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Acting Off-Script: Small Town Murder and Divided Loyalties
As the third book in the series begins, Grant’s Crossing is preparing for the annual Fall Fair and Halloween. They weren’t prepared for another murder and the mystery around it.
As Alysha Grant continues building her career, and overseeing Leven Lodge, she also needs to make a relationship decision. So she’s relieved to believe the murder, this time, has no connection to her. But she’s wrong and needs to sort through the gossip to find the truth.
A terrific cast of characters, eccentric and otherwise, along with a blend of mystery and potential romance, will have you wanting more.
As Alysha Grant continues building her career, and overseeing Leven Lodge, she also needs to make a relationship decision. So she’s relieved to believe the murder, this time, has no connection to her. But she’s wrong and needs to sort through the gossip to find the truth.
A terrific cast of characters, eccentric and otherwise, along with a blend of mystery and potential romance, will have you wanting more.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
1 person want to read
About the author
Jamie Tremain
22 books46 followersJamie Tremain bio
Jamie Tremain was “born” in the summer of 2007. A collaborative effort brought about by two fledgling authors Pam Blance and Liz Lindsay. Work colleagues who happened to share a love of reading and writing, and the natural next step was to try their hand at creating a story of their own.
Jamie Tremain has worked hard to be a visible presence in the writing community, where encouragement and support are golden.
We have 2 series - The Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series, and the Grant's Crossing Series. With both these series we have become known for our ability to blend crime, mystery, and relationships to create a memorable story.
In April of 2023, we collaborated with author Gloria Ferris and released the first book in our new Mechanic Falls Gem Caper Series - Worlds May Change. And we now have 3 more books in the series!
Jamie Tremain was “born” in the summer of 2007. A collaborative effort brought about by two fledgling authors Pam Blance and Liz Lindsay. Work colleagues who happened to share a love of reading and writing, and the natural next step was to try their hand at creating a story of their own.
Jamie Tremain has worked hard to be a visible presence in the writing community, where encouragement and support are golden.
We have 2 series - The Dorothy Dennehy Mystery Series, and the Grant's Crossing Series. With both these series we have become known for our ability to blend crime, mystery, and relationships to create a memorable story.
In April of 2023, we collaborated with author Gloria Ferris and released the first book in our new Mechanic Falls Gem Caper Series - Worlds May Change. And we now have 3 more books in the series!
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 29, 2025
This book was such a treat, Acting Off-Script is book #3 in the Grant’s Crossing series by Jamie Tremain, and although I hadn’t read the first two, I had no trouble diving into this one. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that are character-driven, full of witty dialogue, and offer more than just a whodunit, then this book is for you.
I really enjoyed following Alysha, the main character, who juggles an impressive amount of responsibility, running Leven Lodge, apprenticing as a realtor, and navigating a rocky patch in her relationship with Jeff. What I liked most about her is how grounded she feels. She’s not some perfect amateur sleuth, she’s just trying to do her best, and her inner monologue is often equal parts funny and heartfelt.
The mystery itself starts with the body of April Lancashire found beneath renovation debris at the town’s old movie theater, and things spiral from there. But what really stood out to me wasn’t just the mystery (which was well-paced and kept me guessing), but how intertwined it was with the lives of the Lodge residents. Everyone had a story, and those stories were more than just filler they deepened the emotional resonance of the plot.
Dianne, in particular, stole the show for me. She’s feisty, loyal, and a little dramatic, but in the best way. Her moment of standing up to gossipy old women in defense of the Patels was one of my favorite scenes it said so much about her growth and values. I also found the exploration of bias, both subtle and overt, to be handled thoughtfully throughout the book.
Minnie’s return after a mental health crisis was another surprising highlight. It would’ve been easy to treat her as comic relief or write her off entirely, but instead, we see her come back as someone trying to change and reconnect. Her new friendship with Sasitha was both unexpected and beautiful. Honestly, the way these characters interact, sharing meals, sniping at each other, forming bonds made me feel like I was right there at Leven Lodge.
And I can’t forget Cory. His storyline felt especially relevant a teen with a rough background finding hope and support through animals and mentorship. That subplot could have easily felt tacked on, but instead, it added a layer of warmth and realism that elevated the whole book.
Tremain’s writing has an ease to it. The tone is light enough to be enjoyable, but not afraid to go deep when it needs to. The humor is subtle, the dialogue is snappy, and the pacing kept me engaged the whole way through.
I really enjoyed following Alysha, the main character, who juggles an impressive amount of responsibility, running Leven Lodge, apprenticing as a realtor, and navigating a rocky patch in her relationship with Jeff. What I liked most about her is how grounded she feels. She’s not some perfect amateur sleuth, she’s just trying to do her best, and her inner monologue is often equal parts funny and heartfelt.
The mystery itself starts with the body of April Lancashire found beneath renovation debris at the town’s old movie theater, and things spiral from there. But what really stood out to me wasn’t just the mystery (which was well-paced and kept me guessing), but how intertwined it was with the lives of the Lodge residents. Everyone had a story, and those stories were more than just filler they deepened the emotional resonance of the plot.
Dianne, in particular, stole the show for me. She’s feisty, loyal, and a little dramatic, but in the best way. Her moment of standing up to gossipy old women in defense of the Patels was one of my favorite scenes it said so much about her growth and values. I also found the exploration of bias, both subtle and overt, to be handled thoughtfully throughout the book.
Minnie’s return after a mental health crisis was another surprising highlight. It would’ve been easy to treat her as comic relief or write her off entirely, but instead, we see her come back as someone trying to change and reconnect. Her new friendship with Sasitha was both unexpected and beautiful. Honestly, the way these characters interact, sharing meals, sniping at each other, forming bonds made me feel like I was right there at Leven Lodge.
And I can’t forget Cory. His storyline felt especially relevant a teen with a rough background finding hope and support through animals and mentorship. That subplot could have easily felt tacked on, but instead, it added a layer of warmth and realism that elevated the whole book.
Tremain’s writing has an ease to it. The tone is light enough to be enjoyable, but not afraid to go deep when it needs to. The humor is subtle, the dialogue is snappy, and the pacing kept me engaged the whole way through.
July 29, 2025
Jamie Tremain’s Acting Off Script was my first time reading anything from the Grant’s Crossing series, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I felt immersed in the world. You don’t need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one, although I can now see why the series has fans. The writing is sharp, the characters are genuinely endearing or maddening in all the right ways, and the murder mystery is layered just enough to keep you turning pages without getting too dark or convoluted.
The story centers around Alysha Grant, a young woman trying to balance her real estate career with managing a retirement home Leven Lodge full of colorful residents. Right from the first chapter, the small town charm and underlying tensions are palpable. The discovery of a body at the old movie theater becomes the catalyst for a whole web of drama, secrets, and, oddly enough, personal growth. I especially liked how the murder mystery was important but didn’t overshadow the interpersonal dynamics. In fact, that’s where the book shines.
Characters like Dianne, who starts the book with a bruised face and her usual firecracker personality, really stood out to me. Her evolution throughout the story from confrontation in the grocery store to reflecting on her past judgments felt real. And then there’s Minnie, whose transformation after a stint in care is one of the more heartwarming arcs I’ve read in a while. She goes from cranky hoarder to someone who genuinely wants connection and healing, and it’s handled in a way that feels both touching and believable.
I also appreciated the subplot involving Cory, a former street kid trying to find a new life through working with the alpacas and being mentored by the residents. That storyline added emotional depth and made the book feel more modern and socially aware, without being preachy.
If I had one critique, it’s that sometimes the dialogue can lean a bit exposition heavy, especially in group scenes. And a few of the side characters like Nina and Cassie felt a little over-the-top at times though perhaps that’s intentionalit is a retirement home full of drama!
Overall, Acting Off Script is a cozy, heartfelt mystery that blends gentle suspense with real world themes like inclusion, mental health, aging, and community. It’s a comfort read in the best way with enough edge to make it compelling. I’ll definitely be looking into the earlier books in the series now.
The story centers around Alysha Grant, a young woman trying to balance her real estate career with managing a retirement home Leven Lodge full of colorful residents. Right from the first chapter, the small town charm and underlying tensions are palpable. The discovery of a body at the old movie theater becomes the catalyst for a whole web of drama, secrets, and, oddly enough, personal growth. I especially liked how the murder mystery was important but didn’t overshadow the interpersonal dynamics. In fact, that’s where the book shines.
Characters like Dianne, who starts the book with a bruised face and her usual firecracker personality, really stood out to me. Her evolution throughout the story from confrontation in the grocery store to reflecting on her past judgments felt real. And then there’s Minnie, whose transformation after a stint in care is one of the more heartwarming arcs I’ve read in a while. She goes from cranky hoarder to someone who genuinely wants connection and healing, and it’s handled in a way that feels both touching and believable.
I also appreciated the subplot involving Cory, a former street kid trying to find a new life through working with the alpacas and being mentored by the residents. That storyline added emotional depth and made the book feel more modern and socially aware, without being preachy.
If I had one critique, it’s that sometimes the dialogue can lean a bit exposition heavy, especially in group scenes. And a few of the side characters like Nina and Cassie felt a little over-the-top at times though perhaps that’s intentionalit is a retirement home full of drama!
Overall, Acting Off Script is a cozy, heartfelt mystery that blends gentle suspense with real world themes like inclusion, mental health, aging, and community. It’s a comfort read in the best way with enough edge to make it compelling. I’ll definitely be looking into the earlier books in the series now.
July 24, 2025
I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. Acting Off Script might be categorized as a cozy mystery, but it’s so much more than that. Jamie Tremain delivers an intimate, character driven story full of small town intrigue, emotional nuance, and sharply observed relationships.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the murder mystery though that plotline was well paced and kept me guessing it was the depth of the characters. Alysha is at a real crossroads in life: juggling her real estate career, running Leven Lodge, and managing a relationship that’s slowly eroding. Her frustration and longing felt incredibly real. And the dynamics within Leven Lodge? Brilliant. Each resident is unique, from sarcastic, fierce Dianne to reformed Minnie, who completely surprised me.
Tackling themes like xenophobia, aging, and redemption, the book never felt preachy. Instead, it felt grounded and genuine. I finished the last page and felt like I’d just said goodbye to a group of friends.
What stood out to me wasn’t just the murder mystery though that plotline was well paced and kept me guessing it was the depth of the characters. Alysha is at a real crossroads in life: juggling her real estate career, running Leven Lodge, and managing a relationship that’s slowly eroding. Her frustration and longing felt incredibly real. And the dynamics within Leven Lodge? Brilliant. Each resident is unique, from sarcastic, fierce Dianne to reformed Minnie, who completely surprised me.
Tackling themes like xenophobia, aging, and redemption, the book never felt preachy. Instead, it felt grounded and genuine. I finished the last page and felt like I’d just said goodbye to a group of friends.
July 24, 2025
So many stories overlook people over 60. Not Acting Off Script. This book gives them the stage and lets them shine. Dianne, Minnie, Frank, even the twins they’re all fully realized people, not stereotypes. The fact that one of the most satisfying arcs was Minnie’s return and redemption proves Jamie Tremain knows how to write complex older characters.
I also loved how the mystery didn’t overpower the relationships instead, it enhanced them. You see how fear, suspicion, and grief bring people together or push them apart. And the writing is clear, warm, and occasionally very funny. Loved it.
I also loved how the mystery didn’t overpower the relationships instead, it enhanced them. You see how fear, suspicion, and grief bring people together or push them apart. And the writing is clear, warm, and occasionally very funny. Loved it.
July 24, 2025
There’s something really satisfying about a book that makes you feel like you’re part of the community. That’s how I felt with Acting Off-Script. I wanted to sit at the Leven Lodge dinner table, gossip with Cassie, and walk through the meadows with the alpacas.
The story starts with a bang a body discovered under renovation materials but what hooked me was how that event set off a chain reaction of personal reckonings. Alysha is navigating burnout and relationship discontent. Dianne is finally confronting how she judges people. And the Patels are learning to settle into a place that doesn’t always know how to welcome outsiders.
The story starts with a bang a body discovered under renovation materials but what hooked me was how that event set off a chain reaction of personal reckonings. Alysha is navigating burnout and relationship discontent. Dianne is finally confronting how she judges people. And the Patels are learning to settle into a place that doesn’t always know how to welcome outsiders.
July 24, 2025
This was my first Jamie Tremain novel and it won’t be my last. I was so moved by how this book handled big themes with such warmth. At its heart, it’s about second chances: Minnie coming back stronger, Cory rebuilding his life, Alysha figuring out her path, even Dianne softening.
The mystery element is satisfying without being too twisty, which I liked it allowed for more focus on the characters and their internal journeys. And the emotional payoff when characters open up, apologize, or grow is so rewarding.
I especially loved the scenes between Dianne and Jan their friendship felt real and earned.
The mystery element is satisfying without being too twisty, which I liked it allowed for more focus on the characters and their internal journeys. And the emotional payoff when characters open up, apologize, or grow is so rewarding.
I especially loved the scenes between Dianne and Jan their friendship felt real and earned.
July 24, 2025
Reading this book felt like sitting by a fireplace with a cup of tea warm, comforting, and nourishing. But don’t be fooled: there’s bite here, too. The book isn’t afraid to talk about real issues racial prejudice, mental health, even romantic disillusionment.
There’s a gentle feminist undertone too Alysha carving out space for herself, refusing to be sidelined in her relationship or her career. The mystery was solid, though for me, the true magic of this book is in the quiet moments the kitchen chats, the porch reflections, the shared history.
It’s a story about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary events and doing so with heart.
There’s a gentle feminist undertone too Alysha carving out space for herself, refusing to be sidelined in her relationship or her career. The mystery was solid, though for me, the true magic of this book is in the quiet moments the kitchen chats, the porch reflections, the shared history.
It’s a story about ordinary people dealing with extraordinary events and doing so with heart.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews