This was a quite 'cute' mystery, without the thrill and suspense typically associated with a murder investigation. Clara is a private investigator, having inherited the business from her late uncle. Initially investigating a disappearance, which then becomes a murder, she vows to get to the bottom of it.

I found the book to be a slower pace than I would've liked, with a lot of filler scenes (I'm still not sure why her family's issues were included, for example). I also thought that a lot of lines of enquiry were investigated later than I would've expected. I was begging for more questions to be asked. The main suspects also seemed pretty obvious to me from the off, and it was overall hard to care that much. I liked some of the characters, and that there wasn't an inclusion of outright homophobia (eg remarks) but an acknowledgement of why it may be a secret to be gay. There was also a lot of dialogue written in accents which I don't typically enjoy as it pulls me out of the immersion and cheapens it for me.

I think this is a pretty easy book to read if you're interested in this type of mystery. It was overly Christmassy, and seemed to be set at Christmas just to say the investigation would take longer because of it (like how Die Hard is set at Christmas but isn't about it). I probably won't pick up any others from the series but there's no hard feelings. I prefer a lot more tension and stakes in my mystery's, but if you'd like something more casual then you'll probably like this book.

It’s December 1929. The fairy godmother from the pantomime vanishes into the night after her last performance in York, still wearing her sparkly dress and carrying her sparkly wand. When the show picks up a week later in Newcasttle, she’s been replaced and it turns out she resigned by telegram. Nobody has seen her and the request to send her effects from her theatrical boarding house also came by telegram. A concerned cast-mate hires Clara, a determined distance swimmer and private inquiry agent to find the missing actress.

Two books ago, Clara inherited the detective agency belonging to her late Uncle Bob, and is still learning the ropes. Her mother, Lady Vanessa, hates that she's running the detective agency instead of getting married to someone suitable (read noble), and that she also inherited a Georgian townhouse (complete with a forensic laboratory and a file collection of her uncle’s most bizarre cases). She's functionally independent and in no rush to give up her financial freedom. With plenty to prove to the various police inspectors and potential clients she encounters, Clara works long hours and tackles her new challenges with verve and ingenuity. A side plot about a shoplifting ring brings her a useful new assistant.

This complicated case is embedded in the now-vanished world of constantly touring theatrical companies, their rivalries and alliances, their succession of temporary boarding houses. The quotes from an extant 1929 play script of Cinderella are sure to please theatre historians. There are plenty of tourist touchstones around historical Newcastle as well as a few day trips to York by train. The mystery is a curious one, the science and detection tools are approximately appropriate to the state of knowledge at the time.

The Pantomime Murders has all the elements of an enjoyable 1920s Christmas crime albeit with fewer flappers and less gin, with a strong undercurrent early feminism. However, the first half is weighed down by Clara's repetitive thinking through her next steps, then discussing the same next steps, then doing one or two next steps, then thinking through them again in between every step. Once you get past that, the mystery clips along believably with some nice touches of menacing atmosphere and a nice twist at the end.

Overall this is a satisfying historical Christmas crime novel, well rooted in the social, cultural, and financial history of 1929.

"Someone is killing fairy godmothers in Cinderella...Can Miss Clara Vale crack the case before the clock strikes twelve?

1929, December: Snow is falling, and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation.

When a young actress from the touring pantomime of Cinderella arrives at her door, Clara isn't sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production, has mysteriously vanished. Could Clara help track her down?

But a few days into Clara's search, Sybil's body is pulled from an icy river, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery.

With scheming stepsisters waiting in the wings, handsome princes who aren't all they seem, and clues as elusive as glass slippers, Clara will need every one of her scientific skills to catch the killer...

And when Sybil's replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after...

The perfect Golden Age mystery to curl up with by the fire. Fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright will be gripped by this historical crime novel from the very first page."

Murder during holiday pantos are really my thing.

This is an enjoyable and well-researched historical crime novel, set in Northern England in 1929, and the second in a series. If you haven't read the first, however, don't worry, the author updates the new reader in an easy manner, avoiding those pages of backstory which can be irritating to the reader who is already familiar with it.

Clara Vale, private detective, has inherited her business from her uncle and, having already successfully solved a murder or two, is ready to embark on new cases. She finds two clients, a dancer whose friend and mentor has disappeared after a pantomime performance in York, and the prestigious Fenwicks department store in Newcastle, who have suffered from a spate of shoplifting. The latter brings with it the useful perk of jujitsu training!

Clara is very much the modern woman, too young to have been a Suffragette, but just old enough to have benefited from the changes they have helped to bring about. She has a degree from Oxford (so she's one of that league of new and unfortunately-named "graduettes") and a laboratory in the basement where she can develop photographs and conduct analyses, so she's well-qualified, if lacking experience, and, of course, has to fight her corner with prejudice from policemen and pathologists. Luckily, though, she has a friend in Dr Charlie Malone, who allows her to observe and assist in her first post-mortem, and the local Inspector Hawkes is at least tolerant of her involvement in crime cases, if not exactly overjoyed at the prospect.

The action alternates between York and Newcastle, conveniently close since Clara can drive herself back and forth. She's a very capable young woman, though her efficiency slips a bit when her mother, sister and all her sister's children fetch up on her doorstep on Christmas Eve. Of course, her family doesn't approve of her independence, or the way she lives alone without servants. Disastrously, it looks as if they might be there to stay, which could be very inconvenient indeed.

Being a stickler, I checked on some of the author's use of words which felt as if they might be too modern - I might quibble at the use of "predator" in the human sense, for instance, but it had been used in the 1920s, even if it wasn't common parlance until the '80s. I hope the formatting will be sorted out before the final e-version (my ARC was a PDF, which had some issues which will transfer if not tidied up) but again, I am quibbling somewhat, as I've seen much worse and it's not bad enough to interfere seriously with reading. One or two grammatical errors could be cleared out at the same time, and it would be nice if Clara's family titles could be corrected (it's easy to check aristocratic titles and their correct forms with Debretts online). A good copy-editor should have sorted all of this out.

Having quibbled, this promises be an excellent series. I fully intend to go back and read the first, The Picture House Murders, and will be on the lookout for more instalments. Clara may be overcoming prejudice against her sex a little too easily for the period, but a truly accurate depiction of that battle might prove to be too depressing for the reader. Let's just settle down and enjoy a cheerful version!

I was delighted when I discovered that the second book in the Clara Vale Mysteries was going to be published so soon after the first and with a seasonal theme. Who doesn’t love a book with snow, chestnuts, Father Christmas and a good pantomime to boot? I loved reading about Clara’s further adventures as an Enquiry Agent (Private Detective) in late 1920’s Newcastle in “The Pantomime Murders”.

Clara is a woman in a man’s world. Despite many changes in the roles of women after the war, many laws, rules and opinions remained against women being single and free to own businesses or property. We find Clara trying to establish herself as the new owner of the enquiry agency by going through open cases and offering her services. Clara is educated to degree level in Science uses all her expertise to do basic forensic level investigations. The subject matter and historical background are so well researched. Facts, detailed descriptions of settings, fashions and technical information are added to the narrative without taking away from the flow, only adding to the imagery and excitement of the story.

In this book we meet old friends and new, including a nod to Poppy Denby, a female reporter who has her own series of books by Fiona Veitch Smith. The action is set during Panto season, when their Fairy Godmother goes awol taking her full costume with her it causes chaos, confusion and jealousy. The world of the theatre lends itself to colourful characters, secrets and intrigue and is a super setting for a murder mystery. It isn’t long before Clara finds herself investigating more than just that of a missing person.

I was thoroughly absorbed in Clara’s world and look forward to meeting her again in Book Three. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Embla books for an e-ARC of the book.

I loved this book: it’s great cosy murder mystery with a 1920s setting. I particularly like it when I learn about a period of history from reading a novel. You can tell that the writer has researched the period in detail. Adding the Christmas aspect just makes it a perfect seasonal read!

I enjoyed The Pantomime Murders by Fiona Veitch Smith very much indeed. Clara Vale is a stronger, better, more-developed character in it than she was in the first book in the series. She's still impulsive and strong-willed, reluctant to believe that any man will treat her fairly. However, in the course of this book, she begins to realise that sometimes accepting help (even from a man) is the sensible way ahead.

The cases she takes on work well together and the main one regarding the disappearance, and then death, of a Fairy Godmother is multifaceted. Fiona Veitch Smith holds the reader's attention easily. I also liked the nod to Poppy Denby, Veitch's previous lead character.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this - so much so I looked up and downloaded the previous installment in the series.

I have never read any of this author's work before but I plan to buy and read more of her books.

The Pantomime Murders is set in 1929. It is well researched with frequent references to historical events such as change after the success of the suffragette movement and the Wall Street Crash.

The story itself is well-constructed with some well-drawn secondary characters It moves along at pace as the main character, Miss Clara Vale, works to solve the mystery of a missing leading lady. There is a side mystery she is working to solve in her newly-inherited detective agency.

The whole book is engaging and easy to read. Perfect for a long, dark evening.

Recommended! The first in the series, The Picture House Murders, was very good and this was just as enjoyable.

Frankly, the thing I most appreciate about this series is the accuracy of the 1929 world-building. This book is set right after the Wall Street crash of 1929 and it was great to see how that affected the characters and their lives. (As a reader, knowing that there are many more world events for Clara and her friends to navigate in the next decade makes me just want future books more.) The mystery was satisfying (if not particularly complex), and the supporting characters were fun and clearly have backstories that will be explored in future books. If you like historical mysteries, give this one a try!

I've been interested in this author's books for a while, which is why I requested a review copy of this.

This was a delightful 1920s cosy mystery. I felt it was festive in a satisfying way, just enough to put you in the mood for the festive season, while maintaining the sophisticated style and cosy, comforting feel that I hoped for. I warmed to Clara as a protagonist, and felt myself escaping into the story. I would be interested in reading more books from this series, or something else by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

I really like Clara and her assistant Bella, both resourceful and intelligent and underestimated at nearly every step. The characters are likeable and determined to prove themselves in the male-dominated world of the 1920s. I hope as the series continues that she gets the credit she deserves for how brilliant she is.

The reveal at the end was surprising, as I couldn't understand why someone would want to kill 2 Cinderellas! I enjoy when books have a large pool of suspects, as it makes the reveal less predictable - so kudos to the author for that.

I did find it difficult to continue reading as I wasn't fully gripped by the plot - the characters were the only reason I carried on.

An entertaining well paced mystery or should I say mysteries full of twists and turns and red herrings. I really enjoyed this book and as it is the second in the series I will be going back to read the first. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I really enjoyed this book! It’s the second in a series and I will be going back to read the first.
Set in 1929 Newcastle, Miss Clara Vale has inherited her Uncle’s detective agency. She’s asked to investigate a missing fairy godmother from a touring theatre company.
Alongside this her dysfunctional upper class family arrive for Christmas out of the blue and have to cope without servants. Some great detail about the impending chaos about to hit Britain following the Wall Street Crash.

A great read. Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for the advanced copy.

This was fun! Really enjoyed the time period, the author has clearly done her research and it showed. Loved the slang and setting - I haven't read anything involving a Panto before. Just good fun and who doesn't love a dysfunctional family!

The second in this engaging series of a female sleuth in Newcastle just as the Wall Street Crash is happening. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the book. Total escapism.

The next title in the Clara Vale series set in late 1920s Newcastle sees our heroine called in to investigate more than one crime when not one but two fairy godmother die during a run of Cinderella. She is also called upon to investigate a series of shoplifting crimes affecting a major srore.
Clara puts her scientific background to good use to solve the Pantomime murders whilst battling the sexism of being seen as being in an unsuitable role for a lady.
To cap it all the Wall St Crash is about to have an effect on Clara's life in a an unwelcome way when her family descends on her for Christmas.

A good escapist seasonal read!

In the 2nd of the Clara Vale mysteries, we experience Christmas in England in 1929, as Miss Vale navigates two separate cases while still learning the detective business that she inherited from her uncle. In one she must find out who is shoplifting at a department store, and in the other, she is hired by a traveling pantomime actor to find the missing Cinderella’s Godmother. Further setting the scene is an impromptu visit from her family as some of the issues from the US stock market crash start to have effects in England and Europe.

I enjoyed many of the female characters in the book. Clara is plucky and determined, her eventual sidekick is brave, strong and funny. Clara’s family members are different than you might expect. The male characters are less fleshed out and are either dismissive of her as a woman or paternalistically tolerant.

The author spends a lot of time having Clara go over clues and timelines in her thoughts, charting it out on paper, talking it over with others, etc. A lot of time, often with nothing new to add. Covering the same information multiple times became a little boring. Ultimately the mystery was pretty convoluted, and I’m not sure it worked very well. We never did find out what happened with one of the major suspects at the end or if he was truly involved.

My favorite part overall was the timeframe and setting. The author clearly did some research, and I enjoyed the clothes, houses, and jargon of the day.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Newcastle, historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, suspense, suspicion, history-and-culture, local-law-enforcement, witty, unputdownable, inheritance, lawyers, relatives, 1929, private-investigators, amateur-sleuth, investigations, investigators, thievery, cozy-mystery, disappearance, entrepreneur, murder-investigation, winter*****

This is the second in a well written cozy series.
It's set in 1929 England with a dysfunctional wealthy family and the very independent daughter who was self-sufficiently working in a library (despite having earned a science degree at Oxford). She discovered that her uncle died and the inheritance that was left to her includes a large townhouse complete with laboratory, a lot of money, a detective agency, and her first case.
This time she has been asked to investigate a rise in thievery by customers a a large store and also look into the disappearance of the most recent disappearance of a particular sort of popular actress. Clara is learning more about the business of a detective agency and how her operatives do their work. When the actress turns up murdered, things get really convoluted and full of unexpected twists and sneaky red herrings. Excellent read!
I requested and received an EARC from Embla Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Snow Bound..
The second in the Clara Vale mystery series and a festive treat for readers. December 1929, and a Christmas scene in a snow bound Newcastle as Clara finds herself embroiled in a new investigation involving a pantomime. She will need to hone all of her skills to grapple with this confounding case. With an atmospheric backdrop, a firm sense of time and place and an entertaining plot populated with a convincing and well drawn cast of characters, this is an engaging follow up to the first in the series.

The Pantomime Murders is the second book in this British cozy series, set in 1929. .Sybil Langford is playing the fairy godmother in a local production. When she becomes ill and mysteriously vanishes after a show, Clara Vale is hired to find her. This was a nicely paced mystery with a twisty plot and plenty of red herrings. I was hooked from page one! I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series. My thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this advanced readers cooy to read and review.
5/5 Stars! *****