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Tib Street Ballroom #1
Tib Street Ballroom
How do you solve an unsolvable murder? Ask the victim...
In January 1986, newly engaged Marnie Driscoll is found dead in her parents' kitchen. With no witnesses, it seems as though the circumstances of her death will remain a mystery.
Six months later, high-flying Detective Inspector Andrew Joyce’s career takes an unexpected detour when he finds himself unwillingly transferred to an obscure department within Greater Manchester Police, known as the Ballroom.
The Ballroom team employs unorthodox methods to crack previously unsolved cases, and Joyce, a sceptic by nature, must find a way to work with Peggy Swan, a reclusive ex-socialite with a unique talent: she can communicate with the dead.
Joyce soon discovers that Marnie’s death, initially dismissed as an opportunistic act of violence, actually seems to be a carefully orchestrated murder.
It will take both Joyce’s skill as an investigator and Peggy’s connection to her new ghostly charge to navigate the web of secrets surrounding the case and bring closure to Marnie’s tragic story before the killer can strike again.
In January 1986, newly engaged Marnie Driscoll is found dead in her parents' kitchen. With no witnesses, it seems as though the circumstances of her death will remain a mystery.
Six months later, high-flying Detective Inspector Andrew Joyce’s career takes an unexpected detour when he finds himself unwillingly transferred to an obscure department within Greater Manchester Police, known as the Ballroom.
The Ballroom team employs unorthodox methods to crack previously unsolved cases, and Joyce, a sceptic by nature, must find a way to work with Peggy Swan, a reclusive ex-socialite with a unique talent: she can communicate with the dead.
Joyce soon discovers that Marnie’s death, initially dismissed as an opportunistic act of violence, actually seems to be a carefully orchestrated murder.
It will take both Joyce’s skill as an investigator and Peggy’s connection to her new ghostly charge to navigate the web of secrets surrounding the case and bring closure to Marnie’s tragic story before the killer can strike again.
- GenresCrime
415 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
29 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 29, 2024
4.5 stars.
Tib Street Ballroom is an intriguing and captivating murder mystery novel set in Manchester, UK in 1986. Six months ago Marnie Driscoll was murdered in her parents’ kitchen just before she was due to head out for the night. With no leads or suspects her case went cold before being transferred to ‘The Ballroom’.
The Ballroom, located on Tib Street in Manchester city centre is a unique police department that employs unconventional methods to solve crimes that have stumped other investigators. Detective Inspector Andrew Joyce, a sceptic, is newly assigned to The Ballroom and is initially taken aback by their unorthodox techniques, often vocally expressing his disapproval.
Tib Street Ballroom is a fascinating book that blends crime fiction with the paranormal, offering a refreshing take on the murder mystery genre. The cast of characters both alive and deceased are relatable and the vivid descriptions of 1980’s Manchester added a nostalgic touch, especially for those who remember Manchester during that era, like myself.
The narrative flowed well which keeps the reader engaged throughout. My only minor critique, and it is a personal one, is that some chapters felt excessively long, which slowed the pacing of an otherwise gripping plot.
Overall, the concept of ghosts aiding in the resolution of their murders is both innovative and enthralling. DI Joyce’s scepticism mirrors what many readers might feel about others stating they are communicating with the dead making his character particularly relatable, although not very likeable. Is great to see this is the first in a series too. I now can’t wait for the next book.
Tib Street Ballroom is an intriguing and captivating murder mystery novel set in Manchester, UK in 1986. Six months ago Marnie Driscoll was murdered in her parents’ kitchen just before she was due to head out for the night. With no leads or suspects her case went cold before being transferred to ‘The Ballroom’.
The Ballroom, located on Tib Street in Manchester city centre is a unique police department that employs unconventional methods to solve crimes that have stumped other investigators. Detective Inspector Andrew Joyce, a sceptic, is newly assigned to The Ballroom and is initially taken aback by their unorthodox techniques, often vocally expressing his disapproval.
Tib Street Ballroom is a fascinating book that blends crime fiction with the paranormal, offering a refreshing take on the murder mystery genre. The cast of characters both alive and deceased are relatable and the vivid descriptions of 1980’s Manchester added a nostalgic touch, especially for those who remember Manchester during that era, like myself.
The narrative flowed well which keeps the reader engaged throughout. My only minor critique, and it is a personal one, is that some chapters felt excessively long, which slowed the pacing of an otherwise gripping plot.
Overall, the concept of ghosts aiding in the resolution of their murders is both innovative and enthralling. DI Joyce’s scepticism mirrors what many readers might feel about others stating they are communicating with the dead making his character particularly relatable, although not very likeable. Is great to see this is the first in a series too. I now can’t wait for the next book.
November 17, 2025
I found this book by chance when I saw an Instagram ad and I knew from the synopsis that this was a book I had been waiting to be written. What I really wanted was something like Pushing Daisies, with a little more detail on the murder investigation. This book gave me that with an added touch of Ashes to Ashes (it is set in the 80's). My favourite TV show of the time is also mentioned - Moonlighting! AND there is a QUEEN concert. Its as if this author had been reading my mind and peeking at my childhood bedroom walls.
Now, ordinarily I am not a huge fan of books with loads of pop culture and this book doesn't have loads, just my favourites. This book is more than just a blast from the past to get you nostalgic, it is a proper who dunnit with police, undercover operations and some real baddies. The humour is great but not in your face, which I like.
If my eyes hadn't been so tired I would probably have read this book in 2 sittings, it was that good. I have pre-ordered book two and look forward to it.
Now, ordinarily I am not a huge fan of books with loads of pop culture and this book doesn't have loads, just my favourites. This book is more than just a blast from the past to get you nostalgic, it is a proper who dunnit with police, undercover operations and some real baddies. The humour is great but not in your face, which I like.
If my eyes hadn't been so tired I would probably have read this book in 2 sittings, it was that good. I have pre-ordered book two and look forward to it.
November 1, 2024
This book was fab...ghosts, 80s, crime and characters I can't wait to learn about. You followed the twists and turns but it didn't give everything away just yet....reminds me touch of ashes to ashes (which is one of my favourite series) with a supernatural background and excellent writing. Would reccomend 100%
July 3, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Nicely drawn characters with good interplay between them and an enjoyable main plot. Looking forward to reading more from Keira.
August 29, 2025
Tib Street Ballroom was a fun, spooky, heart-warming, and intriguing read. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the setting!
As a lover of Ashes to Ashes, this read with similar vibes, albeit more of a young/new adult vibe; this read like a book you'd enjoy as a kid, but written for adults, and I was very onboard with this!
Peggy is perhaps my favourite character, with her ability to talk to ghosts. I absolutely love anything ghost related, and so I was very here for this! She is a wealthy character but comes across as down to earth and perhaps a little shy. What happened to her near churches and the prison was very spooky. I'd absolutely love to know more about her as a character and her past discovering this skill.
Andrew Joyce seems to attract trouble, and this was amusing. From being theatrically dumped by his ex Kate, to being transfered to the weirdest department going, one certainly full of oddballs, he spends the book in a bewildered determination to solve the murder of Marnie and get justice for her.
I really liked Marnie. She was the ghost of the murder victim, and she was confident, bold in her opinions, and very helpful, saving people! The premise of the book, talking to the victim, was fantastic.
Jen and Higson are relatively flat characters, and I would have liked to have known more about them. Charlie was annoying, but he meant well. Athena was not who I expected to be the villain, and her motives were very simple, but it worked. Rex was spineless and basically the disappointing opposite to what Marnie thought he was.
This book was, however, not without flaws. I found that every single conversation used dialogue tags, so he said, she said, he gasped, she laughed, and so on. When two characters are talking, you don't need to always say who says it or how. The dialogue should be able to stand up on its own without an explanation all the time.
This book did also have a number of grammatical errors as well as spelling errors, and could be a little slow at times.
Overall, this is a great read for lovers of detective novels, likeable characters, and ghosts!
Would I reccomend? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
What I rated it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 5
As a lover of Ashes to Ashes, this read with similar vibes, albeit more of a young/new adult vibe; this read like a book you'd enjoy as a kid, but written for adults, and I was very onboard with this!
Peggy is perhaps my favourite character, with her ability to talk to ghosts. I absolutely love anything ghost related, and so I was very here for this! She is a wealthy character but comes across as down to earth and perhaps a little shy. What happened to her near churches and the prison was very spooky. I'd absolutely love to know more about her as a character and her past discovering this skill.
Andrew Joyce seems to attract trouble, and this was amusing. From being theatrically dumped by his ex Kate, to being transfered to the weirdest department going, one certainly full of oddballs, he spends the book in a bewildered determination to solve the murder of Marnie and get justice for her.
I really liked Marnie. She was the ghost of the murder victim, and she was confident, bold in her opinions, and very helpful, saving people! The premise of the book, talking to the victim, was fantastic.
