Comedy Can Be Deadly

Bucket List Mysteries

by Ryan Rivers

When the curtain falls, the murder rate risesIn Comedy Can Be Deadly the stage is set — literally — for Levi Blue and Sho Tanaka's next adventure.

When Levi gets an irresistible invitation to audition for a local production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," how could he say no? Especially when the role of Puck, the mischievous fairy, offers him the chance to zip around the stage on flight rigging.

Sho, however, isn't as easily swept away by the glamor of the theater. Still, when an accident incapacitates the actor playing Lysander, he finds himself pulled into the drama — literally and figuratively.

What could go wrong? A dead body makes an unexpected entrance, and the lines between the stage and reality begin to blur. It falls upon Levi and Sho to navigate through a cast full of secrets and a theater teeming with tension. Solving this case may be their most challenging— and theatrical — act yet.Places, please!

Genres: Cozy Mystery

263 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2024

About the author

Ryan Rivers is the author of the Bucket List Mystery series, featuring Levi Blue and Sho Tanaka.

By day, Ryan teaches technical writing and stops the spread of unnecessary adverbs and vague pronoun references. By mid-afternoon/early evening, he fights crime with his trusty sidekick/toddler son. Together they have uncovered who, in fact, has got your nose and tracked the elusive Peekaboo. They live and eat and occasionally sleep in North Texas with their Brussels griffon pup.

Ryan is a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Reviews

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sho Tanakar is involved in the theatre in the production of A Midsummer Night's Dream when disaster strikes. There are many secrets ,lies, accidents, and murder which makes Sho and Levi Blue the Mayor trying to find the killer before it is too late. An intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirens and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Ryan Rivers Bucket List story. This time Sho and Levi end up in a local am-dram production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Not only do they need to learn lines but they also have to help Monday solve the murders. Sho's sister Jenny comes up with a lethal cocktail that has Kava-Kava in it and proves to be very popular. This is a well-written humorous page-turner.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a book titled “Comedy Can Be Deadly”, this book was far funnier than I expected it to be and I loved every bit of it. I think it helps that I’m from Texas and some of the location and accent related jokes hit a little harder. This book is well written, has great characters that you can’t help but love, and has a story that flows well and doesn’t try too hard. The author did a great job of telling not only the main murder mystery story, but progressing the personal lives of the characters without it overshadowing the main plot line. I really enjoyed this book and this writing style and look forward to reading many more of these books!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedy Can Be Deadly is Book 3 in the Bucket List Mysteries by Ryan Rivers. Sho, who was a nurse, is participating in community theater. Everything is going great until an actor falls to their death. Is the death an accident, bad luck, or murder? For me, this series is the style that I enjoy. Although every book has an ending and the mystery/murder is resolved, the author connects each book and the overall story progresses. Bucket List Mysteries is an excellent series and should be on your TBR list. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this murder mystery.

It is a real must if you are a fan of Shakespeare or even just the theatre.

I enjoyed seeing the development of the characters of the protagonists. Especially, it seems there is a budding love interest situation.

All in all, this story had a real 'feel good' factor to it.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third of the main series of Sho and Levi's adventures. This happens to be Shakespeare themed as Sho and Levi end up in a local theater production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. There ends up bring a murder in the cas and the seuth8ng duo of Sho and Levi. It was fun and entertaining. Love this series

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy murder mystery set in a local theater had some of the funniest scenes as the cast are reeling from what feels like a cursed play. Sho and Liam investigate while they are also a part of the cast and crew. There are a lot of twists and turns but the timing of the reveal is hilarious. There is also the heartwarming friendship and Sho's commitment to sobriety that add to the story. This can be read as a standalone.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has secrets, but are they deadly and worth killing someone to keep the secrets from coming to light?? This was filled with mystery and suspense. Who would be next to keep the secrets hidden from the light of day?? Shocking when some secrets come out. Some were deadly and career ending, others would accompany jail time ,

and some were just personal revelations . An entertaining and intriguing journey. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking forward to a return to Bluebonnet Hills, Texas, and another mystery to be solved by Sho Tanaka and Levi Blue. COMEDY CAN BE DEADLY did not disappoint.

Levi Blue has returned to acting, albeit in a community theater production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, with best friend Sho Tanaka assisting as stage manager. It isn't long before the two are involved in another mystery when the actor playing Lysander is killed. Needing someone to fill the role immediately, Sho is drafted into service (he knows the lines and the blocking as stage manager).

Who in the cast and crew could have wanted the man dead? This being a mystery, it's safe -- and spoiler-free -- to say that everyone could have had motive, means, and opportunity.

Even though this is a cozy mystery, there is plenty of humor and a hint of romance. Levi, Sho, and the supporting characters (including Sho's sister Jenny, police chief Monday Malone (who's playing Hermia in the production), and Odessa and Abilene Schubert) are all fleshed out a little more and.feel a little more like real characters. Which is to be expected as they continue to grow. One request: more of the Schubert sizters. Maybe a novella focusing on them but set in the past. Just a suggestion, of course, as I realize the Bucket List Mysteries is a showcase for Levi and Sho.

The case is solved as only Sho and Levi can do it -- at the most inopportune time possible. The reveal of the murderer's identity wasn't really a surprise because it was the only logical suspect, but at the same time I kept hoping it was someone else.

I'm ready for Book 4. Based on the last chapter, can DATING CAN BE DEADLY be far behind? (Please let that be the title; I promise I'll read it. Lol)

I received an advance reader copy from the author through BookSirens, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is funny from beginning to end!

I mean, yeah, there’s murder in the middle, but all of the characters are so much fun! They have such humourous quips that I couldn’t really break away from laughing long enough to empathize with the victim. (Although, to be fair, the author does a good job building such a despicable victim that it would ordinarily be difficult to empathize with them at all.)

Sho’s a great narrative point of view. This is the second book I remember recently reading of a health professional battling mental health issues, and I’m finding I really enjoy those. The struggles with drug abuse and anxiety really humanize Sho, give his character depth, and provide some seriousness to what would otherwise have been just another funny story.

The pacing’s great. I enjoyed the multiple subplots. Levi’s paternity dilemmas. The maybe-romance with Monday. Jenna and her famous Puck potion. The mentions of their awkward family dynamics. Even Drake’s previous not-so-great productions. I loved meeting the eccentric cast (even Harold the heckler!) and learning their weird secrets, and loved them enough that I wished the murderer was none of them (except one, who ended up not being the murderer, so 😛).

If you love cozy mysteries, with fun, sometimes over-the-top characters, great pacing and lots of humour, then give this one a chance.

I received an ARC, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedy Can Be Deadly is the third, full-length, book in the Bucket List cozy mystery series. I’ve read all of the books in the series (including the novellas) and was so excited when this one was released. I’ve been patiently waiting. Out of the over one-hundred different cozy mystery series’ I follow, this one is at the very top of my list of favorites (in the top three).

The mystery was very good, lots of fun characters. Sho (one of the main characters) is so very funny to me, without trying to be funny. I find him so interesting. There is a character, the director of the community theatre production this mystery is based around, who wears a scarf. All the different descriptions of the scarf and its movements, mirroring that character’s emotions, cracked me up. As always, the writing is superb. No holes (or errors) in the plot, no grammar issues or typos. A clean cozy mystery based around two main characters (two male best friends).

A few years ago, I came across this series and decided to give it a try. I’m so happy I did. After I finish one of the books, I always feel bummed in a way because it’s hard for me to find a next book to read that will measure up to this series. The characters in this series are very relatable. They aren’t perfect, but they keep pushing forward and try to work on themselves. For me, that seems like the silent, ever-present backstory throughout the books. I cannot wait for the next in the series!

[Answer Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comedy Can Be Deadly is a clever and thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that revels in its theatrical setting while delivering a tightly plotted whodunit. Ryan Rivers makes inspired use of community theater as both backdrop and catalyst, weaving Shakespearean humor, small-town secrets, and murder into a story that feels playful yet purposeful. The result is a mystery that balances laughs and suspense with impressive ease.
Sho Tanaka is an endearing amateur sleuth relatable, reluctant, and refreshingly grounded. His dynamic with Levi Blue adds warmth and humor, and the supporting cast of actors is delightfully eccentric without tipping into caricature. Each suspect feels plausible, each motive layered, and the theater-world rivalries provide fertile ground for deception and drama. Rivers’ affectionate nods to A Midsummer Night’s Dream enhance the story rather than distract from it, adding an extra layer of fun for literary-minded readers.
What truly elevates this novel is its pacing and tone. The mystery unfolds smoothly, the clues feel fair, and the humor never undermines the stakes. Comedy Can Be Deadly is a confident entry in the cozy mystery genre charming, witty, and satisfying proving that when the spotlight shines too brightly, even the most cheerful stage can hide deadly intentions. A delightful read for fans of small-town sleuths, clever mysteries, and a touch of Shakespearean mischief.

[Linda Au · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've become quite jaded lately in what I'll tolerate in a cozy mystery series. So many seem rehashed, trite, and obvious. I go into reading a cozy mystery with a healthy dose of skepticism, assuming it's gonna disappoint.

Not the Bucket List Mysteries, though. Always fresh, always clever and hilarious, and always keeping me guessing, the latest in this series, Comedy Can Be Deadly, does not disappoint. Even with Mayor Levi coming in a little more low-key in this installment (compared to his antics in the previous books), there are plenty of crazy loons close at hand to keep you entertained and scratching your head over whodunnit.

And I was happy to see Barbara making another fine appearance, the omnipresent second-tier character.

With this story set almost exclusively amid a stage production, Rivers gets to have fun with the concept of community theater and the overblown personalities he parades before us. I don't want to ruin any of the fun for those who haven't yet picked up this entry in the series, but know this: Sho, Levi, and the whole gang in Bluebonnet Hills are center-stage for more murder, mayhem, and merriment. (Yeah, that was cheesy and sounded like a bad commercial, but hey... it's true.)

Ryan Rivers really has to start writing these things faster, though. Gonna need another Sho-and-Levi fix soon.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi has landed the role of Puck in the local theater’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sho is happy with his role as stage manager until an accident forces him to take on the role of Lysander. Things are anything but smooth sailing with all the personalities in the cast and crew. But then some dies after falling from the upper platform of the theater. Was it an accident or murder?

I love this series, so I was so happy to get the latest entry. The plot is lots of fun with plenty of secrets on the way to the climax, which is the best version of this kind of climax I’ve read. The comedy was a little toned down, but that was a good thing, and there was plenty of laughs. I love how the main characters were developed here again, and the suspects helped pull us into the story. The last chapter sets up the next book, as always, but it’s a bit surprising given some of what happens here. There are some references to past stories, so I recommend you read them in order. You’ll appreciate the character growth more as well. But when you want to laugh while solving a mystery, this is a series you’ll love.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Estelle Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comedy Can Be Deadly by Ryan Rivers delivers another charming and cleverly layered entry in the Bucket List Mysteries series. Set around a local theater production with Shakespearean flair, the book blends humor, community dynamics, and a well-paced mystery into an enjoyable cozy read.

The theater setting added a fresh twist to the traditional cozy mystery formula. The "play-within-a-play" structure gave the story a fun, slightly meta feel while also creating plenty of opportunities for secrets, misdirection, and dramatic reveals. The small-town atmosphere shines here, with quirky personalities, hidden relationships, and just enough tension to keep the pages turning.

Levi Blue and Sho Tanaka continue to be a fantastic investigative duo. Their chemistry feels natural and engaging, and their banter adds warmth and humor without overshadowing the mystery. I also appreciated how the supporting cast brought depth to the story — everyone seemed to have something to hide, which made guessing the culprit particularly entertaining.

The pacing felt steady throughout, with clues sprinkled in a way that kept me guessing but never confused. And while this is the third book in the series, it still works well as a standalone — though longtime readers will definitely appreciate the character growth and recurring relationships.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Be Or Not To Be

This story had more drama than comedy. A slow build up led to all the action. Clues lead you in every direction. After the story the author talks about how this book resembles a Shakespearean play but I didn’t get that while reading. Maybe because I haven’t read much Shakespeare. Overall it was a good story but not quite up to the applause I gave for the ones prior.

[Joan Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this Double Whodunit mystery. The suspects' secrets and lies unfold while rehearsal of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night dreams continue. It's a true page turner for lovers of fictional crime.

It did give me a strong Stage Fright movie vibe. I did not think it was really as funny as I had hoped

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is brilliant and I'm thoroughly enjoyed the stories, each better than the previous.
This is another winner: well plotted, solid mystery, likeable characters, and a lot of fun
Can't wait to read the next one
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Julie Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun, I love these two characters, silliness but some seriousness too.