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The Sequin Mysteries #1
Murder on the Dance Floor
The first novel in the sensational The Sequin Mysteries series, from world-renowned dancer and Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas. Available to pre-order now!
Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of the festival, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot. There’s only one person who can help her delve into the mystery: her former student and private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom – let alone go undercover as a professional dancer when there’s a killer on the loose…
As the competition gets even fiercer and the bodies start to pile up, can the unlikely dance-detective duo unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer’s identity, before they strike again?
Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of the festival, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot. There’s only one person who can help her delve into the mystery: her former student and private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom – let alone go undercover as a professional dancer when there’s a killer on the loose…
As the competition gets even fiercer and the bodies start to pile up, can the unlikely dance-detective duo unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer’s identity, before they strike again?
431 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2023
207 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
April 1, 2024
Even 2 stars is probably generous, but I can't say I didn't enjoy reading it (mainly because I laughed quite a lot at how silly it was).
Firstly, it was way too long, and the murder mystery was really just a backdrop for a *lot* of dance content (if you're a ballroom and latin stan, you'll love the sheer amount of descriptions of moves, holds, and how competitions work). To the point where when the murderer was revealed it was neither shocking nor satisfying and the 'final showdown' was so ridiculous it was comical.
Secondly, the main character could not have been a more obvious author insert of Shirley Ballas. That would be fine if there weren't constant reminders in the description (and the dialogue of other characters) of what a strong, beautiful, wise, caring, all-round amazing person she is in all areas of her life lol. Lily's only flaw at all was that she was unlucky in love, which is made clear isn't her fault in any way.
But lastly, and my main takeaway from this book, was how weirdly filthy it was. Literally every other chapter seemed to have some outrageous sexual detail (shoutout to the standalone Japanese rope bondage chapter). I don't mind sex in a book, but this was mostly just gross (especially if you believe that Shirley Ballas had anything to do with writing it).
Some of the worst offenders:
"He considered waking up his wife to see if she was up for a bit of late-night fellatio [...] He instantly went hard. What the hell. He'd give himself a hand job for a change."
"He instructed her to look away while he 'got his bits in order' which, eww gross! Her father's wrinkly-danglies were definitely not on her 'to-see' list"
"As soon as the Viagra kicked in, he would screw her senseless on a carpet of satin Valentinos"
"His hips gave a reflexive jerk. Johanna gagged and he swore under his breath. Even thinking Lily's goddamn name made his cock that little bit harder."
"'I've never done it on a crooked one before.'
He chose to ignore that. It wasn't crooked, it was... unique. He gave a pointed look at his neglected member. She gave it a long, luxurious lick."
The list goes on. How they're putting out another one of these this year I don't know. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to read it.
Firstly, it was way too long, and the murder mystery was really just a backdrop for a *lot* of dance content (if you're a ballroom and latin stan, you'll love the sheer amount of descriptions of moves, holds, and how competitions work). To the point where when the murderer was revealed it was neither shocking nor satisfying and the 'final showdown' was so ridiculous it was comical.
Secondly, the main character could not have been a more obvious author insert of Shirley Ballas. That would be fine if there weren't constant reminders in the description (and the dialogue of other characters) of what a strong, beautiful, wise, caring, all-round amazing person she is in all areas of her life lol. Lily's only flaw at all was that she was unlucky in love, which is made clear isn't her fault in any way.
But lastly, and my main takeaway from this book, was how weirdly filthy it was. Literally every other chapter seemed to have some outrageous sexual detail (shoutout to the standalone Japanese rope bondage chapter). I don't mind sex in a book, but this was mostly just gross (especially if you believe that Shirley Ballas had anything to do with writing it).
Some of the worst offenders:
"He considered waking up his wife to see if she was up for a bit of late-night fellatio [...] He instantly went hard. What the hell. He'd give himself a hand job for a change."
"He instructed her to look away while he 'got his bits in order' which, eww gross! Her father's wrinkly-danglies were definitely not on her 'to-see' list"
"As soon as the Viagra kicked in, he would screw her senseless on a carpet of satin Valentinos"
"His hips gave a reflexive jerk. Johanna gagged and he swore under his breath. Even thinking Lily's goddamn name made his cock that little bit harder."
"'I've never done it on a crooked one before.'
He chose to ignore that. It wasn't crooked, it was... unique. He gave a pointed look at his neglected member. She gave it a long, luxurious lick."
The list goes on. How they're putting out another one of these this year I don't know. But that doesn't mean I'm not going to read it.
July 13, 2024
The premise of this had me really looking forward to it. However for me it tried to be too many things and ended up feeling more like a romantic saga set on the dance floor woth a few murders dropped in.
The narration was good but the pacing was off. There was no urgency and it didn't seems rhat important that there had been murders. I was more gripped and invested in the romance than uncovering the murderer. It felt a long listen and pitched at the wring audience. The skillful knowledge of the dancing business showed through but it needed more mention and greater emphasis on the crimes.
As a debut this wasn't too bad but the next in the series needs more editing and tension. If you like dancing and romance with a hint of murder this is for you. Could almost be a cozy murder. Worth giving the second a read or listen to see how it progresses.
Thank yoy netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
The narration was good but the pacing was off. There was no urgency and it didn't seems rhat important that there had been murders. I was more gripped and invested in the romance than uncovering the murderer. It felt a long listen and pitched at the wring audience. The skillful knowledge of the dancing business showed through but it needed more mention and greater emphasis on the crimes.
As a debut this wasn't too bad but the next in the series needs more editing and tension. If you like dancing and romance with a hint of murder this is for you. Could almost be a cozy murder. Worth giving the second a read or listen to see how it progresses.
Thank yoy netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.
December 21, 2023
An interesting and lightheaded murder mystery, though also a romance, set in the world of ballroom dancing. However, like other reviewers, I feel a purely romance novel might have suited the authors better. I didn’t feel an element of urgency to find out who the murderer was and the big reveal was a bit flat.
November 28, 2023
3.5 stars. Entertaining insight into the world of professional dancing, coupled with a murder mystery - the three main characters are all likeable and it will be interesting to see them develop further as the series continues. However, I did find the murder plot convoluted, especially because of the large numbers of supporting characters - the character list at the beginning of the book is essential!
July 4, 2024
Superb first book of a series written by a professional dancer with over 50 years experience in Latin and Ballroom. I couldn't stop humming Sophie Ellis-Bextor whilst reading it 😂 So many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook with brilliant narration - I certainly didn't read some of the passages the same as the narrator, who added her own touch of humour!
October 28, 2023
2.5 stars.
What did I just read??
What did I just read??
November 7, 2023
I was delighted to received this one to review! As a dancer (admittedly not a ballroom one) and murder-mystery enthusiast, this felt like a perfect combo of genre and I was very excited to try it out. I did enjoy it and the mystery and dancing genres were interesting and enjoyable, but by the end, I had way more questions than I did when I started the book.
When a dancer drops dead on the floor in the middle of a competition, Lily Richmond, enlists ex-student, now private investigator, Susie, to help catch the killer, before they strike again. As the competition and murders heat up, the clock is ticking to not only win the competition, but to catch the killer.
So this was a compelling and unique mystery to me. I did enjoy trying the track down the killer and gather the evidence as with any murder mystery I read (I should really read more of these, I do love them). It was a new setting for a murder mystery, one I haven’t seen before and with the gossipy world of dance, it’s the perfect setting! Discovering each suspect with very thrilling and interesting, as they were well written and larger than life, making the story interesting and exciting.
Occasionally, we got a chapter from our killer’s perspective, which I always love! What I really loved is that they would say something interesting or iconic and then we’d hear one of the suspects use a similar or the same phrase later on! Lots of the suspects did this and I liked how it always kept me guessing and reading into each suspect.
The world of ballroom dancing was also very exciting to learn about. The fact that it’s written by an expert in the field was a particularly snazzy and we were guided through a world of glitter and chaos.
I really liked the character of Lily. She was interesting, had depth and gave our story something to centre around. This was a unique thing, as murder mysteries often follow the ‘main detective’ trying to solve the crime but I liked her - and she was an interesting character to follow and grow with.
One thing that I can’t decide on how I feel about was the straight up smut for 3 pages. It just comes out of pretty much nowhere. It felt like our author was like, yeah, I really want to include a whole section about shibari and no one could convince otherwise. I’m not opposed to some smut (on the contrary, I do love some) but it felt really weird in this book!
So, one thing I did struggle with was the icky stuff. Once again, this is the medical trauma coming into play, but an integral part of how our killer operates was a little bit too hard for me. Luckily, as always, I was able to go eeeeeeekkkk and move on, but just something to be aware of if you’re like me!
I also felt that it took a while to get going at points, especially at the start. I was 1/3rd of the way through the book and we were still in the opening chonk - I was begging the book to get going with solving the mystery! Just a bit more pacing would’ve been nice to get the story really going.
Now… about the ending, the big reveal (don’t worry, no spoilers!) but it wasn’t that much of a big reveal. As in, I legitimately forgot who the killer was. I couldn’t tell you on single thing about them, or what they had been doing for the entire book. I also felt we weren’t really given a proper explanation for the murders. I still don’t 100% get why they killed the people they did. It was just a bit underwhelming.
Overall, a really good read and a compelling story with excellent characters, however the ending really annoyed me. It was a good read but I don’t know if it’s one I could return to.
‘“Darling. Please,” read Lily Richmond’s text. You must come. I know it’s been a painful few years, but we need you. No one will believe me but you. There’s been a murder on the dance floor.”
When a dancer drops dead on the floor in the middle of a competition, Lily Richmond, enlists ex-student, now private investigator, Susie, to help catch the killer, before they strike again. As the competition and murders heat up, the clock is ticking to not only win the competition, but to catch the killer.
So this was a compelling and unique mystery to me. I did enjoy trying the track down the killer and gather the evidence as with any murder mystery I read (I should really read more of these, I do love them). It was a new setting for a murder mystery, one I haven’t seen before and with the gossipy world of dance, it’s the perfect setting! Discovering each suspect with very thrilling and interesting, as they were well written and larger than life, making the story interesting and exciting.
Occasionally, we got a chapter from our killer’s perspective, which I always love! What I really loved is that they would say something interesting or iconic and then we’d hear one of the suspects use a similar or the same phrase later on! Lots of the suspects did this and I liked how it always kept me guessing and reading into each suspect.
The world of ballroom dancing was also very exciting to learn about. The fact that it’s written by an expert in the field was a particularly snazzy and we were guided through a world of glitter and chaos.
I really liked the character of Lily. She was interesting, had depth and gave our story something to centre around. This was a unique thing, as murder mysteries often follow the ‘main detective’ trying to solve the crime but I liked her - and she was an interesting character to follow and grow with.
One thing that I can’t decide on how I feel about was the straight up smut for 3 pages. It just comes out of pretty much nowhere. It felt like our author was like, yeah, I really want to include a whole section about shibari and no one could convince otherwise. I’m not opposed to some smut (on the contrary, I do love some) but it felt really weird in this book!
So, one thing I did struggle with was the icky stuff. Once again, this is the medical trauma coming into play, but an integral part of how our killer operates was a little bit too hard for me. Luckily, as always, I was able to go eeeeeeekkkk and move on, but just something to be aware of if you’re like me!
I also felt that it took a while to get going at points, especially at the start. I was 1/3rd of the way through the book and we were still in the opening chonk - I was begging the book to get going with solving the mystery! Just a bit more pacing would’ve been nice to get the story really going.
Now… about the ending, the big reveal (don’t worry, no spoilers!) but it wasn’t that much of a big reveal. As in, I legitimately forgot who the killer was. I couldn’t tell you on single thing about them, or what they had been doing for the entire book. I also felt we weren’t really given a proper explanation for the murders. I still don’t 100% get why they killed the people they did. It was just a bit underwhelming.
Overall, a really good read and a compelling story with excellent characters, however the ending really annoyed me. It was a good read but I don’t know if it’s one I could return to.
‘“Darling. Please,” read Lily Richmond’s text. You must come. I know it’s been a painful few years, but we need you. No one will believe me but you. There’s been a murder on the dance floor.”
October 30, 2023
I was really enjoying this read - great characters and distinct POV voices, lots of red herrings and twists, sizzling sub-plots - on track for a 5. Unfortunately the reveal was a weak disappointment.
Having now read the other reviews, I see the co-writer is a romance not mystery author - and it shows. The romance sub-plots are great. The mystery, not so much.
**Spoiler alert**
1) Tenuous motive for the first two murders and unclear for the third attempt.
2) The sleuth suddenly knows from just one look but somehow didn’t get attempted despite being in the same position as those who did.
3) The knife-hostage-tower felt like it was dreamt up before the murderer and motive were established, so it just didn’t ring true re: flow.
4) A murderer who tells you all their motives and reasons from their childhood in the denouement - like the authors just ran out of ideas to avoid giving it away early on.
5) The sleuths didn’t actually change/solve anything in the end except saving the stylist, despite all the time spent contemplating possibilities and collecting red herring facts. Lily didn’t do anything other than bring Susie in and Susie only did two things - save the stylist and figure out the murderer two seconds before they revealed themself anyway. Which makes me unsure about reading the sequel - can we have some actual detecting please, and catching someone who didn’t plan to get caught?
Having now read the other reviews, I see the co-writer is a romance not mystery author - and it shows. The romance sub-plots are great. The mystery, not so much.
**Spoiler alert**
1) Tenuous motive for the first two murders and unclear for the third attempt.
2) The sleuth suddenly knows from just one look but somehow didn’t get attempted despite being in the same position as those who did.
3) The knife-hostage-tower felt like it was dreamt up before the murderer and motive were established, so it just didn’t ring true re: flow.
4) A murderer who tells you all their motives and reasons from their childhood in the denouement - like the authors just ran out of ideas to avoid giving it away early on.
5) The sleuths didn’t actually change/solve anything in the end except saving the stylist, despite all the time spent contemplating possibilities and collecting red herring facts. Lily didn’t do anything other than bring Susie in and Susie only did two things - save the stylist and figure out the murderer two seconds before they revealed themself anyway. Which makes me unsure about reading the sequel - can we have some actual detecting please, and catching someone who didn’t plan to get caught?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2023
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of a major competition, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot.
There’s only one person who can help Lily solve the mystery: her former student, now turned private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom. As the competition gets fiercer and the bodies pile up, Susie will be forced to go undercover in Blackpool and come face to face with Jack, a man she thought she’d left behind.
A debut novel & an entertaining murder mystery with romance. The characters have depth & I liked Susie, Lily & Jack. I enjoyed the insight into the world of professional dancing. There were red herrings as well as twists & turns & I didn’t work out who the villain was. An enjoyable read & I look forward to reading more from the author
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
There’s only one person who can help Lily solve the mystery: her former student, now turned private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom. As the competition gets fiercer and the bodies pile up, Susie will be forced to go undercover in Blackpool and come face to face with Jack, a man she thought she’d left behind.
A debut novel & an entertaining murder mystery with romance. The characters have depth & I liked Susie, Lily & Jack. I enjoyed the insight into the world of professional dancing. There were red herrings as well as twists & turns & I didn’t work out who the villain was. An enjoyable read & I look forward to reading more from the author
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 3, 2024
This has been such an easy read .
Shirley Ballas has good inspiration with her many years as a ballroom dancer and the novel that has been co- written with Sheila McClure has some great characters in the story .
The book needed more suspense , it's a very slow build up to the story . The ballroom dance floor setting for the murders was good and interesting with all the characters who could have done the murder. There were quite a few red herrings thrown into the story .
There's also the other story of the investigator Susie and Jack , past lovers and dance partners . Susie has a secret that she has been hiding for years and the reintroduction of Jack into her life put this at risk of being revealed .
It's a nice read , I feel that the characters needed more to make them interesting especially the person responsible for the murders . The revelation of the reason for the murder seemed weak , and though it was a dramatic ending it was rather rushed at the end of the book .
Shirley Ballas has good inspiration with her many years as a ballroom dancer and the novel that has been co- written with Sheila McClure has some great characters in the story .
The book needed more suspense , it's a very slow build up to the story . The ballroom dance floor setting for the murders was good and interesting with all the characters who could have done the murder. There were quite a few red herrings thrown into the story .
There's also the other story of the investigator Susie and Jack , past lovers and dance partners . Susie has a secret that she has been hiding for years and the reintroduction of Jack into her life put this at risk of being revealed .
It's a nice read , I feel that the characters needed more to make them interesting especially the person responsible for the murders . The revelation of the reason for the murder seemed weak , and though it was a dramatic ending it was rather rushed at the end of the book .
January 22, 2025
It’s never too early for a ten for Shirley!!
I don’t have many pleasures in this life, but watching Strictly Come Dancing every year is one. Watching beautiful women in beautiful dresses dance in your tellybox, what’s not to like!
Anyway, Shirley puts the knowledge that she has gathered from being one of the worlds greatest dancers, with all that entails, into a well written and believable cosy crime novel. It kept me interested to the last and the twists and turns are done immaculately.
A very enjoyable read which would be perfect for a holiday.
I don’t have many pleasures in this life, but watching Strictly Come Dancing every year is one. Watching beautiful women in beautiful dresses dance in your tellybox, what’s not to like!
Anyway, Shirley puts the knowledge that she has gathered from being one of the worlds greatest dancers, with all that entails, into a well written and believable cosy crime novel. It kept me interested to the last and the twists and turns are done immaculately.
A very enjoyable read which would be perfect for a holiday.
September 3, 2024
Being a fan of Strictly Come Dancing, I knew that I had to read Shirley's book. I quite enjoyed this one. It was easy to follow and had all the glitz and glamour of dance competition that you would expect but with added murder mystery. The story was easy to follow and had a good cast of characters. Sometimes I felt that the pacing was a little slow but it did pick up again. Overall, a good read that I would recommend to other strictly/murder mystery fans.
January 9, 2025
Good murder mystery
As an avid fan of Strictly Come Dancing I found this book quite interesting. The story line was good and there were quite a few twists and turns which had me guessing throughout the book. Can't wait to read the second book.
As an avid fan of Strictly Come Dancing I found this book quite interesting. The story line was good and there were quite a few twists and turns which had me guessing throughout the book. Can't wait to read the second book.
November 1, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this dance based murder mystery. You can just hear “head judge Shirley” in the main character .
April 17, 2025
Predictable but fairly likeable, I have read better 'dance tales' but this was just ok.
July 21, 2024
3.5 stars. Slow start, but picked up eventually. Entertaining could do with more depth, though.
December 4, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this but I was just pleasantly surprised! An easy listen, really enjoyed this story.
October 21, 2025
I am a huge Strictly fan but would not have gone out and bought this book. However I picked it up for free at a recent local book event. It was an interesting storyline but the book is far too long. It also became a bit muddled in the various plot lines
October 9, 2023
Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this book.
Lilly is getting ready for the Blackpool championships with her dancers when a promising star dies on the dance floor. She begins to worry that her death is actually a murder. Calling in an old friend and past dancer now detective to help her. Can they figure out the truth?
