Liked the premise but didn’t grab me

I admit I’m not that far into the book and may edit this review if I get further. But I may not finish it. I like the premise of a mystery in the world of theatre and like the characters I have met so far. The main character feels well researched, likeable and real.

But the narration is putting me off. I come from the place in the UK where this character is from and the accent is appalling. The accent is notoriously difficult to do but this attempt really is irritating. Generally, I am finding the narrator’s tone quite boring and does nothing to bring the characters to life. She does a good American accent and a Downton Abbey style British accent which then slips.

The writing is also flagging for me. There are some sections describing a person or a place which halts the pace of the story dead. The structure of the language used at times is repetitive and too much telling you rather than showing through the eyes of others, giving details in what is said and interactions between the characters. The latest character’s appearance was described in almost a list.

And finally, without a single attempt of humour so far, it all feels rather flat. I have worked in theatre and there is always someone who copes with the stresses of it using humour. But this company just seems rather dull at the moment which is surely the last thing you would expect from a theatre company. Maybe my expectations are too high for a cosy mystery but I have read many which are pacey, witty, have strong characters & draw me in which this sadly hasn’t yet.

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