Michael kept us waiting for this sequal but it was worth it. It was a pleasure to be back in The Empire with the characters I got to know and love (some not so much though) and be introduced to some new ones too (let's agree that Harry was the star of the show). I love Michael's writing, it's so richly detailed. The story flows brilliantly, there's romance, heartbreaking, intregue and of course, betrayal. An absolute must read for theatre lovers. Please don't make us wait so long for a followup Michael.

I really enjoyed the first book by Michael Ball and was looking forward to this.

Another stage based novel which is right up my street.

Gripping, and enjoyable

Loved it.

Very enjoyable read and well written - I couldn't put this down! Superb characters and plot. Highly recommend.

This book is set in the 1920's and I didn't realise that it was a sequel. It appealed because I like Michael Ball and a setting of a theatre seemed to be a natural place for a story written by him.

This is set after the events of the first book but it didn't take long to be immersed in this. world. The characters are an interesting bunch and I was soon quite enthralled. I really enjoyed this book. Would I have enjoyed it even more if I'd read the first one? Probably but it was still a cracking read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

An OK read. INot having read the first book I wasn't sure what to expect but it was well written with some interesting characters that I'm sure appealed to many readers but it did not grip me as much as I thought it would

so I did not realise this was the second in a series until I started reading it. There was a character list at the front of the book which made it easy for me to jump straight in however I have now purchased the first one as I loved this book.
It’s towards the end of the 20’s and the theatre is the hub of social status and being seen and known, characters dress to the 9’s and all the showbiz and excitement comes hand in hand with this.
The writing took a while for me to gel with however as soo.n as I got a couple of chapters in I got use to it and flew through the rest of the books.
Comforting, good and thrilling read and highly recommend

“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