Movie Reels & Murder Thrills: A Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery

Lila Bennett #2

by Audrey Alden

A grand reopening. A long-lost film reel. And a murder that no one saw coming.

Mount Pleasant’s historic theater is finally set to reopen, drawing crowds eager for the grand unveiling. But when a hidden film canister is uncovered behind the stage, the celebration is cut short.

A beloved former actor is found dead in the theater’s dressing room—and the evidence points to foul play.

Lila Bennett, drawn to the mystery, digs into the theater's past. What she uncovers is far darker than she buried rivalries, a deadly love triangle, and a filmstrip with a secret worth killing for.

But the more Lila unravels, the closer she comes to the culprit—and they’ll do anything to keep their dark past hidden.

With her loyal Golden Retriever, Finn, at her side, Lila races to expose the truth before the killer strikes again.

The clock is ticking, and the dark secrets buried in the theater's history may leave her with more than she bargained for...

255 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, so i was excited to read the next adventure.
this cozy mystery will leave you wanting you to stay up late reading this.I read this book in one sitting it that good. I love the small town feel as i am reading the story. lila and her trusted dog are fun characters to read as she trying to stay out of trouble. I cant wait to see where happens next.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

his is the first book that I have read by author Audrey Alden but it won't be the last as she has away of writing mystery that I find every interesting. Her main characters are so interesting to read about. There is Lila Bennett, her Golden Retriever dog Finn and her partner in the bookstore & cafe The Gilded Spine Amy Johnson. But they need to make extra money to help pay for the repairs on the roof so they decide to try to catering to help pay for the roof repairs. So she has to go to the individual who is in charge of the reno on the historical movie theater (the Bailey Brooks Theater) and see if she can bidded on the catering to the workers who will be working on the renov. Well Alan thinks that would be a great idea so he gives her the contract. Everything was going along just fine until the last day of the reno when one of the worker found a dead body in the basement of the theater and they had to call in the police but no one knows who the body is. Lila was a investigated journalist when she lived in NewYork City so of course she can't help but think of what happen to the man and try and figure out who it is. But the chief investigator Sophia and Lila had a run in the last time there was a murder in Mount Pleasant South Carolina. And Lila is trying not to step on Sophia toes this time. Audrey Alden does seem to know how to keep the story moving on and has lots of twist and turns with everything that is happening. I will be reading the first book in this series to see what Lila did to upset Sophia so much. I would recommend this author to anyone who enjoys reading murder mysteries that do not go into great detail about the crime scene as I don't want to read about all the gore myself. So do enjoy reading this series.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a charming and atmospheric cozy mystery that draws readers into the quirky world of Lila Bennett. A former journalist turned bookshop owner with a knack for stumbling into murder investigations.

When a long-lost film reel surfaces during a theatre renovation and a dead body turns up, Lila unravels a decades-old mystery beneath the small-town charm of Mount Pleasant.

The plot is well-structured, blending mystery, nostalgia, and community politics with a satisfying sense of intrigue.

Alden excels at building textured settings. The Gilded Spine café and the historic Bailey Brooks Theatre feel vivid and alive.

Lila is an engaging protagonist: observant, witty, and warm. Her chemistry with her best friend Amy and her cautious connection with Representative Green add emotional depth without overshadowing the mystery.

The writing style is smooth and character-focused, with natural dialogue and a strong sense of place.

Overall, this is an enjoyable read for cozy mystery fans who enjoy clever sleuths, small-town secrets, and a touch of golden-age Hollywood flair.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in a really fun cozy mystery with great characters. The town is excited that the local theater is being renovated to be open again soon. Lila Bennett, formerly an investigative reporter, her intelligent, cute dog, and sidekick, Finn and her best friend, Amy Johnson, are co-owners of The Gilded Spine, a bookstore/cafe are not only excited about the reopening, but they were given the contract to cater to the construction workers. But all the excitement came to an end, when a dead actor was found in a dressing room and a missing movie canaster was found behind the stage. Being a former investigative journalist, Lila couldn't stop herself from investigating. Who killed the actor? Why? What is on the movie canister that someone wanted it hidden? Lila and Finn are on the case. We are taken through so many twists and turns, you are guessing until the ending. Not only do I highly recommend this book, but I recommend the first book in the series as well and can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Bennett and her BFF, Amy Johnson, co-owners of The Gilded Spine, are excited that the local theater is being renovated. Especially when they are awarded the catering contract for the construction crew.
Opening day arrives, and with it the discovery of a dead actor and a missing film canister- it's contents a mystery.
Against her better judgement, Lila and her trusty canine sidekick, Finn, begin to investigate and soon find that the theater has a dark past and the missing film canister holds a deadly secret.
I really enjoyed this cozy and recommend it to all cozy mystery lovers. The author brings the characters to life and does a great job of keeping the reader’s attention throughout.
I also look forward to seeing how the relationship between Lila and Representative Alan Green develops.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARCof this book for an honest review. I enjoyed meeting Lila and Finn and even though I did not real the first book of the series, it was really enjoyable. Lila moved from New York after being an investigative reporter. Even though you sense that that part of her life became overwhelming, she still has the compulsion to investigate. She is catering for a construction crew at the theatre which is being renovated when a body is discovered. Lila has had problems with the chief investigator, Sofia, in the previous book, so she needs to thread carefully. There are several mysteries that have to be worked through. The theatre was previously used as both a theatre and a playhouse.
Lila is intrigued by the murder and history of the theatre so has to investigate. Lila and Finn investigate several people and has to delve into the past as well as how it relates to the present day. Enjoyable, entertaining and lets the reader solve the mysteries along with Lila.

[Dan Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be quite an intriguing mystery. What prompted a former actor to come back to town as the old theater was being renovated, and why did he end up dead on the premises? Was there really a movie reel in the box he was found next to, and if so, where is it now? What would the movie footage reveal if it could be found, and how does all of this relate to the dead man? Almost by accident, the protagonist is in the right place at the right time to see the movie being shown on the screen, but who was playing it, and which of the people shown was responsible for the murder?
The two young women who have the combination bookstore/cafe/catering business are delightful in their own personalities and in their relationship to each other. There is also a potential budding romance for the main protagonist that we are sure to see more of in subsequent books.
I received my copy as an ARC, and this is my candid analysis.

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Movie Reels & Murder Thrills is the second book in Audrey Alden’s Lila Bennett series. Just like the first book, it kicks off with a murder and then rewinds to reveal the chain of events leading up to the discovery of the body. Lila, like Jessica Fletcher, has an uncanny knack for stumbling upon murders. As a former investigative journalist, she finds it hard to resist getting involve though she does her best not to step on the toes of the official investigators.

The story is well-paced, the mystery is intriguing, and Lila remains a compelling protagonist. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and am already looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deep in the bowels of the newly renovated Bailey Brooks Theater, Lila Bennett is finishing up her catering job when a dead body is found in a nearby closed-off room. Lila's ex-journalist senses are piqued, and she is drawn into the mystery.

Though this is the second book in the series, the author does an outstanding job of introducing the reader to the main cast without sacrificing the flow of the story. Although I had difficulty warming to the protagonist, the rest of the characters were unique personalities whose traits brought realism and authenticity to the background.

The plot was quite involved, and Lila and her counterpart in the police department (Sofia) found themselves running down many leads. Lila was much braver in her investigation than I would have been, but it lent a thrilling air to the tale.

Movie Reels & Murder Thrills is the second book in the Lila Bennett Cozy Mystery series.

Thank you to Audrey Alden and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Jessica Wilhoite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lila is excited to cater the workers who are renovating an old theater that burned several years ago - what she does not expect is for a dead body to be during the renovations.

Of course, Lila, being a former investigative journalist, can't help but investigate. What she discovers are buried secrets, a new romance, and lots of unexpected twists in discovering the killer.

I was happy to see Lila not accusing EVERY person she knows of murder, like in the first book, I'm glad to see some character growth. I enjoyed seeing the new character, Alan, and hope he sticks around in future books.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennalee Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎁 Cozy setting - Town and coffee/book shop
🎁 Easy to like characters
🎁 Curious MC
🎁 Intriguing mystery

This story has a lot of positive points, especially the ones listed above. While I liked most of the characters, some were difficult to get to know. The author contained a lot of intense parts as well, which is always fun for a mystery lover. However, I believe that the ending wasn’t as exciting as I was hoping for. This is a pretty straight forward plot without a whole lot of twists. It’s a wonderful cozy mystery read if a reader desires to simply enjoy an easy read. 😊

I received this book as an ARC book. However, my review and opinions of the book are completely my own.

[Whole Life · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it!


This is book 2 in the series, and while I didn’t quite connect with Lila the first time around, I’m really loving how the author is developing her character. Her relationship with Alan is cute, and I adore her four-legged pup, Finn, he’s the perfect sidekick. The suspense had me hooked from the start, and I couldn’t put it down. If you’re a cozy mystery fan, this one’s a must-read!.

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

[G.Terenzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The old movie theater in Mount Pleasant has been renovated and the celebration and opening day is just around the corner. Nobody expects that it will be put in jeopardy, but when the dead body of a former actor of the theater is found dead and an old film reel missing, bookstore owner Lila feels the need to give a helping hand to the investigation.
Lila uncovered much more than she bargained for and put herself in danger but that doesn't stop her or her dog Finn to unravel what somebody tries so desperately to hide for decades.

[Sandy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Both Lila and Sophia are well written likeable characters, working together to find answers and solve the mystery. The murder mystery was challenging to solve, much to my delight. Lila's sweet golden retriever, Finn, steals the scenes each time. Small town politics, greed, along with passionate advocates, are competing in trying to save the historical theater and bringing in new businesses.

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

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila Bennett moved to Mount Pleasant from NYC and still can't help doing investigating while running her bookstore/coffee shop. As she and her friend Amy are doing catering for the refurb of the local historic theater Lila was helping doing some clean up when someone found a body. It was Sebastian Longacre one of the actors from years back.
Lila is helping Sofia, the local police detective, and with Lila's dog Finn, they figure out the why of the murder and all the people involved. I received an arc and this is my review.

[Rayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery. Great characters and a cute dog who is as smart as he is cute. Main character is a retired investigative reporter from New York. She & her bestie own a book store/Cafe where you can look out the windows to see the socks and the sea. The author does an amazing job describing the people, buildings,and the environment of this quaint town that makes you wish you can visit there. There is all sorts of twists in turns with lots of details so you can try to solve the case along with them.

[Jessica Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cozy mystery from Mount Pleasant! This is book two in the series, and I love that the protagonist has softened up slightly in her questioning. I liked her in the first book, but this helps to make her endlessly more approachable while still keeping her tenacity and sense of justice. I was also thrilled at the introduction of a love interest! The mystery itself kept me guessing, as I guessed wrong multiple times! Looking forward to the next instalment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Renovations are close to being finished on the historic theater in Mount Pleasant. Nobody ever expected finding the body of a former actor dead in one of the old dressing rooms! Lila, a former investigative journalist, can't help but get involved in the investigation. With the help of her Golden Retriever Finn, Lila finds more secrets from the past than she bargained for. Can she find the long buried truth before someone else dies? Very well written story with a cast of true Southern characters. I hope to read more by this author in the future!

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie Reels & Murder Thrills book 2 Mysteries of Mount Pleasant by Audrey Alden. Lila Bennett, Finn her Golden Retriever sidekick and Amy her co-owner of The Gilded Spine a bookstore/cafe need to make extra money for roof repairs they decide to try catering. They put in a bid to cater for the construction crew doing a remodel on the Bailey Brooks Theater and of course got it and a murder is discovered in the process. I look forward to reading more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have of this series, but I think I may have to go back and catch up. This book had most of the things I look for--a well written mystery, interesting characters and a little romance. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I did not figure out the villain until the end, although I did go back and forth trying to figure in the Representative was a good or evil. Strongly recommend reading.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accident turns into a buried secret between the "group", then it turns into blackmail and murders. Whodunit???? I flip flopped between several characters, but I couldn't choose one. I enjoyed this suspenseful scary journey to the truth. The dog is a charmer and an added bonus to the story. I liked that Lila and Sophia are working more or less in tandem than at each other's throats. Lol. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lila is catering for a group of men who are refurbishing the old theatre in town. One of the men opens a door and discovers a dead man with his hand on a box of film reels, with one missing. Someone recognises him as an actor from a small group that used to perform about 10 years previously. Lily and her dog, Finn, do some snooping and she finds another dead body & gets a dreadful fright as well! A book one needs to finish after getting about half way through!

[Bernie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. While renovating an old theater the construction crew stumbles on a murdered victim. Lila and Amy of The Gilded Spine were there catering for the crew. Lila can’t help getting involved in the investigation. It almost gets her killed a couple of times. She sees things she can’t ever forget. It’s a murder with unresolved horrors, and feelings from the past. Definitely a story that keeps you up late into the night.

[Marilyn Schmidt-alvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this book today. It was a very easy read. I love suspense so this was right up my alley. The closer you get about halfway through the book, the faster you want to read to find out who dunnit. But you don’t want to reach the end of the book. I haven’t read this author before but now she is on my list to find more of her books. I received this book free and this is my opinion. You won’t be disappointed.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Lila offers catering for the movie theatre construction crew, who would have thought that it gets her involved in the search for a killer?
An amazing cozy mystery, full of action and twists and turns. I really enjoyed the interactions between Lila and the other characters, as she is settling more into her new life in a smaller town. Really fun to read and guess along.

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

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie Reels & Murder Thrills is a great story about Lila who used to be an Investigative Journalist and now part owner in a Cafe Bookshop and her clever dog Finn. Amy her friend and partner in the Cafe Bookshop.
Lila was at the Theater which was being refurbished when something happened. Lila started to look into the puzzle . Sofia is a Chief Invesigator and is happy with Lila helping to search for answers to the puzzle. Is this puzzle linked to the Past? Excellent book and series

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most entertaining book with likable characters, including the dog Finn! Lila and Amy own The Gilded Spine coffee and baked goods shop and get the catering contract for the historic theater renovation. When one of the workers discovers a dead body in one of the old dressing rooms, Lila starts to investigate, even though Detective Sophia would prefer she stayed out of it! It’s a fast-paced book that will keep your interest until the end!

[Cherie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand reopening of an historic movie theatre gets interrupted by the discovery of a hidden film reel and former actor found dead in a dressing room. Lila, a former journalist, and her canine companion Finn can’t let it go and set out to solve it. When she uncovers some dark secrets that someone wants to keep hidden it becomes a race against time to solve it before there’s another victim!! This is an intriguing and entertaining mystery with some unexpected twists!
Cherie

[Lynseygibs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens, publishers and author for an ARC of Movie Reels and Murder Thrills.

True rating 3.5 stars.

Having read the first book I was hoping for a little more out of the second book in the series. It dis give more, however I found times things were supposed to be happening confusing (morning meeting calling it nighttime etc). Other than that confusion i enjoyed this more than the first book in the series. Hopefully number 3 will be on the up again.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owner of the Gilded Spine Lila Bennett gets involved in two gruesome murders. She becomes a valuable asset to the investigating detective in charge regarding solving the case . Many secrets were behind this intriguing read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers .