A Pantomime of Peril: A British Cozy Murder Mystery

Cotswold Antique Mystery #3

by Victoria Tait

It’s panto season in the Cotswolds - but all is not as it seems on stage.Winter has settled over the Cotswolds, and Dotty Sayers and her friends are in the spotlight as part of the local amateur dramatics pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. With costumes to sew, lines to memorise, and rehearsals to juggle, the village is buzzing with excitement.

But on opening night, the show comes to an abrupt halt when a cast member dies on stage. As whispers of foul play sweep through the audience, Dotty and her friend Keya are drawn into a mystery that’s anything but make-believe.

With suspects lurking in the wings and a tangle of alibis to unravel, the pair must tread carefully to uncover the truth. Can they solve the case before the final curtain falls, or will the killer steal the show?

Take your seat for a charming performance of A Pantomime of Peril today!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2025

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

“A British pantomime, known simply as a ‘panto’, is a much-loved form of family theater, traditionally performed around Christmas and New Year. Despite the name, it is not silent mime. Instead, it is loud, colourful, and joyfully over the top, blending music, slapstick comedy, dancing, and audience participation. Each panto is based on a well-known fairy tale or folk story.”

The holidays are special in the Cotswolds. In addition to a busy time at Akemans, many employees, family, and friends are involved in a pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk. From writing the script to constructing sets and altering the costumes, directing, and acting in the performance, it’s all hands on deck. A monkey wrench is thrown into the event when a well-known actor moves nearby and takes over all aspects of the panto, including playing a key role.

Opening night arrives, and in the middle of the show, an actor keels over dead onstage. Natural causes or foul play? Keya, Dr. Peter, Dotty, and Sujin are right there to preserve the scene and tend to the body. Inspector Lynn Lockwood and more officers quickly arrive. Keya double and triple-checks everything, and soon she has new questions that need answers. With assistance from Dotty and Sunjin, Keya works hard to reveal the truth. Will the killer get away scot-free? Or will the clues come together just in time for the holidays?

I really enjoy catching up with these characters. Dotty and Keya have grown by leaps and bounds since we met them in Fake Death. The supporting cast has evolved as well. New characters have joined the cast, and others have moved on. Everyone continues to develop, face changes, make new relationships, and find new purpose. What I love is that Ms. Tait lets it all happen naturally, which can’t be easy. She has created genuine and endearing characters, making it very easy to become invested in their lives. They feel like friends.

I loved the pantomime theme of this story, and that everyone was involved in some way. What a wonderful holiday tradition. I appreciated the teamwork Zach fosters at Akemans, listening to everyone, being open to new ideas, and being willing to work to make things happen. The diversity of the auction items, the changes made to Akemans, and Keya’s wonderful cafe are all highlights that bring an ideal atmosphere to the story.

Professional actor Wickham Vane had a very high opinion of himself and his abilities, but he was nothing more than a bully, cruel, and overbearing. I was thrilled that he was the victim, and I enjoyed the way Ms. Tait plotted the mystery of his death. I was caught off guard by the way the story played out, and while heartbreaking, it made perfect sense.

Victoria Tait is an outstanding storyteller, and A Pantomime of Peril is another excellent example of her gifts. With engaging characters who pull you into the story and an intriguing mystery, all set in the beautiful English countryside in the Cotswolds, this story was a delightful Perfect Escape. I am excited for this series to continue with A Honeymoon of Havoc, which has some characters traveling, and A Maypole of Deceit, which takes us back to the Cotswolds in springtime. You truly can’t go wrong with anything written by this author.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Betty Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful cozy mystery takes place in an English village where everyone knows everything about each other or maybe not. A stranger upsets the delicate balance and ends up dead. Was it from natural causes? The story line is well thought out, character development is excellent and the scenes are brilliantly written described.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE the cover!
Wickham Vane, a blowhard actor, moves into the village, and takes over the Christmas Pantomime that Dr. Peter wrote and was directing. Vane is a bad driver as well as a jerk, and he runs Dr. Peter's son, Thomas, off the road.
Wickham is nasty to all the actors, and replaces one of the girls with his granddaughter. Another performer gets tired of Vane's bluster and quits, so Dotty takes his place as the rear end of Daisy, the cow!
Wickham dies on the stage during the first performance. At first it was thought to be natural causes, due to all his health issues. When Keya discovers otherwise, there is no shortage of suspects. I had three characters picked for the possible killer, and totally missed it ---- though I probably shouldn't have.
Aunt Beanie is selling the farm, and we don't know where she's going to end up. I'm hoping that Dotty and Zach will buy the farm! Keya and Sujin are moving forward in their relationship, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
I really love this series, and read the book straight thru.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author for letting me read this early!

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dotty and her friends are busy with a Pantomime but when a cast member is murdered on the opening night there is disaster to deal with instead. Dotty and Keya are determined to find out the truth. An intriguing read . I received this ARC copy which I enjoyed and recommend this book to other readers .

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter has settled in the village and Pantomime season is here along with the cheer of the season . A reason to be in the spotlight on opening night . Oh yes they are …. Dotty Sayers , Keya and her other friends are in the local amateur production of Jack and the Beanstalk and there’s lots to do . Auditions are going on in order to fit actors to the right parts and their lines to learn and memorise so their reprise flows without a hitch as they start to orate their prose and then there’s the costumes to stitch ,put together once the patterns are created by the dressmakers to a design process that is synonymous with Panto don’t you know. Leading men and ladies as well as dapper women dressed as men and men like the dame who is usually played by a leading man because of course everyone does know they are a leading part of the show. A big part of the show with lots of words ,dialects to orate to the back of the auditorium. With the whole village excited to see it there’s a big crowd. But as it happens it’s not going as rehearsed ,someone best call for a hearse failing a funeral parlour van because someone has killed the leading man! Wickham Vane is dead they utter with dread . What a bad omen they’re thinking in their heads, and on further observation their hearts are sinking more as there’s a killer in their midst oh no.. Who could have done this ? Was there a witness to his demise .,Though it’s no surprise as he was rather vain and a boor as well as nepotistic,and more . But it’s rather a drastic measure to have done him in. But with Dotty the backend of the pantomime’s cow Keya finds out somehow that it is in fact murder and thus foul play ,so now what’s going to happen with their play ? I say ! Bad show ! Who did this ? They’re wanting to know and so are we ,aren’t we boys and girls ? Oops! Sorry I’m thinking I’m in the book playing a leading part , it’s that immersive for a start and I having had leading parts in Panto and plays in my not too distant past , I’ll impart so it’s not so unusual you know and it was a blast. Anyway on with the show …erm I mean story .Where was I ? Oh yes ,well I’m not going to give the game away but ,there’s many a suspect/s waiting in the wings as they say and not to save the day if they can help it by giving themselves up . It’s compounding ,not confounding evidence they need at speed before the day is done so this show can go on . Dotty already had to step into the back hind of Daisy the cow we know anyhow because the actor before her quit because of Vane ,what a pain! So the big question is who stands to gain from the death of Vane? Well this was perilous indeed but serves him right ,running Thomas off the road as he did without so much as a skid of braking he was making . Well it seems that they haven’t got to travel too far to unravel this mystery. They just need to delve into each and every suspects recent as well as past history … that’s what I was thinking as I tried to help out . Well I told you ,it’s immersive . Yule never guess ( I know how to spell you’ll ya fool it’s just a play on words because of the festive season and all ) With this book ,I had a ball or should that be bauble on a Christmas tree with this festive mystery . Victoria Tait ,this was great and witty ,very cleverly spun . Can’t you tell ,I really enjoyed this one? It was lots of fun . And it brought back memories,good ones I mean .We didn’t have a murder scene ! Although some murdered their parts haha . No not really ,that’s just mean , it’s just a joke and fun that I poke .

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A villain onstage and in real life meets his end during the village pantomime!

A Pantomime of Peril is the third book in author Victoria Tait’s cozy Cotswold Antique Mystery series, featuring friends Dotty Sayers and Keya Varma, who have both been recruited into helping with Dr. Peter Wimsey’s production of a traditional holiday pantomime. When the obnoxious newcomer to the village of Colm Akeman, Wickham Vane, collapses onstage during the first performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, everyone immediately believes it’s the combination of his exertion, the heat from the stage lights, and underlying medical conditions that’s to blame. But when Keya, the local Crime Scene Manager, discovers differently, there’s almost an unlimited number of people who had reason to wish the man ill.

Dotty, Keya, and all the friends and neighbors from their small village are back, and as the holidays close in, it’s up to the ladies to figure out who is actually behind the man’s murder. Dr. Peter Wimsey had launched the pantomime as a means to get their elderly residents out of their houses for some seasonal socializing. Wickham Vane, a well-known but overbearing professional actor and director, who had recently relocated to the village, barges his way into the production, grabs the reins of the show, the role of the giant, and runs off many of the local volunteers. Dotty, busy with a large winter auction at work, has no intention of participating in the theatrical but steps up to fill in where she can. Keya, while engaged in her own business and looking forward to the holidays and a much-deserved escape with her partner, Sujin, volunteers as well, so she is in the wings when the actor utters his final “Fee Fi Fo Fum.” Between her experience and Dotty’s keen observations, there are plenty of folk who had the means and motives to stop the dead man in his tracks.

The holiday season and the victim’s renown all increase the number of suspects on hand, and there are some good red herrings to distract armchair detectives from guessing the perpetrator too quickly. Twists and turns in the plot make for a clever holiday-themed homicide from start to finish.

Although this is the third book in the series, readers new to it will easily be able to read and enjoy this latest installment. I recommend A PANTOMIME OF PERIL to cozy mystery fans.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pantomime of Peril by Victoria Tait is the third book in the delightful Cotswold Antique Mystery series. I’ve loved Dotty and Keya ever since their initial meeting years ago back in the days when Dotty was new to the village. In their latest cozy mystery adventure, the village is putting on a pantomime, but disaster strikes when a cast member falls dead. It’s nothing new to these two though, and they’re soon finding clues that lead them to believe this death might have just been helped along!

I absolutely love the beautiful Cotswolds setting of these books. The antiques center has been renovated, so rather than having to find alternate locations for their auctions, they’re back in business. One reason the antiques center’s setting is so enjoyable is due to the homely, cozy feel it gives me. It’s where the characters spend a good deal of their daily lives. Keya’s cafe is right there, so she can pop in all of the time.

Over the years, the characters have become like family! Even if you’re brand new to these books, you’ll understand that feeling because of the author’s ability to lead you into the story and its world. Dotty’s and Zach’s relationship becomes deeper as does Keya’s and Sujin’s. I really enjoy Inspector Lynn, Warren, and now Thomas who make up the Cirencester police force. Though Keya is technically not on the force, she’s involved because of her crime scene role. It was fun collecting clues along the way as the characters hunted for them since they just couldn’t quite accept the fact that the death was due to natural causes.

I highly recommend Pantomime of Peril (as well as Tait’s other cozies) to all cozy mystery lovers…especially those of you who enjoy British settings! The plot is paced very well and none of the details are unnecessary. The characters are wonderful and the mystery is well-plotted. I can’t wait for the next book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

To bring some cheer to his older patients and encourage them to get out of the house, Dr. Peter has arranged an amateur pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk. Unfortunately, actor and director Wickham Vane, has recently moved to the area and bullies his way into taking over the production. He goes out of his way to cause trouble for various residents, alienating just about everyone, and his participation leaves no seats available for many locals. The show comes to halt when an actor dies on stage. While the death appears to be natural causes, Keya finds some oddities during her investigation. Will she and Dotty find foul play after all. Meanwhile, many changes look to be in store in the New Year on both personal and professional levels for our favorite characters.

Alternating between Keya and Dotty’s viewpoints, we’re again immersed in the lives of the Coln Akeman Villagers. December is proving to be a busy month at both the auction house and the Waterwheel Cafe, and Keya is thinking about taking a vacation in January. I found her concerns about her relationship with Sujin to be relatable, and I loved how reassuring he was that her quirks balance his more sedate personality. I can’t wait to see what happens during their vacation. Dotty and Zach are also getting stronger together though Dotty has some qualms as well. The pantomime was so well described that I could imagine how it was playing out. Wickham was decidedly unpleasant, but I did like his wife, Joan, and granddaughter, Eugenia. The mystery was well plotted with plenty of suspects and an ingenious methodology. I’m a little sad for Aunt Beanie and the decision she’s making, although it makes sense. I have hope that Dotty and Zach make a decision that ties in with that, but will have to see where Ms. Tait takes the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished reading 'A Pantomime of Peril' by Victoria Tait.
I won't comment on the premise of the book, as that can be read in the book's blurb.
However, I will say that the characters were well done and the scenery descriptions were wonderful.
I felt that this book was really more about the characters, rather than being focused on the murder.
We learned a lot about Zack and Dottie's relationship, the fact that they moved in together and were (perhaps?) thinking about a family. Also there was a lot about Sujin and Keya and their relationship as well, wanting to take their relationship to the next level.
Aunt Beanie and Norman, while not a couple, seem like they might be heading in that direction.
The mystery wasn't that much of a mystery and the murderer wasn't too difficult to suss out.
Buy like I said, I felt that this book was more character and relationship driven and that made it quite interesting to read.
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changes in the Cotswolds

What starts as a sweet gesture by Dr. Peter to give his elderly patients a reason to get out and socialize during the winter months turns into a deadly conundrum. A pantomime production is steamrolled by an overbearing, self important egotist who then promptly drops dead on stage opening night. While it seems like a series of unfortunate circumstances, well that just wouldn’t make for a good mystery book now would it? Have no fear Dotty and Keya are on the case along with the rest of the small police station in town. Plenty of personal developments for them both which you’ll have to read to find out about but I will say yay!! A fun cozy with lovable characters and an idyllic English countryside village. Fans of the series will love it, and new readers will learn why fans of the series love it. Definitely a must read!.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pleasant cosy mystery with all the familiar characters I've grown to enjoy.
We have a death during a panto production that appears to be natural. The deceased is certainly not someone very many people liked. He was a braggart and a bully and not many were terribly upset at his demise. Keya, on the other hand, felt there was something a bit suspicious about it all. Through her acute instincts, she didn't let it go and sure enough, it was murder.
It was fun reading about the changes in the lives of our known characters from previous books. They are developing relationships, travel plans and so much more. It's like reading about the goings on of your family.
Thanks again Victoria for the ARC copy.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pantomime puzzler
As Dottie and Zach get ready for a big festive season auction and the community prepare for a holiday pantomime, it is a very busy time. The passing of elderly resident Mrs. DeWinters, who has sold her home to Wickham Vane, casts a slight pall on the joy of the season. When Vane finds out about the amature production he takes it upon himself to take over and run the show. His abrasive personality rubs everone the wrong way and when he keels over midway through the performance of Jack in the Beanstock, not many shed a tear. But, was it natural causes, or does Keya's suspicion of something off have merit?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pantomime of Peril is another marvelous addition to the Cotswold Antique Mystery Series. This British cozy mystery by Victoria Tait feature two of my favorite characters Dotty and Keya. The local amateur dramatics pantomime production of Jack and the Beanstalk, takes a deadly turn when the first night has a real death of one of the cast members. What to be done but solve his mystery. While the dead man was not jewel of a person, justice must be served. Now I want to attend a pantomime without the death of course. I so enjoy the aspect of life in the village learning about small town British life while reading. As for Dotty and Keya, this story is like a visit with book friends. As always, an outstanding well-written and carefully developed plot that keeps one reading.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the prologue I was captivated by "what comes next?". A new resident, and well-known actor and director, has bought an old home in the village and arrogantly taken over the amateur "panto" play (for non-British readers, a holiday play with a simple theme and lots of funny characters). His death reveals a number of possible enemies - one of the people he rubbed the wrong way might have been a murderer. Who did it, and why?? You will be enthralled and excited! And if you haven't met Dotty and Keya yet, now's the time. - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pantomime definitely turns out to be unforgettable on opening night and ends up with Dotty along with Keya and the others needing to work out why the not so pleasant man was targeted. I always love seeing Dotty and Keya work together along with the others both police and not!
I felt the same as many others about Wickham lol so my sympathy for him wasn't high, however the case must be solved and I just loved how it was all pieced together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Madeline Brousseau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This plot was so different! I loved that no one suspected foul play for most of the book because it made the mundane seem more interesting. The pantomime was fascinating to read about, and the developments in the characters’ lives are so fun! This series is great! I just wish it had been made clear whether the killer wanted to kill or just make him sick. Excited to read more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ali W · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
An enjoyable cosy mystery where we’re back with Dotty and the gang in the 3rd instalment of the Cotswold Antique Mystery series, and this one revolves around the village panto. I really enjoyed the prologue, it was a great start and the story developed with an enjoyable plot that was an easy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Final curtain!

Victoria Tait brings her characters to life in this fascinating story. As the story progresses, they begin to feel like friends and family. When a well-known, overbearing actor dies during a local pantomime, it seems natural causes, but rumors swirl. Dottie and Keya sift through suspects and threads of evidence in hopes of ending the case in time for Christmas. I received a free copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cotswolds are ready entertainment, but an actor dropping dead on stage ruins the festive mood. Luckily, Dotty and Keya are available to help solve the mystery. There is a lot of heart in this book, with changes coming for the characters in the future. I am really looking forward to the next book, although this can be read as a standalone.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theatre drama!

An entertaining story as Keya and Dotty get caught up in another murder and theatre drama ensues.  So many suspects and reasons for the murder are revealed as the investigation proceeds.  This is a well written, enjoyable book by an author I enjoy.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Christmas read.

It’s not very often a character is introduced and you hope they are the victim. Sadly someone had to be the murderer and although I didn’t guess the ending they were on my list! Looking forward to the next one.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

He had it comin'. - The Cotswolds are thrown into the limelight when yet another death occurs in the sleepy region. Dotty and the gang put their heads together to get to bottom of this latest case. So many suspects, as the victim collected enemies practically everywhere he went. Another great cozy mystery from the absolutely brilliant mind of Ms. Tait. I was sad Keya's other series ended, but this one more than makes up for the loss. She and Dotty are a powerhouse together!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Xmas fun

Another excellent addition to one of my favourite book series. Excellent story incorporating a lot of Xmas fun and a who done it death what is not to love? Victoria has really evolved and developed the characters into realistic and likeable people.

[Gretchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good holiday read. I liked the Cotswold setting. The traditional pantomime was a bonus, since we don’t have them where I live in the U.S. I had some trouble keeping everyone straight because I haven’t read the first two books in the series. Maybe I’ll go back and do that next year.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

cozy holiday read!

This fun cozy had all the holiday trappings thrown in for a heartwarming and intriguing mystery.
Love watching all the main characters progress in life and life while solving mysteries. Such a great series!

[Julie Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

All our favorite characters and an education about pantomime if you don't have a British background.
A good mystery within the story.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series! While it can be read as a standalone, I think it is definitely more enjoyable if you’ve followed the earlier books as you can watch the characters develop. These are the only cozy mysteries I read, and I always look forward to a new release.
I really enjoyed the pantomime setting, and the murder victim definitely wasn’t someone many people were going to miss. I loved seeing Dotty and Zac’s relationship continue to grow, along with Keya and Sujin - and maybe even Aunt Beanie and Norman! The food descriptions from Keya’s cafe made me hungry, as always.
A light, festive mystery that put me in the holiday spirit.
Thanks to the author for the ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Oh, yes she did!"

Victoria Tait has done it again. She has created a cozy mystery set during a quintessential British experience. The last Cotswold Antique Mystery, A Wicket of Lies took place during a cricket match. Pantomime of Peril takes place as Dotty and her friends prepare an amateur Christmas pantomime. As she explains in the forward, a pantomime is not a silent skit, but a rowdy spoof of a traditional folktale with added local references, humor, adlibs, and audience participation. the audience will yell certain traditional lines like, "look behind you", "it;s a trap" or "Oh no he didn't." When an actor dies suddenly, everyone assumes natural causes, But when she processes the scene, Keya finds anomalies and has her doubts. She discusses the facts with her friends and Dotty's figures it out along with the reader. The plot is simple but there are four main possible suspects and all the backstage action is spot on.

Did Tait write another winner?
As they say in the pantos "Oh , yes she did!"