If you’re looking for a really cozy series, this is it! Julia Byrd is a strong protagonist that you can’t help but route for. I love the setting, the supporting characters and every single entry in the series. What is it about British cozies that are just better? Grab this book and you’ll see what I mean.

Another great installment to this series A village Theatre Murder is Book 7 in the series and the characters are getting to be familiar and comforting as even though includes a murder its a gentle way of dealing with murder in the very picturesque setting of the Cotswolds. They mystery itself was as gripping as ever with lots of twists and turns as Julie and Sean investigate and kept me turning the pages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is my 7th visit to the quaint village of Berrywick and another murder mystery for the modern day Miss Marple Julia and her side kick Jake.

This is an delightful series with humour and a host of entertaining characters you can't fail to be charmed by the goings on in Berrywick.

The Village Theatre Murder (Julia Bird Mysteries Book 7) by Katie Gayle is a solid cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of classic whodunnits. While the pacing slows down in a few spots and I didn’t fully connect with all the characters, the story maintains that quintessential cozy charm. The setting, plot twists, and atmospheric tension are reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s style, making it a satisfying read for those who enjoy a traditional mystery. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) A great addition to the genre!

I just LOVE the Julia Bird mysteries, and I especially enjoy how Julia is an intelligent, middle-aged woman who loves her dog! This one took place during a community theater production and anyone who knows me knows how much I love community theater! Hard to believe this is the 7th in series; you do not need to read them in order and each can be a stand-alone.

Thank you to Bookouture Publishing for my copy and having me as part of the tour!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'A Village Theatre Murder' by Katie Gayle

This book is the seventh book in the 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series but each book can be read as a standalone.

And this book is yet ANOTER absolutely fantastic success Katie Gayle congratulations!! Such an easy, fun and addictive cosy mystery that had me hook, line and sinker!!!

I must say that Katie Gayle's 'Julia Bird Mysteries' series is definitely one of the best cosy mystery series that I have ever read, if not the best. Each and every book in this series has its own unique storyline and this one is no different.! Although this book is the seventh book in Katie Gayle's Julia Bird' series you will have absolutely no problems reading it as a standalone. Any relationships, friendships and cases mentioned are explained in just the right amount of detail so new readers of this gripping series understand what's happened previously but not too much that previous readers get bored by repetition. I would always recommend reading books in a series in order but if you cant resist reading this one before the previous ones, and who would blame you with this stunning cover sucking you in, then there is a silver lining! The silver lining is that after you finished and fallen in love with this book and series you can go back and read the previous six gorgeous books while you are waiting for Katie Gayle's next success to come out!! On that note, I have some amazing news and that is that you will not have to wait too long for it!! The next book in this gorgeous series is already available to preorder on Amazon!! It is called 'Murder In the Winter Woods' and will be published on the 25th September so preorder it now and mark your calendars!! In this absolutely cracking addition to this fantastic series Katie Gayle transports the reader into the gorgeous village of Berrywick where Julia Bird and her partner Doctor Sean O'Connor are watching the South Cotswold's Players, the regions amateur dramatics society, annual theatre performance called 'A Night To Remember' along with Tabitha, their friend and village librarian who wrote the play. All is going well until the shooting scene where actor Oscar shoots the lead actor Graham. It turns out that somebody has replaced the blanks with real bullets into the gun!! Julia and Tabitha were in charge of the props and as they both know the gun was loaded with blanks they also know somebody planned this. DI Hayley Gibson is called in to investigate along with PC Walter Farmer but as always Julia is determined to help find the guilty party and bring justice for the victim. While this is going on Julia also ends up with a new house member in the form of Chaplin the cat who Julia obtained after the death of the character in 'Murder On A Country Walk' (make sure you check that one out as it is yet another fantastic page turner) and Jake (Julia's chocolate Labrador) is not too pleased with the new addition and Sean's son Jono has been having a difficult time and moves in with Sean. Can Julia get to the bottom of Graham's death before the killer strikes again? Will Jake ever accept Chaplin? What has been happening with Jono? Well, you will have to grab your copy of this addictive page turner to find out for yourself. I promise that you will not regret it!!! I absolutely love reading these fantastic books in this amazing series which all take place in such a stunning environment I felt like I had disappeared on holiday for the day. It was a shame it was only a day but that's how long it took me to zoom through the pages after not being able to put it down. I genuinely felt like I was in the storyline and I was devastated to come to the end and have to "unpack my suitcase". I love getting stuck into these mysteries with Julia, Sean, Leo, Jack, Hayley and Tabitha each and every time and now Chaplin and Jono too which is even better. The storyline is multi-layered with mystery upon mystery to keep the reader completely absorbed throughout without a moment to get bored. It was filled with murder, animals, mystery, mayhem, mystery, tension, twists, romance, friendship and absolutely everything you could ever ask for in a cosy mystery. The fact that it was filled with animals is right down my street being a huge animal lover myself. I run my own animal rescue called Golden Oldies Cat Rescue And Hospice which you can find on social media so any books that contain animals always get bonus points from me and this series is filled with them! It is one of those immense books that each and every time I told myself just one more chapter I just had to read yet one more to know what was going to happen next, and then another until before I know it I had devoured the whole book in just a few hours. Grab your copy and join Julia on her murder mystery, investigations, volunteering and animal antics where there's a mix of romance, heartbreak, anger, amazing characters, murder, mayhem and so much more mixed in!! You genuinely couldn't ask for anything else in a fantastic cosy crime!!! This is yet another fantastic addition to this addictive series! ! I was not expecting the killer twist so a huge congratulations there!!! I have read so many books it seems to be getting harder and harder to shock me but you definitely managed it after leading me down the garden path several times!! This is an absolutely fantastic, page turning and fun cosy crime series that can be read in any order. I would love to see them all turned into movies and I cannot wait to get into Katie's next fantastic success!!!

Do not pick this up until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!

Although this is the seventh book in the series I would have had absolutely no problems reading it without any of the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely LOVED meeting Julia, Jake, Sean, Hayley, Tabitha, Henny Penny and everyone else who makes this cosy mystery series perfect the way it was again. The new additions of Chaplin and Jono are absolute delights and they immediately felt like friends that I am looking forward to meeting again along with the rest of the gang! I became completely invested in each of the characters and Katie and Gail portray village life and characters into the first book in this series 'An English Garden Murder' and they all, well almost all, quickly became friends that I miss each and every time I finish the book. I really clicked with Julia immediately who was a perfect choice for this cosy mystery. Julia has a habit of coming across bodies and then getting involved with trying to solve the mystery to the annoyance of her friend (for now 😂) and DI Hayley Gibson. I love the fact that Julia refuses to back down on her digging even though she know she will get in trouble!! She is such a strong female role model. I also loved meeting Sean (007) again and find him to be such a true gentleman. I have also loved watching his and Julie's relationship develop and I'm looking forward to watching it continuing to do so. DI Helen can be very grumpy at times especially when she has to tell Julia off but it's nice to see her soft side come out too and watching the friendship develop between them even more so in this book. I am looking forward to meeting them all again in the next book in this fantastic series and seeing how all the friendship and relationships with the characters develop especially with the naughty but lovable Jake (definitely my favourite!!), Leo, Henny Penny, Chaplin, Jono and many, many more!!! It is available to preorder on Amazon now and is called 'Murder In the Winter Woods' and will be published on the 25th September. I cannot wait!! An amazing group of string and realistic characters that jump out of the pages and I look forward to meeting time and time again. A fantastic group of unique and strong personalities!!

Congratulations Kate and Gail on an yet another absolutely addictive book in this absolutely page turning series!!! Here's to a fantastic and many more successes 🥂

Overall an addictive and memorable cosy mystery set in a stunning area that you won't be able to put down!!

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Julia plays a backstage role in the village's latest amateur dramatics production. When, on opening night, there is a suspicious death, All those connected with the production are under suspicion. Some individuals close to the victim have motives, but not everything is as it first seems. I enjoyed the cast of complex and relatable characters, the surprising plot twists and the unexpected but welcome humour, courtesy of the animal characters and Julia's impulsive investigations. I also liked the suspense building and the dramatic and poignant conclusion.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Julia and Tabitha are helping with the local theatre production. This latest Julia Bird mystery has many twists and turns and misdirections.
I love how village life is woven into the mystery. Julia is a comforting sort of main character. She is settled in her identity. She is intelligent and has a great understanding of people and motivations.
I was convinced it was a particular character but I ended up being wrong. The various suspects were well-drawn and each had merit until they didn’t.
The reader learns more about Sean and his son, Jono, who is an added mystery in the book.
If you like England and cozy mysteries, pick up A Village Theatre Murder.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to share in this story.

I had a lot of fun in reading this mystery, travelling to Cotswold and catching up with Julia, Sean, and the groups of their friend and relative.
The relationship between Jake and his clever chicken lady is very inclusive and cute. There's an addition to the cast of characters: Sean's troubled son, Jono, who's looking for his way and discovers he's got a gift that could turn his life in a positive way.
The mystery is solid, a classic murder in public with a prop. There's no scarcity of suspects but the solution is surprising.
Well done, entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A surprising murder in the middle of a theatre play in Berrywick has Julia Bird once more concerned with finding the murderer. There are plenty of suspects and twisty turns in this cozy mystery.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Katie Gayle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Village Theatre Murder coming out March 11, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I haven’t read all the books in the series, but I really love cozy mysteries. I’ve read quite a few theatre murder books. I really loved the plot. I think the characters are interesting. The mystery was really good. I would definitely check out more books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone to who enjoys cozy mysteries!

A Village Theatre Murder was an enjoyable addition to the Julia Bird Series. I love following Julia's new chapter in life and seeing it moving beyond the trope of a broken-up marriage. This one has the same vibes as the earlier books in the series. I liked the addition of Chaplin, too.

Thanks to Bookouture and the author for this ARC copy, which I received via NetGalley.

This book is pretty much the same as the others. It's a nice cozy mystery. I do find the chapter to chapter jumps a little jarring but otherwise this is a perfect quick read.

Julia Bird returns in the latest cosy mystery from Katie Gayle - the 7th in the series. A retired social worker, Julia has made herself at home in the little Cotswold village of Berrywick, getting herself involved in local groups.

The local amateur dramatic group are putting a on play in the local hall. What should be a fun event for the village community turns to horror when the lead actor is shot for real on stage, after someone has seemingly tampered with the prop gun.

Being in charge of props, Julia finds herself under suspicion and fights to clear her name. The big question is why anyone would want the lead actor Graham dead. Is the answer in his private life, or is the play the key to the death? Can Julia solve the case before more tragedy strikes?

It's fun to see the different personalities in the community, particularly in the amateur dramatic group, led by police Superintendent Roger Grave, showing off a different side to his personality.

Julia is such a lovely, sweet and unassuming character, she's easy to root for, and she wants the best for everyone, and is easy to root for. She finds her new relationship with local doctor Sean O'Connor tested when he has to dash to London to pick up his grown son who has found himself in trouble.

I do enjoy the Julia Bird series, they're wonderful feel-good cosy mysteries, and this addition is no exception. Gentle but fast paced, it's easy to get sucked in and lose an afternoon to following Julia's adventures.

When Julia Bird and her partner Dr Sean are invited to the local amateur theatre performance they are expecting some hammy acting and laughs but instead things take a sinister turn when one of the actors is accidentally shot on stage with a loaded gun. Except the gun wasn’t supposed to be loaded and with Julia and Tabitha in charge of the props, they know that someone obviously wanted the victim dead.

It is always an absolute joy to be reunited with Julia, Jake and her friends in the charming and beautiful village in the Cotswolds where there is murder a plenty but it probably still wouldn’t put me off living in this idyllic countryside village. I almost forgot to mention Julia’s new house guest, in the guise of a cat named Chaplin, adopted from the sadly deceased character in the last book who Jake is reluctantly still trying to accept in the house. He can cope with Henny Penny the bossy hen but I think he has drawn the line with a cat!

DI Hayley Gibson is back to investigate and I think has realised that trying to stop Julia from investigating falls on deaf ears and I secretly thinks she appreciates Julia’s way with people (something the often brusque Hayley could learn from!)

I really enjoy this series and really appreciate that even though this is the seventh book in the series, the authors have still managed to keep everything still fresh whilst also within keeping of the village life and characters. As with the other books, once I started I couldn’t stop reading, eager to find out what really caused the murder whilst also trying to sort truth from fiction with the added plot twists that always scupper my chances of solving the investigation myself – I was pleasantly surprised with ending and definitely didn’t see it coming at all!

Another wonderful addition to one of my favourite cosy crime series.

Favorite Quotes:

Hayley’s sigh held all the tragedy of the world, and the weight of her chosen career path– a choice that she sounded like she might regret at this precise moment.

