Murder at the Empire

Ever After Mysteries #4

by Cathe Swanson

Gayle Wells is a killer organist, but does a killer have her in his sights?

They call him the Emperor. John Starek fills his theater with fine artwork and treasures. He’s particularly pleased to have one of the country’s first female organists – and he thinks Gayle Wells is the bee’s knees.

Despite pressure from her social crusader mother, Gayle isn’t interested in changing the world. She just wants a car of her own – and a career playing the organ at the Empire movie palace would be especially ducky.

Then the Empire’s treasures start disappearing and employees start dying. Are a few pieces of art really enough motive for the string of murders? Will Gayle be next?

Murder at the Empire brings the Nightingale into an elegant movie palace in the roaring 20’s – but the real excitement is all off-screen.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Historical Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2021

About the author

After 40 years of wandering (but always in lovely places and not in a desert), Cathe Swanson has recently returned to her childhood home and family in Minnesota.

In the summer, she and her husband enjoy spending time with their grandchildren and being outdoors, gardening, hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking. The long winters are perfect for writing books, playing games, reading, and indoor hobbies. Cathe's been a quilter and teacher of quiltmaking for 35 years and enjoys just about any kind of creative work, especially those involving fiber or paper.

Everything inspires new books! A lifelong love of quilting, Cathe’s Swedish heritage and an interest in genealogy led to The Glory Quilts series, and the Hope Again series is inspired by her life in the Midwest and experiences with the elderly, the military, and inner-city ministry. As a child of the 60’s, she’s currently having fun writing about hippies and the Jesus People movement.

Cathe writes books with creative plots and engaging characters of all ages, to glorify God and entertain and bless readers. Her heartwarming stories will make you laugh and make you cry—and then make you laugh again.

Reviews

[Melissa Wardwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale that made me feel various emotions, Murder at the Empire had me flipping through pages, eager to see what’s next.

I must admit, in the beginning, I was irritated with all the male power tripping but I know it was all part of the time, and the story. Eventually, I was more engrossed with the mystery and Gayle’s desire to not be a focal point that it seemed to fade away.

With that, I am really enjoying this collection of fiery tale mysteries. Each is unique, pleasant, and a joy. Now on to the next mystery.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher so that I could offer my opinion. A positive review was not required.

[Kelly-Ann ~ Sassy Bookish Mama · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the Ever After Mysteries but all the books can be read as stand alones as they don't correlate with each other and are written by different authors. This one is based on the Roaring 20's which I think its such a fun timeline to read about. The book is goes by pretty quick. Although I wasn't sure which fairy tale the book is actually based on, the author kept me engaged the whole time and kept me guessing as I read. The ending was great and caught me a bit by surprise.

If you enjoy mysteries then you will enjoy this book!

I received a copy of of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery creates visions of a grand theater organ set in the 1920's. Chicago's first woman theater organist entertains with dignity and poise while murders abound. The author gives a well-researched view of the era and readers can almost hear the organ playing on the pages!

[Challice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The roaring 20’s is such an interesting timeline; I think the only book that comes to mind for that era is The Great Gatsby, which I absolutely dislike. So, I have been pleasantly surprised with these Ever After Mysteries.

With Murder at the Empire, author Cathe Swanson brings in many of the large components of the time, such as prohibition, women’s rights, flappers, and the Ritz life, through the eyes of an organist for the movie palace. Gayle is struggling to fit in as an organist in a “man’s world” and to top it all off, her boss has disappeared, expensive artifacts are disappearing, and are people being murdered?

Like always, I am more critical of short stories. You have to be able to give all the details we need to be able to solve the mystery, give us enough character development to be invested, and then not make everything feel rushed: this book hit all those points and I was so pleased by it!

Our character Gayle wasn’t particularly my favorite. I felt that she was wishy-washy at times. She wanted to tell someone about the way she was treated and then was upset when the manager would confront the people treating her poorly. So I was confused as to what she actually wanted, and when other scenarios would come up, it would just rub me wrong. I debated within myself if this was a deliberate use of character since she is in her younger years and developing into a mature woman, but at the same time I would have thought a lot of those flip-flop nature of learning to stand up for yourself would have developed especially during this day and age.

I really really enjoyed the sprinkling of a lot of historical information that didn’t feel like an info dump. I thought the author really did a phenomenal job of that. And the mystery had almost a hint of Agatha Christie-ness to it. Really loved that.

Not knowing too much about the fairy-tale, The Nightingale, I can’t really give you too much to compare with but I think that the whole glitzy life really worked at the inspiration with the novel.

[Marguerite Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read this series of retold fairy tales set in the 1920s, I’m learning so much about the era in our country. In Murder at the Empire, Chicago comes alive with disappearing acts and sneaky murders. The new female organist at the theater innocently slips into an intriguing yet volatile otherworld in the dark halls and creaking floors of the maze of the Empire. The mystery of good guy/bad guy propels the heroine Gayle to stay the course. But what if another murder is around the corner or in the rafters?
I have enjoyed this series. The fourth book continues to inspire me with challenges and decisions that life holds—right and wrong. I’m thoroughly entertained with page-turning plots. The historical element sets up a learning environment that binds me to the era.
Thanks, Cathe Swanson for the sojourn.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a solid faith underpinning, the author gives us a cast of some likable and some shifty characters. Gayle has found a position as one of the first lady organists for silent movies at the grand Empire Theater in Chicago. This colorful tale is set amid the backdrop of prohibition and is a mystery of two, maybe three murders and a missing manager.
John, the owner of the theater, befriends Gayle and a romance blooms. The mystery is interesting and takes us back in time to speakeasies, thefts, and forbidden booze.
I am finding this series to be fresh and an easy way to be thoroughly entertained.
*I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series. I actually heard an interview about it on a podcast and decided I might like these stories. I am happy to say I plan on reading the rest of the this series.

This was a quick read, which I always appreciate it and very well done. I am not familiar with the fairytale this book is based on but that didn’t matter to me.

Cathe did a great job of keeping me guessing about who was behind everything and the ending was very satisfying and a bit surprising.

I liked Gayle’s spunk. She was a hard working young lady trying to break some stereotypes in the 1920s.

Overall, a very good read that I recommend.

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read for fans of historical mysteries. I really liked the setting of the old theaters and appreciated learning about the music that went along with the early films. Readers will enjoy a mystery full of murder and theft.The author obviously did her research as she explores the world of silent film, speakeasies and the mob. With a large cast of characters, I felt that there was some character and plot details introduced too fast or hidden from the readers until the very end. However, I found this to be a pleasant read with hints of the fairytale, The Nightingale, woven throughout its pages.

I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining historical mystery. It was interesting to learn about theaters during prohibition and the music accompanying the silent films. I was surprised to find out other acts, such as dog shows, were included. Animosity toward a female organist was no surprise.

The plot was complex as shown from the lengthy denouement. The detective explains much, most of it unknown to readers. There were some parts of the mystery I felt were inconsistent, such as Langdon's later actions and a detective's odd quietude after such an aggressive stance earlier.

Although I felt there were a few minor plot and character problems in this novel, it is an entertaining one shining light on an interesting time in the history of entertainment.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read

This book was great to read! Lots of twists and turns and possible suspects!! Just when you think you might have it figured out the plot thickens!! I loved Gayle and her brother-in-law-I would love to read more about them. It’s a page turner of a book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Cathe Swanson’s books, and this one is one of my favorites! I loved getting to go back in time and experience the magical, beautiful palace theater! I once got to visit an old theater, and this book brought back memories! It was fun to see how different theaters were back then. This book is inspired by The Nightingale, but doesn’t have a lot of direct links to the fairy tale – just enough to lend a magical feel to the book! And if you haven’t read the previous books in the series, don’t worry. You don’t have to. This book stands alone! I highly recommend it. 😊

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Mystery!

I like a story that I can't quite figure out and Murder at the Empire was one I couldn't figure out! I love the settings and time period of these Ever After Mysteries!

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is set in the 1920s where prohibition was going on. I loved reading about the speakeasy clubs and how they tried to go undetected by the police. The author does a good job of incorporating the speakeasy era into her story with details that fascinated me. I am always excited when a new book comes out in this series because I can’t wait to see what fairytale the author has chosen to retell.

I am not familiar with the fairytale this story was based on but I did read the authors notes about it. I have to say she did an excellent job of making the story of a theater cone to life with similarities from the story of the emperor. I enjoyed the tour of the theater and was quite intrigued with how it operated. I had no idea that live music was played during acts. How exciting it must have been to be in the audience.

Gayle is thrilled to get a job as an organist in the magnificent theater. It was decorated with valuable artifacts which certainly attracted many. It did seem odd that these valuable pieces were in the open unguarded. I wonder why they weren’t behind locked cases where they would have been more secure? Perhaps the owner didn’t think anyone would steal them in the open. It just bothered me that a detail like that was not addressed by the owner.

I did have a bit of trouble keeping up with so many characters in the story. There were quite a few that made me confused at times. The mystery was good but I knew that our main character would somehow become a suspect. Gayle does try to help as much as she could but I think the police were focusing too much on her at times.

Set against a setting of entertainment during the 1920s the book has some interesting historical facts that place you right in the action. The author did grab my attention at the mention of Capone. That really intrigued me and that for me was where the story became interesting. I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil the ending. If you are looking for a good mystery grab a copy of this book and travel back in time to the 1920s.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Empire is a fairytale retelling historical story that is written by Cathe Swanson. This is a book that is set in the 1920’s. Which is one of my favorite time periods. The author did great research to ensure historical accuracy.

In this story you will be transported back to Chicago. A city that while prohibition is going on, speakeasy clubs try to go undetected. A city where there are murders and lots of secrets. We meet a very talented organist, Gayle Wells. She’s working in a theater that has been beautifully designed by John Starek. He is also known as the Emperor. Then weird things start happening. Some of the beautiful decorations start to disappear and people are dying.

I loved this story. Gayle wants to branch out on her own. She wants to have her own car and is hoping to achieve that by her organ playing. She finds herself in danger and potentially the next target. I like that the author peppered in the topic of women’s rights that was prevalent during this time period.

I am not familiar with the fairytale this is based off of, The Nightingale. I read a few summaries of it so I can say that the author did a good job recreating it with her own flair and style. The book is easy to follow and presents a great unique story.

I’m enjoying this series. They can all be read as stand alone. They are written by different authors and are all tied together by the fairytale retelling topic.

I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program. All thoughts are my own.

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books in this series and they are always interesting. Murder at the Empire by Cathe Swanson is Book 4 in the Ever After Mysteries series. It is a Historical Fiction book based on a Fairytale, the Fairytale being Nightingale.

The time is 1923 in Chicago. Gayle Wells is the First Female Organist, a grand feat during this time. She plays the organ at the Empire Movie Palace and would LOVE to make a career of doing so. John Starek owns the Empire Movie Palace and he really enjoys fine Art and Treasures and has many all around the Palace. The Artwork and Treasures begin disappearing and employees dying and things get really mysterious. Why is someone stealing the Artwork? Could someone be trying to kill Gayle?

I have to say, this is probably my FAVORITE of the books in this series thus far. I might be a little bias being that I am born and raised in Chicago, so the Chicago setting just makes me super happy. I have always had in interest in the "Roaring 20's" time period. The Twists and Turns in this story really kept me intrigued and interested in the book. The fact that the book was NOT predictable was very enjoyable. I did not put this book down until I was done and finished it in about 3hrs!! I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Mystery and Intrigue and Historical Fiction! WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series of books about fairy tales. They’re obscure fairy tales for the most part that I’ve never heard of so I find myself reading a book about a fairy tale as well as reading a new fairy tale as well. That makes it double the fun.

This book is based on yet another fairy tale that I had never read. I decided to go read the fairy tale first and then came back to read the book. I have to say, I like the book much better than the fairy tale!

Who doesn’t love a book with characters who pull you in and refuse to let you go even after you’re done reading the book? I loved it and really did not want it to end. I can’t say that I’ve ever really loved the 20s. That is until this book series came out. It’s made me take another look at the time period and really dig into what it would have been like.

If you’ve not read any of the series yet, good news! You can start with whichever book you want as they’re not in any particular order or connected beside the fact that they’re all about fairy tales. Grab a copy and enjoy!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Randi Sampson]

Murder at the Empire is book number four in the Ever After Mysteries series. This is a series of books written by a variety of Christian author, each taking on a different fairy tale and retelling them as a murder mystery. As such, all can be read as standalones and in any order.

This particular story is a retelling of Nightingale. I must admit this is another one that I was unfamiliar with (and might I just say, this series is showing me just how many fairy tales that seems to be true for), so I cannot speak to any nods to the original story or anything like that. I must say that there definitely is something more fun about reading the retellings of those stories I DO know best... but even without any prior knowledge of the original story, I found this to be an enjoyable mystery nonetheless. I so enjoyed the 1920s backdrop, and the drama of the story... it certainly drew me in. This is such a unique time in history, and I really think it adds a lot to the story, the author did a great job of bringing us back there! It was a quick and enjoyable read, and one that fans of historical fiction and mysteries is sure to want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the 1920's, when things are booming and "roaring". It's based on a fairytale that I do know, but has been bless well known. I absolutely loved how the author used that basis for this story! She did a stunning job. Gayle lands a job, playing her favorite instrument, the organ. Her job is in none other than the grand and esteemed Empire theater. There's a bit of romance with John, and the mystery was great, while the over all noir feel of this story is a perfect 1920's. If you aren't used it, you may find yourself hunting down old movies set the time frame afterwards.

With a missing manger, and three murders, prohibition and old, old Chicago, this book still gave us a strong faith undertones with so many characters to enjoy. I can't wait to read more from this author, and this series. That said, this story does stand alone. Will the song of the nightingale move you to tears or heal you as well? You have to read this to see!

Thanks to Celebrate Lit for my digital copy of this book. This review is my own and contains what I thought about this book. A positive review is never required.

[Donna C · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
Murder at the Empire, a Christian Historical Fiction by Cathe Swanson is the fourth book in the Ever After Mysteries. The series consists of standalone novels set in the 1920s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story is set in Chicago and features Gayle Wells, the first female Organist hired at the Empire, a movie palace.

What I think about this book:
I really enjoyed this book, it was entertaining from start to finish. Gayle was a fun character, raised by a Mother with feminist views she wasn’t afraid to step into a world that was male dominated. It is fun to get a backstage look into the world of silent films and what it took to make magic happen. The mystery in the story kept me on my toes, there were so many “bad” guys that I was left guessing until the end. I expected John and Gayle’s relationship to develop more during the story, but I think that in the end that the author did a great job. I look forward to reading more by Swanson and in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Amy]

Murder at the Empire is the fourth installment and Cathe Swanson’s contribution to the Ever After Mysteries. I have read and enjoyed previous books by this author and was excited that she was part of this series. John and Gayle’s story was entertaining from start to finish. It was not easily predictable for me and I had to see how the mystery would be solved. It was fun trying to figure it all out. I really liked that it was a retelling of The Nightingale.

I am giving Murder at the Empire four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical suspense fiction. I look forward to the fifth installment from the Ever After Mysteries, Rebekah Jones’ The Lost Dutchman's Secret.

I received a digital copy of Murder at the Empire from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

As part of the Everafter series, Murder at the Empire takes a fairytale and sets it during the 1920s. Gayle Wells plays the organ and winds up being hired a the only female organist at the Empire movie palace. With a best friend who lives life on the wilder side, co-workers who do not appreciate her, and murders and disappearing art abounding, this story kept my interest. The eventual revelations of who did what to who created the perfect ending for this story. I loved getting to know John Starek, the owner of the Empire. I also found his grandmother to be a delightful individual. If you enjoy stories based on fairytales or set in the past, you should definitely check out this book for yourself. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. I can't think of many books from the 20's, much less ones I would enjoy, but these books have been pleasantly surprising. There is a lot of information from the era that I simply didn't know. It is just part of the story so you get an enjoyable history lesson without even noticing.

It is a short book so there is a lot packed into it. The characters are well written and the author does incorporate some of the bigger issues from the time period. I liked the mystery and music info. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I will read more from this author in the future.

3/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a very interesting read. The 1920s are intriguing and I liked reading about the organ used to accompany the silent films. The mystery is well done and there were twists I didn't expect. There is a biblical faith element to a degree, but it isn't overly done. For the longest time, I wondered if the book was going to have any romance, but it did finally give me some. I found the book to be well written and easy to read. I look forward to reading more books by Cathe Swanson.


I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

[Tabitha Bouldin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the rich detail and continued twists throughout the story. Gayle is one of those characters who you love from the first moment they appear on stage and you can't help but root for them. The setting of the Empire was so well done I thought I'd seen it all myself, and I enjoyed the interactions between all the characters (even though Gayle had quite the trouble proving herself). Cathe Swanson did a fantastic job of weaving the murder mystery with the romance and keeping me on my toes in anticipation of what might happen next. I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Murder at the Empire" by Cathe Swanson is part of the (Ever After Mysteries) series. It can be read as a standalone. It was interesting to read about how music was played during a silent film, I had no idea, I thought it was just the movie. It was always fun for me to read about a city that I have actually been to, Chicago. This was a fun book as far as trying to figured who was the guilty person. I recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction and a twist on a fairy tale.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read of this book the more I wanted to read! The characters are wonderfully created for the part they play in the story. The mystery is intriguing and the small touch of romance in the air is delightful. I'd to read more about John and Gayle. I think something is developing there. There was also the element of suspense, not being sure who the villain is or if there are more than one bad guy/gal. Overall I think it is a wonderful book!

[R.j. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good!

I love this author. She has some excellent characters! I’m not a huge mystery fan(hence the 4 stars), but this whole series is great. If you like cozy mystery books, you will love it.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story!

Really like these stories! Great settings, characters, and writing! The 20s are an interesting time. On to the next one!

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoy a murder mystery set in the grand Empire theater during the roaring 20’s.

Gayle is an up-and-coming organist who lands a job at the majestic Empire theater. However, her job seems to be doomed as employees die or go missing. Gayle must uncover the mystery behind all the mishaps before the killer catches up to her.

This was a fun cozy mystery set in a fabulous time period. The characters were interesting; however, at times the book was a bit slow-moving.

Overall, it’s a clean and curious mystery that provides an exciting glimpse into the past.

4 stars

[Una · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to learn what theaters were like in the fifty’s. I didn’t realize that besides movie they had other acts. Swanson does a good job of showing what it was like in a 1920’s theater. The story is full of suspense and is a fast read.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own