Book Review: A Little Drama in Dunster

Book Three in Christina Hamlett's cozy mystery series is titled A Little Drama in Dunster. Each of the books is set somewhere in the UK and delivers a wonderful picture of the area as well as an entertaining tale. 

Dunster is a medieval village where Rochelle Reid and her boyfriend, Jon Tapping, go to see an original play in which a former neighbor will appear. To their dismay, Munsey has only one line in the amateur drama. Rochelle goes to Dunster first, and then Jon joins her a short time later. Before he arrives, a local woman is killed by a falling chandelier on the stage of the theater. Late at night when it is closed. Accident? Murder?

Will the play go on? The local police detective thinks not, but Rose, the director, sweet talks him into allowing Opening Night to happen. The lead in the play cannot remember his lines and gets booted, much to the chagrin of his wife. Rochelle's old neighbor, who has learned all the parts as an understudy, moves from a one-liner to the star. 

Add the murdered woman's single, timid daughter, a former soldeir with PTSD, and a variety of shop keepers whom Rochelle meets, and the search for a killer is on. Rochelle, Jon, and his friend, Ian, all get involved. Revenge becomes its own player as they try to figure out the how, why, and who of the crime.

Rochelle and Jon's relationship is a part of the story, as well. Does he want to marry her? Will he propose? Will he understand her involvement in the mystery that arouses interest from nearly everyone in Dunster? 

In this third book of the series, we are treated to a look at a typical English village along with a bit of history of the area. We meet a large cast of characters, not only those in the play but the ones who inhabit the village, Rochelle's co-workers and friends in London. 

The author, Christina Hamlett, is herself a former actress, theater director, and playwright. Who better to write about an amateur theater? Learn more about this talented woman by visiting her website at www.authorhamlett.com. I've heard via the grapevine that she is working on Book 4, with another alliterative title. Find her books at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. They are reasonably priced, and the three books in the series would make a lovely gift for someone who enjoys cozy mysteries. Book One is titled A Little Larceny in Linmouth and Book Two is A Little Scandal in St. Andrews.