Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
This third Shakespeare in the Catskills mystery is another winner in Elizabeth Duncan's highly enjoyable series. From the talented (and British) Ms. Fairfax to her corgi Rupert who jumps into bed with her the second her partner's back is turned, the author has created a strong cast of characters to solve her mysteries, and Much Ado About Murder does have a strong mystery with plenty of suspects to ponder.
I do enjoy the characters and the stories, but I have to admit that another strong draw for me is the theater info which is woven into the narrative with a light, sure hand. While reading these books, I've been learning tidbits about directing, blocking scenes, costumes, budgets-- even ticket sales-- and logistics concerning a Shakespeare play being set during such an unusual time period was enlightening.
Fans of cozy mysteries, colorful characters, and theater should really enjoy Duncan's Shakespeare in the Catskills series. I know I do.
I do enjoy the characters and the stories, but I have to admit that another strong draw for me is the theater info which is woven into the narrative with a light, sure hand. While reading these books, I've been learning tidbits about directing, blocking scenes, costumes, budgets-- even ticket sales-- and logistics concerning a Shakespeare play being set during such an unusual time period was enlightening.
Fans of cozy mysteries, colorful characters, and theater should really enjoy Duncan's Shakespeare in the Catskills series. I know I do.
Kristina A. reviewed Much Ado About Murder (Shakespeare in the Catskills, Bk 3) on + 1528 more book reviews
Much Ado About Murder by Elizabeth J. Duncan is the third tale in A Shakespeare in the Catskills Mystery series. Charlotte Fairfax is the costume designer for Catskills Shakespeare Theater Company in Walkers Ridge. They are getting ready to stage Much Ado About Nothing with British actress, Audrey Ashley. When Simon Dyer, the director, bails on them, Audrey recommends (insists) upon Edmund Albright. Albright decides to stage Much Ado About Nothing just after the Civil War much to Audrey's (and many others) dismay. The day after a special dinner party, Albright is found dead in his bungalow. It looks like suicide, but Charlotte is not so sure. Albright had no reason to kill himself. Charlotte, with assistance from Paula Van Dusen, starts looking into Albright's life to discover what could have gotten him killed. Can Charlotte uncover the truth before the curtain rises on Much Ado About Nothing?
Much Ado About Murder is easy to read and can be read as a standalone. I did find the pace a little slow and the book lacks substance. The mystery was straightforward (aka simple) and the killer easily identified (I knew the person's identity before the body was found). One clue is all that is needed (if that) to figure out the culprit. I did find the secondary mystery of Maxine's admirer to be more entertaining. I felt that more of the book was devoted to Charlotte's, dog, Rupert than to the mystery. There are few details on the characters. I was curious as to why Paula Van Dusen is always referred to as Paula Van Dusen. I wanted more substance and less filler (or fluff). If you are looking for a light cozy mystery (with emphasis on cozy), then you will like reading Much Ado About Murder.
Much Ado About Murder is easy to read and can be read as a standalone. I did find the pace a little slow and the book lacks substance. The mystery was straightforward (aka simple) and the killer easily identified (I knew the person's identity before the body was found). One clue is all that is needed (if that) to figure out the culprit. I did find the secondary mystery of Maxine's admirer to be more entertaining. I felt that more of the book was devoted to Charlotte's, dog, Rupert than to the mystery. There are few details on the characters. I was curious as to why Paula Van Dusen is always referred to as Paula Van Dusen. I wanted more substance and less filler (or fluff). If you are looking for a light cozy mystery (with emphasis on cozy), then you will like reading Much Ado About Murder.
