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Carlyle & Silver Cozy Mysteries #3
Silver and the Moonlit Murder
A dead leading man. A deadly prop. And a detective duo with one week to save the show.
When Laura Carlyle's old flame calls in a panic, she and Sebastian Silver find themselves in a Suffolk town where the local theatre is celebrating its centenary – and mourning its star.
The Moonlight Theatre has staged Shakespeare for a hundred years, but now, with a charity gala just days away and property developers circling like vultures, Julius Caesar should be saving the theatre's future. Instead, the actor playing the title role has been stabbed to death on stage – and the prop dagger in his chest was very, very real.
Everyone in the cast had a knife. Everyone had opportunity. The victim was a scene-stealer who'd stolen more than just roles – and in amateur dramatics, the drama never stops at the stage door.
The police want to close the show. The director needs it to go on. But Sebastian knows that killers, like audiences, often demand an encore.
From dusty dressing rooms to opening night curtain calls, the spotlight at the Moonlight hides a century of secrets. And if Laura and Sebastian can't unmask the killer before the final act, the next death won't be scripted...
When Laura Carlyle's old flame calls in a panic, she and Sebastian Silver find themselves in a Suffolk town where the local theatre is celebrating its centenary – and mourning its star.
The Moonlight Theatre has staged Shakespeare for a hundred years, but now, with a charity gala just days away and property developers circling like vultures, Julius Caesar should be saving the theatre's future. Instead, the actor playing the title role has been stabbed to death on stage – and the prop dagger in his chest was very, very real.
Everyone in the cast had a knife. Everyone had opportunity. The victim was a scene-stealer who'd stolen more than just roles – and in amateur dramatics, the drama never stops at the stage door.
The police want to close the show. The director needs it to go on. But Sebastian knows that killers, like audiences, often demand an encore.
From dusty dressing rooms to opening night curtain calls, the spotlight at the Moonlight hides a century of secrets. And if Laura and Sebastian can't unmask the killer before the final act, the next death won't be scripted...
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2026
About the author
Jack Gatland
77 books253 followersJack Gatland is the pen name of #1 New York Times Bestselling Writer Tony Lee, who has been writing in all medias for over thirty years including comics, graphic novels, middle grade books, audio drama, TV and film for DC, Marvel, BBC, ITV, Random House, Penguin USA, Hachette and a ton of other publishers and broadcasters on licenses such as Doctor Who, Spider Man, X-Men, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Doctors, Wallace and Gromit and Shrek. As Tony, he’s toured the country talking to reluctant readers with his ‘Change The Channel’ school tours.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
He’s currently a member of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain, the Society of Authors, The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers and the Crime Writer’s Association.
As Jack, he’s writing a new series of Crime Thrillers starring Detective Inspector Declan Walsh, recently seconded to the City of London Police department known as the Last Chance Saloon.
The first twelve of these, LETTER FROM THE DEAD, MURDER OF ANGELS, HUNTER HUNTED, WHISPER FOR THE REAPER, TO HUNT A MAGPIE, A RITUAL FOR THE DYING, KILLING THE MUSIC, A DINNER TO DIE FOR, BEHIND THE WIRE, HEAVY IS THE CROWN, STALKING THE RIPPER and A QUIVER OF SORROWS are available now, with book thirteen, MURDER BY MISTLETOE released in December 2022 – with further adventures continuing throughout 2023.
In addition to that, the first book in a new series of Adventure Mysteries starring Robin-Hood style con-man forger-turned treasure hunter Damian Lucas, THE LIONHEART CURSE was released in January 2022, and he has both a new series of crime procedurals, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring ‘Cop for Criminals’ Ellie Reckless including PAINT THE DEAD and STEAL THE GOLD, and a new spy series, spinning out of the DI Walsh series and featuring burned MI5 agent Tom Marlowe including SLEEPING SOLDIERS and TARGET LOCKED.
He can be found at www.tonylee.co.uk and www.jackgatland.com.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 22, 2026
This one got me. I was certain I knew who'd done what... and while I was right about how and why, I was wrong about the who. Mostly.
This time, Silver, Laura, and crew are off to Suffolk when an actor dies while rehearsing Julius Caesar. Et tu Brute? Yeah. That one. Of course, it's easier to figure out who doesn't want the guy dead. That's.. about one person. Maybe two in a pinch. The question isn't why he's dead but what took folks so long.
Still, if they don't get this figured out in a matter of days, not only will the show not go on--no more shows will ever go on in this theater again! Add to all this, Silver learning things that mess with his personal peculiarities as well as maybe messing up his friendship with Laura, and things are getting dicey over there.
As per usual, one of the best bits is how Gatland words his phrases. He knows how to paint a word picture with snark, wit, and a fresh outlook on things.
And now I have to wait until July for more. So not fair.
This time, Silver, Laura, and crew are off to Suffolk when an actor dies while rehearsing Julius Caesar. Et tu Brute? Yeah. That one. Of course, it's easier to figure out who doesn't want the guy dead. That's.. about one person. Maybe two in a pinch. The question isn't why he's dead but what took folks so long.
Still, if they don't get this figured out in a matter of days, not only will the show not go on--no more shows will ever go on in this theater again! Add to all this, Silver learning things that mess with his personal peculiarities as well as maybe messing up his friendship with Laura, and things are getting dicey over there.
As per usual, one of the best bits is how Gatland words his phrases. He knows how to paint a word picture with snark, wit, and a fresh outlook on things.
And now I have to wait until July for more. So not fair.
May 21, 2026
Last night, Act Four rehearsal. Our leading man was stabbed to death on stage during the assassination scene.’ A bitter laugh. ‘We’re doing Julius Caesar. Hamilton Brightwell – you wouldn’t know him, but he’s been with the company for centuries. Someone switched a prop knife for a real blade.’… Six actors, six knives, all striking pretty much at once.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Silver and the Moonlit Murder by Jack Gatland is book 3 in the Carlyle and Silver series. It is published on 13 April. I really enjoy this series of cosy crime books with its great characters and storylines. The stage production of Julius Caesar to celebrate the Moonlight Theatre's 100th birthday is certainly not going to plan. The theatre in Suffolk is being fought over, and people are being murdered to protect secrets. The murders are clever and calculated. Laura Carlyle and Sebastian Silver are called on to investigate. They are fascinating characters with interesting pasts. Laura was a diplomat's wife and is used to reading people and is very observant. Sebastian is an ex-spy. This was a terrific addition to the series, and I kept changing my mind as to who the murderer was and who had the most to lose.
March 26, 2026
Laura, Sebastian and Philip do it again
This time we've been led to a little Suffolk village, where just like s Miss Marple book, a murder needs to be solved... we follow Laura and Sebastian/Philip, as they track down the clues to the murder(s) ,
This is one of those mysteries that you guess who the culprits are.. then re-think and decide its someone else, until the last few pages when allnus revealed.... a great 'who dun it!' Well worth at least 5🌟
This time we've been led to a little Suffolk village, where just like s Miss Marple book, a murder needs to be solved... we follow Laura and Sebastian/Philip, as they track down the clues to the murder(s) ,
This is one of those mysteries that you guess who the culprits are.. then re-think and decide its someone else, until the last few pages when allnus revealed.... a great 'who dun it!' Well worth at least 5🌟
April 13, 2026
Love these refined, intelligent people.
Jack Gatland, has an insight into people, what makes them tick. Using their intelligence, review evidence, find facts & catch the guilty party.
Aunt, Grandmother, Grandson & Phillip/Sebastian are an unusual group & with their combined talents a fabulous team; plus a little spy intrigue !!!!
Jack Gatland, has an insight into people, what makes them tick. Using their intelligence, review evidence, find facts & catch the guilty party.
Aunt, Grandmother, Grandson & Phillip/Sebastian are an unusual group & with their combined talents a fabulous team; plus a little spy intrigue !!!!
March 29, 2026
Complicated Mystery
Complicated mystery. The ending was very busy and somewhat annoying. Too much dialogue at the end. The rest of the story was interesting. I have enjoyed reading this series!
Complicated mystery. The ending was very busy and somewhat annoying. Too much dialogue at the end. The rest of the story was interesting. I have enjoyed reading this series!
April 12, 2026
Phillip Caesar, and Silver solve the cases
I enjoy all of the books, and this one did not let me down. Clear character sketches, multi-layered suspense and intrigue as the past melds with the future
I enjoy all of the books, and this one did not let me down. Clear character sketches, multi-layered suspense and intrigue as the past melds with the future
May 23, 2026
This is a GREAT book series! I've read all three and the storyline is great, it doesn't have any slow parts, the main characters are wonderful. The 4th book comes out on July 13th and I'm definitely downloading it on my kindle.
April 7, 2026
another well written who done it! love the style of this duo
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews