The Three Dahlias
One murder mystery convention.
Three very unconventional detectives…
Three rival actresses team up to solve a murder at the stately home of Lettice Davenport, the author whose sleuthing creation of the 1930s, Dahlia Lively, had made each of them famous to a new generation.
In attendance at Aldermere: the VIP fans, staying at house; the fan club president turned convention organiser; the team behind the newest movie adaptation of Davenport’s books; the Davenport family themselves; and the three actresses famous for portraying Dahlia Lively through the decades.
There is national treasure Rosalind King, from the original movies, who’s feeling sensitive that she’s past her prime, TV Dahlia for thirteen seasons, Caro Hooper, who believes she really IS Dahlia Lively, and ex-child star Posy Starling, fresh out of the fame wilderness (and rehab) to take on the Dahlia mantle for the new movie – but feeling outclassed by her predecessors.
Each actress has her own interpretation of the character and her own secrets to hide – but this English summer weekend they will have to put aside their differences as the crimes at Aldermere turn anything but cosy.
When fictional death turns into real bodies, can the three Dahlias find the answers to the murders among the fans, the film crew and the family – or even in Lettice’s books themselves?
A Very Lively Murder
A Three Dahlias Mystery
Lights, Camera... Murder.
One murder mystery movie. Three Dahlias. And a whole cast of suspects...
Ex-child star Posy Starling is finally filming her dream role - Dahlia Lively in The Lady Detective movie. But things take a nightmare turn when a prop weapon is replaced with the real thing - with almost fatal consequences for her fellow Dahlia, Rosalind King. There's something very wrong on the set of The Lady Detective - which means it's time to call in Caro Hooper, so the three Dahlias can investigate.
In between filming scenes, signing autographs for locals, photoshoots, talk show appearances in London and jetting off to France for an impromptu party, the three Dahlias do what they do best - surrupticiously sleuth. And very soon the evidence starts to point towards one particular co-star...
But before they can prove it, another murder rocks the production. And this time, with a storm raging, the river flooded and the bridge washed out, there are no police to rely on so it's up to the three Dahlias to stop a murderer in their tracks... before another victim is claimed.
Reader Reviews
My most anticipated read of 2023
I loved all of the twists and turns because I couldn’t possibly predict where the plot was heading.
A Very Lively Murder blew me away
This is such a well-crafted and wonderful mystery, with plenty of twists and turns.
The perfect combination of cosy mystery and celebrity drama
It was lovely to be back in the world of the three Dahlias and A VERY LIVELY MURDER did not disappoint!
Seven Lively Suspects
A cold case in high summer for the three Dahlias…
It’s a baking hot British summer, and the sleepy town of Market Foxleigh is staging a crime writing festival… with the three Dahlias as guests of honour.
After all, not only have Rosalind King, Caro Hooper and Posy Starling each played fictional detective Dahlia Lively on screen, but they’re also making a name for themselves solving real-life murders too.
The Dahlias are anticipating a weekend of cream teas, awards dinners and warm white wine… but before long they’re sleuthing together once again – this time helping a true crime podcast investigate a local cold case with a personal connection for one of the Dahlias.
It’s been five years since Dahlia Lively fan Scott Baker was arrested for a murder that had eerie echoes of one of Dahlia’s fictional cases. It seemed like an open and shut case at the time, but the podcast team are convinced that the police got the wrong man.
Can the three Dahlias help prove them right – and find the real killer?
Out 18th July 2024
A Lively Midwinter Murder
Planning the perfect Christmas wedding can be murder…
Out 5th November 2024
First comes love . . . then comes murder
A high society Christmas Eve wedding at a remote Scottish castle sounds like the perfect winter getaway – until a snowstorm hits, cutting all the guests off from the mainland, and civilisation. Which, of course, is when the dead body of one of the other guests turns up in the snow outside the family chapel. A dead body wearing a wedding dress and a stolen diamond necklace . . .
The three Dahlias: best friends, actors and amateur sleuths extraordinaire, were ready for mulled wine, roaring fires, and romance this Christmas. Now, they’re on the hunt for a murderer. And if their suspicions are right, it looks like the wedding may be off. Can the Dahlias save the day and give everyone – except the killer – the Christmas they’ve been hoping for?