I don’t read many of the Murder, She Wrote cozy mysteries by how could I resist one called Murder Backstage? “Jessica Fletcher” and Terrie Farley Moran take mystery author Jessica Fletcher and some of her friends from Cabot Cove to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in the latest in the series.
Jessica is finishing her latest book when she receives a call from her favorite cousin, British actress Emma Macgill. It seems international actor and entertainer Derek Braverman is wrapping up his career at age 80. He retiring following an old-fashioned musical review in Edmonton. Emma will be part of the revue, and wants Jessica and friends to come stay, visit, and see the show. It doesn’t take long to recruit Dr. Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger, longtime fans of Braverman. Along with Mort’s wife, Maureen, the foursome head for Edmonton for vacation.
But, it never seems to be a vacation for Jessica. Someone at the hotel realizes she’s bestselling author J.B. Fletcher, and arranges a book signing without her consent. And, two fans stalk her, hoping for time or autographs. But, it’s a murder of a bartender who also works as a stagehand for the revue that turns her vacation into an investigation. Jessica, Maureen, and Emma use their inside knowledge of the cast and crew to look for a killer.
Although there wasn’t as much theater in the story as I would have liked, fans of the series will not be disappointed. With familiar characters such as Jessica, Seth, and Mort, along with excellent descriptions of sites in Edmonton, Murder She Wrote: Murder Backstage will satisfy cozy mystery readers.
Terrie Farley Moran’s website is https://terriefarleymoran.com/
Murder, She Wrote: Murder Backstage by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran. Berkley, 2024. ISBN 9780593640753 (paperback), 272p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley through NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal.
Hi Lesa, Many thanks for your kind review of Murder, She Wrote Murder Backstage. I especially loved : “But, it never seems to be a vacation for Jessica.” That is so true. Sorry I couldn’t fit in more actual theater performance, I think I was distracted because I was fascinated by the building with its backstage rooms and the Orchestra lift. And I am glad you appreciated the description of the sites in Edmonton. I had no idea when I started the research what a fun and interesting place it is. Now I want to visit Edmonton!