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Mystery Theater Presents #1
Mrs. Pickles
Show biz can be murder.
At least for theater owner Jessica James and her crew in the small town of Peculiar. Things get shaky when they’re thrown into the crazy world of murder investigation.
This new cozy mystery series is a step back in time for those that love old fashioned ghosts who like to stir up mayhem, amateur sleuths, and a few animals keep things lively and interesting.
Jessica needs to pull off the biggest production of her life to save her small community theater. Murder in the theater threatens to bring her efforts to a screeching halt as she scrambles to figure out who the killer is and who can fill the lead role before opening night. If she can’t pull this off and the show is a flop, she will lose everything she’s been working so hard to hold onto.
The resident ghost, Farley, keeps things stirred up with his antics and sarcastic remarks about everything, which leads to more trouble. Every time she turns around, the new deputy overhears her talking to thin air. How can she convince him that ghosts are real and she’s not some crazy lady who talks to herself?
At least for theater owner Jessica James and her crew in the small town of Peculiar. Things get shaky when they’re thrown into the crazy world of murder investigation.
This new cozy mystery series is a step back in time for those that love old fashioned ghosts who like to stir up mayhem, amateur sleuths, and a few animals keep things lively and interesting.
Jessica needs to pull off the biggest production of her life to save her small community theater. Murder in the theater threatens to bring her efforts to a screeching halt as she scrambles to figure out who the killer is and who can fill the lead role before opening night. If she can’t pull this off and the show is a flop, she will lose everything she’s been working so hard to hold onto.
The resident ghost, Farley, keeps things stirred up with his antics and sarcastic remarks about everything, which leads to more trouble. Every time she turns around, the new deputy overhears her talking to thin air. How can she convince him that ghosts are real and she’s not some crazy lady who talks to herself?
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2018
173 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
K.P. Stafford
11 books29 followersI started writing cozy mysteries, as K.P. Stafford, when she kept finding dead bodies in her romances. I love charming, quaint towns and quirky characters in her books.
I am now writing under my own name, Patti Ann Stafford.
If you’ve enjoyed my work, please visit my website and get on the reader’s list so you can receive advance notifications, discounts and reader’s only specials.
http://pattiannstafford.com
I am now writing under my own name, Patti Ann Stafford.
If you’ve enjoyed my work, please visit my website and get on the reader’s list so you can receive advance notifications, discounts and reader’s only specials.
http://pattiannstafford.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 18, 2020
Short and fun
A short fun mystery complete with non human characters. There was a little forming romance between the main characters and a bevy of second characters. A good plot although not terribly strong to me. The book was fast moving and enjoyable.
A short fun mystery complete with non human characters. There was a little forming romance between the main characters and a bevy of second characters. A good plot although not terribly strong to me. The book was fast moving and enjoyable.
December 28, 2019
Cute
Cute cozy mystery story with a paranormal twist! This book reminded me alot of another series i read, if both the MCs were real theyd be best friends! (And so would their ghosts lol)
Cute cozy mystery story with a paranormal twist! This book reminded me alot of another series i read, if both the MCs were real theyd be best friends! (And so would their ghosts lol)
May 16, 2020
Let's start with the title: it's great. There are no words... just "great". Looking at the title makes me grin. Right from the start, I knew that I'd enjoy this book. And I did.
It's set in an older, struggling theatre with plucky performers who aren't going to let a little thing like the lead actress being murdered get in the way of putting on a show! And, indeed, this theatre needs the revenue to come in so it can continue its life as a venue for live productions. (Soapbox mode on) Let's face it, too many places are closing because of a lack of interest in what was once the cornerstone of the entertainment business. (Soapbox mode off)
Alright, so we have a struggling theatre and (happy dance) a genuine ghost. The theatre owner, whose parents owned the building until their death, needs to get the mystery solved so that the punters will come in and see her show and generate that cash flow she needs. Added to the mix, is a handsome new deputy in town who doesn't know the business or the people in the business and isn't willing to buy into their theatrics. It's a fine blend of everything that a cosy brings to the table and, despite being familiar, is a fresh new take on a tale we've heard before.
It's set in an older, struggling theatre with plucky performers who aren't going to let a little thing like the lead actress being murdered get in the way of putting on a show! And, indeed, this theatre needs the revenue to come in so it can continue its life as a venue for live productions. (Soapbox mode on) Let's face it, too many places are closing because of a lack of interest in what was once the cornerstone of the entertainment business. (Soapbox mode off)
Alright, so we have a struggling theatre and (happy dance) a genuine ghost. The theatre owner, whose parents owned the building until their death, needs to get the mystery solved so that the punters will come in and see her show and generate that cash flow she needs. Added to the mix, is a handsome new deputy in town who doesn't know the business or the people in the business and isn't willing to buy into their theatrics. It's a fine blend of everything that a cosy brings to the table and, despite being familiar, is a fresh new take on a tale we've heard before.
December 29, 2018
All the world's a stage
A good plot, although I must admit that i have read something like this before and so the culprit really didn't come as a surprise. The characters however were delightful although I wish the rat had had a bigger role.
She has to pull off this performance to make the payment on the mortgage. The theatre is all she knows and like her parents running it is all she wants. However the latest rehearsal hasn't gone well. The leading lady has been acting like a diva with everyone and rows have erupted. Now thankfully she can lock up and go home, after checking everything is okay. Finding the leading lady's body was not what she expected. Now the sheriff and the new police officer have taken over. Her resident ghost doesn't know how the woman died but later it is classified as murder. Now with the new officer they start looking into the murder. An arson attempt, attempted murder, a new resident rat and the ghost plus our sleuthing team try to find out what happened. Are past accidents also part of the pattern?
A good plot, although I must admit that i have read something like this before and so the culprit really didn't come as a surprise. The characters however were delightful although I wish the rat had had a bigger role.
She has to pull off this performance to make the payment on the mortgage. The theatre is all she knows and like her parents running it is all she wants. However the latest rehearsal hasn't gone well. The leading lady has been acting like a diva with everyone and rows have erupted. Now thankfully she can lock up and go home, after checking everything is okay. Finding the leading lady's body was not what she expected. Now the sheriff and the new police officer have taken over. Her resident ghost doesn't know how the woman died but later it is classified as murder. Now with the new officer they start looking into the murder. An arson attempt, attempted murder, a new resident rat and the ghost plus our sleuthing team try to find out what happened. Are past accidents also part of the pattern?
October 28, 2019
Cozy mystery with a ghost
This was a fun and easy cozy mystery set in a local theater. The town is named Peculiar and the locals are quirky. The theater is haunted by the ghost of an actor that died there. The owner of the theater decided to solve the mystery so it won't hurt opening night. Naturally, she owns a car and she exists her friends to help. The new deputy suspects she is keeping secrets (the ghost) but is attracted to her as well. As you can see, this story seems to have all the normal cozy mystery tropes. It is a first in a new series so later books may stand out a little more. But this one, is just familiar.
As a mystery, it is decent but not too involved. The characters talk about trying to solve the murder more than actually looking for clues. It ends up jumping around a lot and then has a quick reveal and capture of the killer.
This was a fun and easy cozy mystery set in a local theater. The town is named Peculiar and the locals are quirky. The theater is haunted by the ghost of an actor that died there. The owner of the theater decided to solve the mystery so it won't hurt opening night. Naturally, she owns a car and she exists her friends to help. The new deputy suspects she is keeping secrets (the ghost) but is attracted to her as well. As you can see, this story seems to have all the normal cozy mystery tropes. It is a first in a new series so later books may stand out a little more. But this one, is just familiar.
As a mystery, it is decent but not too involved. The characters talk about trying to solve the murder more than actually looking for clues. It ends up jumping around a lot and then has a quick reveal and capture of the killer.
July 12, 2019
Loved this novel; it has a ghost (Farley), murder, mysterious accidents, very likable characters, very good plot line, and most of all, Jinx, a 25 lb. Maine Coon cat. Jessica James, no relation to outlaw jesse James, inherited a theater from her parents; she practically grew up there and acting is in her blood. Too bad that someone kills off leading lady Clara, and hunky new deputy sheriff in town, Luke Lassiter, has his eyes set on Jess...in more ways than one. If Jess doesn't get this murder business solved, the play she is trying to produce may fail, and that would mean losing the theater. Coincidence that murder and mayhem (wink at author K.P. Stafford) keep getting in the way of Jess' ambition to make her theater succeed. Methinks not!
October 30, 2019
This was a cute cozy mystery. The characters are likable and the plot flows smoothly. It was very obvious who the culprit was yet no one seemed to have that person on their radar as the murderer. I find it hard to believe the person had been causing accidents and murders for 20 plus years and had never been caught. Farley was a hoot. I wish Pierre had had a little bit bigger role to play. I have no idea what the title refers to because the murdered woman was Clara and the title of the play being presented was never mentioned. If the author ever writes more books in this series, I would definitely read them.
September 10, 2019
Disappointment
I chose to read this book because the summary enticed me and there was a 5 star rating. I was very disappointed. The basic bones of the story are promising but the book could have been much better developed. It was poorly written, the grammar was atrocious (try grammar check) and the story was boring. I gave it a 2 but that was generous.
I chose to read this book because the summary enticed me and there was a 5 star rating. I was very disappointed. The basic bones of the story are promising but the book could have been much better developed. It was poorly written, the grammar was atrocious (try grammar check) and the story was boring. I gave it a 2 but that was generous.
December 12, 2020
Look forward to more in this series
This was a free download and I am pleased to say it was actually very good. When I finished this book I immediately downloaded the second book in the series. I liked the authors style of writing and there was continual flow of a storyline, so at no time did I lose interest and finished it in one sitting.
This was a free download and I am pleased to say it was actually very good. When I finished this book I immediately downloaded the second book in the series. I liked the authors style of writing and there was continual flow of a storyline, so at no time did I lose interest and finished it in one sitting.
June 4, 2019
The theatre is always a wonderful background for a good mystery and this was one. I loved the cast and Jessica of course. I have read similar stories but I enjoyed this one to the end. This story brought back the good old days again and a story that shouldn't be missed.
October 29, 2019
Great book
I read this book in one night. I couldn't put it down. I expected it to be a good book but as I kept reading I had to finish it. It's a great read and I would recommend it to other reads
I read this book in one night. I couldn't put it down. I expected it to be a good book but as I kept reading I had to finish it. It's a great read and I would recommend it to other reads
April 18, 2021
Farley has been haunting Jessica's theater since she was a child. When the leading lady is murdered two weeks before the performance is to start he has to convince the lawman investigating that he does exist. Jessica needs this show to go on as scheduled or she will lose her theater.
October 29, 2021
Nice but a little obvious
As far as the story goes it was nice. It has a good lead and supporting cast but I knew who the killer was about halfway through. The clues were too obvious to miss.
As far as the story goes it was nice. It has a good lead and supporting cast but I knew who the killer was about halfway through. The clues were too obvious to miss.
June 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book...started it and read it straight through with no stopping.
My favorite character was Farley, the ghost. I'd love to see him get some more stories of his own.
My favorite character was Farley, the ghost. I'd love to see him get some more stories of his own.
June 17, 2019
A pleasant non scary ghost story set in a theater.
August 19, 2019
Ghostly help
A ghost ,a new deputy, a murder. Who’s plotting to take over the theatre? Can Jess figure it out with help from Luke? A fun read.
A ghost ,a new deputy, a murder. Who’s plotting to take over the theatre? Can Jess figure it out with help from Luke? A fun read.
October 1, 2019
A mystery
This was a pretty easy read, and fast. Everyone was introduced fast and emotions ran fast. Not really my cup of tea but cozy mystery mystery readers might like it.
This was a pretty easy read, and fast. Everyone was introduced fast and emotions ran fast. Not really my cup of tea but cozy mystery mystery readers might like it.
October 9, 2019
A murder, quirky theater characters, a ghost, a rat, a little humor and a little romance all adds up to a fun read.
October 19, 2019
Very good
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was a short read but you don’t feel like you have missed anything. I recommend reading this book.
I enjoyed reading this book very much. It was a short read but you don’t feel like you have missed anything. I recommend reading this book.
October 22, 2019
A nice, entertaining read.
I enjoyed reading “Mrs. Pickles’ Perilous Parting” by K. P. Stafford. It was a fun, light-hearted read. I liked ol’ Farley.
I enjoyed reading “Mrs. Pickles’ Perilous Parting” by K. P. Stafford. It was a fun, light-hearted read. I liked ol’ Farley.
December 22, 2019
Let's head to the theater!
Good read for a short story, I liked it well enough. I liked Farley the ghost 👻 best of course, but what's a theater without a ghost?!
Good read for a short story, I liked it well enough. I liked Farley the ghost 👻 best of course, but what's a theater without a ghost?!
December 27, 2019
Received a free copy for a review. Cute, fun, short story. Loved it!
June 14, 2021
A really cute story. Loved the ghost.
July 19, 2022
Cute and simple
Light reading with simple characters. Great short bedtime read you can enjoy when you know the happy ending is coming.
Light reading with simple characters. Great short bedtime read you can enjoy when you know the happy ending is coming.
July 26, 2022
Farley the Ghost
Best thing about the book. Entertainment for him was the only reason for continuing to the end.
A lot could have been introduced.
Best thing about the book. Entertainment for him was the only reason for continuing to the end.
A lot could have been introduced.
July 24, 2025
3.5 Stars
October 5, 2025
3.5 stars
The setting was fun and I enjoyed the characters. Farley the Theater Ghost was particularly entertaining. This was a very fast read with good twists.
The setting was fun and I enjoyed the characters. Farley the Theater Ghost was particularly entertaining. This was a very fast read with good twists.
April 9, 2021
I loved this book. It was easy to read and follow. None of the characters irritated me! It was a good story and the answer to the mystery wasn't obvious. The reveal was a little strange. I immediately read the next book in the series!
July 6, 2019
This was a new author and series to me. The characters were fun to get to know and the setting different. Jessica is trying to keep her parents dream alive in the theater and with the help of a ghost she is trying to find the killer of the lead actor.
Hope there is more in the series.
Hope there is more in the series.
May 29, 2019
This brief cozy mystery was a fun read. It has a paranormal aspect in the form of ghost Farley. A wonderful Maine Coone cat called Jinx. How much does he really understand? And a slightly romantic slant when a new deputy arrives in town just as things get strange at Jessica James' theatre.
Jess has never made much of a financial killing from her productions, but if this production fails, she could end up losing it all. The theatre is the only life she has ever known.
Who stands to gain if this production fails? What motive could they have?
My only negative comment is that it could use better proofreading and editing.
Jess has never made much of a financial killing from her productions, but if this production fails, she could end up losing it all. The theatre is the only life she has ever known.
Who stands to gain if this production fails? What motive could they have?
My only negative comment is that it could use better proofreading and editing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews