Thank you so much to NetGalley and Colleen Cambridge for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder Takes the Stage coming out October 22, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoy this series! I love the time period. Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I think these books have a lot of heart to them. I love the writing. I definitely love Agatha Christie’s work so it’s fun she’s a character in this series. I think the mystery was really interesting and I loved the theater setting. There were a couple things I wasn’t as excited about in the book. But overall, I really enjoyed it.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Agatha Christie mysteries!

The fourth book in this “Agatha Christie vibe” book series is the best yet.

This time the author treats us to her version of the ABC Murders by Agatha Christie. The author always has interesting characters in her stories, and it’s always fun watching Phyllida and Mr. Dobble squabble. The plot was entertaining and we learn a bit more about Phyllida and her past as well as watch her and Bradford move closer together. I can’t recommend this series enough, it’s fabulous.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.

Phyllida Bright isn't happy about accompanying her friend and employer, Agatha Christie, to London. Agatha is working on getting one of her books turned into a play and Phyllida comes along in her role as housekeeper to make sure things run smoothly. Not long after they arrive, Agatha is meeting some of her theater friends when they discover an actor has died on stage. There was no performance going on at the time, but it was still a shock to find Archibald Allston dead at the Adelphi theater. While there is nothing suspicious about his death, everyone is still upset by the event. Soon, an actor playing a character whose name begins with B is found dead in the Belmont theater. It doesn't take long for Phyllida to sense a pattern and decide to do what she can to stop the killer before he or she moves through the alphabet. The police inspector is well aware of Phyllida, and also seems to hint that if she doesn't butt out of the investigation, he might have to look into some murky events from her past.

This book is the fourth in the Phyllida Bright series, but it works well as a standalone read. The real-life characters of Agatha Christie and her husband Max Mallowan don't have very big parts to play in this story, so we don't get to see them interact with the other characters much at all. There is a budding romance for Phyllida and I'm sure she will soon be solving another mystery while here employer Agatha is dreaming up another one on paper. I would have liked Agatha to get more involved in the story, but I suppose she was "off stage" working out her next book idea!

This book is too slow-paced for me, filled with irrelevant details. It’s what I call a “British slice-of-life” book. Apparently, some people love that, but it doesn’t appeal to me.

"In this delightful historical mystery, Phyllida Bright - amateur sleuth and Agatha Christie's esteemed housekeeper - discovers a killer stalking the stages of London's illustrious theaters.

Housekeeper Phyllida Bright is quite in her element at Mallowan Hall, the charming English manor that she keeps in tip-top shape. By contrast, the bustling metropolis of London, where her famed employer Agatha Christie has temporarily relocated, leaves Phyllida a bit out of her depth. Not only must she grapple with a limited staff, but Phyllida also has to rein in a temperamental French cook who has the looks of Hercule Poirot, but none of the charm.

When a man named Archibald Allston is found dead in an armchair onstage at the Adelphi Theater, first impressions are that he died of natural causes. But the very next day, the unlucky actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater is found with his head bashed in. And when a third victim turns up, this time with double-C initials, the fatal pattern is impossible to ignore.

With panic erupting among theater folk - a superstitious bunch at the best of times - Phyllida steps up to help with the investigation. The murderer's MO may be easy to read, but can Phyllida uncover the killer's identity before the final curtain falls on another victim?"

I will read whatever Colleen writes under whatever name.

Colleen Cambridge's "Murder Takes the Stage" whisks readers away to the world of 1930s London theater. The mystery unfolds as Phyllida Bright, Agatha Christie's housekeeper, delves into a series of murders in the vibrant West End. The victims are connected by a pattern that forms an alphabet of death, pulling Phyllida into a game where the lines between illusion and reality blur.

Phyllida emerges as a strong protagonist. The novel sees her transformation from a bystander to a determined sleuth. As Christie's housekeeper, she has unique insights, but her intelligence and skills set her apart. Despite being underestimated, Phyllida proves herself capable and resourceful.

The writing balances suspense with humor, particularly in Phyllida's interactions with Inspector Wellbourne. The dialogue feels natural and develops character dynamics without slowing the pace. This balance keeps readers engaged, even during methodical investigation scenes.

The pacing is solid for the most part. Cambridge maintains tension as the murders increase and the stakes rise. The final reveal is satisfying and surprising, avoiding obvious or convoluted solutions.