Jen and Higson are relatively flat characters, and I would have liked to have known more about them. Charlie was annoying, but he meant well. Athena was not who I expected to be the villain, and her motives were very simple, but it worked. Rex was spineless and basically the disappointing opposite to what Marnie thought he was.
This book was, however, not without flaws. I found that every single conversation used dialogue tags, so he said, she said, he gasped, she laughed, and so on. When two characters are talking, you don't need to always say who says it or how. The dialogue should be able to stand up on its own without an explanation all the time.
This book did also have a number of grammatical errors as well as spelling errors, and could be a little slow at times.
Overall, this is a great read for lovers of detective novels, likeable characters, and ghosts!
Would I reccomend? Yes!
Would I read more from this author? Yes!
What I rated it ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️. 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, from start to finish. The front cover design is absolutely perfect in giving off an eerie 80s feel. I love that it's black and white too. it really adds to the feel of it
Anyway I am digressing 🫣
This story had me hooked from the start. The murder happens fairly soon in the book. Then there is a little time jump as the case gets passed over from C.I.D to the Tib Street team. They do things a little differently there. As the new DI finds out.
There is a small cast of characters which works well. The author deftly works your brain into thinking one way, then taking you somewhere else. No character is wasted, even the side characters. Everyone has a purpose and all adds a little spark. The Tib Street Ballroom Team very quickly became one of my favourite police teams. DI Andrew Joyce is very good at his job, he is very much a by the book, no nonsense detective. Thrust in at the deep end tasked with finding out who killed Marnie Driscoll and firmly believes they have all lost the plot when Peggy Swan is brought in to speak to the dead. She is reluctant to help after her brother Charlie who is utterly charming and exasperating in equal measures drops her in it. All three are at logger heads. The other members of the team Liam and Jen, bring humour and support whilst all being led by. Higson...
Whilst they may all be on different sides they are all in agreement they need to find who the killer is. As the case continues, things are unearthed, who can you trust and just who killed Marnie and why is she getting stronger.... I just loved everything about this book, there is plenty of mystery, atmosphere, fabulous characters, it's intelligent and humourous. I loved the 80s Manchester setting Keira Willis captures both beautifully. I look forward to the next book and see what else is in store for Joyce and the gang.
Anyway I am digressing 🫣
This story had me hooked from the start. The murder happens fairly soon in the book. Then there is a little time jump as the case gets passed over from C.I.D to the Tib Street team. They do things a little differently there. As the new DI finds out.
There is a small cast of characters which works well. The author deftly works your brain into thinking one way, then taking you somewhere else. No character is wasted, even the side characters. Everyone has a purpose and all adds a little spark. The Tib Street Ballroom Team very quickly became one of my favourite police teams. DI Andrew Joyce is very good at his job, he is very much a by the book, no nonsense detective. Thrust in at the deep end tasked with finding out who killed Marnie Driscoll and firmly believes they have all lost the plot when Peggy Swan is brought in to speak to the dead. She is reluctant to help after her brother Charlie who is utterly charming and exasperating in equal measures drops her in it. All three are at logger heads. The other members of the team Liam and Jen, bring humour and support whilst all being led by. Higson...
Whilst they may all be on different sides they are all in agreement they need to find who the killer is. As the case continues, things are unearthed, who can you trust and just who killed Marnie and why is she getting stronger.... I just loved everything about this book, there is plenty of mystery, atmosphere, fabulous characters, it's intelligent and humourous. I loved the 80s Manchester setting Keira Willis captures both beautifully. I look forward to the next book and see what else is in store for Joyce and the gang.
June 20, 2024
Tib Street Ballroom is set in 1986 Manchester. As a 40 year old Mancunian, a lot of the stores and locations were familiar to me, despite many being long gone. The story focuses on DI Andrew Joyce, who is banished to the “cold case” team, based in the former #TibStreetBallroom
Sceptic Andrew, soon finds himself working with rich socialite, Peggy, who can communicate with the dead. Together they try to solve the murder of Marnie, a local woman, who was killed in her own home.
What follows is a rollercoaster of gasp-inducing twists, turns, laugh out loud moments and several surprises.
As I was reading, my partner repeatedly asked me what was happening. He said it’s rare I’m so vocal when reading a book. I’d take that as a compliment Keira - I read a lot 😂
I loved how the relationships between upper and working classes merged, and how humour was used throughout.
The story tied up really well at the end, so I assumed it was a standalone. Happily for me, the next Tib Street Ballroom book is out in October! I had a few questions remaining after this book, so hopefully those answers will come in time. (I won’t share them here as they could be spoilers).
All told, I give this 5/5 - I can’t wait for the next instalment. [I was gifted a paper copy of this book, but wasn’t asked to review it]. All views my own.
Sceptic Andrew, soon finds himself working with rich socialite, Peggy, who can communicate with the dead. Together they try to solve the murder of Marnie, a local woman, who was killed in her own home.
What follows is a rollercoaster of gasp-inducing twists, turns, laugh out loud moments and several surprises.
As I was reading, my partner repeatedly asked me what was happening. He said it’s rare I’m so vocal when reading a book. I’d take that as a compliment Keira - I read a lot 😂
I loved how the relationships between upper and working classes merged, and how humour was used throughout.
The story tied up really well at the end, so I assumed it was a standalone. Happily for me, the next Tib Street Ballroom book is out in October! I had a few questions remaining after this book, so hopefully those answers will come in time. (I won’t share them here as they could be spoilers).
All told, I give this 5/5 - I can’t wait for the next instalment. [I was gifted a paper copy of this book, but wasn’t asked to review it]. All views my own.
October 29, 2024
Solid 3 stars.
This is one of those books I can't help but want to protect despite its flaws.
It has some enormous potential and this first book is a good sketch of a loveable crew of misfits but I hope book 2 gets rid of some stuff :
- cringe moments like the one with Andrew's girlfriend. I know this book is set in the 80s but really, do we need the bad tropes/clichés going with the decade?
- a general lack of subtlety when painting the characters : some wanna-be-quirky or comical moments that felt a bit forced or at least in-your-face (mostly Dolly or Charlie, though they also had their moments)
On the other hand, I really liked Peggy - liked her better than Andrew, even if Andrew is a completely decent protagonist. I like her gift, I like her personality and the fact she's the type to take no shit but does it with elegance. She's a refreshing character despite her tendency to take poor decisions in the sake of plot convenience.
Some moments were truly captivating and I liked the occasional creepiness and some secondary items (Rob and Benson) very much. I hope we'll learn why Marnie is... as she is.
Enjoyable and could become a comfort read (yes you can have comfort reads involving murders and ghosts). Book 2 will seal the fate of this series for me !
This is one of those books I can't help but want to protect despite its flaws.
It has some enormous potential and this first book is a good sketch of a loveable crew of misfits but I hope book 2 gets rid of some stuff :
- cringe moments like the one with Andrew's girlfriend. I know this book is set in the 80s but really, do we need the bad tropes/clichés going with the decade?
- a general lack of subtlety when painting the characters : some wanna-be-quirky or comical moments that felt a bit forced or at least in-your-face (mostly Dolly or Charlie, though they also had their moments)
On the other hand, I really liked Peggy - liked her better than Andrew, even if Andrew is a completely decent protagonist. I like her gift, I like her personality and the fact she's the type to take no shit but does it with elegance. She's a refreshing character despite her tendency to take poor decisions in the sake of plot convenience.
Some moments were truly captivating and I liked the occasional creepiness and some secondary items (Rob and Benson) very much. I hope we'll learn why Marnie is... as she is.
Enjoyable and could become a comfort read (yes you can have comfort reads involving murders and ghosts). Book 2 will seal the fate of this series for me !
May 15, 2024
Thank you so much to Keira for so kindly sending me a gifted copy of Tib Street Ballroom. I stumbled across a post on Instagram and was instantly taken by the book cover and name, before I even read the blurb I knew it would be a book for me.
So what starts out as a very realistic Police Procedural set in Manchester, develops into a very unique and compelling crime thriller!
We are taken back to 1986 ( ah the best of days for me!) and we meet Marnie who is getting ready for a night out, whilst waiting for her friend to turn up she has a cheeky drink and is setting herself up for a fun evening dancing in Manchester clubs when she is brutally murdered. Well, the first chapter had me hooked that was for sure!
So what starts out as a very realistic Police Procedural set in Manchester, develops into a very unique and compelling crime thriller!
We are taken back to 1986 ( ah the best of days for me!) and we meet Marnie who is getting ready for a night out, whilst waiting for her friend to turn up she has a cheeky drink and is setting herself up for a fun evening dancing in Manchester clubs when she is brutally murdered. Well, the first chapter had me hooked that was for sure!
May 20, 2024
8.5/10
This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout, twists and turns along the way! Keira writes in such a way that makes you want to keep reading ! 👀
Those twists and turns were addictive with not guessing any of the plot twists within the book, it definitely had me hooked ! ✨
These characters in the book were portrayed so well, and you loved and hated different characters for different reasons ❤️
All I can say is, I cannot wait for book two to come out and I will 100% be reading it !
If you love crime and mystery, then this one's for you ! Tib Street Ballroom comes out 21st May 2024 💛
This book had me on the edge of my seat throughout, twists and turns along the way! Keira writes in such a way that makes you want to keep reading ! 👀
Those twists and turns were addictive with not guessing any of the plot twists within the book, it definitely had me hooked ! ✨
These characters in the book were portrayed so well, and you loved and hated different characters for different reasons ❤️
All I can say is, I cannot wait for book two to come out and I will 100% be reading it !
If you love crime and mystery, then this one's for you ! Tib Street Ballroom comes out 21st May 2024 💛
November 18, 2024
I came across this book entirely by chance and I am so glad that I did. It is a complete departure from my usual reads and it is utterly brilliant. The characters are fabulous and so well drawn and the humour had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion, I look forward to reading the next book.
December 29, 2024
Who the hell is Edgar?
Really enjoyable read! The characters are written well! Pretty sure the author watches Eurovision tho! Excited to get into the next book!
Really enjoyable read! The characters are written well! Pretty sure the author watches Eurovision tho! Excited to get into the next book!
January 28, 2025
Good mix of crime and the supernatural.
July 3, 2025
I was a bit unsure of this when I started reading it, as it wasn't what I was expecting. I enjoyed it though, kept me guessing where it was going.
October 23, 2024
The Ballroom team is a police department in Manchester that works on unsolved cases, but not in ways that you would typically expect. They enlist the help of Peggy on a murder case because she can actually speak to the victim.
Tib Street Ballroom is one of my top reads this year.
I can't remember the last time I fell for a group of characters so quickly. I felt that they all brought something different – I loved Charlie's attitude to life and Peggy's intelligence.
The setting is simply perfect. Manchester is an amazing city anyway but I really enjoyed that it was set in the 1980s because I had a glimpse into the different way of life at the time. It really made for a great backdrop to the story.
I loved the mystery that the team were trying to solve because it was so unusual with Peggy's unique ability. I couldn’t wait to see how the story unfolded.
A superb crime novel with a supernatural twist.
Thank you Marmalade Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Tib Street Ballroom is one of my top reads this year.
I can't remember the last time I fell for a group of characters so quickly. I felt that they all brought something different – I loved Charlie's attitude to life and Peggy's intelligence.
The setting is simply perfect. Manchester is an amazing city anyway but I really enjoyed that it was set in the 1980s because I had a glimpse into the different way of life at the time. It really made for a great backdrop to the story.
I loved the mystery that the team were trying to solve because it was so unusual with Peggy's unique ability. I couldn’t wait to see how the story unfolded.
A superb crime novel with a supernatural twist.
Thank you Marmalade Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2025
DI Andrew Joyce is a motivated police officer forced to work at the Ballroom against his professional choice and I loved his character development throughout this novel from ambitious career police officer to a warmer, haunted and more vulnerable character. I really enjoyed the burgeoning relationship between him and Peggy, a local woman with a gift to speak to the dead and who is "a magnet for chaos and crisis".
The concept of having some of the key story points revealed by a ghost worked really well. I adored Marnie, a spunky, sad and at times very humorous young woman whose wrath was felt by all. In my lifetime I've experienced situations which I cannot rationally explain which could be classed as supernatural and the way these more supernatural moments were written resonated with me, though thankfully not with exploding perfume bottles!
I loved the camaraderie between the Tib Street team,with vibes of the relationship I watched in Ashes to Ashes tv show and the 80s references were really welcomed and not overbearing.
I am really looking forward to diving into book two ahead of its publication date and definitely recommend a date with the Tib Street team.
The concept of having some of the key story points revealed by a ghost worked really well. I adored Marnie, a spunky, sad and at times very humorous young woman whose wrath was felt by all. In my lifetime I've experienced situations which I cannot rationally explain which could be classed as supernatural and the way these more supernatural moments were written resonated with me, though thankfully not with exploding perfume bottles!
I loved the camaraderie between the Tib Street team,with vibes of the relationship I watched in Ashes to Ashes tv show and the 80s references were really welcomed and not overbearing.
I am really looking forward to diving into book two ahead of its publication date and definitely recommend a date with the Tib Street team.
November 16, 2025
Paranormal Slow Horses set in the 80s. This book is absolutely superb. I was hooked by the end of the first page. Nostalgic, funny and full of suspense.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews