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A Catskill Summer Resort Mystery #2
Deadly Director's Cut
Daring resort manager Elizabeth Grady will need to think fast to bring a killer into the limelight in this charming 1950s set cozy mystery series.
Famous director Elias Theropodous has chosen Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as a shooting location for his next film. It sounds glamorous to much of the staff, but resort manager Elizabeth Grady is less satisfied. Dealing with the ridiculous demands of the antagonistic director is bad enough, and his attempts to walk all over Elizabeth are making her feel like her position at the resort has been changed into a bit part.
But when Elias is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, the future of the film and the resort itself are on the line. Between an aging movie star, a harried producer, and former victims of the deceased director’s wrath, Elizabeth has a full cast of suspects to examine, and she’ll need to investigate every lead to catch a killer.
Famous director Elias Theropodous has chosen Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as a shooting location for his next film. It sounds glamorous to much of the staff, but resort manager Elizabeth Grady is less satisfied. Dealing with the ridiculous demands of the antagonistic director is bad enough, and his attempts to walk all over Elizabeth are making her feel like her position at the resort has been changed into a bit part.
But when Elias is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, the future of the film and the resort itself are on the line. Between an aging movie star, a harried producer, and former victims of the deceased director’s wrath, Elizabeth has a full cast of suspects to examine, and she’ll need to investigate every lead to catch a killer.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
34 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
58 books1,928 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 23, 2025
Deadly Director's Cut is the 2nd book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mysteries written by Vicki Delany. I've read most of the author's other series, plus I vacationed during several summers in the Catskills when I was a kid, so how could I not read this series? Book 1 was great, and even though they take place about 40 years before I was visiting this upstate New York treasure, it echoed so much of what I remember.
In this installment, protagonist Elizabeth runs the resort for her mother, an actress who's mostly retired and just visits with friends on the property. A movie is being filmed there, and the director is a horrible man who yells at everyone. Which one of his crew or the film cast finally killed him? Poor Elizabeth's kitchen feels the wrath when it appears that he died via poison, and someone who works for her had an unknown relationship with the man too. As it all comes together, we find the classic line - revenge is a dish best served cold - coming back to haunt us.
Fantastic! Loved being back in the mid-1900s with so many traditional and memorable moments from life without cell phones, internet, and television. Real investigation. Days to get answers. So much to connect with. Delany's characters leap off the pages. A very promising new series. High on my list to keep reading.
In this installment, protagonist Elizabeth runs the resort for her mother, an actress who's mostly retired and just visits with friends on the property. A movie is being filmed there, and the director is a horrible man who yells at everyone. Which one of his crew or the film cast finally killed him? Poor Elizabeth's kitchen feels the wrath when it appears that he died via poison, and someone who works for her had an unknown relationship with the man too. As it all comes together, we find the classic line - revenge is a dish best served cold - coming back to haunt us.
Fantastic! Loved being back in the mid-1900s with so many traditional and memorable moments from life without cell phones, internet, and television. Real investigation. Days to get answers. So much to connect with. Delany's characters leap off the pages. A very promising new series. High on my list to keep reading.
September 28, 2022
Hollywood has come to Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as famed director Elias Theropodous has decided to use it for some of the outdoor scenes for his new movie. Elizabeth Grady, the resort’s manager, is thrilled with the money, but not the disruptions to life at the resort, especially with Elias’s demands. However, when he dies after a night of eating and drinking at the resort, Elizabeth quickly realizes she has to find the killer in order to save the resort’s reputation. Can she do it?
Hollywood coming to town is a familiar trope, especially in cozies, but authors continue to use it because it works. That’s certainly the case here. The plot kept me engaged, sometimes reading a little later than I had planned, and I loved how the climax played out, although there is a minor continuity error with the climax. It doesn’t impact who the killer is. I also appreciated how the sub-plots some of the regulars had tie in with this main story yet also felt like natural continuations of their arcs from the first book. Naturally, the new characters are strong as well. I enjoyed the setting; I was ready to book a vacation at the resort myself. I also appreciated the way the 1950’s setting came to life, with little bits of everyday life infusing every page. If you are looking for a fun historical cozy, look no further than this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Hollywood coming to town is a familiar trope, especially in cozies, but authors continue to use it because it works. That’s certainly the case here. The plot kept me engaged, sometimes reading a little later than I had planned, and I loved how the climax played out, although there is a minor continuity error with the climax. It doesn’t impact who the killer is. I also appreciated how the sub-plots some of the regulars had tie in with this main story yet also felt like natural continuations of their arcs from the first book. Naturally, the new characters are strong as well. I enjoyed the setting; I was ready to book a vacation at the resort myself. I also appreciated the way the 1950’s setting came to life, with little bits of everyday life infusing every page. If you are looking for a fun historical cozy, look no further than this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 12, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Hollywood has come to the Catskills to shoot a movie directed by the famous Elias Theropodus using Haggerman’s Resort as a backdrop. The staff and guests are enamored by the stars in the presence but resort manager Elizabeth Grady has her hands full handling the resort’s regular guests while being treated like the director’s lackey and his over-the-top needs and requests. She just needs to remember the much-needed fee the production company is paying for this major inconvenience.
Elias has scheduled a dinner in one of the private dining rooms and then he and his guests will join the rest of the resort’s guests for dancing and dessert. As the event wraps up Elias collapses on the way to his car and he is rushed to the hospital. He dies shortly thereafter and it is determined that he was poisoned.
At first, it doesn’t look good for Elizabeth and her resort but none of the other guests becomes ill. It seems the director’s death was an isolated event and had to be premeditated. The man was a tyrant to work for, demanding absolute perfection, so he has the actors and his crew on edge most of the time. Would one of them kill him to get a new director? A rumored womanizer . . . did he scorn the wrong woman? Or could one of the resort’s many guests have reason to want the man dead?
Elizabeth finds herself with a myriad of suspects. Can she wrap up the case before the movie wraps and the guilty party jets back to Hollywood? Or will here own days in the Catskills be numbered?
“There’s nothing a man can do, that I can’t do better and in heels”
― Ginger Rogers
“I did everything Fred did, only backward and in high heels.”
― Ginger Rogers
When I read about Elizabeth Grady these Ginger Rodgers quotes come to mind. She is working in a job normally held by a man and probably does it better than any man especially when you add a murder investigation to her list of duties. In this second book in the series, she is on even firmer footing. This is good because director Elias Theropodus’ fame has truly gone to his head and treats everyone including Elizabeth horribly. I loved the way Elizabeth held her ground not only with Elias but others as she investigated his death. I was delighted to see her and Rishard getting closer. He is the type of man she deserves although there is that reporter still hanging around.
I am so glad that Ms. Delany filled in more of Elizabeth’s backstory. Being the child of a movie star isn’t easy and she and her mother were kind of thrown together when her mother inherited the resort. They are getting closer and still learning about each other as well. The way the author is developing these characters is perfect, believable, and comfortable. After reading many of her books I can tell you she excels at character development, making each character unique and engaging. This particular book had a rather large cast when you add in the Hollywood people but they are each well thought out and presented in a way to make them memorable.
Ms. Delaney has given readers a complicated mystery to enjoy. Set in the 1950s it comes down to legwork, observations, and listening carefully or eavesdropping to work through the variety of suspects. There is tons of drama with the movie cast in life and in the movie and each could have motive to have killed off the director. I was doing my best to stay one step ahead of Elizabeth but soon I found myself so caught up in the story I wasn’t even concentrating on any theories of my own. I felt transported right to the beautiful Catskill resort, hiking around the trails with Elizabeth, going into town for an egg cream, worrying about Velvet getting her heart broken, and more. For me, that truly makes A Perfect Escape.
Deadly Director’s Cut is a wonderfully written cozy mystery with fabulous characters set in the ideal place for a 1950s vacation. Of course, murders may not be good for business but my bags are already packed for my next trip to Haggerman’s Catskills Resort. I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
Hollywood has come to the Catskills to shoot a movie directed by the famous Elias Theropodus using Haggerman’s Resort as a backdrop. The staff and guests are enamored by the stars in the presence but resort manager Elizabeth Grady has her hands full handling the resort’s regular guests while being treated like the director’s lackey and his over-the-top needs and requests. She just needs to remember the much-needed fee the production company is paying for this major inconvenience.
Elias has scheduled a dinner in one of the private dining rooms and then he and his guests will join the rest of the resort’s guests for dancing and dessert. As the event wraps up Elias collapses on the way to his car and he is rushed to the hospital. He dies shortly thereafter and it is determined that he was poisoned.
At first, it doesn’t look good for Elizabeth and her resort but none of the other guests becomes ill. It seems the director’s death was an isolated event and had to be premeditated. The man was a tyrant to work for, demanding absolute perfection, so he has the actors and his crew on edge most of the time. Would one of them kill him to get a new director? A rumored womanizer . . . did he scorn the wrong woman? Or could one of the resort’s many guests have reason to want the man dead?
Elizabeth finds herself with a myriad of suspects. Can she wrap up the case before the movie wraps and the guilty party jets back to Hollywood? Or will here own days in the Catskills be numbered?
“There’s nothing a man can do, that I can’t do better and in heels”
― Ginger Rogers
“I did everything Fred did, only backward and in high heels.”
― Ginger Rogers
When I read about Elizabeth Grady these Ginger Rodgers quotes come to mind. She is working in a job normally held by a man and probably does it better than any man especially when you add a murder investigation to her list of duties. In this second book in the series, she is on even firmer footing. This is good because director Elias Theropodus’ fame has truly gone to his head and treats everyone including Elizabeth horribly. I loved the way Elizabeth held her ground not only with Elias but others as she investigated his death. I was delighted to see her and Rishard getting closer. He is the type of man she deserves although there is that reporter still hanging around.
I am so glad that Ms. Delany filled in more of Elizabeth’s backstory. Being the child of a movie star isn’t easy and she and her mother were kind of thrown together when her mother inherited the resort. They are getting closer and still learning about each other as well. The way the author is developing these characters is perfect, believable, and comfortable. After reading many of her books I can tell you she excels at character development, making each character unique and engaging. This particular book had a rather large cast when you add in the Hollywood people but they are each well thought out and presented in a way to make them memorable.
Ms. Delaney has given readers a complicated mystery to enjoy. Set in the 1950s it comes down to legwork, observations, and listening carefully or eavesdropping to work through the variety of suspects. There is tons of drama with the movie cast in life and in the movie and each could have motive to have killed off the director. I was doing my best to stay one step ahead of Elizabeth but soon I found myself so caught up in the story I wasn’t even concentrating on any theories of my own. I felt transported right to the beautiful Catskill resort, hiking around the trails with Elizabeth, going into town for an egg cream, worrying about Velvet getting her heart broken, and more. For me, that truly makes A Perfect Escape.
Deadly Director’s Cut is a wonderfully written cozy mystery with fabulous characters set in the ideal place for a 1950s vacation. Of course, murders may not be good for business but my bags are already packed for my next trip to Haggerman’s Catskills Resort. I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
February 21, 2022
This is the second book in Delany’s series set in the Catskills in the 50’s. While the Catskill resorts that served so many families back in the 50’s and beyond are now gone – even the great Grossinger’s is a ghostly version of itself – Delany nevertheless manages to make the area come alive for the reader. She doesn’t dip into the pure historical novel category. Instead, she provides period details that set the reader where she wants them to be, and she somehow manages to invoke the feel and atmosphere of a very specific place and time. The fact that a Canadian writer who, I am thinking, did not spend her childhood summers in the Catskills, is able to do this with such virtuosity is one of those mysteries of the writer’s art. The time period is close enough that with a little bit of yearning and nostalgia you are right back there with her.
Her main series character, Elizabeth Grady, runs the resort her mother owns, Haggerman’s. It’s not one of the bigger ones, like Grossinger’s, but it’s a nice, respectable place that draws high level entertainers and regular guests. Her mother, a retired actress, provides front of the house glamor while Elizbeth does the hard work of running the resort. This summer, there’s a movie being filmed on her property, and one of the stars is an old buddy of her mother’s, Gloria.
The director is extremely unpleasant and dictatorial, making sure his chauffeur is ready at a moment’s notice, treating the staff as they don’t deserve to be treated, and laying into and sometimes humiliating the actors and actresses in his film. Because he’s a very successful director with several Oscars under his belt, everyone tends to jump when he says so. Of course, in a mystery novel, this is the very kind of person who is going to be murdered at the first opportunity.
While the movie is being shot at Haggerman’s, most of the crew and the actors aren’t staying there, they are staying at the slightly nicer and bigger resort owned by Elizabeth’s friend and possible love interest, Richard. One night, however, the director decides to host a dinner at Elizabeth’s place, demanding that she attend. This of course ends horribly – he collapses and is taken to the hospital, where he later dies. This also gives Elizabeth a chance to observe all the players in the drama firsthand.
Delany is a pro at setting up a story and telling one clearly and with precision. This book is no exception. She’s drawn into the investigation in order to save her business – if some one was poisoned by food at Haggerman’s there’s a danger her kitchen will be shut down at the height of her summer season. She and Richard work together as his hotel is also implicated. It’s not known for a time where exactly the poison ingested by the dead director came from.
For some reason, this is completely believable, and Elizabeth’s investigation seems totally natural under the circumstances. (Of course, the reader will hope that Haggerman’s doesn’t continue to be the setting for murders. It will be terrible for business). Delany also continues to fill out Elizabeth’s backstory. She was raised by her Aunt Tatiana (now the head housekeeper at Haggerman’s) while her mother pursued her career. Later in life, the two women are getting to know each other better, and share a cabin on the property.
This is a well thought out, well paced, and captivating mystery. For this particular reader, who grew up in her parent’s northern Michigan resort, it’s almost a forcefully nostalgic read. One of my favorite memories is being in the hotel’s ballroom, sipping a Shirley Temple, watching the ballroom captain sprinkle the dance floor with a bit of wax for easier and smoother dancing. Delaney’s book brings it all back in a whoosh. This is a truly delightful series and I can’t recommend it more highly.
Her main series character, Elizabeth Grady, runs the resort her mother owns, Haggerman’s. It’s not one of the bigger ones, like Grossinger’s, but it’s a nice, respectable place that draws high level entertainers and regular guests. Her mother, a retired actress, provides front of the house glamor while Elizbeth does the hard work of running the resort. This summer, there’s a movie being filmed on her property, and one of the stars is an old buddy of her mother’s, Gloria.
The director is extremely unpleasant and dictatorial, making sure his chauffeur is ready at a moment’s notice, treating the staff as they don’t deserve to be treated, and laying into and sometimes humiliating the actors and actresses in his film. Because he’s a very successful director with several Oscars under his belt, everyone tends to jump when he says so. Of course, in a mystery novel, this is the very kind of person who is going to be murdered at the first opportunity.
While the movie is being shot at Haggerman’s, most of the crew and the actors aren’t staying there, they are staying at the slightly nicer and bigger resort owned by Elizabeth’s friend and possible love interest, Richard. One night, however, the director decides to host a dinner at Elizabeth’s place, demanding that she attend. This of course ends horribly – he collapses and is taken to the hospital, where he later dies. This also gives Elizabeth a chance to observe all the players in the drama firsthand.
Delany is a pro at setting up a story and telling one clearly and with precision. This book is no exception. She’s drawn into the investigation in order to save her business – if some one was poisoned by food at Haggerman’s there’s a danger her kitchen will be shut down at the height of her summer season. She and Richard work together as his hotel is also implicated. It’s not known for a time where exactly the poison ingested by the dead director came from.
For some reason, this is completely believable, and Elizabeth’s investigation seems totally natural under the circumstances. (Of course, the reader will hope that Haggerman’s doesn’t continue to be the setting for murders. It will be terrible for business). Delany also continues to fill out Elizabeth’s backstory. She was raised by her Aunt Tatiana (now the head housekeeper at Haggerman’s) while her mother pursued her career. Later in life, the two women are getting to know each other better, and share a cabin on the property.
This is a well thought out, well paced, and captivating mystery. For this particular reader, who grew up in her parent’s northern Michigan resort, it’s almost a forcefully nostalgic read. One of my favorite memories is being in the hotel’s ballroom, sipping a Shirley Temple, watching the ballroom captain sprinkle the dance floor with a bit of wax for easier and smoother dancing. Delaney’s book brings it all back in a whoosh. This is a truly delightful series and I can’t recommend it more highly.
February 17, 2024
Based at a resort in the Catskills think Dirty Dancing but no Jennifer Grey or Patrick Swayze and no hot scenes. The movie people are at the resort filming outdoor scenes and all the guests and workers are trying to watch the movie and see some actors, try to get autographs. The director is not very nice and not well liked, very demanding, his way or the highway. The hotels have to be nice as they only have a few months to make enough money to last them all year. All the newspaper people are around from NYC even from the rags. There is plenty of mystery and I had it all wrong on who had done the dirty deed. I need to go back and read book 1 to see how it all begins.
March 24, 2022
Deadly Director's Cut is the second book in the Catskills Summer Resort Mystery series by Vicki Delany. I read the first book and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to read its follow-up. This one was even better in my opinion. Knowing the characters ahead of time, and a little of their backgrounds, definitely helps make reading a series book more enjoyable. Of course, this cozy mystery can be read as a stand-alone as well since each book contains its own mystery.
In Deadly Director's Cut, that mystery revolves around a film being shot at Haggerman's Catskills Resort, (This resort is the setting of this series.) The mystery is very well-plotted with multiple motives and suspects.
I "got to know" the main characters in the previous book, but now they're really beginning to grow on me. The addition of a film crew and its actors made for an entertaining story. One of the issues revealed in Deadly Director's Cut is a concern that's still around Hollywood (not just Hollywood!) today. I appreciated the inclusion of it....you'll have to read to see what I am talking about since I don't want to give spoilers.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Dirty Dancing's setting, and great characters, you'll love Deadly Director's Cut!
In Deadly Director's Cut, that mystery revolves around a film being shot at Haggerman's Catskills Resort, (This resort is the setting of this series.) The mystery is very well-plotted with multiple motives and suspects.
I "got to know" the main characters in the previous book, but now they're really beginning to grow on me. The addition of a film crew and its actors made for an entertaining story. One of the issues revealed in Deadly Director's Cut is a concern that's still around Hollywood (not just Hollywood!) today. I appreciated the inclusion of it....you'll have to read to see what I am talking about since I don't want to give spoilers.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Dirty Dancing's setting, and great characters, you'll love Deadly Director's Cut!
September 25, 2022
Hollywood invades the Catskills with locatipn shooting at one resort much to the fascination of the guests and staff. Full of period details and ambiance of the postwar heyday of the resorts balanced with a solid mystery and engaging characters.
April 5, 2022
Deadly Director's Cut is the second book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mystery series. In the early 1960's, Elizabeth Grady is managing her mother's Catskill resort, which is being used for some film locations. When the director is murdered, she steps in to solve the mystery.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the first in the series so much. I absolutely love the 1960's Catskills setting. It is nostalgic and fun, and the author does a wonderful job with time and place. Her food descriptions are especially great, i.e.
"At that moment, the doors flew open and waiters carried in platters piled high. Tonight guests would munch on pigs in blankets, smoked oysters on toast, deviled eggs, small tomatoes with mayonnaise in the center and a shrimp placed on top, celery filled with a line of Cheez Whiz, fruit on skewers, squares of cheese stuck into a pineapple, and plenty of pickle trays. The cocktails would be as served in the most fashionable nightclubs of New York City." (eBook location 264)
Elizabeth is a talented detective and I enjoyed her deduction process in this well paced mystery. The author has a gift for characterization - Elizabeth, her mother and aunt who were originally from Russia, Elizabeth's romantic interest (another Catskills innkeeper), and her best friend. Oh, and the family's lovable English Bulldog, Winston, too!
I enthusiastically recommend this book - and the series - for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys a 1960's setting.
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed the first in the series so much. I absolutely love the 1960's Catskills setting. It is nostalgic and fun, and the author does a wonderful job with time and place. Her food descriptions are especially great, i.e.
"At that moment, the doors flew open and waiters carried in platters piled high. Tonight guests would munch on pigs in blankets, smoked oysters on toast, deviled eggs, small tomatoes with mayonnaise in the center and a shrimp placed on top, celery filled with a line of Cheez Whiz, fruit on skewers, squares of cheese stuck into a pineapple, and plenty of pickle trays. The cocktails would be as served in the most fashionable nightclubs of New York City." (eBook location 264)
Elizabeth is a talented detective and I enjoyed her deduction process in this well paced mystery. The author has a gift for characterization - Elizabeth, her mother and aunt who were originally from Russia, Elizabeth's romantic interest (another Catskills innkeeper), and her best friend. Oh, and the family's lovable English Bulldog, Winston, too!
I enthusiastically recommend this book - and the series - for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys a 1960's setting.
April 6, 2022
An enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I like the setting but have difficulty warming up to the main character and her family. Still, this was entertaining and I will continue with the series.
July 2, 2024
This is a great series! I really hope we get at least one more book! I’d love to see what happened to these characters
July 16, 2025
Another series that ended to soon. The characters and setting are a lot of fun. The movie shoot added in a lot. I was definitely kept guessing with the mystery.
Read
February 23, 2022will write review after I read book
May 5, 2022
3.5. This one was pretty good, even though I knew who the killer was early on. I am getting a little tired of reading about girdles and Cheese Whiz, maybe a few other examples could be used in order to set the time period. But the character development was good. I will probably buy the next one.
January 16, 2025
4 stars
More entertaining and dramatic compared to book 1, Vicki Delany once again bring reader to Haggerman's resort in Catskill with its interesting ensemble casts. Elizabeth Grady must sleuthing (again) because a murder that happen in her resort (again) and the stake is much higher because she have her resort's reputation to uphold or say goodbye if the murderer is one of her employer. Set after the war, the motive of the murder now is not about accusation of communism but a grudge toward the poor famous director.
If book 1 deals with false accusation about communism to implement the Cold War setting, in book 2 Delany bring Hollywood to Catskill. An Academy Award winning director want to set his movie in Haggerman and Elizabeth will do her best to cater to the movie crews and actors alike. Just like some of movie cliche, the director was despicable, one of the main actor have interest toward Velvet, much to Elizabeth's dismay, an actress that also Olivia's friend have once married to the director and bring strife in the movie set. It's not surprising when the director end up dead because of poison. But, the poisoning happen in Haggerman's, therefore bring more problem to Elizabeth because if the news that the food in her resort end up kill people (and a famous one!), customer will never go to Haggerman's resort again.
Unlike book 1 in which I already guess the culprit from the start, in Deadly Director's Cut, Delany keep her mystery card close. The mystery is pretty solid and although not that hard to predict, she still write it tightly through the end. While I read book 2 in months after book 1, I didn't need to remember who is who. Delany manage to not info-dumping about the old characters and Elizabeth's past regarding her widowhood and her relationship with her mother, Olivia. About Olivia, her bond with Elizabeth may improve a little bit especially near the end of the story. As for romantic development, there's no love triangle and it was apparent that Elizabeth and the rival hotel owner's son, Richard Kennelwood, have feeling for each other. I also like the sisterhood between Elizabeth and Velvet and how Elizabeth worry for her friend because Velvet seems charmed with the possibility to become actress in the Hollywood. As a narrator of the story, I also like Elizabeth's voice. She is so mature, a little bit stern perhaps but also has dry sarcasm and wittiness.
If book 1 deal with the sexism that happen to Elizabeth, then book 2 deal with the ugly truth about Hollywood and movie world in overall. The issue of ageism is pretty much real especially toward women, as proved by Gloria, a friend of Olivia who only older by 20 years compared to the actor's age but she play as his grandmother rather than mother. She also tell Velvet to not be disillusioned by Hollywood's spotlight. The issue about the relationship between directors and the actor/actress also got addressed and how the Hollywood in that time don't have place for woman to be a force to be reckoned with except to have a pretty face and body.
Just like Deadly Summer Nights, Deadly Director's Cut also an entertaining and fun cozy read. Sadly, it's seems that Delany only wrote 2 books for Catskill Summer Resort Mystery. Maybe she think that if murder happen for the third time, the Haggerman's reputation might be threatened for real, lol. Delany herself kinda wrap Elizabeth story in the end nicely but I hope I can read more about not only Elizabeth's sleuthing but also her relationship with her mother and people of Haggerman's or maybe her burgeoning romantic relationship with Richard. Catskill Summer Resort Mystery is another cozy mystery series that can't be missed especially if you like a cozy that set in summer resort with interesting ensemble characters and a woman that didn't afraid to show who's the boss. Recommended.
More entertaining and dramatic compared to book 1, Vicki Delany once again bring reader to Haggerman's resort in Catskill with its interesting ensemble casts. Elizabeth Grady must sleuthing (again) because a murder that happen in her resort (again) and the stake is much higher because she have her resort's reputation to uphold or say goodbye if the murderer is one of her employer. Set after the war, the motive of the murder now is not about accusation of communism but a grudge toward the poor famous director.
If book 1 deals with false accusation about communism to implement the Cold War setting, in book 2 Delany bring Hollywood to Catskill. An Academy Award winning director want to set his movie in Haggerman and Elizabeth will do her best to cater to the movie crews and actors alike. Just like some of movie cliche, the director was despicable, one of the main actor have interest toward Velvet, much to Elizabeth's dismay, an actress that also Olivia's friend have once married to the director and bring strife in the movie set. It's not surprising when the director end up dead because of poison. But, the poisoning happen in Haggerman's, therefore bring more problem to Elizabeth because if the news that the food in her resort end up kill people (and a famous one!), customer will never go to Haggerman's resort again.
Unlike book 1 in which I already guess the culprit from the start, in Deadly Director's Cut, Delany keep her mystery card close. The mystery is pretty solid and although not that hard to predict, she still write it tightly through the end. While I read book 2 in months after book 1, I didn't need to remember who is who. Delany manage to not info-dumping about the old characters and Elizabeth's past regarding her widowhood and her relationship with her mother, Olivia. About Olivia, her bond with Elizabeth may improve a little bit especially near the end of the story. As for romantic development, there's no love triangle and it was apparent that Elizabeth and the rival hotel owner's son, Richard Kennelwood, have feeling for each other. I also like the sisterhood between Elizabeth and Velvet and how Elizabeth worry for her friend because Velvet seems charmed with the possibility to become actress in the Hollywood. As a narrator of the story, I also like Elizabeth's voice. She is so mature, a little bit stern perhaps but also has dry sarcasm and wittiness.
If book 1 deal with the sexism that happen to Elizabeth, then book 2 deal with the ugly truth about Hollywood and movie world in overall. The issue of ageism is pretty much real especially toward women, as proved by Gloria, a friend of Olivia who only older by 20 years compared to the actor's age but she play as his grandmother rather than mother. She also tell Velvet to not be disillusioned by Hollywood's spotlight. The issue about the relationship between directors and the actor/actress also got addressed and how the Hollywood in that time don't have place for woman to be a force to be reckoned with except to have a pretty face and body.
Just like Deadly Summer Nights, Deadly Director's Cut also an entertaining and fun cozy read. Sadly, it's seems that Delany only wrote 2 books for Catskill Summer Resort Mystery. Maybe she think that if murder happen for the third time, the Haggerman's reputation might be threatened for real, lol. Delany herself kinda wrap Elizabeth story in the end nicely but I hope I can read more about not only Elizabeth's sleuthing but also her relationship with her mother and people of Haggerman's or maybe her burgeoning romantic relationship with Richard. Catskill Summer Resort Mystery is another cozy mystery series that can't be missed especially if you like a cozy that set in summer resort with interesting ensemble characters and a woman that didn't afraid to show who's the boss. Recommended.
April 5, 2022
With its nostalgic and sumptuous Catskill Resort setting, this cozy/historical series feels fresh and exciting. I really like protagonist Elizabeth, her friends, family, and employees. This mystery features the death of a movie director who has brought his cast and crew to the resort for a few days of shooting. The Hollywood glamour and eccentricities of the actors and crew are entertaining. There is the slightest touch of potential romance, but the murder is the focus of the tale, and Delany deals with some heavy issues with a masterful hand. I found it highly entertaining and recommend it to any cozy/traditional/historical mystery reader.
March 27, 2022
This is a good cozy mystery, especially if you like the 1950’s when this is set. The resort sounds like a fun place to vacation. The plot of the murder was clever enough that I didn’t guess the murderer. I’m invested in the recurring characters’ lives enough to look forward to the next book.
March 7, 2022
Elizabeth Grady is the manager of Haggerman’s Catskills Resort that her mother, retired professional dancer Olivia Peters, inherited. The glamor of Hollywood has come to Haggerman’s when the resort is chosen as the location for a new movie. Most of the staff is thrilled, but Elizabeth is tired of being bossed around by movie director, Elias Theropodous. When the difficult director is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, rumors fly and the resort’s reputation and future is at risk. Elizabeth decides to start her own investigation to find the murderer and save the family business.
Deadly Director’s Cut is the second book in this series and although the murder case stands alone, the first book gives additional background on the main characters. The story takes place during the 1950s. It was interesting that a character comments that because there are so many family businesses in the Catskills, it was more common to see women in positions of authority there than in other areas. Although there are a couple of female characters in the story who won’t stand up for themselves. Elizabeth doesn’t hesitate to take charge while running the resort. I like her sense of humor, but because of events in her past, Elizabeth can be a strict boss and reserved in her personal life. However, a few things happen in the book that make it look like Elizabeth may be starting to relax a bit. I hope so because that will open up the possibilities for future storylines.
I enjoyed Elizabeth’s investigation into the murder and that she was able to identify potential suspects that the local police chief couldn’t. She gathers the clues and then thinks things through, making smart deductions based on what she finds out. I enjoyed the role Velvet McNally, Elizabeth’s best friend and employee, plays in helping uncover the killer. I was glad that nobody took any foolish risks to get to the truth, which is overdone in the cozy mystery genre. I was very surprised by who the killer was and by the motive, so I’m glad the plot wasn’t predictable. The setting and time period make this a unique series and enjoyable book to read.
~ Christine
Deadly Director’s Cut is the second book in this series and although the murder case stands alone, the first book gives additional background on the main characters. The story takes place during the 1950s. It was interesting that a character comments that because there are so many family businesses in the Catskills, it was more common to see women in positions of authority there than in other areas. Although there are a couple of female characters in the story who won’t stand up for themselves. Elizabeth doesn’t hesitate to take charge while running the resort. I like her sense of humor, but because of events in her past, Elizabeth can be a strict boss and reserved in her personal life. However, a few things happen in the book that make it look like Elizabeth may be starting to relax a bit. I hope so because that will open up the possibilities for future storylines.
I enjoyed Elizabeth’s investigation into the murder and that she was able to identify potential suspects that the local police chief couldn’t. She gathers the clues and then thinks things through, making smart deductions based on what she finds out. I enjoyed the role Velvet McNally, Elizabeth’s best friend and employee, plays in helping uncover the killer. I was glad that nobody took any foolish risks to get to the truth, which is overdone in the cozy mystery genre. I was very surprised by who the killer was and by the motive, so I’m glad the plot wasn’t predictable. The setting and time period make this a unique series and enjoyable book to read.
~ Christine
April 25, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
In Deadly Director’s Cut, Vicki Delany’s second mystery set during the 1950’s at a picturesque Catskill Resort, takes readers on a nostalgic summer vacation full of Old Hollywood glamor, intriguing characters, and a worthy mystery to solve.
Resort manager Elizabeth is even busier than normal when a movie production team comes to film at the resort. More than a distraction to her employees and delight to her guests, Elizabeth finds herself at the beck and call of the egotistical and narcissistic director Ellis Therodopolous. She must remind herself that the fees she is charging are worth any temporary inconvenience. Things are going relatively well until Ellis collapses following dinner and dancing at the resort. When his death is ruled a homicide, Elizabeth does all she can to solve his murder and save the resort’s reputation.
Author Delany excels at creating a firm sense of time and place with descriptions that transport readers. I could feel the evening breeze and humidity in the air, smell the firs and the flowers along the manicured grounds, hear the lap of the waves of the lake…I need a vacation start. Lest we become too sentimental about the period, Delany reminds us that the problems of the past still ring true today, and she handles themes such as domestic violence and harassment with a deft touch. This is not too serious a tale and still sits firmly in the cozy/traditional world. The 1950’s setting feels fresh and unexplored in the cozy genre.
I really enjoy the characters, especially protagonist Elizabeth. She is spunky and industrious with her feet planted firmly on the ground. Yes, she is inquisitive, but she is nosy out of necessity. Her livelihood and future rely on the good reputation of the resort. Her relationship with her mother, a former dancer and actress who was absent for much of Elizabeth’s childhood, is growing, as is her relationship with potential love interest and rival resort manager Richard. I really like how they work together here since his reputation is also on the line. As much as I like Richard, there is the potential for a love triangle with New York Times reporter Jim (he played a central role in the series debut Deadly Summer Nights). The supporting characters, including resort employees and the cast and crew of the movie, are numerous but well drawn and easy to keep straight. I particularly like the outside activities director Violet, Aunt Tatiana, and Rosemary.
The murder mystery is well thought out and executed keeping me interested with how it would all play out. The movie cast and crew, along with a couple of locals, provide plenty of suspects with various motives. It took me a while to pinpoint whodunit. The story moves along at a steady, engaging pace. Ellis is oh-so-easy to dislike making him the perfect victim.
I really liked Deadly Director’s Cut and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series. Highly recommended to both cozy and historical mystery fans.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
In Deadly Director’s Cut, Vicki Delany’s second mystery set during the 1950’s at a picturesque Catskill Resort, takes readers on a nostalgic summer vacation full of Old Hollywood glamor, intriguing characters, and a worthy mystery to solve.
Resort manager Elizabeth is even busier than normal when a movie production team comes to film at the resort. More than a distraction to her employees and delight to her guests, Elizabeth finds herself at the beck and call of the egotistical and narcissistic director Ellis Therodopolous. She must remind herself that the fees she is charging are worth any temporary inconvenience. Things are going relatively well until Ellis collapses following dinner and dancing at the resort. When his death is ruled a homicide, Elizabeth does all she can to solve his murder and save the resort’s reputation.
Author Delany excels at creating a firm sense of time and place with descriptions that transport readers. I could feel the evening breeze and humidity in the air, smell the firs and the flowers along the manicured grounds, hear the lap of the waves of the lake…I need a vacation start. Lest we become too sentimental about the period, Delany reminds us that the problems of the past still ring true today, and she handles themes such as domestic violence and harassment with a deft touch. This is not too serious a tale and still sits firmly in the cozy/traditional world. The 1950’s setting feels fresh and unexplored in the cozy genre.
I really enjoy the characters, especially protagonist Elizabeth. She is spunky and industrious with her feet planted firmly on the ground. Yes, she is inquisitive, but she is nosy out of necessity. Her livelihood and future rely on the good reputation of the resort. Her relationship with her mother, a former dancer and actress who was absent for much of Elizabeth’s childhood, is growing, as is her relationship with potential love interest and rival resort manager Richard. I really like how they work together here since his reputation is also on the line. As much as I like Richard, there is the potential for a love triangle with New York Times reporter Jim (he played a central role in the series debut Deadly Summer Nights). The supporting characters, including resort employees and the cast and crew of the movie, are numerous but well drawn and easy to keep straight. I particularly like the outside activities director Violet, Aunt Tatiana, and Rosemary.
The murder mystery is well thought out and executed keeping me interested with how it would all play out. The movie cast and crew, along with a couple of locals, provide plenty of suspects with various motives. It took me a while to pinpoint whodunit. The story moves along at a steady, engaging pace. Ellis is oh-so-easy to dislike making him the perfect victim.
I really liked Deadly Director’s Cut and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series. Highly recommended to both cozy and historical mystery fans.
February 28, 2022
Haggerman’s Catskills Resort is the shoot location for a major film. It is exciting for the guests and employees but is a headache for the owner, retired screen star Olivia Peters and the manager, her daughter, Elizabeth Grady. When agreeing to the filming, she hoped to bring in more vacationers. The full rooms proved Elizabeth correct. Unfortunately, they didn’t account for the trouble that came along with the rich and famous. When the famous, demanding director is poisoned and dies, all hopes for the resort are dashed.
The small police department starts working the case. So does Elizabeth. She has everything riding on the success of her resort and is determined to crack the case. Unfortunately, the press is swarming, painting Haggerman’s in a bad light with the sensational headlines about the murder. . The filming continues as Elizabeth quietly investigates. Hopefully she will find the killer before he or she strikes again. She is on a short timeline because the filming will be wrapped up soon. Will she crack the case before someone else dies?
The book is set in the 1950’s. This creates additional problems for the amateur gumshoe, making it more difficult to find the killer without DNA, cell phones, the internet or any other modern conveniences to solve a crime. Elizabeth has to use her head and intuition to search for clues. Will it be enough?
This is the second book in the Catskills Summer Resort Mystery Series. I have not read the first in the series, but it reads well as a standalone book. Author Vicki Delany is an established, prolific cozy mystery author. I have read several of her previous books and have enjoyed them immensely. Especially the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I highly recommend all of her books as they are well written and interesting with well-developed characters. Deadly Director’s Cut is destined to be a best-seller, get your copy today.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Author and Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2022 Laura Hartman
The small police department starts working the case. So does Elizabeth. She has everything riding on the success of her resort and is determined to crack the case. Unfortunately, the press is swarming, painting Haggerman’s in a bad light with the sensational headlines about the murder. . The filming continues as Elizabeth quietly investigates. Hopefully she will find the killer before he or she strikes again. She is on a short timeline because the filming will be wrapped up soon. Will she crack the case before someone else dies?
The book is set in the 1950’s. This creates additional problems for the amateur gumshoe, making it more difficult to find the killer without DNA, cell phones, the internet or any other modern conveniences to solve a crime. Elizabeth has to use her head and intuition to search for clues. Will it be enough?
This is the second book in the Catskills Summer Resort Mystery Series. I have not read the first in the series, but it reads well as a standalone book. Author Vicki Delany is an established, prolific cozy mystery author. I have read several of her previous books and have enjoyed them immensely. Especially the Lighthouse Library Mysteries. I highly recommend all of her books as they are well written and interesting with well-developed characters. Deadly Director’s Cut is destined to be a best-seller, get your copy today.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from the Author and Netgalley and the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2022 Laura Hartman
February 28, 2022
1st Line: " 'LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION!' "
Review: Book two of the prolific Delany's 1950s-set Catskill Summer Resort mystery series finds Haggerman's Hotel manager Elizabeth Grady's resort up to its armpits in drama. Multi-Academy Award-winning director Elias Theropodous has chosen to film a few key scenes of his latest masterpiece in the Catskills, and Haggerman's finds itself swarmed with actors, crew, tourists, ovely-curious guests - even hotel staff who'd rather watch a potential Oscar-winner being filmed over doing theirr jobs. Add to this the local sheriff and a small battalion of reporters from around the country, after the irascible, sexist and overbearing director has what appears to be a heart attack during a hotel event, and is reported DOA at the hospital, poisoned. With the safety level of her resort (not to mention kitchen) under attack, Elizabeth wastes no time in wading into the fray of hidden motives, scandalous backstories, and the questionable morals of movie industry types - most of whom seem to have had at least some gripe with the deceased director.
Delany, one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, here yet again shows off her skills at introducing and handling a rather large, active cast of characters - on all sides of the law - without confusing the narrative or reader. The mystery kept me guessing, thanks also to the author's ability to deflectt blame toward this character one minute, then on another the next, and though I haven't read the first book in this series yet - Deadly Summer Nights - I was also very pleased to get the impression here that we learned a bit more about Elizabeth's past, as well as that of her aunt and mother (who also live at Haggerman's), bringing more depth to those characters. And while at first I felt the revelation of the killer to be a bit anti-climactic, as the explanation behind the motive and means continued, the reveal took on a sense of poignancy that was both unexpected and appreciated. Any complaint here would be nit-picking - I would liked to have gotten more than the occasional reminder or sense of the 1950s setting; I just didn't feel it as much, in general, while reading - but as always with Vicki Delany, this is a well-written, very entertaining mystery with a vivid setting, and characters I look forward to revisiting again and again, in book one and beyond. (Available March 1) 4/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Book two of the prolific Delany's 1950s-set Catskill Summer Resort mystery series finds Haggerman's Hotel manager Elizabeth Grady's resort up to its armpits in drama. Multi-Academy Award-winning director Elias Theropodous has chosen to film a few key scenes of his latest masterpiece in the Catskills, and Haggerman's finds itself swarmed with actors, crew, tourists, ovely-curious guests - even hotel staff who'd rather watch a potential Oscar-winner being filmed over doing theirr jobs. Add to this the local sheriff and a small battalion of reporters from around the country, after the irascible, sexist and overbearing director has what appears to be a heart attack during a hotel event, and is reported DOA at the hospital, poisoned. With the safety level of her resort (not to mention kitchen) under attack, Elizabeth wastes no time in wading into the fray of hidden motives, scandalous backstories, and the questionable morals of movie industry types - most of whom seem to have had at least some gripe with the deceased director.
Delany, one of my favorite cozy mystery writers, here yet again shows off her skills at introducing and handling a rather large, active cast of characters - on all sides of the law - without confusing the narrative or reader. The mystery kept me guessing, thanks also to the author's ability to deflectt blame toward this character one minute, then on another the next, and though I haven't read the first book in this series yet - Deadly Summer Nights - I was also very pleased to get the impression here that we learned a bit more about Elizabeth's past, as well as that of her aunt and mother (who also live at Haggerman's), bringing more depth to those characters. And while at first I felt the revelation of the killer to be a bit anti-climactic, as the explanation behind the motive and means continued, the reveal took on a sense of poignancy that was both unexpected and appreciated. Any complaint here would be nit-picking - I would liked to have gotten more than the occasional reminder or sense of the 1950s setting; I just didn't feel it as much, in general, while reading - but as always with Vicki Delany, this is a well-written, very entertaining mystery with a vivid setting, and characters I look forward to revisiting again and again, in book one and beyond. (Available March 1) 4/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
With its 1950s resort setting of the Catskills in New York State, Vicki Delany's new series is perfect for all readers who count Dirty Dancing as one of their favorite movies. Deadly Director's Cut is the second book, and it's left me-- once again-- wanting more.
I love the setting. Delany really gives a feel for how a resort of this type is run. Elizabeth's work is never done, and she has to have both diplomacy and a spine of steel to stand up to impossible guests and vendors. It's a pleasure to watch her doing so well in what was considered a man's job in the 1950s. Another thing I like about Elizabeth? When she figures out whodunit, she calls the police before she puts her plan into action. This woman is turning out to be one of my favorite cozy sleuths, especially since she's sleuthing while being fully armored in a girdle, no-nonsense bra, stockings, and a poodle haircut. (Interesting how a very few details-- like clothing-- can help readers transport themselves to another era, isn't it?)
Also, having a movie being filmed on location at the resort was a stroke of genius. Not only do readers get to experience a bit of Hollywood behind the scenes, but it also broadens the playing field with the addition of so many suspects.
Deadly Director's Cut was another thoroughly enjoyable visit to Haggerman's Catskills Resort, and I look forward to my next. I hope I can book my favorite cabin.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
I love the setting. Delany really gives a feel for how a resort of this type is run. Elizabeth's work is never done, and she has to have both diplomacy and a spine of steel to stand up to impossible guests and vendors. It's a pleasure to watch her doing so well in what was considered a man's job in the 1950s. Another thing I like about Elizabeth? When she figures out whodunit, she calls the police before she puts her plan into action. This woman is turning out to be one of my favorite cozy sleuths, especially since she's sleuthing while being fully armored in a girdle, no-nonsense bra, stockings, and a poodle haircut. (Interesting how a very few details-- like clothing-- can help readers transport themselves to another era, isn't it?)
Also, having a movie being filmed on location at the resort was a stroke of genius. Not only do readers get to experience a bit of Hollywood behind the scenes, but it also broadens the playing field with the addition of so many suspects.
Deadly Director's Cut was another thoroughly enjoyable visit to Haggerman's Catskills Resort, and I look forward to my next. I hope I can book my favorite cabin.
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
January 19, 2025
4.75 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Summer
This book continues to have, what I believe are, the best vibes ever. It’s so nostalgic feeling somehow. The characters are all funny and unique and the plots are excellent. The mystery keeps you guessing too.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: Summer
This book continues to have, what I believe are, the best vibes ever. It’s so nostalgic feeling somehow. The characters are all funny and unique and the plots are excellent. The mystery keeps you guessing too.
I absolutely can’t wait for the next book in the series.
March 28, 2024
A fine light read if consumed in the sequence of first chapters, last chapters, then back through the middle. None of the characters are introduced well enough or followed enough to serve as a whodunit; its more a summer cozy.
The red herrings aren't interesting because none of the characters chosen are well developed or likely. The characters given any depth are cleared in short order. Possible culprits are mentioned in a short laundry list once or twice, then simply discarded. Or ignored altogether
The State Police are written in as idiots and pigs in this, an uncomfortable side bit.
The choices of personal names are challenging - Olga-Olivia-Gloria-George-Gary-Roger ... is there a shortage of letters available in the Catskills?
The end is anticlimactic, the romance a tease with no real delivery. All improper behavior is referenced and implied rather than stated, to the extreme that it becomes thoroughly confusing who did what with whom, and whether it matters to the plot.
One of the highlights is the light touch on the romantic involvements, the subtle and slow progressions of relationships clearly planned to unfold over several books. Some of the comic scenes are quite fun as well, although the setups for them are rushed or too thin, compromising the anticipation of what should be howlingly funny scenes.
The red herrings aren't interesting because none of the characters chosen are well developed or likely. The characters given any depth are cleared in short order. Possible culprits are mentioned in a short laundry list once or twice, then simply discarded. Or ignored altogether
The State Police are written in as idiots and pigs in this, an uncomfortable side bit.
The choices of personal names are challenging - Olga-Olivia-Gloria-George-Gary-Roger ... is there a shortage of letters available in the Catskills?
The end is anticlimactic, the romance a tease with no real delivery. All improper behavior is referenced and implied rather than stated, to the extreme that it becomes thoroughly confusing who did what with whom, and whether it matters to the plot.
One of the highlights is the light touch on the romantic involvements, the subtle and slow progressions of relationships clearly planned to unfold over several books. Some of the comic scenes are quite fun as well, although the setups for them are rushed or too thin, compromising the anticipation of what should be howlingly funny scenes.
January 5, 2023
Deadly Director's Cut takes place in the early 1950s. The setting is the Catskill Mountains at a resort similar one in the popular 1987 film, Dirty Dancing. I love the mystery of the murdered director. Elias Theropodous selects Haggerman's as the location for his next movie. Elizabeth isn't thrilled but it's good exposure for her resort. When Elias is poisoned while eating dinner, not only is the movie in jeopardy, but so is the reputation of Haggerman's.
Elizabeth is a strong woman running a resort in a time when women weren't taken seriously in roles men traditionally viewed as for males only. When the movie production cast and crew overtake Haggerman's, she feels like her role isn't taken seriously as Elias's demands become ridiculous and time wasters, and he treats her like a doormat.
Elizabeth has gathered a wonderful staff of family and friends to assist in the day-to-day operations of Haggerman's. Her mother, Olivia, is the star of the resort but without Elizabeth, Haggerman's would be another failing resort in the mountains. What they don't need right now is a suspected murder of a high-profile director and his equally impressive cast.
The author delivered a powerful and robust mystery. Several characters were introduced as possible suspects and red herrings were strategically placed between the pages. I enjoyed the fact that this story is set pre-technology boom and there aren't smartphones, Google, or video cameras on every corner. This mystery took good old-fashioned detective and legwork to investigate and solve. The author did a great job keeping the book in line with actual happenings in the 50s.
Deadly Director's Cut is engaging, dramatic, and filled with friendship, amateur sleuthing, and a wonderful mystery. The characters, development, and world building were superb. I felt like I was in the book with Elizabeth, Olivia, Velvet, Randy, and the rest of the group.
Elizabeth is a strong woman running a resort in a time when women weren't taken seriously in roles men traditionally viewed as for males only. When the movie production cast and crew overtake Haggerman's, she feels like her role isn't taken seriously as Elias's demands become ridiculous and time wasters, and he treats her like a doormat.
Elizabeth has gathered a wonderful staff of family and friends to assist in the day-to-day operations of Haggerman's. Her mother, Olivia, is the star of the resort but without Elizabeth, Haggerman's would be another failing resort in the mountains. What they don't need right now is a suspected murder of a high-profile director and his equally impressive cast.
The author delivered a powerful and robust mystery. Several characters were introduced as possible suspects and red herrings were strategically placed between the pages. I enjoyed the fact that this story is set pre-technology boom and there aren't smartphones, Google, or video cameras on every corner. This mystery took good old-fashioned detective and legwork to investigate and solve. The author did a great job keeping the book in line with actual happenings in the 50s.
Deadly Director's Cut is engaging, dramatic, and filled with friendship, amateur sleuthing, and a wonderful mystery. The characters, development, and world building were superb. I felt like I was in the book with Elizabeth, Olivia, Velvet, Randy, and the rest of the group.
February 14, 2022
3.5 stars
This is the second book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mystery series, featuring Elizabeth and her mother Olivia in the 1950s. Olivia is a famous retired dancer and actress, self-centered and content to leave the heavy lifting of hotel work to her daughter. She had a Bohemian actress's life and left the parenting of Elizabeth to her sister Tatiana while she enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle.
Elizabeth is an interesting character with a fair sized chip on her shoulder. She and her mother are trying to forge a relationship as adults. Elizabeth also married in haste to a soldier who was shipping out. Unfortunately, he was abusive and philandering and when she got word he was a war fatality, she was secretly relieved. So, between her childhood and her marriage, she has turned into an emotionally guarded woman. In addition, she is determined to make the resort a success and is a stern and unyielding boss. It will be interesting to see if she loosens up a bit as the series progresses.
She has romantic opportunities -- with a NY reporter who is only around occasionally, and with the handsome son of the neighboring resort owner. But she keeps both at arm's length.
Her season is frantically busy. In addition to her normal guests, a movie company is doing some filming at her resort and generally creating a ton of extra work and drama. The director in particular is temperamental and unpleasant, so when he drops dead one night after dinner, there is a long list of suspects. But Elizabeth can't afford to have the resort's business suffer and so she does some investigating of her own.
The setting and the character interactions make this series stand out. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mystery series, featuring Elizabeth and her mother Olivia in the 1950s. Olivia is a famous retired dancer and actress, self-centered and content to leave the heavy lifting of hotel work to her daughter. She had a Bohemian actress's life and left the parenting of Elizabeth to her sister Tatiana while she enjoyed a glamorous lifestyle.
Elizabeth is an interesting character with a fair sized chip on her shoulder. She and her mother are trying to forge a relationship as adults. Elizabeth also married in haste to a soldier who was shipping out. Unfortunately, he was abusive and philandering and when she got word he was a war fatality, she was secretly relieved. So, between her childhood and her marriage, she has turned into an emotionally guarded woman. In addition, she is determined to make the resort a success and is a stern and unyielding boss. It will be interesting to see if she loosens up a bit as the series progresses.
She has romantic opportunities -- with a NY reporter who is only around occasionally, and with the handsome son of the neighboring resort owner. But she keeps both at arm's length.
Her season is frantically busy. In addition to her normal guests, a movie company is doing some filming at her resort and generally creating a ton of extra work and drama. The director in particular is temperamental and unpleasant, so when he drops dead one night after dinner, there is a long list of suspects. But Elizabeth can't afford to have the resort's business suffer and so she does some investigating of her own.
The setting and the character interactions make this series stand out. Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 8, 2022
Vicki Delany's series can be mind popcorn, so I set my expectations accordingly. I appreciate the level of research she does to set the tone and place for this post WW II series. I even looked up photos of that era's summer resorts so I could visualize things better myself. It was definitely a time and place in Americana and history. Cheez Whiz and maraschino cherries were the height of cool canapes. What a world!
This book in the series plugged along well. I had a whiff of an idea of whodunit (and was right). But the denouement? It was rushed and confusing. And a little unrealistic. How they let the 'bad guy' romp around before the ultimate arrest felt odd to me. Also, the evidence to actually arrest also felt unconvincing. I mean, I believed the person did the murder, but wasn't sure there was enough for the police to act on it. I know that seems like a picky detail in a light mystery, but it bugged me.
Still and all, I will look for the next in the series because it was lighthearted fun.
This book in the series plugged along well. I had a whiff of an idea of whodunit (and was right). But the denouement? It was rushed and confusing. And a little unrealistic. How they let the 'bad guy' romp around before the ultimate arrest felt odd to me. Also, the evidence to actually arrest also felt unconvincing. I mean, I believed the person did the murder, but wasn't sure there was enough for the police to act on it. I know that seems like a picky detail in a light mystery, but it bugged me.
Still and all, I will look for the next in the series because it was lighthearted fun.
February 28, 2025
Kinda getting into these cozy mysteries..... A little light, but entertaining..... Entertaining plot!!!
Daring resort manager Elizabeth Grady will need to think fast to bring a killer into the limelight in this charming 1950s set cozy mystery series.Famous director Elias Theropodous has chosen Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as a shooting location for his next film. It sounds glamorous to much o f the staff, but resort manager Elizabeth Grady is less satisfied. Dealing with the ridiculous demands of the antagonistic director is bad enough, and his attempts to walk all over Elizabeth are making her feel like her position at the resort has been changed into a bit part.
But when Elias is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, the future of the film and the resort itself are on the line. Between an aging movie star, a harried producer, and former victims of the deceased director’s wrath, Elizabeth has a full cast of suspects to examine, and she’ll need to investigate every lead to catch a killer.
Daring resort manager Elizabeth Grady will need to think fast to bring a killer into the limelight in this charming 1950s set cozy mystery series.Famous director Elias Theropodous has chosen Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as a shooting location for his next film. It sounds glamorous to much o f the staff, but resort manager Elizabeth Grady is less satisfied. Dealing with the ridiculous demands of the antagonistic director is bad enough, and his attempts to walk all over Elizabeth are making her feel like her position at the resort has been changed into a bit part.
But when Elias is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, the future of the film and the resort itself are on the line. Between an aging movie star, a harried producer, and former victims of the deceased director’s wrath, Elizabeth has a full cast of suspects to examine, and she’ll need to investigate every lead to catch a killer.
December 9, 2021
Second in the series that I like because of the unusual setting, the Catskills summer resort area in the 1950s. This time a movie is being filmed at the resort, and Elizabeth and her mother are involved. A good friend of the mother appears in the movie and has taken over Elizabeth's room, so she is staying in another cabin. Things go awry, and attract unwanted police and press, when the film director is poisoned. Elizabeth, as usual, is on the case, ostensibly to protect the resort, but also because she cannot resist a mystery. Elizabeth is still very formal and proper towards everyone, including her two potential beaus. She really needs to loosen up, but feels she cannot afford to as a woman in a man's world in the 1950s, and she's probably correct. Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC.
June 24, 2022
The famous, autocratic director who's chosen Haggerman's resort as one of the locations of his new movie is an unpopular man, but that doesn't mean that resort manager (and daughter of the owner) Elizabeth is happy when he dies after a lavish dinner he's thrown for people at the hotel. What could destroy a Catskills resort faster than a poisoning? But it soon becomes clear that someone targeted him, as no one else was sickened by the food. Still, Elizabeth figures it will be better for business if the death is cleared up quickly. But there are so many suspects! And when it turns out that the director actually came from the area, and left behind him an unhappy brother, a whole new field opens up.
November 2, 2021
Delightful, nostalgic and fun! Set in a Catskills resort in the 1950s, resort manager Elizabeth Grady has her hands full trying to keep up with the demands of a movie crew filming and then things get worse when the extremely unpopular director is inconveniently poisoned during dinner catered by her staff. Featuring a more traditional cozy murder mystery than the first book, this series has really come into its own in this sophomore effort. Recommended, especially for those who grew up in the 50s as the nostalgia factor is high in this series. For the rest of us, peek into a lost world of poodle cuts and girdles and enjoy the ride!
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