Oh how I love these books!! This was, quite simply, a real joy to read from beginning to end.

Phyllida is at the top of her game here, ad the twists and turns take the reader on a crazy journey to a deeply satisfying end that I never saw coming [YAY!]. Every time I was sure I knew what was going on, I was proven wrong and had to start all over with my "killer" list and it was just such a fantastic time and it IS so fun to be proven wrong [probably the ONLY time LOL].

With an excellent cast of characters [including the indomitable Agatha Christie], this is one of the best historical mystery series out there and I am so glad I get the chance to read it and I recommend it to anyone who likes very good mysteries.

Read this series and then dive into The A.B.C. Murders featuring the inscrutable Hercule Poirot as it is one of [IMO] Ms. Christie's best.

Very well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Colleen Cambridge, and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Phyllida is back and wonderful as always.

This time we leave the countryside and join the household in London, where a series of mysterious murders suddenly start happening in various theatres - all with a little hint of an ABC Murders-vibe. As always Phyllida is a darn delight, the household is wonderful, and this time there's even a little sprinkle of romance in Phyllida's life! Utterly delightful. Loved every moment.

Deliciously Diabolical…
A deliciously diabolical plot in the fourth outing in this joyous series featuring the eminently capable Phyllida Bright, sometime amateur sleuth and the housekeeper at Mallowan Hall home to, none other than the Queen of Mystery herself, Agatha Christie and her household. This time a death onstage at the theatre causes great consternation, particularly when it becomes clear that it was no death by natural causes as was initially presumed. It is not too long before widespread panic ensues … and Phyllida steps up. Slipping easily into Phyllida’s atmospheric world once again, the reader delves into a well crafted whodunit and a wholly entertaining plot populated with a well drawn, colourful and eccentric cast of supporting characters and told with both elegance and wit. So enjoyable that the reader will not want to leave and will eagerly be awaiting the next in the series. Christie fans will be sure to be utterly charmed

Thanks to @netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the e-ARC of this book. The opinions stated here are solely my own.

Synopsis:
Phyllida Bright, esteemed housekeeper of Agatha Christie, and part-time sleuth, has yet another case to solve. She has traveled to London with Agatha and her husband Max Mallowan as they are there for the theater scene. An actor is found dead on stage at the Adelphi Theater and Phyllida's detecting skills are called upon by theater guru couple, the Satterwights. Unfortunately, she comes upon many roadblocks, including Scotland Yard, and more bodies, all related to various theaters in London. Can Phyllida solve what appears to be an alphabetic killer's crimes, or will this be her own final performance...?

Opinion:
I ADORED this 4th installment of the Phyllida Bright mysteries. The tie-in with Agatha Christie makes this even more enjoyable and reminiscent of good old-fashioned murder mysteries. Mrs. Bright is a strong female character and has a huge amount of fortitude and gumption for solving murders while attending to her regular job as a housekeeper. I love all of the recurring characters from the previous novels, such as Bradford, the driver, and the fun cast of Agatha's household staff. I did not guess the killer until the big 'Poirot-inspired' reveal at the end, and look forward to seeing Phyllida's future adventures in sleuthing! Excellent book!

I've really enjoyed following Phyllida's story through the last 3 books and book 4 was no exception. I wont write any spoilers but all I can say is I certainly went WOO at a couple points in the book. Phyllida is smart and funny and tries so hard to be proper. It was also really nice to get some additional back story on her past. Can't wait to see what dead body turns up next!

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC!

The best book in the series so far.

This has always been a solidly plotted and well written historical mystery series, but previously I’ve preferred Cambridge’s An American in Paris series, partly because the setting and atmosphere were better, and mostly because I just didn’t like Phyllida all that much.

Tabitha was a much easier sell, and I’m happy to report that Phyllida is finally starting to grow on me. I thought the setting and atmosphere were notably well done here, even though I find murder at the theater to be a shopworn mystery trope. Here the location and details were used well to build a story, and the mystery itself is well structured, well paced, and a fun nod to a Christie original.

Book 4 of the Phyllida Bright series but this is the first one I have read. It read well as a standalone but I wish I had read the others first simply for the character building I missed out on. A fun, cozy, yet gripping mystery! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough in the 2nd half. Truly Agatha Christie style - lighthearted but well-built storyline. Would love to read more by this author.

Thanks to Net Galley, Colleen Cambridge, and Kensington Publishing for the ARC and chance to give my honest feedback!

The fourth Phyllida Bright mystery finds her in London with Agatha Christie, who is working on staging a play adaption of one of her books. Phyllida is soon drawn into a series of murders happening in the theater scene where people with alliterative names are being murdered (a fun nod to "inspiration" to the A.B.C. Murders).

I loved this one! I really enjoy this series, and this was a great addition. It was a fun change of scenery, with the same supporting characters. I also love the character development we get with Phyllida here! Even if you are not familiar with Agatha Christie's works, this mystery series would still be enjoyable. However, for those of us who love Christie, all the nods are added fun! Can't wait for the next one in this series!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series! Love the Agatha Christie Easter eggs and Bradford is a love. The mystery had many layers and was intriguing all the way through

Murder Takes the Stage is the 4th book in the Phyllida Bright Mystery series and I hope there will be many more to come. Not only is Phyllida an interesting main character in her own right but she happens to work for one of the most beloved mystery authors of our time! Agatha Christie! With the help of Agatha and some other sidekicks Phyllida effortlessly catches the culprit all the while maintaining her role as housekeeper extraordinaire! The mystery was well-planned but I did feel the story lagging in some spots so it wasn't my favorite in the series so far but I am looking forward to reading the next book.

Phyllida Bright takes the 1930s London Theater District by storm as our intrepid amateur detective returns for a thrilling encore performance. Colleen Cambridge’s Murder Takes the Stage is an atmospheric delight that pulls the curtain back on the historic West End.

Phyllida, Agatha Christie’s fictional housekeeper, finds herself at odds with her latest assignment when Dame Agatha and Mr. Max descend on London for an extended stay. Phyllida is prepared to lord over the rented Gantry House and its new chef—the hilariously ornery Monsieur Chardonnay—when she is summoned to the Adelphi Theater to inspect the dead body of the show’s star. While the acclaimed actor is believed to have died of natural causes, Phyllida is forced to reconsider her findings once another dead man is discovered at the Belmont Theater. The theater community is spooked, and it’s up to Phyllida to catch a cunning killer before the curtain comes down on her…permanently.

I loved being back in Phyllida’s world. Her no-nonsense approach to the world is so refreshing; she knows what she wants and how to get it. While she rules the household staff with an iron fist, she deftly interrogates her suspects with a gentle hand. She investigates with such poise and style; as an avid mystery reader, I appreciate how her analytical mind works.

Experiencing the London theater scene through Phyllida’s eyes was also fun and engaging. What surprised me most was that readers got another viewpoint in this installment. I don’t want to spoil things, but let’s just say I am very happy with the way Phyllida’s personal relationships are progressing in this series. Cambridge walks a perfect line of romantic intrigue while keeping Phyllida focused on the mystery. This cast has so many wonderful supporting characters, and they shine as an ensemble.

London’s West End comes alive in Murder Takes the Stage, and Phyllida navigates this enchanting environment with grace and flair. Readers also get some long-awaited answers about her past, and I cannot wait to see what challenges await Phyllida in her next case!

Phillida Bright, Agatha Christie’s housekeeper, is back to solve another murder and it was a delight to see her again. Christie may have one of her plays opening on a London stage. While she meets with the producers she has brought Bright, her chauffeur Bradford and several other members of her staff to London. At the Adelphi Theater Archie Allston, an actor, was found dead on the stage. Agatha was meeting with Melissa and Hugh Satterwait, the producers, and requested Bright’s presence to determine whether his death was due to natural causes. For some reason Bright would prefer not to be present when Scotland Yard is called, but when a second body is found the next night it is unavoidable. This time the victim was Trent Orkney. He was cast as Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet at the Belmont Theater. Trent was the Satterwait’s nephew and Melissa enlists Bright’s help to find the murderer before another death occurs. The paper has dubbed him the alphabet killer and the Scotland Yard detective who is handling the case has made a connection between Bright and a past case. He threatens to reopen that case if she gets in his way.

Bright also has trouble back home.dealing with a temperamental chef, Monsieur Chardonnay. With an attitude, an obviously fake name and an occasional slip in his accent, he presents a real challenge. She also has to deal with her feelings for Bradford. While he has teased her in the past, he is always there for her. She is afraid to reveal what occurred in her past, fearing that it could destroy their relationship. Colleen Cambridge has developed this relationship over the past entries in this series and Bright finally realizes that she can fully trust him. Like Christie’s Poirot and Marple, Bright gathers her suspects for a final reveal with a surprising twist. It will leave you hoping that Phillida Bright will soon return with a new mystery. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this book.

One of my favorite series has another winning book! Great characters, interesting story lines and a good job with creating settings reflecting the time period. Love the way the book title reflects the plot. Hurry up and write another!Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderTakesTheStage for advanced digital copy.

My favorite of the series. There is more action in Murder Takes the Stage and lots of variety in the settings and characters with an interesting twist in the end. I didn’t guess “who done it” with this one.

The latest in the Phyllida Bright series does not disappoint. I was so excited to get an early access to this one, as it's a series that I always keep an eye out for.

For those of you who've read, or might be new to the books, each of the Bright novels coincides with on of Christie's Poirot mysteries (at least so far!) and this one brings us to the ABC Murders. A title I've heard of, though haven't quite reached in my Christie catalogue, so that kept it as all a fresh look for me. I do like looking for the little easter eggs and nods, so I'll have to get hustling before the next release!

We finally get some answers too, as we move from Mallowan Hall to London, where Phyllida has a past. Where her marriage ended. We've gotten hints that her marriage was a period she had no desire to relive, and that things were left fairly unresolved. Here, we get the whole story.

What about Bradford? One of my favorite characters, and his involvement in the book did not disappoint.

Possibly my favorite book of the series so far, if you haven't met Phyllida Bright yet, you're missing out! This beloved, competent housekeeper for Agatha Christie is a natural born detective.

Since I had read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was delighted to get the chance to read an advance copy of this book, thanks to the publisher and Netgalley. I alternated between reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook, and I thought it was great in both forms. I was happy to read more about the amateur detective, Phyllida Bright, who became more down to earth in this novel. I enjoyed the change of venue to London for this installment. Phyllada is asked to investigate a death for a friend, so perhaps future books will have her becoming a "proper" detective. Once again, I like that Agatha Christie is only a minor character, and that the murders Phyllida solves become the inspiration for Christie's books. Jennifer Dixon did a great job narrating the audiobook; it was a very enjoyable listening experience. I look forward to reading more in this series. I highly recommend this book and the series.

This series just gets better and better. I was completely immersed in this book and all the drama that ensued. I LOVE Phyllida Bright's character and how much she has developed and become more and more endearing. She is a product of her time, but also as we learn more about her past, is breaking many molds. She will not let the men talk down to her just for being a women and gets to SHINE at the end as she dramatically unravels the many mysteries that became entangled in this book. Also it is SO FUN to see these fictional events and how they fictionally inspired Agatha Christie's own mystery books. I was SHOCKED by the ending, so happy about the budding romance, and enjoyed everything about this book.

I already cannot wait for more!

I am addicted to historical mysteries and when they include actual people in history, they are even better!

The author takes Phyllida, a maid in the Agatha Christie household and turns her into a sleuth. When the death of an actor in London occurs, Agatha has Phyllida try to solve the mystery.

Lovely and fun!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. I was absolutely charmed by the rest of this cozy mystery series, so I was anxious to get my hands on this new novel. It was just as good as its predecessors. The fact that the main character is set in the writer Agatha Christie’s world is just part of the charm.

I love that Phyllida is a bright and resourceful older woman in charge of her own life. She’s a housekeeper to Agatha Christie, who is also her friend. Christie trusts her to take care of the household and handle any number of things that come up, as well as be a sounding board regarding her writing. Phyllida, as an amateur sleuth herself, has questions regarding means and motive that she either figures out for herself, or asks her friend a few questions for clarification. However, Agatha is not a major character in the book, either.

The Phyllida Bright series is written in the style of a Christie novel, and since it written in the same time period, you could call it Christie-adjacent. There’s well-developed characterization of the cast of culprits, and tiny clues are sprinkled throughout. And in typical Christie fashion, there’s a round-up of suspects as Phyllida lays out the case as she’s solved it. It’s a lovely journey to go on with her, even though the matter is murder.

Colleen Cambridge has become one of my favorite writers for this excellent series.

1930s The Christie's household have moved to London, but soon Phyllida Bright is called to the Aldelpi Theatre as her reputation has preceeded her, and where there has been a suspicious death. Then another, and so the Alphabet Killer or correctly the Alliteration Killer is born. Can she solve the case before another death.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.


(Such a pity that Americanisms have been used, it doesn't take much effort to use actual English