Blog Tour: The Three Dahlias

 

 I received a copy of this release from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Three Dahlias

Author: Katy Watson

Publisher: Mobius

Release Date: 7.26.22

Publisher’s Summary 

Three rival actresses team up to solve a murder at the stately home of the author who made them famous - only to discover the solution lies in the stories themselves. A contemporary mystery with a Golden Age feel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jessica Fellowes.

In attendance: the VIP fans, staying at Aldermere; the fan club president turned convention organizer; the team behind the newest movie adaptation of Davenport's books; the Davenport family themselves - and the three actresses famous for portraying Lettice's 1930s detective, Dahlia Lively.

National treasure Rosalind King, from the original movies. TV Dahlia for thirteen seasons, Caro Hooper. And ex-child star Posy Starling, fresh out of the fame wilderness (and rehab) to take on the Dahlia mantle for the new movie.

Each actress has her own interpretation of the character - but this English summer weekend they will have to put aside their differences, as the crimes at Aldermere turns anything but cosy.

When fictional death turns into real bodies, can the three Dahlias find the answers to the murders among the fans, the film crew, the family - or even in Lettice's books themselves?

My Review

A weekend conference has been organized to celebrate late author Lettice Davenport and her famous main character, female investigator Dahlia Lively (think Agatha Christie and Jane Marple.) VIP attendees, the three actresses who have/will be playing Dahlia, and Lettice's family members are all staying at the family home, Aldermere, for the weekend. When a death occurs, some of the attendees believe it is a murder, and begin their own investigations. The three Dahlias form a team of their own to determine what is really going on at Aldemere and who is behind a series of suspicious activities. Disconnected from all technology and asking themselves "What would Dahlia do?" these unofficial detectives bring a vintage, Golden Age vibe to the story's modern setting. 

Before the story even began, I knew I was going to love the style of this novel. The first pages include a full list of houseguests and maps of the country home's interior and grounds. The pacing and chapter breaks were all well done, and I truly kept changing my mind about the suspects until the very end. The Three Dahlias is the perfect modern cozy mystery!