Death and the Diva (A Fun and Quirky Cozy Mystery with Pets)

Sam Cheever

Jan 2022 · Grave Theatrics Book 2 · Electric Prose Publications

About this ebook

Maybell never expected to bump into her high school drama rival again. But May’s old nemesis has apparently been taking acting lessons. Otherwise, she could never have performed the role of a corpse so convincingly. Oh. Wait…

Asked to take part in a community theatre production for charity, Maybell Ferth thought it would be fun to do something she loved while helping kids in her hometown. But, there was a problem.

Patrice Reynolds had been the bane of May’s existence since high school drama class. When she left community theatre behind, May promised herself she’d never let the woman get under her skin again. But fate wasn’t letting her off the hook that easily.

It was just like Patrice to end up dead in a way that implicated May. Her very public battles with the difficult diva shine a light on May as the number one suspect. The only way to clear her name is to put her professional mourning skills into practice at the funeral. With a murder to solve and her own future at stake, Maybell’s acting chops are going to be sorely tested. 

Ratings and reviews

The curtain drops on this production! MayBell Ferth loves acting but her job as a professional mourner for Exit Stage Left pays the bills. She is excited to receive a leading role in a stage production until she learns the producer is an old rival. When Maybell discovers Patrice’s body she becomes the prime suspect and being the sister of the lead investigator in the case will not protect her. Her current boyfriend, PI Eddie Deitz is ready to join her in proving her innocence and if they are lucky it will happen before the killer makes her the next victim. This is a great series! Sam Cheever has a knack for humorous, well-written mysteries. The interactions with the Lieutenant and Argh with May’s octogenarian neighbor had me rolling on the floor and I love Doug, her “Dude” neighbor. I received an advance copy of the book but my review is voluntary and honest.

I have been dying to come back to this series since the end of the previous book. And I'm so excited that I got my wish, and we get to read more about all of these characters. This time, death couldn't have come for a more deserving individual. The list of people who wanted the recently deceased out of the way is the size of most city’s phone books. May's name is even on that list. Now, she has to clear her name before her father or brother have to arrest her for murder. I love reading this author's work. I can easily get lost in the story and there are so many delightful red herrings constantly leading me astray. I found that I was looking in the right direction for the killer's identity, but I had my eye on the completely wrong suspect. I have no idea what kind of shenanigans May is going to get involved in next but I'm already anxiously counting down until we get to read about them. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.

MayBell Ferth goes to pick up her copy of the script of a new play she has a part in and finds Patrice Reynolds, the director of the play, dead on the stage. When her brother Argh, the detective in charge of the case, calls her a suspect, MayBell decides to do a little sleuthing with the help of PI Dietz. This story is laugh-out-loud funny, contains action, and ends on a happy note. Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author Sam Cheever writes mystery and suspense, creating stories that draw you in and keep you eagerly turning pages. Known for writing great characters, snappy dialogue, and unique and exhilarating stories, Sam is the award-winning author of 100+ books.