Cambridge’s experience shows in the plotting and period details. The novel distinguishes itself through its setting, characters, and themes. The theater world provides a rich backdrop for the classical mystery elements. Cambridge's attention to historical detail immerses readers in the period. The theater scene creates a backdrop that enhances suspense, portraying the glamour and competitiveness of the entertainment world.

The story explores the perils of ambition and fame. The killer's motive reflects the ruthless side of show business. Cambridge uses the setting to examine the pressures of relevance and success, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative.

Cambridge addresses media influence and public perception, adding depth to the plot. The killer's manipulation of attention reflects the power of sensationalism in the 1930s and resonates today. This approach elevates the story beyond a standard whodunit, offering commentary on fame and public opinion.

This novel offers an engaging read that maintains suspense until the end. I recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie, traditional mysteries, and historical fiction. Cambridge has crafted a story that entertains and prompts reflection on ambition, fame, and the line between performance and reality. Overall, it is a solid addition to Cambridge’s body of work.

This review is of an advance reader copy provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. It is currently scheduled for release on October 22, 2024.

Housekeeper to Agatha Christie, Phyllida Bright, is back solving another murder! I have enjoyed this series so far and am eager to read more.

There have been a few unfortunate deaths occurring at the local theater and one of the victims relatives ask Phyllida for her help in solving the murders. The interesting thing about the murders is they follow the alphabet. We start with the death of Archibald Allston, and then the actor playing Benvolio at the Belmont Theater, and finally an actor with double- C- initials is found dead. It seems we have an ABC murderer on our hands (if you know, you know). Will the killer move on to the letter D or will Phyllida put a stop to the killings? You will have to read to find out!

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

MURDER TAKES THE STAGE is the fourth book in the Phyllida Bright Mysteries by Colleen Cambridge. Oh my goodness… this series just keeps getting better and better with each book! I adore the backdrop of Agatha Christie as a minor character, while her housekeeper (and so much more!) Phyllida Bright takes center stage. The plot is superbly clever, and the setting of several theaters in London adds to the appeal. With actors and actresses thrown into the mix of murder(s), there is chaos and drama for Phyllida to wade through to solve the case. I especially love that we get more information about Phyllida’s backstory and her relationship with Agatha Christie’s chauffeur seems to be heating up—and and I highly approve. I simply can’t wait to read more in the series!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder Takes the Stage
Phyllida Bright #4
by Colleen Cambridge
Publisher: Kensington
Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2024

Phyllida Bright’s detective skills are needed when a murderer stalks London’s theaters.

Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan, have temporarily moved their household from Mallowan Hall to London, and that move includes their housekeeper Phyllida Bright, some of the maids, and the frustrating, but also attractive chauffer Joshua Bradford. London holds good memories for Phyllida but there are also bad memories and a police detective with an interest in her past. All of this though becomes secondary when an actor is found dead. Phyllida has every intention of letting Scotland Yard handle the case. But then the nephew of an old friend of Agatha’s is murdered in another London theater. Melissa Satterwait, the dead man’s aunt, and a mover and shaker in the London theater world, asks Phyllida to investigate, and she finds herself once again involved in murder.
Murder Takes the Stage is the latest book in the Phyllida Bright series, and it is a delight to read. I love these characters and the growth they’ve shown over the series. Phyllida Bright is a strict housekeeper, but also a mother figure to her young staff, and they hold her in the highest regard. Bradford, on the other hand, loves to get under her skin and Phyllida gets mad at herself when he succeeds. But she’s also attracted to him, and it’s been fun to see how this conflict and relationship plays out. Humor is present throughout the novel, and I found myself laughing numerous times throughout the book. The mystery is one that kept me guessing, and I didn’t have a clue about the murderer’s identity—always a win in my book.
Murder Takes the Stage is an excellent addition to the series. 5/5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for providing an e-copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Loved it! Honestly, I've enjoyed all of the Phyllida Bright mysteries (as well as the American in Paris novels), and each subsequent book keeps getting better and better. This historical cozy series is an homage to Agatha Christie works, with Murder Takes the Stage focusing on The ABC Murders, the theater, and a dash of Downton Abbey-like characters. All of the loveable main characters make an appearance, the reader learns more about these characters' backgrounds, and some sparks fly (finally) between some of my favorites. Plus, there's plenty of Poirot references and London armchair travel throughout. Keep it up! Recommended.

Net Galley Feedback

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing Corporation, and author Colleen Cambridge, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for October 22, 2024.

In this instalment, the author has (temporarily??) relocated British archaeologist Sir Max Mallowan and his famous wife, Agatha Christie from their homebase at Mallowan House in Listleigh to the hustle and bustle of inner city London. The couple, who have rented Gantry House for the duration of their stay, have also brought with them several key members of their household staff in an effort to make their lives run a little more smoothly. Housekeeper, Phyllida Bright and maids, Molly and Opal; the butler, Mr Dobble and Mr Max’s valet, Elton. Joshua Bradford and his dog, Myrtle complete the set. However, the move to London is overshadowed by a series of gruesome murders, and, on the face of it, the only connecting thread appears to be the theatre.

As is evident from the title, Murder Takes the Stage, the primary narrative for this instalment is theatre based. This theatrical trope is becoming widely popular of late, especially in the cosy mystery genre, and dare I say....it’s at risk of becoming over-used?

Bookish Theatre Critic Yays:

🅰️ In this case, I did enjoy the use of alliteration. Because alliteration is memorable and catchy, writers often use alliteration to emphasis those words, phrases or ideas that they want to linger in their readers’ minds, and in this setting, I think it worked well.

🔤 Archibald Allston, asleep in armchair at the Adelphi; Benvolio bashed on the balcony at the Belmont; Claudia Carmichael catapulted from the catwalk at the Clapham.

🅿️ Perfectly set scenes, 💣 explosive dramatics, refined performances and 😮 shocking surprises.

🧑‍🍳 a fake-French chef.

😘 and, a flirtation with Bradford (this reader’s eyes goggled with surprise when this happened!).


Bookish Theatre Critic Whines:

🤕 All was well - until the final curtain call. The concluding scene where our FMC renders (or should I say, ‘performs’) her soliloquy was way too long, and was on the verge of becoming tedious.

🤕 Even though this reader thought the case was indeed ingeniously plotted, she also thought it was the least original of the series (hello overwritten theatrical trope).


Theatre Critic’s Last Word:

😍 Marry an archaeologist, because the older you get, the more he will appreciate you.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Kensington Publishing Corporation for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

#MurderTakestheStage #NetGalley

This series is so much fun to read! Phyllida only wants to work in Agatha Christie's home meeting out running smoothly, but murder keeps happening around her, this time in the theater. As a fan of Agatha Christie's books, these mysteries bring them back to life.

Phyllida Bright is one of my favorite cozy mystery characters. Phyllida is housekeeper to Agatha Christie, but also a friend and former war nursing colleague. Phyllida is brilliant, organized, and lovely, but fears London and Scotland Yard because of a mystery in her past.
The Christie household heads to London as Agatha has a new play based on one of her books being produced and she wants to be there. Phyllida is included in the London group, as is Bradford, the family chauffeur. An actor dies onstage in Agatha’s play and the theatre critic writes an alliterative title for the news, using A. The following week, another death using the letter B, then a death using the letter C. Agatha is inspired with the idea of a new novel (The ABC Murders). Phyllida is recruited to solve the mystery and prevent another death, which she does in her usual efficient way, while still managing the household, dealing with a fake-French chef, and a flirtation with Bradford.
I enjoy the Phyllida Bright series and each one is delightful. The characters are interesting and very real and the mystery well-crafted.
Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed Murder Takes the Stage. Agatha Christie is my favorite author so this series is one of my favorite contemporary cozy mystery series. Phyllida is such a great character and I'm so happy about the progress that was made in her now relationship with Bradford. The murder mystery was very intriguing as the story takes place in London, which is a Metropolitan city compared to the village of Listleigh where Mallowan Hall is. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.

This is the fourth installment of the Phyllida Bright murder mysteries, and this time murder happens in alliterative fashion in the theaters of London's West End. One need not have read Colleen Cambridge's other titles in this series to enjoy the story. Phyllida' asides are very humurous, and the plot is fast-paced. The conclusion to the mystery is also satisfying. Agatha Christie readers will find much here to love. Even if you've never read a Christie novel, this is a fun read.

Murder Takes the Stage, book four in the Phyllida Bright Mystery Series by Colleen Cambridge is part Agatha Christie except it’s her housekeeper who always steals the show. She is just as interesting and quite mysterious herself, at least her past is. When the first victim is found dead at one theater, there is the assumption that it is one from natural causes. However, another follows and then another. There is a chilling pattern to the deaths that has Phyllida joining the investigation to find and stop a crazed killer.

Phyllida is one smart amateur detective who can and will solve this case. What a delight it is to see her work it all out. Great writing, great plot and great characters. This series is addictive. Catch up with Phyllida Bright in London for Murder Takes the Stage.

Phyllida Bright is to historical mystery books what Columbo is to TV detective series.
The story follows the fictional housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, of the very real Agatha Christie, as the household decamp to London. Agatha is to supervise the staging of one of her books, but stopped dead when an actor, Archibald Allston, is found dead in an armchair on stage at the Adelphi Theatre. And so the mischief begins. Phyllida has a track record as a discrete sleuth and called upon to give an opinion as to whether foul play was involved or not (it wasn’t – not a spoiler). However, the proverbial plots thickens when two most definite murders follow: Benvolio bludgeoned at the Belgrave Theatre and Claudia Carmichael at the Clapham Theatre. What devilry is afoot? Phyllida dons her sleuthing hat and gloves to solve the riddle before Daphne Dewberry meets a sticky end at the first night of Dracula.
Murder Takes the Stage is a satisfying romp of a tale. There is a full supporting cast of engaging characters from an actor infiltrating the Christie household, posing as a French chef as an elaborate audition to play Poirot, to a darkly handsome chauffeur who provides a subtle love interest. Phyllida herself is a steel bar of a woman dressed in satins and silks, and with an eye-catching hair do – I liked her very much.
Along with the clever plot, the author hints that Phyllida’s adventures were the inspiration for some of Ms Christie’s novel. In this case – “The ABC Murders”…except, true to character, Phyllida much preferred the moniker “The Alliterative Murders.”
This is book 3 in the series and I haven’t read 1 or 2, but it is easily read as a standalone story. Without spoilers a significant event from Phyllida’s past was hinted at early on and left me feeling a bit of a dither…but this was explained later in the book, so no martini spilt there. So, if you want to relax on a rainy day with a coffee, and escape into an Art Deco world with a stylish sleuth and gentle humour…look no further than “Murder Takes the Stage.”
4.5 stars.

This author’s two current historical mystery series featuring real-life secondary characters are auto reads for me. Confident and enigmatic Phyllida is back, and we’re getting her tantalizing backstory in drips and drops. I’m also keen to know more about Bradford. We got other character POVs only a few times, but it was jarring. I’d rather have a more balanced POV or just Phyllida’s.
New readers could dive in to this fourth in the series and follow the well-plotted mystery, but it’s so much more fun when you know the characters too. This was well-paced and a nice change of setting from Mallowan Hall. This might be my favorite so far and I’m already eager for the next one!

Murder Takes the Stage is a Phyllida Bright mystery. It takes place in London. Phyllida Bright is the housekeeper for Agatha Christie and her husband, Max Mallowan who live in Listleigh in Devon but are renting a house called Gantry House on Matilda Street, London A small group of their staff came to London with them. Mr. Dobble is the butler, Elton, Max's valet, Molly, head kitchen maid and Opal, sculley maid. M. Chadonnay is the hired cook they employed who looks like Hercule Poirot. She does not get along with him. Later it is found out that he is not french but an actor who wanted to get to meet Agatha.

Shortly after arriving Phyllida gets a phone call from Agatha to come to the Royal Aldelphia Theatre as someone has died. Mr. and Mrs. Satterwait (Hugh and Melissa) are there too, They had all come into the auditoriam and found the actor, Allton Archibald dead in a chair on the stage. A program was found in his hand open to his page. Hugh was to direct Agatha's play Warps Nest. She viewed the body and left.

The next day, Phyllida is again by Agatha to the Belmont Theatre. The show that was about to open was Romeo and Juliet. She is met by director Joseph Tulley and asked to follow him. Another man named Trent Orkney who's head was bashed in lying on the stage dead. A program was found open to his page. It looked like he had fallen off the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Trent is Melissa Sattterait's nephew. After viewing the body she had hoped to get out before the police from Scotland Yard arrived but Inspector Wellbourne arrived before she was able to leave. When he heard her name he told her that inspector Cork from Listleigh told him about her and told her to stay out of his case. He did not particularly like her. She felt the same.

Mrs. Satterwait came to the house to speak to Phyllida and get her help. She bought Trent's fiance, Josephine Newby. She wanted Phyllide to help her find out who killed Trent. Arrangements were made with the editor, Herbert Foy that she will be a reporter at the Illustrated London News. The next day Phyllida goes to the theatre pretending she is a reporter and meets Lawrence Nesmith the stage manager. Joe had found Trent. She also spoke to Marilee Putnam-Percy who plays Juliet. She brings Phyllida into her dressing room. Marlee tells Phyllida that Vic London could have killed Trent. That they had words playing bridge. Also George Hadley who plays Romeo. She also runs into the seamstress outside the stage. He tells her that he overheard Trent on the phone saying he was going to meet someone at noon the day he was murdered. He was not happy about it. She goes Trent's dressing room and finds flowers there sent by the same person. Finds a slip of paper that says
"Need You". Also some matches from The Caveron Club. Inspector Wellbourne sees her at the theatre. He is not happy to see her there.

Mrs. Satterwait invited Phyllida to a party at the Savoy Hotel. to honor the two men who died. Many of the men and woman from the theatre will be there. Agatha does not want her to go along so she has Joshua Bradford who worked for Agatha as a driver be her escort. When arriving Phyllida sees many people she has met at the theatres. Miss Putnam-Percy sees her and came over. She still thinks that Phyllida is a reporter named Penny Bright to introduce her fiance, Harold Fortenberry. Phyllida speaks to both Melissa and Hugh. All of a sudden Lawrence Nesmith comes in carrying a newspaper looking at Abernathy Vance's article. Upon everyone seeing the article people become upset and a fight breaks out. Joshua removes Phyllida from the situation before it gets out of hand,

The next day Phyllida gets a note from Melissa telling her that Claudia Carmichael was found dead on the stage. at the Chapham Theatre. She was in the show Peter Pan. She had either been pushed or fell from the catwalk, A program was found open to her page. When Phyllida got to the theatre she ran into Mr. Pibble who worked the ropes. The flying one was not his. She went up on the catwalk to see the scene. She noticed the railing was not the same as if disturbed as if pushed. Abby Millhouse was Claudia's roommate. She plays Wendy. She told Phyllide that Ellen Marston had wanted the role of Peter Pan but was cast as Autumn Crocus.

The murders were named The Alphabet Murders.

Inspector Wellington threated Phlyllide that he had the folder from Sedwick showing that she had killed her husband, David after the war and if she didn't stay out of the investigation he would use them.

Phyllida got another invitation to Melissa and Hugh's home to a party. Ms. Putnam-Percy was there with George Hadley. She also found out that Ellen Marston was engaged to Lawrence Nesmith. Phyllida meets Mr. Vane at the party. He told her that he was suppose to met with Trent at the theatre at 12 but had another appointment and had to cancel,

Daphne Dayberry arrived with her brother, Ned Nuffley. Since she was a "D" could she be next. She was doing the show Dracula. Shook hands and noticed that her hand had a tremor. She makes arrangements to see her at the theatre the next day. She also went to speak to Ellen and Vic. When alone with Vic she mentions the Cavern Club. He denies that he knows the club but gives it away before he leaves.

Bradford is there when Phyllida leaves the party. This is where I will leave the remainder of the book to the reader to enjoy. There is too much to put on paper.. The end is very exciting and a surprise.

I really enjoyed the book. I plan to read the first three. I and especially like the relationship that developed between Phyllida and Bradford. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corporation for this ARC.

Phyllida must split her time managing Agatha Christie’s rental house in London and solving a series of murders in this 4th book in the series. The murders revolve around the theater and actors with alliterative names which leads to dubbing the murder the ABC Killer. Agatha is there to help produce one of her plays and has her friend contact Phyllida to help figure out if the first death is from natural causes or murder. Phyllida is then called to a 2nd death, and then a 3rd death, and must solve the mystery before the 4th death can occur. She must also confront her feelings for the chauffeur, Bradford, who we see has some surprises in his past. Bradford does not take kindly to the police officer who subtly threatens Phyllida and takes matters into his own hands to protect her. I liked this book more than the last one and look forward to seeing Phyllida and Bradford work together more in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.