Don’t Upstage the Body + Giveaway

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family of professional mourners have perfected the theatrical art of grief. When the reclusive Lord Basil Monfort engages her family’s services for his own funeral, she vows it will be her last performance as she’s tired of the disguise. Then she discovers the undertaker’s body in the library and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an undercover investigation. 
 
Rain washes away the roads, trapping the funeral party at Lord Monfort’s estate–with an unidentified killer in their midst. Bound by her father’s wishes to maintain their charade, Hippolyta must navigate a web of secrets spanning decades. But sorting truth from deception proves even more difficult when Lord Montfort’s charming yet perceptive heir suspects Hippolyta is not all she appears to be. 
 
Concealing her family’s true identities while unraveling secrets might be the role of Hippolyta’s life, but with a murderer among them, she must unmask the truth before the final curtain falls. 
 
With her Agatha Christie inspired voice, Naomi Stephens pens a 1950s manor house murder mystery where no one is who they seem. 

My Review:

Very much a classic cozy mystery along the lines of Agatha Christie and brilliantly executed. I was enchanted from the very first line, “The first body was exactly where it was supposed to be.” A bit of fine foreshadowing there since the second body was exactly where it wasn’t supposed to be!

The 1950s British setting adds all kinds of ambience to the mystery. As does the notion of a family of professional mourners! And in true Golden Age Mystery fashion a host of intriguing characters are stranded at a mansion…and one of them is a murderer. Bwahahaha!

There’s also some light romance with the most charming witty banter. I mean, really, can you ask anything more of a cozy mystery? Oh, yes, there’s also a cat! 🙂 Loved this to pieces and am hoping that Naomi Stephens has many more mysteries in her future (and ours!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

US – paperback or ebook – winner’s choice

Canada – ebook or audio — winner’s choice

International – ebook if you have a US Kindle account

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Don’t Upstage the Body, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Wednesday July 18 2026.

30 thoughts on “Don’t Upstage the Body + Giveaway”

  1. Oh! I’d love to win this one. It sounds so good! I loved her last mystery, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey.
    Karen R. (kcrhoadesATroadrunnerDOTcom)

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  4. To be honest, the cover caught my eye and then the title. What’s that all about? I haven’t heard of this author before. This sounds intriguing. Thanks again for introducing me to another new author.

    Blessings

    Nora finding hope yahoo

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  6. The title alone is eye catching, but I had no idea what it is about! I’m usually not a cozy reader, but it really draws me in. The cover is amazing, too! I definitely appreciate your review.

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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  7. LOVE cozies – especially when well executed (catch the pun LOL)! DON’T UPSTAGE THE BODY sounds like “purr”fect (ok can’t help myself this morning) read and one I just know I’m going to love reading. Love the cover, which alone would have me taking a second look. This book is already on my TBR list and I can’t wait to read and review it.

    Thank you so much for your review, which amped up my desire to read this book, and for the magnificent chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  8. I’ve been seeing this book everywhere, and your review makes it even more tempting! Thanks for sharing.

    Connie

    cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

    Liked by 1 person

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  11. Sounds intriguing, Kav. Count me in! 🙂 (Btw, I emailed you on Sun so if you haven’t rec’d it, you might check your spam folder.)

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  14. Don’t Upstage the Body is such a delightful book. I think it has old black and white movie vibes. I already have a copy so don’t include me in the giveaway.

    Liked by 1 person

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