I wasn't initally sure about this. I've never been a huge strictly fan but the premise caught my attention and wanted to give it a try. It was actually pretty good. The plot is interesting and the identity of the murderer was a surprise. I must admit I had no idea who the killer was until the end. The plot is a slow burn to a dramatic ending. You can tell there is a Mills and Boon link to this but I love those sort of books so it didn't put me off. The characters arent all likeable but it fits with the territory. Susie is great though and I loved Lilly. A fun mystery with a dancing twist.
Lilly is getting ready for the Blackpool championships with her dancers when a promising star dies on the dance floor. She begins to worry that her death is actually a murder. Calling in an old friend and past dancer now detective to help her. Can they figure out the truth?
I wasn't initally sure about this. I've never been a huge strictly fan but the premise caught my attention and wanted to give it a try. It was actually pretty good. The plot is interesting and the identity of the murderer was a surprise. I must admit I had no idea who the killer was until the end. The plot is a slow burn to a dramatic ending. You can tell there is a Mills and Boon link to this but I love those sort of books so it didn't put me off. The characters arent all likeable but it fits with the territory. Susie is great though and I loved Lilly. A fun mystery with a dancing twist.
October 30, 2023
I like all the charters name's very much. I wouldn't change the names. I like the idea 💡of four parts in book. I feel like has I was reading 📚the book like I was in my private dancing world coming out through the book. I love 💘reading 📚 about Blackpool and reading 📚about the dancing shows. Great idea 💡 Shirley. I like reading 📚about the outfits too. I keep thinking r strictly come dancing 💃too. I tell you I went into reading 📚 this book about dancer's and murders. I just knew people were four dancer's but in my heart ❤I didn't want people to die straight away put knowing about the murders made me feel upset 😡 and more liking the action in the chapters more than anything.
I enjoyed reading 📚 some of the last chapters and liked the little chapters and big chapters too. The book got more towards the e d of the book. I enjoyed reading 📚the last two chapters the best.
I enjoyed reading 📚 some of the last chapters and liked the little chapters and big chapters too. The book got more towards the e d of the book. I enjoyed reading 📚the last two chapters the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
The first book I’ve read by this author. Romance, murder, secrets and lies the author leads you through a spelling binding plot in the glittering world of ballroom dance. Will definitely read more from this author.
January 22, 2024
Wow, I couldn’t put this book down! Amazing 👏😊😊👏😍
October 31, 2023
I could Shirley speaking on Strictly in this book, which is not really surprising. It was a good read and I did enjoy it. Will probably get the next one (if there is a next one).
January 16, 2024
(4.5⭐) I thoroughly enjoyed reading Murder on the Dance floor was fun to follow Lily, Jack and Suzie on their hunt for the murderer and the reveal was a shock because I thought I had it all figured out the only problem I had was that I think sometimes things where over described.
January 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, I would definitely read another one by Shirley.
February 6, 2024
This is an intriguing book, it starts slow, but gets much better as the plot thickens
October 2, 2023
Oxana has been specially invited to partner Jack Kelly, UK Champion. Dropping dead in the middle of the Tango wasn’t the spectacular finale anticipated by the organisers of the Dance competition. Jack, a nine times champion Ten Dancer (Competitions involve five Ballroom and five Latin dances) is naturally devastated. But how much is that devastation due to the effect this might have on his hope of achieving his tenth championship? Only one person has made it to ten, Lily Richmond, Jack’s former teacher now running her own studio and an accredited judge on the International stage. Oxana had been Global Dance Council brought from Belarussia to the UK by Marmaduke Fitzgerald, head of the Global Dance Council ostensibly as a stand-in for Jack’s regular partner who has a leg injury; or perhaps for some other motive? While others assume that the death is natural, Lily suspects foul play and immediately phones private detective, Suzie Cooper, who hastens to the dance hall in Whitby (fortuitously, although she is based in Liverpool, she is not too far from Whitby. Suzie was a former amateur dancer, a student of Lily’s and Jack’s Pro-Am partner, who had broken off the arrangement some year’s before, for reasons that are revealed fairly quickly but are not hard to guess. When another girl dies in the same way, it becomes clear there is a killer on the loose and Suzie, Jack and Lily are clearly the next targets. But who might that be, and for what motive?
So there is a murder and a mystery, so the book falls into that category. However, stylistically it is more like a Romance story, (Boy meets Girl, etc) with a murder grafted on. The book is co-written with Sheila McClure, a well-known Romance writer (mostly for Mills and Boon under the name Annie O’Neil). The plot is unconvincing, the relationship between the three main characters is unbelievable (can they really have had no knowledge of each other’s lives after the breakup – Liverpool is not that big) the action (or rather inaction) of the police after the first sudden, unexpected, death is baffling, the murder method is dubious, there are a lot of loose ends. On the other hand, you do learn a lot about the Dancing world (is there really that much sex going on?). Readers of Crime stories (slasher to cosy) will be disappointed (2 stars at most) but readers of Romance stories or Dance stories may well quickstep over the holes (About 3.25 stars).
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.
So there is a murder and a mystery, so the book falls into that category. However, stylistically it is more like a Romance story, (Boy meets Girl, etc) with a murder grafted on. The book is co-written with Sheila McClure, a well-known Romance writer (mostly for Mills and Boon under the name Annie O’Neil). The plot is unconvincing, the relationship between the three main characters is unbelievable (can they really have had no knowledge of each other’s lives after the breakup – Liverpool is not that big) the action (or rather inaction) of the police after the first sudden, unexpected, death is baffling, the murder method is dubious, there are a lot of loose ends. On the other hand, you do learn a lot about the Dancing world (is there really that much sex going on?). Readers of Crime stories (slasher to cosy) will be disappointed (2 stars at most) but readers of Romance stories or Dance stories may well quickstep over the holes (About 3.25 stars).
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.
January 13, 2024
Murder on the Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of the festival, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot. There’s only one person who can help her delve into the mystery: her former student and private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom – let alone go undercover as a professional dancer when there’s a killer on the loose…
As the competition gets even fiercer and the bodies start to pile up, can the unlikely dance-detective duo unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer’s identity, before they strike again?
My Opinion
With the amount of time it has taken me to read this book it was obvious that I wasn't enjoying it as much as I should have. This was one of those books where I had to have a serious debate with myself as to whether I wanted to read it or if I was just drawn in by the name on the cover, sadly I think I was drawn in by the name. It was an okay book, but it was missing the wow factor. I found myself getting easily distracted whilst reading this as it just wasn't holding my attention.
Rating 3/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and HQ and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…
When a promising young dancer collapses during the opening tango of the festival, Lily Richmond, dance legend, teacher and one-time world champion, is convinced that murder is afoot. There’s only one person who can help her delve into the mystery: her former student and private detective, Susie Cooper. But Susie vowed she’d never return to the ballroom – let alone go undercover as a professional dancer when there’s a killer on the loose…
As the competition gets even fiercer and the bodies start to pile up, can the unlikely dance-detective duo unravel the rumours from the rumbas and expose the murderer’s identity, before they strike again?
My Opinion
With the amount of time it has taken me to read this book it was obvious that I wasn't enjoying it as much as I should have. This was one of those books where I had to have a serious debate with myself as to whether I wanted to read it or if I was just drawn in by the name on the cover, sadly I think I was drawn in by the name. It was an okay book, but it was missing the wow factor. I found myself getting easily distracted whilst reading this as it just wasn't holding my attention.
Rating 3/5
June 6, 2024
ALC Review:
The setting of Blackpool Tower Ballroom Dance Competition is pretty interesting. Authors has taken us inside the dancer’s life and how fierce dance competition turns into a deadly event. The book is intense and it is filled with secrets, mystery, red herrings, plot twists, intrigue, lies, murder, sex and crime.
A promising young dancer collapse on the floor during the competition. She was passionate and determined. The cause of her death isn’t disclosed yet. Though the investigation is going on and the unfortunate death of her has scared everyone but the competition must continue.
Lilly Richmond is a dance legend and teacher. Ruby is one of her student. Susie Cooper is a former student and turned detective now. Jack was the young dancer’s partner. Lily takes the help of Susie to solve the mystery of her death. The twists and turns were unpredictable. Susie has to face the man she left behind in her past. While there was also misunderstanding between two people. I liked the murder plot as well as romance as sub genre too. It was horrifying how the young dancer collapsed and the ending was even more terrifying. This is a great suspense thriller that will keep you guessing till the end and keep you on edge.
I loved the Authors interview at the end. Loved learning about the author’s inspiration behind the book and their experiences. I loved that the narrator introduced us to characters in the beginning. The Narrator did a good job
Thanks to the Publisher
The setting of Blackpool Tower Ballroom Dance Competition is pretty interesting. Authors has taken us inside the dancer’s life and how fierce dance competition turns into a deadly event. The book is intense and it is filled with secrets, mystery, red herrings, plot twists, intrigue, lies, murder, sex and crime.
A promising young dancer collapse on the floor during the competition. She was passionate and determined. The cause of her death isn’t disclosed yet. Though the investigation is going on and the unfortunate death of her has scared everyone but the competition must continue.
Lilly Richmond is a dance legend and teacher. Ruby is one of her student. Susie Cooper is a former student and turned detective now. Jack was the young dancer’s partner. Lily takes the help of Susie to solve the mystery of her death. The twists and turns were unpredictable. Susie has to face the man she left behind in her past. While there was also misunderstanding between two people. I liked the murder plot as well as romance as sub genre too. It was horrifying how the young dancer collapsed and the ending was even more terrifying. This is a great suspense thriller that will keep you guessing till the end and keep you on edge.
I loved the Authors interview at the end. Loved learning about the author’s inspiration behind the book and their experiences. I loved that the narrator introduced us to characters in the beginning. The Narrator did a good job
Thanks to the Publisher
October 3, 2023
Murder On The Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas is an entertaining cosy crime novel which I really enjoyed. It is the first book in a new series which promises to be fabulous.
The reader enters the glitzy world of professional dancing. We see the effortless sequins and the glamour on stage. This is in contrast to the hard work put in behind the scenes. There is a grueling schedule for each competition as whole teams work on hair, make up and bodies.
Among the glitz and glamour lurks a silent killer as a life has been overtaken by bitterness. Designed to look like accidents, the body count rises – who will be next?
The police dismiss the deaths as accidental. An ex-dancer turner personal detective is called in to solve the crimes. As she polishes up her dance moves, old feelings that were squashed begin to rise.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The reader witnesses the cut throat world of professional dancing. I tried to work out the guilty party and fell for a few red herrings along the way!
Murder On The Dance Floor was extremely entertaining. I am looking forward to the subsequent books in the series.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The reader enters the glitzy world of professional dancing. We see the effortless sequins and the glamour on stage. This is in contrast to the hard work put in behind the scenes. There is a grueling schedule for each competition as whole teams work on hair, make up and bodies.
Among the glitz and glamour lurks a silent killer as a life has been overtaken by bitterness. Designed to look like accidents, the body count rises – who will be next?
The police dismiss the deaths as accidental. An ex-dancer turner personal detective is called in to solve the crimes. As she polishes up her dance moves, old feelings that were squashed begin to rise.
All the characters were well drawn and realistic. The reader witnesses the cut throat world of professional dancing. I tried to work out the guilty party and fell for a few red herrings along the way!
Murder On The Dance Floor was extremely entertaining. I am looking forward to the subsequent books in the series.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
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