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Myrtle Clover Mysteries #9
Murder on Opening Night
When Myrtle Clover and her friend Miles attend a play in their small town, there’s a full house on opening night.
It’s clear to Myrtle that one of the actresses is a stage hog who loves stealing the spotlight. Nandina Marshall certainly does upstage everyone—when her murder forces an unexpected intermission.
Can Myrtle and Miles discover who was behind her final curtain call….before murder makes an encore?
It’s clear to Myrtle that one of the actresses is a stage hog who loves stealing the spotlight. Nandina Marshall certainly does upstage everyone—when her murder forces an unexpected intermission.
Can Myrtle and Miles discover who was behind her final curtain call….before murder makes an encore?
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 27, 2015
89 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
91 books479 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 20, 2021
Great fun cozy with all too believable octogenarian nosy sleuths and an exasperated police chief. Great escape from all the whatevers!
Judy blue really adds to the fun and sleuthing with her audio interpretation.
Judy blue really adds to the fun and sleuthing with her audio interpretation.
February 25, 2018
I’ve come to see this series and my “Gilligan’s Island” of the book world. It has fun characters and lol moments and ridiculousness that just makes me feel good. I hope I can be as feisty as Myrtle when I grow up - she’s the best!
August 19, 2020
Another winner for Ms. Myrtle and Miles!
This was a very good story filled with some of the regular cast of characters and several new ones. Not only did one murder occur but two! It was filled with action and a lot of squash furnished by Wanda the Amazing. I am looking forward to the next adventure with Mrs. Clover and her able assistant, Miles.
This was a very good story filled with some of the regular cast of characters and several new ones. Not only did one murder occur but two! It was filled with action and a lot of squash furnished by Wanda the Amazing. I am looking forward to the next adventure with Mrs. Clover and her able assistant, Miles.
February 12, 2016
A wonderful story! I'm a huge fan of these murder mysteries and this one was great!
June 12, 2020
This is another entertaining and captivating book in the fun Myrtle Clover series that I just love. Once again the author cleverly combines humour with mystery that keeps you hooked until the end. I love the characters and think they bring a smile to the face of anyone that listens to them. Whether it is psychic Wander making up horoscopes and drowning everyone in squash, Pasha the cat terrorising unsuspecting neighbours, Jack's energetic enthusiasm for everything, Miles bouts of insomnia, Myrtles own attempts at cooking there is bound to be a character or situation that will have you laughing. The mystery was good and entertaining and with so many suspects it does keep you guessing. I can see why this series has made it way all the way to book number 9 and do you know what? it hasn't lost any of it sparkle and I hope there are a lot more to come.
Myrtle and Miles are attending the opening night of the eagerly awaited showing of Malaise, a show put on at there local theatre, a group the Myrtle's very own daughter in law has become heavily involved with. The show hardly begins before the show is brought to a sudden stop, one of the actors was murdered on stage while the set was being changed. Myrtle soon discovers the actress wasn't very well liked making everyone on stage a suspect, but who had the opportunity to killer her? With help from her sidekick Miles the pair launch there own investigation and with the help of Wonders squash, which Mytle turns into a squash casserole they get to interview all the cast members but can they really narrow down the suspect list to one? Wonder is keeping busy writing horoscopes for the newspaper and growing vegetables, the only help she can provide them is to say "You are in danger". Can the pair find the killer or will it be curtains for one of them?
I liked the narrator as she gives each character there own voice and whether it was old or young it sounded just right for them
Myrtle and Miles are attending the opening night of the eagerly awaited showing of Malaise, a show put on at there local theatre, a group the Myrtle's very own daughter in law has become heavily involved with. The show hardly begins before the show is brought to a sudden stop, one of the actors was murdered on stage while the set was being changed. Myrtle soon discovers the actress wasn't very well liked making everyone on stage a suspect, but who had the opportunity to killer her? With help from her sidekick Miles the pair launch there own investigation and with the help of Wonders squash, which Mytle turns into a squash casserole they get to interview all the cast members but can they really narrow down the suspect list to one? Wonder is keeping busy writing horoscopes for the newspaper and growing vegetables, the only help she can provide them is to say "You are in danger". Can the pair find the killer or will it be curtains for one of them?
I liked the narrator as she gives each character there own voice and whether it was old or young it sounded just right for them
August 5, 2021
An older woman "detective", her older male sidekick, a few eccentrics, a cat and the cast of a play are the main characters.
There are two murders and the detectives do a lot of interviews. One has a son who is the local police chief. The police are of course incapable of asking any of the relevant questions. So the amateurs solve the case.
This was not very interesting as the culprit was obvious and the writing flat.
I knew this would not be to my taste, modern "cosies" rarely deliver.
There are two murders and the detectives do a lot of interviews. One has a son who is the local police chief. The police are of course incapable of asking any of the relevant questions. So the amateurs solve the case.
This was not very interesting as the culprit was obvious and the writing flat.
I knew this would not be to my taste, modern "cosies" rarely deliver.
December 3, 2023
Fun, lots of good interplay between Miles and Myrtle. Reasonable suspects, fun with Jack and Erma.
The cooking gags are tired stretches, though. In her 80s Myrtle has to be aware that smoking up the house is not 'good cooking'. With all the things Red has tried to keep Myrtle busy, why hasn't he signed her up for cooking classes by now? Or Miles signing up and insisting Myrtle take it with him?
The cooking gags are tired stretches, though. In her 80s Myrtle has to be aware that smoking up the house is not 'good cooking'. With all the things Red has tried to keep Myrtle busy, why hasn't he signed her up for cooking classes by now? Or Miles signing up and insisting Myrtle take it with him?
November 5, 2017
These books in the series never disappoint, well they haven’t so far. I loved every minute of this book. I need more!
May 7, 2018
This series of books never get old! Myrtle and Miles are a fun set of sleuths and you will enjoy reading it.
February 5, 2019
Myrtle Clover is awesome
One of my favorite series. Great characters and splendid writing. The plot was strong and well developed. Funny and suspenseful.
One of my favorite series. Great characters and splendid writing. The plot was strong and well developed. Funny and suspenseful.
March 19, 2020
I always enjoy Miss Myrtle and the gang
June 15, 2020
Perfect as usual! Love the audiobook!!
July 14, 2020
Wouldn’t miss it!
Wonderful read, just the right amount of quirkiness, twist and turns, and of course it’s always a treat to visit with Myrtle and Miles.
Wonderful read, just the right amount of quirkiness, twist and turns, and of course it’s always a treat to visit with Myrtle and Miles.
October 10, 2020
This series is so fun. In this book, an actress dies on stage while Myrtle and Miles are in the audience. Investigations start!
April 7, 2021
I love Myrtle Clover and her rag tag group of family, friends, and neighbors.
She is a no-nonsense heroine who is still sharp for her age.
The stories are quick and entertaining.
She is a no-nonsense heroine who is still sharp for her age.
The stories are quick and entertaining.
March 17, 2023
I do like the series but this tale didn't make me laugh so much. I think I kept worrying about Myrtle's dreadful eating habits that it took me away from the actual sleuthing
March 5, 2017
Fun things like Wanda gets a job keep this story running along.
August 9, 2023
Let me begin by saying the the author had a great idea: introducing a strong-willed, feisty octogenarian sleuth, whose identity is softened by the knowledge that she's a well-meaning grandmother. I like that it's set in a small town, and that the Police Chief is her son. I could like this series much more if the author wasn't lazy about her writing. Or maybe she doesn't credit her readers with much intelligence. In any event, she is halfway to ruining the series instead of elevating it to a series that I would want to own and re-read. Maybe she's now just interested in the paycheck, and not the creative process? Here are some things I feel she is doing wrong:
How to ruin a cute premise for a mystery series:
1. Be sure that the reader is expected to take the sleuth seriously, yet insert ludicrous scenarios in which the sleuth displays neither intelligence nor common sense -- so that it's impossible to take the sleuth seriously. Do this in every single book.
2. Introduce several tropes. Instead of sprinkling them throughout the series in a light-handed manner, cram these tropes down the readers' throats, so that not only are they expecting them in each book, but are dreading their utter predictability.
3. Re-introduce every character (and every place), at length, in every single book. Never assume that the reader is clever enough to use context clues to discern these for themselves; or that they have probably read at least one other book in the series.
4. Instead of being realistic about the occult, make the psychic infallible. I mean, if all psychics were 100% correct, as in this series, wouldn't they be winning every bet in racing, gambling or politics? Yes, it is stated that "you can't control the Sight", but it is tiresome to see the occult portrayed unrealistically, and see blatant foreshadowing with each use. Perhaps the author thinks her audience needs these heavy-handed techniques.
5. Use the exact same adjectives, repetitively, to describe people. In one paragraph, I started counting how many time "braying" was used for Erma. We get the idea!!!
6. Confuse the reader by altering biography facts about main characters. In the first books, Miles was 70; in the latter books, he is now 60-something. I guess an editor, who might have caught this, costs more. Speaking of an editor . . . .
7. An editor could have caught the misspellings of "discreet","discreetly" and "indiscreet" used throughout the series. The author doesn't ever get them right.
How to ruin a cute premise for a mystery series:
1. Be sure that the reader is expected to take the sleuth seriously, yet insert ludicrous scenarios in which the sleuth displays neither intelligence nor common sense -- so that it's impossible to take the sleuth seriously. Do this in every single book.
2. Introduce several tropes. Instead of sprinkling them throughout the series in a light-handed manner, cram these tropes down the readers' throats, so that not only are they expecting them in each book, but are dreading their utter predictability.
3. Re-introduce every character (and every place), at length, in every single book. Never assume that the reader is clever enough to use context clues to discern these for themselves; or that they have probably read at least one other book in the series.
4. Instead of being realistic about the occult, make the psychic infallible. I mean, if all psychics were 100% correct, as in this series, wouldn't they be winning every bet in racing, gambling or politics? Yes, it is stated that "you can't control the Sight", but it is tiresome to see the occult portrayed unrealistically, and see blatant foreshadowing with each use. Perhaps the author thinks her audience needs these heavy-handed techniques.
5. Use the exact same adjectives, repetitively, to describe people. In one paragraph, I started counting how many time "braying" was used for Erma. We get the idea!!!
6. Confuse the reader by altering biography facts about main characters. In the first books, Miles was 70; in the latter books, he is now 60-something. I guess an editor, who might have caught this, costs more. Speaking of an editor . . . .
7. An editor could have caught the misspellings of "discreet","discreetly" and "indiscreet" used throughout the series. The author doesn't ever get them right.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
When Myrtle Clover's daughter-in-law Elaine gives her free tickets to a play that is being featured in the community theatre, Myrtle decides to invite her friend and trusty sidekick Miles to go with her for a night out. That night turns out very different than either of them thought when the star of the cast turns up dead on stage. Having witnessed the cast of the play at Bo's Diner fighting amongst themselves, Myrtle has suspicions that it could have been murder.
With her usual determination to solve this murder investigation before her son, the police chief of their small town of Bradley, North Carolina, Myrtle begins to snoop around. She thinks that things are going well... until another cast member ends up dead. With twisted relationships, motives on every side, and secrets hiding behind practiced smiles, Myrtle has to quickly come up with the answer, or she might end up becoming the next victim. Can she survive this mystery, or will it be her last?
This was a great book to add to the Myrtle Clover series. The old characters get more depth, and the new characters are a welcome addition, and they're different enough to make them fascinating. This time the new characters are all actors connected to theatre life. They're all so unique, and the murderer was actually a surprise. The interactions between the new characters were entertaining, and it added rich layers to the mystery. And Wanda is just as clever as ever, which was a great bit of entertainment. Craig always mixes it up with her, and she is just fantastically funny.
If you love Myrtle Clover, you won't regret picking this book up. This is a great cozy mystery, and it adds even more depth to this rich southern small town that Craig has invented. The more I read, the more I want to read. Myrtle has spunk and a sharp tongue, and she is one of my favorite sleuths. This mystery is a fun, surprising mess, and it's glorious.
With her usual determination to solve this murder investigation before her son, the police chief of their small town of Bradley, North Carolina, Myrtle begins to snoop around. She thinks that things are going well... until another cast member ends up dead. With twisted relationships, motives on every side, and secrets hiding behind practiced smiles, Myrtle has to quickly come up with the answer, or she might end up becoming the next victim. Can she survive this mystery, or will it be her last?
This was a great book to add to the Myrtle Clover series. The old characters get more depth, and the new characters are a welcome addition, and they're different enough to make them fascinating. This time the new characters are all actors connected to theatre life. They're all so unique, and the murderer was actually a surprise. The interactions between the new characters were entertaining, and it added rich layers to the mystery. And Wanda is just as clever as ever, which was a great bit of entertainment. Craig always mixes it up with her, and she is just fantastically funny.
If you love Myrtle Clover, you won't regret picking this book up. This is a great cozy mystery, and it adds even more depth to this rich southern small town that Craig has invented. The more I read, the more I want to read. Myrtle has spunk and a sharp tongue, and she is one of my favorite sleuths. This mystery is a fun, surprising mess, and it's glorious.
June 16, 2016
Murder on Opening Night: Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery...
Audiobook
by Elizabeth Spann Craig
This audiobook was given by the author at no cost
in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.
This is the 9 book in the Myrtle Clover Cozy mystery series. If you liked the first 8 books you might enjoy this one as well. It just was not my cup of tea as it was way too “folksy” in myrtle forgetting things and playing up the “I’m just an old lady”, when she was more mentally with it then not.
The story line moved along nicely for a cozy mystery. The narration was doen well and the different people were well portrayed. I might have gotten more enjoyment from the book if I started at the start of the series and had known all of the down home folk’s personalities.
July 18, 2016
Note: In exchange for an unbiased review, the author, publisher, and/or narrator were kind enough to provide an audio version of this book at no charge via AudiobookBlast.
Cute story. This is apparently the 9th book in the series but it was my first exposure to Myrtle Clover and her world. Cozy mysteries aren't generally my favorite genre, but I found this to be rather charming. I also liked that it's apparently based out of my home state, which was pretty cool. The narrator did a good job of distinguishing the characters and bring Myrtle's world to life. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, you should like this series.
Cute story. This is apparently the 9th book in the series but it was my first exposure to Myrtle Clover and her world. Cozy mysteries aren't generally my favorite genre, but I found this to be rather charming. I also liked that it's apparently based out of my home state, which was pretty cool. The narrator did a good job of distinguishing the characters and bring Myrtle's world to life. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, you should like this series.
July 12, 2016
Murder on Opening Night
Myrtle Clover is one of my favorite characters, any time I see A Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery, I grab it. Like an addiction I have to see what Myrtle and Miles get into and out of (hopefully). All the characters seems like old friends even Erma! And I'm always happy to hear from Wanda. I'm always guessing who the murderer will be, but as yet is always a surprise.
Myrtle Clover is one of my favorite characters, any time I see A Myrtle Clover Cozy Mystery, I grab it. Like an addiction I have to see what Myrtle and Miles get into and out of (hopefully). All the characters seems like old friends even Erma! And I'm always happy to hear from Wanda. I'm always guessing who the murderer will be, but as yet is always a surprise.
February 18, 2018
Wonderful.
In regards to the authors note, I'm very happy to spend a few hours of my day with Myrtle and Myles. These stories are funny, well-written and never boring. This is the ninth I've read and enjoyed so much I can't wait for book ten. For cozy mysteries fans you could do a lot worse than choosing these books and certainly couldn't choose many better.
In regards to the authors note, I'm very happy to spend a few hours of my day with Myrtle and Myles. These stories are funny, well-written and never boring. This is the ninth I've read and enjoyed so much I can't wait for book ten. For cozy mysteries fans you could do a lot worse than choosing these books and certainly couldn't choose many better.
July 3, 2016
I was gifted this book with the understanding I would leave an honest review. This was the first book in this series for me. I found parts of the book funny and I did finally get into it by about half way. It looks like most people love this series so I will have to try another in the series to be fair. I did really enjoy the narrator and would love to listen to more by her.
December 2, 2015
This was excellent! Myrtle Clover is always a great read! Don't eat anything she cooks, but read her stories as she is soooo funny! All the usual characters are back, and Wanda is at her psychic best again... she's one of my favorite characters of all time!
February 9, 2016
I love all the Myrtle Clover mysteries. In this one, there is a murder at the local theater and the entire cast is suspect. Myrtle and Miles have some investigation to do. I love all the reoccurring minor characters too like Wanda the psychic and Pasha the ferralish cat
July 29, 2016
Myrtle and Miles are at it again. This time there's a murder on opening night of the new play at the local theater and Myrtle is on a mission to solve it before her son Red can. Never a dull moment without these two around.
August 5, 2016
A Night Out On Opening Night
An interesting and exciting read that makes it difficult to put the book down until the end. Myrtle and her sidekick are not your typical molesters. They live every minute with wit and gusto. Good read!
An interesting and exciting read that makes it difficult to put the book down until the end. Myrtle and her sidekick are not your typical molesters. They live every minute with wit and gusto. Good read!
September 15, 2016
Myrtle closes another case!
I love the dynamic duo of Myrtle and Miles. Miles is the reluctant partner who is always there to help Myrtle solve the case. Even the unwanted squash helps bring in the murderer! Read and enjoy!
I love the dynamic duo of Myrtle and Miles. Miles is the reluctant partner who is always there to help Myrtle solve the case. Even the unwanted squash helps bring in the murderer! Read and enjoy!
December 12, 2015
Mrs. Myrtle and Miles at it again.Fun cozy mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews