London, 1932. Kitchen maid, Joan Hart, and lady's maid, Verity Hunter, intend to enjoy their trip to the theatre, especially as Verity's uncle Tommy is one of the leading men in the play. Unfortunately, Act Two of the play is curtailed when the lights come up in the interval, and the girls realise a man has been stabbed to death almost under their very noses. The case reunites the servant sleuths with their old ally, Detective Inspector Marks, and whilst the girls do their best to solve the case whilst keeping their jobs, the glitter and glamour of the theatre may prove to be as dangerous as any battlefield... Death at the Theatre is the second book in the historical mystery series, Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate, from crime writer Celina Grace, author of the bestselling Kate Redman Mysteries and The Asharton Manor Mysteries. Praise for the series from Amazon and Goodreads reviewers: "Thoroughly enjoyed this read. I've been waiting for this story since the first of the Asharton novellas was published and I am very glad to see more of Joan and Verity. I think they are a great mystery team. Smart and active, but in a believable way. You don't ever wonder how they could do what they do within the confines of their social roles and their "real" jobs are never thrown to the side." "Celina makes her characters someone you care about. I enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes mysteries, especially period mysteries." " I love her writing style. This book does not disappoint. A great mix of mystery, humor and wonderful characters. All in a beautiful Manor. Very enjoyable read." "An intriguing, well written mystery set in the 1930s which will keep you glued until the last page!"
I’ve been trying to get published as a writer since…. um… er…um…see, it was that long ago I can’t remember. A long time. I make it fifteen years and counting….
I’ve also been writing for as long as I can really remember. I wrote my first story, The Blue Ruby, when I was about seven (if I can find that deathless prose scribbled in an exercise book somewhere, I might upload it here for a bit of light relief). Throughout college and university, I experimented with screenplays and scripts (I was studying Film and English at the time at the University of East Anglia), as well as other more short stories. In my twenties, I started my first novel, finished it, then my second, then my third. In my thirties, I was slightly side-tracked by the birth of my son but, leaving aside that trifling distraction, managed to write my fourth..
I didn’t bother trying to get the first novel published as I saw it as more of a practise run at this business of being an author. With the second, I entered the 2004 Lit Idol competition and got to third place. That was my ticket to publication, I thought, surely? Hah! Just the first in a long line of disappointments, of which every writer must be familiar… hopes built up to then be smacked down again. I had an agent approach me after the competition and on their encouragement, I finished, edited and polished the manuscript, sent it off to them with happy hopes – to be told months later that they didn’t think it was quite right for them..
Gutted, but enthusiasm relatively undimmed, I started on a new novel, inspired in part by the dramatic events of 2005 – the London bombings. I also wrote a short story at the same time on the same subject – it was on my mind a lot that summer (unsurprisingly. Freedom Fighter is the story – available on Amazon as part of The Mourning After short story collection). This novel The House on Fever Street (written under my maiden name Celina Alcock) was shortlisted for the 2006 Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award. Aha, I thought, a fairly prestigious and industry recognised award. This will get me published. Did it? Did it buggery!.
The House on Fever Street was also longlisted in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of that year, which garnered me some nice reviews and a much needed ego boost but didn’t advance my career as a published author much further..
So what next for our doughty heroine? She ups and writes her fourth novel, gains an agent and thinks now, now I have finally made it as a published author! And she waits. And waits. And waits some more. And then waits a bit more. And a bit more. Finally, for variety, she waits a bit more..
So, after two years of waiting, reading about self-publishing on Amazon and other platforms, I believe a phrase that ends in ‘…for a game of soldiers’ passed my lips and I decide to publish myself. So I did. And here I am on Amazon, making sales. No publisher. No agent. Just me..
Grrr My review vanished.... Okay less long or thought out. This is a good book you probably don't need to read the first in the series and you'll still be fine.
I received this book free as part of the Advance Reader's Team in exchange for an honest review. I wish to sincerely thank Celina Grace for being included in this capacity.
I absolutely ADORE Celina Grace's novels & have quite fallen in love with the Miss Joan Hart & Miss Verity Hunter series. It reminds me of the Phyrnee Fischer books & I hope that Celina's historical novels could perhaps be optioned for a TV series as those books have been. It's amazing to see the readers suggestion of expanding the roles of the two girls from the first Asharton Manor novel eventuate into a series of their own.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel & loved seeing Celina start to build depth with a lot of the characters previously mentioned. This story revolves around the theatre, and so Verity's Uncle Tommy makes an appearance along with a host of new characters. Joan comes to the forefront of this story & is instrumental in solving the crime on her own, as Verity is burdened with the anxieties of dealing with her mistress's problems. Without including any spoilers, I'm dying to find out what happens with Inspector Marks' character in upcoming novels.
In this book Joan and Verity are not as constricted as in the previous book, with only Dorothy to serve they seem to have more opportunities to get out and investigate. In fact Joan pretty much worked out the whole case by herself. As it happens I worked out the murderer and motive quite early on in the story. This didn’t bother me as I am normally quite happy just to follow the investigation. However, I did get a bit annoyed with the way the author would have Joan suddenly get some insight and then not tell the reader what it was. We had statements such as; I know who did it but I’m not going to tell you, or now I’m going to tell you who did it but do you mind if talk about this another time? My biggest problem with this book is that the novelty has begun to wear off, I still like Joan and Verity but because of their social positions they are never in charge and always subject to the vagaries of their employers, they even take days to pluck up the courage to talk to the police. For some readers this is fine but I want my heroines to be a bit more decisive and in control.
Joan Hart and her friend, and co-worker, Verity Hunter are attending the theatre courtesy of free tickets from Verity's uncle Tommy, an actor in the play. Unfortunately at the interval a body is found at the end of the row in front of them. The two servants are faced with Detective Inspector Marks, who they met on a previous case. Can they help Marks solve the case. A very enjoyable read.
I love the fact Joan and Verity are still joined at the hip while residing in London with Dorothy and the rest of the staff. Two years have passed, and Lord Cartwright is found not guilty of killing his first wife. However, Dorothy inherits all of her mother 's estate, but she is drinking herself into alcoholism because she is alone in the world. We meet Verity's uncle Tommy, who is a decent actor who manages to get Joan and Verity tickets to the play. Unfortunately, a man is murdered during the first act. With very little help from Verity, Joan manages to solve the crime along with Inspector Marks, who is a widower. The dressing room attendant, a leading actress, and a leading man help Joan and Inspector Marks bring the criminal to justice. Inspector Marks lets Joan know how much he respects her.
This is book 2 in the series and focuses mostly on Joan Hart. Joan is a kitchen maid with some skills at solving mysteries. Joan and lady's maid Verity Hunter are now living in London. Joan and Verity are at the theatre and discover a dead body at the intermission. They meet up with her friend Inspector Marks and get involved in solving who did it and why.
Verity's uncle is in the play, so they get to meet the actors and spend some time with them, when they can get away from their duties at the home.
I like the characters and writing. These are easy and fun books.
kindle unlimited, first came to notice in The Asharton Manor Mysteries Boxed Set (Books 1 - 4) but except for these {prequel in this set} the rest were so so or worse, as rated them as 4 set not really individually so individually was less than 3 really. Was giving the ones from this set a 3, but for different reasons; kept waiting for things to happen, and they either never did or were solved for the stupidest 'coincidences' or guesses or just put in as if someone had actually detected when had NOT. Didn't help any, review wise, to have figured it ALL out, anyway, long before the ending, which in this case was #3 about the same way of 'fluff and filler' to actual page count AND THIS was by far the WORST of the WORST, writer needs dictionary, thesuarus, spell check, just to possibly use the right spelling of the right word and/or synonym and not use words that only sound like the right one but actually are and have the same meaning...some actual plot, to keep up with what was said/done in actual plot so not contradictory, had said in previous books that was giving a 3 because eh, but should have been a 2, nope, should have read them all then gave them all the 1 deserved.
This is the second Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate historical mystery series, set in the 1930s. This boxed set features the servant sleuths Joan and Verity in the following three, full length stories and one 'prequel' novella, which introduces the characters:
DEATH AT THE THEATRE (BOOK TWO) London, 1932. Kitchen maid, Joan Hart, and lady’s maid, Verity Hunter, intend to enjoy their trip to the theatre, especially as Verity’s uncle Tommy is one of the leading men in the play. Unfortunately, Act Two of the play is curtailed when the lights come up in the interval, and the girls realise a man has been stabbed to death almost under their very noses. The case reunites the servant sleuths with their old ally, Detective Inspector Marks, and whilst the girls do their best to solve the case whilst keeping their jobs, the glitter and glamour of the theatre may prove to be as dangerous as any battlefield…
DEATH AT THE MANOR (PREQUEL NOVELLA) {also found as first of 4 set in Asharton Manor Mysteries Boxed 4 set} MURDER AT MERISHAM LODGE (BOOK 1) DEATH AT THE THEATRE (BOOK TWO) Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate: Volume 1 THE HIDDEN HOUSE MURDERS (BOOK 3)
Death at the Manor (The Asharton Manor Mysteries Book 1) A Prescription for Death (The Asharton Manor Mysteries Book 2) The Rhythm of Murder (The Asharton Manor Mysteries Book 3) Number Thirteen, Manor Close (The Asharton Manor Mysteries Book 4) The Asharton Manor Mysteries Boxed Set (Books 1 - 4)
Objectively, this isn't a great crime novel. But I recommend it on a number of counts. 1. The main characters, Joan and Verity, are engaging and interesting and as a duo, they just work. 2. The crime+belowstairs setting works. 3. The glimpse-of-those-upstairs works. 4. The not-quite-a-romance-with-the-policeman works. Put them all together and it's a cake. (Maura Laverty wrote, in Full & Plenty,* (I paraphrase): if you put a load of nice-tasting things together, like flour and butter and eggs and sugar, how can it do otherwise than taste nice?)
