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Posie Parker Mystery #1
Murder Offstage
Like your mysteries cozy and set during the Golden Age of Crime? This is the first book in the Posie Parker mysteries, although this novel can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story in its own right. Set in London in 1921, 'Murder Offstage' is full of intrigue and red herrings. This is a classic murder mystery which will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
When Posie Parker’s childhood friend is robbed of a priceless jewel and becomes a suspect in a cold-blooded murder case, budding detective Posie vows she will clear his name. Aided by her seriously gorgeous assistant Len, Posie soon realizes things are not quite as they seem, and the darkly-glamorous world of London’s theatre and glittering nightclubs prove far more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.
Just who exactly is the dangerous Lucky Lucy Gibson? And who is it she has killed in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel? And more importantly, what on earth has happened to Mr Minks, the much-loved office cat?
When Posie Parker’s childhood friend is robbed of a priceless jewel and becomes a suspect in a cold-blooded murder case, budding detective Posie vows she will clear his name. Aided by her seriously gorgeous assistant Len, Posie soon realizes things are not quite as they seem, and the darkly-glamorous world of London’s theatre and glittering nightclubs prove far more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.
Just who exactly is the dangerous Lucky Lucy Gibson? And who is it she has killed in the lobby of the Ritz Hotel? And more importantly, what on earth has happened to Mr Minks, the much-loved office cat?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 2014
1529 people are currently reading
3248 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Hathaway
31 books339 followersCambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
May 21, 2020
3.5 stars
I'd never heard of Posie Parker but the description in the blurb that says this is an Agatha Christie/Downton Abby mash-up is pretty accurate. If that's your jam, you're probably going to enjoy Murder Offstage.
This was part of the COVID-19 free borrows from Hoopla.
I never would have found this otherwise, so that's yet another awesome goodie I managed to snag from this deal.
Ok, while I loved most of the cast of characters, the setting, and even just the general vibe of the book, I did find some parts of the plot a bit too silly. Especially toward the end at the big showdown, the characters and their actions went completely off the rails into Nonsenseland.
The ending itself took a bit too long to wrap up, as well.
It could have been tighter, that's all I'm saying.
Once she was out of danger, I didn't need all of that other stuff dragged out and then wrapped up for me.
However. None of that would stop me from reading another one of Posie Parker's mysteries. In the end, it was just the end that I found to be too over the top and drawn out.
And for me there was way more good than bad here. I've already hunted down the next audiobook, in fact.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.
read by Clare Wille
I'd never heard of Posie Parker but the description in the blurb that says this is an Agatha Christie/Downton Abby mash-up is pretty accurate. If that's your jam, you're probably going to enjoy Murder Offstage.
This was part of the COVID-19 free borrows from Hoopla.
I never would have found this otherwise, so that's yet another awesome goodie I managed to snag from this deal.
Ok, while I loved most of the cast of characters, the setting, and even just the general vibe of the book, I did find some parts of the plot a bit too silly. Especially toward the end at the big showdown, the characters and their actions went completely off the rails into Nonsenseland.
The ending itself took a bit too long to wrap up, as well.
It could have been tighter, that's all I'm saying.
Once she was out of danger, I didn't need all of that other stuff dragged out and then wrapped up for me.
However. None of that would stop me from reading another one of Posie Parker's mysteries. In the end, it was just the end that I found to be too over the top and drawn out.
And for me there was way more good than bad here. I've already hunted down the next audiobook, in fact.
Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries.
read by Clare Wille
May 5, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
This is a first novel, and reads like it in some places - the plot, for example, has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. (Murder! Diamond theft! Kidnapping! Smuggling! Criminal mastermind with a cat and Villain Talking Disease! (I could only envision him as Donald Sutherland.)
The pacing was just a bit too frenetic for my taste - I doubt I will be reading any further in the series.
This is a first novel, and reads like it in some places - the plot, for example, has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in. (Murder! Diamond theft! Kidnapping! Smuggling! Criminal mastermind with a cat and Villain Talking Disease! (I could only envision him as Donald Sutherland.)
The pacing was just a bit too frenetic for my taste - I doubt I will be reading any further in the series.
April 8, 2018
3,5 Stars
A likeable and intrepid heroine, a legendary Indian diamond, a shady underground club and some 1920s glitz and glamour. What's not to like?
Posie Parker has just stumbled upon the decisive case that could finally make a success out of her career and "The Grape Street Bureau" detective agency. Starting with a murder at the Ritz and then passing through an elusive lady-thief with many identities, cursed priceless gems, dangerous foreign aristocrats and a catnapping (poor Mr. Minks!), Posie, against the exciting backdrop of London's Theatre District, will have to put her investigative skills to the test, manage to stay alive and, why not, give a chance to a budding romance with Len, the man who has stolen her heart, a trustworthy associate and, last but not least, the best shadower she has ever met.
Cozy with some extra bite reviving the formula and a refreshing setting to get us out of those libraries, kitchens, small towns usually crowding the genre, Murder Off-Stage smoothly reads like an engaging whodunnit. And while the plot was fun and twisty enough to hold my attention without problem throughout the book, I all the same noticed an uneven pace making some sections drag a little, parts where I got the impression too much room was given to secondary characters' incursions and interactions and where not all threads seemed like they were as deftly and tightly kept together as in the first half. The dialogues could maybe have been more enhanced to better bring out all the comedic potential and to balance the slightly over-expositive, pleasant nonetheless, writing style.
Characterisation-wise, coming across as resourceful and witty and with a healthy dose of endearing self-deprecation, Posie really was the only one personage to be fully fleshed out, though also other figures were able to rise above the mere cardboard status, especially the old earl and Len himself, even if the romantic aspect is left in the background, just a starting point to what will probably be an ongoing love story taking up next instalments to find a resolution.
On the whole, an entertaining historical mystery showcasing good quality, lively prose underscored by a gentle humour.
January 15, 2023
Just ok.
Predictable, a little bland, the main character was a little too naive for my taste and I thought the catnapping was silly.
Predictable, a little bland, the main character was a little too naive for my taste and I thought the catnapping was silly.
January 23, 2022
won’t bother giving this book a proper review, because I could not read it. I literally could not read it, because the writing was just so bad and did not give off a 1920s vibe at all. I recommend to the author that if she is trying to write a historically accurate cosy mystery, she should get the historically accurate part down right at least, even if the mystery isn’t well planned out. The truth of the matter is that without good writing, no matter how good an idea or a mystery is, you just can’t pull it off because the readers will be turned off by the terrible writing. Such is the case for me with this, but at least I can say that I tried. Unfortunately, despite the eye-catching covers of this series, it is not one that I feel I can get into.
December 27, 2020
Meh... the language is not authentic to the period, the characters are mostly caricature, and the willing cooperation of Scotland Yard detectives beyond belief. This seems like the first effort of a life-long reader of mystery fiction, someone who wanted to use every cliche in the genre. I’ve read worse, but this is the kind of book you would never recommend to anyone. Some moments are well written and ring true, but the main character is so annoyingly over-confident you almost hope something bad happens to her to teach her a lesson—that is a deal-breaker.
July 18, 2023
I read this awhile ago. I am now bringing my review to Goodreads.
Set in the London of the 1920's, we meet Rosie, who is a likable and fearless heroine. On the whole, this book is an entertaining historical mystery showcasing lively prose and underscored gentle humor.
Still...
Be careful as the author gives us quite a bit to take in.
In this book, there is murder, the theft of a diamond (not just any diamond - a cursed diamond), a kidnapping, a smuggling, and a criminal mastermind. Oh my!
Cozy cute fun.
Set in the London of the 1920's, we meet Rosie, who is a likable and fearless heroine. On the whole, this book is an entertaining historical mystery showcasing lively prose and underscored gentle humor.
Still...
Be careful as the author gives us quite a bit to take in.
In this book, there is murder, the theft of a diamond (not just any diamond - a cursed diamond), a kidnapping, a smuggling, and a criminal mastermind. Oh my!
Cozy cute fun.
July 22, 2023
Right book, right time for me! I loved this cozy mystery set in 1921 London. There are many delightful characters (including a villain!) and lots of twists and turns. I especially loved Posie and Rufus and Dolly. Of course I’m all about novels set in the interwar years, so many interesting tensions to explore. I’m definitely going to continue in the series.
Clare Wille is the narrator, and I love her voice!
Clare Wille is the narrator, and I love her voice!
September 6, 2021
Reminds me of Miss Fisher (Kerry Greenwood)...
If you enjoy Miss Marple, Poirot, Miss Silver, and Miss Fisher, you'll love Miss Posie Parker! Taking place in the roaring 1920's, the plucky Posie will keep you reading until the end!
If you enjoy Miss Marple, Poirot, Miss Silver, and Miss Fisher, you'll love Miss Posie Parker! Taking place in the roaring 1920's, the plucky Posie will keep you reading until the end!
February 8, 2025
This was supremely enjoyable, the perfect thinking person's female detective story all wrapped up with a 1920s twist.
One more to mark off my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.
One more to mark off my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.
October 13, 2020
I followed narrator Clare Wille down the rabbit hole and listened to her reading Murder Offstage by L.B. Hathaway. This is the first in the Posie Parker Mystery Series set in the early 20s.
Main character is the spunky Posie Parker, a female sleuth – a cross between Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew – who solves murder mystery cases in 1920’s London. These are mystery cozies, so the tone is light even though the bodies are piling up. I thought it was a very entertaining plot with a likeable protagonist and interesting supporting cast. This is only book one in the series, so I know it will gain momentum and grow along the way.
I think the narration by the fabulous Clare Wille was key to giving it 4 stars. She did all the voices (quite a big cast) and accents flawlessly. Bravo! I am delighted to see Scribd has the whole series of audio books for me to explore. Yay!
Themes: London 1921, a cursed diamond is missing, The Athenaeum Theatre, an underground night club, Mr. Minx the cat, Belgian musicians, a smuggling ring, La Luna, a Swiss Count, mistaken identity.
4 Stars
Main character is the spunky Posie Parker, a female sleuth – a cross between Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew – who solves murder mystery cases in 1920’s London. These are mystery cozies, so the tone is light even though the bodies are piling up. I thought it was a very entertaining plot with a likeable protagonist and interesting supporting cast. This is only book one in the series, so I know it will gain momentum and grow along the way.
I think the narration by the fabulous Clare Wille was key to giving it 4 stars. She did all the voices (quite a big cast) and accents flawlessly. Bravo! I am delighted to see Scribd has the whole series of audio books for me to explore. Yay!
Themes: London 1921, a cursed diamond is missing, The Athenaeum Theatre, an underground night club, Mr. Minx the cat, Belgian musicians, a smuggling ring, La Luna, a Swiss Count, mistaken identity.
4 Stars
December 22, 2015
This was a fun book! I love the plucky detective Posie and her friends. The story has loads of plot points that might seem like clichés, but are all handled in a dashing and colorful way with a fair dose of humor, which is part of the fun... The pacing is fast, and the prose is quite smooth and easy to read. I found no typographical errors in the whole book, and that always makes me smile... This one I picked up as a freebie one day on Amazon, but I'll certainly be putting more of this series on my list.
August 20, 2021
I really enjoyed my read, unlike the main characters in the cozy mysteries I'm used to read, Posie has some sense, she never goes "tête baissée" when she has a hint but always makes sure she has back up.
The plot was good, it was easy to eliminate the prime suspects and find out what it was all about, the characters are well developped, they have their own personalities, my favorite one was the Scotland yard inspector, after the cat off course.
Hope the series gets better with the second book, I'll keep up with it and see what Posie is planning next.
The plot was good, it was easy to eliminate the prime suspects and find out what it was all about, the characters are well developped, they have their own personalities, my favorite one was the Scotland yard inspector, after the cat off course.
Hope the series gets better with the second book, I'll keep up with it and see what Posie is planning next.
March 23, 2024
Set in 1921, Murder Offstage is full of intrigue and red herrings. When Posie Parker’s childhood friend is robbed of a priceless jewel and becomes a suspect in a cold-blooded murder case, budding detective Posie vows she will clear his name. Aided by her seriously gorgeous assistant Len, Posie soon realizes things are not quite as they seem, and the darkly-glamorous world of London’s theatre and glittering nightclubs prove far more dangerous than she ever could have imagined. Just who exactly is the dangerous Lucky Lucy Gibson? And why has she killed the first violin player of the local theatre? And more importantly, what on earth has happened to Mr Minks, the much-loved office cat?
A better than average cozy mystery.
A better than average cozy mystery.
September 28, 2021
Saw this and I was like why not.
It was a bit cliche at times, but it was so cute, is probably best to read in winter though. It has a December feel to it.
It was a bit cliche at times, but it was so cute, is probably best to read in winter though. It has a December feel to it.
May 8, 2016
I don't read cozy mysteries for their literary value, so let's get that aspect out of the way. I look for serviceable writing and plot and fairly interesting characters. Usually, a three-star rating describes a book that meets or exceeds that criteria and two stars denotes one that was less satisfying in these or other ways, but worth finishing nonetheless.
Posie Parker (the name already grates) is our "plucky" detective heroine. It strains the imagination that she is so friendly with Scotland Yard operatives that she's regularly invited to sit in on strategy sessions and given access to their archives, so one suspends disbelief. The writing is occasionally clunky, but not awfully so. Ultimately, Murder Offstage serves its purpose (for me, anyway) of a light read that occasionally engages and serves as a respite between meatier reading. Nothing wrong with that.
Posie Parker (the name already grates) is our "plucky" detective heroine. It strains the imagination that she is so friendly with Scotland Yard operatives that she's regularly invited to sit in on strategy sessions and given access to their archives, so one suspends disbelief. The writing is occasionally clunky, but not awfully so. Ultimately, Murder Offstage serves its purpose (for me, anyway) of a light read that occasionally engages and serves as a respite between meatier reading. Nothing wrong with that.
August 30, 2015
what a great read! i enjoyed the entire book. It was hard to stop to eat and sleep! Full of action, excitement, mystery and questions! There seemed to be something new after each page turn. One of the main things that made this such a great book was the authors writing style. It was easy, faced paced and flowed smoothly throughout.
I would highly recommend this author and this book to anyone. I look forward to reading the next episode!
I would highly recommend this author and this book to anyone. I look forward to reading the next episode!
June 1, 2021
2.5 stars, to tell you the truth. My favorite genre and promising seeds in the plot, but it fails to build up momentum. Partly due to the narrator?
June 28, 2022
1.5 rounded up
This was actually an audio book for a long car drive and as such was an easy listen/read. A fairly standard cozy crime, although perhaps a little drawn out but it kept me entertained. I might try the next to see how the series progresses.
This was actually an audio book for a long car drive and as such was an easy listen/read. A fairly standard cozy crime, although perhaps a little drawn out but it kept me entertained. I might try the next to see how the series progresses.
October 10, 2023
3.5 stars
This had enough rhythm to hold my interest and was not as lightweight as I expected. I plan to continue the series.
This had enough rhythm to hold my interest and was not as lightweight as I expected. I plan to continue the series.
February 27, 2022
First I want to say that I listened to the audiobook and it was a solid, decently narrated book.
Now, I don't know how to rate this thing.
For the most part, I did sort of enjoy the book. I was originally intending on 2 1/5 stars rounded up to 3. But, when I didn't enjoy the book, I really, really disliked it.
For example, the resolution to the case was...really stupid. I mean, Posie was a decent sleuth - she investigated, things didn't fall in her lap (though she always had a thought/memory just out of reach, it seemed) and she does have a decent head on her shoulders. The resolution however did fall in her lap, along with several big 'reveals' that took away from the mystery I thought we were investigating.
Which, admittedly, the mystery itself was lackluster. So, we have two murders and a theft and...we know who killed one of the people immediately and the other murder and the theft were...not the best handled, in my opinion. Really, this case seemed to want to be more historical thriller than the cozy mystery I was personally wanting.
All this wasn't awful - wasn't great either, but I could handle it. What I couldn't handle so well was the characters.
Posie is an okay detective. Unless she's around her employee or her business partner. Her employee is a woman that, right from the start she seemed to hate and be jealous of in turns. Her business partner is a handsome young man that she is already in love with. He has a ... girlfriend? Lady friend? I don't know what you want to call it, but there is a woman in his life that means when he and Posie kiss that he is cheating on her. Posie is facilitating the cheating because she knows he's spoken for and she still kisses him. And at the end of the book, Posie seems to think that his 'friend' is barely a footnote in her and he being together.
Look, I can't abide cheaters. I don't even care anymore what the truth is. Posie thinks he has a girlfriend and she still kisses him and allows him to woo her. This and Posie stamping her foot like a petulant child at the Moriarty (and the book essentially saying that using those very words) made me loose the respect that Posie had actually, surprisingly, kept through the book.
It also made me decide to pass on anymore of the series because I was willing to give the series a second chance in hopes that I would like some of the other cases more than this one.
Sooo... 2 stars minus one for cheating cheaters who cheat. So 1 star.
(Enjoy this stream of consciousness review.)
Now, I don't know how to rate this thing.
For the most part, I did sort of enjoy the book. I was originally intending on 2 1/5 stars rounded up to 3. But, when I didn't enjoy the book, I really, really disliked it.
For example, the resolution to the case was...really stupid. I mean, Posie was a decent sleuth - she investigated, things didn't fall in her lap (though she always had a thought/memory just out of reach, it seemed) and she does have a decent head on her shoulders. The resolution however did fall in her lap, along with several big 'reveals' that took away from the mystery I thought we were investigating.
Which, admittedly, the mystery itself was lackluster. So, we have two murders and a theft and...we know who killed one of the people immediately and the other murder and the theft were...not the best handled, in my opinion. Really, this case seemed to want to be more historical thriller than the cozy mystery I was personally wanting.
All this wasn't awful - wasn't great either, but I could handle it. What I couldn't handle so well was the characters.
Posie is an okay detective. Unless she's around her employee or her business partner. Her employee is a woman that, right from the start she seemed to hate and be jealous of in turns. Her business partner is a handsome young man that she is already in love with. He has a ... girlfriend? Lady friend? I don't know what you want to call it, but there is a woman in his life that means when he and Posie kiss that he is cheating on her. Posie is facilitating the cheating because she knows he's spoken for and she still kisses him. And at the end of the book, Posie seems to think that his 'friend' is barely a footnote in her and he being together.
Look, I can't abide cheaters. I don't even care anymore what the truth is. Posie thinks he has a girlfriend and she still kisses him and allows him to woo her. This and Posie stamping her foot like a petulant child at the Moriarty (and the book essentially saying that using those very words) made me loose the respect that Posie had actually, surprisingly, kept through the book.
It also made me decide to pass on anymore of the series because I was willing to give the series a second chance in hopes that I would like some of the other cases more than this one.
Sooo... 2 stars minus one for cheating cheaters who cheat. So 1 star.
(Enjoy this stream of consciousness review.)
July 9, 2015
It's 1921, and Posie Parker is attempting to make it on her own as a PI in London. She was a nurse in the Great War, so she's aware of the plight of the many veterans struggling to make it back to a "normal" life. Her pals Len and Rufus were in the war as well, as was her fiance, who was among the many who didn't make it back.
Len is her partner in the PI office, backed by his father. He works on divorce-type cases (spying and photographing for proof and the like), whereas Parker eschews those cases for more mysteries and crime for her meat and potatoes. She's quite good, too. Posie is feisty, for sure, and that often puts her in danger. In the end, though, she comes through on her promise to find the missing diamond. I believe we'll see the Count again in this series. He was too ominous to avoid...and he'll want revenge!
Hathaway is obviously well-versed in the period. In one spot, Parker is incredulous as to who would have a telephone is their own house?! A detective series in this period really makes you think how much easier it is today, what with cell phones and the internet.
Picked this up on kindle after reading J.J. Murphy's "Murder Your Darlings" (An Algonquin Round Table Mystery #1).
Len is her partner in the PI office, backed by his father. He works on divorce-type cases (spying and photographing for proof and the like), whereas Parker eschews those cases for more mysteries and crime for her meat and potatoes. She's quite good, too. Posie is feisty, for sure, and that often puts her in danger. In the end, though, she comes through on her promise to find the missing diamond. I believe we'll see the Count again in this series. He was too ominous to avoid...and he'll want revenge!
Hathaway is obviously well-versed in the period. In one spot, Parker is incredulous as to who would have a telephone is their own house?! A detective series in this period really makes you think how much easier it is today, what with cell phones and the internet.
Picked this up on kindle after reading J.J. Murphy's "Murder Your Darlings" (An Algonquin Round Table Mystery #1).
May 7, 2018
This was an average mystery. The characters were forgettable. The author didn't give enough background on the characters. You knew Posie Parker was a detective, but why? She just put a sign up, started a detective business. I thought she was too much of a dim wit to be a detective. Who runs out the door in a snowstorm with no coat and no shoes? It was a good story for place. This was set in 1920's London. She described it well. My greatest pet peeve is with the timeline. Some reviews fact checked the 1920's and came to the same conclusion that I did. This was more of a 1940's timeline. In the first paragraph, people are drinking sour apple martinis, which were popular in 1940's. The language used was not 1920's either. I got tired of phrases like by Jove and as sure as bread is bread. If authors don't take the time to do their research, then I have no desire to read the second book in the series. I would recommend it if you are looking for a light read with a simple storyline. The big reveal at the end, underwhelming.
December 17, 2015
This book is the ultimate in comfort-reading: an intelligently written, lightly-flowing murder mystery, set in the 1920’s. It’s a cross between an Agatha Christie and a Nancy Drew novel: a female sleuth solving mysteries in the underworld of 1920s London, assisted by her cat and a potential love interest. I devoured it in two days, and can’t wait for the next in the series. If you’re looking for a fun murder mystery with an eminently likeable heroine in the stylish world of 1920s London, then this is the book for you.
An example of her witty prose:
“‘Rufus!’ she called brightly. Tucking her enormous carpet bag under her arm, she hitched up her pencil skirt and stepped calmly over the headless body, judging it correctly as the quickest way to get to her old friend. She made for the crowded Grand Staircase, floating upwards on a cloud of parma violet.”
An example of her witty prose:
“‘Rufus!’ she called brightly. Tucking her enormous carpet bag under her arm, she hitched up her pencil skirt and stepped calmly over the headless body, judging it correctly as the quickest way to get to her old friend. She made for the crowded Grand Staircase, floating upwards on a cloud of parma violet.”
December 15, 2014
I like the Posie Parker cozies.
There aren't enough of them, just a hint to the author.... :-)
There aren't enough of them, just a hint to the author.... :-)
February 1, 2021
A new cozy and historical mystery to wrap your mind around.
We begin with the first book in the Posie Parker Mystery Series: Offstage Murder set in 1921's England. Here we find our mc called out on a new job -- one she needs, and she isn't quite sure what she's stepped into.
We're thrust into the murder on the very first page, and I have to say that Author L.B. Hathaway does an admirable job of setting up the scene and giving us our first view of Posie Parker. The young detective takes in the location, position, and commotion before entering the London Ritz Hotel with ease. Somehow, she isn't disconcerted by the dead body on display, but instead, makes a concise perusal of the body and what he's wearing before entering the domain and finding the man she'd gone there to meet.
An old friend of her brother's, and by extension, her family is in need of her services, and she rushes to his side to find out what all the hubbub is about. Once there, he not only tells her the tale of a stolen and priceless diamond but finds himself arrested in connection to the murdered man. Posie sets out to find out information and recover the diamond for him while clearing his name of murder.
A quick debrief of Posie's background throughout the first few chapters tell us she was an ambulance driver in the Great War, lost her brother and husband on the battlefields, and soon lost her father, a parish rector, not long afterward. With a legacy from her father left in his will and being ousted from her own home, she moves to London and sets up her dream agency. She calls it The Grape Street Bureau: P. Parker & Associates. Of course, she's hesitant to tell the world that it's an one-woman business, and after two months of no clients, she's afraid it won't matter for much longer. She might be penniless and without any hope of a job.
However, we're given the facts of a visit from a Mr. Irving who was a real detective with his own agency and employees. Ready to retire and hating to close business -- even though he's being forced out of his basement offices, he strikes a deal with Posie: take on his son, old jobs, and split the income 50/50. Against her better judgement and out of fear of being closed down herself, she accepts the terms.
Thankfully, this all works out to her advantage. Len Irving is not only a praiseworthy worker, but he's not bad to look at either. He works hard, handles a lot of the continued cases leftover from his father's business -- Posie doesn't exactly see them as worthwhile, and he brings in more ventures as time goes on. Including investigations that Posie finds comfortable taking on herself and less sordid and sneaky than that ones the Irvings had been inspecting.
Now, Posie is taking on Rufus Cardigeon's case. The case already has a dead body, a curse on the stolen jewel, an infamous outlaw, and creepy stalkers. She finds her movements dogged by an underworld criminal and making unlikely alliances.
Beyond all of the ups and downs of the legal events, Posie is also dealing with an incompetent secretary -- who might be a spy and her partner, Len, whom she has been in love with since he first came to work with her and has been giving her some mixed messages. There's a lot on this amateur detective's plate, and it's beginning to look as if she's in over her head.
A few highlights revolve around the sting operation into the underground nightclub, Posie's lack of squeamish behavior when meeting the dead, her quick and clever idea to tell the story of the raid to a newby Associated Press journalist in exchange for a future favor, the evidence piling against Rufus, the mysterious -- possibly forged letters, the gentleman waiting for Posie in her office who happened to disappear without anyone else seeing him -- and he never met with Posie and told her what he wanted; the supposedly Catholic priest at the inquest that no one noticed but Posie, and so much more keep your attention hooked and reading.
Overall this was a well-written, solid plot with a complex main character who I liked more and more as the book progressed. I'm eager to read the author's series and see what develops next and how Posie learns, grows, and evolves in the coming stories. It was a great book to keep me company bringing in the new year. As a result of the above stated reasons and more, I'm giving this a 4/5 "really liked it" rating. It's a series I can't wait to fall in love with, and I encourage you to give it a try for a fun, cozy, historical mystery treat.
For more details about my feelings on Murder Offstage, check out my blog book review: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
We begin with the first book in the Posie Parker Mystery Series: Offstage Murder set in 1921's England. Here we find our mc called out on a new job -- one she needs, and she isn't quite sure what she's stepped into.
We're thrust into the murder on the very first page, and I have to say that Author L.B. Hathaway does an admirable job of setting up the scene and giving us our first view of Posie Parker. The young detective takes in the location, position, and commotion before entering the London Ritz Hotel with ease. Somehow, she isn't disconcerted by the dead body on display, but instead, makes a concise perusal of the body and what he's wearing before entering the domain and finding the man she'd gone there to meet.
An old friend of her brother's, and by extension, her family is in need of her services, and she rushes to his side to find out what all the hubbub is about. Once there, he not only tells her the tale of a stolen and priceless diamond but finds himself arrested in connection to the murdered man. Posie sets out to find out information and recover the diamond for him while clearing his name of murder.
A quick debrief of Posie's background throughout the first few chapters tell us she was an ambulance driver in the Great War, lost her brother and husband on the battlefields, and soon lost her father, a parish rector, not long afterward. With a legacy from her father left in his will and being ousted from her own home, she moves to London and sets up her dream agency. She calls it The Grape Street Bureau: P. Parker & Associates. Of course, she's hesitant to tell the world that it's an one-woman business, and after two months of no clients, she's afraid it won't matter for much longer. She might be penniless and without any hope of a job.
However, we're given the facts of a visit from a Mr. Irving who was a real detective with his own agency and employees. Ready to retire and hating to close business -- even though he's being forced out of his basement offices, he strikes a deal with Posie: take on his son, old jobs, and split the income 50/50. Against her better judgement and out of fear of being closed down herself, she accepts the terms.
Thankfully, this all works out to her advantage. Len Irving is not only a praiseworthy worker, but he's not bad to look at either. He works hard, handles a lot of the continued cases leftover from his father's business -- Posie doesn't exactly see them as worthwhile, and he brings in more ventures as time goes on. Including investigations that Posie finds comfortable taking on herself and less sordid and sneaky than that ones the Irvings had been inspecting.
Now, Posie is taking on Rufus Cardigeon's case. The case already has a dead body, a curse on the stolen jewel, an infamous outlaw, and creepy stalkers. She finds her movements dogged by an underworld criminal and making unlikely alliances.
Beyond all of the ups and downs of the legal events, Posie is also dealing with an incompetent secretary -- who might be a spy and her partner, Len, whom she has been in love with since he first came to work with her and has been giving her some mixed messages. There's a lot on this amateur detective's plate, and it's beginning to look as if she's in over her head.
A few highlights revolve around the sting operation into the underground nightclub, Posie's lack of squeamish behavior when meeting the dead, her quick and clever idea to tell the story of the raid to a newby Associated Press journalist in exchange for a future favor, the evidence piling against Rufus, the mysterious -- possibly forged letters, the gentleman waiting for Posie in her office who happened to disappear without anyone else seeing him -- and he never met with Posie and told her what he wanted; the supposedly Catholic priest at the inquest that no one noticed but Posie, and so much more keep your attention hooked and reading.
Overall this was a well-written, solid plot with a complex main character who I liked more and more as the book progressed. I'm eager to read the author's series and see what develops next and how Posie learns, grows, and evolves in the coming stories. It was a great book to keep me company bringing in the new year. As a result of the above stated reasons and more, I'm giving this a 4/5 "really liked it" rating. It's a series I can't wait to fall in love with, and I encourage you to give it a try for a fun, cozy, historical mystery treat.
For more details about my feelings on Murder Offstage, check out my blog book review: https://rebeccaswriteinspirations.blo...
September 25, 2020
First in the Posie Parker series, but the third one for me to read. Enjoy this series very much, with the London setting of the early 1920s, the references to the Great War and the sleuthing of the appealing young woman private detective. Easy reading but suspenseful and atmospheric, in the Agatha Christie style.
September 29, 2022
I almost gave this book at 2 or 2.5 star rating because the mystery was so convoluted that I lost interest through most of the book. However, the last hour it finally picked up and became exciting, so I increased it to 3 stars. At some point I will probably listen to book #2 because I’d like to see how the characters grow, but I’m in no rush.
March 23, 2017
Entertaining crime mystery involving guns, diamonds, and counterfeit money. Posie Parker is a wonderful character full of confidence and can sure hang with the "big boys" in 1920's London. Looking forward to reading Miss Parker's next case.
April 8, 2018
Great adventure
Poise Parker is new to the game as a P.I. She and Scotland Yard team up to solve a murder that turns into so much more.
I enjoyed the attention given to what London was like during the time after WWI.
A joy to read.
Poise Parker is new to the game as a P.I. She and Scotland Yard team up to solve a murder that turns into so much more.
I enjoyed the attention given to what London was like during the time after WWI.
A joy to read.
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