The 3rd in the Dahlia mystery series.

A much underrated series that deserves to more widely read and more widely known.

The plot of this is very clever and must admit this particular story dragged a little bit in the middle for me. However it is a good cosy crime mystery and the friendship between the three ladies is rather lovely and is probably what keeps me reading.

I look forward to the next book.

Thanks must go to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an arc to read and review.

Five years ago a lovely town was rocked by a murder connected to its burgeoning literary festival. Now the man convicted is claiming innocence and a popular podcast is involved. Cornering the Three Dahlias at their film premiere the podcast makers strong-arm the three sleuths to take on the case. However when seven suspects are decreased by the death of one, the Dahlias are wondering if they have bitten off more than they can chew.
This is building up into a great series of cosy crime novels. I love the fact that the three protagonists are so different but who demonstrate friendship values that are really old-fashioned and the whole premise of the stories being built around the Golden Age fiction of a completely fictitious writer, Lettice Davenport, is really clever. This story bounces along with a complicated plot, solid dialogue and some lovely set pieces.

The Three Dahlias refers to Dahlia Lively a fictional lady detective and the three different actresses who have played her over the years. These three acrtess, Rosaline, Caro and Posy are reunited again to solve a mystery. This one is a bit closer to home it seems.

Caro’s former stalker went to prison for murder, but is sister pleads his innocence, and it seems that perhaps there is some truth in all of this. In fact there might be seven suspects, for the murder and it is up to the Three Dahlias to find the truth, because it might be Caro had a hand in sending an innocent man to prision.

Fast paced, but a bit jumpy in parts, it took me a while to settle in, but once I did I was back with these three cross generational women and their foibles and opinions and was heading along to the truth. I think I got most of it, but it is always good to fill in the gaps. A good modern cosy crime read, for those who enjoy such things.

The third book in the Dahila mysteries By Katy Watson, another great whodunnit. The twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end. The fact that it was set around a book festival was a plus. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

This is the third book in the Three Dahlias series and I really enjoyed being reunited with the three main characters again.

In the Seven Lively Suspects Posy, Rosalind and Caro are investigating a cold-case murder. The setting this time is a crime writing festival held in Market Foxleigh. Caro is also attending as an author for her book about the first investigation the Three Dahlias solved. The author and organiser of the book festival was murdered five years earlier. A podcast is being made which is trying to prove the innocence of the convicted killer and due to one of the Dahlias having a connection to the murder, Rosalind, Caro and Posy are joining the investigation too, even if they do not all have the same motivations.

The three main characters are continuing to grow on me. I think this series is really underrated and is deserving of more attention. I could picture this as a TV series and I liked the setting of this one in the small town with all the book-related content. I did not guess the outcome but I mostly just found this very readable and a great, cosy read. I would have liked there to have been more from the podcast aspect of the book as I am a fan of that type of media in mystery/thriller books and it is this expectation going into to the book about the podcast that has kept my rating a little lower than I had anticpated at the start of the story.

I am rating this book 4 stars, it was a great mystery read and the series is now one I will automatically be picking up.

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

I absolutely love Katy Watson’s writing, this series is fantastic. Although this is the third book in the series, I don’t think it’s essential to have read the first two to understand what’s going on, but I do recommend them just for enjoyment purposes. The dynamics between Caro, Rosalind and Posy have developed into a loving and caring nature, like a chosen family, they each take care of each other. This mystery was really enjoyable, it was quite fast paced, I liked it was set in multiple locations too, and I particularly the reference to Daunt Books and for example the tv shows which may be named differently in reality but do still have similar features. The actual detecting in the story had me hooked, the seven suspects who all were suspicious for different reasons, all interlinked with each other through the literary group. I struggled to guess who had committed the crime and even when it was revealed I was still in shock. This book is cozy crime at its best, so enjoyable.

The third instalment in the Three Dahlia's series is much stronger than its second and makes for a twisty, if occasionally too complicated for its own good, murder mystery that adds a sprinkle of 'Only Murders in the Building' into the mix for good luck.

Caro, Rosalind and Posy return, this time attending a crime writing festival in a small town, where the murder of the festival's former organiser still hangs over everything. A new podcast is due to launch about the murder and the Dahlia's have been drafted in to help the creators solve it. Because the characters are so well established now, slipping into these books feels like putting on a very comfy pair of leggings. This book spends more time focusing on Caro than any other and adds great depth to a character who has a lot more personality (it feels) than the other two. Their stories never quite take off in this instalment, though they add plenty to the unravelling of the murder mystery.

Because there are seven suspects and, quite literally, an entire village to cram into a book, I felt things got a bit too complicated. The supporting characters tended to blur into one another after a while - particularly the men - and so by the time we got to the big reveal (which I did very much enjoy), it was difficult to get fully shocked over who was actually the murderer. The ending felt rather rushed, particularly as we had spent so very long getting to that point (I've often found the middle of Watson's books to be the weakest aspect), though you get a conclusion that feels suitably satisfying. My socks are never blown completely off by a Dahlias mystery, but I don't put them down, which says everything. Another good addition to the series.

Brillant, another great outing and i cant wait for the next in the series.
A must read for anyonw who enjoys a darn good read

The Three Dahlias are asked to investigate a murder that happened five years ago. They find themselves at a crime writing festival where not everyone wants to revisit the past.

A new Dahlia book is always cause for excitement and this was such a fantastic read.

I loved the fact that it was set around a book festival, I could imagine the scenes and events taking place as if I was there. It was incredibly fun to see that Caro had written a book about their first mystery together.

I couldn't stop thinking about the plot and who could have been involved in the murder. I was constantly finding myself getting suspicious when I thought I had spotted a clue!

I really enjoy the quotes from the Dahlia books at the start of each chapter. I think it really adds to the idea that these characters have been brought together by the books and it is such a nice touch.

Katy Watson has the perfect voice for modern golden-age crime and I can't wait to see more from these fabulous characters that I have come to love.

Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This sees the Three Dahlias at a crime festival where Caro is due to speak about her new book about their first investigation. But before they arrive a podcast team asks them to be part of their new series about a murder five years ago where they are convinced that the wrong man was convicted. I really like this series. I was sceptical about how Katy Watson was going to find more ways for the Dalhia's to get tangled up in murders, but this is actually pretty ingenious and makes sense without it feeling like they're bringing murder wherever they go (a la Jessica Fletcher!). This is a fun read, and I look forward to the Christmas instalment!

I was absolutely thrilled to be accepted for an eARC of this third Dahlia novel. I loved being welcomed back into the gang, I can just imagine myself chilling out at Posy’s flat with the ladies! I read it in a day, purely because I couldn’t put it down and enjoyed every second. It helps that many of the locations and names are from areas local to me…there’s nothing I love better than sitting by the river in Llangollen at the pub Katy describes. If anyone is looking for a cosy detective series then this should be your number one port of call.

Truly A Treat…
The third outing in the Three Dahlias mystery series and a crime festival is to host the three Dahlias as guests of honour. The event and their participation is highly anticipated - not only because of the Dahlias’ links to each of their own fictional detectives, but now they are also well known for their innate ability to solve real life crimes. Needless to say, it’s not long before these three amateur sleuths are once again investigating. Another hugely entertaining and enjoyable instalment to this delightful series with more than a sprinkling of a nod to the Golden Age of Crime, clever plotting, delicious characters and a narrative laced with humour. Truly a treat.

This is the third novel in the highly enjoyable Three Dahlias series, but I think works as a standalone because the author does catch you up with the characters. (I would recommend reading the previous two, as they're good reads!)

Dahlia Lively is the heroine of a Golden Age detective series; Rosalind, Caro and Posy are the three actresses who've played her. Caro has moved on to writing, and is one of the guests of honour at a Cotswold crime festival. Five years ago, she was a witness in a murder case; but the sister of the man convicted for the murder believes he's innocent and wants Caro to help with a podcast re-examining the case. Caro, Posy and Rosalind start investigating - only for another author to be murdered. Is there a link with the cold case? Who's telling the truth - and who's lying?

Lots of twists and turns, and a thoroughly good read. It's also lovely to see the relationships growing between Rosalind, Caro and Posy.

Thank you to the publisher, the author and Netgalley for the ARC.

"Sarah's last words echoed in behind them.
'The real murderer is still out there. You have to help me find them!'
Caro grabbed It's arm and started walking again.
She might be a part-time private detective and part-time crime author now, but the case Sarah Baker was talking about wasn't one she had any interest in revisiting.
Ever."

Book three of the Three Dahlias crime fiction series the ladies investigating a cold case that involved Caro. Always good to be back with this team of amateur detectives, I particularly enjoyed the summertime setting in a Cotswolds town literary festival (I visited last summer so was picturing a small town like Bourton-on-the-Water). A podcast to clear the name of the man in prison for the cold case murder seeks Rosalind's, Caro's and Posey's involvement, suggesting there are seven suspects. Our heroines soon find themselves investigating a new murder.

Each chapter starts with a fictional quotation from either a Dahlia Lively novel or Caro's novelisation of their first case. There are many bookish layers to this series based on a fictional Golden Age series, the three actresses who have played the titula Dahlia Lively character, their own book and, in this third outing, the books by some of the suspects, also authors attending the festival. I love the well-drawn characters, particularly the returning ones with their own lives and partners and the pretty Llangollen location (having grown up nearby, I know it well) where Rosalind visits Jack. Pacy and readable, mysterious and entertaining, perfect cosy crime! Whilst it helps to have read the first two books in the series, it is a self-contained story, so could be read alone. I found at least two hints that the next book may be set in a Scottish castle? Having read them all, I think this may be my favourite Three Dahlia's novel yet!

Seven Lively Suspects is another entertaining mystery featuring the three actresses; Rosalind, Caro and Posy who are the three Dahlias.
This time, Caro is the guest speaker at a Crime Writers Festival and she has invited Rosalind and Posy to go with her. Five years ago at the festival a murder was committed, Caro was a witness for the prosecution but now, the sister of the convicted man wants the Three Dahlias to investigate the case again as she is convinced her brother is innocent.

I have loved both of the previous books in this series and this third book is just as good. The setting of the festival is well shown and we get a real sense of how an event like this is organised. It also gives a plausible reason for all of the suspects in the murder to have gathered together again. I enjoyed the way that the three women carried out their investigation and the final resolution was certainly dramatic and brought the classic idea of all of the suspects being brought together for the final showdown bang up to date.

The success of a cosy crime novel really depends on the main characters and the three Dahlias are all brilliant. I’m not sure how well this book would stand on its own as I think you would miss a huge amount of the background of the three actresses which is such a big part of them. Each of them has developed over the series. In this book, Rosalind is worrying about the future of her romance with a retired detective and Caro is carving out a new career as an author. Posy has really grown though and has gained a confidence that she didn’t have in the earlier two books and now takes a leading role in the investigation. The relationship between the three of them is lovely and has a real ‘found family’ feel to it.

The echoes of Golden Age mysteries are still present in this book. Dahlia Lively is a character in a set of books supposedly written from 1930 onwards and each of the chapters in this book begins with a quotation from one of the novels that has reference to something that will occur in the chapter. This time there is a new twist as one of the suspects is actually writing a series of books based on the author of the Dahlia Lively books investigating crimes herself.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I look forward to the next appearance of the three dahlias.
Thank you to Net Galley and Little Brown Book Group UK for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Seven Lively Suspects is the third book in the Three Dahlias series. It follows three actresses, Rosalind, Caro, and Posy, who play the fictional detective Dahlia Lively. This time, they investigate a possible wrongful conviction which has possibly resulted in the murder of an author at a crime writing festival in Market Foxleigh.
This instalment is once again perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, it’s an undemanding, light-hearted crime novel - the perfect by the pool summer read 😎

4.5 stars! I fell in love with this series from the first one and was so happy to be chosen for this arc as I look forward to each one!

I love how each premise is laid out differently with all new suspects which makes for intrigue everytime. I love Posy, Rosalind and Caros relationship and you see that grow throughout. They’re protective of each other but also have an understanding of not being overly emotional.

I did think the ending was a little rushed as I would have liked there to be more time to talk about each person extensively and their movements. I just felt like the result wasn’t fully explained at length but may be able to be mentioned in the next book to round things up.

I also really like how characters from past books are brought back as it’s familiar territory and helps ease the tension. I’m looking forward to seeing how relationships expand and grow as the series progresses!

The third book in the Dahila mysteries with fun and endearing characters. A cosy murder story. Looking forward to the Christmas mystery later this year.

The third in Katy Watson's Three Dahlia's series finds our heroines - Rosalind, Caro and Posy - asked to look into a possible miscarriage of justice for a podcast. Initially, they are sceptical and believe that the man originally convicted was guilty of the murder. But when their investigations take them to a literary festival in a small Cotswolds town, a writer is found dead under mysterious circumstances and it seems as if perhaps the wrong person was convicted after all.

Similarly to the previous books in the series, Seven Lively Suspects is a fun and undemanding read which will appeal to readers of Golden Age mysteries and modern cosy crime alike.

The Three Dahlias, at a crime writing festival? Oh yes, there will be plenty of entertaining, murderous, shenanigans ahead!
The 'Seven Lively Suspects' is a return to the world of Rosalind King, Caro Hooper and Posy Starling, three actresses who are famed for starring as the fictional sleuth Dahlia Lively as written by the (also fictional) Lettice Darling. The three women have become friends and family and indeed, readers of the previous novels will notice the development of the characters with Caro learning (slowly) to listen to her friends, and both women looking out for the youngest member of the trio, Posy. As for Posy herself, she is also slowly settling into her role and friendship, growing in confidence in herself.
The trio are invited to help review a murder from 5 years previously, where Caro testified against the suspect. A man has been found guilty of murdering the lead of a writing group, but his sister is convinced of his innocence and pushes the trio to re-examine the evidence.
As always, our Dahlias encounter plenty of danger, but there is also much humour to be had that lightens the atmosphere and helps to keep the plot moving quickly.
The 'Seven Lively Suspects' is an entertaining and fun additon to the series and one that I particularly enjoyed. I raced through the pages.