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Murder, She Wrote #58
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage
The newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series.
Jessica Fletcher’s British cousin, Emma MacGill, will be traveling to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, to perform with internationally famous star of stage, screen, and television Derek Braverman in an old-fashioned musical review. Emma would love for Jessica to join her there and suggests she bring along some friends. Having just finished her latest book, Jessica is ready for a vacation and is delighted to agree. Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger are huge fans of Braverman, so they are eager to tag along, and their fanboy behavior gives Jessica and Mort’s wife, Maureen, more than occasional cause to roll their eyes.
Upon arrival in Edmonton, Jessica is quickly outed as mystery writer J. B. Fletcher, and despite numerous protests, a hotel staffer arranges a book signing for her. This and touristy adventures arranged for the group make for a much busier trip than Jessica was expecting. When a hotel bartender, who also happens to be a stagehand for Emma’s play, turns up dead backstage at the theater, Jessica’s fun and relaxing vacation quickly becomes anything but.
Jessica Fletcher’s British cousin, Emma MacGill, will be traveling to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, to perform with internationally famous star of stage, screen, and television Derek Braverman in an old-fashioned musical review. Emma would love for Jessica to join her there and suggests she bring along some friends. Having just finished her latest book, Jessica is ready for a vacation and is delighted to agree. Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger are huge fans of Braverman, so they are eager to tag along, and their fanboy behavior gives Jessica and Mort’s wife, Maureen, more than occasional cause to roll their eyes.
Upon arrival in Edmonton, Jessica is quickly outed as mystery writer J. B. Fletcher, and despite numerous protests, a hotel staffer arranges a book signing for her. This and touristy adventures arranged for the group make for a much busier trip than Jessica was expecting. When a hotel bartender, who also happens to be a stagehand for Emma’s play, turns up dead backstage at the theater, Jessica’s fun and relaxing vacation quickly becomes anything but.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2024
95 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Fletcher
115 books1,060 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
Jessica Fletcher (born Jessica Beatrice MacGill, and writes under the initialed J.B. Fletcher) is a fictional character from the US television series Murder, She Wrote.
In keeping with the spirit of the TV show, a series of official original novels have been written by American ghostwriter Donald Bain and published by the New American Library. The author credit for the novels is shared with the fictitious "Jessica Fletcher." When the first novel in the series, Gin and Daggers, was published in 1989 it included several inaccuracies to the TV series including Jessica driving a car which she could not do as she never learned to drive. Due to fans pointing out the errors, the novel was republished in 2000 with most of the inaccuracies corrected.
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 25, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage is the 58th-installment in this long-running, much-loved Cozy Murder Mystery series, starring amateur sleuth, Jessica Fletcher.
This is the 5th-installment to be written by Terrie Farley Moran, who took over the series beginning with Killing in a Koi Pond back in 2021. I have read all of the books authored by Farley Moran, and have been so pleased with her contributions to the series thus far.
I feel she's really captured the original tone and characterizations, sticking with the classic format that I think works so well for long-time fans of the series. You know what you're getting when you pick up a MSW book and I appreciate that TFM hasn't tried to change that.
In this installment, we go along with Jessica, as well as her closest friends, Mort Metzger, his wife, Maureen, and Dr. Seth Hazlitt, as they travel to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to reunite with Jessica's cousin, Emma.
Emma is a theater actress from London, who long-time fans of the show may remember first meeting in an episode during Season 1 of the television series.
And before you come at me for being the biggest dork on the planet, the only reason I remember this so well is because they had Angela Lansbury play the role of both Jessica and Emma in the episode, which was a little strange, TBH.
The only difference really was Emma had red hair and a London theater actress accent. So, there was a scene where Jessica and Emma were having a serious conversation while riding in a car, and they could only show one of them at a time, and it's slightly choppy and hilarious.
Anyway, I digress. Back to this book. I was delighted that TFM decided to include such a classic character from the series. I've never forgotten cousin Emma and it's always lovely to see her. She's energetic and a lot of fun.
In this, Emma is going to Canada to star in a theater production featuring an internationally famous star, Derek Braverman, who has created his own old-fashioned musical review. Approaching the end of his career, he wants to go out on his own terms, performing his own show.
Emma contacts Jessica and extends an invitation to her and her friends, thinking it would be a great time for them to reconnect. While Edmonton is a long way from Cabot Cove, Jessica and crew jump at the opportunity.
The mystery involves the death of stagehand, whose body is discovered in the theater after hours, but of course, Jessica and Emma are there.
From that point on, Jessica puts her master-sleuthing skills to the test, as she yet again sets out to solve the murder, and find the killer, before the tables are potentially turned on her and her loved ones.
Y'all know, I cherish my time with Jessica Fletcher. This is my all-time favorite Cozy Mystery series. It's my go-to as a way to escape life for a while. These stories are so pure and fun. I always know what I am going to get when I pick one up, and there's real comfort in that.
This is the 43rd-book that I've read in the series. I still have a way to go, but I will never stop. As long as they keep being released, I will keep picking them up and I certainly hope that Terrie Farley Moran sticks around the long-run as well.
This did take over my life while I was reading it. Once we had our body, I was hooked. Everyone was suspicious and a lot of people had motive, but whodunit?
I enjoyed the whole cast of characters, as well as the setting of the hotel and theater. Jessica and her friends took full advantage of being in Edmonton, managing to get in a lot of touristy things, even whilst solving a murder.
In fact, if I'm honest, there's was a bit too much of the sight-seeing bits for my taste. It tended to drag down the pace of the story a little.
While I am glad the friends had the opportunity to see some sights, and learn some history of the city, I didn't necessarily need to go along with them on every excursion.
With this being said, I still really enjoyed this. I thought the mystery was fun and the full cast of characters was great; a nice mix of theater, and non-theater people. The conclusion was exciting and my heart was full by the end.
For the uninitiated, these books can be read in any order. If you are interested in checking any of them out, I would recommend just reading a few synopsis and deciding which one sounds most intriguing to you. Once you found it, just give it a go. You could end up loving them as much as me!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'll never turn down a Murder, She Wrote Mystery, so please keep 'em coming!!
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage is the 58th-installment in this long-running, much-loved Cozy Murder Mystery series, starring amateur sleuth, Jessica Fletcher.
This is the 5th-installment to be written by Terrie Farley Moran, who took over the series beginning with Killing in a Koi Pond back in 2021. I have read all of the books authored by Farley Moran, and have been so pleased with her contributions to the series thus far.
I feel she's really captured the original tone and characterizations, sticking with the classic format that I think works so well for long-time fans of the series. You know what you're getting when you pick up a MSW book and I appreciate that TFM hasn't tried to change that.
In this installment, we go along with Jessica, as well as her closest friends, Mort Metzger, his wife, Maureen, and Dr. Seth Hazlitt, as they travel to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to reunite with Jessica's cousin, Emma.
Emma is a theater actress from London, who long-time fans of the show may remember first meeting in an episode during Season 1 of the television series.
And before you come at me for being the biggest dork on the planet, the only reason I remember this so well is because they had Angela Lansbury play the role of both Jessica and Emma in the episode, which was a little strange, TBH.
The only difference really was Emma had red hair and a London theater actress accent. So, there was a scene where Jessica and Emma were having a serious conversation while riding in a car, and they could only show one of them at a time, and it's slightly choppy and hilarious.
Anyway, I digress. Back to this book. I was delighted that TFM decided to include such a classic character from the series. I've never forgotten cousin Emma and it's always lovely to see her. She's energetic and a lot of fun.
In this, Emma is going to Canada to star in a theater production featuring an internationally famous star, Derek Braverman, who has created his own old-fashioned musical review. Approaching the end of his career, he wants to go out on his own terms, performing his own show.
Emma contacts Jessica and extends an invitation to her and her friends, thinking it would be a great time for them to reconnect. While Edmonton is a long way from Cabot Cove, Jessica and crew jump at the opportunity.
The mystery involves the death of stagehand, whose body is discovered in the theater after hours, but of course, Jessica and Emma are there.
From that point on, Jessica puts her master-sleuthing skills to the test, as she yet again sets out to solve the murder, and find the killer, before the tables are potentially turned on her and her loved ones.
Y'all know, I cherish my time with Jessica Fletcher. This is my all-time favorite Cozy Mystery series. It's my go-to as a way to escape life for a while. These stories are so pure and fun. I always know what I am going to get when I pick one up, and there's real comfort in that.
This is the 43rd-book that I've read in the series. I still have a way to go, but I will never stop. As long as they keep being released, I will keep picking them up and I certainly hope that Terrie Farley Moran sticks around the long-run as well.
This did take over my life while I was reading it. Once we had our body, I was hooked. Everyone was suspicious and a lot of people had motive, but whodunit?
I enjoyed the whole cast of characters, as well as the setting of the hotel and theater. Jessica and her friends took full advantage of being in Edmonton, managing to get in a lot of touristy things, even whilst solving a murder.
In fact, if I'm honest, there's was a bit too much of the sight-seeing bits for my taste. It tended to drag down the pace of the story a little.
While I am glad the friends had the opportunity to see some sights, and learn some history of the city, I didn't necessarily need to go along with them on every excursion.
With this being said, I still really enjoyed this. I thought the mystery was fun and the full cast of characters was great; a nice mix of theater, and non-theater people. The conclusion was exciting and my heart was full by the end.
For the uninitiated, these books can be read in any order. If you are interested in checking any of them out, I would recommend just reading a few synopsis and deciding which one sounds most intriguing to you. Once you found it, just give it a go. You could end up loving them as much as me!
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'll never turn down a Murder, She Wrote Mystery, so please keep 'em coming!!
April 14, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Now that her latest book is finished Jessica Fletcher is ready for a break. Her cousin Emma MacGill is traveling from the UK to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada to take part in an old-fashioned musical review. Derek Braverman is an internationally famous star of screen, television, and stage and is ready to retire but he wants one more big show and has invited Emma to be part of it. Emma would love for Jessica to be there for opening night. Emma even invites Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger, and his wife Maureen. Seth and Mort are big fans of Derek Braverman so they are thrilled to go on the trip. Maureen is excited too.
Jessica hoping to fly under the radar and just have a good time is saddened that she is immediately recognized as mystery author J. B. Fletcher but she is even more upset that a member of the hotel staff assumes that she would be willing to have a book signing at the hotel gift shop. She explains several times she is not there to work, she is on vacation and has no plans to do a book signing. The staffer has also arranged for Jessica, Seth, Mort, and Maureen to take in the sights of Edmonton.
As if Jessica doesn't have enough on her plate, a hotel bartender and stagehand for Emma's musical review is found dead backstage at the theater. She suddenly finds herself and her friends investigating his murder. So much for a fun-filled vacation. Can Jessica go anywhere and not find a murder mystery to solve?
____
It was so good to see Jessica, Seth, Maureen, and Mort get away from Cabot Cove for a little vacation. They all deserved it. The murder didn't happen until about 33% into the book so they did get to see some sights before the investigation began. What I really enjoy is that as a fan of the television series, I easily visualize the characters and hear their voices in my head.
Since Jessica didn't really know the deceased or any of the cast and crew she needed her cousin's help. While the show rehearsals didn't stop, they did move to another location, so Emma wasn't available very often forcing Jessica to get to know all the players/suspects in other ways. Readers are introduced to all these characters and the author does an excellent job of making each unique and memorable. Emma being an almost twin to Jessica was fun.
The murder mystery was very well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. There was also the mystery of items missing from the hotel including Seth's prized pen. Jessica and her friends taking on an investigation in Edmonton was a delight especially when Sergeant Enook was familiar with the books of J. B. Fletcher. She knew Jessica wasn't going to sit idly by. It was great that Jessica, Emma, and the Sergeant were together when a major clue came from an unexpected place. What was even better was the way the Canadian police, Jessica, and Cabot Cove Sheriff Mort worked together to get the evidence they needed to make the arrest. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
I really enjoyed touring around Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with my fictional friends from Cabot Cove. Their driver Rob was a fantastic guide with his knowledge about the places to see and the area's history. I would love to visit someday.
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage was an entertaining read with the wonderful Jessica Fletcher solving another first-rate mystery. With the author's comfortable writing style and familiar characters it was easy to escape right into this latest Murder, She Wrote mystery.
Each book in this series reads well on its own, so don't think twice about starting with or jumping back in with Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage.
Now that her latest book is finished Jessica Fletcher is ready for a break. Her cousin Emma MacGill is traveling from the UK to Edmonton in Alberta, Canada to take part in an old-fashioned musical review. Derek Braverman is an internationally famous star of screen, television, and stage and is ready to retire but he wants one more big show and has invited Emma to be part of it. Emma would love for Jessica to be there for opening night. Emma even invites Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger, and his wife Maureen. Seth and Mort are big fans of Derek Braverman so they are thrilled to go on the trip. Maureen is excited too.
Jessica hoping to fly under the radar and just have a good time is saddened that she is immediately recognized as mystery author J. B. Fletcher but she is even more upset that a member of the hotel staff assumes that she would be willing to have a book signing at the hotel gift shop. She explains several times she is not there to work, she is on vacation and has no plans to do a book signing. The staffer has also arranged for Jessica, Seth, Mort, and Maureen to take in the sights of Edmonton.
As if Jessica doesn't have enough on her plate, a hotel bartender and stagehand for Emma's musical review is found dead backstage at the theater. She suddenly finds herself and her friends investigating his murder. So much for a fun-filled vacation. Can Jessica go anywhere and not find a murder mystery to solve?
____
It was so good to see Jessica, Seth, Maureen, and Mort get away from Cabot Cove for a little vacation. They all deserved it. The murder didn't happen until about 33% into the book so they did get to see some sights before the investigation began. What I really enjoy is that as a fan of the television series, I easily visualize the characters and hear their voices in my head.
Since Jessica didn't really know the deceased or any of the cast and crew she needed her cousin's help. While the show rehearsals didn't stop, they did move to another location, so Emma wasn't available very often forcing Jessica to get to know all the players/suspects in other ways. Readers are introduced to all these characters and the author does an excellent job of making each unique and memorable. Emma being an almost twin to Jessica was fun.
The murder mystery was very well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns. There was also the mystery of items missing from the hotel including Seth's prized pen. Jessica and her friends taking on an investigation in Edmonton was a delight especially when Sergeant Enook was familiar with the books of J. B. Fletcher. She knew Jessica wasn't going to sit idly by. It was great that Jessica, Emma, and the Sergeant were together when a major clue came from an unexpected place. What was even better was the way the Canadian police, Jessica, and Cabot Cove Sheriff Mort worked together to get the evidence they needed to make the arrest. I was totally surprised when the killer was revealed.
I really enjoyed touring around Edmonton, Alberta, Canada with my fictional friends from Cabot Cove. Their driver Rob was a fantastic guide with his knowledge about the places to see and the area's history. I would love to visit someday.
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage was an entertaining read with the wonderful Jessica Fletcher solving another first-rate mystery. With the author's comfortable writing style and familiar characters it was easy to escape right into this latest Murder, She Wrote mystery.
Each book in this series reads well on its own, so don't think twice about starting with or jumping back in with Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage.
January 15, 2024
Jessica . Seth and the Metzgers are traveling to Edmonton, Canada at the invitation of Jessica's British cousin, Emma. Emma is an actress and will be in Edmonton preparing for a show. Having just finished her latest book, Jessica is more than ready for a vacation and happy that her friends can come along. The group receives royal treatment at the hotel, does lots of sightseeing and gets to know members of the cast. Jessica is thrilled to spend time with Emma. But all the fun ends when a part-time stagehand is found murdered. Jessica, with the assistance of her troop of friends become actively engaged in solving the murder.
This #58 in the Murder She Wrote series and fans of the series will want to read this one, if only to keep up to date. Long-running series suffer from the occasional less-than-great title and this is one of them. The murder comes well into the book and the victim isn't a main character. The motive for the killing seems a bit of a stretch and way too much time is spent describing the tea service. Readers new to the series definitely shouldn't start with this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
This #58 in the Murder She Wrote series and fans of the series will want to read this one, if only to keep up to date. Long-running series suffer from the occasional less-than-great title and this is one of them. The murder comes well into the book and the victim isn't a main character. The motive for the killing seems a bit of a stretch and way too much time is spent describing the tea service. Readers new to the series definitely shouldn't start with this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.
July 23, 2024
A nice, fun, solid entry in the series.
April 15, 2024
Emma Macgill has been signed onto a show with the famous and set-to-retire actor extraordinnaire, Derek Braverman. Braverman has had a long and illustrious career and now, at 80, is doing a farewell show in the style of old vaudville. As she's to be on the same continent as her cousin for the first time in a donkey's age, Emma invites Jessica, Seth, and the Metzgers to visit her in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada during the final weeks of rehearsal. They will have a fun and relaxing vacation while Emma finishes up final rehearsals, and will all celebrate the much-anticipated opening night of the show together.
Of course, this being MSW, there is murder afoot. A part-time stage hand and hotel bartender is found dead on the orchestra lift of the theater, and it soon becomes apparent that this dude was a full-time blackmailer and womanizer. Nobody really misses him now that he's dead, but there are plenty of suspects around (including Braverman, who seems to be hiding some sort of secret), and having been killed in the theater mucks up everyone's schedules.
Jessica is more interested in trying to discover Braverman's secret (and the rash of petty thefts around the hotel) than in solving the murder. She's badgered into a book signing and discovers the clue that unlocks the mystery of the killer, pretty much by happenstance. The whodunit and why kinda comes out of left field, mostly because its a peripheral character, and the motive wasn't terribly strong. So, the main murder mystery is extremely lightweight.
The fun of the book is that its set in the theater world, which gives the author lots of chances to sprinkle Easter eggs about Angela Landsbury's career around. If you enjoy this kind of meta, you'll enjoy this; if you find it annoying, it will likely grate on your nerves. I like how Ms Moran portrays the characters and their trips to various touristy spots, so I rolled with it fairly easily.
All in all, a pleasant trip to MSW world with some fan favorite characters. Not the best book I've ever read in this series, and certainly not the worst.
Of course, this being MSW, there is murder afoot. A part-time stage hand and hotel bartender is found dead on the orchestra lift of the theater, and it soon becomes apparent that this dude was a full-time blackmailer and womanizer. Nobody really misses him now that he's dead, but there are plenty of suspects around (including Braverman, who seems to be hiding some sort of secret), and having been killed in the theater mucks up everyone's schedules.
Jessica is more interested in trying to discover Braverman's secret (and the rash of petty thefts around the hotel) than in solving the murder. She's badgered into a book signing and discovers the clue that unlocks the mystery of the killer, pretty much by happenstance. The whodunit and why kinda comes out of left field, mostly because its a peripheral character, and the motive wasn't terribly strong. So, the main murder mystery is extremely lightweight.
The fun of the book is that its set in the theater world, which gives the author lots of chances to sprinkle Easter eggs about Angela Landsbury's career around. If you enjoy this kind of meta, you'll enjoy this; if you find it annoying, it will likely grate on your nerves. I like how Ms Moran portrays the characters and their trips to various touristy spots, so I rolled with it fairly easily.
All in all, a pleasant trip to MSW world with some fan favorite characters. Not the best book I've ever read in this series, and certainly not the worst.
September 25, 2024
This was my first Murder, She Wrote book ... why I decided to start with the 58th in the series is beyond me lol
This is a pretty straightforward police procedural led by an amateur detective. Jessica Fletcher and her friends go to Canada to see Jessica's cousin who is performing in a musical. While in Canada, they get a lot of new friends and discover a murder. Jessica quickly inserts herself into the investigation and gets her friends to help her discover clues.
I enjoyed this, the audiobook narration was wonderful. The story had it's usual twists and turns as you are pulled through the case. But for me it was just your average cozy mystery that has an exceptionally large series - it felt like an less than exciting episode of a mystery tv show. It felt like one of those filler episodes that you watch to get to the next one but it's not one that will stick in your mind.
Overall, a 3-star read for me. It wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad. I would consider reading more of the books in the series though. Sometimes I need a good cozy mystery inbetween darker reads.
Big thanks to Jessica Fletcher, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
This is a pretty straightforward police procedural led by an amateur detective. Jessica Fletcher and her friends go to Canada to see Jessica's cousin who is performing in a musical. While in Canada, they get a lot of new friends and discover a murder. Jessica quickly inserts herself into the investigation and gets her friends to help her discover clues.
I enjoyed this, the audiobook narration was wonderful. The story had it's usual twists and turns as you are pulled through the case. But for me it was just your average cozy mystery that has an exceptionally large series - it felt like an less than exciting episode of a mystery tv show. It felt like one of those filler episodes that you watch to get to the next one but it's not one that will stick in your mind.
Overall, a 3-star read for me. It wasn't amazing but it wasn't bad. I would consider reading more of the books in the series though. Sometimes I need a good cozy mystery inbetween darker reads.
Big thanks to Jessica Fletcher, Berkley and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions!
September 19, 2024
Very disappointed in this one. Based in Canada, but Seth, Mort and Mort’s wife Maureen are along. That saves this book from being a one star. The plot sounded great. Stage hand who obviously knew other people’s secrets is murdered. But the entire book is a confusing trip all over sight seeing Edmonton. It is almost like it was written by the Toursim board with a bit of Jessica Fletcher thrown in. If you read the first chapter and then the last you would be right were you would be if you read the entire book. Everything in between is fluff. I was hoping the newest author, Terrie Moran, would be able to put out interesting books as quickly as Jon Land and Donald Bain. But she seems to have much more pressing things to do rather that write Murder She wrote books. Hopefully, the publishers will read one or two and find someone who actually knows Cabot Cove and doesn’t push the writing off to a second in command.
April 4, 2024
With low expectations for another backstage plot, I found this book thoroughly interesting, especially descriptions of Edmonton history and sites worth visiting. Let me attest that TF Moran IS Jessica Fletcher, through and through. She has surpassed the original author with intriguing characters, unexpected plot twists, and retained the authentic voice of her heroine and her friends, even giving Maureen her time to shine. Eager for the next installment❣️❣️
April 3, 2024
Murder She Wrote holds fond memories for me. I loved watching the television show, and now I love reading the books. Murder She Wrote: Murder Backstage is the 58th book in this series! I have only read the last five, but I’ve loved them all.
Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran takes Jessica, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger and his wife Maureen to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where Jessica’s British cousin, Emma, is starring in an old-fashioned musical review. The other major star is Derek Braverman. Seth and Mort have been fans of Braverman since they were boys, so this is a real treat for them. They do say, “Never meet your heroes.” Read Murder Backstage to see if this applies to Braverman!
I have discovered that reading these Murder She Wrote books always gives me a cozy, comforting feeling. I particularly enjoy the ones that include Cabot Cove residents in addition to Jessica. They’re familiar to me. I can hear their voices when I read, and that just makes me feel happy. In addition to Jessica and friends, Murder Backstage has many more characters, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping them straight. They’re well-written with unique personalities, so once you meet them, you know who they are throughout the story.
Though the actual murder doesn’t take place until about halfway through the book, I enjoyed exploring Edmonton with Jessica and her friends. They had the privilege of being driven around in a limo by a local man named Rob who was very knowledgeable about the area and its history. It was easy to picture how beautiful the area is. Figuring out whodunit wasn’t as easy as you might think because no one could quite figure out why the victim was murdered until they did some digging.
Murder Backstage has all of the elements I love in a Murder She Wrote novel. I highly recommend it for its well-written characters, lovely setting, and puzzling murder!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran takes Jessica, Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger and his wife Maureen to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where Jessica’s British cousin, Emma, is starring in an old-fashioned musical review. The other major star is Derek Braverman. Seth and Mort have been fans of Braverman since they were boys, so this is a real treat for them. They do say, “Never meet your heroes.” Read Murder Backstage to see if this applies to Braverman!
I have discovered that reading these Murder She Wrote books always gives me a cozy, comforting feeling. I particularly enjoy the ones that include Cabot Cove residents in addition to Jessica. They’re familiar to me. I can hear their voices when I read, and that just makes me feel happy. In addition to Jessica and friends, Murder Backstage has many more characters, but I didn’t have any trouble keeping them straight. They’re well-written with unique personalities, so once you meet them, you know who they are throughout the story.
Though the actual murder doesn’t take place until about halfway through the book, I enjoyed exploring Edmonton with Jessica and her friends. They had the privilege of being driven around in a limo by a local man named Rob who was very knowledgeable about the area and its history. It was easy to picture how beautiful the area is. Figuring out whodunit wasn’t as easy as you might think because no one could quite figure out why the victim was murdered until they did some digging.
Murder Backstage has all of the elements I love in a Murder She Wrote novel. I highly recommend it for its well-written characters, lovely setting, and puzzling murder!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
April 2, 2024
I loved this wonderful mystery. I loved how well this book was written to bring Jessica and all her friends from Cabot Cove back to life. I loved how she and her friends are able to solve a murder and what happened to many missing items. I loved the humor. I recommend watching the television series along with reading these books. I received an arc copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
July 12, 2024
Backstage failure
Not one of the best in this series by a long shot and I have read every one of them! A lot of disconnected things happening that really didn't pull the story together. A vacation that went on for a few weeks and the sheriff and doctor was able to take off work a that long? A little far fetched, I think. I certainly hope if there is another book it will be better than this one.
Not one of the best in this series by a long shot and I have read every one of them! A lot of disconnected things happening that really didn't pull the story together. A vacation that went on for a few weeks and the sheriff and doctor was able to take off work a that long? A little far fetched, I think. I certainly hope if there is another book it will be better than this one.
March 14, 2024
Love Murder She Wrote. After all these years, Jessica Fletcher never fails us. Good to have Seth, Mort, Maureen and Mara here along with an overdue visit with cousin Emma from England. This time, the action takes place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Along with the mystery is a tour of the city’s landmarks and museums. Satisfying ending to boot.
April 4, 2024
This one was so much fun! I loved having Jessica’s cousin Emma McGill as well as Seth, Mort and Maureen in this mystery and the mystery itself was really good. I also liked the secondary small mystery with surprising culprits. Another 5 star adventure with Jessica and her friends.
February 10, 2025
The 58th installment in the "Murder, She Wrote" series, "Murder Backstage" by Terrie Farley Moran, finds our favorite sleuth in Cabot Cove accepting a trip to Edmonton, Alberta to see her cousin Emma Macgill who is performing in the final show of actor Derek Braverman. Along for the ride are Sherrif Metzger & Dr. Hazlitt. Once in Edmonton, things settle into a routine until one of the stagehands is found dead not long before the show is set to open. Farley Moran does as usual a decent job keeping to the characters including the hotel staff as well as 2 groupies who are more that meet the eye. The story is consistent with the series itself and does move at a brisk pace as well. There are as usual the normal twists and turns typical for this beloved series through an ending that has a couple of surprises in store for all involved. Overall, though, yet another solid entry in this series.
August 1, 2025
Nice to read about Jessica in Canada. The only thing I was a bit confused was that on the tv show we never see Mort’s wife and I thought her name was Adele not Maureen
To have her as one of the main characters was surprising
To have her as one of the main characters was surprising
February 21, 2025
Stars: 3 / 5
Recommendation: It was simple but very fun, and shows some gusto with Jessica, overall it has been an easy, fast read with light murder mixing theater and non-theater people.
Murder Backstage is the 58th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Terrie Farley Moran & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on April of 2024.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of October 2024, 59 books have been written in this series. They are mostly written in first person narration.
Since there was only one book written in 2023 (I guess on account of settling Lansbury's estate), we see three books in 2024. This is the second one in 2024. Here Terrie thanks her grandchildren. Wonder who would be next.
In this installment, we get meet Jessica's look-alike cousin Emma Macgill, a famous theater actress, when she invites Jessica to watch her show with famous Derek Braverman in Canada. Naturally she takes Dr. Seth Hazlitt and the Metzgers along with her. However, who expected her to land in the middle of a murder, right? Duh! So she feels obligated to solve the murder so her cousin's opening night can go on as planned.
As always I am amazed at how Jessica tolerates people who irritate her. Be it Evelyn Phillips, ex-editor of Cabot Cove Gazette or the very vivacious and unnecessary louder Miss Mary Jo Simard in this book. She even tolerates Mary Joe enough to give her a one hr show of book signing event, even though she was not comfortable.
This was a very light and a quick read. I finished it in one go while flying back to my home, after visiting my friend in Foley, AL. Comes back to my comment below.
As mentioned before in my previous book, I am comparing Terrie's writing to Nora Roberts writing after 2008. Nora Roberts novels changed the pace from being strong and deep for her characters in her books or plot prior to 2009, since 2009 her book have become more placid, serene and although deep less complex in both plot and her characters. I feel the same thing with Terrie Moran. As much as these are cozy mysteries, Donald Bain’s books are a little more filled with complexity to the plot and characters, while Terrie’s are more serene.
In real life Angela Lansbury aka Jessica Fletcher had acted in the 1966 Broadway musical Mame that gave her the much needed fame and also a Tony Award. However, in this book we see that her cousin Emma who is an actress, was a smashing star at the London revival of Mame. Author to bring that part of Angela from real life to fiction. :)
Again, Terrie has really captured the essence of Jessica Fletcher that we know her from the TV show as well as Donald Bain's books. She stuck to classic format and kept the supporting characters also as close as possible. It was simple but very fun, and shows some gusto with Jessica, overall it has been an easy, fast read with light murder mixing theater and non-theater people.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
2. Plot Reveals:
a. Characters we see here: The Derek Braverman Revue's stars and staff: Director Alan Hughes and his wife Rosalie, the Producer; Derek Braverman, the lead actor; Quinton Chabot, bartender and part-time stagehand; Frederick the Great and Gracelyn Lapointe, magic act duo; Dennis Oliver; assistant director; Eileen McCarthy, Emma's understudy; Jorge Escarra, Derek's Canadian friend; Lene Gadue, costumer; Nicholas "Nick" Dufond, stage manager; Spencer Smith and Red Pompey, stagehands;
b. Others: Rob Langford, limo driver; Mary Jo Simard, hotel concierge; Iris Crenshaw and her sister-in-law Vivian Zhang, Jessica Fletcher's fandom duo; Panuk, bell captain; Armand, desk clerk;
c. Edmonton Police Service: Inspector Radigan; Sergeant Ahnah Enook; Constable Cloutier; Constable Alexander; Constable Michaud;
3. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard, formerly with British Special Air Service; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his second wife Maureen; Eve Simpson, realtor friend with Cabot Cove Realty called Simpson Realty; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim, Current Mayor of Cabot Cove; Charlene Sassi, baker;
b. Literary contacts and friends: Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant; her British Publisher Griffin Semple, son of her original publisher Archibald Semple; Herb Mason, her accountant; Nancy Pollard, Jessica's new publisher as of #55;
c. Other Cabot Cove characters: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, bush pilot and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia, His brother Harvey, owns the local Gas-and-Go; Mara, owns Mara’s Luncheonette, as of #54, Mara has branched out into NH and VT; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel per the 51st book / Thomas Wilkerson per the 47th book; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of Old Thyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, and investment advisor, and his wife Ellen; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Lean, Joe's assistant; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent; Richard Jenkins & Sal Marterella, city council members; Jack Wilson, the Veterinarian, and his wife Tobe; Dan Andrews, editor of Cabot Cove Gazette; Maniram Chatterjee & his wife Hita, jewelry shop owners; Sanford Teller, public relations agency; Lee, postmistress; Loretta Spiegel, owns beauty salon; Barnaby Longshoot; Brad Crandall; SeaBasket, a supermarket; Father Donald Barnes; Becky Thayer, owner of Cabot Cove Catering; Doris Ann, librarian; Ansell Hodges, homeless veteran; Clara, Seth's longtime receptionist; Carl Cragg, Ethan's cousin and Building inspector; Demetri and his cousin Nick, Cabot Cove Taxi Service; Ideal Molloy, Jessica's long time neighbor; Lavinia Wahl, another friend; Maeve O'Bannon, Jessica's another neighbor; Dr. Gregory Leung, Cabot Cove Hospital Deputy Administrator; Rosie Santangelo, teaches arts and crafts; Pierce Collymore, harbormaster; Sally Thomson, sales associate at Charles Department Store; Margo Linwood, front desk at Hill House; Edward, Library aide; John Martinez, a library patron; Lorna Mason, Library Committee treasurer; Nancy, a newish committee member; Joseph, maitre d' at Hill House; Coreen Wilson, Loretta's longtime assistant;
d. Sheriff Metzger’s staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks / Broom/ Bloom??; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson and his mother Gloria; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Deputy Evan; Deputy Chip; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher; Officer Edgar; Gladys, a civilian dispatcher; Deputy Billy Simms; NYPD lieutenant with Major Case Squad Artie Gelber; Deputy Muldoon; Deputy Floyd McCallum
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank. Grady plans to open his own accounting firm in book #52.
f. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
g. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
h. From the 30th book:
i. Tom Craig offers Michael Haggerty a book deal to write about his escapades as an undercover British spy.
ii. There is no closure as to who actually kills the person in the first murder.
iii. Will Jennifer Kahn, the alleged jewel thief, walk away free since they could only find circumstantial evidence against her and nothing concrete?
i. From the 37th book: If I ever try the sidecar recipe I will have to post it again referring the 37th book. But Angela Lansbury did print a cookbook based on the food items shared either in the episodes or by characters of the series. https://www.silverscreensuppers.com/t...
j. From the 47th book:
i. Mort jokes that Jessica is a magnet for murder; and Jessica quips that can she use that as a title. We know that this title has never been done so far in her books or the fictional ones she wrote on the TV show. May be a future book?
ii. Again we don’t see the criminal Armand Dejong's body found. So did he succumb to the injuries caused by fire or escape?
k. From the 48th book, Manuscript for Murder:
i. We come to know that Mort was in Vietnam that we had never heard either on TV show or the earlier books.
l. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
m. From the 54th book, Debonair in Death: Deputy Andy's full name become Andy Broom vs Andy Jenkins.
Recommendation: It was simple but very fun, and shows some gusto with Jessica, overall it has been an easy, fast read with light murder mixing theater and non-theater people.
Murder Backstage is the 58th novel in the long-running Murder She Wrote series co-written by Terrie Farley Moran & fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. It was first published on April of 2024.
This is my take on the series of books written by a plethora of authors and Jessica Fletcher (fictional author) based on the 80s and 90s popular American crime drama television series Murder, She Wrote. These books are ghost written by Donald Bain and fictional author Jessica Fletcher for the first 43 books until 2015. Then Donald Bain wrote these with Renee Paley Bain and Jon Land for four more books. After Donald Bain passed away in 2017, Jon Land alone took the baton and continued with Jessica Fletcher for 5 more books until 2020. Starting 2021 the series was picked by Terrie Farley Moran again pairing with the fictional writer Jessica Fletcher. As of October 2024, 59 books have been written in this series. They are mostly written in first person narration.
Since there was only one book written in 2023 (I guess on account of settling Lansbury's estate), we see three books in 2024. This is the second one in 2024. Here Terrie thanks her grandchildren. Wonder who would be next.
In this installment, we get meet Jessica's look-alike cousin Emma Macgill, a famous theater actress, when she invites Jessica to watch her show with famous Derek Braverman in Canada. Naturally she takes Dr. Seth Hazlitt and the Metzgers along with her. However, who expected her to land in the middle of a murder, right? Duh! So she feels obligated to solve the murder so her cousin's opening night can go on as planned.
As always I am amazed at how Jessica tolerates people who irritate her. Be it Evelyn Phillips, ex-editor of Cabot Cove Gazette or the very vivacious and unnecessary louder Miss Mary Jo Simard in this book. She even tolerates Mary Joe enough to give her a one hr show of book signing event, even though she was not comfortable.
This was a very light and a quick read. I finished it in one go while flying back to my home, after visiting my friend in Foley, AL. Comes back to my comment below.
As mentioned before in my previous book, I am comparing Terrie's writing to Nora Roberts writing after 2008. Nora Roberts novels changed the pace from being strong and deep for her characters in her books or plot prior to 2009, since 2009 her book have become more placid, serene and although deep less complex in both plot and her characters. I feel the same thing with Terrie Moran. As much as these are cozy mysteries, Donald Bain’s books are a little more filled with complexity to the plot and characters, while Terrie’s are more serene.
In real life Angela Lansbury aka Jessica Fletcher had acted in the 1966 Broadway musical Mame that gave her the much needed fame and also a Tony Award. However, in this book we see that her cousin Emma who is an actress, was a smashing star at the London revival of Mame. Author to bring that part of Angela from real life to fiction. :)
Again, Terrie has really captured the essence of Jessica Fletcher that we know her from the TV show as well as Donald Bain's books. She stuck to classic format and kept the supporting characters also as close as possible. It was simple but very fun, and shows some gusto with Jessica, overall it has been an easy, fast read with light murder mixing theater and non-theater people.
Spoiler Alerts:
1. Grammatical / Character / Plot / Geographical / Historical / Mythological Errors:
2. Plot Reveals:
a. Characters we see here: The Derek Braverman Revue's stars and staff: Director Alan Hughes and his wife Rosalie, the Producer; Derek Braverman, the lead actor; Quinton Chabot, bartender and part-time stagehand; Frederick the Great and Gracelyn Lapointe, magic act duo; Dennis Oliver; assistant director; Eileen McCarthy, Emma's understudy; Jorge Escarra, Derek's Canadian friend; Lene Gadue, costumer; Nicholas "Nick" Dufond, stage manager; Spencer Smith and Red Pompey, stagehands;
b. Others: Rob Langford, limo driver; Mary Jo Simard, hotel concierge; Iris Crenshaw and her sister-in-law Vivian Zhang, Jessica Fletcher's fandom duo; Panuk, bell captain; Armand, desk clerk;
c. Edmonton Police Service: Inspector Radigan; Sergeant Ahnah Enook; Constable Cloutier; Constable Alexander; Constable Michaud;
3. Sub Plots:
a. Friends of Jessica Fletcher: Dr. Seth Hazlitt; George Sutherland, senior inspector with Scotland Yard, formerly with British Special Air Service; Morton "Mort" Metzger, Cabot Cove Sherriff and his second wife Maureen; Eve Simpson, realtor friend with Cabot Cove Realty called Simpson Realty; Ethan Cragg, Cabot Cove’s chief town elder; Susan Shevlin, travel agent and her husband Jim, Current Mayor of Cabot Cove; Charlene Sassi, baker;
b. Literary contacts and friends: Harry McGraw, her private eye friend; Matt Miller, her literary agent & his wife Susan; Paulette, Matt's assistant; her British Publisher Griffin Semple, son of her original publisher Archibald Semple; Herb Mason, her accountant; Nancy Pollard, Jessica's new publisher as of #55;
c. Other Cabot Cove characters: Josh, the mailman; Jed Richardson, bush pilot and owner of Jed's Flying Service, and his wife Alicia, His brother Harvey, owns the local Gas-and-Go; Mara, owns Mara’s Luncheonette, as of #54, Mara has branched out into NH and VT; Hank Weathers, a homeless war vet; Seamus McGilray, manager of Hill House Hotel per the 51st book / Thomas Wilkerson per the 47th book; Richard "Dick" Mann, Fire Chief; Professor Donskoy; Roberta Dougherty, bookstore owner; Richard Koser, photographer, and his wife MaryJane; Barbara DePaoli, Chamber of Commerce's secretary; Anthon Colarusso, dentist; Beth and Peter Mullin, owners of Old Thyme Floral; Sam Davis, investment advisor; Jack Decker, publisher of Cabot Cove's monthly magazine; Peter Eder, Cabot Cove's symphony orchestra; Bob Daros, owns Heritage Fuel; Tim Purdy, treasurer of chamber of commerce and historian and president of Cabot Cove's historical society, and investment advisor, and his wife Ellen; Pat Hitchcock, Cabot Cove's popular nurse and teacher?; Joseph "Joe" Turco, an attorney; Lean, Joe's assistant; Marcia Davis, costume designer; David and Jim Raneri, owners of Charles Department Store; Ralph Mackin, town attorney; Ed and Joan Lerner, retirees; Brenda Brody, copy editor of Cabot Cove Insider; Doug Treyz, dentist, and his wife Tina; Jack and Marilou Decker, publishers of Cabot Cove Insider; Peter and Roberta Walters, owners of the radio station; Horace Teller, publisher of Cabot Cove News; Doris Sitar, assistant manager at Cabot Cove Savings Bank; Dmitri, owner of local taxi company; Phil Wick, field manager of the phone company; John St. Clair, professor of business law at Cabot Cove Community College; Dr. Jennifer "Jenny" Countryman, Seth's partner; Reginald "Reggie" Weems, insurance agent; Richard Jenkins & Sal Marterella, city council members; Jack Wilson, the Veterinarian, and his wife Tobe; Dan Andrews, editor of Cabot Cove Gazette; Maniram Chatterjee & his wife Hita, jewelry shop owners; Sanford Teller, public relations agency; Lee, postmistress; Loretta Spiegel, owns beauty salon; Barnaby Longshoot; Brad Crandall; SeaBasket, a supermarket; Father Donald Barnes; Becky Thayer, owner of Cabot Cove Catering; Doris Ann, librarian; Ansell Hodges, homeless veteran; Clara, Seth's longtime receptionist; Carl Cragg, Ethan's cousin and Building inspector; Demetri and his cousin Nick, Cabot Cove Taxi Service; Ideal Molloy, Jessica's long time neighbor; Lavinia Wahl, another friend; Maeve O'Bannon, Jessica's another neighbor; Dr. Gregory Leung, Cabot Cove Hospital Deputy Administrator; Rosie Santangelo, teaches arts and crafts; Pierce Collymore, harbormaster; Sally Thomson, sales associate at Charles Department Store; Margo Linwood, front desk at Hill House; Edward, Library aide; John Martinez, a library patron; Lorna Mason, Library Committee treasurer; Nancy, a newish committee member; Joseph, maitre d' at Hill House; Coreen Wilson, Loretta's longtime assistant;
d. Sheriff Metzger’s staff & other law enforcement: Deputy Andy Jenks / Broom/ Bloom??; Deputy Jack; Rookie Wendell Watson and his mother Gloria; Deputy Harold; Deputy Jerry; Deputy Evan; Deputy Chip; Alfred Gillo, medical examiner; Judge Kaplan; Marie Poutre, dispatcher; Officer Edgar; Gladys, a civilian dispatcher; Deputy Billy Simms; NYPD lieutenant with Major Case Squad Artie Gelber; Deputy Muldoon; Deputy Floyd McCallum
e. Jessica Fletcher’s family: Grady Fletcher, nephew that she and her late-husband Frank raise, his wife Donna and child Frank. Grady plans to open his own accounting firm in book #52.
f. From the 9th book, Murder on the QE2: Mary Ward has been a prominent character in this book. Will she resurface again?
g. From the 10th book, Murder in Moscow:
i. There is still no resolution as to who or how Ward Wenington was killed in D.C. and why Vladislav "Vlady" Staritova was killed in Russia. What was the connection?
ii. Alexandra Kozhina disappears at the end of the plot. And will she surface in another book?
h. From the 30th book:
i. Tom Craig offers Michael Haggerty a book deal to write about his escapades as an undercover British spy.
ii. There is no closure as to who actually kills the person in the first murder.
iii. Will Jennifer Kahn, the alleged jewel thief, walk away free since they could only find circumstantial evidence against her and nothing concrete?
i. From the 37th book: If I ever try the sidecar recipe I will have to post it again referring the 37th book. But Angela Lansbury did print a cookbook based on the food items shared either in the episodes or by characters of the series. https://www.silverscreensuppers.com/t...
j. From the 47th book:
i. Mort jokes that Jessica is a magnet for murder; and Jessica quips that can she use that as a title. We know that this title has never been done so far in her books or the fictional ones she wrote on the TV show. May be a future book?
ii. Again we don’t see the criminal Armand Dejong's body found. So did he succumb to the injuries caused by fire or escape?
k. From the 48th book, Manuscript for Murder:
i. We come to know that Mort was in Vietnam that we had never heard either on TV show or the earlier books.
l. From the 51st book, The Murder of Twelve:
i. Author Land gives considerable mystery to Seamus McGilray’s character. I wonder if he resurfaces in a future book.
ii. Towards the end of the book, Mort jokes that Jessica should run for mayor. Hmm…something to look forward to I suppose.
m. From the 54th book, Debonair in Death: Deputy Andy's full name become Andy Broom vs Andy Jenkins.
December 25, 2023
This book was kind of boring. Jessica, Seth, Mort and his wife Maureen travel to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to meet up with Jessica’s actress friend Emma as she prepares for a show. Much of the book describes many places that the group visit. It’s a very scenic and historic area and the group takes advantage by visiting quite a few places. In chapter 12 a murder finally occurs. Also there is a rumor that one of cast members is not using his real last name. When the murderer is discovered, it seems kind of blah. Not a really good reason for killing and not a lot of time spent on the who and why.
The mystery of why the actor is using a fake last name seemed like a big “huh?” to me. Then everyone just goes on with their day. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
The mystery of why the actor is using a fake last name seemed like a big “huh?” to me. Then everyone just goes on with their day. I received this as an ARC from NetGalley.
April 3, 2024
Murder, She Wrote and the beloved Jessica Fletcher are back for a new mystery!
What is the book about?
Jessica is finishing her latest book when she receives a phone call from her cousin Emma MacGill. Long time fans of the series (and the tv show it is based on) will be familiar with Emma—she is British and an actress, and there is a running joke through the series about how much Emma and Jessica look alike (the joke being that star Angela Lansbury played both Jessica Fletcher and Emma MacGill, so they look identical). Emma is traveling to Alberta, Canada to perform alongside actor and star Derek Braverman in a musical review. She invites Jessica to join her, and Jessica invites her best friend Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger, and his wife Maureen (Mort and Seth happen to be big fans of the actor, and quite a bit of fanboying goes on).
The trip turns out to be eventful and a bit awkward from the very first night, when Assistant Director Dennis gets into an odd conversation with a hotel bartender. The next morning Seth discovers someone has stolen his prized pen that he was gifted in honor of an award he received from the Maine Medical Association. The pen isn’t just valuable, it has sentimental meaning. Strangely when they inquire at the front desk if there is a lost and found, they discover this isn’t the only item that has gone missing and wasn’t turned in.
The trip proceeds with Emma being called to rehearsals while Jessica and the crew do some site seeing and meet back up for dinner. However, the festivities are brought to a halt when the bartender from the first night (who is also working as a stagehand) is found murdered at the theater when a group is there for costume fittings. It must have been someone at the rehearsal or a guest of theirs, and Jessica is sure she can help get to the bottom of this mystery.
What did I think?
I think longtime fans of Murder, She Wrote will enjoy this mystery, which features a lot of scenes about Jessica’s life and career outside of the murder. However, if you’re new to the series, this may not be the right book to start on. The mystery was much less focal than it has been in other books, though I did find the conclusion to be satisfying and such a classic Jessica Fletcher way of solving a mystery!
The murder occurs about one third of the way through, and the victim isn’t the most compelling or relevant character. In fact, the mystery relies on finding out who would have a motive to murder such a mild character who doesn’t have many strong connections to the suspects.
What happened to Seth’s pen??
I sort of rolled my eyes when Seth lost his pen at first because it was such strange and mundane occurrence. But seeing the kindhearted Seth so devastated over losing that pen really did pull on my heart strings and by the time that part of the mystery was solved, I felt so happy that Seth got his pen back!
How is Jessica doing?
One other small thing—in this book more than any other I noticed how often Jessica talks about her diet and exercise. This is such a funny thing to focus on! I first noticed it when Jessica has to order a less caloric breakfast than usual because (according to her), she has spent so much time sitting while finishing this book that she hasn’t gotten as much exercise. This theme continues throughout the book, though! Jessica and the other characters are constantly talking about dieting, metabolism, what they can order versus what someone else can order, and how they are squeezing workouts into the travel schedule.
This bizarre and irrelevant storyline absolutely tickled me for some reason! Jessica is just one of those characters who always does everything that most of us should be doing, but often many of us (or at least I can speak for myself here) aren’t as regimented as we should be. The funny thing about this part of the book is that Jessica does these things without any drama. She’ll just depart from the others who are going to relax or take a nap and goes to her hotel room to do arm workouts for twenty minutes.
Final thoughts
Overall, this is a book that fans of Murder, She Wrote will love. It’s always great to see Emma return, and to carry on the joke about how similar she and Jessica look. The mystery itself is entertaining, though not overly complex. I enjoyed the way the mystery came together in the end, and felt so relieved when Seth’s pen returned. Jessica was at her finest in this book—a mix of kind, proper, and a bit spicy! Her eyes are always on finding the truth, and she delivers again with another mystery solved.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
What is the book about?
Jessica is finishing her latest book when she receives a phone call from her cousin Emma MacGill. Long time fans of the series (and the tv show it is based on) will be familiar with Emma—she is British and an actress, and there is a running joke through the series about how much Emma and Jessica look alike (the joke being that star Angela Lansbury played both Jessica Fletcher and Emma MacGill, so they look identical). Emma is traveling to Alberta, Canada to perform alongside actor and star Derek Braverman in a musical review. She invites Jessica to join her, and Jessica invites her best friend Dr. Seth Hazlitt, Sheriff Mort Metzger, and his wife Maureen (Mort and Seth happen to be big fans of the actor, and quite a bit of fanboying goes on).
The trip turns out to be eventful and a bit awkward from the very first night, when Assistant Director Dennis gets into an odd conversation with a hotel bartender. The next morning Seth discovers someone has stolen his prized pen that he was gifted in honor of an award he received from the Maine Medical Association. The pen isn’t just valuable, it has sentimental meaning. Strangely when they inquire at the front desk if there is a lost and found, they discover this isn’t the only item that has gone missing and wasn’t turned in.
The trip proceeds with Emma being called to rehearsals while Jessica and the crew do some site seeing and meet back up for dinner. However, the festivities are brought to a halt when the bartender from the first night (who is also working as a stagehand) is found murdered at the theater when a group is there for costume fittings. It must have been someone at the rehearsal or a guest of theirs, and Jessica is sure she can help get to the bottom of this mystery.
What did I think?
I think longtime fans of Murder, She Wrote will enjoy this mystery, which features a lot of scenes about Jessica’s life and career outside of the murder. However, if you’re new to the series, this may not be the right book to start on. The mystery was much less focal than it has been in other books, though I did find the conclusion to be satisfying and such a classic Jessica Fletcher way of solving a mystery!
The murder occurs about one third of the way through, and the victim isn’t the most compelling or relevant character. In fact, the mystery relies on finding out who would have a motive to murder such a mild character who doesn’t have many strong connections to the suspects.
What happened to Seth’s pen??
I sort of rolled my eyes when Seth lost his pen at first because it was such strange and mundane occurrence. But seeing the kindhearted Seth so devastated over losing that pen really did pull on my heart strings and by the time that part of the mystery was solved, I felt so happy that Seth got his pen back!
How is Jessica doing?
One other small thing—in this book more than any other I noticed how often Jessica talks about her diet and exercise. This is such a funny thing to focus on! I first noticed it when Jessica has to order a less caloric breakfast than usual because (according to her), she has spent so much time sitting while finishing this book that she hasn’t gotten as much exercise. This theme continues throughout the book, though! Jessica and the other characters are constantly talking about dieting, metabolism, what they can order versus what someone else can order, and how they are squeezing workouts into the travel schedule.
This bizarre and irrelevant storyline absolutely tickled me for some reason! Jessica is just one of those characters who always does everything that most of us should be doing, but often many of us (or at least I can speak for myself here) aren’t as regimented as we should be. The funny thing about this part of the book is that Jessica does these things without any drama. She’ll just depart from the others who are going to relax or take a nap and goes to her hotel room to do arm workouts for twenty minutes.
Final thoughts
Overall, this is a book that fans of Murder, She Wrote will love. It’s always great to see Emma return, and to carry on the joke about how similar she and Jessica look. The mystery itself is entertaining, though not overly complex. I enjoyed the way the mystery came together in the end, and felt so relieved when Seth’s pen returned. Jessica was at her finest in this book—a mix of kind, proper, and a bit spicy! Her eyes are always on finding the truth, and she delivers again with another mystery solved.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my copy. Opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I thoroughly enjoyed this new Murder She Wrote mystery! This author has no end of increasingly creative situations and crime scenes Jessica encounters! Seeing Edmonton, Alberta, through her eyes was fascinating, and I was delighted to read of the historical and natural museums and settings Jessica and her Cabot Cove friends visited. The characters invited me into their adventure from the first page and held my attention throughout.
Emma, Jessica’s favorite cousin, is a well-known, beloved stage actress in England. Jessica was excited to hear that Emma was crossing the pond to co-star in a celebratory revue based on the stage and screen career of Derek Braverman. Derek just turned eighty and planned to retire. When Emma said they would be in Edmonton, Alberta, for a couple months, she convinced Jessica that it would be a great vacation spot. Jessica could stay at the hotel where they would be and have girl time around rehearsals and performances.
Jessica’s old friends, Doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger, were thrilled at the thought of her meeting their childhood hero. The two grown men were the ultimate fanboys when it came to Derek. Emma suggested that Jessica bring Seth, and he didn’t hesitate make plans. Within hours, Mort and his charming wife Maureen also made plans to go. They would get there a couple weeks before the show opened, see the sights when Emma was busy, and attend the opening night.
When Derek deigned to meet them, he fawned over Jessica until she politely set a boundary, but he barely looked at his lifelong fans, Mort and Seth. The more they saw him, the more he seemed, at times, like a petulant, demanding little boy. The husband-and-wife directing and producing team, Alan and Rosalie, did not get along well. The assistant director, Dennis, distanced himself from everyone. A bartender at the hotel, Quint, had a few ladies he showed interest in until he “borrowed” money and moved on to the next one. He mysteriously added a part time, second job as a stage hand with no experience or motivation to learn.
One evening, Emma planned to spend time with Jessica but was called for a costume fitting at the theater, so she invited Jessica to join her. Spencer, one of the stage hands, drove them there. While Emma was talking with the costume designer, they heard Spencer’s shout. He found Quint’s body lying on the orchestra lift, apparently murdered.
The inspector questioned people involved with the revue multiple times. At first there didn’t seem to be a reason to suspect any of them. Jessica and Emma looked into people involved with the revue or the hotel. They found several women Quint treated poorly, but nothing to point to any of them as killers. Edmonton was Derek’s hometown so he wanted his highly publicized farewell performances there. They even considered whether someone from his past with a long-term grudge was looking to kill Derek, and Quint was an unintended victim.
I continue to learn about Jessica and her Cabot Cove friends in each new novel. Those associated with the musical revue and the hotel were defined as well as necessary to maximize their roles. I could almost picture them and hear some of their conversations, especially the special fans of Jessica’s who kept a close eye out for her in the hotel lobby.
One thing I enjoy in any genre of novel is learning about the history of the setting and if there are any natural habitats to enjoy. This mystery satisfies both interests, and I appreciated the fascinating sights Jessica and her friends saw in Edmonton. Their driver knew the best places to satisfy their interests, and he enjoyed doing a bit of snooping for them.
This was not an easy case to solve! The police inspector wanted to arrest Spencer, and Jessica sought proof that he wasn’t the killer. One tiny clue led me to my pet suspect, but I couldn’t determine a motive. Several people had motives but didn’t feel right. The murder was masterfully solved by Jessica with help from old friends and new. I was very pleased with the outcome, as well as the surprise letter Jessica received when back in Cabot Cove. I highly recommend this novel. Each book in the series can be read as standalones, so even if one hasn’t read any yet, this is a perfect place to start!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
I thoroughly enjoyed this new Murder She Wrote mystery! This author has no end of increasingly creative situations and crime scenes Jessica encounters! Seeing Edmonton, Alberta, through her eyes was fascinating, and I was delighted to read of the historical and natural museums and settings Jessica and her Cabot Cove friends visited. The characters invited me into their adventure from the first page and held my attention throughout.
Emma, Jessica’s favorite cousin, is a well-known, beloved stage actress in England. Jessica was excited to hear that Emma was crossing the pond to co-star in a celebratory revue based on the stage and screen career of Derek Braverman. Derek just turned eighty and planned to retire. When Emma said they would be in Edmonton, Alberta, for a couple months, she convinced Jessica that it would be a great vacation spot. Jessica could stay at the hotel where they would be and have girl time around rehearsals and performances.
Jessica’s old friends, Doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger, were thrilled at the thought of her meeting their childhood hero. The two grown men were the ultimate fanboys when it came to Derek. Emma suggested that Jessica bring Seth, and he didn’t hesitate make plans. Within hours, Mort and his charming wife Maureen also made plans to go. They would get there a couple weeks before the show opened, see the sights when Emma was busy, and attend the opening night.
When Derek deigned to meet them, he fawned over Jessica until she politely set a boundary, but he barely looked at his lifelong fans, Mort and Seth. The more they saw him, the more he seemed, at times, like a petulant, demanding little boy. The husband-and-wife directing and producing team, Alan and Rosalie, did not get along well. The assistant director, Dennis, distanced himself from everyone. A bartender at the hotel, Quint, had a few ladies he showed interest in until he “borrowed” money and moved on to the next one. He mysteriously added a part time, second job as a stage hand with no experience or motivation to learn.
One evening, Emma planned to spend time with Jessica but was called for a costume fitting at the theater, so she invited Jessica to join her. Spencer, one of the stage hands, drove them there. While Emma was talking with the costume designer, they heard Spencer’s shout. He found Quint’s body lying on the orchestra lift, apparently murdered.
The inspector questioned people involved with the revue multiple times. At first there didn’t seem to be a reason to suspect any of them. Jessica and Emma looked into people involved with the revue or the hotel. They found several women Quint treated poorly, but nothing to point to any of them as killers. Edmonton was Derek’s hometown so he wanted his highly publicized farewell performances there. They even considered whether someone from his past with a long-term grudge was looking to kill Derek, and Quint was an unintended victim.
I continue to learn about Jessica and her Cabot Cove friends in each new novel. Those associated with the musical revue and the hotel were defined as well as necessary to maximize their roles. I could almost picture them and hear some of their conversations, especially the special fans of Jessica’s who kept a close eye out for her in the hotel lobby.
One thing I enjoy in any genre of novel is learning about the history of the setting and if there are any natural habitats to enjoy. This mystery satisfies both interests, and I appreciated the fascinating sights Jessica and her friends saw in Edmonton. Their driver knew the best places to satisfy their interests, and he enjoyed doing a bit of snooping for them.
This was not an easy case to solve! The police inspector wanted to arrest Spencer, and Jessica sought proof that he wasn’t the killer. One tiny clue led me to my pet suspect, but I couldn’t determine a motive. Several people had motives but didn’t feel right. The murder was masterfully solved by Jessica with help from old friends and new. I was very pleased with the outcome, as well as the surprise letter Jessica received when back in Cabot Cove. I highly recommend this novel. Each book in the series can be read as standalones, so even if one hasn’t read any yet, this is a perfect place to start!
April 9, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran brings Jessica Fletcher, Doc Seth Hazlitt, and the Metzgers to Canada to see Emma perform on stage in her latest performance.
Will Jessica Fletcher have a vacation?
Jessica Fletcher is back again to solve another mystery. Okay, so she technically didn't even want to find a dead body on this trip, as it was supposed to be a vacation. Yes, that's right. It was a vacation with three of her friends to see her cousin act. Instead, Jessica is now wrapped up in another mystery to solve in Canada, and oh, it's a doozy. Jessica is such a fun character to see in your imagination, trying to solve a mystery, and on your television, doing the same thing. Seth Hazlitt is still the same old guy, but this time, he has a bit of a fanboy in him about his favorite actor from his youth being on stage with Emma. Dare I say it? I think that Seth and Emma might have a thing going on.
The couple that I am happy to see is Mort and Maureen Metzger. Although Mort, like Seth, is fanboying, he is a pretty laidback guy. Well, that is until Jess found a dead body. Other than that, Mort was enjoying his vacation with his wife. Seeing the sheriff wearing a different hat for a change is nice. Whatever the hat, he is the sheriff even when he's off duty, except when he's in a different country.
The Mystery
Jessica and Emma were also backstage at the theater when the stagehand was found deceased. So, like Jessica Fletcher ends up doing, they try to help solve the mystery. Jessica needs Emma's help to solve it, and when Emma has time she helps. I loved seeing Jessica working on a case in Canada, as it was quite fun to imagine everything. I was shocked at who had done it, as I couldn't figure it out.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good, cozy mystery. Ms. Moran does these characters justice in the way she brings them from the show into her books. I love returning to Jessica's world and solving a mystery with her with each new installment of this series.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran brings Jessica Fletcher, Doc Seth Hazlitt, and the Metzgers to Canada to see Emma perform on stage in her latest performance.
Will Jessica Fletcher have a vacation?
Jessica Fletcher is back again to solve another mystery. Okay, so she technically didn't even want to find a dead body on this trip, as it was supposed to be a vacation. Yes, that's right. It was a vacation with three of her friends to see her cousin act. Instead, Jessica is now wrapped up in another mystery to solve in Canada, and oh, it's a doozy. Jessica is such a fun character to see in your imagination, trying to solve a mystery, and on your television, doing the same thing. Seth Hazlitt is still the same old guy, but this time, he has a bit of a fanboy in him about his favorite actor from his youth being on stage with Emma. Dare I say it? I think that Seth and Emma might have a thing going on.
The couple that I am happy to see is Mort and Maureen Metzger. Although Mort, like Seth, is fanboying, he is a pretty laidback guy. Well, that is until Jess found a dead body. Other than that, Mort was enjoying his vacation with his wife. Seeing the sheriff wearing a different hat for a change is nice. Whatever the hat, he is the sheriff even when he's off duty, except when he's in a different country.
The Mystery
Jessica and Emma were also backstage at the theater when the stagehand was found deceased. So, like Jessica Fletcher ends up doing, they try to help solve the mystery. Jessica needs Emma's help to solve it, and when Emma has time she helps. I loved seeing Jessica working on a case in Canada, as it was quite fun to imagine everything. I was shocked at who had done it, as I couldn't figure it out.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good, cozy mystery. Ms. Moran does these characters justice in the way she brings them from the show into her books. I love returning to Jessica's world and solving a mystery with her with each new installment of this series.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Read
September 5, 2025OK, ovo je, očekivano, bio quick read jer … cozy mystery. To mi je bila nagrada za sve romane koje sam u zadnje vrijeme čitala, a koji su mi uzrokovali baš finu tjeskobu. Morala sam uzeti nešto da malo ne mislim i da čitanje ima bar jedan od svojih ciljeva – da pobjegnem od stvarnosti na kratko.
Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote – Murder Backstage roman je iz serije krimića o televizijskoj junakinji Jessici Fletcher, aka J. B. Fletcher, koja je nakon umirovljenja od rada u školi kao učiteljica engleskog i smrti svog voljenog supruga, počela pisati krimiće i vrlo brzo stekla svjetsku slavu. Vjerojatno zbog uspjeha serije, ljudi su se dosjetili početi pisati Jessicine dogodovštine i prodavati ih kao prave krimiće i baš dobro dođu kada trebate pobjeći u neki, možda, jednostavniji svijet i vrijeme i pratiti zabavne zaplete i pokušavati uz J. B., ili po mogućnosti prije nje, riješiti ubojstvo.
Murder Backstage
Murder Backstage iliti Ubojstvo iza pozornice, događa se u, barem kako to izgleda po opisima u knjizi, u piktoresknom gradu Edmontonu u Alberti u Kanadi. Jessicina sestrična, glumica Emma, dobila je priliku glumiti u reviji poznatog glumca Dereka Bravermana, kojom on želi otići u mirovinu iz showbusinessa. Jessica je oduševljena Emminim pozivom da provede nekoliko tjedana u Kanadi, a sve je dodatno zasladila i činjenica da je Jessica sa sobom povela svoje najdraže prijatelje iz Cabot Covea – šerifa Metzgera i njegovu suprugu Maureen te lokalnog liječnika, dr. Hazlitta. Ekipa se zabavlja otkrivajući grad, lokalnu floru i faunu, zatim uživaju u finoj hrani, a onda pomalo i trpe u društvu glumaca, zabavljača, redatelja i producenata od kojih svi kao da skrivaju nešto.
Ubojstvo se događa skoro na pola knjige, lokalni barmen unajmljen da bude manualni radnik iza scene pronađen je mrtav na liftu za orkestar, a samo rješavanje i praćenje dokaza i tragova, kao da je u ovoj knjizi zauzelo drugo mjesto iza Jessicinog stalnog objašnjavanja kako mora vježbati i jako dobro paziti što jede da se ne bi udebljala (čovjek bi pomislio da će žena od preko 60 godina polako već shvatiti da nije sve u izgledu (da, da, iz njezinih objašnjenja ne izgleda kao da je zabrinuta za zdravlje)) te rasprava s hotelskim osobljem oko toga da je na odmoru i ne želi provesti ni trenutak u poslu kao što je potpisivanje knjiga u hotelskoj trgovini (na što na kraju ipak pristane, barem na sat vremena).
Likovi su prilično jednodimenzionalni. Od početka do kraja knjige ono što smo od njih dobili prvi put, to smo dobili i na kraju. Nijedan lik nije pokazao rast ili neku značajniju promjenu. Čak i duo starijih gospođa, Jessicinih fanova, koje iz dosade kradu stvari po hotelu, nije ostavio dojam da će nakon Jessicinih strogih prijetnji o prijavi za krađu, doista i prestati to raditi čim dođu u sljedeći hotel.
Fun and Fancy Free
Uz sve to, i dalje ostaje činjenica da je roman zabavan i jednostavan. Savršen za neko lagano štivo i bijeg od svijeta ili za plažu ili uz kavu dok vani pada jesenja kiša i sve je tmurno. Priznajem da mi je odmaknuo misli o očekivanog pregleda i pružio malo neke radosti.
Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote – Murder Backstage roman je iz serije krimića o televizijskoj junakinji Jessici Fletcher, aka J. B. Fletcher, koja je nakon umirovljenja od rada u školi kao učiteljica engleskog i smrti svog voljenog supruga, počela pisati krimiće i vrlo brzo stekla svjetsku slavu. Vjerojatno zbog uspjeha serije, ljudi su se dosjetili početi pisati Jessicine dogodovštine i prodavati ih kao prave krimiće i baš dobro dođu kada trebate pobjeći u neki, možda, jednostavniji svijet i vrijeme i pratiti zabavne zaplete i pokušavati uz J. B., ili po mogućnosti prije nje, riješiti ubojstvo.
Murder Backstage
Murder Backstage iliti Ubojstvo iza pozornice, događa se u, barem kako to izgleda po opisima u knjizi, u piktoresknom gradu Edmontonu u Alberti u Kanadi. Jessicina sestrična, glumica Emma, dobila je priliku glumiti u reviji poznatog glumca Dereka Bravermana, kojom on želi otići u mirovinu iz showbusinessa. Jessica je oduševljena Emminim pozivom da provede nekoliko tjedana u Kanadi, a sve je dodatno zasladila i činjenica da je Jessica sa sobom povela svoje najdraže prijatelje iz Cabot Covea – šerifa Metzgera i njegovu suprugu Maureen te lokalnog liječnika, dr. Hazlitta. Ekipa se zabavlja otkrivajući grad, lokalnu floru i faunu, zatim uživaju u finoj hrani, a onda pomalo i trpe u društvu glumaca, zabavljača, redatelja i producenata od kojih svi kao da skrivaju nešto.
Ubojstvo se događa skoro na pola knjige, lokalni barmen unajmljen da bude manualni radnik iza scene pronađen je mrtav na liftu za orkestar, a samo rješavanje i praćenje dokaza i tragova, kao da je u ovoj knjizi zauzelo drugo mjesto iza Jessicinog stalnog objašnjavanja kako mora vježbati i jako dobro paziti što jede da se ne bi udebljala (čovjek bi pomislio da će žena od preko 60 godina polako već shvatiti da nije sve u izgledu (da, da, iz njezinih objašnjenja ne izgleda kao da je zabrinuta za zdravlje)) te rasprava s hotelskim osobljem oko toga da je na odmoru i ne želi provesti ni trenutak u poslu kao što je potpisivanje knjiga u hotelskoj trgovini (na što na kraju ipak pristane, barem na sat vremena).
Likovi su prilično jednodimenzionalni. Od početka do kraja knjige ono što smo od njih dobili prvi put, to smo dobili i na kraju. Nijedan lik nije pokazao rast ili neku značajniju promjenu. Čak i duo starijih gospođa, Jessicinih fanova, koje iz dosade kradu stvari po hotelu, nije ostavio dojam da će nakon Jessicinih strogih prijetnji o prijavi za krađu, doista i prestati to raditi čim dođu u sljedeći hotel.
Fun and Fancy Free
Uz sve to, i dalje ostaje činjenica da je roman zabavan i jednostavan. Savršen za neko lagano štivo i bijeg od svijeta ili za plažu ili uz kavu dok vani pada jesenja kiša i sve je tmurno. Priznajem da mi je odmaknuo misli o očekivanog pregleda i pružio malo neke radosti.
April 7, 2024
MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifty-Eighth Murder, She Wrote Mystery
It's always exciting for an author to finish her manuscript, but it's doubly exciting for Jessica Fletcher as it allows her to accept her fun loving cousin's invitation to see her in a new theatrical review. Soon Jessica, along with friends Seth Hazlitt and Mort and Maureen Metzger arrive in Edmonton, Canada ready for a fun vacation. While the friends are able to see some of the wonderful sites, they are also plagued by lost items, surly and pushy people, and theatrical drama. When Jessica accompanies Emma for an after hours costume fitting they also find a murdered body! Who could have killed the part time stage hand who also worked as a bartender at their hotel? While the Canadian police have matters in hand, Jessica can't help but look into things as well. Jessica's vacation has become a working holiday in more ways than one!
Jessica Fletcher is one of the best cozy mystery sleuths of all time. She isn't reckless, she works with the police, and she notices everything! In MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE Jessica spends most of her time sightseeing, as she should when vacationing. When murder happens, she observes and her investigation is primarily a trip to the library and discrete inquiries. And yet, due to her acute observations, she solved the crime! Perfection!
I love the camaraderie between Jessica and her friends, as well as the effervescent Cousin Emma. Seeing Seth and Mort so enthusiastic about meeting their childhood idol was a welcome change from their more serious professions and it was fun seeing Jess and Maureen simply shake their heads at the men's antics. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Jess as a child as she and Emma reminisced.
The mystery was finely plotted with several things occurring in the book I thought for certain played a major role. I later discovered I was somewhat led astray and I enjoyed a few surprises along the way. I also really liked learning about Edmonton and was grateful for the opportunity to be an armchair traveler as well as armchair detective!
MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE combines the beauty of Edmonton, the drama of theatre, and a finely crafted mystery along with wit and friendship in a delightful mystery.
By Jessica Fletcher & Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifty-Eighth Murder, She Wrote Mystery
It's always exciting for an author to finish her manuscript, but it's doubly exciting for Jessica Fletcher as it allows her to accept her fun loving cousin's invitation to see her in a new theatrical review. Soon Jessica, along with friends Seth Hazlitt and Mort and Maureen Metzger arrive in Edmonton, Canada ready for a fun vacation. While the friends are able to see some of the wonderful sites, they are also plagued by lost items, surly and pushy people, and theatrical drama. When Jessica accompanies Emma for an after hours costume fitting they also find a murdered body! Who could have killed the part time stage hand who also worked as a bartender at their hotel? While the Canadian police have matters in hand, Jessica can't help but look into things as well. Jessica's vacation has become a working holiday in more ways than one!
Jessica Fletcher is one of the best cozy mystery sleuths of all time. She isn't reckless, she works with the police, and she notices everything! In MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE Jessica spends most of her time sightseeing, as she should when vacationing. When murder happens, she observes and her investigation is primarily a trip to the library and discrete inquiries. And yet, due to her acute observations, she solved the crime! Perfection!
I love the camaraderie between Jessica and her friends, as well as the effervescent Cousin Emma. Seeing Seth and Mort so enthusiastic about meeting their childhood idol was a welcome change from their more serious professions and it was fun seeing Jess and Maureen simply shake their heads at the men's antics. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Jess as a child as she and Emma reminisced.
The mystery was finely plotted with several things occurring in the book I thought for certain played a major role. I later discovered I was somewhat led astray and I enjoyed a few surprises along the way. I also really liked learning about Edmonton and was grateful for the opportunity to be an armchair traveler as well as armchair detective!
MURDER, SHE WROTE: MURDER BACKSTAGE combines the beauty of Edmonton, the drama of theatre, and a finely crafted mystery along with wit and friendship in a delightful mystery.
February 21, 2025
Jessica Fletcher is back, and this time, she’s solving a murder backstage—literally. In Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage, Jessica heads to Edmonton (yes, Canada!), where her fabulous British cousin Emma MacGill is starring in a star-studded musical revue alongside the legendary (and apparently irresistible?) Derek Braverman. Naturally, Cabot Cove staples Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger tag along, because what’s a Jessica Fletcher vacation without her two favorite chaos magnets? (Seriously, they’re one step away from getting matching “Jessica Fletcher’s Entourage” jackets.) But their theatrical getaway turns deadly when a bartender and stagehand turns up dead backstage, and suddenly, Jessica’s relaxing trip takes a sharp left turn into full murder investigation mode.
Jessica, of course, cannot resist a good whodunit, and soon she’s knee-deep in backstage drama, theatrical egos, and a cast of characters who all have something to hide. (Bonus points if you predicted that at least one actor is a diva and someone’s understudy is way too eager to step into the spotlight.) The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, full of twists, red herrings, and more suspicious side-eyes than a high-stakes poker game. The theater world setting adds a fun, fresh layer to Jessica’s usual sleuthing, and Terrie Farley Moran absolutely nails Jessica’s sharp wit and effortless charm—seriously, she writes Jessica so well, I could hear Angela Lansbury’s voice in my head the entire time.
Final thoughts? 4 out of 5 stars. Does this book reinvent the cozy mystery wheel? Absolutely not. Do I care? Also absolutely not. This is classic Murder, She Wrote fun—cozy, clever, and packed with just enough drama to keep things lively. If you love Jessica Fletcher, musical theater, and murder (not necessarily in that order), this one is well worth a ticket.
Jessica, of course, cannot resist a good whodunit, and soon she’s knee-deep in backstage drama, theatrical egos, and a cast of characters who all have something to hide. (Bonus points if you predicted that at least one actor is a diva and someone’s understudy is way too eager to step into the spotlight.) The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, full of twists, red herrings, and more suspicious side-eyes than a high-stakes poker game. The theater world setting adds a fun, fresh layer to Jessica’s usual sleuthing, and Terrie Farley Moran absolutely nails Jessica’s sharp wit and effortless charm—seriously, she writes Jessica so well, I could hear Angela Lansbury’s voice in my head the entire time.
Final thoughts? 4 out of 5 stars. Does this book reinvent the cozy mystery wheel? Absolutely not. Do I care? Also absolutely not. This is classic Murder, She Wrote fun—cozy, clever, and packed with just enough drama to keep things lively. If you love Jessica Fletcher, musical theater, and murder (not necessarily in that order), this one is well worth a ticket.
April 16, 2024
Traveling with Jessica Fletcher and her crew is always fun. They’re as familiar as old friends, and you feel comfortable with them. And yet, Jessica manages on each so-called vacation to stir things up with a new murder, so the story is always fresh. Murder Backstage takes us to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I loved the excursions to national parks and car museum and neon museum and countless other attractions, because I know nothing about Edmonton (had to look it up on a map) and foodie that I am, I loved reading about ketchup chips (who would have thought?) and peameal (Canadian bacon) and poutine (which I have long wanted to try) and tourtiere. But there is the requisite murder. This time murder takes us behind the curtain in a theater, with an actress (she just happens to be Jessica’s cousin) for a guide. For most of us the theatre is a different world, full of long rehearsals and temperamental egos and short tempers. No spoilers here, but when a stagehand is murdered, Jessica is of course the one to figure out the clues, using her intuition and her ability to confront people directly. Ultimately, though, she has the help of local law enforcement and her longtime friend, Sheriff Metzger. The plot revolves around hidden pasts and blackmail, and Jessica will figure it out long before you do. A real treat for Jessica Fletcher fans.
March 31, 2024
It’s always a delight to spend time with Jessica, Seth and Mort. In Murder Backstage, Jessica’s identical British cousin, Emma, invites them all to vacation with her in Edmonton, Canada. Emma is rehearsing a new musical revue with a retiring fellow thespian when one of the crew is killed. Soon the Cabot Cove bunch are knee deep in investigating the many secrets of the revue’s stars and staff.
Who knew there were so many reasons to visit Edmonton? This book serves up a travelogue while showing the typical tourist activities of the gang. If you are planning a trip nearby, Murder Backstage will give you some great ideas about what to see and do there.
The book also hints at how much work putting on a show can be. Poor Emma is mostly a walk-on constantly stating she has to rehearse. That’s a shame because I loved her sarcastic (or should I say cheeky) wit in the original series.
Overall, Murder Backstage is a great way to spend a vicarious vacation with Jessica and her friends. The writing is pitch perfect for recreating characters first seen almost forty years ago on television. 4 stars!
Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
Who knew there were so many reasons to visit Edmonton? This book serves up a travelogue while showing the typical tourist activities of the gang. If you are planning a trip nearby, Murder Backstage will give you some great ideas about what to see and do there.
The book also hints at how much work putting on a show can be. Poor Emma is mostly a walk-on constantly stating she has to rehearse. That’s a shame because I loved her sarcastic (or should I say cheeky) wit in the original series.
Overall, Murder Backstage is a great way to spend a vicarious vacation with Jessica and her friends. The writing is pitch perfect for recreating characters first seen almost forty years ago on television. 4 stars!
Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours, and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.
March 31, 2024
Jessica Fletcher travels to Edmonton, Canada with some of her Cabot Cove friends. Her lookalike cousin, Emma MacGill, has traveled from Great Britain to Edmonton to appear in a play there, and Jessica looks forward to a leisurely vacation catching up with her cousin. When they stumble upon a murder at the theater, Jessica decides to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage because I love Murder, She Wrote (both the classic TV series and the wonderful series of mystery novels). I also was intrigued by the theater setting.
This was such a fun read! It has a lot going for it: Jessica and friends visiting a new place and exploring the history and culture of Edmonton, a theater setting, lively scenes with Jessica and her cousin Emma, and of course, an interesting mystery to solve.
The mystery aspects of this novel were well done, with events and clues popping up at a lively pace. The characters were interesting and well rounded. Jessica and her friends were like old friends - exactly as expected. The answer to this mystery surprised me, which was fun as well.
I recommend Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage - and this entire series - for fans of the Murder, She Wrote TV series, and for anyone who enjoys well written cozy mysteries.
I wanted to read Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage because I love Murder, She Wrote (both the classic TV series and the wonderful series of mystery novels). I also was intrigued by the theater setting.
This was such a fun read! It has a lot going for it: Jessica and friends visiting a new place and exploring the history and culture of Edmonton, a theater setting, lively scenes with Jessica and her cousin Emma, and of course, an interesting mystery to solve.
The mystery aspects of this novel were well done, with events and clues popping up at a lively pace. The characters were interesting and well rounded. Jessica and her friends were like old friends - exactly as expected. The answer to this mystery surprised me, which was fun as well.
I recommend Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage - and this entire series - for fans of the Murder, She Wrote TV series, and for anyone who enjoys well written cozy mysteries.
April 13, 2025
I have a bit of a soft spot for Jessica Fletcher and her investigating ways. In other words, these books are a fun way to dive into new crimes since I've seen all the TV episodes.
This time around, Jess is invited to Edmonton to spend some time with her look-alike cousin, Emma. While this is supposed to be a vacation for Jess and her friends, THINGS HAPPEN. As they tend to do around this amateur sleuth. It's not all murder and mayhem, however. Jess, Seth, Mort, and Maureen also get to see the sights, learn a little about the history of the city they're visiting, and see exactly how dramatic things can get when actors, stagehands, and producers are trying to get a production up and running.
Throw in hotel staff who don't know when to back off and some petty theft, along with a couple of awkward encounters with the star of the show, and Jessica has her hands full. But unraveling mysteries is her thing, so she eventually figures things out. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
This time around, Jess is invited to Edmonton to spend some time with her look-alike cousin, Emma. While this is supposed to be a vacation for Jess and her friends, THINGS HAPPEN. As they tend to do around this amateur sleuth. It's not all murder and mayhem, however. Jess, Seth, Mort, and Maureen also get to see the sights, learn a little about the history of the city they're visiting, and see exactly how dramatic things can get when actors, stagehands, and producers are trying to get a production up and running.
Throw in hotel staff who don't know when to back off and some petty theft, along with a couple of awkward encounters with the star of the show, and Jessica has her hands full. But unraveling mysteries is her thing, so she eventually figures things out. *thumbs up*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
April 25, 2025
I like to read these whenever I’m in a reading slump and nothing sounds good. They always hit the spot, giving me little cozy details about Jessica and Seth and friends solving mysteries.
The thing about these books is that I rarely give them more than 3 stars each because I frankly don’t remember or differentiate between them. This one was unique in that it was set in Canada as the pals visit Jessica’s infamous cousin Emma (aka Angela Lansbury 2.0). But I don’t think the mystery was really solvable as a reader which is always disappointing. The smoking gun so to speak happened toward the end and actually relied on a spelling differentiation… which was hard to decipher in audiobook form.
I loved listening to this on the way to and from work, soaking in the spots of tea and lunch and Seth being grumpy about losing his pen. But I couldn’t name any of the one-off characters if I tried. I love this for the atmosphere but wouldn’t call it riveting or original. Just cozy.
Still. Thanks as always for getting me through a reading block!
The thing about these books is that I rarely give them more than 3 stars each because I frankly don’t remember or differentiate between them. This one was unique in that it was set in Canada as the pals visit Jessica’s infamous cousin Emma (aka Angela Lansbury 2.0). But I don’t think the mystery was really solvable as a reader which is always disappointing. The smoking gun so to speak happened toward the end and actually relied on a spelling differentiation… which was hard to decipher in audiobook form.
I loved listening to this on the way to and from work, soaking in the spots of tea and lunch and Seth being grumpy about losing his pen. But I couldn’t name any of the one-off characters if I tried. I love this for the atmosphere but wouldn’t call it riveting or original. Just cozy.
Still. Thanks as always for getting me through a reading block!
January 6, 2024
If you are a Murder, She Wrote devotee and follow the series, you will want to read Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage; however, it is just an average series entry and perhaps those who are not dedicated series fans may take a pass.
Emma McGill, Jessica's British performer cousin, is slated for a show in Canada, prompting the Cabot Cove gang (Jessica, Seth, Mort and his wife Maureen) to travel to Edmonton for Emma's show and to meet star Derek Braverman--Seth and Mort are huge fans.
Unfortunately, the narrative drags a bit and the actual murder doesn't occur for several chapters. Jessica and her friends are always delights, but I put the book down several times while I was reading it, so it didn't hold a grip on my attention.
Agian, a quality series, but this one had trouble finding its footing.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Emma McGill, Jessica's British performer cousin, is slated for a show in Canada, prompting the Cabot Cove gang (Jessica, Seth, Mort and his wife Maureen) to travel to Edmonton for Emma's show and to meet star Derek Braverman--Seth and Mort are huge fans.
Unfortunately, the narrative drags a bit and the actual murder doesn't occur for several chapters. Jessica and her friends are always delights, but I put the book down several times while I was reading it, so it didn't hold a grip on my attention.
Agian, a quality series, but this one had trouble finding its footing.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
June 27, 2024
It’s Murder, She Wrote so I loved this 🥰
Jessica Fletcher is my favorite amateur sleuth & I want to live like her when I’m older - widowed in a small coastal town with an intellect, fashion sense, and equanimity to be envied by all.
Told entirely from JF’s perspective, this story took place in Edmonton and goes pretty hard describing the city, its history, and tourist sites. This is the 58th book in the series, and if you have even just a passing familiarity with the show and its characters, this could easily work as a standalone. After all, I didn’t start reading this series until book 56 came out 🤷♀️
This had all the corniness, predictability, and cheesiness I expect from a long-running cozy series. Speaking of corn & cheese — mais queso ice cream is the shit and everyone should try it at least once 😋
Jessica Fletcher is my favorite amateur sleuth & I want to live like her when I’m older - widowed in a small coastal town with an intellect, fashion sense, and equanimity to be envied by all.
Told entirely from JF’s perspective, this story took place in Edmonton and goes pretty hard describing the city, its history, and tourist sites. This is the 58th book in the series, and if you have even just a passing familiarity with the show and its characters, this could easily work as a standalone. After all, I didn’t start reading this series until book 56 came out 🤷♀️
This had all the corniness, predictability, and cheesiness I expect from a long-running cozy series. Speaking of corn & cheese — mais queso ice cream is the shit and everyone should try it at least once 😋
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