Murder in the Balcony

A fun series for fans of classic movies and the movie-going experience, oh and ghostly companions who help solve murders.<br /><br />Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://affairedecoeur.com">http://affairedecoeur.com</a>

In the second Movie Palace mystery, theater manager Nora Paige finds herself in a bit of pickle. Oh, life is going as well as can be expected professionally speaking. She's got her job managing the Palace movie theater and while the day in and day out of doing that job brings its own challenges, it pales in comparison to her personal life.<br /><br />The estranged wife of a top movie action hero, Nora's trying to decide if she wants to take back her cheating husband. He came back into her life begging for a 2nd chance but she's unsure.<br /><br />Of course, all that personal hemming and hawing takes a back seat when the boyfriend of one of her employees turns up murdered. Worse still, a second murder occurs during a special event held at the theater.<br /><br />Fighting to stave off the notion that the theater is unsafe, Nora finds herself drawn into the case. What she finds is a twisting mix of backstabbing and betrayals. But what caused the murders to happen. Did it have something to do with the victims and their personal lives? Or was it something to do with their work? Along the way, Nora needs to fend off the possible sale of the theater and solve the two murders. And bringing things full circle, deal with her scumbag husband.<br /><br />But what makes this such a compelling read is the combination of the mystery with the character development going on throughout the book. Nora is definitely the woman scorned but instead of the stereotype bitter woman out for revenge, she just wants to get on with things and start her new life.<br /><br />The employees at the theater are a hoot once more, from the ever-cranky Marty to the now worrisome behavior of Brandon the teenager with a crush on Callie (who doesn't know he exists). Even kindly nonagenarian Albert has a great role to play in the story.<br /><br />Serving a number of characters in one book without giving them the short end of the stick or sacrificing the MYSTERY part of the tale is one heck of a difficult job of juggling. But Dumas pulls it off masterfully. And the way she writes about some of the movies that are being shown in the theater, you can't help but want to see them for yourself.<br /><br />And did I mention that Nora's best friend is a ghost? Yep, Trixie is fantastic folks. She's been dead and haunting the theater since 1937 but her scenes with Nora are great. A supernatural angle is not something I normally like in my mysteries but the delicacy of this subplot is done so perfectly. I can't help but love and look forward to each time Trixie shows up to talk with Nora. And yet, I still feel kind of sad to realize once again that she's a ghost. There's one particular brief line in the story that had me chuckling at the notion of trying to explain the Internet (and all the rabbit holes it contains) to someone who died before Gone With The Wind came out in theaters.<br /><br />With a great cast of characters and a mystery that is entirely engrossing, it isn't hard to recommend this book for any mystery fan out there. In the series, Dumas writes a movie blog called Movies My Friends Should Watch (which she also does in real life as well). Let me steal that sentiment and say that MURDER IN THE BALCONY is one of those Books My Friends Should Read!

<input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="3014baaa-cab0-49da-a161-b4c571dde0f1" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="3014baaa-cab0-49da-a161-b4c571dde0f1">Nora Paige is an ex-Hollywood wife who was dumped by her movie-star husband and moved to San Francisco to manage the Palace Theater, which shows classic Hollywood films. She's decided to move out of her friend's cottage and buy her own home when she discovers that her almost-ex-husband is supposedly broke (not that she believes it for a minute). But there are even worse things afoot: her employee Callie's boyfriend Warren has been killed, and even though the police aren't saying, she thinks he might have been murdered.<br /><br />Warren was a newly-minted real estate agent in the office of her realtor June Howard. While everyone is stunned at the news, it's even more disturbing when they find out Callie wasn't the only girlfriend Warren had. Now Nora learns that high-end real estate developer, Stan McMillan is trying to buy up their entire block, and she not only is panicking at the thought, she's wondering if he's the killer. Since the lead detective won't tell her anything, she does a little investigating on her own. Everything she finds points in his direction. When someone else is gravely injured, she's positive she's on the right track. But is she? Or are there other clues but she's just not looking in the right direction?<br /><br />First off, I'm going to say that I am a huge classic movie fan - in the sense that I don't watch any other movies. I own thousands of them and can name any actor, any film, any plot, any year. It's one of my superpowers. So this book was made for me. I loved all the references that Nora spouts at any given moment, and it actually enhances the plot of the book.<br /><br />For you see, while Nora is still somewhat feeling sorry for herself - like the movies she references at the beginning of the book when she hasn't decided what to do about Ted, by the end of the book the movies reflect her feelings and the fact that she knows everything will be just fine. It's a lovely nuance about life.<br /><br />We also have returning - literally, from Colombia - the enigmatic Hector Acosta who is obviously interested in Nora but is allowing her time to figure out that she's interested in him. Which she is. But she's not ready to let him know how much. It makes for a nice romance, the kind in classic movies, where romance was paramount. I can't wait to see how it all plays out.<br /><br />But back to the murder - now we have a cheating dead boyfriend, which makes it less tragic for Callie (although death is always sad), and Nora is convinced he was 'done in' by Stan but can't prove it. So she assigns her ghost-in-residence, Trixie, to keep an eye on him during a real estate conference that's being held at the theater; and she does her job admirably, sticking with him like Velcro. However, something happens that startles Trixie so much she temporarily disappears from Nora's life, and so she'll have to fly solo if she's going to get to the truth.<br /><br />[For those who haven't read the first in the series (a true loss), Trixie is an usherette who was killed in the theater back in the 1930's and can't leave; she's thrilled that Nora can see and hear her. The unfortunate thing is that Nora is also the only one who can see and hear her, which means she needs to keep it to herself so they don't have her committed. Still, Trixie is an endearing character, forever trapped in the past as she knew it, trying to understand the present, and with a sparkling personality to boot.]<br /><br />This is the second book in the series, and just as delightful as the first. Nora is a hoot, with her witty banter (much of it to herself) that has me laughing throughout. (It's a good thing that she's not saying aloud much of what she's thinking). We've come to see a new side to grumpy Marty, and while I liked him in the first book, I'm glad to say he's still like that one sarcastic friend you have but don't spend a lot of time with, for obvious reasons. He's warming up (reluctantly) to Nora, only because he thinks she almost knows as much as he does about classic movies.<br /><br />When the ending comes and murderer is revealed, you realize just how far someone will go to achieve their ends - and how far they're willing to go still. When it's finished, you can close the book and feel satisfied that everything is just the way it should be. There's even a teaser (just a small one) that makes you realize the next book can't arrive too soon, and I loved reading it.<br /><br />Ms. Dumas has spun a terrific tale of murder that nabs you from the moment you open the book and keeps you happy until the end. Her characters are animated and believable, the plot nicely done and well-thought out, with just the right amount of clues to lead you where she wants you to go.<br /><br />The descriptions of the theater are wonderful, making anyone who's ever been in an old, majestic theater long for the lost opulence and grandeur, when it was magical and exciting as you watched life on the screen. For anyone who actually loves classic films this series is made to order. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.</label>

Given one theater manager, a 80 year old ghost, and a motley crew of theater employees find the person responsible for the murder of two real estate professionals? Carefully.<br /><br />Nora Paige wore many hats. She managed The Movie Palace, an 80+ year old movie theater in San Francisco that showed only oldies but goodies on the silver screen. She is separated from her two-timing, scheming husband, a film star in his own right. She is also the anonymous movie reviewer Sally Lee - a secret that she is hesitant to let others know. Finally, she is the only person who can see Trixie, the friendly ghost of an young usherette who had died in the early days of the theater’s history that had forgotten to leave after her death. Now Trixie spends her days assisting Nora (and indirectly, the police) find murderers associated with The Movie Palace. <br /><br />In this second book based around The Movie Palace has a young student, Warren, who has graduated from The Movie Palace to work with June Howard’s real estate firm as an intern with a promising career ahead of him. Except he has disappeared - at least his body turns up at home apparently killed by a home intruder. It would take Nora’s skills as an amature detective and Trixie’s skill as an unseen spy to find the person responsible for his death.<br /><br />What makes these books special is that the author weaves Sally Lee’s reviews into the book - inviting even this modern movie goer to watch some classic films from an earlier time. Sadly these films are so old that they are rarely found on the Amazon or Netflix subscription services. They can be rented - but who wants to rent when hundreds of movies are available from the traditional services. <br /><br />For the fan of Turner Classic Movies, Murder in the Balcony will fill a whole while they wait for their next favorite movie to make its way to cable. Libraries may want to take Margaret Dumas’ books and build a movie collection around each one - the reader and the film buff will have a field day. And those who enjoy a cozy mystery will find The Movie Palace a good place stop.<br />______________<br />This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.<br />

“Murder in the Balcony” earns 5/5 Midnight Classics...Engaging Entertainment!<br /><br />And the Oscar Goes to...! Margaret Dumas. She has penned another top notch cozy in her Movie Palace Mystery series with the second book. Well-written with a clever murder mystery incorporating women scorned, secret obsessions, real estate dilemmas, and more keeps any ‘Basil Rathbone’ fan entertained (Vintage film reference to Sherlock Holmes). Film student Callie Gee’s boyfriend has yet to respond to her many text messages for the past three days: she is worried, confused, and a bit angry. He was attentive as a struggling real estate intern, but now his “Mr. Real Estate” attitude is a major concern. Nora is sympathetic, but she has her own “man” problems with not-quite-ex plastered all over the tabloids with the leading lady he said was history. However, social media alerts and Callie’s screams of alarm answer at least one problem...he has been found murdered! <br /><br />I love it! Margaret Dumas does well to illustrate the areas of setting, emotion and tone, and the various personalities with vivid description, inner thoughts in a first-person narrative, and engaging dialogue. The references to classic films and Sally Lee’s blog are not just an interesting hook, it incorporates movie plots, cast details, and insights to add extra meaning or connection to her plot. Despite early in the series, the characters are well-developed from curmudgeon Marty to quiet Brandon, from a suspicious husband to a consoling BFF, and Trixie? I love her! Nora is admirable and compelling to follow as she navigates a broken marriage, manages a struggling theater, befriends a wide age-range of employees, mentors her ghostly companion, and discovers a knack for channeling her own Bonita Granville’s Nancy Drew (1930s). I highly recommend this series, and it’s easy to start with this second book!<br /><br />Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

5 Stars<br /><br />This is the second book in the Movie Palace Mystery series by Margaret Dumas.<br /><br />I was excited to see that book two was already released in this intoxicating series! I am indeed hooked by Trixie, Nora/Sally Lee and all the workers at the Palace Theater.<br /><br />All our favorite people are back for this installment: Hector in all his Spanish broodiness is always there to save the day, curmudgeonly Marty the projectionist is always good for a laugh and his boyfriend, Detective Jackson gets to the details of the murder not to mention the senior of the bunch, Albert and his memoir and history with the theater.<br /><br />The Palace Theater still struggles financially and there is someone out to buy up all the property in their area for some yet unknown scheme. When a plethora of real estate professionals show up in the theater for a meeting, one of them ends up dead, thrown off the same balcony as Trixie! And that wasn’t the only dead person in this story. Days earlier a man known to the cast ends up dead and his three girlfriends show up each not really knowing much, if anything, about the other.<br /><br />It is the cast of this delicious mystery that really seals the deal for me. I just adore all of them. I don’t think the author will be able to write fast enough to make me get enough of them all! I am just in love. Squee! More please.<br /><br />If you love cozy mysteries, definitely check out this series. Highly, highly recommended!<br /><br />I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss, Henery Press and the author for allowing me to read this title.

I loved Murder in the Balcony, the second Movie Palace Mystery by author Margaret Dumas. LOVED it. An absolutely charming mystery and quite the page turner, I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish the book as I simply couldn't put it down! Nora Paige, soon to be ex-wife of Hollywood action hero Ted Bishop, is settling into her job as The Palace manager quite nicely despite the on again/off again status of her marriage when the boyfriend of an employee is murdered and Nora subsequently discovers a real estate developer is attempting to buy all the businesses on the block - are the two connected? And who is causing all the accidents around The Palace? Nora must discover the answers along with the aid of her trusty sidekick, Trixie, the ghost of a 1930's usherette, before The Palace shuts its doors for good! I've been a longtime fan of classic films, but this series makes me want to start watching them all over again, and to find my own Palace (with or without its own mystery!!!). A+++

I love everything about this book. I want the main character, Nora Paige, to be someone I can have lunch or coffee with and talk about movie stars of old and today's news and gossip. I want to be at the Palace when the 20th Century Fox overture announces Marty's arrival. I want to meet Trixie and the rest of the Palace staff, which is evolving into a family. <br /><br />These are all people in a cozy mystery novel but the author has made them so very real, each with individual quirks and interesting character flaws and strengths. On top of that, there is an excellent mystery to be solved, a behind the scene look at celebrity lives, good use of social media to move the plot along, and various other side plots to keep us all entertained. I also enjoy the interludes of excellently written movie reviews from Sally Lee. They were intriguing enough to entice me to Google Eleanor Powell's dance routines. Yes, she is beyond amazing (and yes, Cher must have been influenced by the big guns on deck).<br /><br />The author has left us with some interesting new plot developments. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book (there is one in process, right?) with the billionaire, the divorce, the retired Mafia love interest, and so much more. <br /><br />"There's a phrase that one of my screenwriting mentors used to describe the moment when an audience becomes fully invested in your story. The moment when they are hooked. … This moment, she'd say, was when the audience was all abroad your train. " What a great ride!

This was a great second in the series.<br /><br />I understand that book three has been submitted. Looking forward to it!<br /><br />I love San Francisco fiction and this also combines old movies and movie reviews.<br /><br />We have the same returning cast of characters from book one.<br /><br />In an effort to squeeze more funds from the Palace, they are offering the facility for groups to meet. The first group to do this is an association of realty sales people. Now I know there is competition to get listings, but this involves a fall from the balcony during the afternoon session.<br /><br />The author provides some great characters and an interesting amateur investigation. All the city details feel correct.<br /><br />I look forward to book three-it can't get here soon enough.<br /><br />I purchased a copy as it regrettably is not in my public library.

Very enjoyable. Love the descriptions of the old 1920s movie theater. The plot was good and the murderer not too easily figured out.