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Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery #7
Deadly Performance
A murder on stage. Her father a prime suspect. Can an amateur sleuth step into the limelight and find the killer before the final curtain falls?Dotty Sayers and her cat, Earl Grey, are anxious about visiting her parents in Edinburgh, Scotland. When Dotty and her father accept a stranger’s VIP tickets to a Fringe Festival play, they discover more than the best seats in the house. On stage for the first act, Dotty hears a shot in the dark and presumes it’s part of the script. So she’s shocked when a spotlight illuminates a controversial politician’s dead body.
Befriended by a local police officer, Dotty is drawn into the investigation. But her enthusiasm turns to alarm when her father is unexpectedly arrested. Can Dotty prove his innocence before the real culprit exits stage left?
If you enjoy cultural settings, engaging mysteries and quirky characters, you’ll love Victoria Tait’s captivating series.
Even when a player dies on stage, the show must go on. Search behind the scenes with Dotty and buy Deadly Performance today!
Befriended by a local police officer, Dotty is drawn into the investigation. But her enthusiasm turns to alarm when her father is unexpectedly arrested. Can Dotty prove his innocence before the real culprit exits stage left?
If you enjoy cultural settings, engaging mysteries and quirky characters, you’ll love Victoria Tait’s captivating series.
Even when a player dies on stage, the show must go on. Search behind the scenes with Dotty and buy Deadly Performance today!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2023
238 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Tait
46 books325 followersHi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?
If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com
I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.
My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.
If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com
I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.
My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 6, 2023
I have read all the stories in this series including the first in the side series featuring Keya, Sergeant Varma and I have to say this is my favorite one yet! It wonderfully captures Dotty and how she came to be the person she is. Meeting and spending time with her parents showed us how she was able to progress from meek military wife to the mystery solver she is today and the painful steps she had to live through to get there. While there is a spot of trouble during a play that Dotty and her father go to see this is to me a very hopeful book. Dotty is able to reconnect with her past and her parents and have a reset she’s not the girl she was but she is still their daughter. Dotty also made some lovely new friends and solved a murder mystery to boot. Reading this series is like catching up with old friends we hear all about the places they’ve been and seen, the crazy things that have happened but most of all it’s just a warm, cozy feeling of being with your people.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Dotty Sayers and her cat, Earl Grey have arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland to visit her parents. Her mother is very busy so Dotty looks forward to spending some quality time with her father. They have decided to attend a Fringe Festival play using VIP tickets that were sent for someone else. They didn’t realize it was an interactive production and were surprised to find themselves on stage. When the lights go out, Dotty hears a gunshot. She assumed it was just part of the play but when the lights come on a controversial politician is dead and the people on stage including Dotty’s father are all suspects. Dotty’s location on stage keeps her off the list.
Dotty was doing a little digging into the death herself but when her father is arrested for the murder she knows it is up to her to prove his innocence. Can she get the answers she needs about the Deadly Performance? or will her father end up back behind bars? or will the show close with the mystery unsolved?
I was so happy to see this book and that Dotty’s adventures are continuing but in a different way. She is on her own but she has learned a lot about murder and their investigations from when she helped solve a few with her friends in Cotswold. She has gotten stronger in each book and while she was a little burnt out when she left there she has no choice but to get involved in this latest murder mystery. Especially when her new friend undercover policewoman Morag Elliot had asked her to keep her eyes open during the performance and a very important person was killed and now her dad is a prime suspect.
Dotty had not seen her parents in years and it was important for her to show them what a smart independent woman she had become. The parent/adult child relationship is still evolving between the three. I enjoyed that Dotty was able to spend some time with her father. That relationship is much more comfortable than the one with her mother. Her mother was almost too busy for her daughter and it was easy to see how complicated that relationship is. Dotty made some new friends too which was refreshing. All of Ms. Tait’s characters were fleshed out nicely throughout the story.
A murder in complete darkness is a keen mystery. Depending on our other 4 senses is always intriguing. Was the right person killed or did the killer miss their mark? Twists and turns make this a complicated mystery. Dotty does her best to work out all the connections and that leads up to a very entertaining reveal.
With the story set in Edinburgh, the author gives readers an overview of the political environment, history, and culture of the area. Dotty travels to such interesting places including museums, restaurants, and the Fringe Festival. Her father had been part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and his additions to the guide’s stories were just splendid. I am always happy to learn new things while I am reading mysteries and appreciate when authors use true details in their stories.
Deadly Performance is an excellent addition to this series. Dotty is a wonderful protagonist and following along with her through Edinburgh as she took in the sites and sleuthed out clues was just plain fun. I am excited to accompany Dotty on her next adventure. Holly, Baubles, and Murder will be released on October 20.
Dotty Sayers and her cat, Earl Grey have arrived in Edinburgh, Scotland to visit her parents. Her mother is very busy so Dotty looks forward to spending some quality time with her father. They have decided to attend a Fringe Festival play using VIP tickets that were sent for someone else. They didn’t realize it was an interactive production and were surprised to find themselves on stage. When the lights go out, Dotty hears a gunshot. She assumed it was just part of the play but when the lights come on a controversial politician is dead and the people on stage including Dotty’s father are all suspects. Dotty’s location on stage keeps her off the list.
Dotty was doing a little digging into the death herself but when her father is arrested for the murder she knows it is up to her to prove his innocence. Can she get the answers she needs about the Deadly Performance? or will her father end up back behind bars? or will the show close with the mystery unsolved?
I was so happy to see this book and that Dotty’s adventures are continuing but in a different way. She is on her own but she has learned a lot about murder and their investigations from when she helped solve a few with her friends in Cotswold. She has gotten stronger in each book and while she was a little burnt out when she left there she has no choice but to get involved in this latest murder mystery. Especially when her new friend undercover policewoman Morag Elliot had asked her to keep her eyes open during the performance and a very important person was killed and now her dad is a prime suspect.
Dotty had not seen her parents in years and it was important for her to show them what a smart independent woman she had become. The parent/adult child relationship is still evolving between the three. I enjoyed that Dotty was able to spend some time with her father. That relationship is much more comfortable than the one with her mother. Her mother was almost too busy for her daughter and it was easy to see how complicated that relationship is. Dotty made some new friends too which was refreshing. All of Ms. Tait’s characters were fleshed out nicely throughout the story.
A murder in complete darkness is a keen mystery. Depending on our other 4 senses is always intriguing. Was the right person killed or did the killer miss their mark? Twists and turns make this a complicated mystery. Dotty does her best to work out all the connections and that leads up to a very entertaining reveal.
With the story set in Edinburgh, the author gives readers an overview of the political environment, history, and culture of the area. Dotty travels to such interesting places including museums, restaurants, and the Fringe Festival. Her father had been part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and his additions to the guide’s stories were just splendid. I am always happy to learn new things while I am reading mysteries and appreciate when authors use true details in their stories.
Deadly Performance is an excellent addition to this series. Dotty is a wonderful protagonist and following along with her through Edinburgh as she took in the sites and sleuthed out clues was just plain fun. I am excited to accompany Dotty on her next adventure. Holly, Baubles, and Murder will be released on October 20.
July 17, 2023
Deadly Performance Earns 5+/5 VIP Tickets … Clever, Engaging Gem!
Dotty Sayers, with her cat Earl Grey in tow, is heading to Edinburgh to visit with her parents, but the area is filled with tourists eager to see all the historical and cultural sites and enjoy Fringe Festival entertainment. However, the VIP tickets to a murder mystery play causes the most interest. The tickets were sent to the previous residents of the flat Dotty’s parents had purchased, but it isn’t uncommon to trade or exchange tickets, so Dotty’s mum suggests Dotty and her father, Euan, enjoy the performance. One person expected to attend is Iona McDuff, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, so security is ramped up, and since Dottie has experience assisting the police, her new friend and police constable enlists her help. When they arrive, they learn VIPs are expected to act as participants, even Dotty and her dad. They are escorted on stage, then … the lights go out and a shot is heard. Is it part of the performance? Dotty is sure it isn’t. When the lights come back on, Iona McDuff is dead. So, why are the police suspicious of Dotty’s father?
Victoria Tait has brought Dotty back after her time at Akemans had gone from a bright future to dark days to a renewed purpose. She hadn’t seen her family for years, well not in person, and the standard conflicts children, like herself, have with their parents may resonate with those of us who tried hard to please, but then followed a different path. But, now that she’s home, demonstrating her cleverness, determination, and skill as an amateur detective might be the evidence her parents need to better understand, accept, and cheer on their daughter. The evolution of Dotty’s child/parent dynamic is a work in progress, but clearly the insights gained, true feelings exposed, and positive feedback received leads to a better understanding on both sides.
This seventh murder mystery was extremely well devised complicated by the fact it occurred in the dark, but witnesses were able to use their other senses to provide valuable clues. The victim’s political views start off the motives, but, enlisted as a mole in the theater group, Dotty finds other relevant conflicts from revenge to just anger. The journey gets complicated when Dotty starts questioning whether it was a “wrong place, wrong, time, wrong victim” scenario, but it all becomes clear with an exciting confrontation. Victoria Tait includes additional dramas, family revelations, intimate conversations, a bit of eavesdropping, diverse personalities, and an inadvertent knock in the face to make a marvelous couldn’t-put-down experience.
Beyond the mystery and entertaining characters Victoria Tait includes many peripheral details to add to my enjoyment. The different positions typical of the Scottish justice and political system and the hot button topic of an independent Scotland were educational elements along with Google-worthy references to various Edinburgh sites, historical figures, food, art, culture, and of course, whisky. Scotland has always been a top ten bucket list item, and Edinburgh would be my first stop.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Dotty Sayers, with her cat Earl Grey in tow, is heading to Edinburgh to visit with her parents, but the area is filled with tourists eager to see all the historical and cultural sites and enjoy Fringe Festival entertainment. However, the VIP tickets to a murder mystery play causes the most interest. The tickets were sent to the previous residents of the flat Dotty’s parents had purchased, but it isn’t uncommon to trade or exchange tickets, so Dotty’s mum suggests Dotty and her father, Euan, enjoy the performance. One person expected to attend is Iona McDuff, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, so security is ramped up, and since Dottie has experience assisting the police, her new friend and police constable enlists her help. When they arrive, they learn VIPs are expected to act as participants, even Dotty and her dad. They are escorted on stage, then … the lights go out and a shot is heard. Is it part of the performance? Dotty is sure it isn’t. When the lights come back on, Iona McDuff is dead. So, why are the police suspicious of Dotty’s father?
Victoria Tait has brought Dotty back after her time at Akemans had gone from a bright future to dark days to a renewed purpose. She hadn’t seen her family for years, well not in person, and the standard conflicts children, like herself, have with their parents may resonate with those of us who tried hard to please, but then followed a different path. But, now that she’s home, demonstrating her cleverness, determination, and skill as an amateur detective might be the evidence her parents need to better understand, accept, and cheer on their daughter. The evolution of Dotty’s child/parent dynamic is a work in progress, but clearly the insights gained, true feelings exposed, and positive feedback received leads to a better understanding on both sides.
This seventh murder mystery was extremely well devised complicated by the fact it occurred in the dark, but witnesses were able to use their other senses to provide valuable clues. The victim’s political views start off the motives, but, enlisted as a mole in the theater group, Dotty finds other relevant conflicts from revenge to just anger. The journey gets complicated when Dotty starts questioning whether it was a “wrong place, wrong, time, wrong victim” scenario, but it all becomes clear with an exciting confrontation. Victoria Tait includes additional dramas, family revelations, intimate conversations, a bit of eavesdropping, diverse personalities, and an inadvertent knock in the face to make a marvelous couldn’t-put-down experience.
Beyond the mystery and entertaining characters Victoria Tait includes many peripheral details to add to my enjoyment. The different positions typical of the Scottish justice and political system and the hot button topic of an independent Scotland were educational elements along with Google-worthy references to various Edinburgh sites, historical figures, food, art, culture, and of course, whisky. Scotland has always been a top ten bucket list item, and Edinburgh would be my first stop.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
June 25, 2023
I always thoroughly enjoy Victoria Tait's books, and this was no exception.
It was fun to explore Edinburgh with Dotty and interesting to read of her relationship with her parents.
New characters were well developed as usual and there were some interesting ones amongst them!
The twists are good and keep me reading and wondering.
Like others in the series, this could be read as a standalone book.
It was fun to explore Edinburgh with Dotty and interesting to read of her relationship with her parents.
New characters were well developed as usual and there were some interesting ones amongst them!
The twists are good and keep me reading and wondering.
Like others in the series, this could be read as a standalone book.
June 22, 2023
3.5
Another good read in this series. Thanks to author Victoria Tait for giving me the opportunity to read as an ARC.
It's encouraging to read about the growth, maturity and blooming independence of MC Dotty. She's come such a long way from the first book in the series.
I liked that this one veered away from the antiques and took place in Scotland. Nice changes!!! Plus, she made great connections with her parents.
Interesting kind of murder in this book! One that took place in a drama performance.
I had a little inkling at first who it might have been, but it wasn't until almost the end that it all fit together.
Another good read in this series. Thanks to author Victoria Tait for giving me the opportunity to read as an ARC.
It's encouraging to read about the growth, maturity and blooming independence of MC Dotty. She's come such a long way from the first book in the series.
I liked that this one veered away from the antiques and took place in Scotland. Nice changes!!! Plus, she made great connections with her parents.
Interesting kind of murder in this book! One that took place in a drama performance.
I had a little inkling at first who it might have been, but it wasn't until almost the end that it all fit together.
June 20, 2023
Dotty Sayers does it again in Scotland! Passing over the Cotswold’s and the world of antiques, Dotty flies from her 3-month stay in France to visit her parents in Edinburgh, unsure what her future will hold.
While there and after some sightseeing, she inadvertently gets involved with a theatre group performing a murder mystery in a small theatre. It’s festival time, and two VIP tickets have come to the Sayers flat. They were meant for the previous renters, but Dotty and her father are coaxed to use the tickets themselves.
On stage is a mock-up of an Underground (Tube, subway) train car. The play is Murder Underground and in the story after one of the passengers dies, the play is to show how the murderer is caught. To make it more interesting, about a dozen of the VIP ticket holders are brought on stage as extra passengers. They are not to speak, but naturally react to what they see and hear. Dotty and her father reluctantly take part.
Everything changes, however, when a real gun is fired in the darkness.
A TRULY important person is the victim and the police are called to investigate. Dotty becomes friends with a young Sergeant named Morag (shades of Keya) and the game is afoot. Dotty’s observation skills and insights prove invaluable. The ending is suspenseful and sad in several ways, but also hopeful.
Visiting her parents (an ex-military man and a posh businesswoman) is a life and attitude changing experience for Dotty. Old roles are changed and both Sayers parents now rightly view her as a woman of her own instead of a schoolgirl. It took them seeing her in the role of sleuth and helping to solve an actual murder.
Tait’s writing is engaging and clear, and I love her descriptions of Edinburgh. I especially like the way she writes an entertaining mystery and at the same time is able to show serious character growth and change, and even tragedy. Yes, Deadly Performance is a fun cozy, but the deeper aspects ring true to real life. Well done!
While there and after some sightseeing, she inadvertently gets involved with a theatre group performing a murder mystery in a small theatre. It’s festival time, and two VIP tickets have come to the Sayers flat. They were meant for the previous renters, but Dotty and her father are coaxed to use the tickets themselves.
On stage is a mock-up of an Underground (Tube, subway) train car. The play is Murder Underground and in the story after one of the passengers dies, the play is to show how the murderer is caught. To make it more interesting, about a dozen of the VIP ticket holders are brought on stage as extra passengers. They are not to speak, but naturally react to what they see and hear. Dotty and her father reluctantly take part.
Everything changes, however, when a real gun is fired in the darkness.
A TRULY important person is the victim and the police are called to investigate. Dotty becomes friends with a young Sergeant named Morag (shades of Keya) and the game is afoot. Dotty’s observation skills and insights prove invaluable. The ending is suspenseful and sad in several ways, but also hopeful.
Visiting her parents (an ex-military man and a posh businesswoman) is a life and attitude changing experience for Dotty. Old roles are changed and both Sayers parents now rightly view her as a woman of her own instead of a schoolgirl. It took them seeing her in the role of sleuth and helping to solve an actual murder.
Tait’s writing is engaging and clear, and I love her descriptions of Edinburgh. I especially like the way she writes an entertaining mystery and at the same time is able to show serious character growth and change, and even tragedy. Yes, Deadly Performance is a fun cozy, but the deeper aspects ring true to real life. Well done!
December 2, 2023
Dorothy's on her way to Newcastle England after having spent the last three months in France helping a friend with his twin girls. She needs time away from Cotswold and Akemans Antiques. There are many good and bad memories there but also some good friends. It just wasn't home.
Her cat Earl Grey isn't any happier than she is with the turbulence the plane is flying through. Fortunately, the next leg of their trip would be by train, from Newcastle to Edinburgh where her father would meet her at the station.
It's a short walk from the station to her parent's flat and once they arrive her dad shows her to her room. She took Earl Grey into the shower to clean him up after being confined in the carrier for so long. She has a nice conversation with the cat about how she's feeling at the moment. She was going to leave him in the bedroom and feed him there, but he put up quite the fuss. After tea on the patio with her father and talking about the things to see and attend, she gets ready for dinner out with her parents.
Dinner is nice but her mother hasn't really changed at all, commenting on her appearance and her displeasure at her food choices. She does tell Euan to show her around a bit the next day to orient herself to the area. She also suggests meeting at the Pleasance Courtyard for dinner.
The next morning her mother gives her the program for the Fringe Festival events. They actually have VIP tickets for the opening of the play Underground Murder. They aren't in their name, but they came to their address, so fair game. When they meet up, one of her mother's co-workers Gail introduces her to Morig a police officer working the festival. She would be at the same play Dotty and her father have decided to attend.
Sky the assistant producer takes them to their seats and explains what they will be doing as part of the play.
Morig gets to the stage and is trying to control the chaos in the wake of an actual shooting when her boss, Assistant Chief Constable Rhona Cameron approaches with a doctor. After the doctor confirms Iona McDuff is deceased the interviews begin.
Dotty and her father were a couple of the first people interviewed and allowed to leave. Morig will ask for Dotty's help again, and something happens with her father, Euan that leads to his arrest.
The thing is everyone seems focused on Iona as the intended victim, even though she moved from her assigned spot.
Plenty of twists and turns, an interesting look at Scotland's attractions along the Royal Mile, with an different family dynamic than Dotty remembers.
I am already reading the next book.
Her cat Earl Grey isn't any happier than she is with the turbulence the plane is flying through. Fortunately, the next leg of their trip would be by train, from Newcastle to Edinburgh where her father would meet her at the station.
It's a short walk from the station to her parent's flat and once they arrive her dad shows her to her room. She took Earl Grey into the shower to clean him up after being confined in the carrier for so long. She has a nice conversation with the cat about how she's feeling at the moment. She was going to leave him in the bedroom and feed him there, but he put up quite the fuss. After tea on the patio with her father and talking about the things to see and attend, she gets ready for dinner out with her parents.
Dinner is nice but her mother hasn't really changed at all, commenting on her appearance and her displeasure at her food choices. She does tell Euan to show her around a bit the next day to orient herself to the area. She also suggests meeting at the Pleasance Courtyard for dinner.
The next morning her mother gives her the program for the Fringe Festival events. They actually have VIP tickets for the opening of the play Underground Murder. They aren't in their name, but they came to their address, so fair game. When they meet up, one of her mother's co-workers Gail introduces her to Morig a police officer working the festival. She would be at the same play Dotty and her father have decided to attend.
Sky the assistant producer takes them to their seats and explains what they will be doing as part of the play.
Morig gets to the stage and is trying to control the chaos in the wake of an actual shooting when her boss, Assistant Chief Constable Rhona Cameron approaches with a doctor. After the doctor confirms Iona McDuff is deceased the interviews begin.
Dotty and her father were a couple of the first people interviewed and allowed to leave. Morig will ask for Dotty's help again, and something happens with her father, Euan that leads to his arrest.
The thing is everyone seems focused on Iona as the intended victim, even though she moved from her assigned spot.
Plenty of twists and turns, an interesting look at Scotland's attractions along the Royal Mile, with an different family dynamic than Dotty remembers.
I am already reading the next book.
July 10, 2023
Having spent glorious three months in the South of France after a murder attempt on her life, Dotty, along with her cat Earl Grey, are off to visit her parents in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dotty visits during the Fringe Festival, and she and her dad accept some VIP tickets that were addressed to the previous owners of Doty’s parents flat. When they arrive at the theatre, they are shown to their seats and informed that they will actually take part in the play. However, during the first act, the stage is plunged into darkness and a shot rings out, when the lights are turned back on, one of VIP guests has been shot.
I absolutely loved this book, I found it a really engaging quick read. Being a British Shorthair owner myself, I always find myself drawn to books that include an animal, especially cats and the description of Earl Grey is so typical and endearing. It was my first time meeting Dotty, although this is the second of Victoria Tait’s books I’ve read, I do plan on reading others, and I didn’t feel that I had missed out on anything reading this as a stand-alone. I loved Dotty’s character, her parents were interesting, and I loved the friendship between Dotty, and Morag a local bobby. I loved the descriptions of Edinburgh, I almost felt I was there. Deadly Performance is an entertaining cozy read that I read within a 24 hour period.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book, I found it a really engaging quick read. Being a British Shorthair owner myself, I always find myself drawn to books that include an animal, especially cats and the description of Earl Grey is so typical and endearing. It was my first time meeting Dotty, although this is the second of Victoria Tait’s books I’ve read, I do plan on reading others, and I didn’t feel that I had missed out on anything reading this as a stand-alone. I loved Dotty’s character, her parents were interesting, and I loved the friendship between Dotty, and Morag a local bobby. I loved the descriptions of Edinburgh, I almost felt I was there. Deadly Performance is an entertaining cozy read that I read within a 24 hour period.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 21, 2023
Deadly Performance: A British Cozy Murder Mystery with a Female Amateur Sleuth is the 7th installment of the A Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series written by Victoria Tait. While there is a spot of trouble during a play that Dotty and her father go to see in the start of the book this is to me a very good sign. Dotty is able to reconnect with her past and her parents and have a reset that she’s not the girl she was but she is still their daughter. Dotty also made some lovely new friends and solved a murder mystery in the process. I love the part how she seemed to individually reconnected with her parents and was drawn more into an understanding of one another. Reading this series is like catching up with old friends we hear all about the places they’ve been and seen, the crazy things that have happened but most of all it’s just a warm, cozy feeling of being with your people. I love this series! You really should start from the beginning to get the best of it all, but you can start anywhere and feel right at home.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2023
Outstanding as I’d foreseen having read every book. Each one a masterpiece. Dotty and Earl Grey the cat are anxious about visiting with her parents in Scotland. When she and her father Eaun are granted VIP tickets to a Edinburgh Fringe Festival play Murder on an underground train they are delighted. But while on stage a shot rings out, Dotty assumed its part of the act until Scottish parliament member Iona McDuff is illuminated by the footlights very much dead… When her father has a finger pointed at him it’s up to Dotty , her new friendly police officer along with her father to investigate and find the real culprit/ culprits before he’s incarcerated. Lots of good solid descriptions making a compelling unable to put down immersive adventure. Great loveable characters and a strong back story learning more about Dotty as a daughter,and her life with mum n dad. Also insights as a young women when she married and her husband’s children. Ideal beach read I’d say
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary and my own words
I read an advance copy and my review is voluntary and my own words
July 16, 2023
Who Murdered Iona McDuff ? . . .
A murder on stage pointing to Dotty’s father as the primary suspect will have Dotty Sayers right in the middle of things. Dotty and her father are offered VIP tickets to watch a theatre group perform a murder mystery. Dotty is on stage performing in the play when she hears a shot. She thinks nothing of it, assumes it is part of the play until a spotlight shines on the dead body of Iona McDuff, a Scottish Member of Parliament! Even more surprising is that Dotty becomes friends with Morag, an undercover policewoman who is on the scene and allows Dotty to take part in the investigation. Will Dotty be able to find the killer before her father is locked up for the crime and the killer escapes?
I enjoyed the fleshed-out characters in this book and Dotty’s interactions with everyone. The story line was well-written and Dotty’s being drawn into the mystery was a pleasant surprise.
A murder on stage pointing to Dotty’s father as the primary suspect will have Dotty Sayers right in the middle of things. Dotty and her father are offered VIP tickets to watch a theatre group perform a murder mystery. Dotty is on stage performing in the play when she hears a shot. She thinks nothing of it, assumes it is part of the play until a spotlight shines on the dead body of Iona McDuff, a Scottish Member of Parliament! Even more surprising is that Dotty becomes friends with Morag, an undercover policewoman who is on the scene and allows Dotty to take part in the investigation. Will Dotty be able to find the killer before her father is locked up for the crime and the killer escapes?
I enjoyed the fleshed-out characters in this book and Dotty’s interactions with everyone. The story line was well-written and Dotty’s being drawn into the mystery was a pleasant surprise.
July 16, 2023
Deadly Performance is book #7 in the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series by Victoria Tait.
Dotty and her cat, Earl Grey, leave France to visit her parents in Scotland. There is a murder and Dotty’s father is a suspect. Can she find the murderer and clear his name?
I really enjoyed this story. After the last book, I was concerned the Dotty stories were done. This was such an interesting turn to have her visit her parents. Having read the whole series, I’ve seen Dotty grow from a quiet, shy young woman to who she is today. Her going home for her parents to see who she is now and for her to see them in a different light as well felt realistic. The mystery was challenging and I didn’t guess the ending. I look forward to Dotty’s next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dotty and her cat, Earl Grey, leave France to visit her parents in Scotland. There is a murder and Dotty’s father is a suspect. Can she find the murderer and clear his name?
I really enjoyed this story. After the last book, I was concerned the Dotty stories were done. This was such an interesting turn to have her visit her parents. Having read the whole series, I’ve seen Dotty grow from a quiet, shy young woman to who she is today. Her going home for her parents to see who she is now and for her to see them in a different light as well felt realistic. The mystery was challenging and I didn’t guess the ending. I look forward to Dotty’s next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
I'm very used to reading about Dotty in the Cotswolds. So I wasn't sure what to expect with Dotty relocating.
This story finds Dotty in Scotland, where she goes after having spent some time in France. In Edinburgh, Dotty is reuniting w her parents. They haven't all had the best relationship w one another so of course she's nervous.
She goes to see a play with her father, in which Dotty ends up participating. During the play, a murder of an MSP occurs, but no one can figure who did the shooting, or even how.
So Dotty is asked to be in the play again and if course, she starts looking for clues.
Who would want to murder the MSP? Was the MSP even the intended victim?
Dotty must be clever and find clues, as it may be someone who was actually in the play. But was it? And who was the actually meant to be murdered?
Read on to find out.
Great book!
This story finds Dotty in Scotland, where she goes after having spent some time in France. In Edinburgh, Dotty is reuniting w her parents. They haven't all had the best relationship w one another so of course she's nervous.
She goes to see a play with her father, in which Dotty ends up participating. During the play, a murder of an MSP occurs, but no one can figure who did the shooting, or even how.
So Dotty is asked to be in the play again and if course, she starts looking for clues.
Who would want to murder the MSP? Was the MSP even the intended victim?
Dotty must be clever and find clues, as it may be someone who was actually in the play. But was it? And who was the actually meant to be murdered?
Read on to find out.
Great book!
July 15, 2023
Dotty is in Edinburgh to visit her parents who she hasn't seen for several years. While there she attends a play at the Fringe festival with her father where a MSP is murdered. Dotty is asked to help in the investigation by constable Morag. Since her father is one of the suspects she agrees and becomes part of the play's cast to find inside information. Not only does she find the murder weapon and an alternative theory for the crime but she reconnects with her mother. A delightful new chapter in the Dotty Sayers series.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2023
This book finds Dotty back in Great Britain after taking a break in France after the series of murders in the last books. Her parents have moved to Edinburgh, and she hasn't really seen them in ages. When she and her ex-military father attend a play with VIP tickets, they get to be onstage - where a murder occurs, and not the one planned in the play! I loved her interactions with her parents and of course the help she gives the police. If you've never read one of this series before, the characters are wonderful and work their way into your heart. The constable Morag and her young son are also heartwarming additions to this tale.- I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
June 24, 2023
Deadly Performance sees would-be amateur sleuth Dorothy (Dotty) Sayers plunged into a real murder mystery whilst performing in a play about murder on an underground train at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
A great plot and some delightfully fun characters make this one difficult to put down as Dotty attempts to make sense of the shooting of a Scottish Member of Parliament on stage.
Some nice misdirection in the middle and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery .
I'd love to see Morag spun off into her own series of Scottish mysteries
A great plot and some delightfully fun characters make this one difficult to put down as Dotty attempts to make sense of the shooting of a Scottish Member of Parliament on stage.
Some nice misdirection in the middle and a satisfying conclusion to the mystery .
I'd love to see Morag spun off into her own series of Scottish mysteries
July 17, 2023
I like this cute little series set in the U.K. In this installment, Dotty travels to Scotland to stay a bit with her parents...and she hasn't seen her mom in years. This book has some context, but I had read the first in the series, and not any set between that time period, and this time period, and I still would have preferred to read the books in between prior to reading this one. I like the setting, and the story. I recommend the series, but I honestly would recommend you read the books in order.
I was provided with an ARC by Booksprout, and this is my honest opinion.
I was provided with an ARC by Booksprout, and this is my honest opinion.
July 28, 2023
This is the seventh book in the Dotty Sayers series, but Deadly Performance is my first read.
I love British mysteries and this did not disappoint! A murder in the dark, twists and turns, family reconnections and a Scottish location. All any anglophile could hope for.
I enjoyed this light, but compelling mystery by Ms. Tait and will be looking for the previous books in this series.
I highly recommend.🙂.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love British mysteries and this did not disappoint! A murder in the dark, twists and turns, family reconnections and a Scottish location. All any anglophile could hope for.
I enjoyed this light, but compelling mystery by Ms. Tait and will be looking for the previous books in this series.
I highly recommend.🙂.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
A murder on stage. Her father a prime suspect. Can an amateur sleuth step into the limelight and find the killer before the final curtain falls?
Another great addition to an already great series. The story line is captivating and filled with mystery and suspense. Can you solve the mystery of who dun it before you reach the end?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great addition to an already great series. The story line is captivating and filled with mystery and suspense. Can you solve the mystery of who dun it before you reach the end?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
Dotty on her own!
We meet a new cast of characters in this latest of Victoria Tait’s heartwarming tales. Dotty’s parents are quite different than one would expect after reading her descriptions of them in previous stories. The world building is wonderful and one gets a nice taste of Scotland when Dotty goes on tours. A brilliant tale, one clamors for still more after the last page is turned.
We meet a new cast of characters in this latest of Victoria Tait’s heartwarming tales. Dotty’s parents are quite different than one would expect after reading her descriptions of them in previous stories. The world building is wonderful and one gets a nice taste of Scotland when Dotty goes on tours. A brilliant tale, one clamors for still more after the last page is turned.
September 15, 2025
Another fun mystery with Dotty but this time we get to meet her parents. Dotty stays with them in Edinburgh for a visit and finds ways to reconnect without giving up her hard fought independence.
When her father is a suspect of a murder that occurs at a play they are attending her parents get to see the smart sleuth they've raised in action.
All in all a good read with some new characters and a bit more insight into Dotty's character. Already downloaded the next!
When her father is a suspect of a murder that occurs at a play they are attending her parents get to see the smart sleuth they've raised in action.
All in all a good read with some new characters and a bit more insight into Dotty's character. Already downloaded the next!
July 15, 2023
Book 7, the story works as a standalone. Dotty and her cat, Earl Grey, visit her parents in Scotland and almost immediately a murder takes place. Dotty works with police officer, Morag, to investigate, particularly when her dad is the prime suspect. This is a cosy mystery story, slow and steady.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 15, 2023
Great Cozy!
A highly enjoyable classic British Cozy, with a new set of characters keeping Dotty company in this new adventure. The descriptions of Edinburgh and the Fringe Festival are a treat and the mystery is well crafted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A highly enjoyable classic British Cozy, with a new set of characters keeping Dotty company in this new adventure. The descriptions of Edinburgh and the Fringe Festival are a treat and the mystery is well crafted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2023
For Dotty and folks back home in Edinburgh, all the world's a stage - and that stage is a deadly one
misdeeds, mistaken identity, and malicious motives mix with mistakes and accidents
Dotty uses her clever brain, as well as her acting skills
If she manages to keep surviving various capers, new changes and challenges could lie ahead for Dotty and kitty fantabulous Earl Grey.
misdeeds, mistaken identity, and malicious motives mix with mistakes and accidents
Dotty uses her clever brain, as well as her acting skills
If she manages to keep surviving various capers, new changes and challenges could lie ahead for Dotty and kitty fantabulous Earl Grey.
July 21, 2023
I have been waiting for this book. Got it, read it and now I am waiting for the next one. This was a very good read--reading about Dotty's past and understanding how she grew up. The mystery was well written, I had no idea until the end of the book. Recommend reading.
July 31, 2023
The venue is different, but the characters, mystery and the unraveling of it are crafted just as well as the previous stories in the series. Enjoyed the details in describing the surroundings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2023
I love this series and all the characters in it. I was so happy to catch up with Dotty Sayers in Scotland after her stay in France and get to know her parents. The story and murder mystery were intriguing and interesting. Overall the book was a delightful read.
October 25, 2023
A wonderful who done it by author Victoria Tait.
It has really good characters and a good plot.
Really enjoyed reading. Highly recommend...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It has really good characters and a good plot.
Really enjoyed reading. Highly recommend...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2024
Keeps getting better!
I started reading this series on a whim: and am hanging on for the ride!! Great details of books, clothes, landscape and people from Great Britains history!
Get your tickets ready for this wonderful series!
I started reading this series on a whim: and am hanging on for the ride!! Great details of books, clothes, landscape and people from Great Britains history!
Get your tickets ready for this wonderful series!
October 20, 2024
It was okay
I liked the others in the series but this one not as much. I think the author should not have moved her, or if need be, finish the series with her in France. I'll finish the series and also read the one starring Keya.
I liked the others in the series but this one not as much. I think the author should not have moved her, or if need be, finish the series with her in France. I'll finish the series and also read the one starring Keya.
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