Staged 4 Murder

J.C. Eaton

Jun 2018 · Sophie Kimball Mystery Book 3 · Kensington Cozies

About this ebook

A P.I.’s bookkeeper takes a side gig in sleuthing when an amateur production of The Mousetrap features a real-life murder in this cozy mystery novel. Sophie “Phee” Kimball is trying to get work done at her private investigation company, but it’s hard to focus when her old crush just moved to Arizona to join the staff. The last thing she needs is more distraction—like constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from Mom’s book club and retirement community, with the possible exception of her chiweenie dog, wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of a killer for real.

After a much-despised cast member is found dead in the theater, Phee has no choice but to immerse herself in all the backstabbing, backstage gossip. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the threatening note left on her windshield—which could spell curtains for another victim

Ratings and reviews

Sophie “Phee” Kimball is trying to do some work at her private investigation company in Arizona. Unfortunately, she’s distracted by her old crush arriving from Minnesota to join the staff. The last thing she needs is constant updates from her mom on the local production of Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap.” Practically everyone from her mom’s book club and retirement community wants to join the cast and crew. But someone’s playing the role of the killer for real. After a much-despised cast member is found dead on a catwalk in the theater, Phee has no choice but to be drawn into the investigation. Especially if her drama-queen mother is right about the vaguely threatening note left on her windshield, which could mean curtains for another victim. Series: Sophie Kimball Mystery Book 3 Genre: Cozy Mystery Author: J. C Eaton Publisher: Kensington In Staged 4 Murder Sophie has her hands full, between her job and her mother she doesn’t have much time to relax. When her mother’s book club jumps into the mix life goes crazy. Then add the new private detective she has had a crush on for years, Marshall Gregory, and her life is chaotic at best. Sophie “Phee” is a divorced older lady who has recently moved to Arizona to be near her mother and to heal her broken heart. She is excited about her new job and a bit anxious about the new detective the company has added. At times she feels like a young school girl but reminds herself that she is a long way away from being a teenager. At times, however, when her mother interferes with her plans, she wants to rebel like a kid, but she gives in every time. When her mother gets a part in a local production of the Agatha Christie novel, “The Mousetrap,” she hopes her mother is too busy to meddle in her life. Unfortunately, murder gets in the way. Sophie finds herself playing detective again with her mother and the book club as her sidekicks. The characters in this story are wonderfully odd but lovable. They live for excitement and have few worries about what anyone thinks people their age should be doing. They do what they want when they want to do it. They love a good who-done-it and relish the opportunity to be involved in a real mystery. The location of Arizona is not your standard setting, but in many ways is perfect for this series. It allows the characters year-round access to everything they want to see and do with little to no concerns. Marshall adds a bit of spice to the mix and keeps Phee on her toes. When he gets involved in helping to solve the mystery, she is pleased and anxious at the same time. Her unrest adds to the flavor of the story which allows the reader to see a middle-aged woman as more than just middle aged. Phee is still a vibrant, desirable woman who is intelligent and charismatic. Staged 4 Murder is a well-written, fast-paced and funny mystery. The characters are well-developed and likable with just enough weirdness to entertain and at times make the reader laugh. The twists and turns and clues flow smoothly throughout the story and keep the reader guessing. I highly recommend this book and series to lovers of older heroines, original characters, and a wonderful plot.

Staged 4 Murder is a fun cozy for any ready who enjoys light but well developed mysteries. Although Sophie's mother drives me crazy, I really enjoyed the mystery and appreciated the well developed characters who populate Sophie's world. The mystery is really complex, so it is fun to follow the trail and try, not so successfully, to figure out the killer. Fortunately Sophie is better at it than I am. Beside an especially awesome ending, one of the highlights for me was seeing her face her major crush when he moves into the agency she works for. Who hasn't had that guy who takes her voice and mind away just by showing up.

About the author

J.C. Eaton is the wife and husband team of Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. Ann has published eight YA time travel mysteries. Visit their website at www.jceatonauthor.com.