What do you think?
Rate this book
A Dodie O'Dell Mystery #1
Show Time
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
59 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne M. Trauth
9 books273 followersSuzanne Trauth is a novelist, playwright, and nonfiction writer. Her novels include The First to Die, What Remains of Love (a first place winner in Women's Fiction, Firebird Book Awards; a finalist in General Fiction, American Book Festival; and a finalist for the Hemingway Prize) and the Dodie O'Dell mystery series--Show Time, Time Out, Running out of Time, Just in Time, No More Time, and Killing Time.
Her plays include Françoise, Midwives, Rehearsing Desire, La Fonda, Three Sisters Under the Hood, Laws of the Universe, iDream, supported by the National Science Foundation’s STEM initiative on science and technology, and Katrina: the K Word, based on interviews with New Orleans’ survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and produced in over a dozen venues throughout the United States.
Her screenplays have won awards in competition and she has co-authored Sonia Moore and American Acting Training and co-edited Katrina on Stage: Five Plays. Suzanne is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, and the League of Professional Theatre Women.
Her plays include Françoise, Midwives, Rehearsing Desire, La Fonda, Three Sisters Under the Hood, Laws of the Universe, iDream, supported by the National Science Foundation’s STEM initiative on science and technology, and Katrina: the K Word, based on interviews with New Orleans’ survivors of Hurricane Katrina, and produced in over a dozen venues throughout the United States.
Her screenplays have won awards in competition and she has co-authored Sonia Moore and American Acting Training and co-edited Katrina on Stage: Five Plays. Suzanne is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Dramatists Guild, and the League of Professional Theatre Women.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 1, 2016
One of the things I love most about cozy mysteries is the small town full of quirky characters, and Show Time by Suzanne Trauth delivers this in abundance. Despite the fact that someone is murdered, there are plenty of opportunities for subtle humor, thanks mostly to these previously mentioned quirky characters. I love books that make me chuckle, and this one does. Trauth does a great job writing banter, and I grinned through several dialogue exchanges. For instance, Edna and her overly dramatic police codes.
Chief Bill Thompson makes a nice potential love interest for Dodie – subtly sexy and with a dry sense of humor that just makes you smile. The fact that he was so accommodating (well… sometimes) of her amateur sleuthing was a bit puzzling, but not enough to give me more than a few seconds’ pause.
Bottom Line: While Show Time does start out a bit slow in my opinion, it quickly settles into a comfortable pace and fans of cozy mysteries will be delighted at this new series and a new author to follow. Trauth’s theater background transfers quite organically into the book’s setting and strikes a good balance of enough detail to be realistic but not so much that you feel you’re reading a stage manager’s manual. The whodunit may be a bit obvious after a certain point but that doesn’t take away at all from the reader’s enjoyment.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Chief Bill Thompson makes a nice potential love interest for Dodie – subtly sexy and with a dry sense of humor that just makes you smile. The fact that he was so accommodating (well… sometimes) of her amateur sleuthing was a bit puzzling, but not enough to give me more than a few seconds’ pause.
Bottom Line: While Show Time does start out a bit slow in my opinion, it quickly settles into a comfortable pace and fans of cozy mysteries will be delighted at this new series and a new author to follow. Trauth’s theater background transfers quite organically into the book’s setting and strikes a good balance of enough detail to be realistic but not so much that you feel you’re reading a stage manager’s manual. The whodunit may be a bit obvious after a certain point but that doesn’t take away at all from the reader’s enjoyment.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 9, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
January 30, 2021
A little slow at the start but picked up nicely. I had a couple of "hmmm" moments, but otherwise a good, easy read.
July 12, 2016
Life is pretty routine and predictable in Etonville. Dodie O'Dell has made a new life for herself in the tightly knit town after leaving her beloved Jersey Shore after Hurricane Sandy. She managers a popular restaurant in town, trades mystery books, with the high school's retired English teacher, and has just agreed to help with the Etonville Little Theater's newest production.
After only one night of auditions, Dodie is already second-guessing her decision to get involved. But her indecision evaporates in the light of the next morning, when she learns her friend Jerome has been murdered. Now the armchair mystery solver is determined to help the town's new police chief get to the bottom of what happened.
As gossip circulates, Dodie uncovers some shocking secrets from the theater's box office to the town's library. Her unofficial investigations even reveal interesting love affairs, toxic friendships, and lethal connections.
Show Time is an interesting mystery, allowing readers to uncover and piece together the clues along with Dodie. Author Suzanne Trauth paints an enviable idyllic picture of small town life with a clear passion for the theater. I found the pace to be a little slow and the plot just a touch repetitive, but overall I think that Show Time was a good story.
After only one night of auditions, Dodie is already second-guessing her decision to get involved. But her indecision evaporates in the light of the next morning, when she learns her friend Jerome has been murdered. Now the armchair mystery solver is determined to help the town's new police chief get to the bottom of what happened.
As gossip circulates, Dodie uncovers some shocking secrets from the theater's box office to the town's library. Her unofficial investigations even reveal interesting love affairs, toxic friendships, and lethal connections.
Show Time is an interesting mystery, allowing readers to uncover and piece together the clues along with Dodie. Author Suzanne Trauth paints an enviable idyllic picture of small town life with a clear passion for the theater. I found the pace to be a little slow and the plot just a touch repetitive, but overall I think that Show Time was a good story.
July 24, 2016
A great debut to what promises to be a fun series!
With SHOW TIME, author Suzanne Trauth has penned a fast moving story, filled with mystery, intrigue, and humor. The plot was enjoyable. The multi-layered characters were as well developed as characters in a long running series. The mystery aspect was well written, and kept me guessing.
SHOW TIME was a wonderful story I didn’t want to put it down. A fun escape from the real world, one and I have every plan of visiting again in future installments.
With SHOW TIME, author Suzanne Trauth has penned a fast moving story, filled with mystery, intrigue, and humor. The plot was enjoyable. The multi-layered characters were as well developed as characters in a long running series. The mystery aspect was well written, and kept me guessing.
SHOW TIME was a wonderful story I didn’t want to put it down. A fun escape from the real world, one and I have every plan of visiting again in future installments.
August 23, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Lyrical Underground (Kensington Books) in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read by this author (I include notes like this so that readers of the review know ‘where I’m coming from’ – if it’s the 1st book I’ve read by an author my interactions with the author’s work would be different than this had been the 21st book I’ve read).
This book is a cozy mystery set in New Jersey. There is something of a romance, but not capital R romance. As far as I can tell, everyone in this book is heterosexual.
Characters
Main
Dodie O’Dell is a woman who has a degree in management and had lived her whole life on the Jersey Shore (except for an internship in Pittsburgh). Hurricane Sandy, though, has forced her to relocate – what with the restaurant that she managed damaged (there might have been something about a damaged dwelling as well, I forget now). She found another place to manage, though, in a small northern New Jersey town called Etonville. She works at Windjammer which is directly adjacent to the Etonville Little Theater (ELT) – a place that puts on plays using live actors. And a place that Dodie is talked into helping out at.
Police
Chief Bill Thompson – is the chief of police. Former NFL player. Former member of the Pittsburgh police.
Suki Shung – is a police officer (and possibly only non-white person in the entire town).
Ralph Ostrowski – is a police officer (and lazy).
Edna May – is the police dispatcher (and actress at ELT).
Townspeople/Others
Lola Tripper – is a former high school teacher who is connected to Walter and acts in ELT productions.
Carol – hairdresser and mother of Pauli. Pauli is a computer geek who helps set up a website for Dodie’s restaurant.
Henry – owner and chef at Windjammer. Is tense because a newish restaurant, La Famiglia has opened up in the town, and Henry has always been the best restaurant in town.
Benny – works at Windjammer.
Elliot Schenk – former and current member of ELT. Works or worked in finance (‘on wall street’).
Penny Ossinging - incompetent stage manager.
Morty and Marshall Wendover – work many businesses, including authentification of documents.
Random mix of others – there are others mentioned, some with lines, some without, but who play a small enough role I can shove them here in others. Without naming.
Murder Victim
Jerome Angleton is an older man, a retired high school teacher, who worked in the box office at ELT, and, at times, acted on stage.
Romance
There are at least four or more romantic relationships mentioned in this book, not counting the part where the play Romeo & Juliet is being staged for a performance by a small theatre. Most are learned along the way, one or more would be kind of spoiler-y to mention now. The only one I can mention directly would be the one that is ongoing when the book opens – that of Lola and Walter. Lola’s Dodie’s friend, and Walter is the director at the Etonville Little Theater.
One of the romantic entanglements plays a key role in the book, but most are ‘just there’ in passing. And one, the only one that shows bits of Romance (i.e., getting lost in someone’s eyes, etc.), is not actually at the official dating stage.
Plot
Dodie, who has relocated from Jersey Shore to Etonville, works as a manager in a restaurant. Her first day . . . either working at Windjammer, or in Etonville, she meets Lola who becomes something like her best friend. Which leads, as such things can do, to a friend asking a friend for help. Or, in this case, Lola asking Dodie to help out in the Etonville Little Theater – they are attempting to stage Romeo and Juliet and they could use all the help they can get.
So, Dodie works in the restaurant and over at the theater. Occasionally meets up with other friends, including Carol, the hairdresser, and Jerome, someone who has a tendency to come over to sit with Dodie during her evening break.
One thing leads to another, and things begin falling apart at the restaurant (not really, just some delivery issues) and at the theater (numerous conflicts/clashes of personalities/death).
Naturally, when death rears its head, Dodie decides to investigate, especially since it involves her something-like-a-friend Jerome. Involves as in he’s dead now. Murdered.
Both Dodie and the police investigate. The police, in the form of Chief Bill, has an odd relationship with Dodie in a ‘thanks for the information’, ‘don’t get in our way’ way. Also the police seem more incompetent than I’d expect. In a – certain things turn up the police should have seen, or found out in routine investigation, but strangely didn’t. I’d say more incompetent than I’d expect, because they have the feeling of being competent people, other than lazy Ralph, yet they keep doing certain things wrongly. *shrugs*
Overall
I liked the book, though there were a few areas I found annoying. Dodie’s experience and knowledge base seemed to fluctuate. Like how she just loves libraries, but has never visited Etonville’s library and acts quite shocked at the idea that libraries might have computers. Then, after one visit, bluntly states that she knows the whole layout of the library. Or how she’s an acquaintance of Jerome’s but acts shocked that the guy would have any interests beyond mysteries (she knows he likes mysteries because he shares his books with her; per chance he knows she likes mysteries so hasn’t mentioned liking other things? Hmms?).
Then there’s the part wherein, already so overwhelmed by the responsibilities heaped upon her that she becomes ill during the course of the book, she still believes that she is better able to handle investigating murder. Than the police. But then this is a cozy mystery involving an amateur detective, or in other words I already knew this issue before going in. And, the police did kind of ask for her help (more of a ‘if you hear anything’ and less of a ‘please investigate’).
But still, despite those few moments of discomfort on my part, I enjoyed the book. Would recommend it. Probably something I’d rate somewhere between 3.8 and 4.2 stars.
May 12 2016
This is the first book that I have read by this author (I include notes like this so that readers of the review know ‘where I’m coming from’ – if it’s the 1st book I’ve read by an author my interactions with the author’s work would be different than this had been the 21st book I’ve read).
This book is a cozy mystery set in New Jersey. There is something of a romance, but not capital R romance. As far as I can tell, everyone in this book is heterosexual.
Characters
Main
Dodie O’Dell is a woman who has a degree in management and had lived her whole life on the Jersey Shore (except for an internship in Pittsburgh). Hurricane Sandy, though, has forced her to relocate – what with the restaurant that she managed damaged (there might have been something about a damaged dwelling as well, I forget now). She found another place to manage, though, in a small northern New Jersey town called Etonville. She works at Windjammer which is directly adjacent to the Etonville Little Theater (ELT) – a place that puts on plays using live actors. And a place that Dodie is talked into helping out at.
Police
Chief Bill Thompson – is the chief of police. Former NFL player. Former member of the Pittsburgh police.
Suki Shung – is a police officer (and possibly only non-white person in the entire town).
Ralph Ostrowski – is a police officer (and lazy).
Edna May – is the police dispatcher (and actress at ELT).
Townspeople/Others
Lola Tripper – is a former high school teacher who is connected to Walter and acts in ELT productions.
Carol – hairdresser and mother of Pauli. Pauli is a computer geek who helps set up a website for Dodie’s restaurant.
Henry – owner and chef at Windjammer. Is tense because a newish restaurant, La Famiglia has opened up in the town, and Henry has always been the best restaurant in town.
Benny – works at Windjammer.
Elliot Schenk – former and current member of ELT. Works or worked in finance (‘on wall street’).
Penny Ossinging - incompetent stage manager.
Morty and Marshall Wendover – work many businesses, including authentification of documents.
Random mix of others – there are others mentioned, some with lines, some without, but who play a small enough role I can shove them here in others. Without naming.
Murder Victim
Jerome Angleton is an older man, a retired high school teacher, who worked in the box office at ELT, and, at times, acted on stage.
Romance
There are at least four or more romantic relationships mentioned in this book, not counting the part where the play Romeo & Juliet is being staged for a performance by a small theatre. Most are learned along the way, one or more would be kind of spoiler-y to mention now. The only one I can mention directly would be the one that is ongoing when the book opens – that of Lola and Walter. Lola’s Dodie’s friend, and Walter is the director at the Etonville Little Theater.
One of the romantic entanglements plays a key role in the book, but most are ‘just there’ in passing. And one, the only one that shows bits of Romance (i.e., getting lost in someone’s eyes, etc.), is not actually at the official dating stage.
Plot
Dodie, who has relocated from Jersey Shore to Etonville, works as a manager in a restaurant. Her first day . . . either working at Windjammer, or in Etonville, she meets Lola who becomes something like her best friend. Which leads, as such things can do, to a friend asking a friend for help. Or, in this case, Lola asking Dodie to help out in the Etonville Little Theater – they are attempting to stage Romeo and Juliet and they could use all the help they can get.
So, Dodie works in the restaurant and over at the theater. Occasionally meets up with other friends, including Carol, the hairdresser, and Jerome, someone who has a tendency to come over to sit with Dodie during her evening break.
One thing leads to another, and things begin falling apart at the restaurant (not really, just some delivery issues) and at the theater (numerous conflicts/clashes of personalities/death).
Naturally, when death rears its head, Dodie decides to investigate, especially since it involves her something-like-a-friend Jerome. Involves as in he’s dead now. Murdered.
Both Dodie and the police investigate. The police, in the form of Chief Bill, has an odd relationship with Dodie in a ‘thanks for the information’, ‘don’t get in our way’ way. Also the police seem more incompetent than I’d expect. In a – certain things turn up the police should have seen, or found out in routine investigation, but strangely didn’t. I’d say more incompetent than I’d expect, because they have the feeling of being competent people, other than lazy Ralph, yet they keep doing certain things wrongly. *shrugs*
Overall
I liked the book, though there were a few areas I found annoying. Dodie’s experience and knowledge base seemed to fluctuate. Like how she just loves libraries, but has never visited Etonville’s library and acts quite shocked at the idea that libraries might have computers. Then, after one visit, bluntly states that she knows the whole layout of the library. Or how she’s an acquaintance of Jerome’s but acts shocked that the guy would have any interests beyond mysteries (she knows he likes mysteries because he shares his books with her; per chance he knows she likes mysteries so hasn’t mentioned liking other things? Hmms?).
Then there’s the part wherein, already so overwhelmed by the responsibilities heaped upon her that she becomes ill during the course of the book, she still believes that she is better able to handle investigating murder. Than the police. But then this is a cozy mystery involving an amateur detective, or in other words I already knew this issue before going in. And, the police did kind of ask for her help (more of a ‘if you hear anything’ and less of a ‘please investigate’).
But still, despite those few moments of discomfort on my part, I enjoyed the book. Would recommend it. Probably something I’d rate somewhere between 3.8 and 4.2 stars.
May 12 2016
July 25, 2017
Finally, a fun and well-written little mystery! Throw in the theatre aspect and I loved it!
July 30, 2016
Dodie is from the Jersey shore and she loved being able to look out at the water, but when Hurricane Sandy hit it wiped out her job so she had to move. Now she lives in Etonville which is not by the shore, but she is surviving. She loves her job as the Manager of Windjammer a local eatery.
Her friend Lola helps Walter at the Etonville Little Theater (ELT) and they do some pretty good plays but now Walter wants to try Shakespeare and Lola needs Dodie’s help. She is afraid that Walter has taken on to much and thought Dodie could help manage things as she is good and organization.
Jerome is one of the older regulars at Windjammers and also a part of the ELT. He was worried about some things going on at the ELT and told Dodie about how there was some money missing from the ELT account. Then later he turns around and tells her to forget what he said, but he did want to talk to her. She was too busy right then so she said she would talk to him later and then that never happened because he is dead.
Nobody has a clue who killed Jerome but Dodie is determined to figure it out. Walter becomes a person of interest at one point but not really a suspect. It just seems like nobody she knows would be capable of such a horrible thing. She starts to unravel some things and it always seems like they have a lot of pieces to the puzzle but still need the connecting pieces.
At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one as I wasn’t sure about the theater, especially Walter (he is annoying), but I quickly started to enjoy Dodie and the other characters and just sort of ignored Walter. I guess he is the epitome of a theater director but he was just plan annoying.
Dodie was a fun character and she is very good at sluething. She is also a very busy lady because if she wasn’t at Windjammer she was at ELT and then sluething. She just about wore me out. I was really surprised at how accomedating the police chief was at letting her help with the case. Normally they want them to stay away, but Bill was okay with her helping, (except one instance)
The side characters were great except for Walter. Lola helps at the ELT and I am so not sure who she puts up with Walter. Carol has the rumor mill, aka hair salon. Bill is the new police chief in town, single, nice looking and I see a romance a brewing with him and Dodie as the series progresses.
The mystery in this one was really good and I almost didn’t figure it out before the MC, but I did.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries then you will enjoy this one and I can’t wait to see what else will happen with Dodie and those from the ELT.
Her friend Lola helps Walter at the Etonville Little Theater (ELT) and they do some pretty good plays but now Walter wants to try Shakespeare and Lola needs Dodie’s help. She is afraid that Walter has taken on to much and thought Dodie could help manage things as she is good and organization.
Jerome is one of the older regulars at Windjammers and also a part of the ELT. He was worried about some things going on at the ELT and told Dodie about how there was some money missing from the ELT account. Then later he turns around and tells her to forget what he said, but he did want to talk to her. She was too busy right then so she said she would talk to him later and then that never happened because he is dead.
Nobody has a clue who killed Jerome but Dodie is determined to figure it out. Walter becomes a person of interest at one point but not really a suspect. It just seems like nobody she knows would be capable of such a horrible thing. She starts to unravel some things and it always seems like they have a lot of pieces to the puzzle but still need the connecting pieces.
At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one as I wasn’t sure about the theater, especially Walter (he is annoying), but I quickly started to enjoy Dodie and the other characters and just sort of ignored Walter. I guess he is the epitome of a theater director but he was just plan annoying.
Dodie was a fun character and she is very good at sluething. She is also a very busy lady because if she wasn’t at Windjammer she was at ELT and then sluething. She just about wore me out. I was really surprised at how accomedating the police chief was at letting her help with the case. Normally they want them to stay away, but Bill was okay with her helping, (except one instance)
The side characters were great except for Walter. Lola helps at the ELT and I am so not sure who she puts up with Walter. Carol has the rumor mill, aka hair salon. Bill is the new police chief in town, single, nice looking and I see a romance a brewing with him and Dodie as the series progresses.
The mystery in this one was really good and I almost didn’t figure it out before the MC, but I did.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries then you will enjoy this one and I can’t wait to see what else will happen with Dodie and those from the ELT.
December 10, 2016
Show Time is the first book in Suzanne Trauth’s Dodie O'Dell Mystery series. This is a fast-paced cozy mystery with some humor along the way. The mystery is solid and wrapped up in a way that allows for future adventures for these characters. The characters are well developed and relatable, the storyline fast paced with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing as to who committed the murder.
Dodie O’Dell is trying to rebuild her life after Hurricane Sandy swept through the Jersey Shore destroying her home and place of employment. Dodie is settling into the quaint community of Etonville and has taken a job managing Windjammer, a local restaurant, and is helping at the Etonville Little Theater because her friend, Lola Tripper, asked for her help with the auditions for Romeo & Juliet. Managing the restaurant is challenging and the owner, Henry, can be a handful at times. Walter Zeitzman, the theater manager, asks Dodie to help his assistant, Penny Ossinging, keep the production on track. Jerome Angleton, a Windjammer customer and Dodie's mystery reading friend, also works at the theater and tells her that he suspects Walter is skimming money from the cash fund. When Jerome’s body is found on the loading dock of the theater one morning, Dodie sets out to find his killer and uncovers several secrets Jerome has been holding. Dodie discovers there is no shortage of suspects and shares her discovery of secrets and suspects with the new Police Chief, Bill Thompson.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
Dodie O’Dell is trying to rebuild her life after Hurricane Sandy swept through the Jersey Shore destroying her home and place of employment. Dodie is settling into the quaint community of Etonville and has taken a job managing Windjammer, a local restaurant, and is helping at the Etonville Little Theater because her friend, Lola Tripper, asked for her help with the auditions for Romeo & Juliet. Managing the restaurant is challenging and the owner, Henry, can be a handful at times. Walter Zeitzman, the theater manager, asks Dodie to help his assistant, Penny Ossinging, keep the production on track. Jerome Angleton, a Windjammer customer and Dodie's mystery reading friend, also works at the theater and tells her that he suspects Walter is skimming money from the cash fund. When Jerome’s body is found on the loading dock of the theater one morning, Dodie sets out to find his killer and uncovers several secrets Jerome has been holding. Dodie discovers there is no shortage of suspects and shares her discovery of secrets and suspects with the new Police Chief, Bill Thompson.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
May 11, 2016
Dodie O'Dell is rebuilding her life after Hurricane Sandy swept away her life on the Jersey Shore. Settling in to the town of Etonville, managing an upscale restaurant and ending her day curled up with a favorite mystery is her way of life.
When a close friend asks for assistance at the Etonville Little Theater, Dodie agrees, a little evening entertainment might be a nice change. The last thing Dodie expects is to be involved in a murder, creating rehearsal schedules and trying to figure out the mystery of the missing cash.
If you enjoy a bit of drama in your cozy mystery, then you need to read this book.
I enjoyed the story within the mystery and the author has a great sense of humor. I really like Dodie, her character is down to earth and quite believable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
When a close friend asks for assistance at the Etonville Little Theater, Dodie agrees, a little evening entertainment might be a nice change. The last thing Dodie expects is to be involved in a murder, creating rehearsal schedules and trying to figure out the mystery of the missing cash.
If you enjoy a bit of drama in your cozy mystery, then you need to read this book.
I enjoyed the story within the mystery and the author has a great sense of humor. I really like Dodie, her character is down to earth and quite believable.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
June 2, 2016
This is the first book that I have read by this author and found it to be an enjoyable experience. This is a fast paced cozy mystery that has some humor along the way. I found the cast of characters to be well developed, interesting and relatable. I enjoyed the theater setting and getting a glimpse at the behind the scenes workings. I thought the mystery was solid and wrapped up in a way that allows for future adventures for these characters. While I did figure out the identity of the killer, this didn't take away from my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
A full review will be posted on my blog closer to release date.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
A full review will be posted on my blog closer to release date.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion and the thoughts expressed are my own.
July 13, 2016
Wonderful start to a series!
Quirky and fun characters, well written mystery, food that always makes me hungry and get into arguments with myself about making sandwiches at 2am and a humorous story.
Dodie juggles her job as manager of the Windjammer restaurant with helping out her friend Lola in the towns theatre and solving the murder of her friend Jerome. It doesn't hurt that the new Chief is gorgeous and doesn't seem to mind her helping him out.
I will definitely continue on with this series, just waiting for the second book now!
*Huge thanks to Suzanne Trauth, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
Quirky and fun characters, well written mystery, food that always makes me hungry and get into arguments with myself about making sandwiches at 2am and a humorous story.
Dodie juggles her job as manager of the Windjammer restaurant with helping out her friend Lola in the towns theatre and solving the murder of her friend Jerome. It doesn't hurt that the new Chief is gorgeous and doesn't seem to mind her helping him out.
I will definitely continue on with this series, just waiting for the second book now!
*Huge thanks to Suzanne Trauth, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review*
February 9, 2017
I was pleasantly surprised by this first in a series. Well paced whodunit with characters I look forward to reading more about.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
August 23, 2017
Title: Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1
Author: Suzanne Trauth
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-19-2016
Pages: 228
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Women's Fiction,
ISBN: 9781601837196
ASIN: B0174PKHFG
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
Imagine going into a dinner and ordering a Hamlet burger with a Shakespeare shake or a Catcher In the Rye Sandwich with a side of Grease Fries. I'm glad I don't have to come up with names for the dishes, but that is the reason I picked up the book to read first. Curiosity as to how one serves food based on the local theaters latest play.
That may be why I picked the book, but I have to tell you I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Dodie is an interesting character with a touch of attitude and a spine of steel. The other characters are eclectic, but just as well developed. As an opening to a new series this was an excellent start.
My rating of "Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174PKHFG/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Show-T...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/show...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Suzanne Trauth
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-19-2016
Pages: 228
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Women's Fiction,
ISBN: 9781601837196
ASIN: B0174PKHFG
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
Imagine going into a dinner and ordering a Hamlet burger with a Shakespeare shake or a Catcher In the Rye Sandwich with a side of Grease Fries. I'm glad I don't have to come up with names for the dishes, but that is the reason I picked up the book to read first. Curiosity as to how one serves food based on the local theaters latest play.
That may be why I picked the book, but I have to tell you I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Dodie is an interesting character with a touch of attitude and a spine of steel. The other characters are eclectic, but just as well developed. As an opening to a new series this was an excellent start.
My rating of "Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174PKHFG/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Show-T...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/show...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
August 23, 2017
Title: Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1
Author: Suzanne Trauth
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-19-2016
Pages: 228
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Women's Fiction,
ISBN: 9781601837196
ASIN: B0174PKHFG
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
Imagine going into a dinner and ordering a Hamlet burger with a Shakespeare shake or a Catcher In the Rye Sandwich with a side of Grease Fries. I'm glad I don't have to come up with names for the dishes, but that is the reason I picked up the book to read first. Curiosity as to how one serves food based on the local theaters latest play.
That may be why I picked the book, but I have to tell you I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Dodie is an interesting character with a touch of attitude and a spine of steel. The other characters are eclectic, but just as well developed. As an opening to a new series this was an excellent start.
My rating of "Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174PKHFG/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Show-T...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/show...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Suzanne Trauth
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 7-19-2016
Pages: 228
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Women's Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Women's Fiction,
ISBN: 9781601837196
ASIN: B0174PKHFG
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.25 Stars
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore.
Imagine going into a dinner and ordering a Hamlet burger with a Shakespeare shake or a Catcher In the Rye Sandwich with a side of Grease Fries. I'm glad I don't have to come up with names for the dishes, but that is the reason I picked up the book to read first. Curiosity as to how one serves food based on the local theaters latest play.
That may be why I picked the book, but I have to tell you I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Dodie is an interesting character with a touch of attitude and a spine of steel. The other characters are eclectic, but just as well developed. As an opening to a new series this was an excellent start.
My rating of "Show Time - Dodie O'Dell Mystery Book 1" is 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0174PKHFG/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Show-T...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/show...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
May 31, 2021
A nice start to a new series. We get new town, restaurants, and amateur theater all rolled into one story. The mystery was not at all straightforward, which made it interesting and fun. We also have the possibilities of a romance with the police detective. That seems to be a requirement in many of these cozies. This one is well done...at least they don't fall panting into each others arms by chapter 3 LOL.
Once we understood the mystery, it was interesting in a couple of ways. Our murder victim may not have been the saint he is painted out to be, but in the other hand, there is some sweetness to the whole episode. In all, pretty well done.
I will be putting this series on my to read list.
Once we understood the mystery, it was interesting in a couple of ways. Our murder victim may not have been the saint he is painted out to be, but in the other hand, there is some sweetness to the whole episode. In all, pretty well done.
I will be putting this series on my to read list.
May 6, 2017
Except for a minor annoying repetitive thing--"the short hairs" which was repeated enough to be annoying, this was fairly good. Set in New Jersey--where I lived for years--it has a murder, drama from community theatre, and amusing restaurant scenes.
February 7, 2020
It was Great! I was hooked from the get go and I couldn't wait to finish it😊. I had some what of a idea 💡as to who the killer was but it was still shocking. I can't wait to read the remaining books! (So glad I decided to read this😊😊😊)
June 20, 2021
I found the book fairly slow. However, that being said, I enjoyed the characters enough to try the second one in the series. I also enjoyed that while there was a love interest, there was not a love triangle and I hope the series continues that way.
August 19, 2020
Fun cozy mystery. First in series. Will read more.
Read
November 22, 2021I liked this book. Lots of twists. The characters seemed fun.
September 11, 2023
It was well-written, but too easy to figure out.
July 20, 2016
Show Time by Suzanne Trauth is the first book in A Dodie O’Dell Mystery series. Dodie O’Dell is the manager of the Windjammer restaurant in Etonville, New Jersey. Dodie left the Jersey Shore after Hurricane Sandy. Etonville is a quaint small town and Dodie made a good friend in Lola Tripper. Lola is a retired science teacher who now spends her time at the Etonville Little Theatre (ELT for short). Dodie convinced Windjammer’s owner, Henry, to start a dinner and theater affair. Dodie creates special menus (themes) to go along with each ELT production. ELT is getting ready to hold auditions for their latest play which is Romeo and Juliet. Walter Zeitzman, the director and general factotum, decided to try Shakespeare (ELT has not done works of the Bard before). Lola convinces Dodie to help out during the auditions. Walter’s assistant, Penny tends to be a little scatterbrained and disorganized. Jerome Angleton is friend of Dodie’s. Jerome is another retired teacher (English) who acts in the theater’s productions. Jerome and Dodie share a love of mystery novels. Jerome confided in Dodie that money has been disappearing from the theater, and Jerome has been looking into it. Unfortunately, Jerome is found dead on the theater’s loading dock before he concludes his investigation. Dodie wants to find out who killed her friend and sets out to get answers in between her work at Windjammer and helping out with the production of Romeo and Juliet. Chief Bill Thompson is new to the town and could use some help (Dodie cannot help but notice his handsome exterior). Bill is not privy to the gossip at ELT nor is he familiar with all the citizens of Etonville yet. It turns out that Jerome had some secrets (who doesn’t). Follow Dodie as she unravels the clues to find the killer.
Show Time has some interesting characters (Dodie, Lola, Carol), and I liked the theater aspect. However, I found the book to be slow paced (it seemed to drag at times) and the book was not holding my interest. There are many characters (and they all seem to be quirky and troubled) thrown at us in this first book as people are trying out for Romeo and Juliet. The author tried to make the mystery complicated (we are led on a merry chase), but it is actually child’s play to solve (the killer stood out like there was a flashing, neon arrow over the culprit’s head). There are way too many references to Dodie’s car which she refers to as “my metro” (I have no clue what that is). It was entertaining to read about what goes into a small town theater production. I give Show Time 3.5 out of 5 stars (It was okay, but needs some work). The series does have potential, and I will read the next book in A Dodie O’Dell Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Show Time from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
Show Time has some interesting characters (Dodie, Lola, Carol), and I liked the theater aspect. However, I found the book to be slow paced (it seemed to drag at times) and the book was not holding my interest. There are many characters (and they all seem to be quirky and troubled) thrown at us in this first book as people are trying out for Romeo and Juliet. The author tried to make the mystery complicated (we are led on a merry chase), but it is actually child’s play to solve (the killer stood out like there was a flashing, neon arrow over the culprit’s head). There are way too many references to Dodie’s car which she refers to as “my metro” (I have no clue what that is). It was entertaining to read about what goes into a small town theater production. I give Show Time 3.5 out of 5 stars (It was okay, but needs some work). The series does have potential, and I will read the next book in A Dodie O’Dell Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Show Time from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The opinions and comments expressed are strictly my own.
July 29, 2016
In Show Time, the first book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series, author Suzanne Trauth weaves an intriguing cozy mystery tale that easily draws the reader into following restaurant manager Dodie O'Dell's amateur sleuth adventure as she tries to uncover who murdered Jerome Angleton, a retired high school English teacher and dedicated member of the Etonville Little Theater.
Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in the quaint small northern New Jersey town of Etonville, nestled in the shadow of New York City. This captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale has enough quirky characters, witty humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing.
This entertaining cozy mystery tale will keep you engaged as you turn the pages following along with Dodie's investigative adventure, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as this sassy Jersey Girl (even though she calls herself a Jersey Shore Girl!) tries to solve the murder while rebuilding her life after Hurricane Sandy destroyed her home and the beachfront restaurant that she managed in a Jersey shore town. Dodie's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
I enjoyed how the author utilized her extensive professional theater experience to provide the reader with an intriguing look behind the curtain into the production and operation of local community theaters. I would be remiss if I also didn't mention how much I enjoyed that the author chose our shared home state to be the setting of this story. From the richly vivid description of the shore and small town settings, the reader gets a wonderful sample of what New Jersey really has to offer its residents and visitors, and gets two thumbs up from this proud Jersey Girl!
Show Time is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with an intriguing mystery to solve.
Show Time is the first book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Rich in detail and vivid descriptions, the story takes place in the quaint small northern New Jersey town of Etonville, nestled in the shadow of New York City. This captivating and fast-paced whodunit tale has enough quirky characters, witty humor, drama, intriguing twists and turns, and conspiracy theories that will keep you guessing.
This entertaining cozy mystery tale will keep you engaged as you turn the pages following along with Dodie's investigative adventure, and you can't help but get caught up in the drama and calamity that ensues as this sassy Jersey Girl (even though she calls herself a Jersey Shore Girl!) tries to solve the murder while rebuilding her life after Hurricane Sandy destroyed her home and the beachfront restaurant that she managed in a Jersey shore town. Dodie's story unfolds with a wonderful balance of comedy, drama, suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that easily kept me guessing, and left me wanting more.
I enjoyed how the author utilized her extensive professional theater experience to provide the reader with an intriguing look behind the curtain into the production and operation of local community theaters. I would be remiss if I also didn't mention how much I enjoyed that the author chose our shared home state to be the setting of this story. From the richly vivid description of the shore and small town settings, the reader gets a wonderful sample of what New Jersey really has to offer its residents and visitors, and gets two thumbs up from this proud Jersey Girl!
Show Time is an entertaining cozy murder mystery that will engage you to join in the crazy adventures and trials and tribulations that occur, while providing you with an intriguing mystery to solve.
Show Time is the first book in the Dodie O'Dell Mystery Series.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
August 1, 2016
Synopsis:
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore. (Goodreads)
Review:
Dodie has moved to Etonville after a hurricane destroyed her life on the Jersey Shore. She is now a manager in a restaurant and she helps out when she can at the community theater. But when one of the members of the theater community is killed, she decides that she needs to find the murderer, before the stage fades to black for someone else.
The characters are well rounded and three dimensional. I especially liked reading about the interaction between Dodie and her good friend, Lola. You could tell that they were good friends and had each other’s back, no matter what happened. I am looking forward to learning more about them in future books and watching more relationships developing, including a possible love interest for Dodie.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story, I felt like I was right there, watching the action take place. The mystery is carried on well throughout the whole book and there were enough suspects and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you enjoy behind the scenes action, this book will really hold your interest.
The tide has turned for Dodie O’Dell since a hurricane upended her life on the Jersey Shore. Now she’s further up the coast in sleepy Etonville, managing a restaurant that dishes dinners themed around the community theater’s latest productions. But Dodie just never imagined she’d land the starring role in a case of bloody homicide . . .
Intrigued by rumors of vanishing box office money, Dodie has agreed to help oversee the casting of Romeo and Juliet at the modest Etonville Little Theater. If nothing else, it’s a welcome escape from the thirty-something’s usual going-to-bed-with-a-mystery-novel routine. But when Jerome Angleton, a well-respected member of the theater company, is inexplicably found murdered on the loading dock, deadly drama transcends the stage—and the page. As a crime wave crashes over the small town, the spotlight is on Dodie to orchestrate her own investigation behind the scenes . . . before someone has a chance at a killer encore. (Goodreads)
Review:
Dodie has moved to Etonville after a hurricane destroyed her life on the Jersey Shore. She is now a manager in a restaurant and she helps out when she can at the community theater. But when one of the members of the theater community is killed, she decides that she needs to find the murderer, before the stage fades to black for someone else.
The characters are well rounded and three dimensional. I especially liked reading about the interaction between Dodie and her good friend, Lola. You could tell that they were good friends and had each other’s back, no matter what happened. I am looking forward to learning more about them in future books and watching more relationships developing, including a possible love interest for Dodie.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story, I felt like I was right there, watching the action take place. The mystery is carried on well throughout the whole book and there were enough suspects and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you enjoy behind the scenes action, this book will really hold your interest.
June 14, 2016
Show Time is the debut of the Dodie O'Dell Mystery series. Having had her Jersey shore job and home destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, Dodie has moved further inland to the sleepy town of Etonville and taken a job managing the restaurant, Windjammer.
Managing the restaurant has its challenges that include smoothing the feathers of ruffled owner, Henry who is constantly in a funk over the successes of rival restaurant La Famiglia. When Lola Tripper, Dodie's friend begs her to come help with the auditions for Romeo & Juliet at the Etonville Little Theater next door, Dodie isn't sure that the Shakespearean production is her "scene".
The theater manager Walter Zeitzman has his hands full with the cast and asks Dodie to assist his assistant Penny Ossinging in keeping the production on track. Jerome Angleton, Windjammer customer, Dodie's mystery reading friend and theater worker/performer reveals to Dodie that he suspects Walter of skimming money from the Theater cash fund. The next morning Jerome is found dead on the loading dock of the theater and a real mystery evolves.
With the help of Chief Bill Thompson, Dodie sets out to find Jerome's killer. Delving into Jerome's past she discovers a secret mystery woman and the possibility that he was in possession of a valuable document. Plenty of suspects present themselves including shady Walter, former theater player Elliot Schenk, and the nefarious Wendover brothers, Morty and Marshall.
A fast paced cozy with interesting characters and insight into the behind the scenes workings of a theater production as well as the dramas often found in a restaurant kitchen. It was pretty easy to identify whodunit upon introduction of the character, but that didn't take away from the storyline. The author wraps up the mystery with plenty of potential for the characters to continue to find themselves embroiled in future adventures.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground (Kensington Publishing). While I was not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Managing the restaurant has its challenges that include smoothing the feathers of ruffled owner, Henry who is constantly in a funk over the successes of rival restaurant La Famiglia. When Lola Tripper, Dodie's friend begs her to come help with the auditions for Romeo & Juliet at the Etonville Little Theater next door, Dodie isn't sure that the Shakespearean production is her "scene".
The theater manager Walter Zeitzman has his hands full with the cast and asks Dodie to assist his assistant Penny Ossinging in keeping the production on track. Jerome Angleton, Windjammer customer, Dodie's mystery reading friend and theater worker/performer reveals to Dodie that he suspects Walter of skimming money from the Theater cash fund. The next morning Jerome is found dead on the loading dock of the theater and a real mystery evolves.
With the help of Chief Bill Thompson, Dodie sets out to find Jerome's killer. Delving into Jerome's past she discovers a secret mystery woman and the possibility that he was in possession of a valuable document. Plenty of suspects present themselves including shady Walter, former theater player Elliot Schenk, and the nefarious Wendover brothers, Morty and Marshall.
A fast paced cozy with interesting characters and insight into the behind the scenes workings of a theater production as well as the dramas often found in a restaurant kitchen. It was pretty easy to identify whodunit upon introduction of the character, but that didn't take away from the storyline. The author wraps up the mystery with plenty of potential for the characters to continue to find themselves embroiled in future adventures.
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground (Kensington Publishing). While I was not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
July 31, 2016
SHOW TIME by Suzanne Trauth
The First Dodie O’Dell Mystery
Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the Jersey Shore including Dodie O'Dell's place of employment. So Dodie packed up and moved inland, to the small town of Etonville, where she manages the casual Windjammer restaurant. Dodie also joins forces with the Etonville Little Theater, located next door, creating dinner theatre events for residents of their community. The theatre's director has chosen to perform Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, perhaps biting off more than the little community theatre can handle. When Lola, her good friend and troupe member, asks Dodie to help organize rehearsals, Dodie jumps in to lend her managerial skills. Dodie finds herself almost as in over her head as the director when Jerome, a fellow mystery reader and treasurer of the theatre is found murdered. Now it's up to Dodie to calm her boss, who's worried over a new restaurant in town, assist the good looking chief of police, whether he wants her help or not, and make sure that the show goes on!
SHOW TIME is an engaging new series turning the fun as well as the challenges of community theatre into a backdrop for murder. The mystery itself is compelling and well plotted. Character foibles add intrigue as well as red herrings as Dodie and Chief Bill Thompson search for the truth. Dodie is a down to earth, likeable protagonist with enviable organizational skills and a penchant for trouble. The spark of romance between Dodie and Bill adds an extra dimension to the mystery as each needs to balance what information is shared with the other.
Suzanne Trauth introduces us to a new world in SHOW TIME. Family restaurants, community theatre, and charming small town New Jersey make Dodie, as well as readers, feel at home. Despite many issues, murder included, one must never forget that in the end it's show time!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
The First Dodie O’Dell Mystery
Hurricane Sandy destroyed much of the Jersey Shore including Dodie O'Dell's place of employment. So Dodie packed up and moved inland, to the small town of Etonville, where she manages the casual Windjammer restaurant. Dodie also joins forces with the Etonville Little Theater, located next door, creating dinner theatre events for residents of their community. The theatre's director has chosen to perform Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, perhaps biting off more than the little community theatre can handle. When Lola, her good friend and troupe member, asks Dodie to help organize rehearsals, Dodie jumps in to lend her managerial skills. Dodie finds herself almost as in over her head as the director when Jerome, a fellow mystery reader and treasurer of the theatre is found murdered. Now it's up to Dodie to calm her boss, who's worried over a new restaurant in town, assist the good looking chief of police, whether he wants her help or not, and make sure that the show goes on!
SHOW TIME is an engaging new series turning the fun as well as the challenges of community theatre into a backdrop for murder. The mystery itself is compelling and well plotted. Character foibles add intrigue as well as red herrings as Dodie and Chief Bill Thompson search for the truth. Dodie is a down to earth, likeable protagonist with enviable organizational skills and a penchant for trouble. The spark of romance between Dodie and Bill adds an extra dimension to the mystery as each needs to balance what information is shared with the other.
Suzanne Trauth introduces us to a new world in SHOW TIME. Family restaurants, community theatre, and charming small town New Jersey make Dodie, as well as readers, feel at home. Despite many issues, murder included, one must never forget that in the end it's show time!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
July 19, 2016
Pretty darn good as cozies go. It took a little while for me to get into the groove of this book, but once I did I read the last two-thirds in one sitting. It was exactly what you’d expect from a cozy: a light, easy read with a twisty-turny mystery in a small town where everyone knows everyone. The Chief of Police is new to town, young and unattached. The female protagonist is also a transplant, though she’s been there a few years and is now pretty established in the town’s close-knit group. Naturally, though she has a non-policing job, her penchant for detective novels means she is curious, and apparently has a good intuition for sleuthing. She is, of course, also available and there is a mutual attraction between herself and the Chief of Police.
The background of the story is mostly the restaurant in which she works and the local theatre where the crime took place. Not sure if the rest of the series will revolve around those two particular locales, but the theatre was a great choice because theatre people are so interesting (I say this as someone who was not a drama geek, but whose friends and boyfriend throughout high school were). I could see a lot of material around that and I’ve not read another series that revolves around the theatre (though food related cozy series abound).
I rather enjoyed this book. Chances are I’ll pick up the next one when it comes out and see how it evolves. It will be interesting to see which direction the series heads.
Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The background of the story is mostly the restaurant in which she works and the local theatre where the crime took place. Not sure if the rest of the series will revolve around those two particular locales, but the theatre was a great choice because theatre people are so interesting (I say this as someone who was not a drama geek, but whose friends and boyfriend throughout high school were). I could see a lot of material around that and I’ve not read another series that revolves around the theatre (though food related cozy series abound).
I rather enjoyed this book. Chances are I’ll pick up the next one when it comes out and see how it evolves. It will be interesting to see which direction the series heads.
Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 18, 2016
This is a delightful new series by author, Suzanne M. Trauth. We are introduced to Dodie O'Dell and a cast of interesting characters in the sleepy town of Etonville. Dodie reluctantly finds herself "assisting" with the local theater's production of Romeo and Juliet. When Dodie's friend is found murdered, she is more determined to help with the play and help the new police chief solve the crime.
During her investigation, Dodie uncovers a few secrets, discovers missing money from the theater box office and hears plenty of rumors. There are plenty of suspects for Dodie to wade through to uncover the murderer.
This is well plotted, fun mystery. The characters are interesting and believable, I wouldn't mind spending time with them. It was a nice behind the scenes look at both a restaurant and theater production. At times I thought the pacing a little slow but the story held my interest and kept me wanting to keep turning the pages. Overall, I thought this was a great first in series. I look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
During her investigation, Dodie uncovers a few secrets, discovers missing money from the theater box office and hears plenty of rumors. There are plenty of suspects for Dodie to wade through to uncover the murderer.
This is well plotted, fun mystery. The characters are interesting and believable, I wouldn't mind spending time with them. It was a nice behind the scenes look at both a restaurant and theater production. At times I thought the pacing a little slow but the story held my interest and kept me wanting to keep turning the pages. Overall, I thought this was a great first in series. I look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2016
Show Time by Suzanne M. Trauth was a quickly paced entertaining cozy mystery. Ms. Trauth was a "new to me" author but her writing has sold me on reading her next book.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. Dodie O'Dell has started her life over in Etonville. After losing her job on the Jersey Shore, she has taken the job of restaurant manager at the Windjammer. She is smart, funny and totally overwhelmed as she takes on helping the Etonville Little Theater. Chief Bill Thompson is also new to town having been hired as the police chief after the former Chief of Police died. He's still learning his way around the town and getting to know the residents. I really liked them both and look forward to a reading more about them - maybe a romance.
The plot was quickly paced, there was some humorous dialogue and enough twists that kept me guessing as to who and why the murder was committed.
I received an eARC from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were all well developed and relatable. Dodie O'Dell has started her life over in Etonville. After losing her job on the Jersey Shore, she has taken the job of restaurant manager at the Windjammer. She is smart, funny and totally overwhelmed as she takes on helping the Etonville Little Theater. Chief Bill Thompson is also new to town having been hired as the police chief after the former Chief of Police died. He's still learning his way around the town and getting to know the residents. I really liked them both and look forward to a reading more about them - maybe a romance.
The plot was quickly paced, there was some humorous dialogue and enough twists that kept me guessing as to who and why the murder was committed.
I received an eARC from Lyrical Underground via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews