What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 15:43:46
10 copies available
U.S. only
Don't Upstage the Body
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26Win a free print copy of this book!
13 days and 15:43:46
10 copies available
U.S. only
Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family's services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she's tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker's body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation.
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be.
Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls.
With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem.
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort's estate--with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father's wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort's charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be.
Concealing her family's true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta's life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls.
With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem.
304 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2026
About the author
Naomi Stephens
5 books294 followersNaomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2026
I LOVED this book so much! It’s what I would label a cozy mystery, with lighter tones and great humor. I loved these characters! Especially our two main characters. Hippolyta (I have no idea how to pronounce her name) is just wonderful! I love her! She is so determined to solve the mystery. She is a professional mourner so she uses a fake persona, Ethel Jones. Crispin is the son of the deceased Lord Basil Montfort (the most recent funeral is for) and he instantly likes Hippolyta but is suspicious of her hiding something, especially of her name being Ethel. They meet when she finds the undertaker dead. And so we have a whodunnit mystery! I loved watching the interactions between Hippolyta and Crispin and them working to solve the mystery. I also liked Tula, she is a fun character. This story is filled with great humor and mystery and a little romance. There is also great Christian content. Overall, a fantastic story and I recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
May 3, 2026
This one has a lighter more cozy mystery feel to it than the author’s previous book, but I was here for it. The mystery is satisfying and the characters are endearing. I had to consult the list of characters at the beginning of the book frequently to try to remember who each person was pretending to be so that definitely paused my reading flow at times. However, I got the hang of it in time and still managed to fly through this one over the weekend. If you love 1950s era mysteries, you’ll want to pick this one up. Thank you, Bethany House for the opportunity to read this book ahead of publication!
June 2, 2026
(I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.)
From the publisher/Goodreads: “With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem.”
One of my absolute FAVORITE books of the year so far! I loved it so much.
This story is the perfect cozy mystery, and the witty banter throughout was ON POINT. I loved the historical setting and the fact that the entire mystery and story took place in one location: a 1950’s manor house in which everyone is forced to stay put, until the murderer among them is identified. Truly, no one is who they seem!
The mystery kept me guessing, the romance was sweet and fun, and the light faith elements were well done.
I smiled the whole way through this book and did not want to put it down.
If you like cozy mysteries with a whole cast of eclectic, charming characters, you simply must read “Don’t Upstage the Body.”
Highly recommend!
From the publisher/Goodreads: “With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem.”
One of my absolute FAVORITE books of the year so far! I loved it so much.
This story is the perfect cozy mystery, and the witty banter throughout was ON POINT. I loved the historical setting and the fact that the entire mystery and story took place in one location: a 1950’s manor house in which everyone is forced to stay put, until the murderer among them is identified. Truly, no one is who they seem!
The mystery kept me guessing, the romance was sweet and fun, and the light faith elements were well done.
I smiled the whole way through this book and did not want to put it down.
If you like cozy mysteries with a whole cast of eclectic, charming characters, you simply must read “Don’t Upstage the Body.”
Highly recommend!
June 6, 2026
Review to come
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"Professional Mourners for Hire. Troupe of experienced thespians. Exceptionally discreet. Will dress smartly and can suit ourselves to the atmosphere of any funeral."
And that's exactly how Hippolyta Halfpenny, alias Ethel Jones, found herself in the bowels of the Montfort Manor with a dead body, except it wasn't the one who was just buried. Her family's unusual enterprise, posing as mourners for hire, had them pretending to know the deceased, a wealthy earl who lived as a virtual recluse towards the end of his days . . . thus, the need for hired mourners at his passing. Finding the undertaker minutes away from his expiration date in the library, coming face to face with the charming heir of the already deceased and fainting deadaway in the floor was most certainly not on her father's strict list of mourner's etiquette.
As fate would have it, torrential rain sequestered the small grouping of family and friends attending the post internment luncheon, forcing them to seek shelter in the Manor overnight. While local officials began the process of interviewing every person on the premises, Hippolyta's siblings rose to the occasion, demonstrating their theatric abilities, but the newly minted earl managed to intersect with Hippolyta at every turn. After all, it was his house now, and she was merely an imposter mourner who was determined to expose the person who had knocked off the undertaker.
What a clever than ever conundrum of quirks and clues, stirring up family secrets, unlikely chemistry and ulterior motives, leading towards the final destination; solving a murder! With authentic messaging, dramatic ingenuity, and an interesting backdrop, this story and the characters who play upon its stage form an alliance to make sure that every reader will enjoy all five acts until the final curtain falls! The end!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
And that's exactly how Hippolyta Halfpenny, alias Ethel Jones, found herself in the bowels of the Montfort Manor with a dead body, except it wasn't the one who was just buried. Her family's unusual enterprise, posing as mourners for hire, had them pretending to know the deceased, a wealthy earl who lived as a virtual recluse towards the end of his days . . . thus, the need for hired mourners at his passing. Finding the undertaker minutes away from his expiration date in the library, coming face to face with the charming heir of the already deceased and fainting deadaway in the floor was most certainly not on her father's strict list of mourner's etiquette.
As fate would have it, torrential rain sequestered the small grouping of family and friends attending the post internment luncheon, forcing them to seek shelter in the Manor overnight. While local officials began the process of interviewing every person on the premises, Hippolyta's siblings rose to the occasion, demonstrating their theatric abilities, but the newly minted earl managed to intersect with Hippolyta at every turn. After all, it was his house now, and she was merely an imposter mourner who was determined to expose the person who had knocked off the undertaker.
What a clever than ever conundrum of quirks and clues, stirring up family secrets, unlikely chemistry and ulterior motives, leading towards the final destination; solving a murder! With authentic messaging, dramatic ingenuity, and an interesting backdrop, this story and the characters who play upon its stage form an alliance to make sure that every reader will enjoy all five acts until the final curtain falls! The end!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book for the author and publisher. I also purchased a copy. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don’t Upstage the Body is a delightfully clever take on the classic manor‑house murder, but with a twist that feels fresh: a family of professional mourners, trained in the art of performance, suddenly thrust into a very real crime. Hippolyta Halfpenny is such an engaging lead — weary of the masks she’s worn for years, longing for a life that’s hers alone, yet forced into one last role just as the curtain rises on a murder. There’s something deeply endearing about her, this woman caught between duty, deception, and the inconvenient spark of curiosity that refuses to be quiet.
The setting is deliciously atmospheric. Rain‑lashed roads, a grand estate sealed off from the world, a cast of guests who all seem to be hiding something — it’s the kind of locked‑room tension that feels like a warm nod to Christie while still carving out its own identity. The storm doesn’t just trap them; it amplifies every secret, every sideways glance, every moment where Hippolyta must pretend she belongs in a life that isn’t hers.
What really shines is the interplay between performance and truth. Hippolyta’s entire existence has been built on illusion, yet here she is, trying to unmask a killer while keeping her own identity under wraps. The dynamic with Lord Monfort’s heir adds a lovely thread of tension — he’s charming, perceptive, and far too observant for her comfort, and their scenes together hum with the risk of being seen too clearly.
The mystery itself is layered with decades‑old secrets, shifting motives, and the kind of reveals that feel earned rather than flashy. It’s a story about masks, both chosen and inherited, and the danger of wearing one too long.
With thanks to Naomi Stephens, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setting is deliciously atmospheric. Rain‑lashed roads, a grand estate sealed off from the world, a cast of guests who all seem to be hiding something — it’s the kind of locked‑room tension that feels like a warm nod to Christie while still carving out its own identity. The storm doesn’t just trap them; it amplifies every secret, every sideways glance, every moment where Hippolyta must pretend she belongs in a life that isn’t hers.
What really shines is the interplay between performance and truth. Hippolyta’s entire existence has been built on illusion, yet here she is, trying to unmask a killer while keeping her own identity under wraps. The dynamic with Lord Monfort’s heir adds a lovely thread of tension — he’s charming, perceptive, and far too observant for her comfort, and their scenes together hum with the risk of being seen too clearly.
The mystery itself is layered with decades‑old secrets, shifting motives, and the kind of reveals that feel earned rather than flashy. It’s a story about masks, both chosen and inherited, and the danger of wearing one too long.
With thanks to Naomi Stephens, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
Naomi Stephens pens another delightful story filled with all of the classic elements of the great manor mysteries. From the first page to the last I was enthralled by this brilliant whodunit, filled with a few red herrings to keep readers glued to the page.
I was initially captivated by the premise of a family of professional mourners. At the center of this family is Hippolyta Halfpenny. She has spent most of her life creating her character, an illusion that allows her to be invisible within a crowd. As the guests mourn the death of Lord Montfort, another body is discovered. And a spark of curiosity is triggered as she seeks to uncover the many secrets hidden within the walls of the manor.
With a diverse cast of characters filled with Lord Montfort's aristocratic family, the family of professional mourners and a house full of servants, readers will quickly be trying to discover if there is a thief or murderer hidden in plain sight. I found the witty banter between the two leads delightful. As rainy weather leaves them stranded in an isolated manor house with a supposed killer, the stage is set for a cozy atmospheric mystery. Ms. Stephens skillfully parcels out her clues to keep her readers engaged until the last page has been read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Naomi Stephens pens another delightful story filled with all of the classic elements of the great manor mysteries. From the first page to the last I was enthralled by this brilliant whodunit, filled with a few red herrings to keep readers glued to the page.
I was initially captivated by the premise of a family of professional mourners. At the center of this family is Hippolyta Halfpenny. She has spent most of her life creating her character, an illusion that allows her to be invisible within a crowd. As the guests mourn the death of Lord Montfort, another body is discovered. And a spark of curiosity is triggered as she seeks to uncover the many secrets hidden within the walls of the manor.
With a diverse cast of characters filled with Lord Montfort's aristocratic family, the family of professional mourners and a house full of servants, readers will quickly be trying to discover if there is a thief or murderer hidden in plain sight. I found the witty banter between the two leads delightful. As rainy weather leaves them stranded in an isolated manor house with a supposed killer, the stage is set for a cozy atmospheric mystery. Ms. Stephens skillfully parcels out her clues to keep her readers engaged until the last page has been read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the May 2025 issue of Library Journal.
Hippolyta Halpenny is dying to escape the family business, which is ironic since they are professional mourners hired to put on a good show at funerals. When she summons real tears over her mother's death at Lord Basil Montfort's service, she attracts the attention of Crispin, the future Earl of Montfort himself.
Everything threatens to come undone, however, when Hippolyta discovers a body in the library and the motley crew is forced to remain on the Montfort estate until the slightly inept constabulary cracks the case. Taking matters into their own hands, Hippolyta and Crispin investigate the death, which may be tied to a legendary jewel theft from decades previously, while keeping secrets from each other.
VERDICT: Set in the 1950s, the tale is equal parts farcical and mysterious. Stephens (The Burning of Rosemont Abbey) delivers a unique twist on the classic English house party mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. For fans of Anthony Horowitz and Alan Bradley who want a laugh along with their whodunit.
Hippolyta Halpenny is dying to escape the family business, which is ironic since they are professional mourners hired to put on a good show at funerals. When she summons real tears over her mother's death at Lord Basil Montfort's service, she attracts the attention of Crispin, the future Earl of Montfort himself.
Everything threatens to come undone, however, when Hippolyta discovers a body in the library and the motley crew is forced to remain on the Montfort estate until the slightly inept constabulary cracks the case. Taking matters into their own hands, Hippolyta and Crispin investigate the death, which may be tied to a legendary jewel theft from decades previously, while keeping secrets from each other.
VERDICT: Set in the 1950s, the tale is equal parts farcical and mysterious. Stephens (The Burning of Rosemont Abbey) delivers a unique twist on the classic English house party mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. For fans of Anthony Horowitz and Alan Bradley who want a laugh along with their whodunit.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This review by librarian Christine Barth was first published in the May 2025 issue of Library Journal.
Hippolyta Halpenny is dying to escape the family business, which is ironic since they are professional mourners hired to put on a good show at funerals. When she summons real tears over her mother's death at Lord Basil Montfort's service, she attracts the attention of Crispin, the future Earl of Montfort himself.
Everything threatens to come undone, however, when Hippolyta discovers a body in the library and the motley crew is forced to remain on the Montfort estate until the slightly inept constabulary cracks the case. Taking matters into their own hands, Hippolyta and Crispin investigate the death, which may be tied to a legendary jewel theft from decades previously, while keeping secrets from each other.
VERDICT: Set in the 1950s, the tale is equal parts farcical and mysterious. Stephens (The Burning of Rosemont Abbey) delivers a unique twist on the classic English house party mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. For fans of Anthony Horowitz and Alan Bradley who want a laugh along with their whodunit.
Hippolyta Halpenny is dying to escape the family business, which is ironic since they are professional mourners hired to put on a good show at funerals. When she summons real tears over her mother's death at Lord Basil Montfort's service, she attracts the attention of Crispin, the future Earl of Montfort himself.
Everything threatens to come undone, however, when Hippolyta discovers a body in the library and the motley crew is forced to remain on the Montfort estate until the slightly inept constabulary cracks the case. Taking matters into their own hands, Hippolyta and Crispin investigate the death, which may be tied to a legendary jewel theft from decades previously, while keeping secrets from each other.
VERDICT: Set in the 1950s, the tale is equal parts farcical and mysterious. Stephens (The Burning of Rosemont Abbey) delivers a unique twist on the classic English house party mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. For fans of Anthony Horowitz and Alan Bradley who want a laugh along with their whodunit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Don’t Upstage the Body is a rip roaring mystery with the most interesting characters. A troop of professional mourners, aristocrats, flighty relatives, and villains in disguise make this a jewel of a story.
If I had one thing I’d change, it would be all the detail at the beginning with little action. For me it didn’t grab my attention. I almost didn’t keep reading but I’m glad I did. I quite enjoyed trying to unravel the clues alongside Crispin and Hippolyta.
The pacing throughout the book was perfect for drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged. Each clue revealed raised more questions and as those in the story had their own suspicions it made the interactions real as well as sometimes amusing.
Hippolyta seemed like a square peg in a round hole in some ways with her family and Crispin, yet somehow as she moved through the book she began to find herself and fit perfectly with those she loved.
I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through interviews and reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
If I had one thing I’d change, it would be all the detail at the beginning with little action. For me it didn’t grab my attention. I almost didn’t keep reading but I’m glad I did. I quite enjoyed trying to unravel the clues alongside Crispin and Hippolyta.
The pacing throughout the book was perfect for drawing the reader in and keeping them engaged. Each clue revealed raised more questions and as those in the story had their own suspicions it made the interactions real as well as sometimes amusing.
Hippolyta seemed like a square peg in a round hole in some ways with her family and Crispin, yet somehow as she moved through the book she began to find herself and fit perfectly with those she loved.
I received a copy courtesy of Bethany House through interviews and reviews via NetGalley. This is my honest opinion of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had previously read Naomi Stephens's The Burning of Rosemont Abbey and really enjoyed it, so when I saw that she had a new 1950s mystery releasing, I was once again excited to read it. I have to say, the vibe for this one felt quite different than what I recall from the previous (a little cozier and more lighthearted), but I still found myself enjoying it just as much anyway! The idea of professional mourners is not something I'd ever heard or thought of before, and it really added a unique dynamic to this story that I really enjoyed. The mystery kept me intrigued with secrets coming out and keeping me guessing right through to the end. This one is definitely a bit different than many of the books that I typically read, but I found myself very much enjoying it and looking forward to even more from Naomi Stephens. If you love 1950s setting and unique cozy mysteries, this is certainly one worth checking out.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is an excellent mystery! It has vibes of old black and white movies with lots of twists and turns. The Halfpenny family, after the tragic death of Mrs. Halfpenny, used their acting ability to become professional mourners. Youngest sister Hippolyta is tiring of this and vows that the funeral of Lord Basil Monfort would be her last as Ethel Jones, "the third cousin, twice removed." Things do not go as planned. Hippolyta discovers the body of the undertaker in the library after she hears a strange sound. To her amazement and annoyance, the new Lord Monfort, Crispin, insists on intruding on her snoopiness as she tries to solve the murder. A rainstorm that floods the roads causing everyone to be confined to the manor complicates things. There is plenty of humor and even a bit of romance in this highly entertaining mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh my goodness, I thoroughly enjoyed "Don't Upstage the Body" by Naomi Stephens! This story grabbed me from the start. For lovers of a good whodunit story, this one is set at a funeral with a hired family of professional mourners, a handsome heir, a mother who needs smelling salts, and a loveable aunt. I couldn't put it down. When a murder occurs at the reception, torrential rains keep them all at the manor house wondering who the murderer is. Miss Ethel Jones (alias for Hippolyta Halfpenny) becomes an amateur sleuth with Crispin Cavendish to solve the murder of the undertaker in the library.
Lovers of Agatha Christie, and the game clue (brought to life with depth and witty banter), need to read this! I highly recommend this entertaining read!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Lovers of Agatha Christie, and the game clue (brought to life with depth and witty banter), need to read this! I highly recommend this entertaining read!
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is delightful! There is a family of paid mourners, a dead body, not in the casket, an Earl not sure how to be an Earl, a crazy Aunt, a vicar and other fun cast of characters!
After a funeral and during the funeral luncheon, the undertaker is found dead. The police begin to investigate, but a storm throws things into chaos. But the Earl and Miss Jones continue to investigate. There are twists and turns, death threats, death attempts, and relationship building.
I am not giving this book review justice. This was a fun read, I didn't want to put it down. The writing was good, the characters fun, and the ending good! Thank you to netgalley and Bethany Publishing for an Early copy.
After a funeral and during the funeral luncheon, the undertaker is found dead. The police begin to investigate, but a storm throws things into chaos. But the Earl and Miss Jones continue to investigate. There are twists and turns, death threats, death attempts, and relationship building.
I am not giving this book review justice. This was a fun read, I didn't want to put it down. The writing was good, the characters fun, and the ending good! Thank you to netgalley and Bethany Publishing for an Early copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a delightful mystery, filled with scheming and unusual plotting, a bit of romance and a lot of banter.
Hippolyta and family are professional mourners. This business was concocted by her father, a retired actor, after his wife died and he was unable to set aside his grief. The setting is England in the 1950s and the family is attending a funeral for a deceased Lord who was an old crank and mostly unloved. The family all have fake names, fake stories, and an imagined but distant relationship to the deceased, as in third cousin twice removed.
Hippolyta stumbles over a body wno mutters some enigmatic last words and then expires.
The new Lord is soon on the scene And there is obvious chemistry as they decide to investigate the murder together.
Unusual, fun and nicely done. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hippolyta and family are professional mourners. This business was concocted by her father, a retired actor, after his wife died and he was unable to set aside his grief. The setting is England in the 1950s and the family is attending a funeral for a deceased Lord who was an old crank and mostly unloved. The family all have fake names, fake stories, and an imagined but distant relationship to the deceased, as in third cousin twice removed.
Hippolyta stumbles over a body wno mutters some enigmatic last words and then expires.
The new Lord is soon on the scene And there is obvious chemistry as they decide to investigate the murder together.
Unusual, fun and nicely done. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This read had me chuckling at times, and thoughts of a new job!
Makes sense in this culture to want people at the service, and Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family are up to the task, or are they.
With a body turning up at the estate after the funeral, we wonder what is going on, and yes, with lots of action, we do get answers.
This is a past meets present, and throw in some sweet romance, along with danger! I did love that there are surprises here right to the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Makes sense in this culture to want people at the service, and Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family are up to the task, or are they.
With a body turning up at the estate after the funeral, we wonder what is going on, and yes, with lots of action, we do get answers.
This is a past meets present, and throw in some sweet romance, along with danger! I did love that there are surprises here right to the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Quick Takes:
⭐ Rating 5/5
🤐 Language: None
❤️ Spice: Kisses
👋🏽 Content: grief, murder, mentions of a youthful dalliance
Absolutely, completely, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story!!
What I enjoyed the most:
• I loved the entire cast of characters, each one was superb!
• The mystery was not predictable. There were so many twists and turns.
• The dialogue was witty and entertaining. Some of Crispin's lines were hilarious!
I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by the publisher to review. As always these thoughts are honest and my own.
⭐ Rating 5/5
🤐 Language: None
❤️ Spice: Kisses
👋🏽 Content: grief, murder, mentions of a youthful dalliance
Absolutely, completely, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story!!
What I enjoyed the most:
• I loved the entire cast of characters, each one was superb!
• The mystery was not predictable. There were so many twists and turns.
• The dialogue was witty and entertaining. Some of Crispin's lines were hilarious!
I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by the publisher to review. As always these thoughts are honest and my own.
June 5, 2026
What a fun mystery read. I wasn’t sure when I started it that I would like it, but oh my, I loved it! Crispin just sounds dreamy and Hippolyta is such a hoot. I loved their banter and quick wit. They way they were drawn to each other and how they always seem to be on the same page and there for each other. Many twists and turns and trying to guess whodunnit! And then being surprised in the end. I look forward to more interesting reads from Naomi!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first book I’ve read of Naomi but it won’t be my last .
I love reading mysteries and how awesome the setting is in the 1950’s
The book has you guessing until the very end , I was glad it had a character reference at the beginning of the book so I could look back to remember who was who.
Highly recommend book
Thank you Naomi for my ARC
I love reading mysteries and how awesome the setting is in the 1950’s
The book has you guessing until the very end , I was glad it had a character reference at the beginning of the book so I could look back to remember who was who.
Highly recommend book
Thank you Naomi for my ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Naomi Stephens is a new author to me, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I stumbled a little bit over the odd (and multiple) names but soon got involved in the mystery. The twists and turns kept me guessing. My gratitude to the publisher for a complimentary e-copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Grief was clever. It catered to each of them in their own way, and perhaps that was what made it so difficult to escape."
Set in 1957 England, this book was a clever murder mystery laid out in a loose play format with flavors of Agatha Christie and Clue. The cast of characters was fascinating and diverse, all with hidden backstories, regrets, and grief. There were plenty of plot twists and surprises that shocked the characters and reader alike. I loved watching Hippolyta's mind work. An introverted non-dramatic sibling in a family of actors, Hippolyta never felt like she fit in, even in the family business as professional mourners. But her sharp mind and observant eyes unraveled the mystery and saved the day. I also loved watching Hippolyta and Crispin banter and work together to bring justice.
If you enjoy well-written clean murder mystery without any gore, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author via Bethany House and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Set in 1957 England, this book was a clever murder mystery laid out in a loose play format with flavors of Agatha Christie and Clue. The cast of characters was fascinating and diverse, all with hidden backstories, regrets, and grief. There were plenty of plot twists and surprises that shocked the characters and reader alike. I loved watching Hippolyta's mind work. An introverted non-dramatic sibling in a family of actors, Hippolyta never felt like she fit in, even in the family business as professional mourners. But her sharp mind and observant eyes unraveled the mystery and saved the day. I also loved watching Hippolyta and Crispin banter and work together to bring justice.
If you enjoy well-written clean murder mystery without any gore, you will absolutely love this book. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of the author via Bethany House and NetGalley. I was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A thoroughly entertaining locked-door historical mystery. More lighthearted than The Burning of Rosemont Abbey, but I enjoyed it and have added Stephens to my must-read list!
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm happy that Don't Stage the Body lived up to what I thought it would be after reading the synopsis. This book is entertaining, twisted, and full of red herrings. This is the first book I have read by Stephens and it will not be my last.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews