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!

1926
We return to The Empire theatre and times are hard.
Jack Treadwell, erstwhile proprietor, his mother Lillian, and his playwright wife Grace, know they need to get things back on track - and how better than with the annual pantomime, a new venture, and an all-singing all-dancing talent contest, showcasing the best performers around.

Young widow, Sally Blow is down on her luck, with a child to look after, she needs work. She attends the glittering opening of the newly built Empire Theatre; from the outside. She sees all the glamorous stars and longs to join them. But makes do with a job offer to sing for tips at the pub, she dares to dream that the talent contest could be her big break.

As the talent contest draws closer, tragedy strikes. Amid the glitz and glamour there is scandal and plots afoot, could this be curtains for The Empire?

I felt real joy returning to The Empire and its cast of characters. It was like catching up with old friends at a party and meeting a new cast to add to them too. I adored Harry the theatre rat and of course Ollie the stage door dog. I love the fact that there are villains as well as heroes to root for and new adventures and challenges for them to embark on.

The book is just glorious, Downton Abbey in theatreland, with royalty, plenty of love, laughs, song, shenanigans, plotting and a pantomime dame. It’s packed to the gunnels with storylines, I feel like it should be a Sunday evening drama!

You can really feel the love that Michael has for the theatre and all its ups and downs, the characters walk off the page to delight you!

It just left me with a big smile on my face

‘There are always more tunes, more songs, more stories.’

As always Mr Michael Ball, you are absolutely right!

Ball’s second book returns to Highbridge and the reopened Empire Theatre, run by Jack Treadwell, in 1926. We experience the day to day running of the Empire, which must face some not insignificant challenges, but with an extensive cast of characters (thank goodness for the helpful list at the beginning of the book!), there are several other threads beside. Jack’s mother Lillian is in a new relationship with Grand Duke Nikolai Kuznetsov, a gentleman from Marakovia with an interesting past; local widow Sally Blow is scraping a living for her and her young son but dreams of stardom as a singer; starlet Stella Stanmore has escaped to Highbridge from London following the death of a friend in London. And there is a rat called Harry who steals the show!

Ball uses his knowledge of the theatre to great effect painting a vivid picture of theatrical life of the time. There is no shortage of goings on with plenty of intrigue and some truly entertaining characters, all of which makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

An enjoyable story, however at times there seemed to be too much going on.
The characters are likeable where required and dislikeable where due
The starts of the show however are furry.

An absolutely brilliant read.
This is the second visit to the Empire Theatre with a mixture of old and new characters.
Great story line with a lot of intrigue and love developing throughout the book.
I would rate it as good as the first in the series and just hope there is more to come.

I read the first instalment of the ‘Empire’ and really enjoyed it. I started ‘The Backstahe Betrayal’ with Edgar anticipation, but somehow it did not keep my attention. I tried twice to start it and on the third attempt I did manage to finish it, although I confess I skipped a few pages.
I wonder if it was the huge list of characters or the change in story base with each chapter. Just as I was getting interested in a character the focus changed to someone else.
All was not doom and gloom . The story moved quickly and some of the characters warranted a cheer for their endeavours.
Would I try another book by Michael? Yes probably

Musical theatre legend Michael Ball has turned his hand to writing novels. Backstage Betrayal is his second book. It’s an enjoyable read and has clearly been written by someone who loves the theatre and understands the world in which it’s set.
For me, there were some negatives. There’s a huge cast and it takes some time to work out who everyone is, how they’re connected, and what they’re up to. Perhaps this is easier for people who have read the first book in the series. The other issue is that the book also felt a little old-fashioned in style, and somewhat clichéd with the choice and portrayal of the baddies.
But for people looking for a light, unchallenging and entertaining glimpse at the backstage world of theatre and theatre folk in the 1920s, this book will be a lot of fun.
I would have given it 3.5 if that were possible.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC