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Sister Sleuths #2

Murder: Act Two

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Fast-moving cozy mystery with plenty of suspense!

The second book in the “Sister Sleuths Mystery” series presents Lea, Maddy, and Detective Tom with at least one body, several suspects, and plenty of motives.

The local community theatre in their beachside town provides the backdrop and a provocative cast of suspects including an arrogant actor, a business partner anxious to sell, a stage manager with a gambling addiction, and a cunning wife who would like to get rid of both the theatre and her husband.

The clues are there for the observant but the final revelations are sure to surprise. The tight, pacy plot leads the reader through many twists and turns, and the result is a whodunit with a completely unpredictable ending.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2016

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Rayna Morgan

36 books34 followers

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 8, 2018
I was first introduced to this series with the fifth book Murder After Hours. I have since read four of the other books in the series. I enjoyed each book and chain read three since they were substantial and interesting. The sisters aren’t like other characters that do the stupid formula with their investigations, but actually help law enforcement with interviews from reluctant or missed people. The reader never knows where the path will lead since it’s definitely not straight.

The Nut Case: How It All Began – This book was a freebie offered in Murder After Hours. It was just as enjoyable as MAH. A well written, fast paced story with a well thought out plot. The characters are interesting and they have developed continuously in MAH. None of the characters acted stupidly and their dialog was realistic. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Murder At The Pier #1 – This picks up after The Nut Case and keeps right on going. This fast-paced, intriguing story keeps the reader glued to the pages. Just when everyone thinks the crime is solved, it gets deeper with intrigue. While the suspect isn’t a surprise, the reader gets a selection of possible criminals. The author does a great job with her descriptions, both characters and scenes. There’s a touch of possible romance; it appears in the making.

I had read the fifth book first, so I saw the growth of the characters as compared to The Nut Case and this book. The dialogue is realistic; there’s no stupid formulas; and the characters are compliment each other, both socially and as crime solving “partners”. 4*

Murder Act Two #2 – Another well-written, fast-paced story with an interesting story line and characters. This story picks up a month after Murder At The Pier stopped. There are the regular characters, as well as new ones. The characters needed for this story are developed enough to keep the reader’s interest. The regulars keep showing more facets to their personalities. Another substantial read, with an interesting plot that really kicks it into gear around the 70 percent mark of the story with autopsy findings; along with the background material that makes it easy to fall into the story. But there’s a bit of preaching when Lea and Jon are talking, not sure if chapter 18 is necessary for the story. 4*

Murder Western Style #3 – This book starts three weeks after Murder Act Two ended. Another interesting novel with our favorite characters and a few new ones. Fast paced and filled with suspense, the book is a substantial story with realistic dialog and no stupid formulas. The ladies are still working with law enforcement without doing the officers’ jobs. The author's descriptions keep the story interesting and the pages fly by quickly. 4*

Murder After Hours #5 – This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find this book substantial and interesting. It is well written, fast paced with a thoughtful, twisting plot. I liked the interesting characters and found them realistic and their dialog better than average. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. It was a pleasure to read book without profanity and sex. I loved the ending. I look forward to reading more of her books. 4*

Hit and Run #6 - Another intriguing and interesting story from one of my new favorite indie authors (a very short list). This is actually different from the previous stories concerning certain family members doing the investigation and the new locations. The sisters' retired father and Lea undertake an investigation while Lea is visiting her parents. She learns a lot of her retired chief of police dad, but still manages to get herself in trouble.

I didn't care that Lea was so free (childlike?) with her information while she was interviewing "suspects"; an example: she said her dad was retired after he said he was CoP. She trusts the word of a "suspect" and takes off flying around Mexico by herself - dumb. But that bit of idiocy aside, the rest of the story and especially the ending is worth reading and entertaining.

Well written and thought out, the story keeps the reader interested in completing the story, even with the stupidity that impulsive Lea engages in while in Mexico. I think the ending gives a good indication of the future for some of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the partnership between the sisters and their family. Warren and Barbara, the parents, were engaging and likable, and an great addition to this story. 4*

I contacted the author to review her books out of curiosity.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 8, 2018
I was first introduced to this series with the fifth book Murder After Hours. I have since read four of the other books in the series. I enjoyed each book and chain read three since they were substantial and interesting. The sisters aren’t like other characters that do the stupid formula with their investigations, but actually help law enforcement with interviews from reluctant or missed people. The reader never knows where the path will lead since it’s definitely not straight.

The Nut Case: How It All Began – This book was a freebie offered in Murder After Hours. It was just as enjoyable as MAH. A well written, fast paced story with a well thought out plot. The characters are interesting and they have developed continuously in MAH. None of the characters acted stupidly and their dialog was realistic. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Murder At The Pier #1 – This picks up after The Nut Case and keeps right on going. This fast-paced, intriguing story keeps the reader glued to the pages. Just when everyone thinks the crime is solved, it gets deeper with intrigue. While the suspect isn’t a surprise, the reader gets a selection of possible criminals. The author does a great job with her descriptions, both characters and scenes. There’s a touch of possible romance; it appears in the making.

I had read the fifth book first, so I saw the growth of the characters as compared to The Nut Case and this book. The dialogue is realistic; there’s no stupid formulas; and the characters are compliment each other, both socially and as crime solving “partners”. 4*

Murder Act Two #2 – Another well-written, fast-paced story with an interesting story line and characters. This story picks up a month after Murder At The Pier stopped. There are the regular characters, as well as new ones. The characters needed for this story are developed enough to keep the reader’s interest. The regulars keep showing more facets to their personalities. Another substantial read, with an interesting plot that really kicks it into gear around the 70 percent mark of the story with autopsy findings; along with the background material that makes it easy to fall into the story. But there’s a bit of preaching when Lea and Jon are talking, not sure if chapter 18 is necessary for the story. 4*

Murder Western Style #3 – This book starts three weeks after Murder Act Two ended. Another interesting novel with our favorite characters and a few new ones. Fast paced and filled with suspense, the book is a substantial story with realistic dialog and no stupid formulas. The ladies are still working with law enforcement without doing the officers’ jobs. The author's descriptions keep the story interesting and the pages fly by quickly. 4*

Murder After Hours #5 – This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find this book substantial and interesting. It is well written, fast paced with a thoughtful, twisting plot. I liked the interesting characters and found them realistic and their dialog better than average. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. It was a pleasure to read book without profanity and sex. I loved the ending. I look forward to reading more of her books. 4*

Hit and Run #6 - Another intriguing and interesting story from one of my new favorite indie authors (a very short list). This is actually different from the previous stories concerning certain family members doing the investigation and the new locations. The sisters' retired father and Lea undertake an investigation while Lea is visiting her parents. She learns a lot of her retired chief of police dad, but still manages to get herself in trouble.

I didn't care that Lea was so free (childlike?) with her information while she was interviewing "suspects"; an example: she said her dad was retired after he said he was CoP. She trusts the word of a "suspect" and takes off flying around Mexico by herself - dumb. But that bit of idiocy aside, the rest of the story and especially the ending is worth reading and entertaining.

Well written and thought out, the story keeps the reader interested in completing the story, even with the stupidity that impulsive Lea engages in while in Mexico. I think the ending gives a good indication of the future for some of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the partnership between the sisters and their family. Warren and Barbara, the parents, were engaging and likable, and an great addition to this story. 4*

I contacted the author to review her books out of curiosity.
2,130 reviews46 followers
April 27, 2018
It's a wild ride when Lea and Maddy are unofficially helping the police solve a case. I like that these ladies are intelligent and fierce in their determination to find the truth and protect their families and friends. Lea loves her family life. However, her husband, Paul, worries about her. I found their relationship touching. Maddy is at a crossroads. She has two special men interested in her. They are both good and caring. I liked them both. Tom, the no nonsense detective. Scott, her cowboy hero. I can't wait to see what happens next. This mystery is full of twists. The case involves the murder of an actor on stage. There are so many secrets and hidden motives that I couldn't stop reading. I had to know what was going to happen. Rayna Morgan does a great job balancing these two storylines. Her characters interact well together. Their banter is enjoyable. The setting is interesting. The dogs, Gracie and Spirit, are great protectors and with the non-stop action the Sisters need the help. I'm enjoying the Sister Sleuth mystery series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
2,723 reviews13 followers
May 24, 2019
The Sleuth Sisters act up in a good mystery!

Maddy and Lea are back and this time they are at the theater. Their curiosity is alive and well and Lea’s dog Gracie is determined to help as they try to unravel clues to find a murderer.

Their friend, police Lieutenant Tom Elliot, is investigating the murder of a popular, local theater owner/actor. His suspects include a friend of Lea’s who asks her to prove his innocence. Once again, Gracie finds an important clue and rescues Lea from a perilous situation. The scope of the investigation widens when the coroner reveals there may have been more than one murderer.

The story has plenty of plot twists to keep you guessing. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary. The Sleuth Sisters are a fun afternoon’s entertainment that any Cozy reader will enjoy.
Profile Image for Bill Chee.
56 reviews
September 12, 2020
As usual, the title of this series gives a hint to the story line or plot. However, this book deviates and sets itself apart from other novels.

In this tale involving two amateur sister sleuths, there multiple mysteries intertwined creating a situation having both sisters working feverishly to consider if the events, a beating and attempted murder, an actual murder and another attempted murder are linked somehow.

Between investigating, there are two moments of enlightenment about life and its meaning. The first between Maddy and Scott and the second between Lea and her son. The dialogue provokes deep philosophy and self-assessment with good advice and food for thought about how a person should view life in terms of self awareness and goals against expectations of other people. Real heavy stuff not usually found in fiction novels.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,988 reviews38 followers
August 17, 2018
Well, this series is a win. As I think I told before, I really like the relationship between the sisters, and I like both of them by themselves: fun, brave and smart. The characters are all colourful and interesting, and the plot well done. Yeah, I got the wrong suspect more than once :P

There is a lot of banter, a bit of romance and a lot of intrigue. A great reading for lovers of cosy mysteries.
3 reviews
October 4, 2018
Wonderful murder mystery

I found this book very captivating and spellbinding, a great murder mystery . I loved every page-turning suspense. Maddie one of the sisters Sleuths, is always willing to get herself involved unwittingly in all of the detectives work. Love this books ,Very captivating and spellbinding a murder mystery and every page would recommend this to anybody who loves a good mystery. I would recommend purchasing this book.
Profile Image for Ann Holden.
1,190 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2018
Who dunnit? This next installment of the Sleuth Sisters was as entertaining as the previous books. Will Maddy ever get her love life straightened out? I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
311 reviews
February 18, 2023
Murder: Act Two

Another great read in this series. Maddy and Lea continue to help with solving the mysterious happenings in their community. I love the characters and the story content. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
877 reviews25 followers
March 17, 2023
Murder: Act Two

Another great story by a fabulous writer!! MS Morgan does a beautiful job of making her characters feel real to the reader! As she writes she explains each and every single development I in detail! I love reading these books!
8 reviews
July 11, 2017
Easy reading who done it

Nice & entertaining who done it mystery that leaves you satisfied. The characters are are not complex but somehow true to life. Nice summer read!
351 reviews
May 26, 2019
Enjoyable series with likeable characters. Twist and turns make this a fun page turner. A small paragraph of psychological chatter was just a bit preachy but it doesn't take away from a good read
64 reviews
June 26, 2021
Great story.

Great story. Love the sisters. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?. ?... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
4,417 reviews43 followers
February 27, 2022
I have been in several plays but never one like this!!! Who killed him and why??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
4,417 reviews43 followers
Read
November 25, 2022
I have been in several plays but never one like this!!! Who killed Barrett Mason and why??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 8, 2018
I was first introduced to this series with the fifth book Murder After Hours. I have since read four of the other books in the series. I enjoyed each book and chain read three since they were substantial and interesting. The sisters aren’t like other characters that do the stupid formula with their investigations, but actually help law enforcement with interviews from reluctant or missed people. The reader never knows where the path will lead since it’s definitely not straight.

The Nut Case: How It All Began – This book was a freebie offered in Murder After Hours. It was just as enjoyable as MAH. A well written, fast paced story with a well thought out plot. The characters are interesting and they have developed continuously in MAH. None of the characters acted stupidly and their dialog was realistic. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*

Murder At The Pier #1 – This picks up after The Nut Case and keeps right on going. This fast-paced, intriguing story keeps the reader glued to the pages. Just when everyone thinks the crime is solved, it gets deeper with intrigue. While the suspect isn’t a surprise, the reader gets a selection of possible criminals. The author does a great job with her descriptions, both characters and scenes. There’s a touch of possible romance; it appears in the making.

I had read the fifth book first, so I saw the growth of the characters as compared to The Nut Case and this book. The dialogue is realistic; there’s no stupid formulas; and the characters are compliment each other, both socially and as crime solving “partners”. 4*

Murder Act Two #2 – Another well-written, fast-paced story with an interesting story line and characters. This story picks up a month after Murder At The Pier stopped. There are the regular characters, as well as new ones. The characters needed for this story are developed enough to keep the reader’s interest. The regulars keep showing more facets to their personalities. Another substantial read, with an interesting plot that really kicks it into gear around the 70 percent mark of the story with autopsy findings; along with the background material that makes it easy to fall into the story. But there’s a bit of preaching when Lea and Jon are talking, not sure if chapter 18 is necessary for the story. 4*

Murder Western Style #3 – This book starts three weeks after Murder Act Two ended. Another interesting novel with our favorite characters and a few new ones. Fast paced and filled with suspense, the book is a substantial story with realistic dialog and no stupid formulas. The ladies are still working with law enforcement without doing the officers’ jobs. The author's descriptions keep the story interesting and the pages fly by quickly. 4*

Murder After Hours #5 – This is my first book by this author and I was pleasantly surprised to find this book substantial and interesting. It is well written, fast paced with a thoughtful, twisting plot. I liked the interesting characters and found them realistic and their dialog better than average. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in one sitting. It was a pleasure to read book without profanity and sex. I loved the ending. I look forward to reading more of her books. 4*

Hit and Run #6 - Another intriguing and interesting story from one of my new favorite indie authors (a very short list). This is actually different from the previous stories concerning certain family members doing the investigation and the new locations. The sisters' retired father and Lea undertake an investigation while Lea is visiting her parents. She learns a lot of her retired chief of police dad, but still manages to get herself in trouble.

I didn't care that Lea was so free (childlike?) with her information while she was interviewing "suspects"; an example: she said her dad was retired after he said he was CoP. She trusts the word of a "suspect" and takes off flying around Mexico by herself - dumb. But that bit of idiocy aside, the rest of the story and especially the ending is worth reading and entertaining.

Well written and thought out, the story keeps the reader interested in completing the story, even with the stupidity that impulsive Lea engages in while in Mexico. I think the ending gives a good indication of the future for some of the characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the partnership between the sisters and their family. Warren and Barbara, the parents, were engaging and likable, and an great addition to this story. 4*

I contacted the author to review her books out of curiosity.
1 review
March 5, 2017
Enjoyed it.

I truly enjoyed the protagonists but occasionally the author got carried away with her prose. I would recommend reading the series.
1,512 reviews17 followers
January 5, 2024
Barrett's love of his life is the theatre and when he was in a part, he not only acted, he became the man, which made it rather difficult for his colleagues and his wife to have to live with, but being as brilliant as he was, most everyone made excuses for his behaviour. But when he dropped dead in the middle of a play, from poisoning, it was obvious that someone at least, was not prepared to give him that much of a leeway.

Another exciting, engrossing read from Rayna Morgan, with the 2 sister sleuths, which is totally unstoppable. Interesting and clever storyline, with some very touching bits when Lea has a heart-to-heart with her teenage son. I know some readers find it a bit preachy, but not everyone is as well balanced a parent and I am sure some find it helpful as well as insightful to hear how a caring mother deals with a teenager who in most cases feel they know better. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
15 reviews
November 5, 2016
A Sisters Sleuth mystery that is also steeped in romance and drama, Murder: Act Two incorporates much and succeeds with all. Sisters Maddy and Lea, not quite detectives but darn good at being detectives, chase the perpetrator of a murder while unearthing all sorts of nefarious goings-on. A local theatre company provides not only a wealth of colorful characters, but a spectacular setting for murder and mayhem.

Rayna Morgan has a deft touch with making everything real. Detective Tom Elliott, stage manager Eddie King, Dianne the mousy assistant, Jon and Paul, Lea's family, Maddy's romanctic forays, and this is BEFORE the cast of actors even become involved....

An awesome story! And no, no spoilers in this review. Read it yourself! Five Stars!!!

1,596 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2017
A fun cozy that kept me entertained and intrigued from beginning to end with likeable characters, interesting suspects and motives, action, twists and turns. This is the first book I have read by Rayna Morgan and she weaves a tale with plots and subplots that kept me on my toes trying to guess whodunit. I really liked sisters Maddy and Lea and look forward to reading more about these amateur sleuths. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
148 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
The third book in the series I have read, including the prequel.
Fast paced, exciting, suspenseful, with a great storyline. You never know who the culprit is til the end. Got to know the regular characters better and the new characters have enough information to keep you interested.
1,063 reviews4 followers
Read
December 17, 2016
Great read

If you haven't yet discovered Rayna Morgan yet than you need to read this book you will love it its got great characters and great story I can't wait till the next book
4,417 reviews43 followers
May 20, 2017
I couldn’t tell if this was a story about love, coming of age, family relationships, murder, or all of the above. Whatever, it was an interesting book and I recommend it.
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