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An Ivy Meadows Mystery #1
MacDeath
Like every actor, Ivy Meadows knows that Macbeth is cursed. But she’s finally scored her big break, cast as an acrobatic witch in a circus-themed production of Macbeth in Phoenix, Arizona. And though it may not be Broadway, nothing can dampen her enthusiasm—not her flying cauldron, too-tight leotard, or carrot-wielding dictator of a director.
But when one of the cast dies on opening night, Ivy is sure the seeming accident is “murder most foul” and that she’s the perfect person to solve the crime (after all, she does work part-time in her uncle’s detective agency). Undeterred by a poisoned Big Gulp, the threat of being blackballed, and the suddenly too-real curse, Ivy pursues the truth at the risk of her hard-won career — and her life.
But when one of the cast dies on opening night, Ivy is sure the seeming accident is “murder most foul” and that she’s the perfect person to solve the crime (after all, she does work part-time in her uncle’s detective agency). Undeterred by a poisoned Big Gulp, the threat of being blackballed, and the suddenly too-real curse, Ivy pursues the truth at the risk of her hard-won career — and her life.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
55 people are currently reading
1339 people want to read
About the author
Cindy Brown
43 books168 followersCindy Brown has been a theater geek (musician, actor, director, producer, and playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. Now a full-time writer, she’s lucky enough to have garnered several awards (including 3rd place in the 2013 international Words With Jam First Page Competition, judged by Sue Grafton!) and is an alumnus of the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop.
Though Cindy and her husband now live in Portland, Oregon, she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities.
Though Cindy and her husband now live in Portland, Oregon, she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 10, 2016
Ivy Meadows, like every other theatre actor, has heard the rumours about Macbeth being cursed. But when she finally gets her big break being cast as one of the witches in a new circus themed production of the classic Shakespearian play, Ivy shakes off her apprehensions and dives into the cauldron. Things are going great until someone mutters the “M” word and cast mate ends up dead. Could it be the curse is real or is the cause a little less supernatural? Ivy, with the help of her P.I. Uncle set out to find the truth.
I went into this hoping for a fun, light, easy read and that is exactly what I got. There is certainly nothing groundbreaking here but it’s a very enjoyable ride and I’ll certainly check out the next book in the series.
I went into this hoping for a fun, light, easy read and that is exactly what I got. There is certainly nothing groundbreaking here but it’s a very enjoyable ride and I’ll certainly check out the next book in the series.
January 29, 2015
“My name is Ivy Meadows, and I am an actress!” With this affirmation begins MacDeath, the debut of an incredibly sweet and offbeat cozy mystery series.
Perky Ivy Meadows (the stage name for a young woman with the more prosaic name of Olive Ziegwart) gets cast as one of the three witches in a production of Macbeth in Phoenix, Arizona. Fortunately for the production, Simon Black, a legendary British film and stage star, has landed the role of King Duncan; unfortunately for the production, he dies after opening night. Everyone thinks that Black, 38 days sober, has relapsed and died of alcohol poisoning — except Ivy. She convinces her kind-hearted private-detective Uncle Bob Duda to assist her, and the pair of them seek to find out what’s behind Black’s death and a series of other unfortunate accidents occurring during the run of that Scottish play.
Humorous and cleverly plotted, with an interesting subplot about Ivy’s kid brother, MacDeath will delight readers with a passion for light cozies with a twist.
Perky Ivy Meadows (the stage name for a young woman with the more prosaic name of Olive Ziegwart) gets cast as one of the three witches in a production of Macbeth in Phoenix, Arizona. Fortunately for the production, Simon Black, a legendary British film and stage star, has landed the role of King Duncan; unfortunately for the production, he dies after opening night. Everyone thinks that Black, 38 days sober, has relapsed and died of alcohol poisoning — except Ivy. She convinces her kind-hearted private-detective Uncle Bob Duda to assist her, and the pair of them seek to find out what’s behind Black’s death and a series of other unfortunate accidents occurring during the run of that Scottish play.
Humorous and cleverly plotted, with an interesting subplot about Ivy’s kid brother, MacDeath will delight readers with a passion for light cozies with a twist.
January 25, 2015
If I could give it more than 5, I would. (It's books like this that make me question other 5s I have given.)
It's not very often that I sit down with a book and, when done, can't find a single thing wrong with it. There always seems to be something that bugs me, at least a little bit. Either there was a character that I didn't care for, something happened that I couldn't quite understand, there are more boring points than I would have liked, the ending falls flat or *cough cough* there's editing issues *cough cough*.
The ones that I love are the hardest ones to review, harder than the ones that are full of issues. Why? Because I want to immediately start running-off-at-the-mouth about every thing that I loved, which would ruin the story for the next person. And I am the last person that would want to do that.
This is one of those books that falls into the category of perfect for me. It's a mystery, which puts it above the rest anyways (I am addicted to mysteries and horror novels). It's interesting, it's fun, it's creative - it blew me away. Each page kept me reading more and it was hard for me to put down. The characters were fantastic and I loved them all, especially Ivy and her uncle.
This is a series that I definitely want to finish and the author has joined the handful (or two) of authors that I wait in breathless anticipation for their releases, who I will put down what I'm reading to pick up their book. HIGHLY recommended.
Thank you, Ms. Brown. Thank you.
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion based on my own personal impression of the book.
It's not very often that I sit down with a book and, when done, can't find a single thing wrong with it. There always seems to be something that bugs me, at least a little bit. Either there was a character that I didn't care for, something happened that I couldn't quite understand, there are more boring points than I would have liked, the ending falls flat or *cough cough* there's editing issues *cough cough*.
The ones that I love are the hardest ones to review, harder than the ones that are full of issues. Why? Because I want to immediately start running-off-at-the-mouth about every thing that I loved, which would ruin the story for the next person. And I am the last person that would want to do that.
This is one of those books that falls into the category of perfect for me. It's a mystery, which puts it above the rest anyways (I am addicted to mysteries and horror novels). It's interesting, it's fun, it's creative - it blew me away. Each page kept me reading more and it was hard for me to put down. The characters were fantastic and I loved them all, especially Ivy and her uncle.
This is a series that I definitely want to finish and the author has joined the handful (or two) of authors that I wait in breathless anticipation for their releases, who I will put down what I'm reading to pick up their book. HIGHLY recommended.
Thank you, Ms. Brown. Thank you.
Note: I received a copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Please remember that this review is my opinion based on my own personal impression of the book.
July 21, 2017
What a fun read. A great start to this series. As a theater geek, I loved the setting and the whole curse on the play thing. Looking forward to reading the next adventure of Ivy, her P.I. uncle and a musical mashup of Cabaret and The Sound of Music.
March 29, 2016
Ivy is hoping that landing the part of one of the witches in a local production of Macbeth will kick start her acting career. Instead, it lands her in danger when one of her costars dies on opening night. The police are quick to rule it an accidental case of alcohol poisoning, but Ivy is certain that Simon had stopped drinking. Can she find out what really happened to him?
This is a wonderful start to a series. Ivy is a great character, and there are enough quirks in the rest of the cast is make it fun. The plot is strong with great twists. The humor kept me smiling throughout as well. I can’t wait for more of Ivy’s adventures.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a wonderful start to a series. Ivy is a great character, and there are enough quirks in the rest of the cast is make it fun. The plot is strong with great twists. The humor kept me smiling throughout as well. I can’t wait for more of Ivy’s adventures.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 20, 2015
Thanks Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun, cute little mystery set in the theatre world. The play is MacBeth and apparently it's bad luck to say the name of the play in the theatre. When things start happening, Ivy Matthews decides she is going to investigate. She does work part time for her uncles's detective agency. Ha!
The characters are quirky, the pace fast and I read it all in one sitting, which happens a lot with me and cozy mysteries.
I definitely recommend this book!
This was a fun, cute little mystery set in the theatre world. The play is MacBeth and apparently it's bad luck to say the name of the play in the theatre. When things start happening, Ivy Matthews decides she is going to investigate. She does work part time for her uncles's detective agency. Ha!
The characters are quirky, the pace fast and I read it all in one sitting, which happens a lot with me and cozy mysteries.
I definitely recommend this book!
February 19, 2019
MacDeath by Cindy Brown is the first book in the Ivy Meadows mystery series. Ivy Meadows is an actress and lands a role playing one of the witches in a circus themed production of Macbeth. She also works part time for her uncle's detective agency and when the actor playing Duncan is killed she takes it upom herself to investigate. An interesting mystery, although Ivy understandedly seems to make a lot of poor choices along the way, and bumbles through the case. A nice start and I'm sure her detective skills should improve.
January 21, 2015
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.25 of 5
We know, pretty early on, that something bad is going to happen because actress Ivy Meadows (real name: Olive Ziegwart) has been cast in William Shakespeare's Macbeth and almost immediately in to the rehearsal period, somewhere says "Macbeth" (and not in the context of rehearsing the lines). For anyone with even the smallest bit of theatre knowledge, this is known as the Curse of the Scottish Play. (If you aren't familiar with it, you should google it.)
This is a delightful little diversionary mystery. Ivy/Olive is a plucky young woman who is still a bit green when it comes to acting roles. She is cast as one of the witches in a production of Macbeth that will be staged as if it were part of circus (that's actually not one of the stranger concepts I've encountered for a Shakespeare play).
The plot isn't too terribly strong, but the character of Ivy makes the story interesting. Following her with her budding romance and with her work for her uncle's detective agency was a lot of fun. Following her with her role in the circus-themed Macbeth was ... well ... there wasn't enough of it to experience, which was a missed opportunity. A dark, brutal play set in a circus? What a tremendous playground for a murder mystery! But author Cindy Brown's forte here is her characters, and they are a fun lot to follow.
Ivy has a lot of work to do to elevate her to the ranks of some of the best detectives in literature, but I liked her spunk and I like the idea of the theatrical setting (I've liked it since reading The Hamlet Trap by Kate Wilhelm, back in the late 1980's) and I look forward to another mystery adventure in the theatre.
Looking for a good book? MacDeath is a light, easy-to-read mystery with a number of fun characters.
We know, pretty early on, that something bad is going to happen because actress Ivy Meadows (real name: Olive Ziegwart) has been cast in William Shakespeare's Macbeth and almost immediately in to the rehearsal period, somewhere says "Macbeth" (and not in the context of rehearsing the lines). For anyone with even the smallest bit of theatre knowledge, this is known as the Curse of the Scottish Play. (If you aren't familiar with it, you should google it.)
This is a delightful little diversionary mystery. Ivy/Olive is a plucky young woman who is still a bit green when it comes to acting roles. She is cast as one of the witches in a production of Macbeth that will be staged as if it were part of circus (that's actually not one of the stranger concepts I've encountered for a Shakespeare play).
The plot isn't too terribly strong, but the character of Ivy makes the story interesting. Following her with her budding romance and with her work for her uncle's detective agency was a lot of fun. Following her with her role in the circus-themed Macbeth was ... well ... there wasn't enough of it to experience, which was a missed opportunity. A dark, brutal play set in a circus? What a tremendous playground for a murder mystery! But author Cindy Brown's forte here is her characters, and they are a fun lot to follow.
Ivy has a lot of work to do to elevate her to the ranks of some of the best detectives in literature, but I liked her spunk and I like the idea of the theatrical setting (I've liked it since reading The Hamlet Trap by Kate Wilhelm, back in the late 1980's) and I look forward to another mystery adventure in the theatre.
Looking for a good book? MacDeath is a light, easy-to-read mystery with a number of fun characters.
October 23, 2014
This is a review of an ARC from NetGalley.
A cute, cozy mystery, set in the theater world. Ivy Meadows (real name, Olive Ziegwart) has been cast as a witch in a Phoenix, Arizona local theater production of Macbeth. This is Ivy's big break, but before she can relax and enjoy it, an old friend in the cast turns up dead. While everyone thinks the actor drank himself to death Ivy suspects murder, and her suspicions get more intense after her private investigator uncle also runs into trouble. Complicating matters is her on-and-off again relationship with the play's lead, who may or may not be involved.
The story was cute, and the theater setting was fun to read about. The plot doesn't entirely hold up - Ivy keeps suspecting people for no obvious reason, and the eventual murderer seems to have been drawn out of a hat. A subplot about Ivy's mentally disabled younger brother is interesting, but it comes too late, into the story, so it feels dragged in out of nowhere.
This could settle down to be a nice, light, diverting series, so we'll see how the second one goes!
A cute, cozy mystery, set in the theater world. Ivy Meadows (real name, Olive Ziegwart) has been cast as a witch in a Phoenix, Arizona local theater production of Macbeth. This is Ivy's big break, but before she can relax and enjoy it, an old friend in the cast turns up dead. While everyone thinks the actor drank himself to death Ivy suspects murder, and her suspicions get more intense after her private investigator uncle also runs into trouble. Complicating matters is her on-and-off again relationship with the play's lead, who may or may not be involved.
The story was cute, and the theater setting was fun to read about. The plot doesn't entirely hold up - Ivy keeps suspecting people for no obvious reason, and the eventual murderer seems to have been drawn out of a hat. A subplot about Ivy's mentally disabled younger brother is interesting, but it comes too late, into the story, so it feels dragged in out of nowhere.
This could settle down to be a nice, light, diverting series, so we'll see how the second one goes!
July 27, 2017
The heroine is Ivy Meadows and she's an actress. At least that's what Olive Zwigart keeps telling herself. She accidentally aces an audition for a production of The Scottish Play set in a 1930s burlesque circus. Um OK... at least it's a professional gig, right? They're still using Shakespeare's words and Ivy is lucky enough to count famous English actor Simon Black as a friend. Simon, known for his notorious drunken temperament, chooses Ivy to be his witness for sobriety. He's determined to get sober and win the role of the king Duncan. When Ivy finds Simon dead in his own vomit reeking of booze, she is shocked. How could he fall off the wagon so fast? Ivy is more shocked to discover that the rest of the cast, her flirty "friend" (with benefits) Jason included, think Simon drank himself to death. Ivy isn't so sure. Fortunately her beloved Uncle Bob is a private detective. She begs him to take the case, though he believes there isn't one. Ivy is determined to get justice for her friend, but it seems someone doesn't want her digging too deeply into Simon's death.
As far as mysteries goes, the mystery plot was great. I stayed up WAY too late reading to find out who the murderer was. I was certain I knew, but I was wrong. I never ever guessed who or anything revealed at the end. It wasn't wrapped up as neatly as I would have liked but I was surprised at what happened.
As far as romance, I give this a D. Jason is a sleaze plain and simple and Ivy is too stupid to see it. Even when they are together I just didn't like him. If you like sexy men who hit on women they barely know and are eager to seduce her, then you'll love this book. I would have served him with a sexual harassment lawsuit instead of hooking up with him. There is one intense makeout scene and some off-page lovemaking. This isn't your typically sweet, cozy mystery.
Most of the characters, including Ivy, are so unlikable I didn't care what happened to them. Ivy is young and immature. She makes bad decisions and tries to overcompensate. The childhood trauma she experienced and her parents' subsequent treatment of her are supposed to make her more sympathetic, but I didn't care for her personality. She's so ditzy and silly that it's almost cringeworthy. She does start to mature a bit at the end but for me, it's not enough to want to read more about her. I really liked her friend Candy at first but then I wondered about her. I don't think she was a true friend but for sure the nicest person on set. Also in the nice column is Uncle Bob. He was easily my favorite character. Perhaps I am biased because I also have a beloved, overweight and scratchy stubble Uncle Bob! Ivy's Uncle Bob is kind and sympathetic without being too kind. He has his feet planted firmly in the real world and understands that the world is a dangerous place. I was just surprised he didn't run a background check on Ivy's boyfriend. I would have if I were him. Finally, we have Cody, the nicest and most sympathetic character in the book. He's easy to love and I doubt anyone could not love him.
None of the other people were remotely enjoyable to read about. The tyrannical, carrot-chomping director who may or may not be gay is a total stereotype (aside from the carrots). His circus idea is crazy and really bizarre. No wonder he attracts two-bit actors like Ivy. Stage Manager Linda is an odd duck. She seems meek at first but then she also gets tough and mean. Bob, the TV news reporter is so dumb it's unbelievable. Why would anyone cast him in a Shakespeare play he knew nothing about? I think he is too dumb to be a killer but I could be wrong. Ivy's wannabe boyfriend Riley is weird and immature and Genevieve is the stereotypical mean girl.
I'm glad this book was at the library but I won't be checking back to see if they have more.
As far as mysteries goes, the mystery plot was great. I stayed up WAY too late reading to find out who the murderer was. I was certain I knew, but I was wrong. I never ever guessed who or anything revealed at the end. It wasn't wrapped up as neatly as I would have liked but I was surprised at what happened.
As far as romance, I give this a D. Jason is a sleaze plain and simple and Ivy is too stupid to see it. Even when they are together I just didn't like him. If you like sexy men who hit on women they barely know and are eager to seduce her, then you'll love this book. I would have served him with a sexual harassment lawsuit instead of hooking up with him. There is one intense makeout scene and some off-page lovemaking. This isn't your typically sweet, cozy mystery.
Most of the characters, including Ivy, are so unlikable I didn't care what happened to them. Ivy is young and immature. She makes bad decisions and tries to overcompensate. The childhood trauma she experienced and her parents' subsequent treatment of her are supposed to make her more sympathetic, but I didn't care for her personality. She's so ditzy and silly that it's almost cringeworthy. She does start to mature a bit at the end but for me, it's not enough to want to read more about her. I really liked her friend Candy at first but then I wondered about her. I don't think she was a true friend but for sure the nicest person on set. Also in the nice column is Uncle Bob. He was easily my favorite character. Perhaps I am biased because I also have a beloved, overweight and scratchy stubble Uncle Bob! Ivy's Uncle Bob is kind and sympathetic without being too kind. He has his feet planted firmly in the real world and understands that the world is a dangerous place. I was just surprised he didn't run a background check on Ivy's boyfriend. I would have if I were him. Finally, we have Cody, the nicest and most sympathetic character in the book. He's easy to love and I doubt anyone could not love him.
None of the other people were remotely enjoyable to read about. The tyrannical, carrot-chomping director who may or may not be gay is a total stereotype (aside from the carrots). His circus idea is crazy and really bizarre. No wonder he attracts two-bit actors like Ivy. Stage Manager Linda is an odd duck. She seems meek at first but then she also gets tough and mean. Bob, the TV news reporter is so dumb it's unbelievable. Why would anyone cast him in a Shakespeare play he knew nothing about? I think he is too dumb to be a killer but I could be wrong. Ivy's wannabe boyfriend Riley is weird and immature and Genevieve is the stereotypical mean girl.
I'm glad this book was at the library but I won't be checking back to see if they have more.
June 18, 2020
This is a type of mystery books that I like reading and it didn't disappoint.
Often I prefer the book to only concentrate on the mystery and am not interested about what else happens in the character's life. But in this case I stayed interested through the rest of the book as well. I really liked Ivy, all the people in her life and stories.
The mystery itself was also great. The setting, the theater was very entertaining and the actors who were all suspects were also very interesting personalities. Which created a great mystery.
It was very humorous and had a great plot. Loved it and will keep on reading.
Often I prefer the book to only concentrate on the mystery and am not interested about what else happens in the character's life. But in this case I stayed interested through the rest of the book as well. I really liked Ivy, all the people in her life and stories.
The mystery itself was also great. The setting, the theater was very entertaining and the actors who were all suspects were also very interesting personalities. Which created a great mystery.
It was very humorous and had a great plot. Loved it and will keep on reading.
September 5, 2015
Synopsis:
Like every actor, Ivy Meadows knows that Macbeth is cursed. But she’s finally scored her big break, cast as an acrobatic witch in a circus-themed production of Macbeth in Phoenix, Arizona. And though it may not be Broadway, nothing can dampen her enthusiasm—not her flying caldron, too-tight leotard, or carrot-wielding dictator of a director.
But when one of the cast dies on opening night, Ivy is sure the seeming accident is “murder most foul” and that she’s the perfect person to solve the crime (after all, she does work part-time in her uncle’s detective agency). Undeterred by a poisoned Big Gulp, the threat of being blackballed, and the suddenly too-real curse, Ivy pursues the truth at the risk of her hard-won career—and her life. (Goodreads)
Review:
Ivy Meadows is a wanna-be actress who is looking for her big break. The role she lands in Macbeth is not going to get her on the red carpet, but it is an acting job and everyone has to start somewhere. But when the leading man ends up dead, things are not looking so good. Everyone thinks that the actor drank himself to death but Ivy is not convinced. Since she works part time at her uncle’s detective agency she thinks she is qualified to solve the mystery. Will she be able to follow the clues and find the murderer or will her snooping be her final curtain call?
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I loved the quirky personalities of Ivy and her friends. What they lacked in crime solving abilities they more than made up for with lots of dedication and enthusiasm. Ivy tries very hard to follow instructions but she is not always successful.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I enjoyed the mixture of humor with suspense, which kept me turning the pages eagerly. There were many things that happened that had me smiling with an occasional laugh out loud moment.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. This is the first book in the series and I think the author has a winning series on her hands, which I plan to continue reading.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Like every actor, Ivy Meadows knows that Macbeth is cursed. But she’s finally scored her big break, cast as an acrobatic witch in a circus-themed production of Macbeth in Phoenix, Arizona. And though it may not be Broadway, nothing can dampen her enthusiasm—not her flying caldron, too-tight leotard, or carrot-wielding dictator of a director.
But when one of the cast dies on opening night, Ivy is sure the seeming accident is “murder most foul” and that she’s the perfect person to solve the crime (after all, she does work part-time in her uncle’s detective agency). Undeterred by a poisoned Big Gulp, the threat of being blackballed, and the suddenly too-real curse, Ivy pursues the truth at the risk of her hard-won career—and her life. (Goodreads)
Review:
Ivy Meadows is a wanna-be actress who is looking for her big break. The role she lands in Macbeth is not going to get her on the red carpet, but it is an acting job and everyone has to start somewhere. But when the leading man ends up dead, things are not looking so good. Everyone thinks that the actor drank himself to death but Ivy is not convinced. Since she works part time at her uncle’s detective agency she thinks she is qualified to solve the mystery. Will she be able to follow the clues and find the murderer or will her snooping be her final curtain call?
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I loved the quirky personalities of Ivy and her friends. What they lacked in crime solving abilities they more than made up for with lots of dedication and enthusiasm. Ivy tries very hard to follow instructions but she is not always successful.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. I enjoyed the mixture of humor with suspense, which kept me turning the pages eagerly. There were many things that happened that had me smiling with an occasional laugh out loud moment.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. This is the first book in the series and I think the author has a winning series on her hands, which I plan to continue reading.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 18, 2025
Laugh a lot and solve a murder mystery (I'll bet you can't-- solve the mystery, that is.) Twists and turns of a mystery, and humor in large and small doses are sprinkled generously throughout this book. Likeable narrator Ivy Meadows, a wannabe detective, is an actress by profession. She has a hunch that an accidental death backstage of a "Macbeth" production, is actually a murder, and she starts looking for clues. It helps that her Uncle Bob hires her part time to work in his detective agency, so she learns sleuthing skills from him. A lot of the humor in this book is provided by Uncle Bob, Ivy's loving benefactor, who wears Hawaiian shirts and loves trivia. (One of his interviewing methods is to distract with trivial facts.)
Ivy (real name Olive Ziegwart) is a nuanced character, not just a delightful and insightful narrator. There is pathos in her backstory that might be distracting her pursuit of the murder case. Or was there a murder-- perhaps it's only her tendency to exaggerate and suspect, associated with a guilt complex about something that happened to her brother.
Ivy plays one of the Witches in the Shakespearean adaptation of "Macbeth." Adaptation is an understatement, as the classic play is presented as a circus, with Macbeth as a lion tamer, and the king who gets murdered is the ringmaster. Ivy and two other witches make their appearance on stage inside a cauldron that flies down from the hidden upper part of the theater.
The stage is set for a humorous romp as well as a motive for murder. The action never lets up, and Ivy faces many a crisis from a costume failure, to losing Uncle Bob's trust, to an off-and-on romance.
Ivy (real name Olive Ziegwart) is a nuanced character, not just a delightful and insightful narrator. There is pathos in her backstory that might be distracting her pursuit of the murder case. Or was there a murder-- perhaps it's only her tendency to exaggerate and suspect, associated with a guilt complex about something that happened to her brother.
Ivy plays one of the Witches in the Shakespearean adaptation of "Macbeth." Adaptation is an understatement, as the classic play is presented as a circus, with Macbeth as a lion tamer, and the king who gets murdered is the ringmaster. Ivy and two other witches make their appearance on stage inside a cauldron that flies down from the hidden upper part of the theater.
The stage is set for a humorous romp as well as a motive for murder. The action never lets up, and Ivy faces many a crisis from a costume failure, to losing Uncle Bob's trust, to an off-and-on romance.
May 27, 2019
What a thoroughly delightful mystery.
If you love community theater or Shakespeare you will enjoy this production of Macdeath. It is filled with wonderful characters, dramatic actors and comic scenes. Even the detective is named Pinkstaff.
Olive, Ivy Meadows when on stage, is an aspiring actress in Phoenix. She auditions for Macbeth and is cast as one of the witches. The unusual staging by the director puts the characters in a circus environment.
On opening night the most famous of the actors dies and Olive believes it is murder. She enlists her Uncle Bob, a private investigator, to look into the matter, and he ends up poisoned. Now she is convinced that the first death was murder, even as the evidence refutes it.
I vacation in Arizona every year and enjoyed the setting as well.
I purchased a copy of this mystery since the public library did not have one. I will recommend it to my mystery reading friends.
If you love community theater or Shakespeare you will enjoy this production of Macdeath. It is filled with wonderful characters, dramatic actors and comic scenes. Even the detective is named Pinkstaff.
Olive, Ivy Meadows when on stage, is an aspiring actress in Phoenix. She auditions for Macbeth and is cast as one of the witches. The unusual staging by the director puts the characters in a circus environment.
On opening night the most famous of the actors dies and Olive believes it is murder. She enlists her Uncle Bob, a private investigator, to look into the matter, and he ends up poisoned. Now she is convinced that the first death was murder, even as the evidence refutes it.
I vacation in Arizona every year and enjoyed the setting as well.
I purchased a copy of this mystery since the public library did not have one. I will recommend it to my mystery reading friends.
February 11, 2015
Another book in my quest for more cozy crime authors - and this one is not too bad. I found the heroine a little annoying (she's lacking in awareness of other people's feelings) but the actual mystery was quite good - even if Ivy's methods and handling the case are not!
On here it seems to be cueing it up as the start of a series, and I think with a little work to make Olive/Ivy a little more likeable, it could be really quite readable. There was a slight lack of back story explanation at the start - I think to make a reveal later in the book work, but it made me feel like I'd missed something - like there was a previous book/novella that I'd missed.
This has potential, but it isn't quite there yet.
On here it seems to be cueing it up as the start of a series, and I think with a little work to make Olive/Ivy a little more likeable, it could be really quite readable. There was a slight lack of back story explanation at the start - I think to make a reveal later in the book work, but it made me feel like I'd missed something - like there was a previous book/novella that I'd missed.
This has potential, but it isn't quite there yet.
February 4, 2015
I received a free ebook of this title through NetGalley.
This was a cute mystery. Nothing life-changing, but a quick read that fits squarely in the "cozy" genre. It's clear that this is the beginning of a series, and I'm sure many people will enjoy Ivy's quirky, irreverent narration.
While I love theater, acting isn't something that I really identify with, and I already read a ton of different cozy series, so I probably won't go looking for any of the later books. However, if I see them at the library (or if I get any other books through NetGalley) I'll certainly give them a read!
This was a cute mystery. Nothing life-changing, but a quick read that fits squarely in the "cozy" genre. It's clear that this is the beginning of a series, and I'm sure many people will enjoy Ivy's quirky, irreverent narration.
While I love theater, acting isn't something that I really identify with, and I already read a ton of different cozy series, so I probably won't go looking for any of the later books. However, if I see them at the library (or if I get any other books through NetGalley) I'll certainly give them a read!
March 4, 2015
Book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a cute little mystery. I didn't get who did it, nor many of the twists and turns it would take until everything was revealed. The problem, for me, was I didn't feel compelled to keep reading (at least not until the last 15% or so, approximately). It wasn't bad writing, it just didn't have quite enough suspense for my tastes. Still, good book and others may well fully enjoy it.
This was a cute little mystery. I didn't get who did it, nor many of the twists and turns it would take until everything was revealed. The problem, for me, was I didn't feel compelled to keep reading (at least not until the last 15% or so, approximately). It wasn't bad writing, it just didn't have quite enough suspense for my tastes. Still, good book and others may well fully enjoy it.
December 23, 2015
3.5 stars. I'm a huge fan of Henery Press mysteries, but not a huge fan of drama, acting, drama...so take my lukewarm rating in context. It's well written and if you find the stage interesting, you might like this one.
Wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/125867...
Wordier review: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/125867...
December 3, 2014
It was a good book. I liked it a lot. I look forward to the next book by this author.
March 20, 2023
This was extra entertaining because it was set in Phoenix.
January 21, 2015
This fun, fast paced, theatre based book is a good start to a new year and a new series. I enjoyed the antics and the lively characters in Cindy Brown's new book. She uses great dialog to create her story. The characters are quirky but believable at the same time. The humor is part of the story and doesn't feel forced or artificial. Sometimes it heads toward slapstick, but that's ok, because who doesn't like to laugh.
Cindy Brown's main character, Ivy Meadows, has to try to figure out why the male lead in Macbeth was found dead of suspected alcohol poisoning. The police are calling it an accidental death, but Ivy is sure that it was murder. Simon had quit drinking and had asked Ivy to help him out, to keep an eye on him. She feels like she let him down, and can't let everyone think that he drank himself to death. But then other suspicious things happen. Is it the Macbeth curse, or something much worse.
This book would be classified as a cozy mystery, I guess. I only found out that cozy was a real genre last year, and I'm still not sure exactly what constitutes a cozy, but the publisher has Cozy showing up on the MACDEATH page.
This is what Wikipedia has to say, "Cozy mysteries, also referred to simply as "cozies", are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. The term was first coined in the late 20th century when various writers produced work in an attempt to re-create the Golden Age of Detective Fiction."
Well, that certainly seems to fit MACDEATH. I like to read well-written cozies once in a while, and so I have to say that MACDEATH really fit the bill. I give it a solid 4 1/2 Stars out of 5 and a Big Thumbs Up! I look forward to reading the next book in the series (THE SOUND OF MURDER (#2) September 2015).
I received a Digital Review Copy from the publisher.
Cindy Brown's main character, Ivy Meadows, has to try to figure out why the male lead in Macbeth was found dead of suspected alcohol poisoning. The police are calling it an accidental death, but Ivy is sure that it was murder. Simon had quit drinking and had asked Ivy to help him out, to keep an eye on him. She feels like she let him down, and can't let everyone think that he drank himself to death. But then other suspicious things happen. Is it the Macbeth curse, or something much worse.
This book would be classified as a cozy mystery, I guess. I only found out that cozy was a real genre last year, and I'm still not sure exactly what constitutes a cozy, but the publisher has Cozy showing up on the MACDEATH page.
This is what Wikipedia has to say, "Cozy mysteries, also referred to simply as "cozies", are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. The term was first coined in the late 20th century when various writers produced work in an attempt to re-create the Golden Age of Detective Fiction."
Well, that certainly seems to fit MACDEATH. I like to read well-written cozies once in a while, and so I have to say that MACDEATH really fit the bill. I give it a solid 4 1/2 Stars out of 5 and a Big Thumbs Up! I look forward to reading the next book in the series (THE SOUND OF MURDER (#2) September 2015).
I received a Digital Review Copy from the publisher.
January 22, 2015
Ivy Meadows (real name Olive Zeigwart) is an actress in Phoenix, Arizona. Unfortunately, it's not yet a lifetime career, and she's barely struggling to get by. So when she's given the opportunity to act in Macbeth, she jumps at the chance, and finds out she'll be working with a famous actor who also happens to be a personal friend.
Yet almost from the beginning, things begin to go wrong. For anyone who knows about theater (and for those who don't) the name Macbeth is never spoken in a theater, attributed to a curse dating back to Shakespeare's time. When someone unexpectedly mutters it, Ivy and the rest of the crew believe it to be a bad omen - which proves to be true. Someone dies (which we already know, since this is a mystery, after all), and although it is deemed to be an accident both by the police and her P.I. Uncle Bob, Ivy believes in her heart that the person was murdered, and sets out to prove it.
I absolutely loved this book. It combines theater (which I love), Shakespeare (which I love), and murder (which I love - in books, to set that record straight). Watching Ivy stumble through life trying to solve a murder, and not so successfully at times, trying to follow her uncle's instructions on how to question people, is fun. She's also trying to navigate a possible new relationship, and decide who she can and cannot trust at the theater.
The book is altogether engaging, quite funny at times, and the resolution to the murder at the end interesting and worth the wait. Highly recommended.
Full review at http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
Yet almost from the beginning, things begin to go wrong. For anyone who knows about theater (and for those who don't) the name Macbeth is never spoken in a theater, attributed to a curse dating back to Shakespeare's time. When someone unexpectedly mutters it, Ivy and the rest of the crew believe it to be a bad omen - which proves to be true. Someone dies (which we already know, since this is a mystery, after all), and although it is deemed to be an accident both by the police and her P.I. Uncle Bob, Ivy believes in her heart that the person was murdered, and sets out to prove it.
I absolutely loved this book. It combines theater (which I love), Shakespeare (which I love), and murder (which I love - in books, to set that record straight). Watching Ivy stumble through life trying to solve a murder, and not so successfully at times, trying to follow her uncle's instructions on how to question people, is fun. She's also trying to navigate a possible new relationship, and decide who she can and cannot trust at the theater.
The book is altogether engaging, quite funny at times, and the resolution to the murder at the end interesting and worth the wait. Highly recommended.
Full review at http://joannesbooks.blogspot.com I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review but this in no way influenced my decision.
December 18, 2014
Ivy (Olive) is an aspiring actress in a low budget circus themed production of THE SCOTTISH PLAY. Unfortunately in the very first pages the dreaded “M” word is pronounced and BOOM once again death shows up in a production of Macbeth *opps*! Ivy suspects foul play when no one else does, so she decided to do what any sensible struggling actress would do, she investigates the case.
Cindy Brown’s Macdeath is a hilarious book in some episodes, and disturbingly silly in others, which makes me doubt if Ivy (Olive) has any future when it comes to solving future crimes. I liked the main character, but the rest of the theater company is hard to love, at least for me. Unlike other novels of that usually have the culprit villain enter in a soliloquy regarding the motive; and set soliloquy makes the reader have an epiphany and suddenly everything is clear; I didn’t find that in this book. For me there was no EUREKA! moment, and that was sad.
Another thing that I found frustrating was Ivy’s lack of experience. I know that it is tiresome to meet an amateur detective and magically the character is a savant in all matters crimes, very unrealistic. But hey, this was the complete opposite of that, which in consequence would make it more realistic, but in the end Ivy was just too incompetent for my taste. I mean you can watch a couple of Law and Order marathons and a little more knowledge on the subject, but no, Ivy starts from scratch.
I got this book from NetGalley.
Cindy Brown’s Macdeath is a hilarious book in some episodes, and disturbingly silly in others, which makes me doubt if Ivy (Olive) has any future when it comes to solving future crimes. I liked the main character, but the rest of the theater company is hard to love, at least for me. Unlike other novels of that usually have the culprit villain enter in a soliloquy regarding the motive; and set soliloquy makes the reader have an epiphany and suddenly everything is clear; I didn’t find that in this book. For me there was no EUREKA! moment, and that was sad.
Another thing that I found frustrating was Ivy’s lack of experience. I know that it is tiresome to meet an amateur detective and magically the character is a savant in all matters crimes, very unrealistic. But hey, this was the complete opposite of that, which in consequence would make it more realistic, but in the end Ivy was just too incompetent for my taste. I mean you can watch a couple of Law and Order marathons and a little more knowledge on the subject, but no, Ivy starts from scratch.
I got this book from NetGalley.
January 8, 2015
Something wonderful this way comes. Macdeath is the first Ivy Meadows mystery by Cindy Brown and it's a fantastic read.
Ivy Meadows is an actress auditioning for a role in the Phoenix Shakespeare Theater's production of Macbeth. She tumbles on stage (literally) and then into a cauldron with two other actors, acrobatic witches in a circus-themed production that seems to be laced with toil and trouble. No sooner has the curtain gone up than a member of the cast is found dead. Just about everyone, cast and crew alike, think the death is an unfortunate turn of events, but nothing more than that. Everyone, that is, except for Ivy.
Cindy Brown's mystery is infused with character, presence, humor, and even some sex appeal. It takes readers into a mystery, sure, but also behind the scenes of community theater and into the minds of the community of actors. I was immediately captivated by the writing, the story, and the characters, and I hated having to put the book down whenever Real Life or The Day Job called for my attention. Like Ivy, I had a hard time figuring out who was lying and who was honest; after all, the suspects are professional actors. And while my suspicions weren't correct, I had one hell of a good time tripping along the investigative tightrope with Ivy Meadows.
Is The Sound of Murder out yet?
Ivy Meadows is an actress auditioning for a role in the Phoenix Shakespeare Theater's production of Macbeth. She tumbles on stage (literally) and then into a cauldron with two other actors, acrobatic witches in a circus-themed production that seems to be laced with toil and trouble. No sooner has the curtain gone up than a member of the cast is found dead. Just about everyone, cast and crew alike, think the death is an unfortunate turn of events, but nothing more than that. Everyone, that is, except for Ivy.
Cindy Brown's mystery is infused with character, presence, humor, and even some sex appeal. It takes readers into a mystery, sure, but also behind the scenes of community theater and into the minds of the community of actors. I was immediately captivated by the writing, the story, and the characters, and I hated having to put the book down whenever Real Life or The Day Job called for my attention. Like Ivy, I had a hard time figuring out who was lying and who was honest; after all, the suspects are professional actors. And while my suspicions weren't correct, I had one hell of a good time tripping along the investigative tightrope with Ivy Meadows.
Is The Sound of Murder out yet?
December 25, 2015
It's a cozy mystery fun, exciting, fast to read. It 's really good written with realistic characters and set in a wonderful place, which is the theater, with the curse of MacBeth in the background.
Ivy wants to be an actress and her dream is about to come true: was chosen to do the witch in a representation of MacBeth in Phoenix. But the day of onset the actor playing Duncan is found dead. It seems an accidental death for alcohol abuse but Ivy knows that he did not drink anymore. She decides to use her experience in her uncle's detective agency to investigate.
During the investigation it was nice to get behind the scenes of a play, relationships and complicity that are created between the actors, the atmosphere of tension: it shows that the author has experienced it firsthand. Ivy will be difficult to investigate and interrogate the actors, people who are well-versed in pretending.
It 's the first book in the series and can not wait to read the other (the next is expected to arrive in September 2015). It 's was really compelling, hard to put down until you have solved the mystery.
I received a Digital Review Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Ivy wants to be an actress and her dream is about to come true: was chosen to do the witch in a representation of MacBeth in Phoenix. But the day of onset the actor playing Duncan is found dead. It seems an accidental death for alcohol abuse but Ivy knows that he did not drink anymore. She decides to use her experience in her uncle's detective agency to investigate.
During the investigation it was nice to get behind the scenes of a play, relationships and complicity that are created between the actors, the atmosphere of tension: it shows that the author has experienced it firsthand. Ivy will be difficult to investigate and interrogate the actors, people who are well-versed in pretending.
It 's the first book in the series and can not wait to read the other (the next is expected to arrive in September 2015). It 's was really compelling, hard to put down until you have solved the mystery.
I received a Digital Review Copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 29, 2014
Having started on my mystery kick, I decided to continue with a preview of the first book in Cindy Brown’s upcoming Ivy Meadows mystery series, MacDeath. Lighthearted and fun compared to most mystery thrillers, MacDeath makes a decent introduction for amateur sleuth, Ivy Meadows and her author, Cindy Brown.
Ivy Meadows is an actress, and a stage name for Olive Ziegwart. Eager to break into the Phoenix acting scene, she auditions and gets a part in a circus themed production of Macbeth. But not all of the would-be cast are familiar with the famous curse on the Scottish play and soon it begins to wreak havoc on the production when the actor playing the doomed Duncan dies on opening night. Only Ivy finds the death suspicious and she begins a haphazard investigation into her fellow actors that threatens most of the relationships in her life as well as her career as an actor.
For the full review, please visit my blog:
http://wp.me/pUEx4-Cs
Ivy Meadows is an actress, and a stage name for Olive Ziegwart. Eager to break into the Phoenix acting scene, she auditions and gets a part in a circus themed production of Macbeth. But not all of the would-be cast are familiar with the famous curse on the Scottish play and soon it begins to wreak havoc on the production when the actor playing the doomed Duncan dies on opening night. Only Ivy finds the death suspicious and she begins a haphazard investigation into her fellow actors that threatens most of the relationships in her life as well as her career as an actor.
For the full review, please visit my blog:
http://wp.me/pUEx4-Cs
July 23, 2015
Once again I have read a book that has proven to me that not choosing a career as a police detective was a good choice. Murder mystery Macdeath confounded me! This clever mystery story interweaves the Bard’s play Macbeth with its own narrative. Art begins to imitate life much to the panic of protagonist Ivy Meadows.
When I first started reading the book I didn’t think I would like the story, however, once I saw the cleverly assembled jigsaw of a mystery I began to get really intrigued and tried constantly to figure out who the killer was. Needless to say, I did not figure it out.
Whilst all the threads were woven with regards to the mystery, I still feel that there is more to learn about Ivy Meadows. Fortunately, Macdeath is only part one in a series of mystery stories so hopefully we will learn more about her in future books.
Macdeath by Cindy Brown is available now.
When I first started reading the book I didn’t think I would like the story, however, once I saw the cleverly assembled jigsaw of a mystery I began to get really intrigued and tried constantly to figure out who the killer was. Needless to say, I did not figure it out.
Whilst all the threads were woven with regards to the mystery, I still feel that there is more to learn about Ivy Meadows. Fortunately, Macdeath is only part one in a series of mystery stories so hopefully we will learn more about her in future books.
Macdeath by Cindy Brown is available now.
February 4, 2015
MacDeath is the first book in the Ivy Meadows mystery series. It is well written and professionally edited.
The heroine, Ivy (Olive), is a professional actress in a local, small performance of Macbeth. She pays her bills by holding down "real" jobs. When the leading man is found dead on opening night she is convinced that he was murdered. With the help of her private detective uncle, she sets off to solve the crime.
Sometimes the first book in a series can be hard reading because the necessary introduction of characters can bog the plot down. But Cindy Brown handled the challenge very nicely. The characters were fully developed and the plot moved along briskly.
I recommend MacDeath and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
The heroine, Ivy (Olive), is a professional actress in a local, small performance of Macbeth. She pays her bills by holding down "real" jobs. When the leading man is found dead on opening night she is convinced that he was murdered. With the help of her private detective uncle, she sets off to solve the crime.
Sometimes the first book in a series can be hard reading because the necessary introduction of characters can bog the plot down. But Cindy Brown handled the challenge very nicely. The characters were fully developed and the plot moved along briskly.
I recommend MacDeath and I look forward to reading more books in this series.
ARC provided by Henery Press via Netgalley.
February 12, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It involved a good mystery (was it an accident or a murder?), fun characters, and a very adaptable heroine.
Ivy is cast as one of the witches in MacBeth, however the adaptation is a rather interesting one. No Scots in this play, only circus performers. Yes. MacBeth is the ringmaster. Perhaps that's what one has to do to make a play stand out in Phoenix, Arizona. When MacDuff dies on opening night, Ivy is not convinced it was alcohol poisoning. She investigates under the aegis of her Uncle Bob, who is a P.I. and can offer her guidance. Unfortunately others are threatened during the play's run and Ivy has to figure out what is going on quickly. Her efforts to do so do not endear her to the cast and crew. This is a fun read and I do look forward to future adventures with Ivy.
Ivy is cast as one of the witches in MacBeth, however the adaptation is a rather interesting one. No Scots in this play, only circus performers. Yes. MacBeth is the ringmaster. Perhaps that's what one has to do to make a play stand out in Phoenix, Arizona. When MacDuff dies on opening night, Ivy is not convinced it was alcohol poisoning. She investigates under the aegis of her Uncle Bob, who is a P.I. and can offer her guidance. Unfortunately others are threatened during the play's run and Ivy has to figure out what is going on quickly. Her efforts to do so do not endear her to the cast and crew. This is a fun read and I do look forward to future adventures with Ivy.
July 30, 2016
This is a delightful light mystery, starring actress Ivy Meadows (real name Olive Ziegwart, perhaps not ideal for a future marquee), who finds herself involved in a circus-themed production of MacBeth. (She's a witch, and her leotard doesn't fit.) When a cast member dies under less than clear circumstances, Ivy takes on an investigation no one else believes in.
I really enjoyed the characters and story, as well as the setting--local theater in Phoenix, Arizona, both new to me. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I've already downloaded the next two books in the series (I hope there will be more). This is another cozy mystery series from Henery Press, and I haven't read a bad book from them yet.
I really enjoyed the characters and story, as well as the setting--local theater in Phoenix, Arizona, both new to me. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I've already downloaded the next two books in the series (I hope there will be more). This is another cozy mystery series from Henery Press, and I haven't read a bad book from them yet.
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