Yorkshire, 1927, and excitement is growing for the approaching solar eclipse. For no particular reason, star of the theatre Selena Fellini asks Kate Shackleton to accompany her, for no particular reason. Why would such a star ask a private detective to come with her to Giggleswick and a private viewing? Surely murder can’t be in the air, can it?

Soon, Fellini’s friend (or is he something more) Billy Moffatt is found dead. While there is some question as to whether he overdosed, Kate soon becomes convinced that he was murder. Maybe it was the cyanide-laced cigar that he smoked? Yup, that’d be it. And when Kate discovers that two other colleagues of Selena’s have died in “accidents”, it seems that a murderer is on the prowl.

Book nine in the Kate Shackleton series and first off, apologies to Frances Brody, as the book was sent to me about two months ago, around about when it was released, but for some reason that t kept sliding down the TBR pile. No idea why, as I do rather enjoy this series.

Yes, it’s one of the between-the-wars-female-sleuth series, but the central characters are strong and you find yourself caring about them. Followers of the series will find lots to enjoy here, but newcomers can jump in here as well.

The mystery is just part of the tale, as Frances takes time with the background setting of the theatre, which is starting to wane as cinema begins to wax, and the characters involved in the mystery are well constructed and interesting. While the murderer seemed fairly clear to me, do bear in mind that I do read a lot of mysteries, but I think I’d have preferred a slightly more complex puzzle, but regardless, it is an entertaining and charming read. Fans of the series will find a lot to like here, and fans of the genre really should be checking out this series. Recommended.

NB Apologies for the slow nature of the blog recently – life is busy at the moment, but hopefully things will ease up soon.