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Sophie Kimball Mystery #3
Staged 4 Murder
A P.I.’s bookkeeper takes a side gig in sleuthing when an amateur production of The Mousetrap features a real-life murder in this cozy mystery novel.
Sophie “Phee” Kimball is trying to get work done at her private investigation company, but it’s hard to focus when her old crush just moved to Arizona to join the staff. The last thing she needs is more distraction—like constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from Mom’s book club and retirement community, with the possible exception of her chiweenie dog, wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of a killer for real. After a much-despised cast member is found dead in the theater, Phee has no choice but to immerse herself in all the backstabbing, backstage gossip. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the threatening note left on her windshield—which could spell curtains for another victim
Sophie “Phee” Kimball is trying to get work done at her private investigation company, but it’s hard to focus when her old crush just moved to Arizona to join the staff. The last thing she needs is more distraction—like constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from Mom’s book club and retirement community, with the possible exception of her chiweenie dog, wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of a killer for real. After a much-despised cast member is found dead in the theater, Phee has no choice but to immerse herself in all the backstabbing, backstage gossip. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the threatening note left on her windshield—which could spell curtains for another victim
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2018
124 people are currently reading
388 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Eaton
31 books345 followersAnn I. Goldfarb
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 12, 2018
Staged 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton is the third book in the cozy Sophie Kimball Mystery series. Our main character in this series is Sophie “Phee” Kimball who had been working in accounting at a police department in Minnesota so her retired mother thought Phee would be the perfect person to come to Arizona and investigate when several suspicious deaths happened at her retirement community.
After her first trip out to Arizona Phee decided to make the move and took a job working for a detective friend but to Phee’s mother that still makes her perfect to investigate whenever anything out of the ordinary comes along for the ladies in the retirement community. So when Harriet’s group decides to try out for the new Agatha Christie play Phee is not surprised when she gets the call that another body has been found and she is needed to find another killer.
This series by J.C. Eaton has all the great ingredients to a cozy mystery that I enjoy, a down to earth main character that follows the clues and questions those involved but with some connection to law enforcement to help with the harder aspects, likable characters and a fun environment for the story to take place.
Sophie and her mother have a great relationship and I often find myself chuckling at their interactions. And now getting a group of retirees into a theater and all that goes with it was a great mix for even more laughs in this edition. Just a fun read with fun characters and always look forward to seeing what the authors have in store in the future for Sophie and friends.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
After her first trip out to Arizona Phee decided to make the move and took a job working for a detective friend but to Phee’s mother that still makes her perfect to investigate whenever anything out of the ordinary comes along for the ladies in the retirement community. So when Harriet’s group decides to try out for the new Agatha Christie play Phee is not surprised when she gets the call that another body has been found and she is needed to find another killer.
This series by J.C. Eaton has all the great ingredients to a cozy mystery that I enjoy, a down to earth main character that follows the clues and questions those involved but with some connection to law enforcement to help with the harder aspects, likable characters and a fun environment for the story to take place.
Sophie and her mother have a great relationship and I often find myself chuckling at their interactions. And now getting a group of retirees into a theater and all that goes with it was a great mix for even more laughs in this edition. Just a fun read with fun characters and always look forward to seeing what the authors have in store in the future for Sophie and friends.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 9, 2018
4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review!
Staged 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton is the third book in a mystery series following Sophie "Phee" Kimball who, while working at her private investigation company in Arizona finds herself caught up in an ongoing case which involves the death of a despised cast member in the local production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap".
Pros:
-Apart from the obvious references to Agatha Christie in this modern day 'whodunit', this book also feature's an eccentric group of older women who run their own book club, cryptic messages left for the remaining cast members to find, and countless red herring's that left me scrambling to figure out who the killer was up until the final reveal!
-The writing in this was very fluid. I had no problems whatsoever following along with the story, and I'm kind of disappointed with myself that I hadn't read anything by this author sooner! 😲
Cons:
-I had no real issues with this one, however, the final reveal left me feeling only somewhat satisfied!
Final Thoughts/Comments:
This title is expected to release on the 26th of June, 2018. I may have to go back and read Booked 4 Murder, and Ditched 4 Murder as this was such an entertaining read, and I feel as though I could use a little more Sophie Kimball in my life! 👏🏻
ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review!
Staged 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton is the third book in a mystery series following Sophie "Phee" Kimball who, while working at her private investigation company in Arizona finds herself caught up in an ongoing case which involves the death of a despised cast member in the local production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap".
Pros:
-Apart from the obvious references to Agatha Christie in this modern day 'whodunit', this book also feature's an eccentric group of older women who run their own book club, cryptic messages left for the remaining cast members to find, and countless red herring's that left me scrambling to figure out who the killer was up until the final reveal!
-The writing in this was very fluid. I had no problems whatsoever following along with the story, and I'm kind of disappointed with myself that I hadn't read anything by this author sooner! 😲
Cons:
-I had no real issues with this one, however, the final reveal left me feeling only somewhat satisfied!
Final Thoughts/Comments:
This title is expected to release on the 26th of June, 2018. I may have to go back and read Booked 4 Murder, and Ditched 4 Murder as this was such an entertaining read, and I feel as though I could use a little more Sophie Kimball in my life! 👏🏻
June 30, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sun City West is launching a production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and because all the members of Phee’s mom’s book club love mysteries they all just have to be part of the play. Sophie “Phee” Kimball has other things on her mind, like the new private investigator joining the firm where she works. Someone from her past and she just doesn’t know how she can see him every day without telling him how she feels.
But of course, her mother has to interrupt her at work several times a day with all the happenings at the theater. When Phee receives a call saying a cast member was dead she rushes to the theater to find her mother and her friends uninjured but the star of the play dead up on the catwalk. Phee finds herself in the middle of another investigation along with the new P.I., Marshall Gregory because the Booked 4 Murder Book Club doesn’t think the police have a clue so they have hired the firm to solve the case. Curtain up, light the lights. there is a murder mystery to solve if Phee survives both her mother and the killer.
Thankfully Phee’s Aunt Ina is out of town, so she only needs to be at her mother’s beck and call. Harriet is a real force, says what she thinks, interrupts in the most inopportune moments, and demands her daughter do what she tells her to do, right now! If Harriet was my mother I would either be in jail or live far, far, away. Sophie has the patience of a saint and so does Marshall Gregory. Phee had warned him about her mother and her friends, who aren’t as demanding as Harriet but are pretty manipulative in their own right. Marshall doesn’t back off but takes them all with a grain of salt. He does have feelings for Phee, I just hope whatever relationship they try to have can survive one of the pushiest women on the planet.
After you get used to Harriet’s boldness we are treated to an exceptionable mystery. Twists, threats, “ghosts”, secrets, trapdoors, spotlights, and murder all collide to keep readers glued to the pages. The police really dropped the ball at the beginning of the investigation. It took some digging for the real suspects to come into focus. As all the clues start to fall into place and the mouse is almost trapped the suspense ramps up. I did think after learning all about the mechanisms around and under the stage that Phee would surprise the killer in a different way with to set up the ending. The approach used by the authors did bring the story to a satisfactory conclusion with some chilling moments too.
The Booked 4 Murder ladies do bring a lot of humor to the story. I do have hope for the budding romance between Marcus and Phee, but with Aunt Ina back in town, heaven only knows what the next book will bring.
A fast-paced entertaining read. I should be recovered from Harriet by the time the next book is released. 🙂 All three books in this series have been pleasures to read. I am looking forward to my next visit with Sophie “Phee” Kimball!
Sun City West is launching a production of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and because all the members of Phee’s mom’s book club love mysteries they all just have to be part of the play. Sophie “Phee” Kimball has other things on her mind, like the new private investigator joining the firm where she works. Someone from her past and she just doesn’t know how she can see him every day without telling him how she feels.
But of course, her mother has to interrupt her at work several times a day with all the happenings at the theater. When Phee receives a call saying a cast member was dead she rushes to the theater to find her mother and her friends uninjured but the star of the play dead up on the catwalk. Phee finds herself in the middle of another investigation along with the new P.I., Marshall Gregory because the Booked 4 Murder Book Club doesn’t think the police have a clue so they have hired the firm to solve the case. Curtain up, light the lights. there is a murder mystery to solve if Phee survives both her mother and the killer.
Thankfully Phee’s Aunt Ina is out of town, so she only needs to be at her mother’s beck and call. Harriet is a real force, says what she thinks, interrupts in the most inopportune moments, and demands her daughter do what she tells her to do, right now! If Harriet was my mother I would either be in jail or live far, far, away. Sophie has the patience of a saint and so does Marshall Gregory. Phee had warned him about her mother and her friends, who aren’t as demanding as Harriet but are pretty manipulative in their own right. Marshall doesn’t back off but takes them all with a grain of salt. He does have feelings for Phee, I just hope whatever relationship they try to have can survive one of the pushiest women on the planet.
After you get used to Harriet’s boldness we are treated to an exceptionable mystery. Twists, threats, “ghosts”, secrets, trapdoors, spotlights, and murder all collide to keep readers glued to the pages. The police really dropped the ball at the beginning of the investigation. It took some digging for the real suspects to come into focus. As all the clues start to fall into place and the mouse is almost trapped the suspense ramps up. I did think after learning all about the mechanisms around and under the stage that Phee would surprise the killer in a different way with to set up the ending. The approach used by the authors did bring the story to a satisfactory conclusion with some chilling moments too.
The Booked 4 Murder ladies do bring a lot of humor to the story. I do have hope for the budding romance between Marcus and Phee, but with Aunt Ina back in town, heaven only knows what the next book will bring.
A fast-paced entertaining read. I should be recovered from Harriet by the time the next book is released. 🙂 All three books in this series have been pleasures to read. I am looking forward to my next visit with Sophie “Phee” Kimball!
July 10, 2018
Staged 4 Murder is the 3rd book in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series. I enjoy the mix of humor and mystery in this series. The characters are kooky, intelligent and just plain entertaining. I love how Sophie's rag-tag mix of retirement community senior citizens help her go after the bad guys. It always makes for a fun reading experience.
This time around all the seniors are involved in a local production of Agatha Christie's Mousetrap. Phee is tired of hearing about the play and she's a bit distracted by the newest staff member at her detective agency, Marshall Gregory. She had a major crush on Marshall when she worked for the Mankato, MN police department....and now they are working together again. Major distraction. Phee has to put her thoughts of Marshall on the back burner when conflicts on the set of the play her mother and book club cronies are involved in causes problems. It starts out with diva behavior and a suspicious case of food poisoning but escalates into murder. Miranda Lee is found dead on the theater catwalk. Miranda was difficult and many of the cast did not like her. But who was upset enough to murder her?
I enjoyed this newest book just as much as I did the first two books in this series. The seniors are feisty and funny as usual. The mystery is well paced with plenty of suspects and surprises. Marshall is a nice addition to the crew. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery. I can't wait to see what trouble the gang gets into next! It won't be a long wait....the next book, Botched for Murder, comes out in January 2019.
J.C. Eaton also writes The Wine Trail Mysteries series.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This time around all the seniors are involved in a local production of Agatha Christie's Mousetrap. Phee is tired of hearing about the play and she's a bit distracted by the newest staff member at her detective agency, Marshall Gregory. She had a major crush on Marshall when she worked for the Mankato, MN police department....and now they are working together again. Major distraction. Phee has to put her thoughts of Marshall on the back burner when conflicts on the set of the play her mother and book club cronies are involved in causes problems. It starts out with diva behavior and a suspicious case of food poisoning but escalates into murder. Miranda Lee is found dead on the theater catwalk. Miranda was difficult and many of the cast did not like her. But who was upset enough to murder her?
I enjoyed this newest book just as much as I did the first two books in this series. The seniors are feisty and funny as usual. The mystery is well paced with plenty of suspects and surprises. Marshall is a nice addition to the crew. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery. I can't wait to see what trouble the gang gets into next! It won't be a long wait....the next book, Botched for Murder, comes out in January 2019.
J.C. Eaton also writes The Wine Trail Mysteries series.
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
October 5, 2022
The Booked 4 Murder book club is thrilled to find the local theater is putting on a production of The Mousetrap and asking the residents of the local retirement community to participate. Naturally, everyone is excited to be part of the cast and crew. Since Sophie Kimball’s mother lands a part in the play, she expects she will hear all about it in detail. What she doesn’t expect is that someone will find the dead body of Miranda Lee, the star, on the catwalk above the stage one day. Yes, Miranda was being a diva with a capital D, but who would want to kill her?
I was glad I finally found time to return to Sophie’s world. Fans of the play will appreciate references to it and other Agatha Christie works, but knowing the play isn’t a requirement, and nothing is spoiled. There is plenty of action to keep things going. The climax was fun, but there was a bit too much to it. The Booked 4 Murder ladies were mostly balanced between funny and annoying, and I laughed as I read. Sophie is a great main character, and I enjoyed the bit of romance. Hopefully, it won’t be as long before I get to the next book in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was glad I finally found time to return to Sophie’s world. Fans of the play will appreciate references to it and other Agatha Christie works, but knowing the play isn’t a requirement, and nothing is spoiled. There is plenty of action to keep things going. The climax was fun, but there was a bit too much to it. The Booked 4 Murder ladies were mostly balanced between funny and annoying, and I laughed as I read. Sophie is a great main character, and I enjoyed the bit of romance. Hopefully, it won’t be as long before I get to the next book in the series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 17, 2023
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September 28, 2020
The mc's mother and her retiree book club are such a kick, and I love Phee's willingness to spend time with them and aid them. A really good addition to the series.
August 15, 2018
I'm caught up reading in this awesome and hilarious series and now I'm just waiting for the fourth book to come out next year!
This book has Phee's mom Harriet and her book club friends trying out for a local production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." When their main actress (who was also a major pain to work with) was found dead on the theater's catwalk, there's no shortage of suspects. As always, Phee was trying to juggle her accounting work at Nate's office with talking to suspects. At the same time, the new investigator had joined their office. Nate had hired Marshall Gardner, a former detective from the same police department where Phee and Nate worked. Phee always had a secret crush on Marshall, and she was beyond happy to be able to work with him. Among the things they had to deal with were threatening notes left to some of the actresses, and a couple of the ladies swore they even saw the dead woman's ghost. Nate and Marshall agreed to help and with some extra sleuthing help from an old computer pal, Rolo, they made sure the right person was arrested for the murder.
Boy was I surprised at the murderer! I had no clue, what a great twist at the very end too! I love that Phee and Marshall are in agreement now to get to know one another a little better. Just like in the other books, I found myself laughing like crazy at some of the dialogue with Harriet and her friends. I could just see this playing out on TV. Oh, if you're reading in order and remember Aunt Ina from the last book, she's baaack but not till the very end. I loved what Harriet told her when she said she had theater tickets for them all to see "The Mousetrap" in another city.
The end of the book says that the fourth book comes out January 2019. There is also a little preview section on the upcoming second book in the author's Wine Trail series.
This book has Phee's mom Harriet and her book club friends trying out for a local production of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." When their main actress (who was also a major pain to work with) was found dead on the theater's catwalk, there's no shortage of suspects. As always, Phee was trying to juggle her accounting work at Nate's office with talking to suspects. At the same time, the new investigator had joined their office. Nate had hired Marshall Gardner, a former detective from the same police department where Phee and Nate worked. Phee always had a secret crush on Marshall, and she was beyond happy to be able to work with him. Among the things they had to deal with were threatening notes left to some of the actresses, and a couple of the ladies swore they even saw the dead woman's ghost. Nate and Marshall agreed to help and with some extra sleuthing help from an old computer pal, Rolo, they made sure the right person was arrested for the murder.
Boy was I surprised at the murderer! I had no clue, what a great twist at the very end too! I love that Phee and Marshall are in agreement now to get to know one another a little better. Just like in the other books, I found myself laughing like crazy at some of the dialogue with Harriet and her friends. I could just see this playing out on TV. Oh, if you're reading in order and remember Aunt Ina from the last book, she's baaack but not till the very end. I loved what Harriet told her when she said she had theater tickets for them all to see "The Mousetrap" in another city.
The end of the book says that the fourth book comes out January 2019. There is also a little preview section on the upcoming second book in the author's Wine Trail series.
June 22, 2018
Staged 4 Murder is the third book in Sophie Kimball Mystery series.
Sophie(Phee) is settling in nicely to her move to the Sun City West area. Business at the Williams Investigations is booming and her boss, Nate Williams, had decided to take on another PI. He has brought Marshall Gregory on board. Gregory had worked with both Nate and Phee at the Mankato, MN police department and Phee had a crush on him. She is vacillating between hoping for a possible relationship or continuing to listen to her mother, Harriet, ask her about her love life.
Speaking of Mother, she tells Phee that she and her book club friends are going to try out for roles in the Agatha Christie play Mouse Trap that will be produced by the Sun City West Footlighters. Early in the tryouts, Harriet and her friend Myrna are getting their nail done and when they go to get in the car there is a sign on the car that says: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, another work by Agatha Christie. Not being new to solving murders, they consider this a threat. Soon thereafter, the director of the play comes down with a case of food poisoning. But when Miranda Lee, the star of the show, is found dead on the stage lighting catwalk. In addition, there were also a couple pranks at the theater, one of which one of the actors could have been seriously injured.
Phee has been sitting in on some of the rehearsals, doing a little of investigation and soon Marshall joins her, to help find out who wanted Miranda dead.
I quite enjoy this series. Phee, Nate and Marshall are all enjoyable, but for me, Harriet and the other members of the book club, are the ones that enjoy the most. Even though I may shake my head at some of their action or comments, I can’t help but give a chuckle throughout the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this funny series.
Sophie(Phee) is settling in nicely to her move to the Sun City West area. Business at the Williams Investigations is booming and her boss, Nate Williams, had decided to take on another PI. He has brought Marshall Gregory on board. Gregory had worked with both Nate and Phee at the Mankato, MN police department and Phee had a crush on him. She is vacillating between hoping for a possible relationship or continuing to listen to her mother, Harriet, ask her about her love life.
Speaking of Mother, she tells Phee that she and her book club friends are going to try out for roles in the Agatha Christie play Mouse Trap that will be produced by the Sun City West Footlighters. Early in the tryouts, Harriet and her friend Myrna are getting their nail done and when they go to get in the car there is a sign on the car that says: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, another work by Agatha Christie. Not being new to solving murders, they consider this a threat. Soon thereafter, the director of the play comes down with a case of food poisoning. But when Miranda Lee, the star of the show, is found dead on the stage lighting catwalk. In addition, there were also a couple pranks at the theater, one of which one of the actors could have been seriously injured.
Phee has been sitting in on some of the rehearsals, doing a little of investigation and soon Marshall joins her, to help find out who wanted Miranda dead.
I quite enjoy this series. Phee, Nate and Marshall are all enjoyable, but for me, Harriet and the other members of the book club, are the ones that enjoy the most. Even though I may shake my head at some of their action or comments, I can’t help but give a chuckle throughout the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this funny series.
December 6, 2018
Staged 4 Murder by J. C. Eaton is the 3nd book in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series, and another fun read. Sophie, “Phee”, Kimball gets sucked into another murder investigation by her mother and friends. I love this series, this book made me laugh out loud, it was so funny. Once I started this book, I could not stop reading it until I was done. Not only is this book an exciting mystery but also very refreshing and a quick read. If you love funny cozy mysteries, which are my favorite, I strongly recommend this book/series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
May 25, 2018
The third book of the Sophie “Phee” Kimball series is as humorous as the earlier books. I was laughing at the various antics of her Mom's book club. Phew is settling down on her new job and looking forward to the arrival of the detective she has a crush on. The Senior Center new stage play is to be an Agatha Christie Mousetrap. The book club members tried out for parts and several members will actors including Phee's Mother. There are many twists and turns as the tale involves. Of course, a dislike actress, the leading lady is found dead in the theater. Phew becomes involved in the investigation as the Book club hires Phee's form to investigate the murder. I especially like the end. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 30, 2019
4 stelle e mezza
Questa serie mi piace nonostante la comicità a volte eccessiva. In questo libro, il mistero era buono, con tanti possibili colpevoli, anche perché la donna assassinata non si era certo fatta amare. A un certo punto avevo avuto l'intuizione giusta, ma alla fine c'è stata comunque una sorpresa nella soluzione. E altro non dico per non fare spoiler.
Questa serie mi piace nonostante la comicità a volte eccessiva. In questo libro, il mistero era buono, con tanti possibili colpevoli, anche perché la donna assassinata non si era certo fatta amare. A un certo punto avevo avuto l'intuizione giusta, ma alla fine c'è stata comunque una sorpresa nella soluzione. E altro non dico per non fare spoiler.
November 25, 2019
The first book in this series was funny. The second book in this series was hysterical. This third book was even more amusing than the first two. I don't even care who gets murdered or who did it. I have such a good time listening in to Sophie's conversations with her mother, her mother's yakking about everything from her friends to her dog, Streetman, to bossing Sophie in all things. Streetman, by the way, gets a whole scene in this one where Sophie caves to her mother's demand that they take the dog to the theater to see if there are any ghosts. Streetman doesn't discover a ghost, but he does discover something that made me laugh out loud. This may make me laugh hard because it kind of reminds me of my grandmother's and my relationship. She was a strongly opinionated person and domineering personality that thought nothing of telling me what I should do and when to do it. Like Sophie, I usually acquiesced to my grandmother's demands because I loved her dearly and wanted to make her happy, but also we usually wanted the same things and just would have gone about it differently. My grandmother even had a dog that she fussed over like Streetman and a ton of friends that were both unintentionally amusing and irritating. I love this series and will be reading the next one soon.
September 5, 2018
I like this series set in a retirement community in Arizona. Phee works for a PI doing the books and is near her mother. Mom lives in a gated community with a bunch of older women who belong to the murder book club and drag Phee kicking and screaming into all their adventures. Not Phee's old flame from Minnesota has retired and is working at the same agency. With the ladies in the middle of a play where the leading lady is killed, Phee and Marshall are offered many theories as to who the killer might be. This is book 3 in the Sophie Kimball series and it is a great addition. Can be read as a stand alone but you don't want to miss the antics of the senior citizens in previous books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 28, 2018
Sophie wants to work on her own PI company and her mother keeps giving her updates on a play she is in. A hated cast member is found dead on the catwalk , so Sophie is drawn into the case. With the whole cast afraid and odd happenings they are all afraid they are the next to be killed. Sophie gets involved in the case and almost doesn’t make it herself.
April 6, 2023
The book club girls are always dramatic BUT you put them on a stage and look out! Laugh until you cry 😂 and be happy you don't live anywhere near these ladies.
May 20, 2018
Staged 4 Murder is the third book in J.C. Eaton’s (the husband and wife writing team of Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp) Sophie Kimball Mystery series and is a well-written, steady paced and humorous whodunit, with well-developed and likeable (and often quirky) characters. This is a fast and fun read and there are enough suspects, twists and turns, and red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fun, well-crafted cozy mysteries.
Sophie ‘Phee’ Kimball is a divorced, middle-aged mother of an adult daughter, who moved from Mankato, Minnesota to Peoria, Arizona and is enjoying the milder climate. When she lived in Minnesota, she worked as an accounting clerk for the police department in Mankato and now she’s the bookkeeper for her friend’s, Nate Williams, private investigation firm. Nate, who used to be a Mankato PD detective, is adding another investigator to his firm, Marshall Gregory, who Phee has a crush on. The only person knows how Phee’s crush is Augusta, the part-time receptionist. Her mother, Harriet Plunkett, lives in a retirement community in Sun City West, Arizona with her chiweenie dog, Streetman, and belongs to a book club, Booked 4 Murder. The Sun City West Footlighters is holding auditions and interviewing potential crewmembers for their upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” and the book club members who love to read murder mysteries are excited and plan to try out and/or interview. Harriett calls Phee in a panic when she and another book club member, Myrna, received printed notes on their cars saying “AND THEN THERE WERE NONE” which she believes are threats because it’s a title of an Agatha Christie novel and she wants Nate to look into it. Harriett is ecstatic because Myrna and she were cast for roles and her other friends will be working behind the scene. The ladies kept complaining about the lead actresses, Miranda Lee, who is insufferable, then Ellowina Bice, the director, is hospitalized for food poisoning, and then a dead body is found on the catwalk. Deputies Bowman and Ranston are the investigating officers and the victim is identified as Miranda, but the cause of death remains inconclusive. Her mother gives her an extensive list of people Phee should interview about the murder and demands she follow up with everyone. Marshall encourages her to investigate, but stresses she needs to be careful. Accidents occur and random threats are made in the refurbished Stardust Theater. Harriet doesn’t think the sheriff’s department is making any progress and hires Williams Investigations and Nate and Marshall agree to look into things.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Sophie ‘Phee’ Kimball is a divorced, middle-aged mother of an adult daughter, who moved from Mankato, Minnesota to Peoria, Arizona and is enjoying the milder climate. When she lived in Minnesota, she worked as an accounting clerk for the police department in Mankato and now she’s the bookkeeper for her friend’s, Nate Williams, private investigation firm. Nate, who used to be a Mankato PD detective, is adding another investigator to his firm, Marshall Gregory, who Phee has a crush on. The only person knows how Phee’s crush is Augusta, the part-time receptionist. Her mother, Harriet Plunkett, lives in a retirement community in Sun City West, Arizona with her chiweenie dog, Streetman, and belongs to a book club, Booked 4 Murder. The Sun City West Footlighters is holding auditions and interviewing potential crewmembers for their upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap,” and the book club members who love to read murder mysteries are excited and plan to try out and/or interview. Harriett calls Phee in a panic when she and another book club member, Myrna, received printed notes on their cars saying “AND THEN THERE WERE NONE” which she believes are threats because it’s a title of an Agatha Christie novel and she wants Nate to look into it. Harriett is ecstatic because Myrna and she were cast for roles and her other friends will be working behind the scene. The ladies kept complaining about the lead actresses, Miranda Lee, who is insufferable, then Ellowina Bice, the director, is hospitalized for food poisoning, and then a dead body is found on the catwalk. Deputies Bowman and Ranston are the investigating officers and the victim is identified as Miranda, but the cause of death remains inconclusive. Her mother gives her an extensive list of people Phee should interview about the murder and demands she follow up with everyone. Marshall encourages her to investigate, but stresses she needs to be careful. Accidents occur and random threats are made in the refurbished Stardust Theater. Harriet doesn’t think the sheriff’s department is making any progress and hires Williams Investigations and Nate and Marshall agree to look into things.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
May 29, 2018
What a fun, exciting new mystery with Sophie "Phee" Kimball, 3rd in this series! The characters are an absolute delight, especially seeing Phee interact with her mother and her mother's friends in the Booked 4 Murder book club! The retirement community of Sun City West, Arizona, can hardly contain this group of friends who are either cast or crew in the theater production of Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap.
