Review: Murder Offstage by L.B. Hathaway @LbHathaway
Author: L. B. Hathaway
Book: MURDER OFFSTAGE- A Posie Parker Mystery #1
Release Date: 30 June 2014
Publisher: Whitehaven Man Press, London
ISBN/ASIN (AMAZON EBOOK): 978-0-9929254-0-6
ISBN/ASIN (NOOK/KOBO EBOOK): 978-0-9929254-1-3
ISBN/ASIN (PAPERBACK): 978-0-9929254-2-0
Synopsis
Set in 1921, Murder Offstage is full of intrigue and red herrings. This is a classic murder mystery which will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie and Downton Abbey.
When Posie Parker’s childhood friend is robbed of a priceless jewel and becomes a suspect in a cold-blooded murder case, budding detective Posie vows she will clear his name.
Aided by her seriously gorgeous assistant Len, Posie soon realizes things are not quite as they seem, and the darkly-glamorous world of London’s theatre and glittering nightclubs prove far more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.
Just who exactly is the dangerous Lucky Lucy Gibson? And why has she killed the first violin player of the local theatre?
And more importantly, what on earth has happened to Mr Minks, the much-loved office cat?
Review
A fun mystery sent in 1921 in England with Posie Parker (or Nosy as she is called by one friend) a Private Detective. Her friend Rufus is accused of murder and Posie must help find the killer…and while she does, she discovers a whole other crime being committed and everything isn’t as it seems.
I always enjoy mysteries set in a time without modern conveniences. I thought the author did a great job of utilizing what technology they did have in the early 20’s which included some telephones and of course the telegraph. I did wonder how a photo got to England from Belgium overnight though. There is a good mix of characters, all of which make the story interesting and some cause the story to go off in directions you didn’t expect!
The ending wrapped up the crime but left enough of a tease for the next book. Can’t wait to see what trouble Posie gets in to or if her love life takes off!
We give this book 5 paws
About the Author
Cambridge-educated, British-born L.B. Hathaway writes historical fiction and contributes to a number of popular history magazines and websites. She worked as a lawyer at Lincoln’s Inn in London for almost a decade before becoming a full-time writer. She brings her love of detective novels set in the Golden Age of Crime and an obsession with English history to her own writing.
The Posie Parker series of cosy crime novels span the 1920s. They each combine a core central mystery, an exploration of the reckless glamour of the age and a feisty protagonist who you would love to have as your best friend.
Her other interests, in no particular order, are: very fast downhill skiing, theatre-going, drinking strong tea, Tudor history, exploring castles and generally trying to cram as much into life as possible. She lives in London and Switzerland with her husband and young family.
