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Bertie Carroll Mysteries #1
Death on the Pier
A murder mystery playwright turns real-life detective when, during one of his plays, an actress is shot and killed, while an unsuspecting audience watches on.
This theatrical murder mystery debut from Jamie West introduces Bertie Carroll, one of the most successful playwrights of the 1930s, and his old school friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman. Together they team up to see if they can solve the mystery.
During the performance, the audience watches former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, as she is shot onstage, unaware that a real murder is taking place. It’s only when the curtain falls that the cast realise that something has gone horribly wrong.
Did someone swap the bullets in the prop gun for real ones, without anyone noticing? The actress who fired the gun doesn't seem to have any reason for wanting her dead, but is she hiding something?
Together, Bertie and Hugh must unravel the clues as they interview their suspects. As they do, their own friendship is rekindled. But is there something from their own past that needs to be uncovered? Why did Hugh want to meet up after all these years apart?
The story is set in and around The Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, which no longer exists. This "lost" theatre has been lovingly recreated in the pages of this book.
This theatrical murder mystery debut from Jamie West introduces Bertie Carroll, one of the most successful playwrights of the 1930s, and his old school friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman. Together they team up to see if they can solve the mystery.
During the performance, the audience watches former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, as she is shot onstage, unaware that a real murder is taking place. It’s only when the curtain falls that the cast realise that something has gone horribly wrong.
Did someone swap the bullets in the prop gun for real ones, without anyone noticing? The actress who fired the gun doesn't seem to have any reason for wanting her dead, but is she hiding something?
Together, Bertie and Hugh must unravel the clues as they interview their suspects. As they do, their own friendship is rekindled. But is there something from their own past that needs to be uncovered? Why did Hugh want to meet up after all these years apart?
The story is set in and around The Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, which no longer exists. This "lost" theatre has been lovingly recreated in the pages of this book.
336 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2022
68 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Jamie West
2 books20 followersOver the last 15 years, I have worked backstage on countless shows in London’s West End.
The history of the buildings I’ve worked in, my love for a good murder mystery and a fascination with “lost” theatres is what has inspired my writing.
I took the first steps into the world of storytelling during my time at Braintree College, in Essex, where I would write short plays and eventually a full-scale musical for the other students on my performing arts course.
I originally went to The Guildhall School of Music and Drama with ambitions to become a lighting designer. On graduating, I found that I stumbled into the world of automation — the department that’s responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment controlling the motorised scenery you see moving around during a production.
This is where I stayed ever since! During that time I’ve been able to work on a huge variety of productions and able to open some incredible ones like The Book of Mormon, Miss Saigon, Kinky Books, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dear Evan Hansen, and my current job: Hamilton. I also helped start an automation rental company, which now supplies a growing number of shows in the West End.
Now, I split my time between working on shows and my writing.
The history of the buildings I’ve worked in, my love for a good murder mystery and a fascination with “lost” theatres is what has inspired my writing.
I took the first steps into the world of storytelling during my time at Braintree College, in Essex, where I would write short plays and eventually a full-scale musical for the other students on my performing arts course.
I originally went to The Guildhall School of Music and Drama with ambitions to become a lighting designer. On graduating, I found that I stumbled into the world of automation — the department that’s responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment controlling the motorised scenery you see moving around during a production.
This is where I stayed ever since! During that time I’ve been able to work on a huge variety of productions and able to open some incredible ones like The Book of Mormon, Miss Saigon, Kinky Books, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Dear Evan Hansen, and my current job: Hamilton. I also helped start an automation rental company, which now supplies a growing number of shows in the West End.
Now, I split my time between working on shows and my writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
November 7, 2022
Real Rating: 4.5* of five, rounded up because it was that much fun
The Publisher Says: A murder mystery playwright turns real-life detective when, during one of his plays, an actress is shot and killed, while an unsuspecting audience watches on.
This theatrical murder mystery debut from Jamie West introduces Bertie Carroll, one of the most successful playwrights of the 1930s, and his old school friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman. Together they team up to see if they can solve the mystery.
During the performance, the audience watches former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, as she is shot onstage, unaware that a real murder is taking place. It’s only when the curtain falls that the cast realise that something has gone horribly wrong.
Did someone swap the bullets in the prop gun for real ones, without anyone noticing? The actress who fired the gun doesn't seem to have any reason for wanting her dead, but is she hiding something?
Together, Bertie and Hugh must unravel the clues as they interview their suspects. As they do, their own friendship is rekindled. But is there something from their own past that needs to be uncovered? Why did Hugh want to meet up after all these years apart?
The story is set in and around The Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, which no longer exists. This "lost" theatre has been lovingly recreated in the pages of this book.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I do love Golden Age mysteries. This one, a modern author's take on one of the best tropes for a murder mystery set in 1933 I know of, satisfied me in almost all ways.
The play as the scene of a crime trope is one I genuinely love. All Star Cast, a Golden-Age mystery I read via the Internet Archive, uses the same plot with a few embellishments that, frankly, this book didn't need and doesn't miss. I was enchanted by Bertie, our PoV character, being so absolutely down-to-Earth and commonsensical...I think playwrights absolutely must be both those things or they simply can not do the complex and complicated job of telling a story while moving people around the stage without feeling clanky-creaky-affected. There's so much of that delight present here, even in the descriptions of the action.
What I also loved was Hugh's evident pleasure in Bertie's company. He's a senior policeman...he knows what's at stake in dropping as many hairpins as he does for Bertie to notice! But he still does it, and he still affords Bertie's insights and insider knowledge of the play (which he wrote) and the players (with whom he's acquainted) and theater's many strange, invisible-to-outsiders customs and crotchets that explain how the murder was accomplished.
I believe with all my heart that we'll see these two together in some fashion at a later date. (Especially after Hugh engineers that swim. He clearly wanted a look!)
Why the murder was accomplished, now, that was pure Golden Age stuff. I thought there was nothing left to surprise me in Mysteryland...but there certainly was. The motive for the murder was straight out of Ngaio Marsh! I loved it, because I was reading (by that time) as though I was in 1933. It's just delightful to get that level of buy-in out of an old, tired grouch like me. And to have a real Golden Age detective who is One of Us, a Friend of Dorothy's, a queer gent...appropriately discreet but unmistakably gay, as minor character Teddy proves in his bluff, blokey-jokey way.
I so delighted in this experience. The author's evident love for theater, and his perfectly achieved evocation of a theater in Brighton long gone, came clearly through. It felt as though I was not only in that vanished theater, but in 1933, and among actors exactly like the ones in the story. Murder at the Matinee can't come early enough in 2023 for me!
The Publisher Says: A murder mystery playwright turns real-life detective when, during one of his plays, an actress is shot and killed, while an unsuspecting audience watches on.
This theatrical murder mystery debut from Jamie West introduces Bertie Carroll, one of the most successful playwrights of the 1930s, and his old school friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman. Together they team up to see if they can solve the mystery.
During the performance, the audience watches former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, as she is shot onstage, unaware that a real murder is taking place. It’s only when the curtain falls that the cast realise that something has gone horribly wrong.
Did someone swap the bullets in the prop gun for real ones, without anyone noticing? The actress who fired the gun doesn't seem to have any reason for wanting her dead, but is she hiding something?
Together, Bertie and Hugh must unravel the clues as they interview their suspects. As they do, their own friendship is rekindled. But is there something from their own past that needs to be uncovered? Why did Hugh want to meet up after all these years apart?
The story is set in and around The Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, which no longer exists. This "lost" theatre has been lovingly recreated in the pages of this book.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I do love Golden Age mysteries. This one, a modern author's take on one of the best tropes for a murder mystery set in 1933 I know of, satisfied me in almost all ways.
The play as the scene of a crime trope is one I genuinely love. All Star Cast, a Golden-Age mystery I read via the Internet Archive, uses the same plot with a few embellishments that, frankly, this book didn't need and doesn't miss. I was enchanted by Bertie, our PoV character, being so absolutely down-to-Earth and commonsensical...I think playwrights absolutely must be both those things or they simply can not do the complex and complicated job of telling a story while moving people around the stage without feeling clanky-creaky-affected. There's so much of that delight present here, even in the descriptions of the action.
What I also loved was Hugh's evident pleasure in Bertie's company. He's a senior policeman...he knows what's at stake in dropping as many hairpins as he does for Bertie to notice! But he still does it, and he still affords Bertie's insights and insider knowledge of the play (which he wrote) and the players (with whom he's acquainted) and theater's many strange, invisible-to-outsiders customs and crotchets that explain how the murder was accomplished.
I believe with all my heart that we'll see these two together in some fashion at a later date. (Especially after Hugh engineers that swim. He clearly wanted a look!)
Why the murder was accomplished, now, that was pure Golden Age stuff. I thought there was nothing left to surprise me in Mysteryland...but there certainly was. The motive for the murder was straight out of Ngaio Marsh! I loved it, because I was reading (by that time) as though I was in 1933. It's just delightful to get that level of buy-in out of an old, tired grouch like me. And to have a real Golden Age detective who is One of Us, a Friend of Dorothy's, a queer gent...appropriately discreet but unmistakably gay, as minor character Teddy proves in his bluff, blokey-jokey way.
I so delighted in this experience. The author's evident love for theater, and his perfectly achieved evocation of a theater in Brighton long gone, came clearly through. It felt as though I was not only in that vanished theater, but in 1933, and among actors exactly like the ones in the story. Murder at the Matinee can't come early enough in 2023 for me!
September 30, 2022
Brighton 1933, it is a wet and windy night and playwright Bertie Carroll has come to see one of his plays at the Palace pier theatre. Where he meets his old friend Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, and they watch the play.
Former Hollywood actress Celia Hamilton is the leading lady in the play, but tragedy strikes when Celia as part of the play she is shot, but she gets shot in real life and dies on stage.
As Hugh is already at the scene, he starts the investigation with friend Bertie. Who killed Celia and what is the motive for her death?
Thank you Netgalley and Brabinger Publishing, for an ARC Death on the pier. This is a very good debut novel and whodunnit mystery set in the thirties. This has a great atmospheric setting, great storyline and interesting characters. I really enjoyed this cosy crime novel and hope there is more because I would like to see how it develops. 4 stars from me.
October 17, 2022
3.5 stars
A nice Agatha Christie-like murder mystery that happens inside a theater on the pier. The male main character, Bertie Carroll, is a playwright whose play is being perform on stage when the murder happens. His school-friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, is also happens to be watching the performance alongside Bertie. With his knowledge about theater AND about the play itself, Bertie assists Hugh in solving the mystery.
The investigation is pretty straight-forward. Hugh and Bertie begins interviewing everyone involves. Bertie does good thinking throughout, most probably because it IS his play, so he can see from a different angle compared to Hugh. I like their friendship - that Hugh is secure enough in his job, he's willing to let Bertie helps him (and defend that choice to the chief constable).
There's "coded" language about Bertie's sexuality, which is due to the time and setting of this book (in the 1930s). My romantic heart secretly hoping that Bertie and Hugh's partnership will transform into something more. Alas, that's not the case. At least not in this one
This book has snippets on the next Bertie Caroll Mystery, coming in 2023, and I rather looking forward to that.
A nice Agatha Christie-like murder mystery that happens inside a theater on the pier. The male main character, Bertie Carroll, is a playwright whose play is being perform on stage when the murder happens. His school-friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, is also happens to be watching the performance alongside Bertie. With his knowledge about theater AND about the play itself, Bertie assists Hugh in solving the mystery.
The investigation is pretty straight-forward. Hugh and Bertie begins interviewing everyone involves. Bertie does good thinking throughout, most probably because it IS his play, so he can see from a different angle compared to Hugh. I like their friendship - that Hugh is secure enough in his job, he's willing to let Bertie helps him (and defend that choice to the chief constable).
There's "coded" language about Bertie's sexuality, which is due to the time and setting of this book (in the 1930s). My romantic heart secretly hoping that Bertie and Hugh's partnership will transform into something more. Alas, that's not the case. At least not in this one
This book has snippets on the next Bertie Caroll Mystery, coming in 2023, and I rather looking forward to that.
April 7, 2023
A decent period murder procedural with a good cast of characters / suspects. This is not a romance although there's undeniable hints of attraction between MC Bertie (playwright) and detective inspector Hugh. The period setting is well laid out and the author's expertise/knowledge of all things related to the staging of a play is undeniable. I did guess the identity of the murderer and also the modus operandi and motivation by two-thirds way into the read but these did not hinder my reading enjoyment. Happy to go onto the upcoming book in this new series - 3.5 stars.
August 2, 2024
I found this kind of disappointing.
First impression was good, with what I felt was some fairly good writing, but that quickly turned into a feeling of omg, WHY are you going on and on about this boring irrelevant nonsense? Lots of passages just felt like pointless tangents.
I would say I was favorably inclined toward the main character, Bertie, but at the same time, I didn't feel like there was enough characterization there to actually like or dislike anyone. We get a few facts about him, but there's not a lot of interiority, and ultimately the extent of his personality on page doesn't develop much beyond "shy".
Now I love mysteries. Every book should be a mystery. Science fiction mysteries, fantasy mysteries, western mysteries, romance mysteries, mysteries work wonderfully in every genre. I've noticed the term "Golden Age" tossed about in reference to this book, along with plenty of others. I'm going to commit a bit of blasphemy. Golden age mysteries SUCK! Yes, even her. They might make for some fantastic television and movie adaptations, but the books? Unreadable. The writing? Dry. I can practically feel myself shriveling up like a salted snail at the thought of touching one. The characters? lol What characters? You mean those crudely carved chunks of wood being shuffled around like chess pieces for the sake of a puzzle? I don't think so. Comparing something to "Golden Age" mysteries is not a compliment, as far as I'm concerned.
Sorry, I'll get back on topic.
I think the biggest reason this book disappointed was that I saw the who, the how, and the why of the murder very early on. Not because I'm so smart, but because the author made his clues way too obvious. And that made me realize something. For all that I'm pretty opinionated about the "rules" of mystery writing, the clues, no suicides, the killer appearing in the first third or so of the book, etc. I don't actually want to solve the mystery. I don't want to read a puzzle, I want to read a novel. I never make the slightest effort to beat the detective, or whatever. I want to be surprised. It has to be fair. And of course I do get ideas about who did it even without trying, but I want the solution to, at least mostly, be a surprise. And this book, was very much a letdown in that respect.
I don't say it's awful. Bertie, even if underdeveloped, is at least theoretically likable. I'm open to trying the sequel, or other works by the author. Some of my favorite authors' early books are quite weak. There is potential here, even if, for me, this one didn't entirely succeed.
First impression was good, with what I felt was some fairly good writing, but that quickly turned into a feeling of omg, WHY are you going on and on about this boring irrelevant nonsense? Lots of passages just felt like pointless tangents.
I would say I was favorably inclined toward the main character, Bertie, but at the same time, I didn't feel like there was enough characterization there to actually like or dislike anyone. We get a few facts about him, but there's not a lot of interiority, and ultimately the extent of his personality on page doesn't develop much beyond "shy".
Now I love mysteries. Every book should be a mystery. Science fiction mysteries, fantasy mysteries, western mysteries, romance mysteries, mysteries work wonderfully in every genre. I've noticed the term "Golden Age" tossed about in reference to this book, along with plenty of others. I'm going to commit a bit of blasphemy. Golden age mysteries SUCK! Yes, even her. They might make for some fantastic television and movie adaptations, but the books? Unreadable. The writing? Dry. I can practically feel myself shriveling up like a salted snail at the thought of touching one. The characters? lol What characters? You mean those crudely carved chunks of wood being shuffled around like chess pieces for the sake of a puzzle? I don't think so. Comparing something to "Golden Age" mysteries is not a compliment, as far as I'm concerned.
Sorry, I'll get back on topic.
I think the biggest reason this book disappointed was that I saw the who, the how, and the why of the murder very early on. Not because I'm so smart, but because the author made his clues way too obvious. And that made me realize something. For all that I'm pretty opinionated about the "rules" of mystery writing, the clues, no suicides, the killer appearing in the first third or so of the book, etc. I don't actually want to solve the mystery. I don't want to read a puzzle, I want to read a novel. I never make the slightest effort to beat the detective, or whatever. I want to be surprised. It has to be fair. And of course I do get ideas about who did it even without trying, but I want the solution to, at least mostly, be a surprise. And this book, was very much a letdown in that respect.
I don't say it's awful. Bertie, even if underdeveloped, is at least theoretically likable. I'm open to trying the sequel, or other works by the author. Some of my favorite authors' early books are quite weak. There is potential here, even if, for me, this one didn't entirely succeed.
May 20, 2022
My rating: 4.75 stars
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a delightful cozy mystery set in a quaint location with a handful of quirky characters. This is a debut novel, but the writer brings a lifetime of theatre/playwriting experience that leaves us with a polished, smooth read.
The story follows mostly Bertie, a playwright who is involved in a real-life murder in the set of his own murder mystery. Alongside with his childhood friend, now police investigator, Hugh, he must work to solve the case.
The details of the theatre itself, along with the day-to-day realities of theatre life are flawless and bring this story to life. Each of the characters has their secrets, even Bertie, who is bewildered initially, but ultimately shows his strength and mental fortitude when it really counts.
There is a hint of gayness, due to the time and location, it is necessarily understated. I would have liked to have seen more of Bertie’s interaction with Hugh, though. At any rate, the story ends on a hopeful note and a promise we haven’t seen the last of Bertie and Hugh!
I’ll be watching for the next installment. Recommended!
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a delightful cozy mystery set in a quaint location with a handful of quirky characters. This is a debut novel, but the writer brings a lifetime of theatre/playwriting experience that leaves us with a polished, smooth read.
The story follows mostly Bertie, a playwright who is involved in a real-life murder in the set of his own murder mystery. Alongside with his childhood friend, now police investigator, Hugh, he must work to solve the case.
The details of the theatre itself, along with the day-to-day realities of theatre life are flawless and bring this story to life. Each of the characters has their secrets, even Bertie, who is bewildered initially, but ultimately shows his strength and mental fortitude when it really counts.
There is a hint of gayness, due to the time and location, it is necessarily understated. I would have liked to have seen more of Bertie’s interaction with Hugh, though. At any rate, the story ends on a hopeful note and a promise we haven’t seen the last of Bertie and Hugh!
I’ll be watching for the next installment. Recommended!
September 26, 2022
Do you enjoy old-fashioned/classic mysteries, with a smart police detective? How about the locked-room mystery genre where you only have a certain number of possible suspects? If you answered yes to those questions, you will certainly enjoy Death on the Pier. The action takes place in the fall of 1933 in Brighton, England - this is the off-season since it’s a seashore resort town, which makes Brighton an odd choice for a staging a play. The play features a murder and, as you may guess, the pretend-murder turns out to be real. Unluckily for the culprit, the playwright and his detective friend are in attendance.
The detective, Hugh, is an old schoolfriend of Bertie, the playwright, and he gets in touch after quite a few years. It is never really explained why Hugh wanted to meet up with Bertie at that particular time and place, but maybe the author will explore this further in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brabinger for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The detective, Hugh, is an old schoolfriend of Bertie, the playwright, and he gets in touch after quite a few years. It is never really explained why Hugh wanted to meet up with Bertie at that particular time and place, but maybe the author will explore this further in the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brabinger for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 9, 2022
Deliciously clever. Delicately woven around theatre (British spelling) customs and production elements, it's a bit like stepping onstage and into the middle of a classic Agatha Christie type mystery for which you neither know the lines nor how the play ends. Nothing seems quite wrong....or right.
That's the situation successful playwright Bertie Carroll finds himself in as he attends a performance of one of his older productions at Brighton's Palace Pier Theatre. It's the 1930s. The theatre was real, btw, and a quick search reveals it must have been rather resplendent at one time. Sadly, it no longer exists. But, I digress. Bertie is in town to meet with an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman who has a reputation for solving impossible cases. Bertie is, well, an unassuming writer and feels out of his element as the investigation into the onstage death of fading star Celia Hamilton begins.
It happened in front of an audience who simply thought it was part of the play, as did Bertie initially, to be honest. It quickly becomes evident that it was no well-played death scene, however. It was the real thing. Celia is dead. The actress who pulled the trigger of the prop gun is the obvious suspect but, well, we all know that things aren't always what they seem. I won't detail the plot/investigation but it's fun watching Bertie gain in confidence as he uses his knowledge of day-to-day theatre customs, whether on casting, production, staging, or dressing the stage, to help solve the crime. You'll learn a great deal about the theatre in the process of solving this mystery.
So, who did it? Did the butler do it? Was it the young, unknown actress, perhaps hoping to replace the difficult star? Perhaps the stage manager had snapped at one too many caustic criticisms? Or maybe the handsome young actor who seems, well, a tad undisciplined onstage? Breaking the fourth wall is a no-no, you know. Why is this show being produced anyway? It isn't even one of Bertie's hits. And, why is Hugh there in the first place? Do you know what a cigarette card is/was in that time period? He gives one to Bertie. There are hints of their connection but, given the era, they remain shadowy. I rather like that as I liked them both and it makes them human but doesn't distract from the story. But, enough teasers. Read the book. You won't be sorry, especially if you're a fan of classic mysteries and/or the theatre.
Thanks to #NetGalley and BrabingerPublishing for the invite to the show. It was a delight to meet Bertie and Hugh and feel engulfed by the mystic of the theatre. Hope to catch another show with them soon!
That's the situation successful playwright Bertie Carroll finds himself in as he attends a performance of one of his older productions at Brighton's Palace Pier Theatre. It's the 1930s. The theatre was real, btw, and a quick search reveals it must have been rather resplendent at one time. Sadly, it no longer exists. But, I digress. Bertie is in town to meet with an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman who has a reputation for solving impossible cases. Bertie is, well, an unassuming writer and feels out of his element as the investigation into the onstage death of fading star Celia Hamilton begins.
It happened in front of an audience who simply thought it was part of the play, as did Bertie initially, to be honest. It quickly becomes evident that it was no well-played death scene, however. It was the real thing. Celia is dead. The actress who pulled the trigger of the prop gun is the obvious suspect but, well, we all know that things aren't always what they seem. I won't detail the plot/investigation but it's fun watching Bertie gain in confidence as he uses his knowledge of day-to-day theatre customs, whether on casting, production, staging, or dressing the stage, to help solve the crime. You'll learn a great deal about the theatre in the process of solving this mystery.
So, who did it? Did the butler do it? Was it the young, unknown actress, perhaps hoping to replace the difficult star? Perhaps the stage manager had snapped at one too many caustic criticisms? Or maybe the handsome young actor who seems, well, a tad undisciplined onstage? Breaking the fourth wall is a no-no, you know. Why is this show being produced anyway? It isn't even one of Bertie's hits. And, why is Hugh there in the first place? Do you know what a cigarette card is/was in that time period? He gives one to Bertie. There are hints of their connection but, given the era, they remain shadowy. I rather like that as I liked them both and it makes them human but doesn't distract from the story. But, enough teasers. Read the book. You won't be sorry, especially if you're a fan of classic mysteries and/or the theatre.
Thanks to #NetGalley and BrabingerPublishing for the invite to the show. It was a delight to meet Bertie and Hugh and feel engulfed by the mystic of the theatre. Hope to catch another show with them soon!
October 1, 2022
This was just utterly delightful! The perfect cosy murder mystery to ease me into spooky season.
During the opening night of a murder mystery play, the star of the show is murdered on stage in front of a live audience in what simply looks like part of the show until the curtain falls on Act I. Over the course of the book, each characters movements and motives are unravelled in a way that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Our main character, Bertie the playwright, is so loveable. He kind of gave me big John Watson vibes and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him slowly unravel this murder mystery ahead of his equally loveable detective friend, Hugh.
I will admit to having solved the case fairly early on, but I was never actually sure I was right and was almost convinced to change my mind multiple times throughout the course of the book. I think half the fun’s in working it out for yourself, though, and I feel this book is written in a way that allows you to play detective as reader, which is fun.
I also had a great time shipping Bertie and Hugh. That ending was *chefs kiss* perfection. I’ll definitely be needing more of these two.
During the opening night of a murder mystery play, the star of the show is murdered on stage in front of a live audience in what simply looks like part of the show until the curtain falls on Act I. Over the course of the book, each characters movements and motives are unravelled in a way that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Our main character, Bertie the playwright, is so loveable. He kind of gave me big John Watson vibes and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him slowly unravel this murder mystery ahead of his equally loveable detective friend, Hugh.
I will admit to having solved the case fairly early on, but I was never actually sure I was right and was almost convinced to change my mind multiple times throughout the course of the book. I think half the fun’s in working it out for yourself, though, and I feel this book is written in a way that allows you to play detective as reader, which is fun.
I also had a great time shipping Bertie and Hugh. That ending was *chefs kiss* perfection. I’ll definitely be needing more of these two.
Read
November 6, 2022It’s opening night for a redo of one of playwright Bertie Carroll‘s lesser known murder mysteries. And everyone agrees that famous, but now fading, Celia Hamilton played her death scene extremely well. Maybe too well, for when the curtain goes down, Celia truly dead. Shot in front of an audience that included Carroll and his friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman.
What a fabulous debut novel, with a plot that was very well crafted. West’s image of the Brighton theater world of the 1930s shows that he knows his subject. The vivid descriptions of the Palace Pier Theater, the actors, and theater life were particularly good. The characters are very well drawn, with Bertie as an extremely engaging stand out. Hugh Chapman is still something of an enigma, but I look forward to learning more about him! The supporting cast were all interesting and made for an interesting set of suspects.
This was a great old fashioned theatrical murder mystery. I read it cover to cover without stopping and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm already looking forward to the next installment!
What a fabulous debut novel, with a plot that was very well crafted. West’s image of the Brighton theater world of the 1930s shows that he knows his subject. The vivid descriptions of the Palace Pier Theater, the actors, and theater life were particularly good. The characters are very well drawn, with Bertie as an extremely engaging stand out. Hugh Chapman is still something of an enigma, but I look forward to learning more about him! The supporting cast were all interesting and made for an interesting set of suspects.
This was a great old fashioned theatrical murder mystery. I read it cover to cover without stopping and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm already looking forward to the next installment!
October 12, 2022
Murder on opening night in 1930's Brighton. This historical mystery was cleverly plotted and tightly paced. Playwright Bertie Carroll drops in to watch one of his older plays only to witness the lead actress being killed on stage. Old school friend, DCI Hugh Chapman is also on hand to begin an investigation.
The reader is brought along with the detective and Bertie as they try to solve the case and learn key information as they do. Jamie West is very knowledgeable about the theater world. This lends authenticity to the story. It also allowed the author to play with our perceptions, hiding clues and dropping red herrings subtly into the mystery.
I enjoyed the historical note at the end about the Palace Pier Theatre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The reader is brought along with the detective and Bertie as they try to solve the case and learn key information as they do. Jamie West is very knowledgeable about the theater world. This lends authenticity to the story. It also allowed the author to play with our perceptions, hiding clues and dropping red herrings subtly into the mystery.
I enjoyed the historical note at the end about the Palace Pier Theatre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 21, 2023
3½ stars.
an entertaining, cosy murder mystery with a fairly predictable solution. (the how was cleverly done, i thought, but the who and why were pretty obvious once you got halfway through the book – not that that's necessarily a bad thing, since the whole point was that the reader gets the same clues the main character does.)
i really enjoyed the theatre setting, and i'm looking forward to the next one, but i do hope the second book undergoes one more round of proofreading, since this one had surprisingly many typos and errors.
(also i was kind of holding out hope for bertie and hugh, but alas. maybe in the next one!)
an entertaining, cosy murder mystery with a fairly predictable solution. (the how was cleverly done, i thought, but the who and why were pretty obvious once you got halfway through the book – not that that's necessarily a bad thing, since the whole point was that the reader gets the same clues the main character does.)
i really enjoyed the theatre setting, and i'm looking forward to the next one, but i do hope the second book undergoes one more round of proofreading, since this one had surprisingly many typos and errors.
(also i was kind of holding out hope for bertie and hugh, but alas. maybe in the next one!)
January 17, 2023
Death on the Pier is Jamie West’s debut novel and the first in a new series set in the 1930s, starring Bertie Carroll. Giving me all the Agatha Christie vibes, this is a hugely accomplished debut which I enjoyed enormously.
It combines two of my loves - the world of the theatre and wickedly clever whodunnits.
Bertie Carroll is a murder mystery playwright. He arrives in Brighton to see one of his plays performed, only to witness a tragic shooting on the stage. Investigating, alongside his old school friend Hugh, now a Chief Detective Inspector, he has to determine what really took place and who had a motive to kill.
Set in and around the old Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, West has lovingly recreated it for the book. In real life, the theatre no longer exists, but I found it brilliantly realised on the page and captured so perfectly that I could visualise all the little details. It makes the best setting for the scene of the crime.
I loved trying to puzzle out this clever whodunnit and the investigation into the crime kept me glued to the page. I did work it out before the end but only just! It was superbly plotted and worthy of the Queen of Crime herself.
If you are looking for a cosy murder mystery read then look no further. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series and I’m excited to see what trouble Bertie Carroll will find himself embroiled in next.
It combines two of my loves - the world of the theatre and wickedly clever whodunnits.
Bertie Carroll is a murder mystery playwright. He arrives in Brighton to see one of his plays performed, only to witness a tragic shooting on the stage. Investigating, alongside his old school friend Hugh, now a Chief Detective Inspector, he has to determine what really took place and who had a motive to kill.
Set in and around the old Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, West has lovingly recreated it for the book. In real life, the theatre no longer exists, but I found it brilliantly realised on the page and captured so perfectly that I could visualise all the little details. It makes the best setting for the scene of the crime.
I loved trying to puzzle out this clever whodunnit and the investigation into the crime kept me glued to the page. I did work it out before the end but only just! It was superbly plotted and worthy of the Queen of Crime herself.
If you are looking for a cosy murder mystery read then look no further. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in the series and I’m excited to see what trouble Bertie Carroll will find himself embroiled in next.
August 3, 2022
I received an arc from netgalley for this review -
What a delightful, unique gem. I'm not the biggest fan of "historical" romances, or romance set that far back in time without some other element to it such as magic, steampunk, horror, etc...but this book really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.
The setting itself is rather unique, and lends a sort of Phantom of the Opera vibe to it. The relationship was great, and the fact that not all the backstory was filled in between them just yet was actually fun. It's obvious this is the beginning of a projected series, and I'm excited to see where it goes.
The mystery itself was fun. It was a classic, by the numbers Murder She Wrote affair which I enjoyed. It was just pulpy enough to be entertaining.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and was surprised at how charming and fun it was. I look forward to what comes next.
What a delightful, unique gem. I'm not the biggest fan of "historical" romances, or romance set that far back in time without some other element to it such as magic, steampunk, horror, etc...but this book really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.
The setting itself is rather unique, and lends a sort of Phantom of the Opera vibe to it. The relationship was great, and the fact that not all the backstory was filled in between them just yet was actually fun. It's obvious this is the beginning of a projected series, and I'm excited to see where it goes.
The mystery itself was fun. It was a classic, by the numbers Murder She Wrote affair which I enjoyed. It was just pulpy enough to be entertaining.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and was surprised at how charming and fun it was. I look forward to what comes next.
October 10, 2022
4.5
A fantastic read. The characters & setting really shone. The descriptions of the theatre were wonderfully visual & I'd have loved the chance to have seen it for myself.
I particularly enjoyed the authentic 1930s feel to the characters voices & the hints woven throughout the story. This is a good old fashion murder mystery & I'm already looking forward to hearing more from Jamie & Bertie Carroll.
A fantastic read. The characters & setting really shone. The descriptions of the theatre were wonderfully visual & I'd have loved the chance to have seen it for myself.
I particularly enjoyed the authentic 1930s feel to the characters voices & the hints woven throughout the story. This is a good old fashion murder mystery & I'm already looking forward to hearing more from Jamie & Bertie Carroll.
October 12, 2022
The story:
The year is 1933, and playwright Bertie Carroll is combining a visit to Brighton to watch a staging of his play “Murder by Association” with a chance to catch up with old school friend, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Chapman.
His play is an ingenious one; at the end of the first act, a murder is committed in full view of the audience. Then, in the second half, the cast reenact the events of the first from a different perspective, to arrive at the real solution. There’s just one problem — this time, the murder victim won’t be getting up again…
My thoughts:
Golden age murder mysteries are my absolute favourite reads, especially when there starts to be a bit of autumn chill in the air. “Death on the Pier” is author Jamie West’s first novel, and it manages to capture everything I love about this genre while remaining a fresh and exciting read.
Summer is definitely over by the time Bertie’s play is staged at the (now sadly lost) Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, and the slightly bleak conditions are the perfect backdrop for murder!
I really enjoyed all the description the author gives of the theatre, its layout, and the work of the stage manager behind the scenes; whether it’s organising the props, operating the curtains or delivering the sound effects. I looked up a handy diagram of the theatre stage (upstage versus downstage, etc.!), to make sure I knew what was being talked about!
The author’s knowledge and love of the theatre shines through, and the cast of characters represent a full spectrum of theatre life — from Teddy, the next big thing, Celia, the Hollywood leading lady, Robert, the jaded old-timer, to long-suffering ‘workers’, stage manager Charlie and dresser Constance.
“‘If people like me couldn’t look past some of the histrionics that happen behind the scenes, there’d be murders every night on Broadway!’”
Usually the trusty sidekick in a murder mystery is faithful, but a bit on the slow side… their role being to show off how clever the detective is and for them to explain things for the benefit of the reader. But the partnership between playwright Bertie and police detective Hugh is a much more equal one, with Bertie’s knowledge of the theatre a vital asset, and in fact Hugh being keen to impress Bertie. I absolutely loved this duo, and hopefully this is a relationship we’ll see develop in the next story.
Overall, I found this to be a perfectly plotted, page-turner of a mystery and I’m so pleased to have found this author. I’ll be adding him to my list, alongside Anthony Horowitz and Janice Hallett, as someone whose new books I immediately snap up!
The year is 1933, and playwright Bertie Carroll is combining a visit to Brighton to watch a staging of his play “Murder by Association” with a chance to catch up with old school friend, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Chapman.
His play is an ingenious one; at the end of the first act, a murder is committed in full view of the audience. Then, in the second half, the cast reenact the events of the first from a different perspective, to arrive at the real solution. There’s just one problem — this time, the murder victim won’t be getting up again…
My thoughts:
Golden age murder mysteries are my absolute favourite reads, especially when there starts to be a bit of autumn chill in the air. “Death on the Pier” is author Jamie West’s first novel, and it manages to capture everything I love about this genre while remaining a fresh and exciting read.
Summer is definitely over by the time Bertie’s play is staged at the (now sadly lost) Palace Pier Theatre in Brighton, and the slightly bleak conditions are the perfect backdrop for murder!
I really enjoyed all the description the author gives of the theatre, its layout, and the work of the stage manager behind the scenes; whether it’s organising the props, operating the curtains or delivering the sound effects. I looked up a handy diagram of the theatre stage (upstage versus downstage, etc.!), to make sure I knew what was being talked about!
The author’s knowledge and love of the theatre shines through, and the cast of characters represent a full spectrum of theatre life — from Teddy, the next big thing, Celia, the Hollywood leading lady, Robert, the jaded old-timer, to long-suffering ‘workers’, stage manager Charlie and dresser Constance.
“‘If people like me couldn’t look past some of the histrionics that happen behind the scenes, there’d be murders every night on Broadway!’”
Usually the trusty sidekick in a murder mystery is faithful, but a bit on the slow side… their role being to show off how clever the detective is and for them to explain things for the benefit of the reader. But the partnership between playwright Bertie and police detective Hugh is a much more equal one, with Bertie’s knowledge of the theatre a vital asset, and in fact Hugh being keen to impress Bertie. I absolutely loved this duo, and hopefully this is a relationship we’ll see develop in the next story.
Overall, I found this to be a perfectly plotted, page-turner of a mystery and I’m so pleased to have found this author. I’ll be adding him to my list, alongside Anthony Horowitz and Janice Hallett, as someone whose new books I immediately snap up!
May 18, 2022
3.75
Well, that was very entertaining.
"Death on the Pier" is a highly enjoyable, riveting, cozy mystery set in the '30s, featuring some of my absolute favourite things in the world: a wonderfully vivid Brighton setting, theatre, an amateur sleuth unwittingly involved in a bit of locked-room murder mystery and a detective (and hopefully, future love interest) that actually encourages the amateur sleuthing, some weirdly compelling, very suspicious side characters, plus a hint of slooooooow-burn romance that I'm already highly invested in.
I absolutely adored the plot: the murder mystery was well constructed, detailed and riveting. I found myself inhaling the book in one setting: I really enjoyed the Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere of the book.
I also adored the meta-theatre aspect of the plot, the play within a play feeling it evoked (or maybe, the murder mystery within a murder mystery play), the dramatic entrances and reveals. All the descriptions and details paint a highly vivid picture and the reader can actually feel how much the author loves and knows about theatre. The Brighton setting was a definitive plus: it's the first time I've seen the city depicted in a novel and since I've visited many, many times (I even saw a show in Brighton, so double kudos for me?), I loved being able to actually visualize the atmosphere and the setting of the novel.
The thing I was missing was character development. I know that cozy mysteries are more about the plot, but I was still missing that *something more* that would have completely made me fall in love with the story. Bertie is an enjoyable narrator, smart and snarky at times, but I was still missing something: his backstory and a better defined personality. I felt the same way about Hugh: we hardly know anything about him, his motives, his personality, the reasons behind his decision to seek out Bertie after all these years. This is the first novel in an upcoming series, so I hope we'll get something more on that front in the next one. I also really hope their relationship gets the place its deserves: I know this isn't a romance, but the chemistry between them is there, so fingers crossed all of that will turn into more.
Anyway, I highly recommend this novel. I'm already looking forward to reading the next one.
Well, that was very entertaining.
"Death on the Pier" is a highly enjoyable, riveting, cozy mystery set in the '30s, featuring some of my absolute favourite things in the world: a wonderfully vivid Brighton setting, theatre, an amateur sleuth unwittingly involved in a bit of locked-room murder mystery and a detective (and hopefully, future love interest) that actually encourages the amateur sleuthing, some weirdly compelling, very suspicious side characters, plus a hint of slooooooow-burn romance that I'm already highly invested in.
I absolutely adored the plot: the murder mystery was well constructed, detailed and riveting. I found myself inhaling the book in one setting: I really enjoyed the Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere of the book.
I also adored the meta-theatre aspect of the plot, the play within a play feeling it evoked (or maybe, the murder mystery within a murder mystery play), the dramatic entrances and reveals. All the descriptions and details paint a highly vivid picture and the reader can actually feel how much the author loves and knows about theatre. The Brighton setting was a definitive plus: it's the first time I've seen the city depicted in a novel and since I've visited many, many times (I even saw a show in Brighton, so double kudos for me?), I loved being able to actually visualize the atmosphere and the setting of the novel.
The thing I was missing was character development. I know that cozy mysteries are more about the plot, but I was still missing that *something more* that would have completely made me fall in love with the story. Bertie is an enjoyable narrator, smart and snarky at times, but I was still missing something: his backstory and a better defined personality. I felt the same way about Hugh: we hardly know anything about him, his motives, his personality, the reasons behind his decision to seek out Bertie after all these years. This is the first novel in an upcoming series, so I hope we'll get something more on that front in the next one. I also really hope their relationship gets the place its deserves: I know this isn't a romance, but the chemistry between them is there, so fingers crossed all of that will turn into more.
Anyway, I highly recommend this novel. I'm already looking forward to reading the next one.
September 5, 2022
I can’t help it, I love murder mysteries. Not the really dark thriller-type ones where it’s all too close to home and it’s going to give me nightmares, but the ones that are a tiny bit comedic, a little less real and I can close my eyes without thinking there’s a killer lurking outside my door.
This novel, though it was definitely not comedic, had that old-world glamour about it, something that made it feel Agatha Christie-esque.
Also, the fact that it was based in an area I am familiar with gave me a few reader thrills, such as when The Old Ship Inn was mentioned, and the various streets I spent many weekends wandering through as a child.
When old Hollywood actress Celia is murdered, right on stage, in front of a small audience, the only person it can possibly be is the young actress Jenny who was holding the gun at the time. Right? Maybe not.
The misdirects throughout were really well thought out, really well written and I have to be honest, even with the clues that were scattered across the pages I still missed the biggest clue.
It seems that despite the fact Celia was a well-loved actress, she was not at all liked by her cast, though they are very clever in not showing their hands. She’s a bully, she’s nasty, she’s an ego and she treats her co-stars as though they aren’t worthy of being on stage with her. However, is any of that enough to kill her when it boils down to it? What about blackmail?
So many red herrings and they were all clever. But none of that can take away from the fact that this is an Agatha Christie written for a modern audience, but based during that author’s heyday.
I enjoyed the way that Bertie and Hugh worked their way through the various suspects, questioning each one and discovering more motives. Because there were a lot of motives.
What Jamie West has here is incredible and the snippet of the next novel, to be released next year has me wanting to come back for more.
Bertie was a great detective though he wasn’t who, or what, I had expected.I am greatly looking forward to finding out more about him.
This novel, though it was definitely not comedic, had that old-world glamour about it, something that made it feel Agatha Christie-esque.
Also, the fact that it was based in an area I am familiar with gave me a few reader thrills, such as when The Old Ship Inn was mentioned, and the various streets I spent many weekends wandering through as a child.
When old Hollywood actress Celia is murdered, right on stage, in front of a small audience, the only person it can possibly be is the young actress Jenny who was holding the gun at the time. Right? Maybe not.
The misdirects throughout were really well thought out, really well written and I have to be honest, even with the clues that were scattered across the pages I still missed the biggest clue.
It seems that despite the fact Celia was a well-loved actress, she was not at all liked by her cast, though they are very clever in not showing their hands. She’s a bully, she’s nasty, she’s an ego and she treats her co-stars as though they aren’t worthy of being on stage with her. However, is any of that enough to kill her when it boils down to it? What about blackmail?
So many red herrings and they were all clever. But none of that can take away from the fact that this is an Agatha Christie written for a modern audience, but based during that author’s heyday.
I enjoyed the way that Bertie and Hugh worked their way through the various suspects, questioning each one and discovering more motives. Because there were a lot of motives.
What Jamie West has here is incredible and the snippet of the next novel, to be released next year has me wanting to come back for more.
Bertie was a great detective though he wasn’t who, or what, I had expected.I am greatly looking forward to finding out more about him.
October 10, 2022
Death on the Pier was a surprisingly delightful cozy mystery. The mystery on itself wasn't really that complicated but the process of arriving to that reveal was beautifully written.
The story was set in the 1930's and this was reflected nicely in the story. The societal norms mentioned, the small details included especially with some of the popular items during that period, the way the characters speak really added to the great atmosphere the story had. The story has also cleverly woven theatre customs and production elements. The writer deftly used them to create what felt like one of those classic mystery stories where the process of solving it is as enjoyable and fascinating as the resolution.
I found Bertie and Hugh endearing though I am more biased towards Bertie. I enjoyed the interaction of these two - they definitely complement each other and one can feel the chemistry between them. That scene with the two of them during the end of the book was beautifully executed.
The main characters definitely needed a bit more development and exploration which I hope the next installment will provide as it was a bit lackluster this time around. Parts of the dialogue felt stilted and some parts of the pacing was slow. Still, I had a fun time reading this book. Definitely fits well as an Autumn read. I recommend giving this book a try.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
The story was set in the 1930's and this was reflected nicely in the story. The societal norms mentioned, the small details included especially with some of the popular items during that period, the way the characters speak really added to the great atmosphere the story had. The story has also cleverly woven theatre customs and production elements. The writer deftly used them to create what felt like one of those classic mystery stories where the process of solving it is as enjoyable and fascinating as the resolution.
I found Bertie and Hugh endearing though I am more biased towards Bertie. I enjoyed the interaction of these two - they definitely complement each other and one can feel the chemistry between them. That scene with the two of them during the end of the book was beautifully executed.
The main characters definitely needed a bit more development and exploration which I hope the next installment will provide as it was a bit lackluster this time around. Parts of the dialogue felt stilted and some parts of the pacing was slow. Still, I had a fun time reading this book. Definitely fits well as an Autumn read. I recommend giving this book a try.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
July 4, 2022
5⭐️
Such a cleverly crafted plot! 🔥📚
Wow! What an outstanding Murder Mystery debut from Jamie West! 😍
Firstly, the amount of research into the history of theatre in Brighton and The Palace Pier seeps through this whole read beautifully. This research alongside Jamie’s own backstage knowledge of working in London’s West End brings the story to life in a magnificent way! 🎭
The plot itself was faultless. I was hooked throughout and kept changing my opinion on each suspect really adding to the overall whodunit feel of the read.
Jamie’s writing reminded me so much of Agatha Christie and J. B. Priestley and this book was definitely fast paced and a lovely easy read.
I praise Jamie for crafting such a unique plot and I can see this read being in the spotlight! I’m really looking forward to the next Bertie Carroll Mystery 🔥🎉📚
Many thanks to Jamie West, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing for this ARC!
I highly recommend this debut that will be published on 10th October 22!🔥📚
Such a cleverly crafted plot! 🔥📚
Wow! What an outstanding Murder Mystery debut from Jamie West! 😍
Firstly, the amount of research into the history of theatre in Brighton and The Palace Pier seeps through this whole read beautifully. This research alongside Jamie’s own backstage knowledge of working in London’s West End brings the story to life in a magnificent way! 🎭
The plot itself was faultless. I was hooked throughout and kept changing my opinion on each suspect really adding to the overall whodunit feel of the read.
Jamie’s writing reminded me so much of Agatha Christie and J. B. Priestley and this book was definitely fast paced and a lovely easy read.
I praise Jamie for crafting such a unique plot and I can see this read being in the spotlight! I’m really looking forward to the next Bertie Carroll Mystery 🔥🎉📚
Many thanks to Jamie West, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing for this ARC!
I highly recommend this debut that will be published on 10th October 22!🔥📚
July 25, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Brabinger Publishing for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
A playwright goes to watch a production of one of his lesser known whodunit plays. While there, one of the deaths in the play unfortunately turns out to be not just really good acting, but an actual murder. Who better to assist the detective investigating than the man who knows the story best. So together the detective and the playwright try to solve the crime.
This is an old fashioned style of murder mystery so I loved it. I'm a big fan of this genre so I found it really enjoyable and familiar. There was a nice amount of personal back story mixed in the main storyline. I really liked the way the two men worked together as well. They complimented each other nicely.
I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series because I would definitely love to read more.
A playwright goes to watch a production of one of his lesser known whodunit plays. While there, one of the deaths in the play unfortunately turns out to be not just really good acting, but an actual murder. Who better to assist the detective investigating than the man who knows the story best. So together the detective and the playwright try to solve the crime.
This is an old fashioned style of murder mystery so I loved it. I'm a big fan of this genre so I found it really enjoyable and familiar. There was a nice amount of personal back story mixed in the main storyline. I really liked the way the two men worked together as well. They complimented each other nicely.
I'm hoping this is the beginning of a series because I would definitely love to read more.
October 4, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic debut from Jamie West, you can really tell that he has extensive knowledge of the theatre world and that reflects in the story and makes it even more exquisite.
The rich history of Brighton was really brought to life as it was woven into the story seamlessly, I enjoyed learning all about it.
If you enjoy a classic whodunnit this book is for you.
What a fantastic debut from Jamie West, you can really tell that he has extensive knowledge of the theatre world and that reflects in the story and makes it even more exquisite.
The rich history of Brighton was really brought to life as it was woven into the story seamlessly, I enjoyed learning all about it.
If you enjoy a classic whodunnit this book is for you.
March 23, 2024
3.5* it was a fun read but nothing extraordinary.
October 10, 2022
It is 1933, and playwright Bertie Carroll is about to head down to Brighton to check out a production of one of his murder-mystery plays when he has a phone call from his old school friend, Hugh Chapman, who wants to meet up again.
Brighton, in the off-season, in the rain, is not the ideal place for a difficult meeting or for a successful revival of an old play, and Bertie is intrigued about the reasons for both. When the difficult leading lady is murdered on stage, the playwright and his friend, now a Detective Chief Inspector, investigate the crime.
The setting for the Investigation is the beautifully-evoked Palace Pier Theatre, and the author's love of the place and his knowledge of the theatre, of actors and of production technique shines through the text.
For a debut mystery, and, I assume, as the first in a projected series, this is a commendable effort. The author has avoided the temptation to fill in too much backstory, and, instead is intriguingly reticent about the nature and history of Bertie's relationship with Hugh. The plot is fairly solid, if not terribly original, and there is not too much withholding of vital evidence from the reader.
Being gay in the Britain of the 1930s, even in theatrical circles, was difficult and potentially dangerous with the ever- present threats of arrest and blackmail. It will be interesting to find out how Bertie and Hugh's friendship fares in such circumstances.
A most enjoyable and recommendable novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing for the digital review copy.
Brighton, in the off-season, in the rain, is not the ideal place for a difficult meeting or for a successful revival of an old play, and Bertie is intrigued about the reasons for both. When the difficult leading lady is murdered on stage, the playwright and his friend, now a Detective Chief Inspector, investigate the crime.
The setting for the Investigation is the beautifully-evoked Palace Pier Theatre, and the author's love of the place and his knowledge of the theatre, of actors and of production technique shines through the text.
For a debut mystery, and, I assume, as the first in a projected series, this is a commendable effort. The author has avoided the temptation to fill in too much backstory, and, instead is intriguingly reticent about the nature and history of Bertie's relationship with Hugh. The plot is fairly solid, if not terribly original, and there is not too much withholding of vital evidence from the reader.
Being gay in the Britain of the 1930s, even in theatrical circles, was difficult and potentially dangerous with the ever- present threats of arrest and blackmail. It will be interesting to find out how Bertie and Hugh's friendship fares in such circumstances.
A most enjoyable and recommendable novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing for the digital review copy.
Read
October 4, 20221930s Brighton..on a wet evening. Bertie, a playwright is meeting a friend. He plans to attend the production of one of his plays at the Palace Theatre at the end of the pier…As the cast rehearses for the performance, the tensions are tangible. Celia Hamilton, a former Hollywood actress is the star attraction, but she is there under sufferance and sniping at everyone. And some of the other members of the cast are not happy either..The stage is set for murder!
This was such a delightful, thoroughly original and very cosy murder mystery. There is a keen sense of place as the action moves around Brighton, switching between the sea front, hotels and bed and boarding establishments. The theatre itself is possibly the star with beautiful and intricate descriptions of a theatre sadly no longer here. This frequently feels as though it takes place in black and white as it takes on a very visual journey back in time.. with the conversations, behaviour, social mores and forbidden love being very much of its era..
The story feels like a play within a play and is very cleverly plotted as the police, alongside Bertie and his friend, search for clues amongst stage directions; the script and amongst the theatrical ambitions of the cast.
Five stars for originality - the setting was a joy!
I really enjoyed this and look forward to more by the author. With thanks to Netgalley and Brabinger for my copy of this book.
This was such a delightful, thoroughly original and very cosy murder mystery. There is a keen sense of place as the action moves around Brighton, switching between the sea front, hotels and bed and boarding establishments. The theatre itself is possibly the star with beautiful and intricate descriptions of a theatre sadly no longer here. This frequently feels as though it takes place in black and white as it takes on a very visual journey back in time.. with the conversations, behaviour, social mores and forbidden love being very much of its era..
The story feels like a play within a play and is very cleverly plotted as the police, alongside Bertie and his friend, search for clues amongst stage directions; the script and amongst the theatrical ambitions of the cast.
Five stars for originality - the setting was a joy!
I really enjoyed this and look forward to more by the author. With thanks to Netgalley and Brabinger for my copy of this book.
December 31, 2022
This one really needed a few more rounds of editing, dude.
September 21, 2022
Death on the Pier is a cozy mystery story, following a playwright who turns into an amateur detective when a real murder happens during a production of his play. Bertie Carroll is in the audience with his old school friend Chief Detective Inspector Hugh when a famous Hollywood actress is actually killed during a murder scene in the play. Bertie and Hugh then start their investigation, trying to figure out who would have a motive to kill Celia, and more importantly how they did it. There are many questions, who would do it? How did they change the bullets in the prop gun? Was there a second gun? They embark on the journey of solving the mystery as well as rekindling their friendship and getting closer.
I really enjoyed this mystery! The atmosphere of the book was just right, and I thought there were just enough clues and information being given out at all times. It was just enough that I had my own ideas of who did it and why, but it wasn't too obvious so that you could figure it out immediately. I know most people have their own preferences when reading mysteries, and I personally enjoy mysteries in which I can't fully (or too easily) figure out who did it, so this one really worked for me. I definitely don't want to go too much into the plot, especially here I feel like you should not know too much in advance, it ruins the fun.
I thought the book was very evenly paced, and I liked the writing style. It was to the point but without being too simplistic. The book is set in the 1930s, and I quite enjoyed the setting overall. I really like the theatre backdrop of the mystery, it was really interesting to see. As the murder happens during a play and all of the suspects are actors there is a lot of information about day-to-day life in theatre and I really enjoyed that. It is truly obvious that the author loves the theatre and has quite a bit of knowledge about it. I really liked how different all of the characters were and how the investigation considered all of their motives, lives, and all related. It was pretty interesting to see the story unfold and to consider how it all happened. I really enjoyed Bertie and Hugh's friendship, and I really hope to see their relationship deepen further on (I hope that the hints of romance come through later on).
My only issues were that I wish Hugh's character was more explored (though I suppose we will see more of him in the next book) and that the dialogues seemed a bit stilted and clunky at times. I really liked the prose in general, and how it conveyed the time period, but I feel like the dialogues sometimes sounded a bit too formal, or just not organic. It was only a few instances though, so nothing major. With Hugh's character, I mostly wanted a bit more on his backstory. Some more information on him and Bertie from school, some more information on him, why he chose to reach out to Bertie at this moment, etc. I will patiently wait for the next book though, hoping I'll find out more.
All in all, if you are interested in murder mysteries and theatre, I would really recommend this book! I will for sure be picking up the next one as soon as it's out.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this mystery! The atmosphere of the book was just right, and I thought there were just enough clues and information being given out at all times. It was just enough that I had my own ideas of who did it and why, but it wasn't too obvious so that you could figure it out immediately. I know most people have their own preferences when reading mysteries, and I personally enjoy mysteries in which I can't fully (or too easily) figure out who did it, so this one really worked for me. I definitely don't want to go too much into the plot, especially here I feel like you should not know too much in advance, it ruins the fun.
I thought the book was very evenly paced, and I liked the writing style. It was to the point but without being too simplistic. The book is set in the 1930s, and I quite enjoyed the setting overall. I really like the theatre backdrop of the mystery, it was really interesting to see. As the murder happens during a play and all of the suspects are actors there is a lot of information about day-to-day life in theatre and I really enjoyed that. It is truly obvious that the author loves the theatre and has quite a bit of knowledge about it. I really liked how different all of the characters were and how the investigation considered all of their motives, lives, and all related. It was pretty interesting to see the story unfold and to consider how it all happened. I really enjoyed Bertie and Hugh's friendship, and I really hope to see their relationship deepen further on (I hope that the hints of romance come through later on).
My only issues were that I wish Hugh's character was more explored (though I suppose we will see more of him in the next book) and that the dialogues seemed a bit stilted and clunky at times. I really liked the prose in general, and how it conveyed the time period, but I feel like the dialogues sometimes sounded a bit too formal, or just not organic. It was only a few instances though, so nothing major. With Hugh's character, I mostly wanted a bit more on his backstory. Some more information on him and Bertie from school, some more information on him, why he chose to reach out to Bertie at this moment, etc. I will patiently wait for the next book though, hoping I'll find out more.
All in all, if you are interested in murder mysteries and theatre, I would really recommend this book! I will for sure be picking up the next one as soon as it's out.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 11, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for a free review copy of Death on the Pier in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars *
I'll break down my review into things I liked about the book and then things that I didn't like about the book keeping in mind things like, character, plot, prose, and pacing. This review is largely spoiler free.
As far as things I liked there was a lot. The mystery felt well paced to me, and it was exciting. It really did remind me of old Agatha Christie novels that I read when I was younger and all the tv adaptations. I really liked the setting of being placed in Brighton on the pier and loved the historical aspects as well. I always love when I can figure out a whodunnit and I can say that this time I succeeded. I didn't think that it was too simple, but it did all click together in my mind about midway through the book. I gave myself a little pat on the back there.
Now onto some things that I thought could have used a little more work, taking in mind that this is a debut novel. First off I found the writing itself to be a little bit dry. It could be because the story was written in third person limited and I just wasn't used to it, having read so many novels in other perspectives. It did seem to improve more as I read on so I suppose I adapted. I did find that it hindered the story a little but only in the sense that it was a bit harder to understand the characters and who they were. I love characters, they're my favourite part of any novel, so that was a little bit of a bump in the road for me. I did enjoy all the characters, including Bertie and Hugh, I just wish we got to see a little bit more of their personalities and some insight into who they were. There was a little bit, I just think there could have been double. It almost felt like I was reading a screenplay, which makes sense because of the authors background, but there was a lot of dialogue and very little description or inner thought. I honestly had no idea what anyone looked like the entire time and had to make it up for myself. Some people enjoy that kind of styling, but I like a bit more description in my stories.
Another thing that I thought could have been addressed was the queer aspect of the story. Going into reading this book I thought that it was going to have a more queer backbone as it was labeled as such, but the gay parts of the story were very light handed to the point of being nonexistent. It was really only a few sentences here and there. I understand that the book is set in the 1930's, and that being gay was illegal and not talked about publicly, but I just would have wanted more even if it were a little unrealistic. Now, not every book has to have a romantic subplot, but I thought that was what I was walking into here. I was mistaken. I really think it could have made the book a lot better and boosted the characters. Maybe this will come up in book two?
Overall I thought that Death on the Pier was fun to read and I would definitely be interested in reading book two just to see what happens with Bertie.
3.5 stars *
I'll break down my review into things I liked about the book and then things that I didn't like about the book keeping in mind things like, character, plot, prose, and pacing. This review is largely spoiler free.
As far as things I liked there was a lot. The mystery felt well paced to me, and it was exciting. It really did remind me of old Agatha Christie novels that I read when I was younger and all the tv adaptations. I really liked the setting of being placed in Brighton on the pier and loved the historical aspects as well. I always love when I can figure out a whodunnit and I can say that this time I succeeded. I didn't think that it was too simple, but it did all click together in my mind about midway through the book. I gave myself a little pat on the back there.
Now onto some things that I thought could have used a little more work, taking in mind that this is a debut novel. First off I found the writing itself to be a little bit dry. It could be because the story was written in third person limited and I just wasn't used to it, having read so many novels in other perspectives. It did seem to improve more as I read on so I suppose I adapted. I did find that it hindered the story a little but only in the sense that it was a bit harder to understand the characters and who they were. I love characters, they're my favourite part of any novel, so that was a little bit of a bump in the road for me. I did enjoy all the characters, including Bertie and Hugh, I just wish we got to see a little bit more of their personalities and some insight into who they were. There was a little bit, I just think there could have been double. It almost felt like I was reading a screenplay, which makes sense because of the authors background, but there was a lot of dialogue and very little description or inner thought. I honestly had no idea what anyone looked like the entire time and had to make it up for myself. Some people enjoy that kind of styling, but I like a bit more description in my stories.
Another thing that I thought could have been addressed was the queer aspect of the story. Going into reading this book I thought that it was going to have a more queer backbone as it was labeled as such, but the gay parts of the story were very light handed to the point of being nonexistent. It was really only a few sentences here and there. I understand that the book is set in the 1930's, and that being gay was illegal and not talked about publicly, but I just would have wanted more even if it were a little unrealistic. Now, not every book has to have a romantic subplot, but I thought that was what I was walking into here. I was mistaken. I really think it could have made the book a lot better and boosted the characters. Maybe this will come up in book two?
Overall I thought that Death on the Pier was fun to read and I would definitely be interested in reading book two just to see what happens with Bertie.
September 27, 2022
Publication Date: 10th Oct 2022
4 Stars
One Liner: A good start to the series
Bertie Carroll is a successful playwright in the 1930s. He is in Brighton to watch the performance of one of his plays (the not-so-successful one) in the Palace Pier Theatre. Bertie meets an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, and they attend the event together.
A former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, is shot on the stage as per the play. But they soon realize that a murder took place right in front of their eyes. Hugh asks Bertie to solve the case as his partner. After all, why can’t a playwright who specializes in murder mysteries solve a real crime?
Things get complicated as more information comes to light. It’s up to Bertie and High to find the killer and the reason for the crime.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
What I Like:
• The writing is easy to read and enjoyable. The pacing is steady almost throughout, though it dips a little in the last third.
• Bertie is a likable character, and so is Hugh. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series. The other characters are pretty much two-dimensional but do the job.
• Gertrude reminded me of Miss Lemon, except that she is more relaxed and cheerful. In fact, the book has quite a few touches of Agatha Christie’s storytelling. The final reveal is another example of this.
• I could guess the killer even before the murder happened. Of course, that didn’t diminish my reading experience as I wanted to see if I was right and find out how the crime was committed.
• The main character belongs to the LGBT community. Yet, this aspect wasn’t used as a banner on his head. I liked how it’s just who he is. There’s some discussion in a veiled manner (which will probably be revealed in the next books). Bertie and Hugh’s past seem like a potential subplot to connect the series.
• The theatre is another character in the story. The detailing shows the author’s experience in the field. But… (continued in the next section)
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The beginning has a detailed description of the Palace Pier Theatre. While it helped visualize the place (after all, that’s where the murder occurs), it felt a bit too stretched. I enjoy descriptions, but this went a bit too long, IMO.
• The book is dialogue-heavy. This isn’t an issue per se, but I found it tiring at a couple of places.
• A little more character development would have been great (we might see it in the coming books).
To summarize, Death on the Pier is a good start to a historical mystery series, with a playwright as an amateur sleuth. It’s a light read. Pick it up when you want something to relax with.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathonthePier
4 Stars
One Liner: A good start to the series
Bertie Carroll is a successful playwright in the 1930s. He is in Brighton to watch the performance of one of his plays (the not-so-successful one) in the Palace Pier Theatre. Bertie meets an old friend, Chief Detective Inspector Hugh Chapman, and they attend the event together.
A former Hollywood star, Celia Hamilton, is shot on the stage as per the play. But they soon realize that a murder took place right in front of their eyes. Hugh asks Bertie to solve the case as his partner. After all, why can’t a playwright who specializes in murder mysteries solve a real crime?
Things get complicated as more information comes to light. It’s up to Bertie and High to find the killer and the reason for the crime.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
What I Like:
• The writing is easy to read and enjoyable. The pacing is steady almost throughout, though it dips a little in the last third.
• Bertie is a likable character, and so is Hugh. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series. The other characters are pretty much two-dimensional but do the job.
• Gertrude reminded me of Miss Lemon, except that she is more relaxed and cheerful. In fact, the book has quite a few touches of Agatha Christie’s storytelling. The final reveal is another example of this.
• I could guess the killer even before the murder happened. Of course, that didn’t diminish my reading experience as I wanted to see if I was right and find out how the crime was committed.
• The main character belongs to the LGBT community. Yet, this aspect wasn’t used as a banner on his head. I liked how it’s just who he is. There’s some discussion in a veiled manner (which will probably be revealed in the next books). Bertie and Hugh’s past seem like a potential subplot to connect the series.
• The theatre is another character in the story. The detailing shows the author’s experience in the field. But… (continued in the next section)
What Didn’t Work for Me:
• The beginning has a detailed description of the Palace Pier Theatre. While it helped visualize the place (after all, that’s where the murder occurs), it felt a bit too stretched. I enjoy descriptions, but this went a bit too long, IMO.
• The book is dialogue-heavy. This isn’t an issue per se, but I found it tiring at a couple of places.
• A little more character development would have been great (we might see it in the coming books).
To summarize, Death on the Pier is a good start to a historical mystery series, with a playwright as an amateur sleuth. It’s a light read. Pick it up when you want something to relax with.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathonthePier
September 30, 2022
Angry at the way she’s been treated, Jenny removes a small pistol from her purse and shoots Celia, her tormentor. ‘She’s dead’ says the butler, running in after hearing the shot. There is a crash of thunder and a flash of lightning. The curtain falls and the cast go to congratulate Celia Hamilton on her spectacular death scene. Unfortunately, it appears not to have been brilliant acting by the famous Hollywood star but actual death, as evidenced by the blood and the bullet hole. The audience are alerted to some mishap by a loud scream from one of the cast. By coincidence, the author, the famous playwright Bertie Carroll, is in the audience, accompanied by his old school friend, Detective Chief Inspector Hugh Chapman. Racing onto the stage they quickly take charge of the situation, in particular preventing the cast, the director and the stage manager from leaving. The play, one of Berties earliest scripts, has been staged in the Palace Pier Theatre Brighton as a try out for Celia, an internationally famous star during the era of silent movies, on her return to the UK. There is a suggestion that her Hollywood career might be ending with the start of the Talkies, The plan was for her to renew her stage skills, which are very different from film skills, before moving the show to The West End. It appears that Jenny, a young and inexperienced actress, has unintentionally killed that idea. Bertie and Hugh, investigate the events surrounding the shooting: where was the gun at any given moment, when could the real bullet have been loaded into the gun, who could have done this, who hated Celia enough to want her dead? The answer to the last part would appear to be everybody who knew her.
The story is set in around 1930-2 when the Theatre did exist, and the writer has taken great pains to recreate it as accurately as possible. The story itself is very typical of the kind written in the thirties but it is not stylistically of the period, except in the language used. The professional stage then, as now, has an idiom of its own and a set of standard procedures, which are integral to the plot and need to be clear to the reader. The writer has worked for many years in that world (albeit not actually in the 1930s) and does an excellent job in this respect. The plot weaves its way through these using them to establish the answers to the questions asked above and to eventually identify the true killer and the true motive. Along the way that weaving process does, of course, throw up red herrings galore but also clues for the investigative duo and the reader. And it does it very well. Speaking of the duo, there is clearly a bromance, if not something more, going on. The second book in the series is on its way and I expect this aspect will become more prominent.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
The story is set in around 1930-2 when the Theatre did exist, and the writer has taken great pains to recreate it as accurately as possible. The story itself is very typical of the kind written in the thirties but it is not stylistically of the period, except in the language used. The professional stage then, as now, has an idiom of its own and a set of standard procedures, which are integral to the plot and need to be clear to the reader. The writer has worked for many years in that world (albeit not actually in the 1930s) and does an excellent job in this respect. The plot weaves its way through these using them to establish the answers to the questions asked above and to eventually identify the true killer and the true motive. Along the way that weaving process does, of course, throw up red herrings galore but also clues for the investigative duo and the reader. And it does it very well. Speaking of the duo, there is clearly a bromance, if not something more, going on. The second book in the series is on its way and I expect this aspect will become more prominent.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.
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