Phee works for a retired Mankato, MN cop who has a small PI firm where she is an accountant and bookkeeper. This time, business has grown so much that her boss, Nate, hired another Makato cop, Marshall Gregory, who Phee had a huge crush on when they worked together. Booked 4 Murder now hires the firm to find the murderer of Miranda, who was the female lead in the play and was murdered shortly after the director was hospitalized for food poisoning. Phee, at her mother's insistence, is instrumental in gathering information on the suspects, who are many. Miranda has the kind of personality people love to hate, and she definitely had a lot of folks mad as wet hens at her. Now it seems that her ghost is haunting the theater, and unusual accidents increase on the stage. Opening night is coming, so the killer - who might also play a ghost - needs to be caught.
The characters are so well portrayed, I could almost hear and see them. I recognized terms heard before only from one of my Sun City friends. Phee, who is the kind of person to think something over before leaping to a conclusion, brings a note of sanity to the seniors who are in a panic at the theater. She has also lived in the area long enough to have friends other than her mother's.
This series started out with a strong cozy mystery, and has only improved from there! Living just down the road a bit from Sun City West, I enjoyed seeing it brought to life through the authors' eyes. The mystery is complex, very hard to pick out who the bad guy/ gal might be. Plot twists bring new backstories on several of the characters, putting more in the mixture of possible suspects. I was surprised and very satisfied at the resolution! While I thought I had guessed whodunit, I couldn't come up with a motive, and was astonished at the full scope of the deadly deed. I highly recommend this novel, especially to those cozy mystery lovers enjoy live theater, an older cast of characters ranging from middle age to seniors, and a setting in "it's a dry heat" Arizona.
I received a copy of this from the publisher, and this is my honest review.
Phee works for a retired Mankato, MN cop who has a small PI firm where she is an accountant and bookkeeper. This time, business has grown so much that her boss, Nate, hired another Makato cop, Marshall Gregory, who Phee had a huge crush on when they worked together. Booked 4 Murder now hires the firm to find the murderer of Miranda, who was the female lead in the play and was murdered shortly after the director was hospitalized for food poisoning. Phee, at her mother's insistence, is instrumental in gathering information on the suspects, who are many. Miranda has the kind of personality people love to hate, and she definitely had a lot of folks mad as wet hens at her. Now it seems that her ghost is haunting the theater, and unusual accidents increase on the stage. Opening night is coming, so the killer - who might also play a ghost - needs to be caught.
The characters are so well portrayed, I could almost hear and see them. I recognized terms heard before only from one of my Sun City friends. Phee, who is the kind of person to think something over before leaping to a conclusion, brings a note of sanity to the seniors who are in a panic at the theater. She has also lived in the area long enough to have friends other than her mother's.
This series started out with a strong cozy mystery, and has only improved from there! Living just down the road a bit from Sun City West, I enjoyed seeing it brought to life through the authors' eyes. The mystery is complex, very hard to pick out who the bad guy/ gal might be. Plot twists bring new backstories on several of the characters, putting more in the mixture of possible suspects. I was surprised and very satisfied at the resolution! While I thought I had guessed whodunit, I couldn't come up with a motive, and was astonished at the full scope of the deadly deed. I highly recommend this novel, especially to those cozy mystery lovers enjoy live theater, an older cast of characters ranging from middle age to seniors, and a setting in "it's a dry heat" Arizona.
I received a copy of this from the publisher, and this is my honest review.
June 21, 2018
J.C. Eaton is a fantastic writing duo and this series is just so much fun it always has me laughing out loud!
Sophie is a bit nervous about Marshall coming to work for the agency as she had a major crush on him back home. She doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on that as her mother has joined the theater! They are doing an Agatha Christie novel, Mousetrap and the Booked 4 Murder club are buzzing with excitement at being able to act out a murder mystery. Only a few of them are actually in the play but others are working behind the scene. It doesn't take long for things to go wrong.
Soon the director gets food poison and they have to bring in a new director and then Sophie's mom and another from the club get a strange message on their cars and they just know they are going to be next, then the lead actor is killed and it just gets crazier from their as those Book 4 Murder girls are fun of crazy, quirky fun! I do feel a little sorry for poor Sophie as it's so easy to see those eye rolls, etc.
Her mother won't give in till she gets her boss and Marshall involved as she just doesn't think the police are doing enough. So Sophie is dragged into another murder and doing her best to figure it out while placating her mother. It does allow her to work beside Marshall which she doesn't mind but at the same time she hates having him in the think of her mother and her friends antics. Marshall takes it all in stride and has fun with it.
This book just has an awesome cast of characters and I just love everyone of them! Sophie is a saint for putting up with her mother and her friends and they are so good for a laugh. This is one of those series that if you are in need of a laugh then you will read it again just for the laughs and giggles! I also love Nate and now Marshall is winning my affection. Just a great group of main and secondary characters.
Maybe not everyone will figure out this mystery as quickly as I did but I had it pegged pretty early on but it didn't hinder anything as it's really the fun characters and their antics that I love more than the mystery. :)
I highly recommend this series if you love cozies!
Sophie is a bit nervous about Marshall coming to work for the agency as she had a major crush on him back home. She doesn't have a lot of time to dwell on that as her mother has joined the theater! They are doing an Agatha Christie novel, Mousetrap and the Booked 4 Murder club are buzzing with excitement at being able to act out a murder mystery. Only a few of them are actually in the play but others are working behind the scene. It doesn't take long for things to go wrong.
Soon the director gets food poison and they have to bring in a new director and then Sophie's mom and another from the club get a strange message on their cars and they just know they are going to be next, then the lead actor is killed and it just gets crazier from their as those Book 4 Murder girls are fun of crazy, quirky fun! I do feel a little sorry for poor Sophie as it's so easy to see those eye rolls, etc.
Her mother won't give in till she gets her boss and Marshall involved as she just doesn't think the police are doing enough. So Sophie is dragged into another murder and doing her best to figure it out while placating her mother. It does allow her to work beside Marshall which she doesn't mind but at the same time she hates having him in the think of her mother and her friends antics. Marshall takes it all in stride and has fun with it.
This book just has an awesome cast of characters and I just love everyone of them! Sophie is a saint for putting up with her mother and her friends and they are so good for a laugh. This is one of those series that if you are in need of a laugh then you will read it again just for the laughs and giggles! I also love Nate and now Marshall is winning my affection. Just a great group of main and secondary characters.
Maybe not everyone will figure out this mystery as quickly as I did but I had it pegged pretty early on but it didn't hinder anything as it's really the fun characters and their antics that I love more than the mystery. :)
I highly recommend this series if you love cozies!
June 20, 2018
In book 4 of the Sophie Kimball Mystery series, Phee's mother and her book club has decided to try out for the the Sun City West Footlighters' production of Agatha Christie's The Moustrap. Naturally, Phee's mother believes it is her duty to inform her daughter of every little detail. Rather quickly, things get interesting. Harriett, who is cast in the play, as well as one of her friends and the star of the play, annoying Miranda Lee, all get notes on their cars stating in plain text: "AND THEN THERE WERE NONE." And things only get worse when the insufferable Miranda Lee is found dead on the catwalk. Accidents repeatedly plague the set, and the more things happen, the more hysterical the book club women become.
In the meantime, Marshall has begun working with Phee at the detective agency. Phee had a crush on him when they worked together in Minnesota, and now she is working in close quarters with him everyday. Phee is constantly trying to balance her mother's crazy requests for her to investigate, her feelings for Marshall, and the job she actually gets paid for.
I totally love this series, and I can't for the life of me figure out why. Phee's mother and her friends drive her completely crazy, to the point where I want to reach in the book and smack them. But somehow, they are totally endearing. And Phee is terrific. She's very real - dealing with her deranged relatives, her crush, and her job. There is just nothing I don't like about the series. I had an idea of the murderer, but it was pretty much up for grabs until the very end, which is how a good mystery should be. I'll be looking for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the meantime, Marshall has begun working with Phee at the detective agency. Phee had a crush on him when they worked together in Minnesota, and now she is working in close quarters with him everyday. Phee is constantly trying to balance her mother's crazy requests for her to investigate, her feelings for Marshall, and the job she actually gets paid for.
I totally love this series, and I can't for the life of me figure out why. Phee's mother and her friends drive her completely crazy, to the point where I want to reach in the book and smack them. But somehow, they are totally endearing. And Phee is terrific. She's very real - dealing with her deranged relatives, her crush, and her job. There is just nothing I don't like about the series. I had an idea of the murderer, but it was pretty much up for grabs until the very end, which is how a good mystery should be. I'll be looking for the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2019
Sophie Kimball, or Phee as her friends and her Mom's friends call her, is more than just a pretty face in Nate William's detective agency. The same agency that just hired her secret crush from her Mankato Minneapolis Police Department days. If that isn't enough to fluster a gal, how about Mom's book club made up of murder mystery enthusiasts getting involved in the local theater group rendition of Agatha Christie's Mousetrap. Of course there has to be a murder but was it by vengeful spirit or vengeful senior citizens (as it seems to be the vast majority of the theater crowd). Phee is a phenomenal character with a great attitude towards life, love, and her pursuit of a normal life with her Mom's crazy book club friends!
July 24, 2018
Staged 4 Murder is the 3rd book in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series. Sophie has stumbled upon another murder mystery. Sophie’s mother and her "colorful" friends are involved in a local theater production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap” and while on set, one of their cast members is found dead. Sophie is already nervous enough since her old crush is joining the staff at the detective agency.
I really enjoyed the story. It is well written and flows smoothly from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading more in this excting series by J. C. Eaton
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGallley
I really enjoyed the story. It is well written and flows smoothly from beginning to end. I am looking forward to reading more in this excting series by J. C. Eaton
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGallley
June 27, 2018
Sophie “Phee” Kimball is trying to do some work at her private investigation company in Arizona. Unfortunately, she’s distracted by her old crush arriving from Minnesota to join the staff. The last thing she needs is constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from her mom’s book club and retirement community wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of the killer for real.
After a much-despised cast member is found dead on a catwalk in the theater, Phee has no choice but to be drawn into the investigation. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the
vaguely threatening note left on her windshield, which could mean curtains for another victim.
Series: Sophie Kimball Mystery Book 3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Author: J. C Eaton
Publisher: Kensington
In Staged 4 Murder Sophie has her hands full, between her job and her mother she doesn’t have much time to relax. When her mother’s book club jumps into the mix life goes crazy. Then add the new private detective she has had a crush on for years, Marshall Gregory, and her life is chaotic at best.
Sophie “Phee” is a divorced older lady who has recently moved to Arizona to be near her mother and to heal her broken heart. She is excited about her new job and a bit anxious about the new detective the company has added. At times she feels like a young school girl but reminds herself that she is a long way away from being a teenager. At times, however, when her mother interferes with her plans, she wants to rebel like a kid, but she gives in every time.
When her mother gets a part in a local production of the Agatha Christie novel, “The Mousetrap,” she hopes her mother is too busy to meddle in her life. Unfortunately, murder gets in the way. Sophie finds herself playing detective again with her mother and the book club as her sidekicks.
The characters in this story are wonderfully odd but lovable. They live for excitement and have few worries about what anyone thinks people their age should be doing. They do what they want when they want to do it. They love a good who-done-it and relish the opportunity to be involved in a real mystery.
The location of Arizona is not your standard setting, but in many ways is perfect for this series. It allows the characters year-round access to everything they want to see and do with little to no concerns.
Marshall adds a bit of spice to the mix and keeps Phee on her toes. When he gets involved in helping to solve the mystery, she is pleased and anxious at the same time. Her unrest adds to the flavor of the story which allows the reader to see a middle-aged woman as more than just middle aged. Phee is still a vibrant, desirable woman who is intelligent and charismatic.
Staged 4 Murder is a well-written, fast-paced and funny mystery. The characters are well-developed and likable with just enough weirdness to entertain and at times make the reader laugh. The twists and turns and clues flow smoothly throughout the story and keep the reader guessing. I highly recommend this book and series to lovers of older heroines, original characters, and a wonderful plot.
After a much-despised cast member is found dead on a catwalk in the theater, Phee has no choice but to be drawn into the investigation. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the
vaguely threatening note left on her windshield, which could mean curtains for another victim.
Series: Sophie Kimball Mystery Book 3
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Author: J. C Eaton
Publisher: Kensington
In Staged 4 Murder Sophie has her hands full, between her job and her mother she doesn’t have much time to relax. When her mother’s book club jumps into the mix life goes crazy. Then add the new private detective she has had a crush on for years, Marshall Gregory, and her life is chaotic at best.
Sophie “Phee” is a divorced older lady who has recently moved to Arizona to be near her mother and to heal her broken heart. She is excited about her new job and a bit anxious about the new detective the company has added. At times she feels like a young school girl but reminds herself that she is a long way away from being a teenager. At times, however, when her mother interferes with her plans, she wants to rebel like a kid, but she gives in every time.
When her mother gets a part in a local production of the Agatha Christie novel, “The Mousetrap,” she hopes her mother is too busy to meddle in her life. Unfortunately, murder gets in the way. Sophie finds herself playing detective again with her mother and the book club as her sidekicks.
The characters in this story are wonderfully odd but lovable. They live for excitement and have few worries about what anyone thinks people their age should be doing. They do what they want when they want to do it. They love a good who-done-it and relish the opportunity to be involved in a real mystery.
The location of Arizona is not your standard setting, but in many ways is perfect for this series. It allows the characters year-round access to everything they want to see and do with little to no concerns.
Marshall adds a bit of spice to the mix and keeps Phee on her toes. When he gets involved in helping to solve the mystery, she is pleased and anxious at the same time. Her unrest adds to the flavor of the story which allows the reader to see a middle-aged woman as more than just middle aged. Phee is still a vibrant, desirable woman who is intelligent and charismatic.
Staged 4 Murder is a well-written, fast-paced and funny mystery. The characters are well-developed and likable with just enough weirdness to entertain and at times make the reader laugh. The twists and turns and clues flow smoothly throughout the story and keep the reader guessing. I highly recommend this book and series to lovers of older heroines, original characters, and a wonderful plot.
October 23, 2019
This is a wonderful series about a woman in her mid-forties, Sophie Kimball, who has moved from Minnesota to Arizona to spend time with her mother, escape the snow, and to work from an old-trusted friend.
Sophie worked in the accounting department at the police station that her new boss worked at as a detective. He has now retired and has opened a private detective agency very close to where her elderly mother lives. Sophie now works as his accountant.
Sophie’s mother, Harriet, assumes that Sophie is able to investigate crimes because all the police expertise must have rubbed off on her.
Harriet and friends are part of the cast for a murder mystery at the local playhouse. When a much disliked actor is found murdered, Harriet calls in Sophie to solve the crime.
With encouragement from her boss, Marshall, Sophie does just that. It’s always fun to watch Sophie change theories at the drop of a hat when new clues emerge. The whodunnit doesn’t get dropped into your lap but, instead, you find the clues along with Sophie and get to solve them with her in real time.
The book is funny and I recommend starting with the first book and reading your way through. That way you will get to know the characters and understand some of the small talk in a way that might not be as meaningful otherwise.
Sophie worked in the accounting department at the police station that her new boss worked at as a detective. He has now retired and has opened a private detective agency very close to where her elderly mother lives. Sophie now works as his accountant.
Sophie’s mother, Harriet, assumes that Sophie is able to investigate crimes because all the police expertise must have rubbed off on her.
Harriet and friends are part of the cast for a murder mystery at the local playhouse. When a much disliked actor is found murdered, Harriet calls in Sophie to solve the crime.
With encouragement from her boss, Marshall, Sophie does just that. It’s always fun to watch Sophie change theories at the drop of a hat when new clues emerge. The whodunnit doesn’t get dropped into your lap but, instead, you find the clues along with Sophie and get to solve them with her in real time.
The book is funny and I recommend starting with the first book and reading your way through. That way you will get to know the characters and understand some of the small talk in a way that might not be as meaningful otherwise.
August 7, 2018
I love this series. The characters are so well developed that at times you might forget they are between the cover of a book. Thus the reason for wanting to hug some of the characters at times and at other times you would like to give them a good pinch. The characters are lifelike, (for those that think Harriett is not realistic, believe me, I am around many silver citizens and have seen much more edgy behavior) which I really like in stories. They react in ways that one could see someone (if not themselves) reacting. The relationship between mother and spunky lovable irritating quirky mother, Harriett, and her daughter, Phee, is endearing. Phee shows her (understandable) irritations towards her quirky mother in "respectable silence". She treats her as I wish all grown children treated their parents. Many red herrings in this series have been so well blended into the story that it works. I love the venue. Descriptions are very vivid. Not ever having been in that part of the world it is enjoyable to visit, via this cozy mystery. , I will continue to follow this series if for no other reason than to see what Harriett gets Phee into next.
June 18, 2018
Phee's back! This is a classic cozy in many ways- there's a murder of an unlikable person, an amateur detective, a love interest- but it's got something special in Phee and her mother Harriet. Harriet and her book club are a merry band of seniors. I'm not usually a fan of using a play as a backdrop for mysteries (it's been done so many times) but Eaton does it well here. This is a lively, entertaining series with great characters and a lot of sly humor. The fact there are so many "mature" characters is a plus. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier books, you'll be fine and enjoy this greatly!
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed this book very much. The first couple of pages didn't look promising but when you get further in it's much better. The writing style is unique, the characters very quirky and fun. I can't wait to see what comes next. #Staged4Murder #NetGalley
December 8, 2018
Marshall and Sophie's relationship adds a bit of zest to this latest mystery.
December 29, 2022
It was the silliest book ever.....I read 35 pages then skipped to the last couple of chapters to see who the killer is. I could not stand those females in the book club. So inane and annoying.
July 4, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/st...
Staged 4 Murder
Sophie Kimball Mystery, Book #4
By J. C. Eaton
ISBN 9781496708595
Author Website: jceatonauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Casting suspicion . . .
Sophie “Phee” Kimball wants to get some work done at her private investigation company in Arizona—and she’s distracted already by her old crush, who’s arriving from Minnesota to join the staff. The last thing she needs is constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from Mom’s book club and retirement community, with the possible exception of her chiweenie, Streetman, wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of the killer for real.
After a much-despised cast member is found dead on a catwalk in the theater, Phee has no choice but to be drawn into all the backstabbing and backstage gossip. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the vaguely threatening note left on her windshield, which could mean curtains for another victim . . .
Review:
“Phee” Kimball is back in Arizona, and the livin’ is HOT! She is an accountant and bookkeeper for Williams Investigations, owned by a former cop she worked with in Mankato, Minnesota. Business is going so well that owner Nate Williams has hired Marshall Gregory, another former Mankato cop. He is really good looking, according to Phee, and she had a crush on him the entire time they both worked at the Mankato PD. Now he is joining their little office, and temperatures just might be turned up a few notches.
Harriet Plunkett, Phee’s mom, is very active in her Sun City West home. She is in an upcoming Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap. She and her friends in the Booked 4 Murder book club are part of the play, either on stage or behind the scenes. Harriet is also actively trying to find a hubby for her divorced daughter with oh-so-unsubtle hints, but Phee is content as she is, Well, until she sees Marshall again.
Harriet and her friend Myrna panic when finding notes on their vehicles stating only the title of another Christie novel, And Then There Were None, but at first it seems like a prank. Then, when Miranda, the female lead of the play is found murdered on the catwalk, Harriet and Booked 4 Murder ladies hire the PI’s where Phee works to find the killer. As Nate and Marshall work on their cases, Phee gets involved when her mother calls with daily rehearsal updates, strange occurrences, and invitations to watch the rehearsals. When autopsy results show Miranda could have passed from any one or more of three injuries, Phee’s curiosity lead her to see more of the theater. When “accidents” multiply, those she suspects are either added or eliminated. Miranda wasn’t anyone’s favorite person, so there isn’t a shortage of suspects.
Since the director of the play, Ellowina, is in the hospital after getting food poisoning, a director is filling in from another theater. It is hard for the cast and crew to get used to someone else, but at least it is only for this play. Panic ensues when some ladies think they see Miranda’s ghost; they have to find the real bad guy/ gal before the cast and theatergoers are spooked away.
I like Phee, as she is settled enough to think through events as they occur rather than react immediately. We learn more about Phee, her mother, and members of the book club who have been cornerstones of the earlier novels. Marshall is a great add to the series, especially when Phee’s long-term crush on him gets stronger. They make a great team as they work through the challenges of this case.
Plot twists and turns kept this reader on her toes! The authors are adept at building suspense while building a hard-to-solve mystery. They also include a healthy dose of humor. I enjoyed recognizing names of Sun City attractions and streets, even including a service company and the snowbird arrival. Intrigue increases as the investigation reveals more and more of Miranda’s – and other people’s – pasts. While I had a sneaking suspicion who the real killer was, I didn’t know the reason until much later. This is an exciting, edge of one’s seat cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed! There are several surprises at the end, and I appreciate how all of the loose ends are tied up. I highly recommend Staged 4 Murder, and the rest of the series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, local theater groups, and the atmosphere of Sun City West, Arizona, and the neighboring towns.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Staged 4 Murder
Sophie Kimball Mystery, Book #4
By J. C. Eaton
ISBN 9781496708595
Author Website: jceatonauthor(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Casting suspicion . . .
Sophie “Phee” Kimball wants to get some work done at her private investigation company in Arizona—and she’s distracted already by her old crush, who’s arriving from Minnesota to join the staff. The last thing she needs is constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from Mom’s book club and retirement community, with the possible exception of her chiweenie, Streetman, wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of the killer for real.
After a much-despised cast member is found dead on a catwalk in the theater, Phee has no choice but to be drawn into all the backstabbing and backstage gossip. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the vaguely threatening note left on her windshield, which could mean curtains for another victim . . .
Review:
“Phee” Kimball is back in Arizona, and the livin’ is HOT! She is an accountant and bookkeeper for Williams Investigations, owned by a former cop she worked with in Mankato, Minnesota. Business is going so well that owner Nate Williams has hired Marshall Gregory, another former Mankato cop. He is really good looking, according to Phee, and she had a crush on him the entire time they both worked at the Mankato PD. Now he is joining their little office, and temperatures just might be turned up a few notches.
Harriet Plunkett, Phee’s mom, is very active in her Sun City West home. She is in an upcoming Agatha Christie play, The Mousetrap. She and her friends in the Booked 4 Murder book club are part of the play, either on stage or behind the scenes. Harriet is also actively trying to find a hubby for her divorced daughter with oh-so-unsubtle hints, but Phee is content as she is, Well, until she sees Marshall again.
Harriet and her friend Myrna panic when finding notes on their vehicles stating only the title of another Christie novel, And Then There Were None, but at first it seems like a prank. Then, when Miranda, the female lead of the play is found murdered on the catwalk, Harriet and Booked 4 Murder ladies hire the PI’s where Phee works to find the killer. As Nate and Marshall work on their cases, Phee gets involved when her mother calls with daily rehearsal updates, strange occurrences, and invitations to watch the rehearsals. When autopsy results show Miranda could have passed from any one or more of three injuries, Phee’s curiosity lead her to see more of the theater. When “accidents” multiply, those she suspects are either added or eliminated. Miranda wasn’t anyone’s favorite person, so there isn’t a shortage of suspects.
Since the director of the play, Ellowina, is in the hospital after getting food poisoning, a director is filling in from another theater. It is hard for the cast and crew to get used to someone else, but at least it is only for this play. Panic ensues when some ladies think they see Miranda’s ghost; they have to find the real bad guy/ gal before the cast and theatergoers are spooked away.
I like Phee, as she is settled enough to think through events as they occur rather than react immediately. We learn more about Phee, her mother, and members of the book club who have been cornerstones of the earlier novels. Marshall is a great add to the series, especially when Phee’s long-term crush on him gets stronger. They make a great team as they work through the challenges of this case.
Plot twists and turns kept this reader on her toes! The authors are adept at building suspense while building a hard-to-solve mystery. They also include a healthy dose of humor. I enjoyed recognizing names of Sun City attractions and streets, even including a service company and the snowbird arrival. Intrigue increases as the investigation reveals more and more of Miranda’s – and other people’s – pasts. While I had a sneaking suspicion who the real killer was, I didn’t know the reason until much later. This is an exciting, edge of one’s seat cozy mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed! There are several surprises at the end, and I appreciate how all of the loose ends are tied up. I highly recommend Staged 4 Murder, and the rest of the series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, local theater groups, and the atmosphere of Sun City West, Arizona, and the neighboring towns.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
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