Death in the Dressing Room is book 22 in Simon Brett’s A Fethering Mystery series.
While I have no doubt that the earlier books are interesting, and may give more insight into the relationship between Jude and Carole, as well as insight into their individual characters, it is easily read as a standalone.
I enjoyed this mystery, which begins with Jude attending a reunion of sorts, of the cast of an old television show as they close out a theatrical tour. At the end of the performance, Jude goes backstage to meet her friend and finds him dead.
Due to the longtime relationships between many of the cast members, there are plenty of suspects in the death for Jude and Carole to investigate. In addition, they suspect the actor’s death may be related to the mysterious death of another actor twenty years before, and they set out to prove it.
I found the relationship between Jude and Carole to be the most interesting thing in this novel. Jude must be a saint, because Carole’s attitude in many situations would have tried my patience. Still, they seemed to make a great pair when it came to investigating so obviously their relationship works for them.
Death in the Dressing Room was an interesting mystery with a great cast of characters and I think most lovers of cosy mysteries will enjoy it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Death in the Dressing Room will be available on April 1 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 