Death Stage Left: A Mike Atwell Mystery: Book 4

A Mike Atwell Mystery #4

by Penelope Cress, Steve Higgs

When the curtain falls, so does the body…In the picturesque village of Ashbury, Kent, the local amateur dramatics group is ready to bring *Hamlet* to the stage. But the performance takes a deadly turn when one of their own is found stabbed behind the arras, just like Polonius. Veteran actor and former Hollywood heartthrob, Gerald Temple, now fights for his life in a very different type of theatre - the operating theatre!

But who would want him dead? It’s not long before rumours of sabotage, secrets, and spite take centre stage.

Mike Atwell steps into the world of stage lights and scripted lines, to defend the stage manager, Lulu, who has been caught literally red-handed. Lulu also happens to be Mike’s ex-wife Sharon’s cousin - what could go wrong?

Everyone is playing a part, but someone is hiding a killer role. As Mike navigates feuding actors and hidden rivalries, he must unravel the truth before the final act leads to another deadly encore.

In this thrilling cosy mystery, where Shakespearean drama meets small-town secrets, nothing is as it seems. Can Mike catch the real murderer or is it curtain’s up for Lulu?

**Perfect for fans of classic whodunits and anyone who loves a bit of drama with their murder!**

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

272 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

Reviews

[Jane litherland]

Quinn’s trying to make an omelet without cracking any eggs ,he has no clues ! He’s clueless at best ,he’s a pest. Blaming Mike Atwell when he knows full well and good ,it wasn’t he that did this deed! Now I’ve got you up to speed ,here’s how he ended up in this pickle..It started like everything else with the sleuthing team ,somehow he gets into trouble for coming in and looking at a body … Melvin/Mel and Dexter/ Dexy along with Sharon and Mike “I have told you already, we were there because we had cause to believe he was the man who planted the mannequins in Miss Willow's apartment." “Yes, and all three of your colleagues back up your story, but then you had time to get your stories straight on your journey here." He cannot catch a breath or a break with this man and his half baked theories. “You know, I'm the victim here, right? O'Shea was stalking me. I don't know why he took a late night swim with rocks around his ankles, but it means I will sleep more peacefully tonight.” He’s so right and I bet young Mel has trouble sleeping tonight witnessing the body and all can’t be a pretty sight and Dexy ? She’ll be alright though it gives her the shudders being in that interrogation room and all. They’re at a cafe deliberating everything when Sharon has a call from her mother about her cousin Lulu …. It must be urgent she hardly ever calls ….Oh yes you could exactly say that! Stat ! As dear Lulu / Louise her elder cousin is in hot water and standing accused of attempted murder . You see the local theatrical group amateur of course were lined up on stage at their places as one of their company Gerald Temple was suddenly stabbed and now he’s off to the theatre all right ! An operating theatre! Sharon is on her way to see Lula who is the Stage Manager who stands accused of attempted murder. So of course he follows ,Ashbury Nick again ,how delightful…no they do refrain…We’re back in the idyllic village of Ashbury ,Kent well you could say it was an hamlet but best not do that as Mike Atwell is in trouble with inspector Quinn as it is because well they staged a play by Shakespeare,you know the one Hamlet …Lulu imparts what’s been appertaining and it sounds quite entertaining, it’s her pinking shears that were found sunk into his back after the attack on Temple who is now lying in an operating theatre in Maidstone. “I've been making costumes for forty years - I would never actually stab someone. The blood would ruin the fabric!” Well she has a point after all . But this has to be thought out logically and not bandying names around . It seems though that there’s lot to delve into as far as suspects go as there’s a whole show of them if the gossip Mabel is to be believed . Well this book! It sounds a hoot and it is ,it’s perfectly sublime reading and Sharon and Mike are getting closer all the time ,them a Yogi and Boo Boo the dogs and Dexter and now Mel make a formidable team . The writing of this series must have them in stitches .Penelope Cress took hold of the reins along with Steve Higgs and has brought it on a treat .its real meat and bones sleuthing with lots of jests and I love the series interactions with the characters they’re the best. I mean Patience and her Big Ben for instance to frighten young Mel …priceless! So funny bits it has in great numbers and I laughed until there was numbness! They are told so bold and straight as you like that you second think the funnies until they catch you by surprise ,the Pomeranians need a reprise of their own,if Sharon all sexy and all doesn’t charm the pants off their dad then they will or the granddaughter Dexy may even rue the day…But that’s for another time ,,another book I’ll brook the flow as he goes so well as the characters they’re all gel ,get on extremely well and all have a part in my heart . Even Quinn! Gotta love hating on him on a whim. The storytelling is mightily compelling and my cheeks hurt from grinning ,smiling and eliciting the odd laugh . Steve Higgs and Penelope Cress you’re the best!

[Martha R.]

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SPOILERS

Disappointed. Not at all up to Steve Higgs best. First, pinking shears? They are blunt nosed. Not a credible weapon. So immediately I guessed who actually "did it". Second, Danny Poole is allegedly an American. He would not refer to being in his "lounge" but rather his living room. Then later, an English character refers to being in his living room. Disappointed and hopeful the next in the series is better.

[R. R.]

It's my kind of cozy mystery. Easy read, funny lovable characters and minimum violence. I find some of M. C. Beaton in this series, and can't wait to read/listen to, the next book, and knowing that the plot isn't that complicated and the culprit is unveiled quickly in the last chapter.
I just gave 4 stars because of the sub-plot running through the series, making it very difficult to not read them in the proper order.

[Becky]

Cress and Higgs have another excellent Atwell book for us to enjoy.
During rehearsal for a Shakespeare play, the lead is stabbed, and Sharon's cousin is nabbed for the crime. Though the man doesn't die, Mike, Sharon's, Dexter, and Mel need to prove that Lulu didn't do it.
It was a fun and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

[Ann]

Another case for Mike and the team to get their teeth into when Sharon's cousin is accused of attempted murder of a member in their local theatre group, who just happens to be a veteran actor. Can the team find their way through all the secrets and lies to find out who wanted him dead? It's a nice easy read and recommended.

[Angel Ballard]

Getting dangerous
This series is a lovely laid back adventure from one investigation into another with fantastic characters and well fleshed out scenarios. The team is growing and learning to not just rely on one another but to have each other's backs. The interactions between the team members keeps things lively as well. And who can go wrong with Yogi and Boo Boo?

[Meg Devine]

Another really interesting mystery solved! I really enjoyed the amateurs dramatic setting in 'Death Stage Left' and as always, the banter between Mike, Shaz, Mel and Dexy. It's been great to follow the characters develop and face other challenges in this story and a few big twists and turns to keep you guessing! Looking forward to seeing what happens in 'Death by Degrees".

[Geraldine R. Gaugler]

An interesting read

This Mike Atwell book is a tangled web of mysteries. Although, I did figure out what was going about halfway through the book. There was less bickering between Mike and Sharon in this book which made the read much more enjoyable for me. I am loving the Mike Atwell mysteries, and I am looking forward to Book 5 in July.

[Christmas Angel]

Atwell, Shaz, Yogi, Boo Boo, and the entire cast of this story hit their marks in every scene. Do you think this charming couple will get back together - as in married once more? It's all up in the air and the ending is - well, you'll see. Read on and enjoy. Highly Recommended.

[Patricia Moran]

meh

I understand the concept of fan fiction. It is rather disappointing when the author’s style of storytelling is very different from the main author’s style. Characters don’t seem to be moving, there really wasn’t a mystery, I found the ending disappointing; truly was meh.

[Claudete Takahashi]

Another great addition to the series, Atwell will be behind the scenes investigating who has done what in order to find who is the culprit. Easy and enjoyable read!
I thank the author for this ARC.

[Leanore]

Loved this 4th book in the series. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Mary Baker]

Shakespeare and attempted murder

An aging actor is playing a leading role in a play. He is attacked while rehearsing. The seamstress is accused. Mike's job is to clear her.

[ebsTx]

Nifty plot twist!

Fun story with a lovely twist or two at the end. I am enjoying the series. The team has great characters.

[Terri]

Mike solves another

But in solving it, does that leave him or the crew in more danger? Read it and find out. Enjoy.