...not one to mince her words. Or swallow them. Or even think about them too much. She was one to let them run freely out of her mouth and into the world, unchecked.

Henny Penny was the Houdini of chickens, and perhaps the Einstein of chickens, too. She mysteriously managed to get out of the coop often...

The Guide Dog School dropout had been the terror of Berrywick and surrounds. Chasing geese, stealing ice creams and biscuits from small children, threatening to topple the elderly.

Chaplin tended to be entitled and supercilious, but Julia had never seen or heard him hiss at anyone. Was this some kind of sign? Was Chaplin some kind of savant cat who could detect evil the same way as those people who could find water with twigs?


My Review:

I adore this clever pair of authors known as Katie Gayle, they keep me guessing in a must amusing and entertaining manner with their wry wit. Their comical descriptions seem to jump off the page and effortlessly play across my gray matter like a movie reel. Their murder mysteries are well-honed, easy to follow, smartly paced, well-nuanced, and authentic. I hope they keep Julia Bird going into perpetuity as I will never tire of her meddling and quirky fellow villagers, despite their unusual propensity for bloody murder.

A Village Theatre Murder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ At the end of Berrywick’s amateur theatre’s latest production, a shot rings out amongst the rapturous applause. But when Julia Bird peeks through the curtain, she sees lead actor Graham is lying still on the stage, his co-actor Oscar looking down at his prop gun in shock. She knows that Graham has been murdered, but with nearly everyone in the village helping with the play, anyone could have tampered with the props. And why was a beloved family man the target?”

Another great addition to the Julia Bird series! I love the little town of Berrywick and want to visit and hang out with Julia and everyone. Such a good story and mystery in this addition to the series. I would recommend this series and this book. Can’t wait to see what happens to Julia next.

4.5 Stars
At the end of Berrywick’s amateur theatre’s latest production, a shot rings out amongst the rapturous applause. Lead actor Graham is lying still on the stage, his co-actor Oscar looking down at his prop gun in shock. Graham’s wife Jane collapses in a puddle of tears as Oscar is comforted and led away from the stage. Meanwhile, the aptly named director, Roger Grave, wants the show to go on. The play is up for a local award, and this might just be Roger’s big break. Then another member of the crew is found dead and Julia discovers there’s a dark secret at the heart of Berrywick’s local theatre society & she too is in danger.
The seventh outing for Julia & co & another well written cosy mystery. I love Julia & how she’s forged a new life after divorce & retirement, she is supported by a strong cast of secondary characters Tabitha her best friend, Sean her partner & Hayley the no nonsense detective inspector, not forgetting Jake the chocolate lab & Chaplin the aloof cat. There were plenty of twists turns & red herrings, there were also plenty of secrets which were gradually uncovered. Jono Sean’s son had been having a hard time & he returns home to live with his Dad, he has a way with dogs & even Jake obeys. An engrossing murder mystery which kept me guessing, roll on book eight
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

It was the night of the amateur theatre performance in Berrywick, and Julia Bird, along with her partner, Dr Sean O'Connell and a filled seated area of townsfolk, were all in attendance. When the final scene took place, the gunshot was loud; the curtains coming down saw Julia and Sean happy with the entertainment. But a call from the stage for a doctor, had Sean immediately make his way forward. The gunshot had been real - the player was dead.

With DI Hayley Gibson on the case, plus PC Walter Farmer, Julia kept her suppositions to herself - but not for long. Doing her usual sleuthing, Julia found some things out that Hayley hadn't known. But then a second person died, also connected to the theatre society. Who was killing cast members, and why?

A Village Theatre Murder is the 7th in the Julia Bird Mysteries by Katie Gayle and once again it was lots of fun. I love Jake, Julia's mischievous chocolate labrador, and Leo, who is Sean's dog. Together they play and do doggy things, but when Jono, Sean's son, commands, the dogs obey. He has a gift. Another entertaining story in this cosy series which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

Once again Julia Bird is caught up in murder, this time at the am-dram society. We follow Julia as she traverses the whispers and clues towards the perpetrator. The characters are getting to be familiar and comforting as we proceed through the series. It is gentle and gentile even though it's about murder. The setting of the Cotswolds is evocative, very picturesque in representing the area and inhabitants. Another is a winner in the genre. A magnificent telling of the tale of murder and suspicion. Very enjoyable stories which are a pleasure to read. With thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley.