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A Movie Memorabilia Mystery #1
We'll Always Have Murder: A Movie Memorabilia Mystery
The art of deception takes center stage.
Dina and Patty, two sisters with a shared love for the arts, find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors the intrigue of the stage. Dina, the proud owner of a quaint movie memorabilia shop, and Patty, a talented director at the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater, are shaken when Imelda, an older actress starring in Patty's latest production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park, is brutally murdered.
As the sisters delve deeper into the shocking crime, they discover an enigmatic clue that takes them on a thrilling journey. Dina stumbles upon an early script of the classic movie Casablanca with a heartfelt inscription addressed to Imelda, which reads, "We'll always have Paris. R." This poignant message raises unsettling Was Imelda's death merely a random act of violence, or does it conceal a sinister connection to her mysterious past?
Meanwhile, Kurt, Imelda's dedicated grandson, steps up to assist Dina in unraveling the truth behind his grandmother's untimely demise. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, diving into Imelda's past to unmask the murderer. Will they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?
Dina and Patty, two sisters with a shared love for the arts, find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors the intrigue of the stage. Dina, the proud owner of a quaint movie memorabilia shop, and Patty, a talented director at the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater, are shaken when Imelda, an older actress starring in Patty's latest production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park, is brutally murdered.
As the sisters delve deeper into the shocking crime, they discover an enigmatic clue that takes them on a thrilling journey. Dina stumbles upon an early script of the classic movie Casablanca with a heartfelt inscription addressed to Imelda, which reads, "We'll always have Paris. R." This poignant message raises unsettling Was Imelda's death merely a random act of violence, or does it conceal a sinister connection to her mysterious past?
Meanwhile, Kurt, Imelda's dedicated grandson, steps up to assist Dina in unraveling the truth behind his grandmother's untimely demise. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, diving into Imelda's past to unmask the murderer. Will they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?
- GenresMystery
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
18 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Leeson
30 books502 followersGayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. I also write as Amanda Lee. As Gayle Trent, I write the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery series and the Myrtle Crumb Mystery series. As Amanda Lee, I write the Embroidery Mystery series.
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The heroine, Daphne, has returned to her hometown of Brea Ridge to open a cake baking and decorating business and is wrestling with the question of whether or not one can go home again. She enjoys spending time with her sister, nephew, and niece, but she and her mother have a complicated relationship that isn’t always pleasant. Daphne has also reconnected with her high school sweetheart and is pursuing a rekindled romance while desperately trying to put her past behind her.
Kerry Vincent, Hall of Fame Sugar Artist, Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show Director, and Television Personality says the series is “a must read for cake bakers and anyone who has ever spent creative time in the kitchen!”
Says Dean Koontz, #1 New York Times bestselling author, “One day I found myself happily reading . . . mysteries by Gayle Trent. If she can win me over . . . she’s got a great future.”
The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. Marcy Singer left her home in San Francisco, along with the humiliation of being left at the altar, in order to move to Tallulah Falls and realize her dream of owning her own shop. She takes along her faithful companion, a one-year-old Irish wolfhound named Angus O’Ruff. She makes many new friends in Tallulah Falls, but she also makes a few enemies. Thankfully, her best friend Sadie MacKenzie and her husband Blake run the coffeehouse right down the street from Marcy’s shop, the Seven-Year Stitch; and Detective Ted Nash always has her back.
Publishers Weekly says, “Fans of the genre will take kindly to Marcy, her Irish wolfhound, Angus O’Ruff, and Tallulah Falls. This is a fast, pleasant read with prose full of pop culture references and, of course, sharp needlework puns.”
Pat Cooper of RT Book Reviews says, “If her debut here is any indication, Lee’s new series is going to be fun, spunky and educational. She smoothly interweaves plot with her character’s personality and charm, while dropping tantalizing hints of stitching projects and their history. Marcy Singer is young, fun, sharp and likable. Readers will be looking forward to her future adventures.” (RT Book Reviews nominated The Quick and the Thread for a 2010 Book Reviewers’ Choice Award in the Amateur Sleuth category)
I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I'm having a blast writing this new series!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 8, 2023
I have always been a fan of Gayle Leeson’s writing; she has a way of drawing you into a story and wanting to know what happens next, often reading into the night. This new series was no different. I will admit that the book was a little confusing in the beginning, as if the story started in the middle: there were no introductions of the characters, no descriptions of the town or settings. In fact, I don’t think I knew the name of the main character until the fourth chapter. Other than that, once I got into the story, I really enjoyed it; the characters are fun and the dialogue is well written, humorous at times, but definitely keeps you invested in the story. Definitely read the prequel, Terminated: He Won’t Be Back to get background on the characters. There were also some serious editing issues (the last half of the book is in italics) that I hope will be corrected before final publication but otherwise a great start to a new series.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
August 8, 2023
Do you love old movies, movie memorabilia, and theater? How about a great read with all these topics featured in a fantastic new mystery series? We’ll Always Have Murder by Gayle Leeson is the book for you! I am thrilled to have been an advanced reviewer in exchange for an honest review of Book 1 of this new series. The author skillfully weaves her knowledge of theatre, classic movies and plays into this intriguing mystery along with a bit of humor attached. You won’t want to put this book aside until you follow the clues that lead Dina, Kurt, & Patty deep into a murder investigation and a discovery with a shocking ending! I can’t wait for Book 2! Linda Woodward
August 8, 2023
Killer in a play
This is a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed! The main character Dina , her sister Patty and the mom along with various actors and actresses not only memorizing scripts help solve a murder. Enlisting her contact for movie memorabilia and now his help to catch a killer or possibly two killers brings this story flowing nicely. Like Miss Leeson's other series this one will also be a winner! Buy it and enjoy!
This is a new series that I thoroughly enjoyed! The main character Dina , her sister Patty and the mom along with various actors and actresses not only memorizing scripts help solve a murder. Enlisting her contact for movie memorabilia and now his help to catch a killer or possibly two killers brings this story flowing nicely. Like Miss Leeson's other series this one will also be a winner! Buy it and enjoy!
August 9, 2023
I really liked this first book in this series. The sisters were great at figuring out the clues to solve the murder. I liked the information about their "day" jobs and would find a visit to the memorabilia store interesting.
I look forward to reading more
I look forward to reading more
August 8, 2023
Dina is the owner of a movie memorabilia store and her sister, Patty, is directing the play at the local theater. When one of the actors is found dead Dina can't help but investigate. With the help of Kurt, the victim's grandson, they uncover the clues as to why she was killed and who the killer was.
Loved learning a little movie history along with watching Dina and Kurt pick through the clues.
Loved learning a little movie history along with watching Dina and Kurt pick through the clues.
August 8, 2023
Such a good book! Fast paced, lots of twists and turns. Great character development. Tense moments. Surprise ending!
August 6, 2023
The mystery itself was interesting and I enjoyed the beginning section of the book. And setting the book around a movie memorabilia shop was a nice touch. But the characters never felt that they had enough depth to them.
September 4, 2023
"We'll Always Have Murder" is book #1 in "A Movie Memorabilia Mystery" series by Gayle Leeson.
"Dina and Patty, two sisters with a shared love for the arts, find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors the intrigue of the stage. Dina, the proud owner of a quaint movie memorabilia shop, and Patty, a talented director at the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater, are shaken when Imelda, an older actress starring in Patty's latest production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park , is brutally murdered. As the sisters delve deeper into the shocking crime, they discover an enigmatic clue that takes them on a thrilling journey. Dina stumbles upon an early script of the classic movie Casablanca with a heartfelt inscription addressed to Imelda, which reads, "We'll always have Paris. R." This poignant message raises unsettling questions: Was Imelda's death merely a random act of violence, or does it conceal a sinister connection to her mysterious past? Meanwhile, Kurt, Imelda's dedicated grandson, steps up to assist Dina in unraveling the truth behind his grandmother's untimely demise. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, diving into Imelda's past to unmask the murderer. Will they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?"
My thoughts:
This was a fun quick read with core characters that are interesting and believable dialogue.
Despite a few potential suspects, I had a hunch early on as to who the killer was. Even so, reading how Dina and friends get to the truth was enjoyable.
What did throw me as I read, were the references to the previous murder of Patty's husband and the familiarity with Detective Tilson. I wondered if there had been in a previous book. At the end of the epilogue, there was a message that you could read the prequal to this series "for free" by going to Ms. Leeson's website. Going to the website, I was then lead down a rabbit hole of other pages/sites and having to submit an email address to get the so called "free" book. The "free book" cost ME personal privacy by having to submit name and email.
Having tp jump through hoops and having to provide an email to receive an otherwise free book is both manipulative and deceitful. Ms. Leeson certainly isn't the first author to use this practice to boost their subscriber list. If you really want us to keep reading your books, then make the book available on the primary book sites such as Amazon, Nook, Google etc. Other authors offer a first book or prequal for free via those sites so there is no reason this author can't do the same. JMO
I would have rated this book 4 stars but with the "free book" charade, I can only give this 3 stars.
"Dina and Patty, two sisters with a shared love for the arts, find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery that mirrors the intrigue of the stage. Dina, the proud owner of a quaint movie memorabilia shop, and Patty, a talented director at the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater, are shaken when Imelda, an older actress starring in Patty's latest production of Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park , is brutally murdered. As the sisters delve deeper into the shocking crime, they discover an enigmatic clue that takes them on a thrilling journey. Dina stumbles upon an early script of the classic movie Casablanca with a heartfelt inscription addressed to Imelda, which reads, "We'll always have Paris. R." This poignant message raises unsettling questions: Was Imelda's death merely a random act of violence, or does it conceal a sinister connection to her mysterious past? Meanwhile, Kurt, Imelda's dedicated grandson, steps up to assist Dina in unraveling the truth behind his grandmother's untimely demise. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and hidden motives, diving into Imelda's past to unmask the murderer. Will they discover the truth before the killer strikes again?"
My thoughts:
This was a fun quick read with core characters that are interesting and believable dialogue.
Despite a few potential suspects, I had a hunch early on as to who the killer was. Even so, reading how Dina and friends get to the truth was enjoyable.
What did throw me as I read, were the references to the previous murder of Patty's husband and the familiarity with Detective Tilson. I wondered if there had been in a previous book. At the end of the epilogue, there was a message that you could read the prequal to this series "for free" by going to Ms. Leeson's website. Going to the website, I was then lead down a rabbit hole of other pages/sites and having to submit an email address to get the so called "free" book. The "free book" cost ME personal privacy by having to submit name and email.
Having tp jump through hoops and having to provide an email to receive an otherwise free book is both manipulative and deceitful. Ms. Leeson certainly isn't the first author to use this practice to boost their subscriber list. If you really want us to keep reading your books, then make the book available on the primary book sites such as Amazon, Nook, Google etc. Other authors offer a first book or prequal for free via those sites so there is no reason this author can't do the same. JMO
I would have rated this book 4 stars but with the "free book" charade, I can only give this 3 stars.
August 9, 2023
We'll Always have Murder is the first in Gail Leeson's new series, A Movie Memorabilia Mystery and is a great start to her new series.
Dina Merrill and her sister Penny love the arts and both are in the business: Dina has a Movie Memorabilia shop and Penny produces plays that the theater in Skillet Ridge.
Penny is in the process of producing Barefoot in the Park in the Skillet Ridge theater when one of the actors in the play is found murdered. Dina, along with the grandson of the victim do their own investigation. What they uncover about events of the victims past is surprising.
This is a very entertaining mystery that I really enjoyed and I never guessed who done it. The mystery is great and I love the characters. I also liked the fact that the setting is different in that she owns a movie memorabilia store instead of the usual bookstore, coffee shop or bakery, which I still like. If you are looking for a really good cozy mystery that is well written and characters you like, then check this book out. I'll be adding this series to my TBR list.
Dina Merrill and her sister Penny love the arts and both are in the business: Dina has a Movie Memorabilia shop and Penny produces plays that the theater in Skillet Ridge.
Penny is in the process of producing Barefoot in the Park in the Skillet Ridge theater when one of the actors in the play is found murdered. Dina, along with the grandson of the victim do their own investigation. What they uncover about events of the victims past is surprising.
This is a very entertaining mystery that I really enjoyed and I never guessed who done it. The mystery is great and I love the characters. I also liked the fact that the setting is different in that she owns a movie memorabilia store instead of the usual bookstore, coffee shop or bakery, which I still like. If you are looking for a really good cozy mystery that is well written and characters you like, then check this book out. I'll be adding this series to my TBR list.
August 4, 2023
We’ll Always Have Murder is the first book in the Movie Memorabilia Mystery Series. This is the first book I’ve read by the author, Gayle Leeson. I really enjoyed this quick read, cozy mystery. The main character, Dina, has a movie memorabilia store. Her sister (Patty) lives nearby, as well as their mother (I really liked her). They have a caring, fun relationship. There’s also a cute rescue cat named Popcorn. The mystery is a good one, with lots of clues and suspects. I didn’t want to put down the book, the story kept me engaged. I enjoyed the old movie references (through Dina’s movie memorabilia shop) and hearing about the local theatre group (Patty is the manager/director). It’s a fresh angle in the cozy mystery genre. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series, and checking out some of the author’s other series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
We’ll Always Have Murder, the first book in the Movie Memorabilia Mystery series, has the perfect ingredients for a cozy mystery hit!
Dina and Patty are fans of the arts and each contribute in their own way. Dina owns a memorabilia shop and Patty is a director at the local Theater. When the lead in a production by Patty is murdered, the sisters find themselves immersed in the murder investigation.
Dina and Patty are wonderful characters. They are wonderful amateur sleuths. They get some help from the deceased grandson Kurt in their quest for justice.
The plot is engaging and fast paced, taking the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense. The author did a great job describing everything and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the investigation.
Dina and Patty are fans of the arts and each contribute in their own way. Dina owns a memorabilia shop and Patty is a director at the local Theater. When the lead in a production by Patty is murdered, the sisters find themselves immersed in the murder investigation.
Dina and Patty are wonderful characters. They are wonderful amateur sleuths. They get some help from the deceased grandson Kurt in their quest for justice.
The plot is engaging and fast paced, taking the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense. The author did a great job describing everything and I felt like I was right there in the middle of the investigation.
August 11, 2023
Patty is very busy as a director at the local theater. Her sister, Dina, owns a movie memorabilia shop. Things have been hectic getting the latest production ready to open. Neither expected the star of the show, Imelda, to be found murdered at the theater. With a desire to find justice for Imelda, the sisters start looking into the murder. Clues are sorely lacking. The only things they have found are the numerous secrets from the past that many people are harboring. Will they ever be able to sort all these secrets out and find justice for Imelda? Well developed characters and a unique storyline made for a very enjoyable read. I hope there’s more to come!
August 4, 2023
I really liked this book. It was memorable. I didn't care for the formatting but was able to look over that.It could have been longer but I liked the length. It could have stood with another editing. There were missing letters in the format.
The characters are believable and very well drawn out. It is a very good start to a new series.
Kurt and Dina make a good pair of sleuths. The culprit was memorable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
The characters are believable and very well drawn out. It is a very good start to a new series.
Kurt and Dina make a good pair of sleuths. The culprit was memorable.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 10, 2023
We'll Always have Murder is the first in Gayle Leeson's new series, A Movie Memorabilia Mystery was a great read. Dina Merrill has Movie Memorabilia shop called Lights, Camera, Action and her sister, Penny is the director of the Skillet Ridge Reparatory Theater where things shake up when Imelda an older actor end up dead. Was it murder or an accident? I really enjoy read books from Gayle Leeson! Cacn't wait for the next one book in thi series.
August 5, 2023
A fun fresh cozy series centered around a movie memorabilia shop and a local theater. It’s a very enjoyable read on it’s own but I suggest visiting the author’s website to access the prequel to familiarize yourself with a previous mystery Dina has to solve before book one and to get a feel for Skillet Ridge.
August 27, 2023
Gayle Leeson never disappoints! This was the first book in her new series, and it was just as enjoyable as I expected it would be. The characters were well developed and believable, the story was well written, and I didn’t solve the mystery until it was revealed in the book. What a great read! I look forward to the next in this series!
September 1, 2025
I really like a couple of Leeson's other series, so I tried this one. The mystery was good, and moved nicely, and I love the idea of a movie memorabilia shop. But the characters fell flat with me... like they needed way more development. I guess I'll see if there is another in the series and give it a second shot.
August 9, 2023
Although it's a 'Movie Memorabilia Series', the main plot is about a play that's about to be performed.
One of the actors is murdered and so the suspects include her possible current love interests, people from her previous life and others.
It kept me guessing.
One of the actors is murdered and so the suspects include her possible current love interests, people from her previous life and others.
It kept me guessing.
September 18, 2023
Loved it! Gayle is such a good writer. The story flows and you're so into it, you can't put the book down even though your husband is yelling, lights out, including your tablet. :) TY Gayle, looking forward to the sequel.
January 7, 2024
Another great book from Gayle! I love this new series--it kept me guessing until the end! Lots of exciting details emerge throughout the book. The killer can be someone who you wouldn't expect. Looking forward to the next one!
August 8, 2023
This is the first a new series.I loved Dina’s movie memorabilia store. Her sister Patty is the director of the play at the local theater.
An interesting mystery, murder, old movies, theater, twists and turns and some humor. An enjoyable read.
Ending surprised me!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
An interesting mystery, murder, old movies, theater, twists and turns and some humor. An enjoyable read.
Ending surprised me!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
August 8, 2023
This was such a good story. I love that one of the sisters owns a movie memorabilia shop. If I owned one, I'd never be able to sell anything. I'm looking forward to the next book.
October 11, 2023
Well written. Storyline ok.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews