Didn't enjoy this one. It was good, but a little bit dry for my taste. Perhaps it would be better for an older audience, more in line with the characters' ages.

The concept was also confusing to me. How do you lose a theater?

This book is about an old theater that is found after 50 years. The theater is possibly going to be renovated which is how the body is found above the stage area. But that is not the only body that is found. Police is called, which introduces us to 2 of the main characters in the book. The police have an idea of who the bodies may be, so they begin the process of interviewing and so the story truly begins. The interaction with the other characters and the workings of the 2 main characters make this book an enjoyable read. This is my first read by Mr. Litton, but it will not be my last. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for making this advanced copy available to me in return for my honest review.

4 and 1 /2 stars

This is a very well written book starring DI Robert Calderwood and DS Colin Bulmer. While they have differing personalities, they get on well together.

An old theater is found under a warehouse. Untouched for fifty years, it is in very good condition. Gwilym and Desmond, partners in business and life, refurbish old theaters and happen to live nearby so they go to look at it. They find what appears to be a body suspended above the stage. Calling in the police, Calderwood and Bulmer find another body in one of the box seats. Could this be the missing Ariana and Gerald DeLancy? They were supposed to have run off together fifty years ago.

As the detective set about to interview the family, the DeLancy’s, and villagers they uncover conflicting stories about the past and what happened all those years ago. Some family members feign indifference and some are still very angry. Some villagers have pretty wild stories and some seem to remember a more tame version of the events.

Another murder is committed. What is going on?

Calderwood and Bulmer and the team search for clues and follow the trail. A mysterious agency of the government weighs in. Things seem complicated. Until Gwilym and Desmond provide some valuable clues.

The characters in this book are absolutely wonderful. It doesn’t matter if they are good guys or bad guys, the descriptions of their personalities are so well drawn that I can see and hear the people as they speak. Very well done, Mr. Litton! I certainly look forward to reading more of this series.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Endeavour Press for forwarding to me a copy of this most wonderful book to read.

Fifty years after their deaths two bodies are found in an abandoned theatre - The Dolphin.. DI Calderwood leads the investigation.
Unfortunately the time scale does tend to limit the number of suspects, and I really didn't find it that interesting.

Too many things in this novel just didn't work. The cover has nothing to do with the plot. I did read it in its entirety.