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The Silver Screen #1
Lights. Camera. Murder.
Private investigator Rory Byrne, has gained a reputation as someone the elite of New York City can trust to solve their problems quickly and quietly. So when a hotshot television producer hires him to recover a stolen script, Rory isn’t surprised that he’ll need to go undercover on the set of a historical drama. He has his hands full trying to investigate a skeptical and agitated crew while they work around the clock on The Bowery , a new show which promises to shake up the television industry.
To make a delicate situation even more complicated, the production is led by out-and-proud Marion Roosevelt and Rory is downright smitten with the handsome and talented actor. But every member of the crew and cast is a suspect in the theft. And as Rory investigates, Marion’s behavior grows increasingly suspicious. Then the murders start. If Rory is to find the thief before The Bowery is cancelled, he’ll have to share his identity with the one man on set he can’t trust—Marion Roosevelt.
Previously featured in the Footsteps in the Dark anthology.
To make a delicate situation even more complicated, the production is led by out-and-proud Marion Roosevelt and Rory is downright smitten with the handsome and talented actor. But every member of the crew and cast is a suspect in the theft. And as Rory investigates, Marion’s behavior grows increasingly suspicious. Then the murders start. If Rory is to find the thief before The Bowery is cancelled, he’ll have to share his identity with the one man on set he can’t trust—Marion Roosevelt.
Previously featured in the Footsteps in the Dark anthology.
147 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2020
About the author
C.S. Poe
42 books1,471 followersC.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction. She’s a winner of the Next Generation and e-Lit book awards, as well as a finalist of the Lambda Literary award.
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 22, 2026
3.5–4 Stars
This was a fun, quick mystery with a charming blend of suspense and romance. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes TV production setting, and Rory's undercover investigation kept me turning the pages. The mystery was engaging, with enough twists to keep me guessing, even if it wasn't overly complex.
Because it's a novella, the romance develops quite quickly, and I would have loved more time to get to know both Rory and Marion. Still, they had great chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them. Honestly, one of the standout characters might have been Rory's cat!
A solid start to a series with plenty of potential, and I'd definitely pick up the next book.
This was a fun, quick mystery with a charming blend of suspense and romance. I really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes TV production setting, and Rory's undercover investigation kept me turning the pages. The mystery was engaging, with enough twists to keep me guessing, even if it wasn't overly complex.
Because it's a novella, the romance develops quite quickly, and I would have loved more time to get to know both Rory and Marion. Still, they had great chemistry, and I found myself rooting for them. Honestly, one of the standout characters might have been Rory's cat!
A solid start to a series with plenty of potential, and I'd definitely pick up the next book.
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August 20, 2025Buy Links:
Ebook and Paperback
Audio
audio narrated by Kale Williams, available exclusively as part of the Footsteps in the Dark anthology
Ebook and Paperback
Audio
audio narrated by Kale Williams, available exclusively as part of the Footsteps in the Dark anthology
July 4, 2026
This was such a fun, short mystery, and I loved it. The setting was so interesting and cool. It felt like a behind-the-scenes look at a TV show production, and I really loved that. Obviously, since it's such a short book, don't expect a super complex mystery with lots of twists or anything like that, but it was really well done, felt complete, and was really entertaining.
The same goes for the romance. It has a pretty quick start, but I still loved the developing relationship and dynamic between the MMCs, and I hope we get to see it grow even more in hopefully more books about them.
I also loved that the story was written in a way that made it feel like I was watching episodes of a TV show where they solve small mysteries every episode... ohhh, that gets me SO exciteddd, and I want moree. I really hope this author continues this series because I had such a good time with it.
4.5⭐️
The same goes for the romance. It has a pretty quick start, but I still loved the developing relationship and dynamic between the MMCs, and I hope we get to see it grow even more in hopefully more books about them.
I also loved that the story was written in a way that made it feel like I was watching episodes of a TV show where they solve small mysteries every episode... ohhh, that gets me SO exciteddd, and I want moree. I really hope this author continues this series because I had such a good time with it.
4.5⭐️
January 19, 2022
Lights. Camera. Murder. originally appeared in the Footsteps in the Dark anthology from 2019 (along with stories from Josh Lanyon, Dal Maclean, S.C. Wynne, Z.A. Maxfield and others) – and as I’ve had good experiences with C.S. Poe’s work lately, I thought I’d give this novella a go for the January “quickie” prompt. I enjoyed the story, and was pleased to learn that the author is writing a sequel/series set in the same world with the same lead characters.
PI Rory Byrne has gained a reputation as the go-to guy for people who need their problems solved quickly and quietly. He’s very good at what he does and is something of a workaholic – which accounts for his string of ex-boyfriends, most of whom left when they got fed up with playing second fiddle to his job.
The story opens with Rory being hired by a ‘hot shot’ (in Rory-speak, that’s “Royal Pain in the Ass”) television producer to investigate the theft of a script. John Anderson is the producer of a new TV show being filmed in Queens called The Bowery – an historical drama set in turn-of-the-century New York centred around an Irish gang leader who is in a committed same-sex relationship. Anderson is planning on branching out and has written a pilot for what he says is a bigger, edgier and better show than The Bowery – but it’s gone missing and he’s sure it’s been stolen. The job is a bit out of Rory’s usual line – it’s on a live film set, likely an inside job, there are literally hundreds of suspects (basically the entire cast and crew) – and he only has a few days to solve the case.
So Rory goes undercover as a PA (production assistant) and immediately, all the tensions – both on and off set – hierarchies and petty politics that come with working in such a high-pressure, high-profile environment become apparent. The key PA is an arsehole, the Production Manager clearly doesn’t like the on-set production crew, there’s obvious hostility between the director and lead actor Marion Roosevelt… nobody’s talking, everybody’s nervous – and then in the midst of it all, one of the crew is murdered.
Lights. Camera. Murder is a well-crafted and engaging read, despite its small page-count. The mystery is intriguing, with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep it interesting without going over the top, and although the secondary characters are drawn with broad strokes they have depth and individuality. Rory is the PoV character, so he’s the one we get to know the best, and he’s hard-bitten in a very noir-ish kind of way (I admit that when I first saw the cover, I though the story was set in the 1950s); he’s in his forties and has been there, done that several times, and the one constant in his life is his cat Gary (a total scene-stealer). He isn’t too worried about his poor track record with relationships, although meeting Marion makes him start to wonder if maybe it’s time he made some changes and stopped getting in his own way.
Marion is almost twenty years younger than Rory, he’s gorgeous, charming, super-talented, sweet and savvy; he’s landed the role of a lifetime in The Bowery and feels passionately about the opportunity it’s given him to deliver a positive portrayal of a strong queer character in love. Sparks fly between him and Rory from the moment they meet and their romance gets off to a promising start. I confess though, that had this been a standalone and not the start of a series, I might have found it a bit rushed.
The writing flows smoothly and Ms. Poe does a great job when it comes to describing the day-to-day working of a bustling movie set. I always enjoy her wry humour – and she gets extra brownie points for Gary the cat, whose utter “cat-ness” clearly signals someone Who Knows Cats.
Lights, Camera, Murder is an entertaining whodunit with a touch of romance, and although short, it reaches a satisfying conclusion and feels ‘complete’. I’m looking forward to reading what the author has in store for Rory and Marion next.
PI Rory Byrne has gained a reputation as the go-to guy for people who need their problems solved quickly and quietly. He’s very good at what he does and is something of a workaholic – which accounts for his string of ex-boyfriends, most of whom left when they got fed up with playing second fiddle to his job.
The story opens with Rory being hired by a ‘hot shot’ (in Rory-speak, that’s “Royal Pain in the Ass”) television producer to investigate the theft of a script. John Anderson is the producer of a new TV show being filmed in Queens called The Bowery – an historical drama set in turn-of-the-century New York centred around an Irish gang leader who is in a committed same-sex relationship. Anderson is planning on branching out and has written a pilot for what he says is a bigger, edgier and better show than The Bowery – but it’s gone missing and he’s sure it’s been stolen. The job is a bit out of Rory’s usual line – it’s on a live film set, likely an inside job, there are literally hundreds of suspects (basically the entire cast and crew) – and he only has a few days to solve the case.
So Rory goes undercover as a PA (production assistant) and immediately, all the tensions – both on and off set – hierarchies and petty politics that come with working in such a high-pressure, high-profile environment become apparent. The key PA is an arsehole, the Production Manager clearly doesn’t like the on-set production crew, there’s obvious hostility between the director and lead actor Marion Roosevelt… nobody’s talking, everybody’s nervous – and then in the midst of it all, one of the crew is murdered.
Lights. Camera. Murder is a well-crafted and engaging read, despite its small page-count. The mystery is intriguing, with enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep it interesting without going over the top, and although the secondary characters are drawn with broad strokes they have depth and individuality. Rory is the PoV character, so he’s the one we get to know the best, and he’s hard-bitten in a very noir-ish kind of way (I admit that when I first saw the cover, I though the story was set in the 1950s); he’s in his forties and has been there, done that several times, and the one constant in his life is his cat Gary (a total scene-stealer). He isn’t too worried about his poor track record with relationships, although meeting Marion makes him start to wonder if maybe it’s time he made some changes and stopped getting in his own way.
Marion is almost twenty years younger than Rory, he’s gorgeous, charming, super-talented, sweet and savvy; he’s landed the role of a lifetime in The Bowery and feels passionately about the opportunity it’s given him to deliver a positive portrayal of a strong queer character in love. Sparks fly between him and Rory from the moment they meet and their romance gets off to a promising start. I confess though, that had this been a standalone and not the start of a series, I might have found it a bit rushed.
The writing flows smoothly and Ms. Poe does a great job when it comes to describing the day-to-day working of a bustling movie set. I always enjoy her wry humour – and she gets extra brownie points for Gary the cat, whose utter “cat-ness” clearly signals someone Who Knows Cats.
Lights, Camera, Murder is an entertaining whodunit with a touch of romance, and although short, it reaches a satisfying conclusion and feels ‘complete’. I’m looking forward to reading what the author has in store for Rory and Marion next.
November 3, 2024
First: How is this not a historical? That cover? That setup? Bit jarring to realize it's a contemporary.
Second: (And I am a big fan of the novella, but...) It really needed more room to breathe.
Rory's kind of a shit, and Poe sets up a sort of thing with his "no lies" rule for lovers set against his own lying for his job and lack of a self when he's not, and gives him a token flash of realization, but it ended up feeling more like a gesture towards character development than the real thing.
Likewise the plot. The who and the what of the crime was fine* but it needed a bit more misdirection and obfuscation. It was like he just puttered around for 80% till he got his cue and then walked directly to the solution.
* There are two minor plot points, one of which is a real wtf, that would have made much more sense if the book was in fact a historical.
So, yeah. I'd read the sequel if she puts it out, because I think there's potential. But at this point I'm assuming she's abandoned these guys because it wasn't as successful as some of her other books.
Second: (And I am a big fan of the novella, but...) It really needed more room to breathe.
Rory's kind of a shit, and Poe sets up a sort of thing with his "no lies" rule for lovers set against his own lying for his job and lack of a self when he's not, and gives him a token flash of realization, but it ended up feeling more like a gesture towards character development than the real thing.
Likewise the plot. The who and the what of the crime was fine* but it needed a bit more misdirection and obfuscation. It was like he just puttered around for 80% till he got his cue and then walked directly to the solution.
* There are two minor plot points, one of which is a real wtf, that would have made much more sense if the book was in fact a historical.
So, yeah. I'd read the sequel if she puts it out, because I think there's potential. But at this point I'm assuming she's abandoned these guys because it wasn't as successful as some of her other books.
February 8, 2024
I really wanted to love this, but ultimately I can only like it. The mystery is good, but the best relationship in the story is between the MC and his cat. Hoping #2 is better.
June 6, 2020
Easy read, look forward to more.
August 25, 2020
Meh.......
June 16, 2026
This was just what I needed! Romance, Mystery, Murder, Hollywood in a compact beautifully written package. I love CS Poe’s stories and I loved this one. Both fantastic characters, I loved Rory and Marion and I can’t wait to read more. This mystery moved at a fast clip, full of twists turns and gasps topped off with murder and concludes in this story but I believe Rory and Marion go on to solve the next case as their relationship further develops.
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January 1, 2026I have no idea how CS Poe makes me go "daww" in the midst of murder and mayhem, but she does. She is a master at blending a compelling romance with a compelling mystery. despite the rather despicable deeds, I finished the story with a feeling of hope and rightness. there is a British TV show that can be described as a "happy little murder mystery" and this book has that same feel.
June 9, 2026
This is a mystery / suspense romance novella, featuring Rory Byrne and Marion Roosevelt, and is book one in the Silver Screen series.
Rory goes undercover on a TV show to find a stolen script. While investigating the cast and crew, he falls for Marion and must decide if he can trust him.
This was a quick read and just the first instalment in this series. Rory and Marion are drawn to each other, we see the start of their relationship and a murder and mystery solved. Rory and Marion’s relationship continues into book two and I can’t wait for it.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Novella
Private Investigator x actor
Undercover investigation
Pet dad: cat
Mystery / Suspense
Opposites attract
Size difference
Age gap (45 / 32)
MC with heterochromia
Forced proximity
Flirting & banter
Spicy times
Secrets revealed
HFN
Rory goes undercover on a TV show to find a stolen script. While investigating the cast and crew, he falls for Marion and must decide if he can trust him.
This was a quick read and just the first instalment in this series. Rory and Marion are drawn to each other, we see the start of their relationship and a murder and mystery solved. Rory and Marion’s relationship continues into book two and I can’t wait for it.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM romance
Novella
Private Investigator x actor
Undercover investigation
Pet dad: cat
Mystery / Suspense
Opposites attract
Size difference
Age gap (45 / 32)
MC with heterochromia
Forced proximity
Flirting & banter
Spicy times
Secrets revealed
HFN
March 16, 2021
This story has a great main character who is work obsessed and has a stream of ex boyfriends. He has one rule don't lie even though his job is to lie as an undercover private investigator. The story line was good and kept me glued to the book turning pages. I liked all the side characters and really hope that this turns into a series.
January 14, 2026
"Lights. Camera. Murder." by C.S. Poe was a wonderful short and quick read. I enjoyed the mystery behind it and PI Rory trying to figure out who took the script. I thought I knew who was behind the things happening, but I was wrong. C.S. did a great job writing this story and possibly setting it up for more to come.
I'm not sure if this will be made into a series, but I would definitely read the next book.
I'm not sure if this will be made into a series, but I would definitely read the next book.
July 11, 2020
I didn't like how MC Rory came across at the start ... the slightly hostile arrogance rubbed me the wrong way immediately, and thus it is entirely the author's skill that she manages to subtly win me over to caring about our sleuthing PI. The mystery/murder plot is not overly complicated, and given the length of the novella - we don't have a plethora of suspects (despite hundreds of suspects! was mentioned when Rory started his undercover stint at the studio). And because this is not a 'cozy', the M-M romance was nicely built up to the inevitable bedroom scene (which thank God did not happen anywhere near the start). 3.5 stars for a very promising start of a new series from an auto-buy author (for me).
July 7, 2021
For a brief novella, this really feels whole and complete ... and a great start to a new series by C.S. Poe. Our main characters are a charismatic actor in the role of a lifetime, and a world-weary PI on set to find who stole a missing script. There's an instant sizzle between the two, and a well-plotted murder mystery and it all works in just a handful of pages. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!
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October 13, 2023
It was really short. and for some reason, I thought it would be somewhat historical. I think it was the cover that gave me that idea. Anyway, I think it was fine. Nothing too memorable... fairly sweet. The cat was cute. But then the story was a bit too short to get a sense of the characters.
April 5, 2025
3.5 stars
This was enjoyable enough. Rory is an interesting character. Forty-two years old, unable to hold a steady relationship, cat lover, likes soldering stuff to release stress, doesn't like people lying even though he's basically a professional liar a.k.a. private investigator. Although I'm not sure he's a great PI, even if he's been on the job for 20 years. Hell, especially since he's been on the job for twenty years.
He's supposed to be investigating the theft of a script, but he spends a suspiciously long time doing other stuff instead. I mean, he spends an entire day going on a date with Marion. Beers and pretzels, Empire State Building, shopping at Macy's?!? And that's like, the same day a murder has taken place AND he was the one who found the body. Jesus, Rory.
He's pretty clueless to be honest. His list of "suspects" is narrowed down to a handful of people he "doesn't like" or who he considers "bullies" and that's just not how this is supposed to be done now, is it? After the body is discovered in a part of the office that was under construction, he spots a highly suspicious character around set with white powder on his pants... *squints* almost as if he'd been kneeling behind someone while he choked him with a telephone cable. Hmm. Nah, it's probably nothing. And he just proceeds to forget all about it and go on a date with Marion.
Speaking of Marion. I'm ok with insta-lust, but I'm not a fan of "I've known this guy for two days and now, at forty-two years of age, I realize I've been keeping myself from experiencing real love" kind of epiphanies. It felt like Poe thought Rory really needed that moment of revelation just to validate his attraction to Marion, and truly, he didn't. So he was attracted to the guy. Big deal. He's hot. Enough said.
The whole mystery around the theft of the script was kinda boring. I didn't understand the urgency. Stealing John's script for the "idea" so they could somehow rewrite it with their own words so that it's not plagiarism... is still plagiarism isn't it? Whoever stole the script would still be liable to a lawsuit if the original script was protected, right? Unless they changed it enough so as to no longer resemble the original, in which case, why steal it in the first place?
I didn't get why wanted the script so bad, but hey, whatever.
Also, I'm not a huge fan of characters like Ethan: the evil villain/former love interest. I like my antagonists to have depth and nuances. I want to read a complicated character who does the shit he does because of actual reasonable reasons, not just because. Ethan is *so eevil* that he bullies other people, takes intimate pictures for blackmailing purposes, pushes people around, has a horrible temper, sucks up to his superiors, is controlling and manipulative, has an evil-looking beard. I mean, I get it, C.S. Poe, Ethan is BAD. I was missing the part where he also likes to kick puppies, and where he brags about going to the north pole to club baby seals.
On the other hand, Marion is a saint. Ahh, Marion, Marion. I mean, don't get me wrong, the dude was a little bit morally ambiguous by the end (that's a good thing!) but honest to God, can't we just do that the whole time? Must I read about how he's such a darling *all the frigging time*?
Thing about Marion is, he isn't that perfect. C.S. Poe didn't have time to craft out the character she had in mind. We're just told Marion is kind and nice and perfect: a conclusion that Rory comes to by watching him interact with people for all of two days on set. And also the fact that he apparently knows the names of all 100 people on set. Ugh.
Marion is good the way Ethan is bad if you know what I mean. One can do no wrong, the other walks into set wearing a coat made out of Dalmatian fur. Excuse me, but I rather read about characters who land somewhere in the middle of the good/evil spectrum. Personal preference, I guess.
On the other hand, this was a well-written book. I enjoyed the style and the pacing, even if the relationship between these two developed at a quicker pace than strictly necessary. Word limit, I guess. The sex scene was fire though, which is always a huge plus. And the audiobook was narrated by Kale Williams, I swear the man can do no wrong.
I read this book as part of the Footsteps in the Dark anthology, and it is one of the better stories of the bunch.
I've avoided reading other C.S. Poe novels (mainly the Snow and Winter series) because I've read that she tends to write very one-dimensional characters who are either extremely good or extremely bad, and I can see that now, in the way she wrote Marion and Ethan. I'm not sure this book has convinced me to give her other books a try.
This was enjoyable enough. Rory is an interesting character. Forty-two years old, unable to hold a steady relationship, cat lover, likes soldering stuff to release stress, doesn't like people lying even though he's basically a professional liar a.k.a. private investigator. Although I'm not sure he's a great PI, even if he's been on the job for 20 years. Hell, especially since he's been on the job for twenty years.
He's supposed to be investigating the theft of a script, but he spends a suspiciously long time doing other stuff instead. I mean, he spends an entire day going on a date with Marion. Beers and pretzels, Empire State Building, shopping at Macy's?!? And that's like, the same day a murder has taken place AND he was the one who found the body. Jesus, Rory.
He's pretty clueless to be honest. His list of "suspects" is narrowed down to a handful of people he "doesn't like" or who he considers "bullies" and that's just not how this is supposed to be done now, is it? After the body is discovered in a part of the office that was under construction, he spots a highly suspicious character around set with white powder on his pants... *squints* almost as if he'd been kneeling behind someone while he choked him with a telephone cable. Hmm. Nah, it's probably nothing. And he just proceeds to forget all about it and go on a date with Marion.
Speaking of Marion. I'm ok with insta-lust, but I'm not a fan of "I've known this guy for two days and now, at forty-two years of age, I realize I've been keeping myself from experiencing real love" kind of epiphanies. It felt like Poe thought Rory really needed that moment of revelation just to validate his attraction to Marion, and truly, he didn't. So he was attracted to the guy. Big deal. He's hot. Enough said.
The whole mystery around the theft of the script was kinda boring. I didn't understand the urgency. Stealing John's script for the "idea" so they could somehow rewrite it with their own words so that it's not plagiarism... is still plagiarism isn't it? Whoever stole the script would still be liable to a lawsuit if the original script was protected, right? Unless they changed it enough so as to no longer resemble the original, in which case, why steal it in the first place?
I didn't get why wanted the script so bad, but hey, whatever.
Also, I'm not a huge fan of characters like Ethan: the evil villain/former love interest. I like my antagonists to have depth and nuances. I want to read a complicated character who does the shit he does because of actual reasonable reasons, not just because. Ethan is *so eevil* that he bullies other people, takes intimate pictures for blackmailing purposes, pushes people around, has a horrible temper, sucks up to his superiors, is controlling and manipulative, has an evil-looking beard. I mean, I get it, C.S. Poe, Ethan is BAD. I was missing the part where he also likes to kick puppies, and where he brags about going to the north pole to club baby seals.
On the other hand, Marion is a saint. Ahh, Marion, Marion. I mean, don't get me wrong, the dude was a little bit morally ambiguous by the end (that's a good thing!) but honest to God, can't we just do that the whole time? Must I read about how he's such a darling *all the frigging time*?
Thing about Marion is, he isn't that perfect. C.S. Poe didn't have time to craft out the character she had in mind. We're just told Marion is kind and nice and perfect: a conclusion that Rory comes to by watching him interact with people for all of two days on set. And also the fact that he apparently knows the names of all 100 people on set. Ugh.
Marion is good the way Ethan is bad if you know what I mean. One can do no wrong, the other walks into set wearing a coat made out of Dalmatian fur. Excuse me, but I rather read about characters who land somewhere in the middle of the good/evil spectrum. Personal preference, I guess.
On the other hand, this was a well-written book. I enjoyed the style and the pacing, even if the relationship between these two developed at a quicker pace than strictly necessary. Word limit, I guess. The sex scene was fire though, which is always a huge plus. And the audiobook was narrated by Kale Williams, I swear the man can do no wrong.
I read this book as part of the Footsteps in the Dark anthology, and it is one of the better stories of the bunch.
I've avoided reading other C.S. Poe novels (mainly the Snow and Winter series) because I've read that she tends to write very one-dimensional characters who are either extremely good or extremely bad, and I can see that now, in the way she wrote Marion and Ethan. I'm not sure this book has convinced me to give her other books a try.
June 21, 2026
I've read almost all of C.S. Poe's published work (with multiple rereads for many) but hadn't taken a chance on this one until recently, when I picked up a print copy at a signing and was gifted an ebook copy.
Lights. Camera. Murder. is told from the POV of Rory Byrne, a recently-single private investigator known for being quick and discreet when it comes to solving cases. He's hired to figure out who stole a script from the set of an upcoming, groundbreaking TV series. The stolen script isn't for the series itself, but it was written by the show's producer, and he's sure it'll be just what he needs to make it as a writer.
Rory goes undercover as a production assistant on the show, where everyone is a potential suspect – and where he ends up unknowingly flirting with the gorgeous star of the show, Marion Roosevelt, on his first day.
Things move pretty quickly, both with Rory narrowing the list of suspects and taking a chance on starting something with Marion. When Rory finds one of his prime suspects dead on the set, he's left trying to figure out the connection to the theft, and if the same person is responsible for both.
Because this one is a novella, it doesn't take long to wrap everything up. That said, the resolution is satisfying, and this wasn't one of those stories where it's easy to figure out the culprit. There was a lot packed into this story in a short amount of time, but it didn't feel particularly rushed.
There's a mention at the end about a second story, which hasn't happened yet, but I would definitely read it. Rory and Marion were both realistic and had wonderful chemistry right from the start, and I'd love to read more of them together! (More about Rory's cat, Gary, would be great, too!)
Lights. Camera. Murder. is told from the POV of Rory Byrne, a recently-single private investigator known for being quick and discreet when it comes to solving cases. He's hired to figure out who stole a script from the set of an upcoming, groundbreaking TV series. The stolen script isn't for the series itself, but it was written by the show's producer, and he's sure it'll be just what he needs to make it as a writer.
Rory goes undercover as a production assistant on the show, where everyone is a potential suspect – and where he ends up unknowingly flirting with the gorgeous star of the show, Marion Roosevelt, on his first day.
Things move pretty quickly, both with Rory narrowing the list of suspects and taking a chance on starting something with Marion. When Rory finds one of his prime suspects dead on the set, he's left trying to figure out the connection to the theft, and if the same person is responsible for both.
Because this one is a novella, it doesn't take long to wrap everything up. That said, the resolution is satisfying, and this wasn't one of those stories where it's easy to figure out the culprit. There was a lot packed into this story in a short amount of time, but it didn't feel particularly rushed.
There's a mention at the end about a second story, which hasn't happened yet, but I would definitely read it. Rory and Marion were both realistic and had wonderful chemistry right from the start, and I'd love to read more of them together! (More about Rory's cat, Gary, would be great, too!)
June 20, 2026
This is a tricky one for me… as C.S. Poe is and forever will be in my top three golden authors of all time. I have loved every single one of their books I’ve read.. except with this one, I was on the fence.
We follow Rory, a PI turned undercover PA trying to solve a mystery on a movie set. On which he meets Marion, an up and coming actor everyone is obsessed with.
I ADORED Rory and Marion together.. but I felt their relationship went from meeting to everything pretty quickly, as did the plot of the book. I got to the first death and I was 60% through and thinking… nothing has really happened how is it all going to fit in the last 40%?
I am however aware that as a shorter book, things have to happen quicker.
Regardless of all this, did the author hook me enough for me to want to read the next book in the series… yes. I’m invested in Rory and Marion and I want more ❤️
C.S Poe, as always… I’ll always be here and you’ll always be a favourite.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for free by the author but my reviews are entirely my own opinions.
We follow Rory, a PI turned undercover PA trying to solve a mystery on a movie set. On which he meets Marion, an up and coming actor everyone is obsessed with.
I ADORED Rory and Marion together.. but I felt their relationship went from meeting to everything pretty quickly, as did the plot of the book. I got to the first death and I was 60% through and thinking… nothing has really happened how is it all going to fit in the last 40%?
I am however aware that as a shorter book, things have to happen quicker.
Regardless of all this, did the author hook me enough for me to want to read the next book in the series… yes. I’m invested in Rory and Marion and I want more ❤️
C.S Poe, as always… I’ll always be here and you’ll always be a favourite.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book for free by the author but my reviews are entirely my own opinions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2026
First in series (The Silver Screen). Quick read. Age gap. Single POV.
Rory is used to being undercover as a private investigator, and this time he’s on a TV drama set. But he certainly doesn’t expect the mutual attraction with the lead actor, all while trying to stay professional when a murder happens.
Given this is a short story and single POV, there is still a good sense of Rory as a character and I enjoyed the fact that he really wants to try for something serious with Marion. I especially liked Marion’s confidence in flirting with Rory and that they have a sweet romantic and steamy date. The investigation of the stolen script and then murder was interesting and had both expected and unexpected twists. Do I wish the story was longer? Yes. Do I hope the author will return to give us more of these characters? Definitely. 4.25
Rory is used to being undercover as a private investigator, and this time he’s on a TV drama set. But he certainly doesn’t expect the mutual attraction with the lead actor, all while trying to stay professional when a murder happens.
Given this is a short story and single POV, there is still a good sense of Rory as a character and I enjoyed the fact that he really wants to try for something serious with Marion. I especially liked Marion’s confidence in flirting with Rory and that they have a sweet romantic and steamy date. The investigation of the stolen script and then murder was interesting and had both expected and unexpected twists. Do I wish the story was longer? Yes. Do I hope the author will return to give us more of these characters? Definitely. 4.25
June 25, 2020
As soon as I began to read the story, I knew I have already read it (talk about memorable first lines!) but it took me a bit to remember that this was part of Footsteps in the Dark.
I loved, of course. The characters are simply fantastic. And Marion! Oh, Marion is just... perfect! The mystery is really well done and keeps you wondering until the end; brilliant and masterly executed! And I love that is Marion, at the end, who saves the day (and Rory's life).
Another fantastic read, and I really, really hope will be seeing more of these two really soon :D
I loved, of course. The characters are simply fantastic. And Marion! Oh, Marion is just... perfect! The mystery is really well done and keeps you wondering until the end; brilliant and masterly executed! And I love that is Marion, at the end, who saves the day (and Rory's life).
Another fantastic read, and I really, really hope will be seeing more of these two really soon :D
July 17, 2022
Another excellent story from C. S Poe. I loved the cool modern version of Phillip Marlowe meets the movie industry in PI Rory Byrne, with plenty of film/tv set in-jokes as he goes undercover to solve the theft of a vital script.
The research was flawless and I became wholly involved with the tv production process as Rory, ever the professional learns the ropes as he starts his investigation. But his stoicism and dedication, the dearth of his many short-lived relationships is tested when he meets and is attracted to the star of the show, actor Marion Roosevelt.
I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of mystery and romance and was trying to guess whodunnit while cheering on Rory and Marion's tentative relationship. Looking forward to Book 2!
The research was flawless and I became wholly involved with the tv production process as Rory, ever the professional learns the ropes as he starts his investigation. But his stoicism and dedication, the dearth of his many short-lived relationships is tested when he meets and is attracted to the star of the show, actor Marion Roosevelt.
I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of mystery and romance and was trying to guess whodunnit while cheering on Rory and Marion's tentative relationship. Looking forward to Book 2!
June 19, 2020
Another engaging read - but one that felt very familiar - missing script; undercover job as PA - did some digging, realised this was in Footsteps in the Dark anthology! But a CS Poe reread is always a good thing.
Not perhaps my favourite of hers but a good closed set mystery, that turns murderous.
Marion perhaps a little needy for my full liking but looking forward to the next one
3.5/4*
Not perhaps my favourite of hers but a good closed set mystery, that turns murderous.
Marion perhaps a little needy for my full liking but looking forward to the next one
3.5/4*
June 19, 2020
“Lights, Camera, Murder” is a novella by CS Poe that starts a new mystery series “The Silver Screen”. She brings us two new delightful characters: Rory Byrne, PI and talented actor Marion Roosevelt.
Rory meets Marion on the set of a new tv show, while investigating the theft of a script. Rory finds he has way too many suspects and of course Marion is one.
Along with the fantastic cover the story has that old classic detective mystery feel to it. This is a great start and lot’s of potential for a new mystery series.
Can’t wait to see what CS Poe has planned for Rory and Marion next!
Rory meets Marion on the set of a new tv show, while investigating the theft of a script. Rory finds he has way too many suspects and of course Marion is one.
Along with the fantastic cover the story has that old classic detective mystery feel to it. This is a great start and lot’s of potential for a new mystery series.
Can’t wait to see what CS Poe has planned for Rory and Marion next!
December 23, 2021
Foi muito rápido. E desenvolveu pouco demais, quase nada mesmo.
A atração de Rory por Marion foi até boa sendo descrita mas não foi bem mostrada, nem o primeiro encontro deles mostrou e usou de uma cena de sexo bêbado pra trazer uma proximidade entre os dois que não funcionou pra mim.
Fica muito esse vazio sobre ambos os personagens.
Ficou mecânico também algumas vezes, como uma situação levava o Rory a pensar sobre a vida amorosa/afetiva dele, não me passou naturalidade.
O mistério também não foi nada demais mesmo, muito simples sem nenhuma reviravolta.
A atração de Rory por Marion foi até boa sendo descrita mas não foi bem mostrada, nem o primeiro encontro deles mostrou e usou de uma cena de sexo bêbado pra trazer uma proximidade entre os dois que não funcionou pra mim.
Fica muito esse vazio sobre ambos os personagens.
Ficou mecânico também algumas vezes, como uma situação levava o Rory a pensar sobre a vida amorosa/afetiva dele, não me passou naturalidade.
O mistério também não foi nada demais mesmo, muito simples sem nenhuma reviravolta.
July 7, 2022
Nice, short book for the beginning of a series. We are introduced to the MC of the story and get a little bit of a feel for him. He is a bit of a loner and a definite workaholic. He seems fine with his life but realizes after his latest breakup that he may need to "get a life." In the course of his latest investigation he meets an up and coming actor. We really don't get much about Marion, just mostly surface level. I hope this will be rectified in the next book. Overall just a sweet little read.
October 31, 2023
This was my second novella from the author and while the first, Kneading You, was nice, this was better and makes me want to read more of her mystery stories.
I read this as a part of Footsteps in the Dark anthology.
I read this as a part of Footsteps in the Dark anthology.
June 8, 2020
So, apart from c.s.poe's skills to make every scene flow into the next, this book had a lot of good points:
A cat that is just so cat. Can't not love a cat who is also well loved by their keeper.
A dickjoke as a tactic to steer off an awkward answer.
And the romance was just all around sweet.
Oh, and you can definitely tell c.s.poe had worked on a film set before when you read this.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
A cat that is just so cat. Can't not love a cat who is also well loved by their keeper.
A dickjoke as a tactic to steer off an awkward answer.
And the romance was just all around sweet.
Oh, and you can definitely tell c.s.poe had worked on a film set before when you read this.
Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 28, 2024
Rory has been tasked with finding a valuable missing script. Rory has gone undercover as a PA for the show so he can discretely questions folks and look for clues. He absolutely should not talk to the stars – but what is he supposed to do when the star, Marion, flirts with him! Slowly Rory is narrowing the suspect list down with the help of Marion. The set is filled with folks with secrets. A great story.
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