A Very Lively Murder (Three Dahlias Mysteries Book 2)

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I loved it – witty, engaging and hugely enjoyable. A must for fans of classic mysteries’ Frances Brody Bob Mortimer wins 2023 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction with The Satsuma Complex

I loved the echoes of Golden Age mysteries in this book. Dahlia Lively is a character in a set of books supposedly written from 1930 onwards and each of the chapters in this book begins with a quotation from one of the novels that has reference to something that will occur in the chapter. This one is set in a big house in Wales where the filming of the new detective movie featuring 1930s detective Dahlia Lively is taking place. The book follows on from the first book in this series, The Three Dahlias and there are several references to the events in the previous book. However, I think that the author provides enough explanation that this one can be read as a stand alone. I would recommend that you read the earlier book though as it, like this one, is an excellent read. Take a Look at Our Summary of November Highlights, Whether You're Looking for the Latest Releases or Gift Inspiration Dystopian Fiction Books Everyone Should Read: Explore The Darker Side of Possible Worlds and Alternative Futures In between filming scenes, signing autographs for locals, photoshoots on set and jetting off to France for an impromptu party, the three Dahlias do what they do best – surreptitiously sleuth. And very soon the evidence starts to point towards one particular co-star…I really enjoyed being reunited with the characters from the first book again and meeting some new ones too although I did get some of the supporting film cast mixed up at times. I really liked the atmosphere the book created with the North Wales setting and brooding weather conditions. I also preferred the more frequent switching between the point of views of Posy, Rosalind and Caro rather than each character being a narrator for around a third each as in the first book. This helped me stay connected to each of the three lead characters and aided the pacing of the story. Katy Watson was able to keep me on my toes and I did not guess the culprit with plenty of twists along the way. Now is the time for Posy Starling to shine as her version of Dahlia Lively takes to the small screen. Filming in a remote house in the countryside, accessible only through one road and a small village setting, the cast are very much on top of each other.

This is the second in the Dahlia Lively series and it follows on from the first, so I would recommend that you read that one prior to this to fully understand the characters. Ex-child'star Posy Starling is finally filming her dream role - Dahlia Lively in The Lady Detectivemovie. But things take a nightmare turn when a prop weapon is replaced with the real thing - with almost fatal consequences for her fellow Dahlia, Rosalind King. There's something very wrong on the set of The Lady Detective - which means it's time to call in Caro Hooper, so the three Dahlias can investigate. An affectionate homage to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and a wry nod to our continuing fascination with it. Great fun. Warm, ingenious and. . . lively!’ L C Tyler Reuniting with the Three Dahlias so soon after their debut investigation is an absolute pleasure. Not only did I enjoy spending time with these characters again but I loved the respect that Watson has for the genre. You can tell it’s a real labour of love. The development of Posy as she learns to be worthy of the mantle of their beloved Dahlia Lively is captivating. The friendship that has formed despite the initial professional rivalry between the three leads is something that we need more of in not only literature but in life. Like all good crime stories, this brings something of an edge into its glossy golden age tinted spectacles with the secrets that are unravelled.The characters are fun and larger than life as you might expect from film stars. I enjoyed the development of each of the leading ladies. Rosalind is coming to terms with now being reduced to cameo roles and Caro is thinking about a future outside of acting. Posy is having to cope with the legacy of both the previous actresses and trying to make the role her own and I liked the way that this was a struggle for her. When fictional death turns into real bodies, can the three Dahlias find the answers to the murders among the fans, the film crew and the family – or even in Lettice’s books themselves? Sub-genres After the events at Aldermere, Posy Rosalind and Caro are trying to fit into their new roles but someone has murder in mind and it looks like Rosalind could be in their sights!

There is national treasure Rosalind King, from the original movies, who’s feeling sensitive that she’s past her prime, TV Dahlia for thirteen seasons, Caro Hooper, who believes she really IS Dahlia Lively, and ex-child star Posy Starling, fresh out of the fame wilderness (and rehab) to take on the Dahlia mantle for the new movie – but feeling outclassed by her predecessors. A Very Lively Murder follows the filming of ‘The Lady Detective’ on location in a Welsh village. Rosalind is cast in the film alongside Posy, leaving Caro the only Dahlia without a part but it’s not long until suspicious events on set lead to concerns over Rosalind’s safety and Caro is called upon by her fellow Dahlias to help investigate. Before the three friends can solve the mystery, a death occurs leading the Dahlias to also start their own murder investigation. An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery: a country house, mysterious dead bodies and three actresses all keen to catch the killer. Perfect weekend reading!' Janice Hallett, author of The AppealThe three Dahlias are such great characters, I love them all. Having met them in the first book of the same name, I feel like I know them better now, they each bring something to the story, wit, verve, glamour and gumption plus the determination to get to the bottom of murder. I got into this one straight away, transported to a country house for an engaging homage to vintage golden age murder; full of 30’s flair and with a twisty modern vibe. We have oodles of suspects, film stars, fabulous characters and a plot that keeps you guessing. The Lady Detective movie is being filmed in Wales, with Posy Starling as Dahlia Lively. When a prop weapon is replaced with the real thing, fellow Dahlia, Rosalind King is at the sharp end, with almost fatal consequences. Something is badly wrong, so they call in Caro Hooper and the Three Dahlias can investigate.