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Obsession Collection
Murder at the Royal Ruby
The curtain rises, and the chandelier falls—taking the star of the show down with it. An ambitious young usher working at the theater sets out to find who killed the leading lady in a crackling short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Nita Prose. Grace is an usher at the stately (and possibly haunted) Royal Ruby Theater. She’s also an aspiring actress ready for her big break. Vanessa is the glamorous yet spiteful star who’s made more enemies than friends on her rise to the top. When Vanessa winds up dead in act one, Grace is determined to find the killer. But is she seeking justice, or something darker? Murder at the Royal Ruby is part of Obsession , a collection of compulsively readable short stories about people pushed to their extremes. So addictive you won’t be able to put them down—read or listen to each story in a single sitting.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2023
1703 people are currently reading
8532 people want to read
About the author
Nita Prose
15 books8,305 followersNITA PROSE is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery Guest and The Maid, which has sold more than two million copies worldwide. A Good Morning America Book Club pick, The Maid won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Book of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. The Maid was also an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. Visit Nita at nitaprose.com or on Instagram and X @NitaProse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 963 reviews
August 7, 2023
A short, engrossing read about a young usher (Grace) who is very ambitious and wants to be an actress on the stage. She is currently working at the Royal Ruby Theater, which she loves, and where it is rumored to be haunted. A popular but mean lead starlet (Vanessa Hargreaves) gets killed on stage. Who could the culprit be?
This was a fast, easy read. I liked the descriptions of the Royal Ruby Theater, where most of this story took place. And it had an interesting cast of characters. An enjoyable read by Nita Prose.
This was a fast, easy read. I liked the descriptions of the Royal Ruby Theater, where most of this story took place. And it had an interesting cast of characters. An enjoyable read by Nita Prose.
April 20, 2024
What are the odds that I would read two stories back to back where a CHANDELIER kills a woman?🤔
A short SHORT story which didn’t quite have the charm of (Molly) THE MAID.
Part of Amazon’ s OBSESSION collection.
2.5 rounded up!
A short SHORT story which didn’t quite have the charm of (Molly) THE MAID.
Part of Amazon’ s OBSESSION collection.
2.5 rounded up!
October 11, 2023
Staler than a crouton. I didn't read The Maid because the sample I tried was bleak AF and this was the same. I felt like I was reading the diary of an 11-year-old. There was no fun, no suspense, no humour, no creepiness... NOTHING. I'm not saying it needs all of those factors but damn just give me a lil sliver of SOMETHING. I shall continue avoiding this author.
October 5, 2023
Nita Prose is an amazing writer. I always enjoy the depth of her characters and this one did not disappoint! I’m loving these short stories 🥰
December 11, 2023
"The Ruby knows everything and yet divulges nothing.'
When leading lady, Vanessa Hargreaves, appears to die on stage in the middle of the first scene of 'The Fox Hunt', everyone assumes it's just another stage illusion. The Edwardian-era theatre, the Royal Ruby, was built to honour popular playwright, Eleanor Ruby, but over the years rumours of a ghost living in the building are gaining popularity.
What really happened on stage? Is it possible a ghost did this? or is it more likely revenge carried out by the usher with an unforgettable birthmark on her face who just happens to have it out for the celebrity starlet?
Know this:
"There's more than one way to become a star. There's more than one way to shine light in the dark."
Prose examines the moral lines people will cross in pursuit of their deepest desires.
This was another Amazon Prime Reading short story and I loved how Nita Prose held my attention and kept me guessing.
When leading lady, Vanessa Hargreaves, appears to die on stage in the middle of the first scene of 'The Fox Hunt', everyone assumes it's just another stage illusion. The Edwardian-era theatre, the Royal Ruby, was built to honour popular playwright, Eleanor Ruby, but over the years rumours of a ghost living in the building are gaining popularity.
What really happened on stage? Is it possible a ghost did this? or is it more likely revenge carried out by the usher with an unforgettable birthmark on her face who just happens to have it out for the celebrity starlet?
Know this:
"There's more than one way to become a star. There's more than one way to shine light in the dark."
Prose examines the moral lines people will cross in pursuit of their deepest desires.
This was another Amazon Prime Reading short story and I loved how Nita Prose held my attention and kept me guessing.
August 14, 2024
3 stars
short review for busy readers:
A fun short story about a bitchy diva of an actress getting a very public, very shocking, comeuppance.
The ending I felt was a let-down, however, as it gave the rest of the story - and in turn the world of acting - a disagreeable cast. Yes, actors can be and are egotists, but manipulating, I'll-climb-over-corpses, two-faced, don't-trust-this-snake sociopaths? Don't know how I feel about that portrayal.
The writing is pleasant and the theatre atmosphere enjoyable.
short review for busy readers:
A fun short story about a bitchy diva of an actress getting a very public, very shocking, comeuppance.
The ending I felt was a let-down, however, as it gave the rest of the story - and in turn the world of acting - a disagreeable cast. Yes, actors can be and are egotists, but manipulating, I'll-climb-over-corpses, two-faced, don't-trust-this-snake sociopaths? Don't know how I feel about that portrayal.
The writing is pleasant and the theatre atmosphere enjoyable.
September 15, 2023
Ot started out ok, picked up in the middle, then fizzled at the end.
I like that this story is written like a whodunnit. Often times the type of writing and mystery that comes along with an average sleuth makes it a cheesy sort of fun that one can really enjoy. This one flipped a little in my opinion.
I was interested in the story as it continued along but there was no big reveal of the murderer, just an immediate spotlight directly following the death of a character. No denials, no mystery clues revealed, nothing that makes a whodunnit fun.
The ending wasn’t the best either, so I took off two stars for those two reasons. It could have been better even though it’s short.
I like that this story is written like a whodunnit. Often times the type of writing and mystery that comes along with an average sleuth makes it a cheesy sort of fun that one can really enjoy. This one flipped a little in my opinion.
I was interested in the story as it continued along but there was no big reveal of the murderer, just an immediate spotlight directly following the death of a character. No denials, no mystery clues revealed, nothing that makes a whodunnit fun.
The ending wasn’t the best either, so I took off two stars for those two reasons. It could have been better even though it’s short.
November 25, 2023
Started out well, finished as a damp squib.
September 4, 2023
Murder at the Royal Ruby is a short story about a theatre where during a performance an actress is killed on the stage. Was it an accident or a murder? The story is told from the point of view of Grace - the user and an aspiring actress who is asking for reference letters from different people in order to go to the theatre Academy. Vanessa, the leading actress, refused to sign such a letter. Grace had all the reasons to kill Vanessa, but this is also true about every person in the team. If Grace didn't kill her, then who did?
The story is more about complicated relationships in the theatre, jealousy and revenge.
It is interesting to read it, but it is not something very new and exceptional.
The story is more about complicated relationships in the theatre, jealousy and revenge.
It is interesting to read it, but it is not something very new and exceptional.
February 1, 2024
“There’s more than one way to become a star. There’s more than one way to shine light in the dark.”
this short story follows Grace who’s a usher at this supposedly “haunted” theater called the Royal Ruby. she wants to become an actress but needs the signatures of the others to be able to act at the theater. so when one of the theaters main stars (Vanessa) is murdered, Grace has to figure out who’s the culprit. i didn’t care for this one much if I’m being honest, it just felt bland and maybe that’s cause I’m not a fan of Nita Prose’s writing style.
➤ short story #1 of amazon’s Obsession collection🎭.
this short story follows Grace who’s a usher at this supposedly “haunted” theater called the Royal Ruby. she wants to become an actress but needs the signatures of the others to be able to act at the theater. so when one of the theaters main stars (Vanessa) is murdered, Grace has to figure out who’s the culprit. i didn’t care for this one much if I’m being honest, it just felt bland and maybe that’s cause I’m not a fan of Nita Prose’s writing style.
➤ short story #1 of amazon’s Obsession collection🎭.
January 1, 2026
“Tell me a star is born”
it’s not, it’s fallen.
it’s not, it’s fallen.
August 2, 2023
Quick mystery
I enjoyed the short story! From the seems to be described well, and the characters to have some depth. Definitely enjoyed. Love that you can download audio free with prime!!
I enjoyed the short story! From the seems to be described well, and the characters to have some depth. Definitely enjoyed. Love that you can download audio free with prime!!
October 19, 2023
Free for Kindle Unlimited members, audio also included; A short story
November 8, 2023
You could stare at a blank piece of paper instead to get the same end result.
January 17, 2024
Not bad but not particularly memorable, it feels like I've read this story many times before.
October 20, 2023
*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
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It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can look at someone a thousand times and never really see them—until suddenly, one day, you do.
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
Nice spooky read with a chilling (at least to me) ending.. leaves you wondering what she'll say (could go either way)
This would be a good short film 🎥 methinks.
----
It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can look at someone a thousand times and never really see them—until suddenly, one day, you do.
3.5 stars 🌟 🤩
Nice spooky read with a chilling (at least to me) ending.. leaves you wondering what she'll say (could go either way)
This would be a good short film 🎥 methinks.
January 25, 2024
the trees want their paper back
January 14, 2024
'I push through the gleaming brass doors of the Royal Ruby Theatre. God, I love the smell of this place, the mineral crispness emanating from the antique marble floors, the hints of metallic tang from the brass details, and that other scent, too, a mix of perfumes and colognes and anticipation from the decades of theatergoers who’ve visited this hallowed place.'
Diva hated by everyone in a hit play, in a haunted theatre, has a spectacular comeuppance. Loved the detail and characterisation. And you certainly won't predict that bone-chilling-cold ending.
Diva hated by everyone in a hit play, in a haunted theatre, has a spectacular comeuppance. Loved the detail and characterisation. And you certainly won't predict that bone-chilling-cold ending.
September 22, 2024
It's officially the start of my "Halloween Reading" time! 🎃 The season kind of snuck up on me this year! I'm kicking off Halloween reading with the Obsession Collection which are short stories categorized as mystery/thrillers. There was a time not so long ago that I wound tend to avoid short stories because I often felt disappointed by how short they were. Things have changed for me and I am now able to appreciate a good short story!
Nita Prose is a new-to-me author. Murder at the Royal Ruby takes place in a theater that is rumored to have a ghost. Kind of. Our main character is an usher at the Royal Ruby but she has dreams of becoming a famous and successful actress.
The writing is good and the setting is great but I just didn't get that shocked feeling I tend to expect when reading something categorized as a thriller, nor did I find the story to be overly suspenseful.
Nita Prose is a new-to-me author. Murder at the Royal Ruby takes place in a theater that is rumored to have a ghost. Kind of. Our main character is an usher at the Royal Ruby but she has dreams of becoming a famous and successful actress.
The writing is good and the setting is great but I just didn't get that shocked feeling I tend to expect when reading something categorized as a thriller, nor did I find the story to be overly suspenseful.
September 9, 2025
Nothing special tbh
May 18, 2025
Story 3 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Jess Nahikan
Audio 4 stars**
Narrator Jess Nahikan
May 10, 2024
The first of the Obsession Collection, and I am really looking forward to reading them all.
August 29, 2023
1.5 stars and barely even that. A boring "mystery" in name only. I felt zero connection to any of the characters and didn't really care about the protagonist. This felt thoroughly phoned in, which I'm slowly starting to realize is probably the case with the whole Amazon Original Stories thing in general.
April 27, 2024
Started off strong - I was instantly hooked by this murder mystery. I did enjoy the subtle hints along the way of who may have done it. However, the ending fell a little flat for me. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was hoping for a different twist at the end. A decent story overall!
July 16, 2024
✯ ✯ ✯ 3 stars ✯ ✯ ✯
this actually wasn’t too bad for such a short mystery book. it was definitely predictable to me, but i needed something short and it gave what it needed to give ✨
this actually wasn’t too bad for such a short mystery book. it was definitely predictable to me, but i needed something short and it gave what it needed to give ✨
September 19, 2023
Started off interesting but fell short by the end. I will say though that as far as I'm concerned anymore any person with the last name Hargreaves must be part of the Umbrella Academy.
January 7, 2024
An Actress Is Killed Onstage, Causing a Peculiar Situation!
Nita Prose has a talent for creating flawed characters that still sparkle, which is one of the things I love about her writing. In fact, I consider her book, THE MAID, one of my top reads of all time. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
Ms. Prose's short story also showcases her excellent writing style. It takes place in The Royal Ruby Theatre, where the primary characters are Grace and Vanessa, who are polar opposites. Grace is an usher with dreams of becoming an actress, but the large birthmark on her face holds her back. Despite this, her personality and talent shine through and endear her to everyone, everyone except Vanessa. Vanessa, the star of the show, is a diva who expects to be treated as such and doesn't want to share the spotlight. Grace can't reach her dream without Vanessa's endorsement. However, when Vanessa is killed on stage, Grace is put in a precarious position.
#MurderAtTheRoyalRuby #NitaProse #HonestReview #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMe #HonestReview #LoveToRead #BookAddict #ThrillerBookLovers #BookReviewer #Thriller #LoveBooks #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #ShortStory #ObsessionSeries #ThrillerBookLoverPromotions #ThrillerFriendsUnite #ThrillerObsessedBookishClub #Bookstagrammer #BookReels
Nita Prose has a talent for creating flawed characters that still sparkle, which is one of the things I love about her writing. In fact, I consider her book, THE MAID, one of my top reads of all time. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
Ms. Prose's short story also showcases her excellent writing style. It takes place in The Royal Ruby Theatre, where the primary characters are Grace and Vanessa, who are polar opposites. Grace is an usher with dreams of becoming an actress, but the large birthmark on her face holds her back. Despite this, her personality and talent shine through and endear her to everyone, everyone except Vanessa. Vanessa, the star of the show, is a diva who expects to be treated as such and doesn't want to share the spotlight. Grace can't reach her dream without Vanessa's endorsement. However, when Vanessa is killed on stage, Grace is put in a precarious position.
#MurderAtTheRoyalRuby #NitaProse #HonestReview #ReadersOfTheLateArc #TalkWordyToMe #HonestReview #LoveToRead #BookAddict #ThrillerBookLovers #BookReviewer #Thriller #LoveBooks #AmazonPublishing #KindleUnlimited #ShortStory #ObsessionSeries #ThrillerBookLoverPromotions #ThrillerFriendsUnite #ThrillerObsessedBookishClub #Bookstagrammer #BookReels
February 6, 2024
Doesn't quite work
I thought the story was interesting but in the end I just didn't really care for the main character. I don't think that she even got how kind of terrible she was in the end. But an interesting murder mystery that does get resolved by the end.
I thought the story was interesting but in the end I just didn't really care for the main character. I don't think that she even got how kind of terrible she was in the end. But an interesting murder mystery that does get resolved by the end.
August 19, 2024
Good who done it.
I gave this a three as the story wasn't that original, although it ended with a twist. The ending was intense due to the question, will the main character ruin someone's life for her own advantage. I may read the next book.
I gave this a three as the story wasn't that original, although it ended with a twist. The ending was intense due to the question, will the main character ruin someone's life for her own advantage. I may read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 963 reviews