3.25/5 stars! This is a cozy mystery novel by author Katy Watson. I definitely think it works in the cozy genre. I found it to not be tantalizing for my preferences, but it fits what it is marketed as.

DNF

Would be good to know before hand this is part of a series as I would not have requested knowing I hadn't read the first book and thus would struggle to want to read this out of order

While I loved the main trio of Dahlias and the setting unfortunately I couldn't get past the really slow pacing and the not that very interesting side characters!

DNF at 40%

Very fun and engaging to read. I like this authors style of writing and her plot lines really drive the story forward too. I would definitely recommend this to others and would be keen to pick up books from her in the future.

“A Very Lively Murder” by Katy Watson is the second installment in the Three Dahlias series. The novel follows the adventures of three former child stars, collectively known as the Dahlias, who find themselves embroiled in a real-life murder mystery while filming their dream project, “The Lady Detective” movie.

The story unfolds on the set of “The Lady Detective,” where ex-child star Posy Starling is finally living her dream of playing Dahlia Lively. However, the dream quickly turns into a nightmare when a prop weapon is swapped for a real one, nearly killing her co-star, Rosalind King. With the production plagued by threats and accidents, it becomes clear that a murderer is among the cast. The three Dahlias—Posy, Rosalind, and Caro Hooper—must put their sleuthing skills to the test. Amidst filming, autograph sessions, and glamorous parties, they discreetly investigate the incidents, gathering evidence that points to a particular co-star. But before they can unmask the culprit, another murder occurs, leaving them isolated by a storm with no police to rely on. It’s up to the Dahlias to catch the murderer before another life is claimed.

The characters are the heart of the story—each Dahlia is distinct, with their own quirks and strengths, making them a formidable trio. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are filled with wit and camaraderie. The setting of a movie production offers a unique backdrop for the mystery, providing both glamour and a sense of claustrophobia as the cast becomes suspects in their own story.

The resolution is satisfying, with all loose ends tied up in a manner that is both logical and surprising. Watson doesn’t shy away from red herrings and false leads, making the final reveal all the more rewarding.

A wonderful cosy mystery to get lost in. These characters continue to be fabulous and I really hope there’s plenty more where this came from.

Loved every minute of this. A worthy sequel to the first Dahlias book... Loved seeing how all three Dahlias deepen their friendship and respect for each other. Can't wait to read the next!

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first Three Dahlias mystery when I read it on holiday last year, I was excited to pick up A Very Lively Murder, the second book in the series.

After unmasking a murderer at Aldermere the previous summer, filming has finally begun on The Lady Detective: the movie that promises to re-start former child star Posy Starling’s career. But when an attempt is made upon the life of her fellow Dahlia, Rosalind King, Posy once again finds herself needing to inhabit the role of the Lady Detective in real life as well as on screen.

Calling once again upon the aid of their third Dahlia, Caro Hooper, the three Dahlias begin to investigate the threats upon Rosalind’s life. But before long, one of Posy and Rosalind’s co-stars is dead and the threats are the least of their worries…

Alongside the various day jobs, I’m currently in the middle of preparing my PhD for submission and my reading life has, understandably, taken a bit of a hit as a result. I have to do a lot of reading for work and, I won’t lie, its been infinitely more tempting to pick up a controller or a remote than a book in my downtime over the last few months. So it is a testament to A Very Lively Murder that I was utterly compelled by the narrative, finishing the book over the course of a weekend.

As with The Three Dahlias, the dynamic between the three leads is extremely enjoyable, with each of the them bringing their own skills, experiences, and vulnerabilities to the investigation. Although the central mystery is standalone, it was also nice to see some returning characters from the first book in the series, and to get a little more background and character development to the Dahlias themselves.

A Very Lively Murder sees Posy wrestling with taking on the mantle of Dahlia Lively (whilst also wrestling with her burgeoning relationship with co-star Kit Lewis), Rosalind rekindling an old friendship with the potential to become something more, and Caro trying to find out what comes next now that her own Dahlia Lively days – at least on screen – are behind her.

These personal subplots combine with a hefty dose of red herrings and unexpected twists to keep the pages turning. I also really loved the way in which the book dealt with the double standards of the film industry from the perspective of three women at very different stages of life. Whilst remaining firmly within the ‘cosy’ sub-genre, readers should also be advised that the mystery does touch on some difficult topics including sexual assault, suicide, stalking, obsession, and infidelity.

Overall, however, this is a well-crafted, pacy read packed with misdirection and mystery, and with just a dash of humour thrown in to keep the mood light. It made for perfect ‘get-away-from-the-PhD’ reading and, on the space of this entry, I very much look forward to seeing what the three Dahlia’s get up to next!

A Very Lively Murder is the second in the Three Dahlias Mysteries. I was sent this book having not read the first one, so had to read that first because I don't really like to join a series part of the way through. My mistake on that, I had thought this was the first book!

This book is an upbeat, cosy mystery with delightful characters and an evocative setting that draws you into the story. The plot is good and there are sufficient red herrings and clues scattered around to the pace up and maintain the reader's interest. So while it fits firmly in the mystery genre, you don't need to be a mystery buff to read this. In fact, if you tend towards the darker (more thriller) end of mystery, you might find this a little too cosy.

Personally, I don't think I will return to this series in a hurry, but that's only because there are so many good crime/thriller/mystery books out there that I'd prefer to read broadly if something isn't a 'hell yes'. But if I find myself at a loose end on a summer's day with the third book in the series close at hand, I'd definitely read on.

Gorgeous evocative and timeless writing, following on wonderfully from the first in the Dahlia series. It works as a standalone but for maximum enjoyment, read The Three Dahlias first.

Whilst this follows on from the first book where we are introduced to the Three Dahlia’s this can be easily read as a standalone murder mystery novel. The Three Dahlias refers to Dahlia Lively a fictional lady detective and the three different actresses who have played her over the years.

Now is the time for Posy Starling to shine as her version of Dahlia Lively takes to the small screen. Filming in a remote house in the countryside, accessible only through one road and a small village setting, the cast are very much on top of each other.

Tensions must be running high as a prop gun is replaced for the real thing.

One of the previous incarnations of Dahlia – Rosalind appears to have been the target.

Rosalind and Posy are shaken and call upon Caro, the third Dahlia and they set about to try and find out what is happening on this film set. But filming must continue, nothing can stop it until there is a victim, a wild storm that strands them all and the possibility of another murder about to take place. Surely these fictional detectives can pool their knowledge and resources to find out the truth and catch the murderer?

This is a jolly romp of a murder mystery that looks at how generations can work together and draw strength from each other under the premise of one some might say weak connection – that they have all played a fictional detective. It taps into that love we have of the locked room mystery, and that well known detective that we love in all it’s reincarnations. Think Marple, think Poirot and now think Dahlia Lively!

A book worthy of that Sunday night television drama spot. Perfect for fans of all things golden age murder mystery with a modern twist.

Katy Watson is the most perfect scene setter, so much so that I felt like I was at Ty Gwyn solving these murders myself. She weaves an intricate web of suspects with our three beautifully created Dahlias at the centre. Each so different but drawn together with murder (solving) in mind. I adore each of them in their own different ways! Roll on number three!

This is the second book in the Three Dahlias series. After reading the first book earlier in the year I was eagerly awaiting the next instalment and it did not disappoint!

A Very Lively Murder follows the filming of ‘The Lady Detective’ on location in a Welsh village. Rosalind is cast in the film alongside Posy, leaving Caro the only Dahlia without a part but it’s not long until suspicious events on set lead to concerns over Rosalind’s safety and Caro is called upon by her fellow Dahlias to help investigate. Before the three friends can solve the mystery, a death occurs leading the Dahlias to also start their own murder investigation.

I really enjoyed being reunited with the characters from the first book again and meeting some new ones too although I did get some of the supporting film cast mixed up at times. I really liked the atmosphere the book created with the North Wales setting and brooding weather conditions. I also preferred the more frequent switching between the point of views of Posy, Rosalind and Caro rather than each character being a narrator for around a third each as in the first book. This helped me stay connected to each of the three lead characters and aided the pacing of the story. Katy Watson was able to keep me on my toes and I did not guess the culprit with plenty of twists along the way.

I thought this was a really enjoyable mystery and a solid 4 star read. I am looking forward to seeing what the three Dahlias get up to next!

Thank you to the publisher, Little Brown Book group for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I was lucky enough to read the first in this Dahlia series recently, I really enjoyed this book. This series is a cozy crime set around three female actresses who played the same character. Although reading the first book, helped me keep track of the storyline, it’s not essential. I loved the setting in Wales, it was idyllic. The characters were really enjoyable to read, the relationships and dramas which happened throughout. This series is fast becoming a favourite of mine. I couldn’t put the book down, I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was the murderer before the shocking reveal. I only hope there are more to come in the series.

After the events at Aldermere, Posy Rosalind and Caro are trying to fit into their new roles but someone has murder in mind and it looks like Rosalind could be in their sights!

Reuniting with the Three Dahlias so soon after their debut investigation is an absolute pleasure. Not only did I enjoy spending time with these characters again but I loved the respect that Watson has for the genre. You can tell it’s a real labour of love. The development of Posy as she learns to be worthy of the mantle of their beloved Dahlia Lively is captivating. The friendship that has formed despite the initial professional rivalry between the three leads is something that we need more of in not only literature but in life. Like all good crime stories, this brings something of an edge into its glossy golden age tinted spectacles with the secrets that are unravelled.

It can’t be too long before the rights have been snapped up and the 3 marvellous Dahlia’s stroll off the page and into the big (or little) screen for real.

Filming has finally tarted on 'The Lady Detective' at a house in North Wales. For Posy this is the new start she has been looking forward to, for Rosalind there are death threats and Caro isn't even included in the cast. However when a member of the cast is murdered the Three Dahlias are needed to work together to solve the mystery.
This series is really starting to take off. The premise of actresses who have played a 'Golden Age' detective solving crimes seems a little far fetched but works so well. I love the intergenerational play between the disgraced former child star with the social media experience, the middle-aged woman who doesn't seem to exist and the slightly tainted national treasure. I also love the way the plot echoes those classic golden age themes, here the isolated community with secrets. There are a couple of things missed in the editing, particularly towards the end but that doesn't spoil a wonderfully entertaining novel.

This is the second in the Dahlia Lively series and it follows on from the first, so I would recommend that you read that one prior to this to fully understand the characters.

Posy and Rosalind are working on a new Dahlia Lively film. Rosalind starts receiving threatening notes and then a prop knife is secretly exchanged for a real knife, it appears these threats are very real, Posy and Rosalind call on Caro, the second Dahlia to join them on set and try and find out who is behind these notes.

Things turn even darker when a crew member disappears suddenly and an actress working on the film is killed in a hit and run accident, and suspicion falls on Kit, Posy’s friend and costar, who was previously involved with her. He is arrested for her murder and there is an additional fight to prove his innocence, which is not easy when Kit’s car is seen on cctv at the time of the incident.

This is such a good story, as with the previous book, this is a little more intricate than the usual cosy crime.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

This a great cosy murder mystery very much in the vain of Agatha Christie which i have always loved and now have a new favourite with Katy Watson.

This is the second book in the series as i have yet to read the first i really enjoyed it, i do not think you have to read the first to enjoy this story but i will go back and read the first.

A lovely set of characters red herrings and a great mystery within a fabulous setting.

Well plotted and reads quick and i feel you will want to get comfortable and settled as you will be gripped until you have finished the book.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy for an honest review

The return of the Three Dahlias in a Very Lively Murder has been long awaited and doesn't disappoint!

Oh My Goodness, Katy Watson has done it again.

It's always a little nervewracking heading into the second book of a series when the first book set the standard so high but I needn't have worrried, we are in safe hands here. Once again the three Dahlias are gathered together in a gorgeous country house, Posy and Rosalind to work on the new Dahlia film, Caro called in for moral and investigative support when Rosalind starts receiving some nasty letters. The cast is an intriguing mix of British A listers and up and coming talent, with plenty of egos jostling for supremacy leaving Posy unsure whether she has what it takes to be the new Dahlia or whether she really is the washed up child star the world believes her. But when Rosalind suffers two almost fatal near misses on set it's clear that there is the sender of the notes means to do more than just upset her, and so when one of the cast members is killed it's time for the Dahlias to do what they do best (after acting of course) - find a killer.

Set in glorious Wales, with a huge and well drawn cast, this beautifully written crime novel is as entertaining as it is twisty. I have just two requests - plenty more Three Dahlia books please and can someone write the original Dahlia books too please and thank you? Every quote is an utter delight.

Highly highly recommended.