Like this book, that paragraph could do with some good editing. Like the book, I don't really care; I quite like it as it is.
A great follow up book in the series, I really joy how book one is touched on so the series has a nice link to each other.
The main and background characters are really well developed from book one and I just love how Joan and verity don't always see eye to eye just like any good friends. This one was very tricky to work out who the culprit was and the motive for the murder, which is why this series as well as Celina Grace's Kate Redman books are so great as they really leave you guessing.
Now to wait and see what adventures Joan, Verity and hopefully Detective Inspector Marks get up to next!
I was given a copy an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This the second Miss Hart and Miss Hunter investigate. Miss Hunter was not as involved in the investigation this time. Miss Hunter was having a difficult time with Dorothy, her Mistress. Dorothy had just found out that her stepfather was aquitted of the murder of her mother and brother. She did not take it well, especially, since she strongly felt he was involved.
The rest of the story centers around the theatre where Miss Hunt's relative worked. He gave her tickets to come see the play that was being shown at the time. A great actress was in the play along with Verity Hunt's relative.
The night that Joan Hart and Verity Hunt went to the play they had tickets in the balcony. As they were just getting settled in their seats Joan notices a woman arrive and sit behind a gentleman down the aisle from where she and Verity were sitting.
Once the play commences all eyes are on the actors. When it was time to leave the theatre the gentleman down the aisle just sat there not moving. After calling to him and finally shaking him the theatre goers found him to be dead. Thus begins the Investigation.
I still dont like all the mystery backstory in the series spinoff from something else. But Verity and Joan are fun. They are attending the play starring Verity's uncle when the man seated in front of them is found dead. Joan saw the killer in the dark as the play began but cant identify the person. Inspector Marks is assigned the case and takes Joan seriously. Verity is distracted by Dorothy's excessive drinking and other concerns so Joan goes most of it alone. Interesting if rather obvious culprit and motive.
Falling in love with a famous female actress can be deadly!
15 stars for this book. Joan and Verity got into another mess going to the theater. Verity's uncle Tommy is an actor in town performing. There is devotion, blackmail, old bad marriage, wanting new marriage, murder, and suicide. Joan and Verity helps Inspector Marks once again on a mind bender of who, and why all this happened. You have to read this book to find out the details. YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!
This is book two in the series Miss Hart and Miss Hunter Investigate and it was even better than the first. An almost impossible murder which is difficult to investigate because of their limited time off but they get there in the end. Death at the Theatre also gives us a more detailed look about the life of being in service and a glimpse of the upstairs as well. Great characters, great story and well written.
This is an engaging story with likeable characters. Joan and Verity give us insight to the world of a servant and what goes on beneath the placid demeanour they show to their employers and fellow servants. The mystery is good, but i like getting to know the thoughts and feelings of these smart girls.
Joan can't be a maid forever - she has too many good ideas. Now that she and Verity have formed a connection with Verity's actor uncle, they have other possibilities. Besides, she is witness to another murder, and Inspector Marks is back. There's one more book in the series (so far), and I'm not waiting for a sale. On to THE HIDDEN HOUSE MURDERS.
The first book was great and continues to be a second great book too. I'm so glad to find another true mystery writer. I was near the end before I figured it out. Was stumped who killer was. That normally doesn't happen to me much anymore that's why I'm so excited about Celina Grace.
Suspenseful Story. Miss Hart and Miss Hunter teamed up again.
Believable story about Joan and Verity in London and the theater. A cast of interesting new characters mixed in with the others from Celina Grace's other stories about Joan and Verity. I am eager to read the next book about this duo.
A wonderful problem solving puzzle of a murder! I highly recommend reading. I like the way June puts herself in the place of the killer also. Great characters that are well written. Enjoy!!
Another nice story in the series. Enjoying the additional interactions with the inspector. The theater setting is a nice change of pace from the previous manors where the murders happen literally in-house. Just wish the books were longer with more in-depth characterizations.
I am still really loving Miss Hart and Miss Hunter and their mystery solving skills. Although in this book Miss Hart took center stage and was leading the amateur investigation. Once again the mystery was interesting and the side characters intriguing. I will definitely be reading the next one!
Another fun interesting cozy mystery set in 1920s England. This time the sleuths are a cook and a ladys maid. First in the series is Death At the Manor. For character development I recommend reading them in order.
Very good cozy mystery; a mystery without high tension or drawn out boredom. Solving the mystery wasn’t doled out; however, the clues were clearly provided. My “guess” as to the killer & motive were almost perfect.
Audiobook. A crime committed in a theater crowd, a man with a fake name, tangled stories. Joan and Verity are seated just down from where the murder occurs, why didn't they see something? Joan is on it, Verity is having her own struggles, but is ever the loyal friend.