Murder at the Theatre: A British cozy crime mystery novel you won't be able to put down!

The Maisie Cooper Mysteries #3

by Greg Mosse

A body in the theatre. A cast full of suspects. Can Maisie Cooper crack this case?

Maisie Cooper is looking for peace and quiet. But the arrival of a troupe of actors for a new production at the local theatre turn her best laid plans upside down.

Among them is the young French actress, Adélaïde Amour, who appeals to Maisie for help as she struggles to prepare for her new role.

As opening night approaches, a terrible crime is committed, and a body is found concealed behind the scenes in the theatre.

Can Maisie unravel a real-life plot worthy of a great play? Or will the killer strike again?

A totally addictive British cosy murder mystery, perfect to enjoy with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Janice Hallett and Midsomer Murders.

Readers are gripped by the Maisie Cooper

'Maisie Cooper is a brilliant main character, an everyday Miss Marple!... I love cosy crime and I loved this book!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Fabulous, full of wit, mystery, romance and small town politics... The characters are witty, quirky... The plot is twisty and engaging with lots of red herrings' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved the way that I was pulled into the mystery... I found myself constantly looking for potential clues which made it feel like a real puzzle to get stuck into. I had a lot of fun reading this book' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Mixes classic whodunnit with cozy mystery elements... Kept me guessing... I thoroughly enjoyed it' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction

363 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2024

Reviews

[Holly Jotham · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cosy mystery based in Chichester. Found it a bit slow to get into but the last 1/3 of the book was quick paced with some twists

[Lisa Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maisie wants some peace and quiet. But it doesn't go to plan with the arrival of actors for the play at the theatre. Before opening night a body is found. Who did it?

This was a cosy mystery that was ok, but a little slow in places. The side story also interested me more than the mystery itself. Amazing what an impact someone can have on people.

[Mr AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters, good pace, will now read book 1 and 2 in this series.

[Sandra Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first two. A bit long-winded.

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Maisie Cooper series, a series which goes from strength to strength.

The quality of the storytelling shines throughout this book, combined with an ecletic mix of characters and you have the perfect ingredient’s for a read which had me hooked

The book is superbly plotted, constructed in a way to leave you second guessing

The characters are superbly drawn, you get a feel for each and their roles, you can picture them belonging, they evoke the theatre with all it’s drama, there is just enough conflict running throughout that sprinkles doubt and casts a shadow over each, it is a read with those red herrings which throw doubt as you read. I often think that Maisie is a somewhat reluctant sleuth I find that different to some she doesn’t seek to interfere more observes what goes on around her, nor does she seek to get involved with the police investigation, at the heart of the boo, you also have would be relationship with Jack, I’m always intrigued to see how this plays out in each book.

The pace of the book is spot on, it takes in every day life, no need to rush, the story unfolds as it would in every day life.

Setting the books in the early 70s really works for me, that maybe as it is the era I grew up, the writing captures the period so well, there is no modern technology to assist it is good old fashioned leg work

One area that shines throughout the book, you get a sense of the authors love for the theatre which comes across strongly, the attention to detail and getting the little things right makes the story have that realistic feel taking you back stage, you can breathe in the theatre

Greg Mosse takes everyday people and situations and blends them into a slick and wonderfully delightful read

A mix of wit and dry humour, a hint of romance, it has that small location feel, but overall it s a ripping mystery

I love this series, and would highly recommend, whatever genre of crime fiction you read.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Cooper is looking for peace and quiet. But the arrival of a troupe of actors for a new production at the local theatre turn her best laid plans upside down. Among them is a young French actress, Adelaide Amour, who appeals to Maisie for help as she struggles to prepare for her new role. As opening night approaches, a terrible crime is committed, and a body is found concealed behind the scenes in the theatre.

This was a really good cosy murder mystery. Maisie Cooper wasn't expecting to be investigating a murder when a troupe of actors for a new production turn up at the local theatre. There were clues along the way, twists and red herrings, and some wit to lighten up the story. The characters were well-developed and I really liked Maisie. I'm hoping this is going to be a series, as I'd like to read more about Maisie Cooper.

Published 4th April

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Hodder&Stoughton and the author #GregMosse for my ARC of #MurderAtTheTheatre in exchange for an honest review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Cooper is looking for peace and quiet. But the arrival of a troupe of actors for a new production at the local theatre turn her best laid plans upside down. Among them is the young French actress, Adélaïde Amour, who appeals to Maisie for help as she struggles to prepare for her new role. As opening night approaches, a terrible crime is committed, and a body is found concealed behind the scenes in the theatre. The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own to fully appreciate it I’d recommend reading in order. A well written cosy mystery with strong characters & a well paced story. I love Maisie & thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series, there are twists, turns & red herrings, throw in a dash of humour & I was one happy reader. I look forward to more in the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Steve Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read Maisie Cooper's two earlier sleuthing adventures but this has made me want to. Not that she actually does a lot of sleuthing in this but I really enjoyed the colourful characters (the thespians are all a bit OTT) and the plot was clever. I was actually at the Festival Theatre in Chichester while I was in the middle of reading the book, which was diverting, even though the action in Murder at the Theatre takes place some years ago. I've never been entirely sure what makes a book cosy crime. Can murders be cosy? I don't know but whatever the case, this is good fun so perhaps I've answered my own question.

[Anela McMahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cozy novel of suspense by Greg Mosse. I have fallen in love with Maisie and look forward to her next adventure. Fingers crossed that she finds love with Jack in the next novel.
This one dealt with the lives of a theatre group and of course had a story within a story. I was somewhat thrilled that I was able to put together the mystery and figure out one of the murders and if I had read more carefully I would have figured out the second one.
Well worth my time to read!! If you enjoy mystery with no gore and fun characters then you should check out his books about Maisie!

[Richard Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A theatrical setting for this third book in this fantastic new series and still bringing us suspense and mystery. We are again shown the authors great writing style, a well thought out and intriguing plot. As before we are seeing the relationship between Maisie and the sergeant developing and moving on. As with the other books in the series, this one is well written, a great plot, intriguing cast of characters and an interesting theatrical setting. These are so much fun to read and I can’t wait to carrying on with the next in the series and seeing what further investigations are to come.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Theatre is a cosy murder mystery set in a Theatre in Chichester .Maisie Cooper is a modern day Miss Marple and now a body has been found in the Theatre she tries to investigate. The characters were very good and believable ,the plot was a bit slow though but a good story with a few twists and turns .I would like to read more stories about Maisie Cooper .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1970's, this fun British cozy mystery continues the explots of Maisie Cooper from the previous titles in the series. This time a theater troop comes to the small British village she calla home. There is a young French actress along with the group. Before long there is another crime that takes place and Maisie is drawn into sleuthing, along with love interest and policemen Jack Wingard and her other friends in the village. It was great. A treat of a mystery and a wonderful series.

[Chautona Havig · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I really did enjoy a lot of this one, this was my least favorite in terms of mystery itself. The rest was interesting--the relationships, personal problems, etc. I am beginning to doubt the reality of Maisie's boss being so understanding of her not returning to work. That seemed exceptionally unlikely for the era in particular.

Still eager for the next. Still enjoyed it. Just a few minor quibbles that added up to "not quite as good" for me.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first in the series and really enjoyed it, I missed the second and felt a bit at a loss with the third. I persevered, but would highly recommend reading the books in order. The book was still enjoyable to me as Greg Mosse is a good writer and is able to bring backstage life at the theatre alive. I live near Chichester and have been to the Festival Theatre several times, but I knew nothing of the history and learning more about its past was enjoyable, as well as having a peak at the actor’s lives off stage. I do recommend this series and I will read the second. I do hope the series continues, Maisie is an interesting character and I am hopeful for a future for her with Phyl as well as Jack.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an invitation to read this book, it was a pleasure.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better. Maisie Cooper investigates her third series of murders in as many months. Just how unlucky can one person get? This one is set in the theatre and Greg Mosse's background and detailed knowledge of both the work and the location just shine through. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in this series and I think it could be read as a stand-alone even if the evolution of the characters is one of the best part of this story.
Maisie is involved with a troupe of actors and another murder. There's a lot of red herring, twists and a solid plot that kept me guessing.
I enjoyed it, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Renette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. What I didn't like was the French in the middle of the English. It was always translated, but it was not a distraction, but rather a pause in the action. The side story I thought was more compelling than the mystery itself. The effect that one person can have on others.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I think this is the best so far on this series.

[Kim Innes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a good story, just slow in bits for me

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book. Dunno why it took me 10 days to finish it 😂😅 #getmeoutofthisreadingslump. Anyway I really enjoyed this book. 10/10 recommend.

[Sue de Boeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Maisie Cooper an interesting and very likeable character. This third book was as compelling as the previous two and I look forward to book 4.

[Simon Pert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the Maisie Cooper series, they just get better. Look forward to reading book 4.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot or publisher's blurb - instead I recommend that you read this for yourself.

This is the 3rd book in the "Maisie Cooper", series, which I read immediately after Book 2, so had a good recollection of how things stood...

This novel is set in and around a theatre, as well as Bunting Manor and the coast.

There are plenty of new characters, some of whom are clearly not what they seem, adding plenty of red herrings to the mix! The relationships between Maisie and other familiar characters from the earlier books are developed further in this novel; I think the book would still work as a standalone read.

I felt that the plot took a little time to get going, but could see that was essential later, in order to establish the new characters.

Looking forward to more in this series.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.