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The Shepton Rise Murders #2
Murder in the Wings
When the spotlight turns on her, Ginny has to prove she's not playing the villain.
Theatrical agent Ginny Fellows thought she'd seen her fair share of drama—but nothing prepares her for becoming a suspect in a real-life murder. When a member of the local amateur dramatics group turns up dead, all eyes fall on Ginny. The motive? Personal. The evidence? Damning.
Once again, she turns to her most unconventional the Dead Actors—her roster of eccentric clients, all veterans of on-screen deaths and off-screen reinventions. Their knack for role-play and misdirection may be Ginny’s best shot at staying out of handcuffs. With Adam's steady presence, Tuxie’s calming purrs, and a few whispered tips from Robbie at the police station, Ginny must unravel the mystery from inside the wings. But with tensions rising and reputations on the line, this case is anything but amateur.
If you loved Murder Unscripted , you'll devour this witty, twisty follow-up packed with heart, humour, and a touch of theatrical chaos.
Buy Murder in the Wings today—because sometimes the only way to clear your name is to steal the scene.
Theatrical agent Ginny Fellows thought she'd seen her fair share of drama—but nothing prepares her for becoming a suspect in a real-life murder. When a member of the local amateur dramatics group turns up dead, all eyes fall on Ginny. The motive? Personal. The evidence? Damning.
Once again, she turns to her most unconventional the Dead Actors—her roster of eccentric clients, all veterans of on-screen deaths and off-screen reinventions. Their knack for role-play and misdirection may be Ginny’s best shot at staying out of handcuffs. With Adam's steady presence, Tuxie’s calming purrs, and a few whispered tips from Robbie at the police station, Ginny must unravel the mystery from inside the wings. But with tensions rising and reputations on the line, this case is anything but amateur.
If you loved Murder Unscripted , you'll devour this witty, twisty follow-up packed with heart, humour, and a touch of theatrical chaos.
Buy Murder in the Wings today—because sometimes the only way to clear your name is to steal the scene.
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 12, 2025
We find ourselves back in the English town of Shepton Rise, accompanied by our resident theatrical agent and occasional sleuth, Ginny Fellows. Ginny is joined by her band of friends, affectionately known as the Dead Actors. This troupe of performers is renowned for their on-screen portrayals of death.
In their idyllic village, a real-life murder occurs, prompting Ginny to embark on an investigation to determine the identity of the perpetrator. With her friends by her side, they are resolute in their determination to bring the killer to justice. However, things take a personal turn when Ginny is taken into custody for questioning. Despite this setback, she remains undeterred, diligently sifting through the clues and discerning the truth amidst the lies and half-truths.
“Murder in the Wings” emerges as a delightful addition to the growing collection of exceptional cozy mystery series. The plot is ingeniously crafted, with cleverly woven twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve unraveled the mystery, another unexpected twist is revealed, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
I highly recommend “Murder in the Wings” to anyone seeking a captivating and entertaining read. It’s a book that will not only entertain but also leave you with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and have written this honest review.
In their idyllic village, a real-life murder occurs, prompting Ginny to embark on an investigation to determine the identity of the perpetrator. With her friends by her side, they are resolute in their determination to bring the killer to justice. However, things take a personal turn when Ginny is taken into custody for questioning. Despite this setback, she remains undeterred, diligently sifting through the clues and discerning the truth amidst the lies and half-truths.
“Murder in the Wings” emerges as a delightful addition to the growing collection of exceptional cozy mystery series. The plot is ingeniously crafted, with cleverly woven twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve unraveled the mystery, another unexpected twist is revealed, leaving you on the edge of your seat.
I highly recommend “Murder in the Wings” to anyone seeking a captivating and entertaining read. It’s a book that will not only entertain but also leave you with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound appreciation for the art of storytelling.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and have written this honest review.
May 19, 2025
The second book in the Dead Actors Series, and I totally enjoyed it!
A local play, financial issues, strong personalities, and a murder pull Ginny and Dead Actors back into investigation mode. the stakes get even higher when a second murder seems to implicate a couple of their own.
Johnson has done it again, with relatable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing right to the end.
I received this book an an ARC reader and am willingly providing an honest review.
A local play, financial issues, strong personalities, and a murder pull Ginny and Dead Actors back into investigation mode. the stakes get even higher when a second murder seems to implicate a couple of their own.
Johnson has done it again, with relatable characters and a plot that keeps you guessing right to the end.
I received this book an an ARC reader and am willingly providing an honest review.
May 15, 2025
Murder in the Wings is a fantastic addition to the Dead Actors series. As a short novel, it was perfect for a weekend read – I found myself absorbed from page 1!
Given it’s the second in the series, it was great to reconned with the characters we already met, while meeting some new ones. I particularly appreciated the continued focus on Ginny’s development – seeing her venture out more and engage socially was heartwarming.
That said, the book would work as a stand-alone. Enough information is provided that new readers can follow along and it’s a totally separate story line.
This time, Shepton Rise sees not just one murder, but two – and Ginny thinks they are linked. The Dead actors once again work together to try and determine what happened.
It has some snippets about gambling, which feel like they are there to steer us – but maybe in the wrong direction. Also, information about weather patterns – which you don’t really know what these are adding, until the end. These both add a little intrigue to the story.
Overall, Murder in the Wings is an engaging cozy mystery.
Given it’s the second in the series, it was great to reconned with the characters we already met, while meeting some new ones. I particularly appreciated the continued focus on Ginny’s development – seeing her venture out more and engage socially was heartwarming.
That said, the book would work as a stand-alone. Enough information is provided that new readers can follow along and it’s a totally separate story line.
This time, Shepton Rise sees not just one murder, but two – and Ginny thinks they are linked. The Dead actors once again work together to try and determine what happened.
It has some snippets about gambling, which feel like they are there to steer us – but maybe in the wrong direction. Also, information about weather patterns – which you don’t really know what these are adding, until the end. These both add a little intrigue to the story.
Overall, Murder in the Wings is an engaging cozy mystery.
May 17, 2025
Audiobook: I enjoyed this cozy mystery a lot. I liked Ginny, her friend Adam, and her quirky clients who added to the humor of the story. I appreciated Ginny's intelligence, and her determination to get to the truth of the murder in spite of her overwhelming panic attacks. I liked all the twists and turns in the mystery. I was entertained by Rachel Laurence's narration as her performance was riveting, and her accent added to the genuineness of the setting and the characters. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
August 19, 2025
Ginny and the Dead Actors are back as "detectives," working to solve two murders and prove the innocence of a suspect. The book is entertaining, filled with suspense from the murders, and several members of the local theater are suspected of being murderers. Additionally, there's a hint of romance in the air. It's a page-turner that is definitely worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2026
Murder in the Wings: Book 2in The Shepton Rise Murders is a fast-paced, twisty mystery that hooked me from the start. The small-town setting is packed with secrets, the characters are genuinely interesting, and the clues keep you guessing right up to the end. Just when you think you’ve got the answers, the story takes another turn. A really satisfying whodunit—I will happily read more from D. R. Johnson.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2025
Don't think I've read anything by this author before. I'm glad I picked this up. A fairly quick mystery, good characters. I enjoyed it. And I love that the characters were very relatable. Ginny especially. If you want a good whodunnit, pick it up.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
Guilty or Innocent???
Another fabulous instalment in this cozy mystery series. For this episode we’re back in Shepton Rise and there’s been not 1 but 2 more murders. This time though, Ginny and her good friend Adam get taken in for questioning as part of the police investigation. The book is really well written with great characters who are both funny and interesting.
Another fabulous instalment in this cozy mystery series. For this episode we’re back in Shepton Rise and there’s been not 1 but 2 more murders. This time though, Ginny and her good friend Adam get taken in for questioning as part of the police investigation. The book is really well written with great characters who are both funny and interesting.
May 16, 2025
Adam and Ginny never expected to be main suspects for murder. But two murder at Shepton Rise with all the complications had Ginny wanting to find the real culprit. An intriguing read with a surprise finish. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.
July 31, 2025
This is a murder mystery that that draws you in. The author feeds you clues until the end when the murder is revealed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2025
Ginny and the gang are back, this time with two murder mysteries to solve. I had fun trying to guess along and there were some red herrings and twists that I didn't see coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
An excellent cozy mystery series that is full of witty humour and delightful pop culture references. Plenty of red herrings, a tightly plotted mystery and paced to keep the pages turning. Highly recommended
August 31, 2025
I couldn't get into this book although I did finish it. It just didn't make sense to me. Maybe I'll give the author another chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2025
A fun addition to the Dead Actors series.
June 17, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This is the second outing out for the dead actors society and for Ginny in particular this mystery is a big challenge and well worth the read. There are a lot of characters in this book, so it does help if you have read the first book. As you are given more of an introduction to the main players there but I love how everybody has there own part or role to play in solving the mystery. Ginny might be the main character (despite not actually being one of the dead actors) and she is an interesting one, with all her struggles but it takes them all to capture the killer. Don't get me wrong you are not reading a ghost story and the characters are very much alive, it's just the nickname a group of out of work actors call themselves and they are an entertaining if often lively group, so be prepared for some humour and eye rolling. The story follows each of the actors as they uncover clues, so it does jump around but it is well written and easy to follow. The mystery was good with a few surprises thrown. I look forward to the next book.
When a man dies and the murder suspect gives the alibi of being out with an actor, the Police turn to Ginny for help. As an acting agent for a group of actors called the Dead actors society she is the obvious person to give help but when a second body is discovered she gets more involved in the case than even she likes. The dead man was heavily involved in the local theatre group and it seems the perfect place for a group of actors to start looking for clues. Can Ginny and the dead actors find a killer once again?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
When a man dies and the murder suspect gives the alibi of being out with an actor, the Police turn to Ginny for help. As an acting agent for a group of actors called the Dead actors society she is the obvious person to give help but when a second body is discovered she gets more involved in the case than even she likes. The dead man was heavily involved in the local theatre group and it seems the perfect place for a group of actors to start looking for clues. Can Ginny and the dead actors find a killer once again?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews