What do you think?
Rate this book
Wintergreen Mysteries #6
Murder Stage Right
The play was supposed to end with a bang—not a body
It’s a picture-perfect autumn evening in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and retired detective Bill O’Shea is enjoying a local theater production under the stars in Wintergreen, Virginia. But when a prop gun fires a very real bullet and one of the actors collapses onstage, the show takes a deadly turn.
The victim is Blake Merriman — the play’s producer, leading man, and well-known heartbreaker with a reputation for stirring up trouble. As Bill begins to ask questions, he steps into a world of backstage drama, old romances, and hidden rivalries — where nearly everyone had a reason to see Blake take his final bow.
But how did a gun loaded with blanks become a murder weapon?
To solve the case, Bill will need sharp instincts, a steady hand — and maybe a little help from his new neighbors — before the killer slips away and the curtain falls for good.
Murder Stage Right is the sixth book in the Wintergreen Mystery Series and can be read on a standalone basis.
Series fans will enjoy the return of their favorite characters, including Bill O’Shea, Officer Krista Jackson, Rachel Dunn, the groundhog Mr. Chips, and a beautiful black Lab named Max.
Order Patrick Kelly’s page-turning cozy mystery today!
It’s a picture-perfect autumn evening in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and retired detective Bill O’Shea is enjoying a local theater production under the stars in Wintergreen, Virginia. But when a prop gun fires a very real bullet and one of the actors collapses onstage, the show takes a deadly turn.
The victim is Blake Merriman — the play’s producer, leading man, and well-known heartbreaker with a reputation for stirring up trouble. As Bill begins to ask questions, he steps into a world of backstage drama, old romances, and hidden rivalries — where nearly everyone had a reason to see Blake take his final bow.
But how did a gun loaded with blanks become a murder weapon?
To solve the case, Bill will need sharp instincts, a steady hand — and maybe a little help from his new neighbors — before the killer slips away and the curtain falls for good.
Murder Stage Right is the sixth book in the Wintergreen Mystery Series and can be read on a standalone basis.
Series fans will enjoy the return of their favorite characters, including Bill O’Shea, Officer Krista Jackson, Rachel Dunn, the groundhog Mr. Chips, and a beautiful black Lab named Max.
Order Patrick Kelly’s page-turning cozy mystery today!
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
11 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Kelly
18 books173 followersPatrick Kelly has deep roots in Virginia. His mother grew up in Crozet, and he fondly remembers feeding chickens and picking peaches on his grandparents’ farm. Later, he graduated from the University of Virginia. His extended family has held reunions in Staunton, Hampton, Natural Bridge, Gordonsville, Afton, Smith Mountain Lake, and Wintergreen.
Patrick and his wife spend their summers in Wintergreen, hiking mountain trails, sampling local wines, and marveling at nature’s beauty. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect setting for retired detective Bill O'Shea to match wits with scheming murderers.
If you have a fondness in your heart for the natural places on earth, pull up a chair and enjoy a classic, traditional mystery set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patrick is winner of a Beverly Hills Book Award and a silver medalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for adult fiction. He serves as president of the Heart of Texas Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Kelly/...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
pkellystories
VISIT MY WEBSITE! https://www.patrickkellystories.com/
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE!
https://www.facebook.com/patrickkelly...
Patrick and his wife spend their summers in Wintergreen, hiking mountain trails, sampling local wines, and marveling at nature’s beauty. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect setting for retired detective Bill O'Shea to match wits with scheming murderers.
If you have a fondness in your heart for the natural places on earth, pull up a chair and enjoy a classic, traditional mystery set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Patrick is winner of a Beverly Hills Book Award and a silver medalist for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for adult fiction. He serves as president of the Heart of Texas Chapter of Sisters in Crime.
VISIT MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE!
https://www.amazon.com/Patrick-Kelly/...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
pkellystories
VISIT MY WEBSITE! https://www.patrickkellystories.com/
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE!
https://www.facebook.com/patrickkelly...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 21, 2025
Retired homicide detective Bill O'Shea was on his apartment balcony with his black Labrador, Max, when he met his new neighbors, Vivian and Gordon Sloane, who were on their own balcony. They discussed their dogs—Max and Mongo, a beagle-pit bull mix—and made plans to introduce them during an upcoming walk. Little did they know that, several weeks later, attending a theater production in a tent similar to the one used during the Wintergreen Music Festival would lead to Bill becoming the first detective on the crime scene.
This is such an enjoyable series, with each storyline more engrossing than the last. The setting adds both drama and fun, showcasing nature's beauty, danger, and wildlife encounters. The setting, a perfect blend of drama and fun, showcases nature's beauty, danger, and wildlife encounters. In Book 5, there was a surprising change. Since the narrative had become very comfortable, I loved sinking back into the familiar world. I had mixed emotions about the twist I never saw coming, but as life changes can be opportunities, storytelling changes can be sparks that enhance and intensify the reading experience beyond expectation.
I'm excited for the new releases in this series and can't wait to see what's next!
At the beginning of the book, there are lists of individuals in the Cast and Crew of Crime Never Pays and the Recurring Wintergreen Characters.
Thank you to Patrick Kelly and Bookfunnel for the opportunity to read an eARC of the novel.
This is such an enjoyable series, with each storyline more engrossing than the last. The setting adds both drama and fun, showcasing nature's beauty, danger, and wildlife encounters. The setting, a perfect blend of drama and fun, showcases nature's beauty, danger, and wildlife encounters. In Book 5, there was a surprising change. Since the narrative had become very comfortable, I loved sinking back into the familiar world. I had mixed emotions about the twist I never saw coming, but as life changes can be opportunities, storytelling changes can be sparks that enhance and intensify the reading experience beyond expectation.
I'm excited for the new releases in this series and can't wait to see what's next!
At the beginning of the book, there are lists of individuals in the Cast and Crew of Crime Never Pays and the Recurring Wintergreen Characters.
Thank you to Patrick Kelly and Bookfunnel for the opportunity to read an eARC of the novel.
December 27, 2025
Bill O’Shea is a retired police detective who has moved to Wintergreen to enjoy a peaceful retirement.only it hasn’t quite turned out that way. He’s been pulled into cases before, but now he’s trying to adjust to the departure of his girlfriend and neighbor and is working on a new normal for himself and his dog, Max.
A traveling theatre troupe is opening their new production in Wintergreen and Bill attends a cocktail party at his new neighbors’ where he meets the performers. When the play opens, in the final scene those responsible for the act one murder shoot at each other, but one of the guns is loaded with bullets instead of blanks. Bill and the local coroner, who was also attending the opening, take charge of the scene and try to start unraveling the current and former relationships among the cast and crew. All of the women in the cast had current or past relationships with the victim and apparently almost everyone had a motive.
This is the sixth in the Wintergreen Mystery series. I’ve read two, but never felt that I was missing key information from the books I missed. This is an engaging and interesting book that manages to cover Bill’s past in just a few paragraphs, but relays his present in very human terms. The author does a nice job with Max, too! The Blue Ridge mountains are an ever-present character, as well.
There are numerous plot twists and there’s a theatrical feel to it, too. With most of the suspects being actors, Bill and the reader are left wondering what’s real and what is performance.
A traveling theatre troupe is opening their new production in Wintergreen and Bill attends a cocktail party at his new neighbors’ where he meets the performers. When the play opens, in the final scene those responsible for the act one murder shoot at each other, but one of the guns is loaded with bullets instead of blanks. Bill and the local coroner, who was also attending the opening, take charge of the scene and try to start unraveling the current and former relationships among the cast and crew. All of the women in the cast had current or past relationships with the victim and apparently almost everyone had a motive.
This is the sixth in the Wintergreen Mystery series. I’ve read two, but never felt that I was missing key information from the books I missed. This is an engaging and interesting book that manages to cover Bill’s past in just a few paragraphs, but relays his present in very human terms. The author does a nice job with Max, too! The Blue Ridge mountains are an ever-present character, as well.
There are numerous plot twists and there’s a theatrical feel to it, too. With most of the suspects being actors, Bill and the reader are left wondering what’s real and what is performance.
January 9, 2026
"Murder Stage Right" is the excellent sixth installment in the Wintergreen Mysteries series. It definitely lives up to the high expectations set by the previous books. Retired police detective Bill is a likeable and intelligent main character, and I enjoyed following his investigation into a murder that took place on-stage during a local theater production. I appreciated the way local law enforcement asked him to help with the murder investigation, acknowledging his past experience and admitting they needed his help.
Due to Bill's past experience, he is able to conduct his investigation in a methodical, efficient manner. I liked following his process and gradually learning more about the victim, the murder, and the potential suspects and motives along with Bill.
With the entire cast and crew of the play as suspects, there was plenty for Bill to look into. Due to the unique nature (and timing) of the crime, he was able to talk to everyone immediately afterwards, which I enjoyed. There's also the ongoing search for the murder weapon, and plenty of follow-up interviews and investigation to keep the reader enthralled.
One small thing I really appreciated: at one point, some characters are trying to accomplish something, and it's not going well. Then one of them has a flash of brilliance, they do what he suggests and.....it doesn't make any difference. Just like in real life, great ideas don't always pan out. Great touch of realism!
This time around, we get to know Bill's new neighbors (and their dog), as well as the cast and crew of the play. Other characters from the first book also make appearances, and I enjoyed the continuity this provided. It was especially nice to see Mitch and get an update on how he and Lulu are faring in their new home. Rachel turned up as well, and I'm eager to see what happens with her in upcoming books.
As an added bonus, this time around we are treated to a subplot involving Max (Bill's black lab). Three chapters are told from Max's point of view, and I loved every bit of his adventurous story!
All in all, five out of five extra-large slices of my favorite extra-sharp cheddar!
Due to Bill's past experience, he is able to conduct his investigation in a methodical, efficient manner. I liked following his process and gradually learning more about the victim, the murder, and the potential suspects and motives along with Bill.
With the entire cast and crew of the play as suspects, there was plenty for Bill to look into. Due to the unique nature (and timing) of the crime, he was able to talk to everyone immediately afterwards, which I enjoyed. There's also the ongoing search for the murder weapon, and plenty of follow-up interviews and investigation to keep the reader enthralled.
One small thing I really appreciated: at one point, some characters are trying to accomplish something, and it's not going well. Then one of them has a flash of brilliance, they do what he suggests and.....it doesn't make any difference. Just like in real life, great ideas don't always pan out. Great touch of realism!
This time around, we get to know Bill's new neighbors (and their dog), as well as the cast and crew of the play. Other characters from the first book also make appearances, and I enjoyed the continuity this provided. It was especially nice to see Mitch and get an update on how he and Lulu are faring in their new home. Rachel turned up as well, and I'm eager to see what happens with her in upcoming books.
As an added bonus, this time around we are treated to a subplot involving Max (Bill's black lab). Three chapters are told from Max's point of view, and I loved every bit of his adventurous story!
All in all, five out of five extra-large slices of my favorite extra-sharp cheddar!
December 22, 2025
“Murder Stage Right” is the sixth installment in Patrick Kelly’s Wintergreen mystery series. The series follows the adventures of retired detective Bill O’Shea, who lives in the small village of Wintergreen, Virginia. In this tale, a theatrical troupe has come to town to put on a play titled Crime Never Pays. During the opening night performance, a murder occurs. Despite Bill’s “retired” status, the local police force still depends on him for assistance, and so he jumps in to help solve the murder.
I found this story to be quite interesting. As a former theatrical stage manager, I was familiar with many of the terms used and the descriptions of what goes on backstage during both rehearsals and performances. Having said that, I thought the author did an excellent job of describing the layout of the stage (a key element in helping solve the murder!) and the procedures of producing a play, for those readers who are unfamiliar with the process.
The characters included the local police force, Bill’s new neighbors Gordon and Vivian, and the actors, producers and director of the play. Bill was, of course, the center of all this and the character with whom readers will identify. He is a likable character, though I wish we had gotten to know him a little better. The actors ranged from likable to not, as befits a large, collaborative group.
The mystery was complex and the solving of it involved a lot of solid procedural work. I liked how the author skillfully described the procedure of interviewing suspects and painstakingly putting together facts and re creating the crime.
Even though this is the sixth in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books and I had no trouble entering Bill’s world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries more on the procedural side, and/or enjoys the theater.
I found this story to be quite interesting. As a former theatrical stage manager, I was familiar with many of the terms used and the descriptions of what goes on backstage during both rehearsals and performances. Having said that, I thought the author did an excellent job of describing the layout of the stage (a key element in helping solve the murder!) and the procedures of producing a play, for those readers who are unfamiliar with the process.
The characters included the local police force, Bill’s new neighbors Gordon and Vivian, and the actors, producers and director of the play. Bill was, of course, the center of all this and the character with whom readers will identify. He is a likable character, though I wish we had gotten to know him a little better. The actors ranged from likable to not, as befits a large, collaborative group.
The mystery was complex and the solving of it involved a lot of solid procedural work. I liked how the author skillfully described the procedure of interviewing suspects and painstakingly putting together facts and re creating the crime.
Even though this is the sixth in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I have not read any of the previous books and I had no trouble entering Bill’s world. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries more on the procedural side, and/or enjoys the theater.
November 30, 2025
Murder Stage Right is the sixth in the Wintergreen Mystery series and it continues the story of retired detective Bill O’Shea, his neighbors, his dog Max, Mr. Chips the resident groundhog, and the police department in Wintergreen Virginia.
In this installment, Bill assists the local police department in the investigation of the murder of the play’s producer, Blake Merriman, who is also an actor in the play. As Bill asks the actors questions, he begins to piece together the many connections and histories between the actors and discovers that just about everyone has a reason to murder Blake. Using his background in homicide detection, people skills, and unraveling clues, Bill is able to discern who committed the murder, resulting in a surprise ending to the story!
Murder Stage Right is very well written, as are the others in the series. The crime is complex, clues and red herrings are many, story is very engaging and realistic, and it grabs your full attention. The Wintergreen series is one of the best cozy series being written today. Patrick Kelly’s writing style is ‘comfortable’ – you feel like you are part of the story, the main characters make you part of their day-to-day activities in solving the murder, and you are familiar with the local wildlife and Wintergreen environment. It is extremely easy to get lost in the story – be prepared to read in one setting!
If you’d like to take a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and solve some crimes along the way, I highly recommend Murder Stage Right and the entire Wintergreen Mystery series.
In this installment, Bill assists the local police department in the investigation of the murder of the play’s producer, Blake Merriman, who is also an actor in the play. As Bill asks the actors questions, he begins to piece together the many connections and histories between the actors and discovers that just about everyone has a reason to murder Blake. Using his background in homicide detection, people skills, and unraveling clues, Bill is able to discern who committed the murder, resulting in a surprise ending to the story!
Murder Stage Right is very well written, as are the others in the series. The crime is complex, clues and red herrings are many, story is very engaging and realistic, and it grabs your full attention. The Wintergreen series is one of the best cozy series being written today. Patrick Kelly’s writing style is ‘comfortable’ – you feel like you are part of the story, the main characters make you part of their day-to-day activities in solving the murder, and you are familiar with the local wildlife and Wintergreen environment. It is extremely easy to get lost in the story – be prepared to read in one setting!
If you’d like to take a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains and solve some crimes along the way, I highly recommend Murder Stage Right and the entire Wintergreen Mystery series.
January 5, 2026
I've followed this series since the beginning, loved every story, and was thrilled for a chance to read and review this latest installment. Bill is a retired police detective, ready to relax and take it easy in his home in the Wintergreen (Virginia ski resort) area. The author describes the area beautifully, and it sounds like the perfect place for a nice, peaceful retirement....
Except there's another murder in this tranquil area, and Bill is once again on the scene and asked to assist the local police. Using his past detective experience, Bill is able to approach the investigation logically and methodically. He interviews suspects, examines the crime scene, and works with the police to solve the crime. THIS is what makes the series so special: It has all the details of a police procedural while still maintaining the requirements of a cozy mystery.
Bill is a great character! I felt like I got to know him even better through this latest book, which saw him trying to move on from a romantic relationship, meeting new friends and neighbors, and (as always) interacting with his dog Max and the local wildlife. He's an all-around good guy, and I'd love to be his neighbor and friend.
5 stars for another perfect mystery in Wintergreen!
Except there's another murder in this tranquil area, and Bill is once again on the scene and asked to assist the local police. Using his past detective experience, Bill is able to approach the investigation logically and methodically. He interviews suspects, examines the crime scene, and works with the police to solve the crime. THIS is what makes the series so special: It has all the details of a police procedural while still maintaining the requirements of a cozy mystery.
Bill is a great character! I felt like I got to know him even better through this latest book, which saw him trying to move on from a romantic relationship, meeting new friends and neighbors, and (as always) interacting with his dog Max and the local wildlife. He's an all-around good guy, and I'd love to be his neighbor and friend.
5 stars for another perfect mystery in Wintergreen!
January 8, 2026
This is the first book that I've read in this series, but I liked that it can easily be read as a "stand-alone" novel. In this book you get a gripping drama that unfolds all the more dramatic when you're dealing with a theater troupe. There is underlying tension between certain characters, and the interest in how it will all play out is something that dominates the story.
I truly enjoyed this novel with the dynamic cast of characters. There is a lot going on without the author getting bogged down in elements that don't focus on the overarching storyline.
One of my favorite things about this book was how the author kept me in complete suspense. While certain characters are piecing together who the killer was, I was still struggling to figure it out. It was frustrating, but I loved it nonetheless. LOL!
I've not read the previous books in this series, but I enjoyed this book so much they are definitely going on my list to check out.
I truly enjoyed this novel with the dynamic cast of characters. There is a lot going on without the author getting bogged down in elements that don't focus on the overarching storyline.
One of my favorite things about this book was how the author kept me in complete suspense. While certain characters are piecing together who the killer was, I was still struggling to figure it out. It was frustrating, but I loved it nonetheless. LOL!
I've not read the previous books in this series, but I enjoyed this book so much they are definitely going on my list to check out.
October 31, 2025
This is the sixth book in this series; I’ve read most of the books in this unique series, but this book could easily stand alone. The main character, Bill, is a retired police detective who has moved to a resort mountain town in Virginia and has found himself helping the local police in several cases. He thinks he’s in for a relaxing opening night watching a local professional theater production. When one of the actors is killed by a prop gun, they have to determine if it was an accident or murder. Unfortunately, there are plenty of suspects if it was murder, as there is more backstage drama in the troupe than there is in the play. The mystery is intriguing and fun to solve and very well-written. I really love this series and this book didn’t disappoint; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
A traveling play, Crime Never Pays, comes to Wintergreen, and an actor is murdered on stage during the show. As usual in Patrick Kelly mysteries, the case is “all tangled up with motives,” and Bill O’Shea is once again pulled out of retirement to help with the investigation. Fortunately for the citizens of Wintergreen, Bill’s understanding of human nature and law enforcement background lead him to the killer. As usual, the recurring Wintergreen characters provide entertainment, and the cast and crew have interesting backgrounds and personalities.
Patrick Kelly presents detailed information about the crime scene in an understandable, intuitive manner. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a quick, weekend read. I’ve enjoyed all the books in the Wintergreen Mystery series and look forward to the next one!
Great job, Pat!
Patrick Kelly presents detailed information about the crime scene in an understandable, intuitive manner. I highly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a quick, weekend read. I’ve enjoyed all the books in the Wintergreen Mystery series and look forward to the next one!
Great job, Pat!
December 23, 2025
Murder Stage Right is the next installment in the Wintergreen Mysteries. This story finds Bill O'Shea in the middle of another murder mystery as he attends a play. During the play, an actual murder occurred on stage in front of the audience with Bill as a witness. Bill reviews the crime scene, interviews suspects and works with the police to try to figure out how someone could be killed when the prop gun should have had blanks in it. I enjoyed the characters in the story as they were each unique and had their own motives. The best part of the story was his dog, Max. Max when on an adventure when he was chased by a bear and that part of the story is told from her perspective. I loved getting to see what Max was thinking!
November 5, 2025
‘I always wanted to die on screen. Emily says I have a flair for the dramatic.’
Retirement isn’t going the way Bill O’Shea thought it would. He’s nursing a broken heart and finding himself dragged back into murder investigations when he least expects it. The best part of this new arrangement? No paperwork. That author has crafted a wonderfully described world full of interesting characters (Including an amazing dog), a twisty case full of suspects with a satisfying ending that already sets up Bill’s next big adventure. This is a series worth checking out and Patrick Kelly added as a must read author on my tbr pile.
Retirement isn’t going the way Bill O’Shea thought it would. He’s nursing a broken heart and finding himself dragged back into murder investigations when he least expects it. The best part of this new arrangement? No paperwork. That author has crafted a wonderfully described world full of interesting characters (Including an amazing dog), a twisty case full of suspects with a satisfying ending that already sets up Bill’s next big adventure. This is a series worth checking out and Patrick Kelly added as a must read author on my tbr pile.
November 8, 2025
A small troupe of actors are in Wintergreen to stage a new play “Crime Doesn’t Pay” in the final act the two actors on stage shoot to kill each other. But, one of them really is dead. Bill O’Shea, a retired Detective is there and asked to help. Virtually all involved in the play have a reason to have wanted the person dead. Lots of overlapping stories are uncovered ad soon it becomes clear that at least one person, other than the murderer, has lied in their statement. An interesting story included in this book, is about how Max, Bill’s dog leads an injured black bear to where it could get help.
November 25, 2025
Bill O'Shea just wanted to enjoy a quiet night at the theater. He didn't realize he would be pulled into another mystery. This time he will need a keen eye and open mind to solve who would want the victim dead.
This series by Patrick Kelly is one of my favorite cozy mystery stories. Each could be read as a standalone but earlier books do give some background to some characters. The author definitely has a way of describing the setting in the mountains that the reader can just close their eyes and they are there. I look forward to more stories as I go back and reread the old. I received an ARC copy. A review was not required.
This series by Patrick Kelly is one of my favorite cozy mystery stories. Each could be read as a standalone but earlier books do give some background to some characters. The author definitely has a way of describing the setting in the mountains that the reader can just close their eyes and they are there. I look forward to more stories as I go back and reread the old. I received an ARC copy. A review was not required.
December 23, 2025
Murder Stage Right is the sixth Wintergreen mystery but I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone.
Retires detective, Bill OShea attends opening night at the theater and ends up assisting in a murder investigation.
This is a complex mystery with plenty of twists that makes it impossible to put down. The author definitely brings th Blue Ridge location to life and the writing style draw the reader in to feel like they are in on the investigation.
I highly recommend Murder Stage Right to all cozy mystery readers and will now go back to catch up on the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of Murder Stage Right but all opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Retires detective, Bill OShea attends opening night at the theater and ends up assisting in a murder investigation.
This is a complex mystery with plenty of twists that makes it impossible to put down. The author definitely brings th Blue Ridge location to life and the writing style draw the reader in to feel like they are in on the investigation.
I highly recommend Murder Stage Right to all cozy mystery readers and will now go back to catch up on the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of Murder Stage Right but all opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
November 25, 2025
I absolutely love the Wintergreen Mystery series! This is book six, but it can be read as a standalone. This time, retired detective Bill O’Shea solves a crime that revolves around the cast of a play that’s come to Wintergreen. One of my favorite things about all the Wintergreen books is the resort town mountain setting. It makes the story feel a little bit set apart from the rest of the world, giving the mystery a locked-room feel. That, paired with well-developed characters and an interesting mystery, makes for a fun read. And there’s a dog!
October 29, 2025
A great addition to the series, with Bill O’Shea helping out the police when there’s a death on stage at the Tented Theatre. Bill’s theory goes out the window when there’s another death. Who is telling lies and why? Who will gain and who will lose? The play was “Crime Never Pays”. So true. An entertaining read. Recommend.
PS Max is such a clever dog.
PS Max is such a clever dog.
November 2, 2025
Another Wintergreen Winner!! “Murder Stage Right” by Patrick Kelly is a clever and fast-paced mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The theater setting adds rich atmosphere and humor, blending suspense with backstage drama in an irresistible way. Kelly’s sharp writing and memorable characters make this a thoroughly entertaining read for mystery lovers and theater fans alike.
November 6, 2025
He is taking a break and watching a drama in the tent when the gun is fires. Unfortunately it was no longer had blank bullets but a real one. This will kill the leading man and he needs to find out what is going on. Who wanted them dead? See who did
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great murder mystery
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great murder mystery
November 5, 2025
It’s a fun, clever read with plenty of charm and wit. The writing keeps things entertaining, and the small-town vibes mixed with mystery made it really enjoyable. A solid pick for anyone who likes cozy whodunits with personality.
October 30, 2025
great book. easy to read and follow. keeps you guessing all the way to the end.
November 1, 2025
A murder mystery involving a play about a murder mystery. Choose your suspect early and follow the clues.
November 3, 2025
Patrick’s writing improves with every book. The plot on this book was well written. I recommend taking screenshots of his many characters. I referenced my list often!
November 21, 2025
Spoiler The dog makes it home unhurt. Fast read. The dog has his own chapter found it interesting. The who was married to who etc was a bit confusing. The characters were not bad. Liked the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
If you love a cozy murder mystery, I am sure you would enjoy watching a local theater production under the stars in the fall with mountain views in Virginia at the Wintergreen Resort. The play ends with lights out and gun shots that are part of the plot. Imagine everyone's surprise when the curtains reopen and the lineup of cast members appear on stage without the main character who is lying in a pool of blood. Your lovely evening turns into an evening of questioning. Patrick does a good job with character development. Before the play, you have already gotten to know the deceased and you know that many members of the production have a motive for switching out the gun or bullets at some point before the end of the play. The story becomes even more interesting with Bill's leading suspect is found murdered. I enjoyed hearing about all my favorite characters (people and animals) and hearing about Bill's new neighbors. I have enjoyed all six of the Wintergreen Mystery Books and I think you would, too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2025
Mr. Kelly writes interesting, intriguing and entertaining stories that are usually immersing. A good constant pace, interesting characters, good dialog, and more important, no silliness or hollywood-style idiotic drama. There is no rehashing of the previous books, thank you, Mr. Kelly. Source: The author, ARCs.
WINTERGREEN MYSTERIES:
MURDER STAGE RIGHT, #6 - It was hard to get into this story. I'm not much of a theater/hollywood/actors-type, so I didn'tcare about the theatercharacters. But after a while, I got into the story and finished reading it. Good characters with a steady pace helped, along with Max and the bear. 4*
THE CURSE OF CRABTREE FALLS, prequel - The author's comment at the end of story that this is a Cozy? While not in the league of The Sheila Stories and The Entrepreneurs Series, there was enough interest for me to finish this short read quickly. 3.5 *
MOUNTAIN VIEW MURDER, #1 - No flippantry or silly head thoughts but a clear, quiet cut and dry process to solving the mystery. The author does bring a higher level of investigation, but I am spoilt by his previous work. This well written story moves at a steady pace with interesting story lines. 5*
THE OVERLOOK MURDER, #2 - Well done! Interesting. Good characters. Good story lines. Well written and well thought out, this story is meaty and the reader works as hard as the retired police officer Bill. Dislike calling this a Cozy because this has more substance and real world investigations and proper procedures. 5*
MURDER IN WHITE, #3 - This is the best of the three books in this series. This is a top-tier mystery with good characters that can think and have intelligent conversations. I enjoyed the fact that there so many suspects, the victim was not a nice or likeable person. The murder weapon was easy to figure out but the killer took more figuring. 5*
MURDER AT DAWN, #4 - An interesting and intriguing story that kept me reading until the last word. Enjoyable and entertaining, and set at good pace, the pages flew quickly in this well written book with plenty of kinks in the investigation. 5*
THE HUMPBACK ROCKS MURDER, #5 - Rather an ingenious way to solve a murder. Enjoyable story in an enjoyable series. 5*
THE SHEILA STORIES - Wonderful. Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This book tugs at my heartstrings. I enjoyed the storylines about everyone involved. The way two stories are told, the past and the present, is interesting and makes it difficult to put the book down. The characters are so intriguing, varied and Sheila is mesmerizing. The vivid descriptions place the reader in the midst of everything happening. This is one of the best stories about a person's life that I have read in years. 5*
WINTERGREEN MYSTERIES:
MURDER STAGE RIGHT, #6 - It was hard to get into this story. I'm not much of a theater/hollywood/actors-type, so I didn'tcare about the theatercharacters. But after a while, I got into the story and finished reading it. Good characters with a steady pace helped, along with Max and the bear. 4*
THE CURSE OF CRABTREE FALLS, prequel - The author's comment at the end of story that this is a Cozy? While not in the league of The Sheila Stories and The Entrepreneurs Series, there was enough interest for me to finish this short read quickly. 3.5 *
MOUNTAIN VIEW MURDER, #1 - No flippantry or silly head thoughts but a clear, quiet cut and dry process to solving the mystery. The author does bring a higher level of investigation, but I am spoilt by his previous work. This well written story moves at a steady pace with interesting story lines. 5*
THE OVERLOOK MURDER, #2 - Well done! Interesting. Good characters. Good story lines. Well written and well thought out, this story is meaty and the reader works as hard as the retired police officer Bill. Dislike calling this a Cozy because this has more substance and real world investigations and proper procedures. 5*
MURDER IN WHITE, #3 - This is the best of the three books in this series. This is a top-tier mystery with good characters that can think and have intelligent conversations. I enjoyed the fact that there so many suspects, the victim was not a nice or likeable person. The murder weapon was easy to figure out but the killer took more figuring. 5*
MURDER AT DAWN, #4 - An interesting and intriguing story that kept me reading until the last word. Enjoyable and entertaining, and set at good pace, the pages flew quickly in this well written book with plenty of kinks in the investigation. 5*
THE HUMPBACK ROCKS MURDER, #5 - Rather an ingenious way to solve a murder. Enjoyable story in an enjoyable series. 5*
THE SHEILA STORIES - Wonderful. Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This book tugs at my heartstrings. I enjoyed the storylines about everyone involved. The way two stories are told, the past and the present, is interesting and makes it difficult to put the book down. The characters are so intriguing, varied and Sheila is mesmerizing. The vivid descriptions place the reader in the midst of everything happening. This is one of the best stories about a person's life that I have read in years. 5*
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews