Book Review: The Three Dahlias by Katy Watson

Title: The Three Dahlias

Author: Katy Watson

Published by: Mobius on Jul. 26, 2022

Genres: Mystery/Thriller

Pages: 304

Format: Hardcover

Source: Mobius Books US

Book Rating: 9/10

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?

Review:

Humorous, atmospheric, and mysterious!

The Three Dahlias is a clue-like murder mystery set in England on the estate of the late mystery writer extraordinaire Lettice Davenport, as long-time fans, family members, as well as some of the cast and crew from the past and present movie and tv adaptions converge for a convention and weekend to celebrate their love for her 1930s based Dahlia Lively series, but when things don’t go as smoothly as expected and bodies start racking up quickly the three actresses lucky enough to be chosen to play the famed female detective decide to work together and use everything they know from fiction to solve the real-life crimes playing out right in front of them.

The prose is witty and light. The characters are quirky, intelligent, and intriguing. And the plot is a well-paced, engaging whodunit full of secrets, greed, suspects, deduction, red herrings, amateur sleuthing, and the unlikeliest of friendships.

Overall, The Three Dahlias is a cosy, satisfying, entertaining read by Watson that was so much fun with all its intricacies and drama, and which I do hope, and was slightly hinted at, may just be the first in a multitude of books in a series that would definitely have a spot on my must-read list.

This book is available now.

Pick up a copy from your favourite retailer or from one of the following links.

Thank you to Mobius Books US for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

About Katy Watson

Growing up in a family of murder mystery addicts, KATY WATSON learned early to look for means, motive and opportunity.

After studying English Literature - with a sideline in crime fiction - at Lancaster University, she set about teaching herself to write her own stories, while also experiencing enough of the world to have things to write about.

Two careers, a lot of air miles, one husband, two children, three houses and forty five published books for children and adults later, lockdown finally gave her the means, motive and opportunity to create her own murder mystery - with the aid of her scientist husband's knowledge of potions. Three Dahlias is the result.