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Murder at the Movies
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Expected 6 Oct 26A Hitchcock movie screening turns fatal when Audrey Sullivan—recent transplant to New England—discovers a dead body on opening night of the movie palace she's just inherited in this thrilling first entry in a cozy mystery series by Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone.
When Audrey Sullivan moves to Pine Island to take over her family’s theater, the Starlight Movie Palace, following the death of her grandmother, not everyone is thrilled with her arrival. A mysterious note is left at her doorstep telling her to return to L.A. While she’s a little spooked, Audrey is all the more determined to make opening night a success. But when the movie ends and the lights go on, there’s more than popcorn to clean up. . .Liam Ross, a wealthy and ruthless real estate developer, is found dead in the theater. The local police insist on shutting down the Starlight until they complete their investigation. With the theater’s future on the line, Audrey takes it upon herself to solve Liam’s murder. But in a town where everyone is a suspect, where does she begin?
When Audrey Sullivan moves to Pine Island to take over her family’s theater, the Starlight Movie Palace, following the death of her grandmother, not everyone is thrilled with her arrival. A mysterious note is left at her doorstep telling her to return to L.A. While she’s a little spooked, Audrey is all the more determined to make opening night a success. But when the movie ends and the lights go on, there’s more than popcorn to clean up. . .Liam Ross, a wealthy and ruthless real estate developer, is found dead in the theater. The local police insist on shutting down the Starlight until they complete their investigation. With the theater’s future on the line, Audrey takes it upon herself to solve Liam’s murder. But in a town where everyone is a suspect, where does she begin?
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Alicia Malone
16 books102 followersAlicia Malone is a film reporter, host, writer and self-confessed movie geek. She first gained notice hosting movie-centric shows and reviewing films in her native Australia, before making the leap to Los Angeles in 2011.
Since then, Alicia has appeared on CNN, the Today show, MSNBC, NPR and many more as a film expert. Currently, she is a host on FilmStruck, a cinephile subscription streaming service run by the Criterion Collection and Turner Classic Movies, and she is the creator and host of the weekly show, Indie Movie Guide on Fandango.
Alicia is passionate about classic films, independent movies and supporting women in film. In 2015, Alicia gave a TEDx talk about the lack of women working in film and why this is important to change. In 2017, she was invited to give a second TEDx talk, where she spoke about the hidden stories of the earliest women working in Hollywood. Alicia has also spoken at conferences around America, and because of this, was named of one the 100 Worthy Women of 2016.
Alicia has traveled the world to cover the BAFTAs, the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and SXSW. She is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and over the years has interviewed hundreds of movie stars and filmmakers.
She also wrote this bio, but knew it would sound way less egotistical if written in third person.
Since then, Alicia has appeared on CNN, the Today show, MSNBC, NPR and many more as a film expert. Currently, she is a host on FilmStruck, a cinephile subscription streaming service run by the Criterion Collection and Turner Classic Movies, and she is the creator and host of the weekly show, Indie Movie Guide on Fandango.
Alicia is passionate about classic films, independent movies and supporting women in film. In 2015, Alicia gave a TEDx talk about the lack of women working in film and why this is important to change. In 2017, she was invited to give a second TEDx talk, where she spoke about the hidden stories of the earliest women working in Hollywood. Alicia has also spoken at conferences around America, and because of this, was named of one the 100 Worthy Women of 2016.
Alicia has traveled the world to cover the BAFTAs, the Oscars, the Cannes Film Festival, Toronto Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and SXSW. She is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, and over the years has interviewed hundreds of movie stars and filmmakers.
She also wrote this bio, but knew it would sound way less egotistical if written in third person.
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August 3, 2026Since Alicia Malone is a host on the Turner Classic Movies channel, it seems fitting that she includes her love of movies in her debut novel, Murder at the Movies. The cover of the paperback version that I reviewed has a great drawing of the front of a classic movie theater. It is modern in feeling but draws on the best of the 1930s golden era of mysteries. Not only are there scattered references to classic movies throughout the story, but Audrey Sullivan, the protagonist, moves to a small Maine island to take over her grandmother’s theater.
Liam Ross, whom no one seems to like, is killed during the grand reopening of the Starlight Movie Palace. Audrey’s hopes of making a profit seem to fade when the police insist the theater remained closed. But, since there were only seven islanders in attendance, how long could it take to solve the murder? Right?
The novel is enjoyable. The pace moves steadily enough. Audrey Sullivan is likeable as is her friend, Mia Marallo, who owns the antique store next door to the movie theater. They become close friends in short order.
However, all is not as it seems. The local policewoman, Nora Davis, acts like a small-town cop trying to be a big-city cop, similar to Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) in the Andy Griffith Show. In fact, Audrey thinks Nora “looked like Margaret Hamilton as Almira Gulch in The Wizard of Oz, ready to seize some poor, unsuspecting dog.” Mia also has a less than outstanding opinion of Office Davis. “Ignore her. She thinks she’s the reason this island is so safe, but there’s literally zero crime. Mostly, she writes parking tickets for tourists who can’t read the signs.” In other words, the Davis character is stereotypical.
Then there's Oliver Bailey, a detective, who, mysteriously, just happens to be in town. He becomes involved in detecting the crime and seems to be of higher status than Officer Davis. No reason is given for this; presumably Bailey is with the state police, although no mention is made of that. Initially, Detective Bailey asks Audrey to keep her eyes and ears open, to talk with people and ask questions casually. However, further into the story, Audrey and Mia find Emma Ross, wife of the murdered man, unconscious in her own home. When the authorities are called in, Bailey’s “normally cheerful face hardened when he saw them.” When Office Davis introduces Mia to Bailey, she disparagingly says, “This is Mia Marallo…Audrey’s little sidekick.” Bailey’s response is, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Why am I not surprised?” Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways. Bailey initially asks her to be involved, even if peripherally. He then can’t be annoyed because Audrey accidentally finds the murdered man’s wife unconscious while trying to help.
Overall, I liked this cozy mystery, originally standoffish islanders and all. Audrey and Mia make a lively, but earnest, addition to the world of mystery-solving duos. I look forward to Mia playing a more decisive role. In this outing, she was present and supportive of Audrey but could have done a tiny bit more in the way of assisting in the detection of Liam Ross’s killer. Another character whom I’d love to see more of is Detective Oliver Bailey. Also, Victor Matthews was a footnote from Audrey’s past life as a publicist in Hollywood’s film industry. What will he be doing in any further additions to the Movie Palace Mystery series? Something nice and juicy, I hope.
I received a free advance uncorrected proof of this book in return for an honest review.
POSTED: 8/10/26
Murder at the Movies: A Movie Palace Mystery
by Alicia Malone
© October 2026
Running Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Liam Ross, whom no one seems to like, is killed during the grand reopening of the Starlight Movie Palace. Audrey’s hopes of making a profit seem to fade when the police insist the theater remained closed. But, since there were only seven islanders in attendance, how long could it take to solve the murder? Right?
The novel is enjoyable. The pace moves steadily enough. Audrey Sullivan is likeable as is her friend, Mia Marallo, who owns the antique store next door to the movie theater. They become close friends in short order.
However, all is not as it seems. The local policewoman, Nora Davis, acts like a small-town cop trying to be a big-city cop, similar to Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) in the Andy Griffith Show. In fact, Audrey thinks Nora “looked like Margaret Hamilton as Almira Gulch in The Wizard of Oz, ready to seize some poor, unsuspecting dog.” Mia also has a less than outstanding opinion of Office Davis. “Ignore her. She thinks she’s the reason this island is so safe, but there’s literally zero crime. Mostly, she writes parking tickets for tourists who can’t read the signs.” In other words, the Davis character is stereotypical.
Then there's Oliver Bailey, a detective, who, mysteriously, just happens to be in town. He becomes involved in detecting the crime and seems to be of higher status than Officer Davis. No reason is given for this; presumably Bailey is with the state police, although no mention is made of that. Initially, Detective Bailey asks Audrey to keep her eyes and ears open, to talk with people and ask questions casually. However, further into the story, Audrey and Mia find Emma Ross, wife of the murdered man, unconscious in her own home. When the authorities are called in, Bailey’s “normally cheerful face hardened when he saw them.” When Office Davis introduces Mia to Bailey, she disparagingly says, “This is Mia Marallo…Audrey’s little sidekick.” Bailey’s response is, “Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Why am I not surprised?” Sorry, but you can’t have it both ways. Bailey initially asks her to be involved, even if peripherally. He then can’t be annoyed because Audrey accidentally finds the murdered man’s wife unconscious while trying to help.
Overall, I liked this cozy mystery, originally standoffish islanders and all. Audrey and Mia make a lively, but earnest, addition to the world of mystery-solving duos. I look forward to Mia playing a more decisive role. In this outing, she was present and supportive of Audrey but could have done a tiny bit more in the way of assisting in the detection of Liam Ross’s killer. Another character whom I’d love to see more of is Detective Oliver Bailey. Also, Victor Matthews was a footnote from Audrey’s past life as a publicist in Hollywood’s film industry. What will he be doing in any further additions to the Movie Palace Mystery series? Something nice and juicy, I hope.
I received a free advance uncorrected proof of this book in return for an honest review.
POSTED: 8/10/26
Murder at the Movies: A Movie Palace Mystery
by Alicia Malone
© October 2026
Running Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐✨/5
Alicia Malone, Murder at the Movies: A Movie Palace Mystery
I enjoyed Murder at the Movies by Alicia Malone. This was a light and entertaining cozy mystery with a fun movie-themed setting, classic film references, and a small-town atmosphere that made it an easy read.
I really liked the premise of Audrey Sullivan taking over her grandmother’s movie theatre on a small island in Maine, only to discover a dead body and become involved in a murder investigation. The movie palace setting was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book, and I enjoyed the way the love of classic movies was woven throughout the story.
Audrey was a likable protagonist, and I particularly enjoyed her friendship with Mia. Their dynamic added some warmth and humor to the story, although I did find myself wishing Mia had been more involved in actually solving the mystery. The investigation itself was enjoyable, with enough suspects and clues to keep me interested, even if some of the twists felt a little predictable.
There were a few characters whose roles I would have liked to see developed further. Some, including Officer Nora Davis, felt a little stereotypical, and I wasn't always completely sure what to make of Detective Oliver Bailey or how significant his role was meant to be. A little more depth and clarity in these areas would have made the mystery stronger for me.
That said, the pacing was steady, the writing was easy to follow, and the book never felt too heavy. It has that classic cozy mystery combination of murder, quirky characters, small-town secrets, and a charming setting without becoming overly dark.
Overall, Murder at the Movies was a fun and enjoyable start to the Movie Palace Mystery series. It wasn't a perfect mystery for me, but I liked Audrey and the movie-theatre setting enough that I'd definitely be interested in seeing where the series goes next.
3.5⭐️ — A charming, easy-to-read cozy mystery with plenty of movie nostalgia and potential for a fun series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Alicia Malone, Murder at the Movies: A Movie Palace Mystery
I enjoyed Murder at the Movies by Alicia Malone. This was a light and entertaining cozy mystery with a fun movie-themed setting, classic film references, and a small-town atmosphere that made it an easy read.
I really liked the premise of Audrey Sullivan taking over her grandmother’s movie theatre on a small island in Maine, only to discover a dead body and become involved in a murder investigation. The movie palace setting was definitely one of my favorite parts of the book, and I enjoyed the way the love of classic movies was woven throughout the story.
Audrey was a likable protagonist, and I particularly enjoyed her friendship with Mia. Their dynamic added some warmth and humor to the story, although I did find myself wishing Mia had been more involved in actually solving the mystery. The investigation itself was enjoyable, with enough suspects and clues to keep me interested, even if some of the twists felt a little predictable.
There were a few characters whose roles I would have liked to see developed further. Some, including Officer Nora Davis, felt a little stereotypical, and I wasn't always completely sure what to make of Detective Oliver Bailey or how significant his role was meant to be. A little more depth and clarity in these areas would have made the mystery stronger for me.
That said, the pacing was steady, the writing was easy to follow, and the book never felt too heavy. It has that classic cozy mystery combination of murder, quirky characters, small-town secrets, and a charming setting without becoming overly dark.
Overall, Murder at the Movies was a fun and enjoyable start to the Movie Palace Mystery series. It wasn't a perfect mystery for me, but I liked Audrey and the movie-theatre setting enough that I'd definitely be interested in seeing where the series goes next.
3.5⭐️ — A charming, easy-to-read cozy mystery with plenty of movie nostalgia and potential for a fun series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Movies is an utterly enjoyable start to a new cozy mystery series, blending small‑town charm, classic‑film nostalgia, and a heroine you can’t help rooting for. Audrey Sullivan’s return to Pine Island — and to the beloved movie palace she’s inherited — sets the stage for a story filled with warmth, humour, and just the right amount of danger.
Alicia Malone brings a lovely sense of atmosphere to the Starlight Movie Palace. You can practically smell the popcorn and feel the velvet seats, which makes the shock of a body discovered on opening night all the more striking. Audrey’s determination to protect her grandmother’s legacy gives the mystery real heart, and her outsider‑in‑a‑tight‑knit‑town perspective adds a fun, fresh dynamic.
The supporting cast is lively, the pacing brisk, and the film references sprinkled throughout add an extra layer of charm without ever overwhelming the story. It’s the kind of cozy that feels like settling into a favourite seat at the cinema — comforting, engaging, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing.
A delightful debut for a series I’ll happily follow.
With thanks to Alicia Malone, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Alicia Malone brings a lovely sense of atmosphere to the Starlight Movie Palace. You can practically smell the popcorn and feel the velvet seats, which makes the shock of a body discovered on opening night all the more striking. Audrey’s determination to protect her grandmother’s legacy gives the mystery real heart, and her outsider‑in‑a‑tight‑knit‑town perspective adds a fun, fresh dynamic.
The supporting cast is lively, the pacing brisk, and the film references sprinkled throughout add an extra layer of charm without ever overwhelming the story. It’s the kind of cozy that feels like settling into a favourite seat at the cinema — comforting, engaging, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing.
A delightful debut for a series I’ll happily follow.
With thanks to Alicia Malone, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder at the Movies takes place on a Maine island where Audrey has just moved to take over ownership of the local movie theatre after the death of her grandmother. During the grand reopening, there's a death that ends up being classified as a murder. Audrey, having not grown up on the island, is considered "from away," and the locals are not yet sure if they can trust her or even talk to her. The theatre has been closed due to the murder, and Audrey decides that she has to do everything she can to save the theatre, even investigating the murder herself.
I thought this was a cute cozy mystery. Maine is one of my favorite places (likely due to my love of Murder, She Wrote), so I am always happy to find books that take place there. There's a lot of classic movie history sprinkled throughout, which I enjoyed. It reminded me of the intros to the movies on TMC. The mystery itself was fairly low-stakes, and the book overall was a nice weekend read. Looking forward to future entries into this series!
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press, for an advance copy of this book.
I thought this was a cute cozy mystery. Maine is one of my favorite places (likely due to my love of Murder, She Wrote), so I am always happy to find books that take place there. There's a lot of classic movie history sprinkled throughout, which I enjoyed. It reminded me of the intros to the movies on TMC. The mystery itself was fairly low-stakes, and the book overall was a nice weekend read. Looking forward to future entries into this series!
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press, for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed reading *Murder at the Movies* by Alicia Malone. It is a fun cozy mystery that brings together classic movie references, a small-town setting, and an interesting murder case. I liked the story of Audrey Sullivan, who takes over her grandmother’s movie theatre on a small island in Maine and soon finds herself involved in a murder investigation. I found the pace steady and the characters likeable, especially Audrey and her friend Mia. However, I felt that Mia could have played a bigger role in solving the mystery. Some characters, such as Officer Nora Davis, felt a little stereotypical, and I would have liked more clarity about Detective Oliver Bailey’s role. Overall, I found the book light, entertaining, and easy to read, and I would be interested in reading more from the Movie Palace Mystery series.
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press, for an advance copy of this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Running Press, for an advance copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Excellent story that references lots of the old movie classic titles. Audrey Sullivan moves to Pine Island after her grandmother passes away and leaves Audrey her entire estate, which includes the Starlight Movie Palace. After Audrey's past life in California it seems a great time to start over. But on the reopening night for the theatre a man is found dead. Audrey knows she must assist the police, even tho the help is not wanted, officially, or she will loose the Starlight. What she doesn't expect is that not one single person in the small town is unhappy the man is dead. Never the less, Audrey will not stop until she uncovers the killer, unless they stop her first...
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ That’s 5 Stars for the cover of this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And 5 more stars for the storyline!
Such a well written excellent story about Audrey taking over the legacy of owning the Starlight Movie Palace after her grandmother passes away! Only to come face to face with a murder on opening night. This whodunit mystery will keep you guessing up until the very end!
I loved the nostalgia and mentioning of movies and actor/actresses throughout. I have to say it pulled me in right away because the first movie quote was from my favorite movie of all times!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book! #RunningPress #MurderAtTheMovies #AliciaMalone
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ And 5 more stars for the storyline!
Such a well written excellent story about Audrey taking over the legacy of owning the Starlight Movie Palace after her grandmother passes away! Only to come face to face with a murder on opening night. This whodunit mystery will keep you guessing up until the very end!
I loved the nostalgia and mentioning of movies and actor/actresses throughout. I have to say it pulled me in right away because the first movie quote was from my favorite movie of all times!
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book! #RunningPress #MurderAtTheMovies #AliciaMalone
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked the concept of a mystery set at a theater, revolving around movies. Although most I haven't actually seen, it's still a lot of fun. There was a point where I wasn't getting as into the story as I'd wanted, I think it was partly due to trying to keep a couple of the characters straight and figure out which ones actually mattered to the mystery. There's a good bit of misdirection before the culprit is revealed. I had a little question related to something one of the characters said, but it probably doesn't matter much in what was a nice ending. There's a possible setup to a future plotline. I'm interested in reading more in this series and seeing where it goes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book in a new series titled A Movie Palace Mystery by one of the hosts of Turner Classic Movies. Audrey Sullivan returns home to Pine Island in New England to run her family's old movie theater. Money is tight and attendance is low when a murder is committed on the premises. I enjoyed the references to old movies and comments on the movie industry. But I cannot remember who the killer is, so either I have short-term memory loss, or the book has a non-memorable plot. Still, I am looking forward to Book 2 of the series. Thanks to NetGalley, Running Press, and Running Press Adult for providing an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had hoped to really enjoy this book but I didn’t. I am a big fan of old movies, but the constant reference to old movies, actors, directors was distracting.
I know the author is a host on TCM, but I feel that she was just showing off her knowledge in this book. It took my attention away from the story. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I know the author is a host on TCM, but I feel that she was just showing off her knowledge in this book. It took my attention away from the story. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had an advance copy from Netgalley.
Loved this cozy mystery especially with all of the classic movie references. The mystery was well crafted with several characters to suspect. Cozy mystery fans will enjoy this!
Loved this cozy mystery especially with all of the classic movie references. The mystery was well crafted with several characters to suspect. Cozy mystery fans will enjoy this!
Review of advance copy
Full of nostalgic references from the golden age of cinema all the way up to modern favorites, classic movie buffs will love the cozy Murder at the Movies.
June 15, 2026
What a fun read.. Audrey’s Aunt died and left her a movie theater.. however the first night there is a murder. So much nostalgia in reverence to old movies.. loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought the book was well written and easy to read. I loved the quotes and references from movies to match the theme of the book.
Overall it was a fun and cosy mystery and I enjoyed reading it.
Overall it was a fun and cosy mystery and I enjoyed reading it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews