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Booker & Fitch Mysteries #2
Death on Opening Night
Recapturing the past can be murder.
When Tallulah Levantine, neglected sixties movie star, moves to Hazeby-on-Wyvern, she bankrolls the local am-dram production of Macbeth in exchange for the role of Lady Macbeth. This annoys both the usual leading lady and the leading man, Andy, who’s dating Fi.
However, her presence boosts the town, with a festival, events and activities planned. Better still, a hit TV series directed by famous Jon Angel is filming nearby. Could the town and its budding actors be set for stardom?
Then Tallulah receives threats and rehearsals are blighted with accidents. Finally, a body is found in her dressing room, mistaken for her. Who is trying to kill her, and why? The prime suspects compete to frame each other, but with insufficient evidence, the show must go on.
As the town hits the headlines, suspicion falls on someone Fi believes is innocent. When another crime takes place and the evidence points to the same suspect, she realises that time is running out. Can she and Jade discover the murderer lurking in the wings?
Death on Opening Night is the second book in the Booker and Fitch cozy mystery series, set in and around the English market town of Hazeby-on-Wyvern.
When Tallulah Levantine, neglected sixties movie star, moves to Hazeby-on-Wyvern, she bankrolls the local am-dram production of Macbeth in exchange for the role of Lady Macbeth. This annoys both the usual leading lady and the leading man, Andy, who’s dating Fi.
However, her presence boosts the town, with a festival, events and activities planned. Better still, a hit TV series directed by famous Jon Angel is filming nearby. Could the town and its budding actors be set for stardom?
Then Tallulah receives threats and rehearsals are blighted with accidents. Finally, a body is found in her dressing room, mistaken for her. Who is trying to kill her, and why? The prime suspects compete to frame each other, but with insufficient evidence, the show must go on.
As the town hits the headlines, suspicion falls on someone Fi believes is innocent. When another crime takes place and the evidence points to the same suspect, she realises that time is running out. Can she and Jade discover the murderer lurking in the wings?
Death on Opening Night is the second book in the Booker and Fitch cozy mystery series, set in and around the English market town of Hazeby-on-Wyvern.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2023
About the author
Liz Hedgecock
98 books184 followersI grew up in south London, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. The stories started to grow longer...and then the murders began!
I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.
I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.
Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.
I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.
I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.
Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 4, 2023
A great example of a first class cosy mystery, the characters are so lovable and the descriptions of the people and places are excellent, and I feel transport you into the story too.
I like the way the story introduces the characters, you get to know them, and then you are starting the guessing of who will be the perpetrator.
I feel you will love this book and want to read more from this author.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.
I like the way the story introduces the characters, you get to know them, and then you are starting the guessing of who will be the perpetrator.
I feel you will love this book and want to read more from this author.
I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.
August 5, 2023
another great adventure for the two ladies
If you like rosemary & thyme you’d love this series. Can’t wait to read the next story and see what these two get up too.
If you like rosemary & thyme you’d love this series. Can’t wait to read the next story and see what these two get up too.
July 21, 2023
Excellent Mystery
by Barbara Kelley
"Death on Opening Night" is book 2 of the Booker & Fitch Mystery series written by Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon. I love this series because it reminds me of Agatha Christie's series'. This episode follows Jade, the middle-aged owner of a magical crystals shop, and Fi (probably short for Fiona), also middle-aged, who owns a bookshop on a houseboat barge. The story takes place in small town England, and is reminiscent of the pictorial scenes in the movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". In this episode, Fi finds a stray dog that she takes home to the barge. She has a 14 year old son named Dylan who loves the dog on sight. Fi also has a new gentleman friend named Andy who is an actor. He will be playing MacBeth in the upcoming theater play in town. Also in town are Tallulah, an actress in her 60s, who has bankrolled the upcoming play so that she can play Lady MacBeth. Dylan, along with several other high school students are working backstage on the play. As well as the play, a movie crew and a famous director/producer is in town to shoot a movie that is different from the play. There is a superstition about the play MacBeth, that it is bad luck. Several incidents occur regarding Tallulah, but she dismisses them and does not tell the police. Dylan tells his mother, and she tells Jade, and they tell Tallulah that she should tell the police. But Tallulah just fluffy it off as coincidences. However, when Jon, the famous director/producer is found stabbed to death in Tallulah's dressing room, wearing Tallulah's Lady MacBeth veil, the leading lady, Fi, and Jade have no choice but to alert the inspector of the incidents that have occurred during rehearsals. And the number one suspect in the murder is Fi's new gentleman friend, Andy, so Fi and Jade have to rush to find out who really killed the victim. Was it really Andy? Or was it someone else. This story has a surprise outcome. I gave this book 5 stars and can hardly wait for Book 3 of the series.
I received a copy for free via booksprout, and this is my voluntary review.
by Barbara Kelley
"Death on Opening Night" is book 2 of the Booker & Fitch Mystery series written by Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon. I love this series because it reminds me of Agatha Christie's series'. This episode follows Jade, the middle-aged owner of a magical crystals shop, and Fi (probably short for Fiona), also middle-aged, who owns a bookshop on a houseboat barge. The story takes place in small town England, and is reminiscent of the pictorial scenes in the movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". In this episode, Fi finds a stray dog that she takes home to the barge. She has a 14 year old son named Dylan who loves the dog on sight. Fi also has a new gentleman friend named Andy who is an actor. He will be playing MacBeth in the upcoming theater play in town. Also in town are Tallulah, an actress in her 60s, who has bankrolled the upcoming play so that she can play Lady MacBeth. Dylan, along with several other high school students are working backstage on the play. As well as the play, a movie crew and a famous director/producer is in town to shoot a movie that is different from the play. There is a superstition about the play MacBeth, that it is bad luck. Several incidents occur regarding Tallulah, but she dismisses them and does not tell the police. Dylan tells his mother, and she tells Jade, and they tell Tallulah that she should tell the police. But Tallulah just fluffy it off as coincidences. However, when Jon, the famous director/producer is found stabbed to death in Tallulah's dressing room, wearing Tallulah's Lady MacBeth veil, the leading lady, Fi, and Jade have no choice but to alert the inspector of the incidents that have occurred during rehearsals. And the number one suspect in the murder is Fi's new gentleman friend, Andy, so Fi and Jade have to rush to find out who really killed the victim. Was it really Andy? Or was it someone else. This story has a surprise outcome. I gave this book 5 stars and can hardly wait for Book 3 of the series.
I received a copy for free via booksprout, and this is my voluntary review.
April 29, 2023
Book 2 in the Booker and Fitch series is a great page turner with wonderful characters. Friends Fi, owner of the bookshop on a barge and Jade, Owner of a magical merchandise shop have been able to solve crimes before. The town is a busy town with many amenities including a small town theater that wants to put on the Shakespeare play, Macbeth. But without backing, they don't think they can pull it off. Enter, Tallulah Levantine, an older, over the hill actress who decided to bankroll the play as long as she plays the lead opposite Fi's possible boyfriend, Andy. But there are some strange accidents that occur during rehearsals and threats toward Tallulah. But until a TV producer, Jon Angel is found dead, stabbed with MacBeth's dagger in her dressing room did Tallulah take anything seriously. Was she supposed to be the one murdered? When the Inspector puts Andy as his number one suspect, Fi and Jade take it upon themselves to find the real murderer. This is a wonderful mystery with many twists and turns and red-herrings that compels you to turn pages until the surprise end. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
April 24, 2023
A quiet town with much going on includes a bookshop on a barge, a shop of magical and new age merchandise sold by a non-believer, a theater undertaking a major production (of the Scottish play!) with a has-been star, and murder! Oh and a lovely stray dog that has adopted Fi, the bookstore barge owner.
Friends Fi and Jade are wonderful leading characters in this series. They are practical, careful business owners, and darn good detectives! The combination of their actions and a willing to listen Inspector lead to some interesting speculation and discoveries. Such charming main characters are much more than what meets the eye! There are several minor characters who add humor and depth to the story.
This was the second book in the series, and a wonderful addition! I love the relaxed friendship that has developed between Fi and Jade, and look forward to many more adventures that they share. Although this book stands alone, I recommend reading the first one to enhance your pleasure! It's a wonderful series and a terrific book!
Friends Fi and Jade are wonderful leading characters in this series. They are practical, careful business owners, and darn good detectives! The combination of their actions and a willing to listen Inspector lead to some interesting speculation and discoveries. Such charming main characters are much more than what meets the eye! There are several minor characters who add humor and depth to the story.
This was the second book in the series, and a wonderful addition! I love the relaxed friendship that has developed between Fi and Jade, and look forward to many more adventures that they share. Although this book stands alone, I recommend reading the first one to enhance your pleasure! It's a wonderful series and a terrific book!
April 27, 2023
Another good cozy mystery from these two collaborators. I downloaded my ARC and just knew I was in for an enjoyable read. When it comes to solving a murder and the number one suspect is a boyfriend it is imperative that the real culprit is unmasked. Booker and Fitch set out to save the local amateur dramatic society from total disaster and clear the name of an innocent person. The characters have been developed more in this second book in series and it was interesting to see that, even in a story, good friends can be a little secretive and not see eye to eye. A simple storyline that is well written with good dialogue and keeps you entertained. I can honestly say that, after having a rather traumatic couple of weeks, this is the sort of book I can totally relax with. No confusing plots and endless twists and turns. Just a great read with interesting characters and an ending that ties all the ribbons up. I’ve got to admit I read it all in one go. Maybe I should have savoured it a little longer but couldn’t put it down. Long may the series last.
April 28, 2023
A Sideline of Crime Solving . . .
There’s a new production of Macbeth being prepared for the Little Theatre. Fi Booker’s maybe-boyfriend, Andy, will be performing in the starring role, but his leading lady will be an older woman financing the show and playing Lady Macbeth. She is more suitable as Andy’s mother, but without Tallulah Levantine’s funding, the show won’t go on. Tallulah starts getting threats and there are unusual accidents occurring at rehearsals. Will she begin to recognize that someone may be trying to kill her over this play? Then a TV producer, Jon Angel who was filming nearby, is found dead in Tallulah’s dressing room, stabbed with Macbeth’s dagger from the play, and Inspector Fletcher is looking at Andy as primary suspect. But was the murderer actually trying to kill Tallulah and killed Jon Angel in her room by mistake? Friends Fi and Jade immediately become involved to clear Andy’s name. Can they find the real murderer? Or will the Inspector put a stop to their interference in his case?
There’s a new production of Macbeth being prepared for the Little Theatre. Fi Booker’s maybe-boyfriend, Andy, will be performing in the starring role, but his leading lady will be an older woman financing the show and playing Lady Macbeth. She is more suitable as Andy’s mother, but without Tallulah Levantine’s funding, the show won’t go on. Tallulah starts getting threats and there are unusual accidents occurring at rehearsals. Will she begin to recognize that someone may be trying to kill her over this play? Then a TV producer, Jon Angel who was filming nearby, is found dead in Tallulah’s dressing room, stabbed with Macbeth’s dagger from the play, and Inspector Fletcher is looking at Andy as primary suspect. But was the murderer actually trying to kill Tallulah and killed Jon Angel in her room by mistake? Friends Fi and Jade immediately become involved to clear Andy’s name. Can they find the real murderer? Or will the Inspector put a stop to their interference in his case?
April 21, 2023
Liz Hedgecock has brought a small town mystery to life through her array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters introduced to the local community theater and a deadly schemer in their midst drawing you into their little circle. Enticing you in further is not just any mystery but the murder of an outsider known only by a few yet affecting them all , lieving many of them suspect .Old theatrical superstitions come into play giving motive and clues you will enjoy following While a plot that carries you throughout that will keep you guessing who's game is being played. I couldn't put this fabulous cozey mystery down once I began reading becoming so immersed in its engaging drama .Acquire " Death on Opening Night " for a truly intriguing and enjoyable experience. Kat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2023
Friends, Fi and Jade are at it again in book two of the Booker & Fitch Mysteries. While this works as a standalone, you’ll be more endeared to these wonderful characters if you read book one first.
When a (formerly) famous movie star moves to Hazeby-on-Wyvern and is the lead in a local production, the locals are hopeful that they’ll catch the eye of a famous tv director. Emotions run high after a body is found in the leading star’s dressing room.
New-age shop owner, Jade, & floating bookshop owner, Fi, find themselves involved in the investigation of yet another local murder. Can they help solve it to prove the innocence of the prime suspect?
You can count on Liz Hedgecock to write a story about a murder that still leaves you feeling cozy. I recommend this series and will definitely keep reading, hoping for the best for Jade & Fi!
When a (formerly) famous movie star moves to Hazeby-on-Wyvern and is the lead in a local production, the locals are hopeful that they’ll catch the eye of a famous tv director. Emotions run high after a body is found in the leading star’s dressing room.
New-age shop owner, Jade, & floating bookshop owner, Fi, find themselves involved in the investigation of yet another local murder. Can they help solve it to prove the innocence of the prime suspect?
You can count on Liz Hedgecock to write a story about a murder that still leaves you feeling cozy. I recommend this series and will definitely keep reading, hoping for the best for Jade & Fi!
April 27, 2023
I always look forward to a new Liz Hedgecock book. They rarely disappoint and this one is no exception. It’s the second title in her new Booker & Fitch series, which is co-authored with another popular author, Paula Harmon.
The main characters are interesting – Fi owns a book business on a barge and Jade runs a crystal and magic shop. Both these settings have been well researched and add colour and interest to the story, as do the well-drawn characters, both major and minor. When the TV producer is murdered on opening night Fi’s boyfriend, as one of the actors, is also one of the suspects. Motives run the gamut of professional jealousy, distrust, money and revenge. Well written and well thought out. I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
The main characters are interesting – Fi owns a book business on a barge and Jade runs a crystal and magic shop. Both these settings have been well researched and add colour and interest to the story, as do the well-drawn characters, both major and minor. When the TV producer is murdered on opening night Fi’s boyfriend, as one of the actors, is also one of the suspects. Motives run the gamut of professional jealousy, distrust, money and revenge. Well written and well thought out. I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
April 30, 2023
Liz Hedgecock and Paula Harmon are the master of red herrings. This book will keep you guessing as to who could possibly have caused Death on Opening Night to happen. The story is fabulously plotted and kept me guessing first one person and then another until the very end of the book. Watching Jade and Fi fight their internal doubts and grow stronger with each story is a pleasure to watch, well read. The Booker and Fitch Mysteries are a true pleasure to read and I do love soaking up the English way of life along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 27, 2023
Death on Opening Night is the second Book of Booker and Fitch Mysteries series. Another great story victory for Booker and Fitch! It was wonderful to take a trip back into their little mysterious world and join them on the newest adventure of Death on Opening Night. I enjoyed this installment even more than the first. The characters from the first book and the humor they brought were my favorite. I am so glad this is a series and I can’t wait to read the further adventures from these two ladies. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2023
Fi who runs a bookstore on a barge and Jade who runs a crystal shop are drawn in to investigate a murder. Fi’s boyfriend Andy is the prime suspect when a critic is murdered after the opening night of MacBeth. Fi and Jade try to clear his name.
I really enjoy Fi and Jade the two most unlikely ladies to investigate crimes. I love these two characters. Unlikely friends that just work well together. I enjoyed this story very much. I especially loved the ending. I highly recommend this book and this author! It was a fun quick mystery!
I really enjoy Fi and Jade the two most unlikely ladies to investigate crimes. I love these two characters. Unlikely friends that just work well together. I enjoyed this story very much. I especially loved the ending. I highly recommend this book and this author! It was a fun quick mystery!
May 8, 2023
Liz Hedgecock is a fairly new to me author, I've only read a few of her books, and I haven't read the first book in this series although I have bought it so I can. Paula Harmon is a complete unknown to me, but that's also going to be changing because this story is fantastic. It's one of the best cozy mysteries I've read this year. It's very well written and the mystery is full of twists and turns. I love the characters and the setting, and that it revolves around a theatre production. I seriously devoured this one and I highly recommend it.
May 29, 2023
Fi and Jada didn’t expect their to be a murder on opening night of the local play. Against the advice of Inspector Falconer they investigate the murder. Fi and Andy one of the actors and possibly a suspect we’re supposed to have a late dinner after the performance. The twists and turns of the mystery and Andy’s behavior had Fi concerned. In the end the murder was solved. Fi and Andy lade decisions about their future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2024
Death on Opening Night (Booker & Fitch Mysteries Book 2), my seventh read from author Liz Hedgecock is a 185-page-turning, delightful, amateur sleuth mystery that draws you in deeper and deeper with every word read! The second book in The Booker & Fitch Mysteries series. I look forward to the next book in the series, Murder at Midnight (Booker & Fitch Mysteries Book 3) as soon as I get it. "I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 21, 2023
When Tullulah Levantine moves to Hazeby-on-Wyvern it was to boost the town with her presence. At the theatre the body of Jon Angel is found stabbed in Tullulah's dressing room. Everyone thinks she was the one intended to be killed. When Andy becomes one of the suspects Fi and Jade help Inspector Falconer. A exciting finish with a surprise as to who had done it. I received this book free via booksprouts and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
April 27, 2023
Fi and Jade's respectful shops are doing well when they both meet an actress performing in the Scottish play and then things start happening from a ghost at the theatre, a guy in a veil, Andy Fi's boyfriend getting punched and receiving a concussion, and then a murder and that's only 20 or so pages in and the book keeps getting better and I couldn't put it down. You will love this book just like I did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2023
Brilliantly crafted mystery series , this is second in the series but standalone story. Fi and Jade partner up again when there’s a murder in the dressing room of a famed retired actress who is bankrolling an am-dram production. All the cast are suspects but Fi hopes she knows one of them is innocent…well written story ,plot and characters faultless.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2023
Another win for Booker and Fitch! It was wonderful to jump back into their rich world and join them on the adventure of Death on Opening Night. I enjoyed this installment even more than the first. The character progression from the first book and the humor were my favorite. I am so glad this is a series and I can’t wait to read the further adventures of these two ladies.
April 27, 2023
A former movie star moves to town and backs a production of Macbeth. Of course, she gets to play Lady Macbeth which doesn’t sit well with some of the other actors. Threats are made and Booker and Fitch get pulled into another murder when a body is found in the dressing room. Was the victim intended or a case of mistaken identity? Curl up in your favorite spot and find out.
April 28, 2023
Love a good who done it that keeps you guessing until the end. Quirky and interesting characters that help tell the story. Grabs you from the beginning and keeps you hooked. Unexpected twists and turns in the story. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 10, 2024
Another outing for To and Jade
Another murder after a first night of a version of Macbeth. Go and Made follow a convoluted route through the maze of clues. Getting told off again by the Detective Inspector when the first of their theories is shot down in flames. Further evidence comes to light and resolved the conundrum. Go and Made are centre stage at the final denouement.
Another murder after a first night of a version of Macbeth. Go and Made follow a convoluted route through the maze of clues. Getting told off again by the Detective Inspector when the first of their theories is shot down in flames. Further evidence comes to light and resolved the conundrum. Go and Made are centre stage at the final denouement.
April 27, 2023
Liz Hedgecock is one terrific writer. I know I will always love her books and she writes a great book again. Fi and Jade have another great mystery to solve. These are 2 of the best written characters I’ve read in a long time. Liz is one of those authors, I can’t wait to read!
April 28, 2023
Start with a small town, add a has-been star, a famous producer, a couple of sleuthing friends, and a pinch of romance, maybe, and what do you get? I'm not sure yet. . .we'll see.
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest and voluntary review
I'm a member of the ARC team and have left an honest and voluntary review
May 8, 2023
Watch the theater as things heat up. And the girls are back at it again. Love the characters ! You never know what’s gonna happen with these two and their small town.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2023
A wonderful book by author Liz Hedgecock.
This is book two in this series and just as good as the first...
Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book two in this series and just as good as the first...
Loved reading...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2023
A charming and clever cozy mystery with wonderful characters and a lovely dog.
May 20, 2023
Another in a series marked by this author's usual wonderful, in-depth characters, and Shakespeare in Fi and Jade's village.-A famous older actress is starring in Macbeth, the director is also a big figure, and Fi's 14-year-old son is working backstage with other students. But when a body turns up, and odd things happen at rehearsals, Fi and Jade team up again to help find the culprit before more damage is done to relationships and reputations. The ending is great!
April 24, 2023
I love it when a plan comes together! As I reached the last page of this new novel, that was exactly what went through my head because it was a very satisfactory end - case solved, loose ends tied up and all is well that ends well. But this is no fairy tale, it is intriguing and exciting, clever and misleading, twisting and turning with suspects galore. What can I say other than "a really good read, download it today!"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews