A Stage Set for Murder

by Alice Castle

A hush descends across the theatre. All eyes are on the leading actor, standing in the spotlight as he delivers his final lines… But will this killer performance be his last?

Sarah Vane is happily working on the costumes for the Merstairs production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the local theatre. But when star of the show and well-known local electrician Gavin Scott is crushed by a lighting rig during dress rehearsals, the play turns deadly.

Everyone thinks the disaster was a tragic accident, but when Sarah finds a knife and traces of pink lipstick at the scene, she suspects foul play.

The discovery of a confidential letter, hidden inside a well-thumbed copy of the play, puts Gavin’s ex-wife firmly in the frame, but maybe the spurned stage manager had a score to settle? And just who is plaguing the players with a series of mischievous pranks?

With opening night fast approaching, the show must go on. But before anyone can say ‘break a leg’, a second member of the company breaks their neck. Sarah is taking every cue to keep the rest of the cast and crew safe. Can she uncover the killer before the final curtain falls?

A totally charming and utterly gripping English murder mystery, perfect for fans of Faith Martin, J.R. Ellis and Agatha Christie.

Readers love the Sarah Vane

‘Wow!!!… I absolutely LOVED this… had me hooked from the start to the end!!… Absolutely gorgeous… brilliant… amazing… incredible… absolutely smashed it out of the ballpark again!!!… I felt myself walking around with my Kindle in my hand every chance I could get… perfect.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘LOVED!… Many laughing moments!… A real page-turner… once you start, you won't be able to put down until finished.’ Coffeeandpages2021, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow!… fantastic… I enjoyed every page… I loved the vivid scenery… I was chuckling throughout… unputdownable… Captivated me from the first to the last page.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Fantastic… I can't wait for this to come out and for y'all to lose your minds… You're going to want to read this one. I raced through it this weekend… Brilliantly plotted and compelling.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I read this in one day… laugh out loud… I highly recommend this book! More please!!!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Kept me glued to my Kindle! I loved the setting, the writing style. The main characters, and the antics of Hamish the Scottie dog.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A delight… twists and turns from start to finish… brilliant… highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A total delight.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I love this… it’s very easy to get sucked in and read the novel in one sitting.’ Thecosymoose, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 2, 2026

About the author

Alice Castle lives in South London. She was a feature writer on national newspapers for many years. She has a degree in Modern History from St Andrews University, is the British Royalty expert for Flemish TV, and lived in Brussels for nearly a decade. Her first novel, Hot Chocolate, sold out in two weeks and her second, the cozy crime novel The Murder Mystery, is an Amazon bestseller. She has written nine more whodunnits starring single mum amateur sleuth Beth Haldane. She has also written two psychological thrillers for Harper Collins, The Perfect Widow and The Invitation, under the name A.M. Castle

Reviews

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to read an advanced copy of A Stage Set For Murder thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own.

A Midsummer Night's Dream quickly turns into a nightmare for Sarah Vane, Merstairs resident and member of the two person costume department, after a cast member is killed during the dress rehearsal and someone decides to carry out as many annoying pranks as possible. With the leading lady having the ear of the Chief Constable the play goes on as do the troublesome and annoying antics. After a second death Sarah knows she needs to discover who is responsible before she joins the list of victims but is the killer one step ahead of her?

Book seven in Alice Castle's seaside cosy series is a fun visit behind the scenes of the Merstairs Mummers and all the shenanigans that happen there. Add Sarah's partner's ex-wife to the mix with her expert line in vitriol and it was an entertaining read from the start. Daphne is also in the cast, and as blissfully unaware of her limitations aand other people's perceptions of her as always! However serious the situation gets she’s always there to lighten the load whether she realises it or not! Once again this is easy to recommend, there is always an underlying message of compassion and doing the right thing which adds to my enjoyment.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read "A Stage Set for Murder" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book 7 in the wonderful Sarah Vane series. Once again Ms. Castle has crafted an intriguing story filled with interesting characters - new and old. Sarah and her old friend Daphne are part of the Merstairs Mummers production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, along with Charles and Francesca, the mayor (as well as being Charles' ex).

Of course, if Sarah is around, trouble is sure to be close by as well. She's in charge of the wardrobe for the company. When a spotlight falls on a member of the cast, she immediately suspects foul play. Mysterious items are found on the gantry. DS Mariella Roux (who also happens to be Daphne's daughter) is on the case, along with Dunbarton and Deeside (Tweedledum and Tweedledee). A cast member is almost poisoned and Deeside finds himself a member of the cast - as a tree. When another "accident" happens Sarah realizes that something diabolical is underfoot at the theatre. Puck like mischief has also been happening - which is not helping people take the "accidents" seriously. Items going missing, things being moved about.

In this case, the least suspect is probably the main suspect. Tink puts on a marvelous performance and is the heroine of the piece. Another wonderful story, carefully crafted and written. One always lookes forward to the next Alice Castle book because you know you will not be able to put it down.

[Shaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alice Castle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Stage Set for Murder coming out November 2, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve read other books in the series. I really love cozy mysteries. This was a fun mystery. I enjoy Sarah’s character and the places she goes. I’ve read a lot of theatre mysteries and they’re always fun. I would check out other books by this author.