Murder at the Matinee: This golden-age style theatrical murder mystery is perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Robert Thorogood and, of course, Agatha Christie!: 2 (Bertie Carroll Mysteries)

Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll returns, this time in London's West End, to solve the mystery of an impossible murder and the newspaper advert that preceded it.

“A book cosy crime fans and theatre buffs will enjoy from Act One all the way through to the final curtain!” – Fiona Leitch
“So happy to be taken back once again to that poignant lost land of nineteen-thirties theatre. And at the heart of is this perfect, impossible murder!” – J.M. Hall
“Elegantly crafted and expertly plotted” – Orlando Murrin
“Another wonderfully clever and satisfying Golden Age-inspired mystery” – Tom Mead
"A stylish, charming murder mystery” – Kitty Murphy

Following on from the success of Death on the Pier, playwright turned real-life detective, Bertie Carroll, returns for the second book in this golden-age-style whodunnit series, set in the exciting world of theatreland in 1930s London.

An unexpected phone call from a rival playwright puts Bertie centre stage in another mystery. Can he help unravel the motive behind a mysterious newspaper advert that boldly declares a murder will take place during a show’s third act? There’s only one problem, there is no murder in the third act of the play!

When a victim is discovered and the police are brought in, Bertie and Inspector Hugh Chapman get thrown awkwardly back together as they both work to find the killer.

The spotlight falls on each suspect in turn and, this time, even Bertie is not above suspicion. But can rivalries and differences be put aside to solve this devious murder?

Cosy crime fans will love his golden-age style murder mystery set in the world of 1930s theatre. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Anthony Horowitz and, of course, Agatha Christie.

The perfect gift for theatre lovers or, quite frankly, everyone this Christmas.

Jamie West, the author, has worked in London’s West End for the past seventeen years. A fascination for the history of these buildings and a love of murder mysteries are what inspire the Bertie Carroll series. In Death on the Pier, Brighton’s “lost” Palace Pier Theatre was lovingly recreated in the pages of the books. This time it’s the Gaiety Theatre which has been resurrected the purposes of murder.

With the author's unique perspective working behind the scenes on theatre productions, these books are dripping in period detail and authenticity – setting the stage perfectly for these theatrical murder mysteries!

Reader's reviews
★★★★★ “It had everything that I was looking for”
★★★★★ “I thoroughly enjoyed this charming and funny historical cosy mystery”
★★★★★ “Thoroughly enjoyed this cosy crime!”
★★★★★ “West's writing and character work are stellar”
★★★★★ “I love this series and can’t wait for the next one”
★★★★★ “Perfect for lovers of golden age detective stories”
★★★★★ “You will fall in love with the characters and won’t be able to put this down. Love it!”