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Murder Stage Left

A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery, Book 26

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Murder Stage Left

By: Verity Bright
Narrated by: Karen Cass
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A totally gripping historical cozy murder mystery

Lady Swift and her handsome husband Hugh Seldon are totally charmed by the picturesque town where Shakespeare once lived. Everyone is abuzz with chatter about the upcoming production of Macbeth… But wait, is that a body backstage?

Dashing showman Richard Ratcliffe is set to return to the stage at the famous Shakespeare Memorial theatre. But when priceless items belonging to Shakespeare himself go missing from the theatre’s collection, Eleanor knows someone has gone off-book…

Then the beautiful old theatre is set on fire. The gang are horror-struck, and while racing to help, Eleanor’s loyal butler Clifford discovers an act of foul play: Ratcliffe, the show’s leading man, is dead inside from a blow to the head.

Was the fire a deliberate distraction to cover up the murder? Hugh believes Ratcliffe may have caught the thief in the act, but Eleanor isn’t so certain.

With the production in tatters, the cast and crew are flailing. Everyone is playing a part and Eleanor needs to decide who is putting on a deadly show and who is telling the truth. Did the director have more to gain from the insurance money than a standing ovation? Maybe the leading lady feared she was about to be upstaged?

Hunting for local gossip at the town tearoom, Eleanor discovers Ratcliffe had secrets he was desperate to keep from stealing the show…

But the culprit is waiting in the wings. And it’s only a matter of time before Eleanor steps too far into their deadly spotlight. Can she catch the killer before it’s curtains for her too?

A totally delightful historical cozy murder mystery. Fans of T.E. Kinsey, L.B. Hathaway and Lee Strauss will be hooked!

©2026 Verity Bright (P)2026 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.
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It’s the long standing and new relationships between these characters that keeps me coming back to this series. Their family is so big and warm.
As always, the investigation uncovers some very touching human stories; people being people in the only way they can, and sometimes getting it very wrong.
The naming of the business in Stratford on Avon was whimsical and clever: The Globe Artichoke Restaurant , Measure for Measure Tailors.
I really enjoyed the semi tame, maverick journalist, Thomas Mowbray. He creates a fantastic dynamic with The Byron Detective Agency.

A fire fed with the iconic status of Shakespeare

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Wonderful reader fabulous stories from my favourite writer. Can’t wait for the next one . I feel like I know the characters sad aren’t I but it is true. Thank you Verity for sharing another great story Xx

Loved it all as i did with all her books. !

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Another terrific murder mystery with Lady Swift and Sir Hugh Seldom head to Stratford upon Avon to help look into a state of small thefts. But when they arrived they fund the theatre and museum on fire. While helping to get the artefacts out they discover abody, if the main make actor in the floor.
With a lot more on their plate they invite the ladies down to help, alone with Gladstone, Tompkins and the raven Rune.
Excellent reading by Karen Cass.

Murder Stage Left

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I love the familiarity of the Lady Swift books, it’s like putting on a pair of comfy slippers and hanging out with old friends. This book continues the lovely style and feel good of this series. Always filled with the generous details of the time (including of course food) which really brings the era to life.

More of the same engaging fun - keep it up!

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