“A Backstage Betrayal” by Michael Ball is such a fun and intriguing read! It’s set in the lively world of theater, and you can tell Ball knows this world inside and out. The characters are colorful, the drama is juicy, and the mystery kept me hooked until the very end. If you love a good mix of humor, suspense, and behind-the-scenes chaos, this book is definitely worth picking up. It feels like you’re right there, caught up in the backstage whirlwind!”

The smell of the greasepaint and the curtain call, is enough to bring you back to this the second novel featuring the theatre and characters we got to know in the first.

A whole list of characters is available at the beginning of the novel, useful in a physical copy not so much when you read via kindle and cannot easily refer back. However the vast quantity of them should not put you off as you are swept into the story.

The theatre risen from the ashes, from a devastating fire is having mixed fortunes. And with Panto season upon the, it seems the only way is to involve the whole area in the production.

Add to this some romance, some Russians, some scandal and a royal visit it seems that this year's run at The Empire is going to be one they do not forget.

This book is full of plots and it all weaves together to make a book to completely escape in. Perfect as a standalone but also if you haven't read the first novel, do so as you will be even more enthralled.

I refer to these historical saga type of books that could easily be transferred to that Sunday Night Television and made into a series.

I am not sure if we will return to The Empire, but if we do I hope it is as jam packed as this and the debut novel.

This is the second in Michael Ball's Empire series. This would work as a standalone, but I would recommend reading book one before this as there are a lot of characters to meet and it sets the scene for this one.

The theatre has been rebuilt following a fire in book 1. How will Jack cope as the manager, and can he and his team work out who is trying to sabotage them?

I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first book. I did find this one had a lot going on, and don't personally feel it needed the spy/gangster storyline. I loved Harry the rat, who added perfectly comedic elements. I really like the behind the scenes information that only someone from that environment would know. Looking forward to book three.

A Backstage Betrayal is the second book by the lovely Michael Ball set in The Empire Theatre, it will work as a standalone novel but the first book is a good introduction to a number of the characters. The book is authentic, engaging and charming.I have to admit that I did not enjoy it quite as much as it's predecessor mainly I think because there were too many storylines going on and I struggled to cope with the number of new characters and whether they were the goodies or the baddies. There was a guide to the characters at the beginning of the book but flipping back and forth to check does not really work with a Kindle although it would be useful with a hard copy book.

Continuing the story of the Lassiter family, the Empire theatre has now been reborn from the ashes of the old theatre. Literally as the old theatre burnt down at the end of the last book. Will Jack be as successful manager?
An enjoyable read and pure escapism.

I listened to the first book in this series, so when reading the second installment I was able to recreate in my mind Michael Balls take of the characters which made this book very enjoyable. I love the way that Michael Ball writes, the story flows well and as you jump from one character to another you feel that they are real and you enjoy their story. The book is again based in the Empire theatre and here you feel the joy that the author has of his craft of being on the stage.
We have the added twist of a conspiracy that has to be solved with Lilian marrying her Count, but this brings an intrigue to the story.

Roll on book three.

A great second book in The Empire series. Good to catch up with the characters while introducing new ones and a new mystery as well. Nice book to curl up with on a winter's evening.

A Backstage Betrayal is the second book in the Empire series by Michael Ball set in the provincial theatre world of England in1926.

While this is the second book in the series, it was something that was unknown as a reader and while this can be read as a standalone, the novel will probably be enhanced by reading the first one before this.

While the novel at its heart is solely centred around the Theatre itself it does go on to explore fame both those who have it and people aiming for it in a world which is not ours but is at the start of its journey towards it.

While the novel does have an authentic feel about the theatrical industry, as would be expected by a writer who is part of the world.

A Backstage Betrayal is also part gangster, Spy, and family secrets and while these all worked as a plot line individually, they did seem to crowd each other out as they either vied for the attention of the writer and the reader.

As it felt that the book was 3 novels in one and while the story almost worked in its present format taking one of the plotlines out would have made the A Backstage Betrayal a more enjoyable novel, for the reader.

Having said all that if you looking for an historical novel that is set in an era and a location out of the ordinary then Backstage Betrayal by Michael Ball is worth giving it a read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In this sequel to The Empire, we reunite with the characters at the end of the 1920s as they prepare for a new show at the theatre. Although this is book 2 of the series, it can be read as a standalone.

This fun caper had a bit of everything: a rage to riches story, political intrigue, theatre gossip, assassination plots, mobsters, entrepreneurship. The mix felt a bit too much for me at times, but overall it was an entertaining read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Empire Theatre is going from strength to strength under the care of Jack Treadwell and his team. But it isn't all smooth sailing with his wife having writer's block, his biological mother has a new romance, a starlet is involved in a death. There is also sabotage, intrigue and a feisty rat to contend with!
A Backstage Betrayal is the second book to feature The Empire Theatre in the 1920s. There is enough information about events in the first book to catch up but I would advise reading the frist book as it is fab!
We meet the stars and backstage team of The Empire as they embark on bolstering their business. There are lots of plot threads and my favourite was the emotional journey of young widow Sally Blow as she dreams of a life on the stage. The contrast between Sally's paltry existance and the opulence of the theatre is striking and I instantly warmed to her. But despite the glitz, the theatre is under pressure and even in danger. Extra glamour is provided by Lillian's new fiance, an exiled foreign royal, and this leads to a cameo from a member of the British Royal Family.
I was swept up in the life of the theatre and the characters all sprang to life. The style of writing is engaging and easy to read. The historical elements of the plot were well researched and underpinned the social and cultural dimensions to the plot and characters dynamics. I found myself really caring about the characters and willing them to succeed as they battle against intrigue, personal adversity and a bold rat!
A Backstage Betrayal is a wonderful historical novel.

Michael Ball writing about a world he knows so well the theatre.
There are a great mix of characters in this book, some likeable others not. I can well imagine that these characters are based on individuals Michael has met over the years as they are so believable.
I enjoyed this tale of backstage betrayal it was a nice easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of A Backstage Betrayal.
This is the second book in a series, and I struggled with a vast catalogue of characters. However most were introduced in book one. There was a guide at the start of the book (but the layout wasn't helpful and it was hard to understand due to this being an unformatted ARC). The start of the book is was trying to remember everyone, and then around the middle I got slightly disenchanted with the story and I was not looking forward to picking up the book. However the final third or so of the book was excellent, gripping and dramatic, making for a great read overall.
Recommend, but maybe read book one first.

It was great to be back at the Empire, now rebuilt after the fire. Favourite characters are still there, along with some new ones, all very different, but all with interesting stories.
There is trouble afoot, but who is the culprit? I have to admit I had it wrong!
There are happy and sad tears in this book as some well loved characters get their happy ever after, and tragedy strikes others.
A really entertaining read, taking you back in time. I loved it!

Set in the golden age of theatre in the North of England, A backstage Betrayal follows on from the triumphant opening of the Empire Theatre in the first book of the series. . It was good to meet Jack, Grace, Lillian and the gang again as they face new challenges. Adventures, obstacles, new ventures and more than one betrayal. Michael knows the world he's writing about and it was a pleasure to read. #netgalley #abackstagebetrayal

I'm so pleased I read the first of this series before reading this one, although I suspect the reader would follow the plot, it enhanced the story to know the back stories of Grace, Jack, Tom and Lillian. Time has moved on a little to the mid 1920s, Grace and Jack are married but still working at the Empire Theatre. Lillian has a new beau; Nikolai, an exile from Marakovia, and Tom is falling in love with a pub singer, Sally Blow. Tom's mother Constance is still resentful and plotting to bring about the downfall of the Empire after her last attempt failed.

The result is a joy to read for anyone who loves theatre, as well as being a darn good mystery making the reader jump here and there as they try to find out who is behind some of the nefarious goings on. I enjoyed this book very much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It is 1936 and The Empire is struggling to keep going. A pantomime is planned but Jack Lassiter’s wife,Grace, is struggling with writing the script. Jack’’s mother, Lady Lilian Lassiter (the owner of the theatre) arrives unexpectedly with her new lover, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, who unexpectedly takes control of the pantomime to great success.

Meanwhile Sally Blow, a young widow with a small poorly son, struggling to make ends meet, is singing in The Bricklayers Arms several times a week and is spotted one night by Ruby (who composes a lot of music and songs for the theatre) and Tom, another close friend of Jack. Sally ends up doing odd jobs at The Empire but not for long as her feelings for Tom cause her anguish when she realises that his family own the company that caused her husband’s death. Jack, who always works amongst a muddle of everything offers employment to Miss Chisholm who turns up unexpectedly and proves to be a superb organiser.

They eventually learn that the Prince of Wales and the younger brother of Nikolai who is heir to the throne of his country will be visiting Highbridge and also the theatre. A talent contest is organised and Sally is finally persuaded to sing. Will the evening go smoothly or not.? Look out for the unexpected sting in the tail!

I received Michael Ball’s previous novel last Christmas nd enjoyed it so I was excited to be given an advance copy of this latest one. Thanks to net galley and the publisher.

The story continues at the same theatre and with some of the same characters a previously.. it’s set in the 1920s and we exoerience staging of a pantomime and a talent contest. There’s also a new Russian character who plays a vital role. It’s an entertaining read and would make a good Christmas present as it’s published in time.

This is a cracking good read with characters that you care about.
Michael Ball’s A Backstage Betrayal is the second in this series and it’s worth reading the books in order as they follow Jack, Grace and a host of characters all of whom find their lives interwoven with the Empire theatre.
This series does a great job in combining vintage cosy crime with theatre and a north of England setting. It all adds up to a great read.

The Empire Theatre series continues to dazzle with A Backstage Betrayal, the second novel by Michael Ball set in a small English town in 1926. The story centers on Jack Treadwell, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace as they try to revive The Empire theatre through a pantomime, a new venture, and a talent contest. But the arrival of Lillian’s admirer, Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, and the involvement of West End star Stella Stanmore threaten to unravel their plans.

Michael Ball's love for theatre is evident throughout the story, as he brings his insider knowledge to every scene. His passion and deep understanding of the theatrical world shine through, making the setting feel vibrant and authentic. The narrative is rich and engaging, weaving in historical details like the transition to "talkie" films, veterans of World War I, and even a fictional small Soviet country to add depth to the era.

While the story is exciting and filled with intrigue, there are moments where the many plot threads and characters can feel a bit overwhelming. However, this complexity might be perfectly suited to an adaptation—this book would make an excellent mini-series, blending real-life theatre history with a touch of fictional drama.

Michael Ball's blend of historical elements and imaginative storytelling makes this a captivating read. His knowledge of theatre and his creativity come together beautifully, and I can't wait to see where he takes the series next.

Recommendations: If you enjoyed A Backstage Betrayal, I recommend The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which also delves into the glitz of show business with complex characters and a historical backdrop. For a cozy mystery set in a similar environment, check out The Theatre Ghost by Isabella Grey. And if you’re in the mood for a captivating period drama, the series or films of Downton Abbey provide rich character drama and historical intrigue.

Loved it
It was good going back to the empire and joining in with characters old and new.
This was slightly more thrilling then Michael Balls first book, and really had me turning the pages!