Murder Most Wilde

A Right Royal Cozy Investigation #12

by Helen Golden

In the world of amateur theatre, the drama isn’t all onstage…

Tragedy Strikes the Windstanton Players
Popular local actor, Noel Ashworth, who collapsed during the rehearsal of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, was pronounced dead at the scene. As shock ripples through Windstanton’s tight-knit amateur theatre group, the Fenshire Police are looking at them as suspects.

I can’t let Perry’s acting debut end in disaster! With the cast spooked and the local police under-resourced, Bea—along with Perry, Rich, Simon, and her trusty Westie, Daisy must shift through the cast’s petty jealousies and diva behaviour to unmask the killer before they strike again.

When the show must go on...will everyone make it to opening night?

Genres: Cozy Mystery

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

About the author

Helen Golden spins crimes that are charmingly British, delightfully deadly, and served with a twist of humour.

With quirky characters, clever red herrings, and plots that keep the pages turning, she’s the author of the much-loved A Right Royal Cozy Investigation series, following Lady Beatrice and her friends—including one clever little dog—as they uncover secrets hidden in country houses and royal palaces. Her new historical mystery series, The Duchess of Stortford Mysteries, is set in Victorian England and introduces an equally curious sleuth from Lady Beatrice’s own family tree—where murders are solved over cups of tea, whispered gossip, and overheard conversations in drawing rooms and grand estates.

Helen lives in a quintessential English village in Lincolnshire with her husband, stepdaughter, and a menagerie of pets—including a dog, several cats, a tortoise, and far too many fish.

If you love clever puzzles, charming settings, and sleuths with spark, her books are waiting for you.

Reviews

[Mary Cool · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love Golden’s cozy mystery series and Murder Most Wilde was one of the best. Not only did we meet some new and eccentric characters, but the case was a bit tricky to solve. I loved catching up with all the wonderful regulars especially Lady Bea, Rich, Perry, and Simon. To see the characters move forward with their lives while still solving murder mysteries was completely satisfying. I can fully recommend Murder Most Wilde along with the others in the series. I so look forward to the next series. Thanks Helen Golden.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly all good things must come to an end, but at least Bea and the gang are going out in style. I enjoyed this final book in the Right Royal Cozy Investigations. Perry is finally getting his chance to tread the boards in an amateur production of The Importance of Being Ernest when tragedy strikes. Meanwhile, Simon is stressed with both his writing and his restaurant. Rich and Bea are made an offer by the King that will be hard to refuse. Everyone is moving on, but before they go, there's one last murder to solve. It was good, twisty, with lots of red herrings as usual, and even who the victim was meant to be. Whilst I had plenty 0f ideas who the protagonist might be, they all ended up as dead ends. I shall miss these guys, but I'm looking forward to what comes next.

[M G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bea and the gang are going out in style, well for now I so hope they might pop up again! As this series has been most enjoyable as all the characters have melded and grown so well.
Perry is finally getting his chance to tread the boards in an amateur production of The Importance of Being Ernest when tragedy strikes and the sleuthing begins. Simon, Perry’s husband,is so stressed decisions need to be made between his writing and his restaurant. Rich too is unhappy in his transfer and Bea is worrying how quickly Sam is growing. Both are offered alternatives by no less than the King which will be hard to refuse.
So in one way or another they are all moving on, but before they go, there's one last murder to solve.
It was good with twists and turns all over the place keeping the reader glued to the pages and as Daisy always does, she has a hand/paw in find a vital clue! I'm looking forward to what comes next but would love some of the characters popping up again.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is going to be the last we see of the gang for a while, they go out strong! An engaging story with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. It’s fun seeing all of the characters working together in their inimitable styles. I highly recommend the whole series for anyone wanting a cosy mystery series that combines fun and some emotional depth. Plus, a cute (hungry) puppy! 😉

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author. The review is voluntary and purely my own.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again an interesting read. This time Perry Juke is acting in The Importantance of being Earnest. Then one of the actors dies on stage during a rehearsal, poisoned. But, was he the intended victim or was Perry. This case sees Lady Bea again helping the police by being at the interviews and helping keep Perry from giving the fact away that he is also helping find the guilty party. There are some scary moments but eventually the play is performed and the guilty party arrested.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like curling up with a quilt on a chilly day. The interactions between the characters are heartwarming and delightful, the mystery is intriguing, and the story is terrific. I enjoyed it immensely!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry Juke and the rest of the actors are shocked by the death of one among them. There is a lot going on than it seemed with secrets . An intriguing read with suspense and an edge of the seat finish.

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad to see this series come to an end but it was still very enjoyable.

I like the author's writing and the way she crafts the mystery is always a pleasure to read.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in the A Right Royal Cozy Investigation Mystery series. It’s a “showstopper”, pun intended. There’s so many twists and turns. Is it? Is it not? Who meant to kill whom, and why? Daisy, Lady Bea’s dog is a little star and finds a vital clue that’s key to the investigation. Whilst the police are short-staffed, all the team get involved. It’s entertaining and highly enjoyable. It’s a great series, and the theatrical finale is a great addition and completion to the series.

[jyweniverel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Perry would say, “Oh my giddy aunt!” I am so glad I found this series. Bea, Rich, Perry, Simon, and the adorable Daisy have become some of my greatest friends. I love 🧡 reading about their mystery adventures and how their characters have evolved since book one. If this is the last book, which it seems it might be, it was a marvelous way to wrap it all up. Read this series, it won’t disappoint.
“And with this new chapter beginning in her life, there would be no more murders. Hopefully….”

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a lot going on in this book, but don't worry if you've not read any of the series, Helen Golden does a great job of immersing you into the story so well you will feel a part of the story. Plus there's a cheat sheet in the back telling you about the characters.

Perry is finally about to realize his dream of being an actor, he's loving it and is really good at it. Sadly his other 'hobby' becomes relevant when the lad star collapses during rehearsal and it's later determined to be murder. There is way more drama behind scenes than on stage!

Meanwhile Lady Bea and her fiance Rich have been asked to consider joining the Royal family as working Royals but Lady Bea has a lot of issues around that.

Perry's husband Simon has his own drama going on as he tries to write his detective stories and Own a restaurant.

There are so many suspects in the murder, mostly because the victim was not a nice person, but there is no obvious killer and you will start thinking they all did it at one time or another!

I love the line Rich says to Lady Bea after the killer was caught, "Well that was fun". It summed up the book for me as it was definitely fun to read.

You will want to read through in one sitting because it's such a great story, but might I suggest you slow down and savor the journey, get to know these wonderful characters Helen Golden has created for your reading pleasure. You won't be disappointed however you chose to enjoy the book.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry is treading the boards in an Oscar Wilde play when one of the actors collapses on stage- fatally. The police ask Lady Bea and Perry to help as they are rather short staffed due to another incident. Perry is enjoying being a spy amongst his fellow actors and between them draws up a list of suspects who could have the means and opportunity to load the fake cigarettes. Who has done this and why?

I've loved this series- each one has a great plot (this one is twisted and clever) however for me t's the characters that really make this work. Perry, Lady Bea and of course Daisy are like old friends and bring a smile as I'm writing this. The books would probably stand alone other than the relationships within, so why miss out on other brilliant reads (all 5* from me)? A wonderful ending to a brilliant series. I'll miss Bea and co, but have a feeling they might be mentioned in the new forthcoming series. Loved it.


For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun Cosy Mystery with memorable characters and a lot of laughs. I hadn't realised it was book twelve in a series but this didn't affect my enjoyment as it works well as a standalone. There were a few references to events from previous books which would have been a humorous touch for people that have read the whole series, but nothing that made it hard for a newcomer to follow the plot.

I got strong Only Murders in The Building vibes from this which was really nice for me as I absolutely love that series! This was mainly because the book is centred around a theatre production and it's actors and it's just the feeling I got while I reading it.

There are a lot of loveable characters in this book; Perry in particular gave me a good chuckle quite a few times and I really loved his relationship with his husband Simon. Of course Bea is another great character and I loved the side plot of everything going on in her life. Special shoutout to Ralph, or Rafe as he likes to be known! He was especially funny and I'd love to watch a play with him starring as the Dame.

Overall this was a fun read with a nice twisty mystery and a lot of humour. I'd definitely like to read some of the previous books in the series.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perry is about to star in a production of The Importance of Being Earnest but the play seems cursed when the leading man is poisoned. Perry calls upon his best friend Lady Bea to help him catch the killer…
Murder Most Wilde is the latest and possibly final book in this brilliant series about a crime-fighting royal and her best friend.
My favourite murder solving duo are at a crossroads and unsure of what the future holds. Bea and Rich are coping with life and love in the public eye following the announcement of their engagement. Perry and Simon are looking to improve their work-life balance. But all that takes a back seat when Perry and Bea launch another murder investigation to keep the play on track.
The lead actor is poisoned but was he the intended victim or was Perry himself in danger?! There is the usual gentle humour, pockets of emotion and lots of mystery as the investigation progresses. The book works as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the whole series!
Murder Most Wilde is a fantastic finale but I hope Bea will be back.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in this series; I’ve read and loved most of the books in this series, but this could stand alone without confusion. I adore the main characters, especially Bea, a member of the royal family of England, who has helped consult on a number of crimes. She’s engaged to Rich, who used to protect the royal family and is now a detective. Bea’s decorating business partner and best friend, Perry, has helped solve cases also and is now debuting in his first community theater production. (His husband, Simon, is a former police officer turned mystery writer.) When Perry’s co-star drops dead at rehearsal, they all join forces to help the police, especially as it begins to appear that Perry himself is a target. There’s humor and heart in these books, and I especially like the British setting. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful 12th book in a fun page turning series with great characters, humor and mystery. In this book, Perry gets his chance to act in a lead part in the amateur production of the Importance of Being Earnest. But when one of the other popular local actors, Noel Ashworth, collapsed and died during the rehearsal, all things came to a halt. It begins to appear that Perry himself is a target as well. And when other actors are attacked too, Bea, her trusty Westie, Daisy, Rich and Simon, along with Perry have to investigate what is going on? Who is trying to sabotage the play and players? With some humor and twists and turns, we are taken to a wonderful surprise ending with each of the characters moving on with their lives. Not only do I recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of the books in this uniquely styled cosy crime series. This one brings everything to a satisfying conclusion, while also taking the reader on a twisty and theatrical murder investigation. Perry is in his element in an amateur drama production; when the lead actor dies in suspicious circumstances, he has to infiltrate himself into the close-knit cast to discover the murderer. His best friend, Lady Bea, gets involved too and together with their partners, they try to solve the intriguing and increasingly menacing crimes. With its short, aptly titled chapters and complex characters, it's an entertaining story with multiple false leads and suspects. I like the characters, who are complex and relatable, as well as the dynamic between Lady Bea and her friends, and the twisty plot that keeps its secrets until the final reveal.
I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Roselady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh-Oh, murder may keep Perry from getting his chance to act!

Perry is so excited to be one of the leads in The Importance of Being Earnest. Then one of the cast is murdered. Will the actors be able to put aside their jitters and fears? As usual, Bea, Rich, Perry, and Simon get involved in solving this murder. The detective in charge is willing to have their help because he is short-staffed at the moment. The excitement is palatable in this Right Royal Cozy Investigation. Helen Golden is a talented writer who makes it fun to follow the characters in her books as they live their daily lives and try to solve the mysteries presented to them. You may think you know who is guilty, but do you? Read and discover whether you are right.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Helen has indeed excelled herself with this latest book. I confess to needing to read parts twice, as Helen’s ability to tie us up in knots with her complex plots demands extra concentration!!
With any story line when the atmosphere and intensity are critical to holding the reader’s attention it comes down to simply clever, descriptive writing, Helen is a master at this. She weaves descriptions, thoughts and actions, some minute, into each character and brilliantly describes scenes and situations to give the reader the best picture of what’s going on making visualisation for us easy.
This book is an absolute must read !!

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very special, literary end to this wonderful series of books, which have provided such a lot of pleasure over the months! This one does not disappoint. As Perry becomes a leading player on and off the stage, the characters of Bea and her friends are drawn into the investigation of a murder. With many motives and red herrings, plus the backstage dilemmas of Bea and Rich, Simon and Perry, there is never a dull moment. All the various strands are pulled together to form a happy and satisfying conclusion, leaving us wanting more.
Looking forward to reading the new Duchess of Stortford Mysteries!

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first dive into Helen Golden’s Right Royal Cozy Investigations series—and what a wildly entertaining ride! With witty writing, backstage intrigue, royal dilemmas, and a truly satisfying mystery, it delivers on every front. You don’t need to have read the others to enjoy this one (there’s even a handy character guide!). It’s clever, warm-hearted, full of drama (on and off stage), and has a delightful cast you’ll want to spend much more time with. Absolutely recommend!

Thank you Rachel's Random Resources, the publisher, and the author for providing me with an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing the latest in the series, I am sad.
Of course, the plot was replete with red herrings.
Of course, the relationships were lovingly supportive.
Of course, our team faced villains and life decisions with courage and conviction.
Of course, Daisy was adorable…especially on that gorgeous cover.
Still, I am sad.

And although you may be sad also, I am certain you will enjoy Ms. Golden’s latest work as thoroughly as I did.

Although it was my pleasure to receive this ARC from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.

[Sueinspain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book from author Helen Golden in the A Right Royal Investigation series.
Action packed, well written and kept me guessing with a twist at the end.
I was convinced throughout that I knew who had done it only to be proved wrong numerous times.
Love the series, the setting, the humour and cameraderie of the main characters.
Cannot wait for the next adventure but also looking forward to Helen's new series too.
I highly recommend this as a brilliant read that you can't put down until it's finished.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an enjoyable mystery!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Never short on action, humour, and great well balanced characters Murder Most Wilde delivers a stellar read. Love the way the group gets together to talk out the clues they've discovered. Perry is naturally hilarious, even when he's not supposed to be~ wonderful character! The mystery was beautifully convoluted and fast paced. We have the Fraser's now playing a slightly more visible role. At the conclusion~~ it was ah yes perfect ending for the future! Definitely a series one should read and it would make a lovely ongoing gift as well!

[Sandy T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great finale to an entertaining British cozy murder mystery series. You are able to enjoy this book as a standalone but I recommend the fun series. Along with an intriguing murder mystery to solve, there is a story of true friendships, family obligations along with sweet romances. The murder mystery was written with several twists keeping me guessing about the guilty person and motive. It was a quick entertaining read and a satisfying end to a fun series.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Anne Kavcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet ending to this series - and there's lots here to enjoy. There are several plots running, a royal wedding or two to be organized, and a most puzzling murder onstage where Perry is making his acting debut, with lots of excitement and suspense as the clues unfold. I recommend having read at least a couple of the earlier books to set the stage, but they're all worth it. I will certainly miss these very personable characters - and will keep them in my heart as they continue with their lives! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Helen Golden. This is an excellent suspenceful book that I highly recommend.
Perry Juke’s is in a play at the Windstanton Theatre Royal. One of the other players,Noel Ashworth dies during rehearsal, he is murdered.
Perry is poking into the death. Lady Beatrice the Countess of Rossex and her fiancée Richard Fitzwilliam are asked to help solve the murder. Noel was killed by nicotine poisoning. Then more attempts on others in the play happens.

I received an advance review copy, ARC, For free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Dealing with attempted murder is much worse when you’re not there with me.’

This one was bittersweet for me. We’ve watched Bea and Perry go from strangers to family, Perry married Simon and gained a step daughter, Bea and Rich fell in love and got engaged...Sam’s way too grown up. They’re all facing big life changes and for now, this is their final hurrah. The case was a head scratcher but the real draw for me was the heartwarming love between all of the main characters as they race to solve the mystery before one of their own could become the final victim. Well done.

[Pam C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of amateur sleuth mysteries will find the latest Lady Bea novel to be a captivating read, offering a satisfying blend of intrigue and suspense that lasts until the final pages. A notable strength of this series is that each book can be enjoyed independently, thanks to the author's ability to provide sufficient context without bogging down the plot. This particular title, and indeed the whole series, I highly recommend for its consistently engaging storytelling.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful murder mystery.
I enjoy the relationships between the main (and now very familiar) characters.
This story has a real 'feel good' factor to it.
I love the gentle way that the author portrays the British Royal Family.
It is believable and she makes the characters very engaging and endearing.
I am very much hoping for another book in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.