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final_maks's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Better than the first one, I really love this series. Again it needed to be a bit longer I feel, we needed to spend more time with the suspects, but it had a lot to enjoy.
I especially like Hugh's relationship with being a policeman and queerness, it's really interesting to read, both if you read it as him not realising yet he's queer or if you think that he does know he fancies men but realised it would clash with his job and decided to try and put it aside to be a policeman.
I especially like Hugh's relationship with being a policeman and queerness, it's really interesting to read, both if you read it as him not realising yet he's queer or if you think that he does know he fancies men but realised it would clash with his job and decided to try and put it aside to be a policeman.
booknerdzara's review against another edition
5.0
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest, independent review.
In Murder at the Matinee, the second instalment of the Bertie Carroll Mysteries series, we once again find ourselves immersed in the vibrant and intriguing world of 1930s London theatreland. Gay playwright Bertie Carroll is thrust into the centre of a murder investigation when a mysterious newspaper advertisement ominously announces that a murder will occur during a show’s third act.
Rival playwright Alice reaches out to Bertie for his amateur detective skills. Together with Inspector Hugh Chapman, who returns from Death on the Pier, they combine Bertie’s intimate knowledge of the theatre with Chapman’s investigative expertise to unravel the mystery.
Jamie West masterfully crafts a historical mystery that is both engaging and richly detailed, showcasing his extensive knowledge of backstage workings from his day job in theatre. The characters are well-rounded and likeable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their journey. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Alice, who added a fresh dynamic to the narrative.
While this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first instalment to fully appreciate the character development and backstory.
Much like in Death on the Pier, the chemistry between Bertie and Hugh is clear. However, given that Hugh is a detective and homosexuality was illegal in the UK during the 1930s, their connection is subtly suggested, reflecting the societal constraints and secrecy of the era.
With its Agatha Christie-esque twists, turns, and red herrings, Murder at the Matinee is a captivating whodunnit that will keep readers guessing until the very end. West has once again delivered a compelling narrative that celebrates the allure of the theatrical world.
In Murder at the Matinee, the second instalment of the Bertie Carroll Mysteries series, we once again find ourselves immersed in the vibrant and intriguing world of 1930s London theatreland. Gay playwright Bertie Carroll is thrust into the centre of a murder investigation when a mysterious newspaper advertisement ominously announces that a murder will occur during a show’s third act.
Rival playwright Alice reaches out to Bertie for his amateur detective skills. Together with Inspector Hugh Chapman, who returns from Death on the Pier, they combine Bertie’s intimate knowledge of the theatre with Chapman’s investigative expertise to unravel the mystery.
Jamie West masterfully crafts a historical mystery that is both engaging and richly detailed, showcasing his extensive knowledge of backstage workings from his day job in theatre. The characters are well-rounded and likeable, making it easy for readers to become invested in their journey. I particularly enjoyed the introduction of Alice, who added a fresh dynamic to the narrative.
While this book can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first instalment to fully appreciate the character development and backstory.
Much like in Death on the Pier, the chemistry between Bertie and Hugh is clear. However, given that Hugh is a detective and homosexuality was illegal in the UK during the 1930s, their connection is subtly suggested, reflecting the societal constraints and secrecy of the era.
With its Agatha Christie-esque twists, turns, and red herrings, Murder at the Matinee is a captivating whodunnit that will keep readers guessing until the very end. West has once again delivered a compelling narrative that celebrates the allure of the theatrical world.
_isabel_'s review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
This was fun!
An Agatha Christie-esque, cozy mystery with a compelling lead and a hint of a slow-burn romance? That's usually my jam. Unfortunately, I don't think my mind was totally in it, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for mysteries when I read this, so yeah... I admit, I ended skimming a lot of the lengthier descriptions too.
Apart from that, all in all, I did like this.
I really like Bertie as a protagonist: I like his dry humour, how laid-back he is; and I really like the chemistry between him and Hugh. The mystery was well-built, although I preferred the one in book one, but the cast of side characters (and suspects!) was pretty compelling. I'm looking forward to see what will happen next! Hopefully we'll finally get the much-awaited blossoming of romance between the two leads.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. This is my honest review.
An Agatha Christie-esque, cozy mystery with a compelling lead and a hint of a slow-burn romance? That's usually my jam. Unfortunately, I don't think my mind was totally in it, or maybe I just wasn't in the mood for mysteries when I read this, so yeah... I admit, I ended skimming a lot of the lengthier descriptions too.
Apart from that, all in all, I did like this.
I really like Bertie as a protagonist: I like his dry humour, how laid-back he is; and I really like the chemistry between him and Hugh. The mystery was well-built, although I preferred the one in book one, but the cast of side characters (and suspects!) was pretty compelling. I'm looking forward to see what will happen next! Hopefully we'll finally get the much-awaited blossoming of romance between the two leads.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. This is my honest review.
x_miss_mcrae_x's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Lovers of Agatha Christie will enjoy this book. I am a huge murder mystery fan and having read the first in this series, I was eager to get started on this and its safe to say I was not disappointed. It was a quick, effortless read which kept you guessing until the very end. The authors knowledge of the theatre and setting of each book was incredibly detailed and was a joy to read, it set the scene beautifully. I, too, admire Jamie's ability to build multiple loveable characters, with all of them getting enough development throughout the book. Also whilst sexuality was subtly referenced and I was really rooting for a relationship developing between Bertie and Hugh, i liked that the plot remained consistently accurate to the fact that sadly homosexuality was very much illegal and widely frowned upon in the 1930's. Though I can still hope this changes as the series continues😊
jescasreading's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A phone all from a fellow play writer and rival puts Bertie right in the center of another mystery. Can he unravel the mystery after a mysterious newspaper article predicts a unaliving that's going to happen? When the victim is found and the police are called, both Bertie and inspector Hugh Chapman are thrown together once more to solve another mystery and find out... Who did it!
This story followed similar vibes to Agatha Cristie I feel fans of her would also love Jamie's work. The writing is engaging, the storyline flows, and the drama that comes was brilliant!
I loved how while reading we; the reader are also trying to find out what happened and "who done it". I loved the relationship between Hugh and Bertie I really found them a brilliant pair and I loved their interaction.
lukesblog1's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
bookstarreviews_'s review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
srivalli's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.75
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Cozy indeed! Read it if you like theaters
1934, London West End
Bertie Carroll has no choice but to go when his friendly rival and playwright, Alice, gives him a frantic call. Someone had placed an advert that a murder would take place in the third act of her play. Though Bertie has no idea how or what he should do, he goes to offer moral support to Alice.
However, a murder indeed occurs, and Alice is determined Bertie should solve it (with her help, of course)! With Inspector Hugh Chapman assigned to the case, Bertie has to navigate the clues as well as his feelings for his friend.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Bertie (mostly), Hugh, and Alice.
My Thoughts:
As someone who quite enjoyed the first book, I was excited to read this one. The author’s experience with theater shines even in this book. The detailing of the Gaiety theatre- the seats, the backend, etc., is so good! Also, don’t miss the author’s note at the end.
While this works as a standalone, reading the first book will be better. That’s because unlike other LGBT+ works, this one is subtle and hush-hush (better than book one, though). It was the same in book one. Though the friction between the lead characters is a bit more apparent, it doesn’t openly highlight anything.
Bertie is easy to like, which makes this an easy and entertaining read. Alice is a force to reckon with (for the MC and readers, lol). She does bring a lot of lighthearted moments and chuckles, though. Her characterization is steady, and I would be delighted to meet her again in future books.
Once again, the theater industry, actors, and relevant issues are the primary focus. The 1930s setting adds a lovely charm as well as provides details about how the backgrounds (for plays) were made, the local living conditions (based on income), transportation, etc. Quite a lot of history is packed into it without distracting from the plot.
The mystery as such is easy to guess. While it should have been a whodunit, it is more of a howdunit and whydunit for me since I guessed the killer early. The repetition of certain details made it even more obvious (toning it down a little should help the plot).
Bertie’s secretary, the efficient Miss. Gertie (Gertrude) Williams, has a small role in the last quarter. It’s fun meeting her again. Always give me characters that thrive on order and color-coded lists.
The reveal is not a monologue but comes from more than one character and involves others asking questions and such. This works well as it keeps the reader more invested in the proceedings.
To summarize, Murder at the Matinee is a light and cozy read set in the world of theater from the 1930s. It reads a lot like a classic mystery with the visible influence of Christie’s works.
We are told there will be more books in the series, so I’m hoping the next one will not be a long wait.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brabinger Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #MurderattheMatinee
literationforthenation's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0