cheats – to investigate, Edie interviews the cast and quickly uncovers jealousies, lies and back-stabbings galore. From former lovers to bitter rejects, old hands to up-and-coming ingénues, any one of them could be guilty. And the leading lady Ginny is still missing.
Then Edie gets caught in a bombing raid and finds her chief suspect stabbed with a stage dagger. As the body count climbs, will Edie and Louis find Ginny alive? Can they uncover the most theatrical killer they’ve ever encountered? Or will it be the final curtain call for the detecting duo…?

I was in the right mood for a historical cozy mystery, and that’s how I jumped on the chance to read Edie York’s third adventure. I had no trouble getting acquainted with the sympathetic young would-be reporter who tells the story.

Edie York lives in Manchester in 1941 and feels stuck in her job of obituarist at the local newspaper. While we get to understand early on that Edie had previous occasions to meet and collaborate with police detective Louis Brennan, their relation is still very much like oil and water. Edie gets to write the obituary of a London actor who came to Manchester to entertain the troops… and fell dead on stage. Soon it’s not only this mystery that Edie gets involved into, but a series of tragic events befalling the whole troop. Actors do like some drama, but perhaps not of the lethal sort.

I enjoyed the historical setting and the main characters. It might feel a bit weird to set a cozy mystery in a period where serious tragedies abounded, and there are certainly some darker moments, but the overall atmosphere is endearing and satisfying. I felt that the plot resolution did stretch to the limits of plausibility but I was happy to forgive it in the name of light entertainment.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I received a free copy of this book for review consideration.

Possibly the reason I liked this book so much is that the character is likeable and the sort of person you would enjoy being friends with. That being said the sorry is engaging and fun - what more could you ask for.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

This is the third in the Edie York mystery series, and I enjoyed it as much as the first two. It can be read as a stand-alone but do go back to read the others because they’re all great.

The story takes place during World War II just outside of London during the Blitz and is told in the first person by endearing Edie York, a want-to-be newspaper reporter who is currently an obituary writer.

Edie’s personality shines from the first page, and I was right there with her as she tried to solve first one murder, then a missing person, and then another murder – all actors. She teams up with Detective Inspector Lou Brennan and they continue their developing relationship, which generates humor as well as romance as the story progresses.

The theme of this novel is drama, with many of the characters being stage actors performing as the Victory Gang Parade before they’re off to Egypt to entertain the troops. There are several possible murder suspects, secrets, hidden histories, red herrings, and danger for multiple characters. I enjoyed trying to solve the murder along with Edie, who is clever and determined.

The novel skillfully incorporates many of the hardships of the time – food rationing, clothing limits, entertainment, blackout curtains and air raid warnings, as well as the uncertainty of bombs and mortality.

If you’re looking for an entertaining murder mystery combined with a bit of romance set during WWII, put this one on your list to read soon!

I loved the first two novels in the Edie York series and although I enjoyed Murder on Stage I did find it to be the weakest of the three novels.
Set in 1941 it sees the return of reporter Edie and her friends including DI Lou Brennan. When the Victory Gang Parade theatre group perform, one of their cast members die on stage and Edie soon becomes involved in the investigation.
I did find it difficult initially to become absorbed in the novel as there were too many theatre cast members and I almost gave up reading at this point. I’m glad I persevered as like the previous novels in the series this was an atmospheric and well researched cosy crime novel. I love the Manchester setting and the characterisation and this series really is a joy to read. The plot here is weaker than the previous novels but it’s still well paced once the scene is set.
I look forward to reading more in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.
3.5 stars

Murder on Stage (An Edie York Mystery Book 3) - An utterly addictive historical cosy mystery by F.L. Everett is a stunning cosy mystery based during the London Blitz in 1941. The characters are absolutely on point for the era and the story is delightfully on par with the old black and white gangster movies of the time in dialogue and narrative. I absolutely loved this and will certainly be getting the prior two books in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author F.L. Everett for this ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

F.L. Everett (https://www.fliceverett.com) is the author of six books. Murder on Stage was published last month and is the third novel in her Edie York Mystery series. It is the 56th book I completed reading in 2024.

Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own! Due to scenes of violence, I categorize this novel as R.

While the novel is set in May of 1941 during the early years of WWII, that conflict is simply a backdrop for the plot. The primary character is fledgling newspaper woman Edie York. She is only an obituary writer, but her aspiration is crime reporting. Her close friend, Detective Chief Inspector Louis Brennan, also plays a significant role in the story.

The Victory Gang Parade, an Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA) theatre group, has relocated to York’s home of Manchester after their London theater was hit in a German bombing raid. The seven-member troupe puts on a variety show to entertain the local troops. All have taken up temporary residence for the duration of their Manchester run in a local boarding house that caters to theater people.

Both York and Brennan are in the audience when the well-known older actor Leonard Lessiter collapses during his musical performance. At first, the death is attributed to injuries suffered during the London bombing. When the pretty young rising star of the troupe, Ginney Sutton, disappears only hours later, Lessiter’s death is examined more closely.

With the cause of Lessiter’s death ruled as murder, both York and Brennan begin to dig into the case. At Brennan’s suggestion, York spends time with what remains of the troupe. She also gets to know the two sisters who run their boarding house. She discovers jealousies, lies, double-crosses, and romantic entanglements hiding just below the surface. Tensions tighten when a further member of the troupe is stabbed to death.

Will York and Brennan find the missing Sutton? Are the deaths related? Who is responsible? When will it end?

I enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 299-page mystery. This is the second mystery by Ms. Everett that I have had the opportunity to read. The other was Murder in a Country Village. They have both been enjoyable period mysteries. I give this novel a rating of 4.5 (rounded to 5) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

✨ Publication date: June 18, 2024✨

Murder in Stage is the 3rd instalment of the Edie York mysteries by author F L Everett. This is a cozy mystery series based in the WWII era.

Edie York is a writer for the Manchester Chronicle. After most of the men went off to war, Edie was promoted from typist to obituary writer. While not the exciting crime writing she was hoping for, she’s one of the first female reporters to be published.

Although crime writing isn’t in Edie’s near future, she somehow always manages to get herself mixed up into some kind of murder or another. Alongside her friends including DI Inspector Lou Brennan, Edie is swept up into an investigation involving the local theatre group.

After an actor mysteriously dies on stage during a performance at the local theatre, Edie gets to know the performers and when another of their close group disappears, an investigation is officially launched.

Edie works with Lou to interview the cast and uncovers secrets, lies and lovers. It’s difficult to determine the truth from acting when you’re trying to get a sense for who could be involved in the crime.

After getting caught in a bombing raid, Edie discovers one of the key suspects dead and she’s left with more questions than answers.

This was another wonderful great story in the series. The author is really starting to tease out the main characters (Edie & her friends) as well as their relationships. We’re finally starting to see the chemistry between Edie and Lou surface and be addressed.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series and especially invested in what happens next with Lou and Edie. This was a solid 4 star read for me.

Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #FLEverett #murderonstage

This is the third outing for Edie and friends.. As always with this series, the mystery is well done with the tension building as we go along.. As Edie works through the suspects which are an eclectic mix since they include actors. The story unfolds against a backdrop of wartime bombing and danger with Edie herself narrowly escapes harm during a raid, A great addition to this enjoyable series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog tour for F.L. Everett's new book - Murder on Stage.

This is the third entry in the Edie York series. I've grown quite fond of Edie and her cohorts and was eager to see what this latest would bring. I settled in with a pot of tea, a dog and a blanket on the sofa - must haves for reading cosy English mysteries.
Edie is out with friends for a night at the theater when the lead actor falls to the floor. There's that moment - is it part of the show? Or is he..

Edie writes obituaries for the local newspaper, but she really wants to be a crime writer. She's friends with DCI Louis Brennan, who is calling on Edie's skillset to help with this case. There's a large group of suspects in the troupe to question. And as actors, it might be hard to tell who is lying. I really enjoy this style of investigation. Answers, clues, secrets and more are found by interviews, conversations, hunches and instinct. So much more interesting than DNA matches etc.

I quite enjoy cosy mysteries. Why you ask? Well, the keep calm and carry on attitude, a plucky female protagonist, a mystery, a crime, an excellent crew of supporting characters - and a dog. And....a slow building romance. I like that the personal lives of the regular group of players moves forward.

I love the amount of detail Everett has used - the setting, the shortage of food, clothing, the bombing, the war going on around them and so much more.

The door is shut on this case - but I'm sure there will be a fourth entry. I'll be watching for it!

Murder on Stage is the third book in the Edie York Mystery series and it's my first read from this author, it can be read as a standalone but I'll definitely be going back to read books 1 & 2 as I really enjoyed this one.

I loved the premise of this book, murder, mysteries, disappearances, secrets, friendship all set around the world of theatre to the backdrop of WWII and Germany raining down bombs on England.

The writing was wonderful & so descriptive, I got a real feel for the time period down to the clothes, the theatre & the war torn streets & buildings, this was a really well researched book & an accurate portrayal of this time in history.

The cast of brilliant characters really made this read for me, I absolutely loved Edie & the friendship she has with Lou. This was a really enjoyable and entertaining cosy read that I would definitely recommend.

I have quite enjoyed this series and again found this book (#3) fun, cosy, suspenseful, entertaining and quirky. All the things you want in a book like this. As always I do love the historical aspect of the story as well as Eddie York and all the characters in this book. I could just picture the scenes, the era and the places.

This is such a charming and entertaining read as well as a book that will keep you thinking and guessing all along the way. Such a well paced and well written book I never got bored of reading it. A wonderful read adn I look forward, as always to what will happen next in Eddie York's life.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is the third book in the Edie York Mystery series, but the first one I have read. I think it works perfectly well as a standalone book, and at no point did I feel I was missing anything having not read the others.

I love a good cozy mystery, and this one did not disappoint. As well as a classic whodunnit mystery, this book also had two other elements that I love. It's set in wartime which is my favourite period in history, and it involves the theatre world with all the magic that is showbiz.

The characters were all wonderfully well written. I really felt like I knew them all by the end of the book. I never really trusted any of them fully though, which added to the mysterious element of this book.

I really did find this book addictive and compelling and read it curled up on my sofa in one sitting.

Thoroughly enjoyed, my favourite of the series so far. I did struggle a little with book 2 but this was an enjoyable read. Hope there will be more in the series.

Not a huge war time story fan, so struggled to get into the previous 2 books, but I was wrapped in this one straight away. I quite enjoyed that the war was more scene setting and sub plot than at the core of the story, like the previous books.

I really loved meeting Edie's friends, their little get together for Clara coming home was great, and meeting Marie was also amazing. One fault is that there are just too many characters! I know Suki, Clara and Annie, but other than that, the friends are a mystery to me - they're names only. I felt the same about the actors in this book too - there were just too many of them to truly keep track of who is who and who said what and who did what.

I really loved the development in Edie and Lou's relationship! Been waiting since about a quarter of the way through book 1, so I think I deserved it. Love their little ways of showing how much they cared for each other throughout all of the books, and the subtle confession towards the end of this book felt very on brand. Now just got to wait for book 4 to see where they go.

Book #3 in the Edie York series. Edie writes obituaries for the Manchester Chronicle but dreams of flexing her writing skills to include crime reporting. After deaths and disappearances find the theater group cast, Edie and her friends will investigate, all while dodging the blitz that's reining down on the UK. FL Everett has done a good job assembling this cast of friends and wanna be friends to keep the back story moving while the murder investigation seems stalled. Overall a great story with some surprising twists and clues that set up the next book too.

This is an old fashioned fun whodunit mystery taking place within a theatre. Pair that with a war going on and you will not be able to put this mystery down. Loved it!

I have enjoyed all the books in the Edie York Mystery series, and this one is particularly engaging as it involves an acting troupe in WW2. The cast of characters is vibrant without being stereotypical, and the WW2 setting in Northern England is evocative. I enjoyed the character development of Edie, Lou, and their friends in this book, and it's satisfying to see the deepened friendship dynamic. The WW2 era is detailed and immersive, drawing the reader into wartime Britain in the 1940s. The mystery investigation keeps you turning the pages, and it's a lovely escapist read.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

I’m really enjoying this mystery series set during the Blitz in Manchester, England. The author gives a real flavor of what life was like then, especially when the characters have to deal with the rationing and trying to cope with entertaining friends when all they have in the pantry is a sack of lentils. The series makes several nods toward Agatha Christie mysteries as Edie York, an aspiring journalist, pairs up with Detective Inspector Lou to solve murders and disappearances among an acting troupe visiting Manchester. The romance between Edie and Lou takes a few steps further as they try to figure out who in this small group of actors might be getting rid of some of the other members of the group. There were enough hints to figure out who might be guilty, but not the motive.

The side characters from earlier novels are still there and some new ones come on board, particularly Lou’s charming sister who has come to stay with him after being in a bombing attack in London.

I wouldn’t call this a cozy mystery since it’s set during WWII, but it has some of the flavor of one. Add in the verisimilitude of life during the War and the growing, yet bumpy romance between Edie and Lou, and it is a very enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Although this is book 3 in a series, it very much can be read as a standalone. I haven’t read the first 2 books, but I enjoyed this and will look into books 1 and 2 as enjoyed the dynamic of Lou and Edie.
It's set in Manchester during WW2 and you do feel like your in that time when reading, with the descriptions, chat about rations, even being reminded to carry your gas mask. It certainly had a research feel. It has mystery, drama, who Dunnit. If you looking for a easy cozy mystery/crime I recommend this.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy for an honest review.