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Love And Miss Harris
A collection of theatrical misfits go on tour in this nostalgic trip back in time – sure to delight fans of H.E. Bates or PG Wodehouse
Titus Llewellyn-Gwlynne, actor/manager of the Red Lion Theatre, has lost a backer who was going to fund a theatrical tour – when unexpected salvation appears.
Their home theatre in the East End of London having been bombed during the war, The Red Lion Touring Company embarks on a tour of Britain to take a play written by their new benefactress into the provinces.
As they make their vagabond, singing way, they remain unaware that they leave behind in London a man consumed with thoughts of revenge. Revenge which follows them obsessively from town to town, ending in its final act before the last curtain.
This charming series transports the reader to a lost post-war world of touring rep theatre and once-grand people who have fallen on harder times, smoggy streets, and shared bonhomie over a steaming kettle.
Titus Llewellyn-Gwlynne, actor/manager of the Red Lion Theatre, has lost a backer who was going to fund a theatrical tour – when unexpected salvation appears.
Their home theatre in the East End of London having been bombed during the war, The Red Lion Touring Company embarks on a tour of Britain to take a play written by their new benefactress into the provinces.
As they make their vagabond, singing way, they remain unaware that they leave behind in London a man consumed with thoughts of revenge. Revenge which follows them obsessively from town to town, ending in its final act before the last curtain.
This charming series transports the reader to a lost post-war world of touring rep theatre and once-grand people who have fallen on harder times, smoggy streets, and shared bonhomie over a steaming kettle.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published May 6, 2021
About the author
Peter Maughan
11 books26 followersPeter Maughan is an ex-actor, fringe theatre director and script writer. He is married and lives in the Welsh Marches, the borderland between England and Wales, and the backdrop to the Batch Magna series of novels, set in a village cut off from whatever the rest of the world gets up to beyond the hills of its valley.
All the books in the series feature houseboats, converted paddle steamers on Batch Magna’s river the Cluny, and the author lived on a houseboat in the mid-1970s (the time frame for the novels) on a converted Thames sailing barge among a small colony of houseboats on the Medway, deep in rural Kent.
An idyllic time, heedless days of freedom in that other world of the river which inspired the novels, set in a place called Batch Magna.
All the books in the series feature houseboats, converted paddle steamers on Batch Magna’s river the Cluny, and the author lived on a houseboat in the mid-1970s (the time frame for the novels) on a converted Thames sailing barge among a small colony of houseboats on the Medway, deep in rural Kent.
An idyllic time, heedless days of freedom in that other world of the river which inspired the novels, set in a place called Batch Magna.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 25, 2021
The blurb describes the Red Lion Touring Company as ‘a collection of theatrical misfits’ and it’s certainly the case that the members of the company come from a range of backgrounds. Although the reader doesn’t learn as much about some characters (Simon, Hugo or Lizzie, for instance) as others, their back stories all share a common theme. Namely, the ebb and flow of fortune. At one point, the company’s leading actor Jack Savage, even quotes Brutus’ line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life, Is bound in shallows and in miseries.’ From time to time, the reader gets a glimpse of the sadness that lies behind the clown’s mask as it were, such as Jack’s memories of traumatic wartime experiences.
The book conjures up the atmosphere of post-WW2 Britain from the bomb-damaged streets of London and the frequent ‘pea soupers’ to the Lyons Corner House cafes and the continuation of rationing. I also liked how the author peppered the story with theatrical terms, such as references to a ‘dark house’ to describe a theatre closed to the public between productions, ‘flats’ (pieces of painted theatrical scenery positioned on stage to give the appearance of a building or other background) and ‘blocking rehearsals’ (working out where actors should move on the stage for dramatic effect or to ensure clear sight lines for the audience). And, of course, the uttering of the phrase ‘Break a leg’ to an actor about to go on stage.
A secondary plot introduces moments of melodrama. By the end of the book, some of the characters find a way to leave their former lives – and mistakes – behind and find happiness. For the others… well, you’ll have to read the book to find out and/or wait for the second book in the series, Miss Harris in the New World, due to be published later this year.
I enjoyed my time spent with The Red Lion Touring Company as they travel the country bringing Love and Miss Harris to audiences keen to experience the joys of live theatre. And isn’t that something we can all identify with?
The book conjures up the atmosphere of post-WW2 Britain from the bomb-damaged streets of London and the frequent ‘pea soupers’ to the Lyons Corner House cafes and the continuation of rationing. I also liked how the author peppered the story with theatrical terms, such as references to a ‘dark house’ to describe a theatre closed to the public between productions, ‘flats’ (pieces of painted theatrical scenery positioned on stage to give the appearance of a building or other background) and ‘blocking rehearsals’ (working out where actors should move on the stage for dramatic effect or to ensure clear sight lines for the audience). And, of course, the uttering of the phrase ‘Break a leg’ to an actor about to go on stage.
A secondary plot introduces moments of melodrama. By the end of the book, some of the characters find a way to leave their former lives – and mistakes – behind and find happiness. For the others… well, you’ll have to read the book to find out and/or wait for the second book in the series, Miss Harris in the New World, due to be published later this year.
I enjoyed my time spent with The Red Lion Touring Company as they travel the country bringing Love and Miss Harris to audiences keen to experience the joys of live theatre. And isn’t that something we can all identify with?
May 5, 2021
3.5 stars
A really fun & funny book about an acting troupe of misfits who go on tour through the English countryside while a dangerous criminal is hunting them.
[What I liked:]
•Titus is great! I super enjoyed his constant quoting of lines from Hamlet in everyday life. I think we all should constantly quote Hamlet in everyday life. Hamlet is the best. Titus’ street fashion mainly borrowed from the theatre company’s costume wardrobe is also great!
•Wells is also a great character. He’s so hilarious, accidentally.
•The quirky characters the troupe meets along the way, plus the idiosyncratic small towns, plus the mishaps along the way on the trip give this story real fun & flair.
•The writing is descriptive, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, & observant. It reads very easily.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•I think Jack is the MC? At least one of the most important characters. And while I don’t dislike him, I never got as good of a feeling for him as I did for Titus, Dolly, & Reuben. He seemed unpredictable, I never figured out what his driving motivations were, & while his dark childhood & war traumas were hinted at I don’t feel that that sufficiently added up to adequate character development.
•Henry’s characterization was odd to me. It’s never explained how he got into crime, or why he suddenly left it. I also don’t understand why he felt honor-bound to commit a murder, supposedly out of Confucian filial piety, over a matter of ill-gotten money. The motive was thin there.
CW: murder, physical assault, infidelity, PTSD
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
A really fun & funny book about an acting troupe of misfits who go on tour through the English countryside while a dangerous criminal is hunting them.
[What I liked:]
•Titus is great! I super enjoyed his constant quoting of lines from Hamlet in everyday life. I think we all should constantly quote Hamlet in everyday life. Hamlet is the best. Titus’ street fashion mainly borrowed from the theatre company’s costume wardrobe is also great!
•Wells is also a great character. He’s so hilarious, accidentally.
•The quirky characters the troupe meets along the way, plus the idiosyncratic small towns, plus the mishaps along the way on the trip give this story real fun & flair.
•The writing is descriptive, somewhat tongue-in-cheek, & observant. It reads very easily.
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•I think Jack is the MC? At least one of the most important characters. And while I don’t dislike him, I never got as good of a feeling for him as I did for Titus, Dolly, & Reuben. He seemed unpredictable, I never figured out what his driving motivations were, & while his dark childhood & war traumas were hinted at I don’t feel that that sufficiently added up to adequate character development.
•Henry’s characterization was odd to me. It’s never explained how he got into crime, or why he suddenly left it. I also don’t understand why he felt honor-bound to commit a murder, supposedly out of Confucian filial piety, over a matter of ill-gotten money. The motive was thin there.
CW: murder, physical assault, infidelity, PTSD
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
May 25, 2021
Titus Llewellyn-Gwynne is an actor and manager of the Red Lion Theatre. Unfortunately the building has been bombed during WWII and now Titus is struggling to find the funds for his theatrical tour.
When George comes in the picture with a new play and the money for the production, they are not aware that someone is following them, in search of revenge.
Nice to finally come across a super light-hearted and at times comic read.
Don’t expect a deep characterisations, some of the characters behaviour are still mysterious to me after finishing the book: what drives Jack to act the way he does? He has a dark past, but not sufficient details were given. How did Henry ended up being a criminal?
The plot is enriched by drama (plenty of it), humour, danger and romance which transform the story into a pleasing and quite enjoyable read, perfect especially for a lazy afternoon.
This is just the first book in the series, but I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes from here, and I’ll definitely pick it up if in search of an escape from a stressful day.
September 8, 2026
An absolute delight to read!
June 4, 2021
This is described as a charming series, which it is as it meanders along like the touring company on a bright red London bus, where we get to meet the eccentric characters that are part of this tour, and get a glimpse into post-world war II life in the theatrical world with former well-to-do individuals now having fallen on harder times.
It took me a little while to get into it but once I boarded this tour company, I was enjoying the ride which has mini dramas along the way (and I couldn’t tell if it was an acting scene certain characters were role playing) which are over the top and tongue-in-cheek in some way. It was like art imitating life.
There are also sprinklings of humour that while there is a sinister man who wants to take revenge and commit murder, there is an overall lighthearted feel and tone to this book.
Have to say this is not my usual style of writing to read but I enjoyed the journey and I really want to go see a play in the West End now! It’s a great book to relax to in the summer over a glass of vino in the garden 😎
It took me a little while to get into it but once I boarded this tour company, I was enjoying the ride which has mini dramas along the way (and I couldn’t tell if it was an acting scene certain characters were role playing) which are over the top and tongue-in-cheek in some way. It was like art imitating life.
There are also sprinklings of humour that while there is a sinister man who wants to take revenge and commit murder, there is an overall lighthearted feel and tone to this book.
Have to say this is not my usual style of writing to read but I enjoyed the journey and I really want to go see a play in the West End now! It’s a great book to relax to in the summer over a glass of vino in the garden 😎
January 31, 2022
I thought there couldn't possibly be a life after Peter Maughan's Batch Magna series but there is! Different yet engaging characters and a road trip backdrop make for an exciting read as we are transported to a real, but delightful, world of the theatre. Hoping for a sequel soon!
Want to Read
July 31, 2021Duckworth (Farrago) publishers
July 17, 2021
A bus, a Rolls Royce and a huge heap of playbills go ahead of a troupe of actors as they travel across the south of post war England in this lively tale of people and a play. Peter Maughan has constructed a “Company of Fools” in the first of a series of books with great promise. This book features the memorable Titus Llewellyn-Gwynne as he tries to put a play on, the splendidly named “Love and Miss Harris”, aided and abetted by a cast including Jack, a war veteran who has a talent for trouble. This is a terrific ensemble piece set in a world of seedy boarding houses, damaged theatres and dodgy deals, of faded stars and last hopes. There is a threat of more than poor audiences running through the book, as a self appointed gangster has taken offence at Jack and is using all his resources to track him down with his incompetent employees. This lively tale of fantastic characters all pulling together to ensure that the show must go on is a really entertaining and engaging novel, and I was really pleased to have the opportunity to read and review it.
The book begins with Titus, as usual dressed in a selection of theatrical wardrobe clothes including a useful sword stick, discovers that Reuben ‘Books’ Kramer’s potential backing for a new show is not forthcoming. Jack Savage, actor with bad memories of hand to hand fighting in France, usefully thumps Reuben and thereby starts his vendetta. While Titus is grateful, the removal of the funding leaves his dreams, and that of his associate Dolly without any hope of putting on a play. Out of a London fog appears George, otherwise known as Lady Devonaire, whose life’s ambition is to put on the play she has written, “Love and Miss Harris” with enough money to invest. She is disappointed to hear that Titus’ theatre where he lives is not in a state to put on a play. However, he has an idea, with a small cast and a minimum of production staff they could tour the small towns of the south of England. Jack Savage is cast as one of the male leads, along with a young actress called Lizzie. An ex-film star who has retired owing to an alcohol problem is also recruited to give a real star quality, and George insists on joining the party with her large dog Gus. Her aristocratic friend provides some support, and the group leaves London in George’s Rolls Royce and a repurposed double decker bus. Playing in small places with crooked managers and variable accommodation, it is quite an adventure, especially with Jack’s wandering eye and undoubted attractions. Meanwhile in London Reuben is searching for Jack, while a Chinese issue is also brewing.
There are some lovely period details in this book, as British towns and people recover from the effects of the War, as well as the theatrical problems that afflict the running of the play as it meets with success and challenges. Events in London centring around Reuben’s desire for revenge become increasingly surreal, and involve a young woman who has cause to reconsider her options. I really enjoyed this book with its fascinating characters and carefully described settings, its postwar atmosphere and gentle humour. It is using some established situations to set this book firmly in its era, and it is always lively and well paced. I recommend this book as a jolly read and a great start to a new series.
The book begins with Titus, as usual dressed in a selection of theatrical wardrobe clothes including a useful sword stick, discovers that Reuben ‘Books’ Kramer’s potential backing for a new show is not forthcoming. Jack Savage, actor with bad memories of hand to hand fighting in France, usefully thumps Reuben and thereby starts his vendetta. While Titus is grateful, the removal of the funding leaves his dreams, and that of his associate Dolly without any hope of putting on a play. Out of a London fog appears George, otherwise known as Lady Devonaire, whose life’s ambition is to put on the play she has written, “Love and Miss Harris” with enough money to invest. She is disappointed to hear that Titus’ theatre where he lives is not in a state to put on a play. However, he has an idea, with a small cast and a minimum of production staff they could tour the small towns of the south of England. Jack Savage is cast as one of the male leads, along with a young actress called Lizzie. An ex-film star who has retired owing to an alcohol problem is also recruited to give a real star quality, and George insists on joining the party with her large dog Gus. Her aristocratic friend provides some support, and the group leaves London in George’s Rolls Royce and a repurposed double decker bus. Playing in small places with crooked managers and variable accommodation, it is quite an adventure, especially with Jack’s wandering eye and undoubted attractions. Meanwhile in London Reuben is searching for Jack, while a Chinese issue is also brewing.
There are some lovely period details in this book, as British towns and people recover from the effects of the War, as well as the theatrical problems that afflict the running of the play as it meets with success and challenges. Events in London centring around Reuben’s desire for revenge become increasingly surreal, and involve a young woman who has cause to reconsider her options. I really enjoyed this book with its fascinating characters and carefully described settings, its postwar atmosphere and gentle humour. It is using some established situations to set this book firmly in its era, and it is always lively and well paced. I recommend this book as a jolly read and a great start to a new series.
May 24, 2021
I have to be honest and admit it did take me a little time to get into the story BUT once I did I was totally invested in the show, so to speak, that author Peter Maughan has written.
Peter Maughan has created a nostalgic comedy that has it all; drama (lots of it), humour (some a little bit cheeky), romance, danger, inspiring but most of all it was utterly charming.
This is my first introduction to the work of Peter Maughan and from the colourful cover to the descriptive settings and a cornucopia of characters I was all set for a great reading experience.
The story is set in post WWII and Love and Miss Harris is the name of a play that is set to grace the theatres up and down the south of England. It just needs actors and a manager to put the show on the road. In comes Titus Llewellyn-Gwlynne who has a book full of names he can call on for assistance. With the cast set and a double decker bus transformed into a prop/wardrobe/actor transporter the quaint villagers of England won’t know what’s hit them!
Unbeknown to the touring theatre there’s a gangster from London hot on their tale bringing a darkness to the story.
Peter Maughan has crammed so much into this story, each character has their own back story showing multi-layers to their personality with a few hiding a vulnerability to their persona.
I’m delighted to hear that there will be a sequel to Love and Miss Harris when we will see them travelling furtherafield.
A nostalgic caper that will charm and delight.
Peter Maughan has created a nostalgic comedy that has it all; drama (lots of it), humour (some a little bit cheeky), romance, danger, inspiring but most of all it was utterly charming.
This is my first introduction to the work of Peter Maughan and from the colourful cover to the descriptive settings and a cornucopia of characters I was all set for a great reading experience.
The story is set in post WWII and Love and Miss Harris is the name of a play that is set to grace the theatres up and down the south of England. It just needs actors and a manager to put the show on the road. In comes Titus Llewellyn-Gwlynne who has a book full of names he can call on for assistance. With the cast set and a double decker bus transformed into a prop/wardrobe/actor transporter the quaint villagers of England won’t know what’s hit them!
Unbeknown to the touring theatre there’s a gangster from London hot on their tale bringing a darkness to the story.
Peter Maughan has crammed so much into this story, each character has their own back story showing multi-layers to their personality with a few hiding a vulnerability to their persona.
I’m delighted to hear that there will be a sequel to Love and Miss Harris when we will see them travelling furtherafield.
A nostalgic caper that will charm and delight.
May 31, 2021
In Love and Miss Harris, by Peter Maughan, we follow the Red Lion Touring Company as they take their new show on the road in the early 1950s. In case it isn’t enough that something seems to go wrong in every town they pull up in, Jack, one of the lead actors, has incurred the wrath of East End gangster Reuben ‘Books’ Kramer, who is determined to track him down and enact his revenge.
It was very entertaining to see what misfortune befell the company at every stop - most notably comically obstructive theatre managers and staff, and all sorts of trouble with the locals - but at the same time I really cared about the characters and always wanted everything to ‘be alright on the night’.
I liked the 1950s setting, especially the descriptions of the various venues and types of accommodation the characters find themselves in, and the consideration of the war’s lasting effects on the characters, the world of entertainment, and the country as a whole.
Of all the characters, Jack in particular gets into lots of scrapes (quite aside from the fact ‘Books’ is out to get him!), and makes some bad decisions, but I still found myself cheering him on. Titus, meanwhile, is a larger-than-life character who absolutely leaps off the page, and Dolly and George especially exude warmth and good humour even when it seems as though the show can’t go on.
We also meet a cast of underworld characters, who are also fun to read about. Some are smart; others, amusingly less so. Some of them are totally cold-hearted, while others have some good in them, and take the opportunity to change their ways. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into even the most minor characters - even if we only spend a short amount of time with them, some of them are very memorable!
Love and Miss Harris is fun and entertaining, with great characters.
It was very entertaining to see what misfortune befell the company at every stop - most notably comically obstructive theatre managers and staff, and all sorts of trouble with the locals - but at the same time I really cared about the characters and always wanted everything to ‘be alright on the night’.
I liked the 1950s setting, especially the descriptions of the various venues and types of accommodation the characters find themselves in, and the consideration of the war’s lasting effects on the characters, the world of entertainment, and the country as a whole.
Of all the characters, Jack in particular gets into lots of scrapes (quite aside from the fact ‘Books’ is out to get him!), and makes some bad decisions, but I still found myself cheering him on. Titus, meanwhile, is a larger-than-life character who absolutely leaps off the page, and Dolly and George especially exude warmth and good humour even when it seems as though the show can’t go on.
We also meet a cast of underworld characters, who are also fun to read about. Some are smart; others, amusingly less so. Some of them are totally cold-hearted, while others have some good in them, and take the opportunity to change their ways. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into even the most minor characters - even if we only spend a short amount of time with them, some of them are very memorable!
Love and Miss Harris is fun and entertaining, with great characters.
July 27, 2021
The two other books I read by the author focused on a village and its inhabitants. There were discussions about wealth and survival amidst general humour that I could get.
There were moments in this book as well, but they were not exactly something I instinctively 'got'. Maybe fans of theatre would be better suited to finding any hidden jokes.
We have a band of unlikely fellow people who end up getting a second lease of life post-war thanks to an unlikely benefactress who writes a play. This play is brought to life, and the troupe goes on tour.
The plot is light on specifics since we have many moving parts and characters. They all come together towards the end, but it is the writing that holds it together. There is always a sense of something entertaining just around the corner. The characters are all very different and bring something eccentric into the mix. I liked reading it, although I am not sure I will follow up with the next in the series.
I would recommend it to readers of the historical fiction genre who are looking for something that focuses less on the war and more on the after-effects and general life of people in England.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the previous works by the author.
There were moments in this book as well, but they were not exactly something I instinctively 'got'. Maybe fans of theatre would be better suited to finding any hidden jokes.
We have a band of unlikely fellow people who end up getting a second lease of life post-war thanks to an unlikely benefactress who writes a play. This play is brought to life, and the troupe goes on tour.
The plot is light on specifics since we have many moving parts and characters. They all come together towards the end, but it is the writing that holds it together. There is always a sense of something entertaining just around the corner. The characters are all very different and bring something eccentric into the mix. I liked reading it, although I am not sure I will follow up with the next in the series.
I would recommend it to readers of the historical fiction genre who are looking for something that focuses less on the war and more on the after-effects and general life of people in England.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and the previous works by the author.
May 5, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, author Peter Maughan, and Farrago Books for giving me a free arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4 stars
This was my first book by author Peter Maughan and it will not be my last!
This book follows a traveling band of theater misfits that come together to form the Red Lion Touring Company after the original theater was destroyed during WWII. As the troupe performs in various cities, they also experience a whole range of adventures or rather misadventures along the way. From the meeting of new people in each city to the people joining and or leaving their group to a mysterious person following in their shadow with a personal vendetta and a gun.
This story had a wonderful cast of characters. At times, it was hard to keep track of everyone as well as their storyline. The writing was witty and very easy to read! The author provided the readers a feeling of traveling to the different small towns and the feelings that one often finds in such places as well as the people and their quirks! The story was well layered with the mysterious mishaps that seem to find the theater troupe where ever they go! Overall, this was a very good first book that I am sure will be a well favored cozy mystery series!
4 stars
This was my first book by author Peter Maughan and it will not be my last!
This book follows a traveling band of theater misfits that come together to form the Red Lion Touring Company after the original theater was destroyed during WWII. As the troupe performs in various cities, they also experience a whole range of adventures or rather misadventures along the way. From the meeting of new people in each city to the people joining and or leaving their group to a mysterious person following in their shadow with a personal vendetta and a gun.
This story had a wonderful cast of characters. At times, it was hard to keep track of everyone as well as their storyline. The writing was witty and very easy to read! The author provided the readers a feeling of traveling to the different small towns and the feelings that one often finds in such places as well as the people and their quirks! The story was well layered with the mysterious mishaps that seem to find the theater troupe where ever they go! Overall, this was a very good first book that I am sure will be a well favored cozy mystery series!
May 14, 2021
After The Red Lion Theatre in the East End of London was bombed during the war, Titus, actor and manager of the theatre, seeks someone to fund a theatrical tour. After one meeting with a potential benefactor goes awry, Titus stumbles across someone who can help. And with that The Red Lion Touring Company embarks on a tour of Britain with a play written by their new benefactress. Meanwhile, as they leave London behind, there is man following them, hellbent on revenge.
Love and Miss Harris is a fun, enjoyable read. There's a wonderful cast of eclectic characters but it did take me a while to remember them all. However I soon got used to the delightful cast of misfits and I loved reading about the mischief and mayhem that followed throughout the tour. Each town brought new adventures (and chaos).
The story is witty and fun but also really well written. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various locations and could vividly imagine each scene the author described.
I love historical fiction but this is the first book I've read about small towns in postwar Britain but hopefully it won't be the last.
It was a lovely bit of escapism and I'd be interested in reading the upcoming books in the series.
Love and Miss Harris is a fun, enjoyable read. There's a wonderful cast of eclectic characters but it did take me a while to remember them all. However I soon got used to the delightful cast of misfits and I loved reading about the mischief and mayhem that followed throughout the tour. Each town brought new adventures (and chaos).
The story is witty and fun but also really well written. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various locations and could vividly imagine each scene the author described.
I love historical fiction but this is the first book I've read about small towns in postwar Britain but hopefully it won't be the last.
It was a lovely bit of escapism and I'd be interested in reading the upcoming books in the series.
June 2, 2021
Set in the years after the Second World War, this tale is full of nostalgia for the era, seen with a wry eye and a huge dollop of humour. It is a warm-hearted story which follows a small theatre company on a tour of England, barely staying solvent and getting from theatre to theatre on a wing and a prayer (or in this case, in a double decker bus and a vintage Rolls Royce!) There is much humour to be had from the cast of actors as they set about their tasks. Of course, they are not alone. Unbeknown to the cast, they are being shadowed by some mysterious others.
The pace of the story is fast and it puts you in mind of many a farce which has been performed by touring rep companies. There are moments of drama and romance threaded through but mainly you feel as though you are watching the theatre company perform. There is a real whiff of greasepaint!
In short: A nostalgic trip around the provinces
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
The pace of the story is fast and it puts you in mind of many a farce which has been performed by touring rep companies. There are moments of drama and romance threaded through but mainly you feel as though you are watching the theatre company perform. There is a real whiff of greasepaint!
In short: A nostalgic trip around the provinces
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
May 5, 2021
The Red Lion Theatre Company are in need of a backer so when their lead actor plants a facer on their shady potential investor it’s all up until a salvation comes in the form of rich little old lady with a passion project the play she’s been working on for thirty years: “Love and Miss Harris.” The show can go on!
However the decked investor turns out to be more than shady and is out for revenge but he has to track our travelling players down first.
Love and Miss Harris is great fun, it’s a series of character studies hung together with a plot. Titus and Dolly are magnificent old school luvvies, Jack Savage is our brooding hero with a tragic and dangerous history and Nancy a girl who can be anybody is trying to work out who and what exactly she wants to be. Underneath all this lightness is a genuine threat of menace in Books Kramer an out an out wrong ‘un if ever there was one.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
However the decked investor turns out to be more than shady and is out for revenge but he has to track our travelling players down first.
Love and Miss Harris is great fun, it’s a series of character studies hung together with a plot. Titus and Dolly are magnificent old school luvvies, Jack Savage is our brooding hero with a tragic and dangerous history and Nancy a girl who can be anybody is trying to work out who and what exactly she wants to be. Underneath all this lightness is a genuine threat of menace in Books Kramer an out an out wrong ‘un if ever there was one.
Thoroughly enjoyable.
May 27, 2021
This is something a little different to my usual reads, but I was intrigued to try it and see what it was all about. I love reading books about London, the theatre part was really interesting too as I haven't read many books about the theatre. Titus is the manager of a theatre and when disaster strikes he finds out what he wont be able to fund a theatrical tour. They find a very unexpected way to do the tour. It is full of joy and laughter as they wend their way around the country but is life all sweetness and roses as someone is out for revenge but will disaster strike again or will it be a happy ever after? I enjoyed this unique and original read that is refreshing and enjoyable.
May 28, 2021
An engaging and witty outing, with a fabulously funny cast of characters. This book is like reading an old Ealing comedy. The protagonists are eccentric and likeable and take us on a fun adventure around the Home Counties, where they encounter several mishaps. There is an air of menace throughout, and Brooks Kramer makes a wonderful villain. I particularly enjoyed reading about his beginnings and his first shooting, all of which are set in places close to where I live. A very sweet read, with great historical detail of post war life in England. This book will appeal to fans of PG Wodehouse.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2022
Love and Miss Harris is a British cozy mystery about a traveling theater group. It revolves around a man named Titus and his troupe as they travel from town to town performing a play. Trouble seems to be following them at every stop. I found it amusing and very well-written. I enjoyed the dialogue and the odd characters. At times there were a lot of characters to remember which can be a problem if you are not paying attention. This is a great book and will make for a great series.
May 7, 2021
A delightful story I thoroughly enjoyed! It's engrossing and entertaining, made me smile and learn something new about post war UK.
Well thought and likable characters, lots of humor, a well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Well thought and likable characters, lots of humor, a well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 17, 2021
A lively, fun story set in post war Britain and full of delightful quirky characters. With over 30 years experience crewing and stage managing for amateur theatre as well as being a fan of historical fiction this hit all the right notes.
August 25, 2021
I just could not get into this book, despite the cute cover and description of it. The book’s characters did not connect with me, and the book should see more editing to clean up some areas that drag on.
May 6, 2021
What do you get when you remove seats from an old bus and replace them with scenery, props, playbills and a mishmash of characters? Why, a traveling theatre, of course, specifically the Red Lion Touring Company. The original theatre had been demolished in London in WWII and money from a trust fund went bust. In 1950 the enterprising troupe tours hither and yon, performing, and the author writes about their (mis)adventures as they go to pubs after performances, meet new people and old acquaintances and lose/pick up new actors along the way. Not only that but a person with an agenda...and a gun...follows.
The writing is smart and witty, though to me different than that of P. G. Wodehouse. The word "hijinks" is a good descriptor for this book. Speaking of descriptors, the author describes details including scenery, clothing and food beautifully...makes me want to be amongst the beauty again.
This book is quite different. It did take me awhile to get into it and the plethora of characters lost me a bit. But once it got going, I enjoyed the ride!
My sincere thank you to Farrago Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fun book.
The writing is smart and witty, though to me different than that of P. G. Wodehouse. The word "hijinks" is a good descriptor for this book. Speaking of descriptors, the author describes details including scenery, clothing and food beautifully...makes me want to be amongst the beauty again.
This book is quite different. It did take me awhile to get into it and the plethora of characters lost me a bit. But once it got going, I enjoyed the ride!
My sincere thank you to Farrago Books and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fun book.
July 17, 2021
Peter Maughan has done it again. He has written an idyllic novel that is full of suspense and humor. This one is set in post World War II Britain. A group of actors assembles to take a play on tour without knowing that they are being tracked by a murderer with his sight set on the male lead. There are plenty of side adventures for the characters along their way through the south of England. The final confrontation ends abruptly due to an action no one will see coming. There are both happy and humdrum endings for the cast. Thankfully there is going to be a sequel, so the reader will get the pleasure of reading about many of the players further adventures.
August 30, 2021
I received this eBook free via Netgalley for review.
I really struggled to finish this book. Everything about it should have been right up my alley, but for some reason I just didn't click with the story, or was it the characters? I'm not sure. I do know this is the longest it has ever taken me to read a book that is approximately 290 pages. Sometimes I went days without wanting to dive back into the book. I found nothing particularly bad or distasteful, but also nothing truly great. For me I am sorry to say this story was - meh. I'll pass on future books from this series.
I really struggled to finish this book. Everything about it should have been right up my alley, but for some reason I just didn't click with the story, or was it the characters? I'm not sure. I do know this is the longest it has ever taken me to read a book that is approximately 290 pages. Sometimes I went days without wanting to dive back into the book. I found nothing particularly bad or distasteful, but also nothing truly great. For me I am sorry to say this story was - meh. I'll pass on future books from this series.
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