ENCORE

Bella James #1

by Alexis Koetting

When television turned stage actress Bella James relocates to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to perform at the renowned Shaw Festival theatre, she is only looking to step out of the spotlight of television celebrity and onto the stage. What she finds instead are long buried human remains in the yard of her seasonal rental. Upon learning that hers is the same house where a woman was brutally attacked thirty years earlier, Bella becomes convinced the two events are inextricably linked and that a deeper story was buried along with the bones. With the help of a detective desperate to prove his worth, Bella begins asking questions that should have been asked decades earlier about a victim no one seems to have missed. In doing so, she soon finds herself embroiled in a dangerous drama both on and off the stage.
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Encore is a fast-paced cozy mystery that combines humor, heartbreak, and plenty of suspense. Set in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Encore offers a backstage look at life in the theatre along with plot twists that will surprise and delight even the best armchair sleuth.

260 pages, Hardcover

First published August 19, 2015

About the author

Alexis has been working as a Canadian Actor for over to twenty years and has appeared on stage at the acclaimed Stratford Festival, Perchance Theatre at Cupids, the Watermark Theatre in PEI, The Sudbury Theatre Centre, The Lighthouse Festival Theatre, and many others.She holds a BFA with a Specialization in Theatre Performance from Concordia University in Montreal and a Masters Degree in Education from Medaille College in Buffalo.
Alexis lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake for over a decade but now makes her home in St. John's, Newfoundland.
Encore is Alexis' debut novel and the first in the Bella James series and was shortlisted for the 2016 Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel and the Bony Blithe Award. The sequel, Triple Threat, was released in early 2018, and the third book in the series, Revival, in 2020.

Reviews

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to have won a First Read Copy of this book, and I practically devoured it as soon as I got it in the mail. I am very fond of cozy mysteries as well as my love for the theatre, so to have the two combined was a win win situation for me. I loved the complex characters and storyline, I had a hard time putting it down and it had me guessing until the end, I especially appreciated how the plot was revealed, layer by layer. This was my first book by Alexis Koetting but it certainly won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I am ready for an Encore, sorry couldn't resist.

[Billy O’Keefe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging mystery with a fun cast of characters

I'm not typically a fan of mysteries, as I often find them too dry and morbid to hold my interest even when the mystery itself is good. Encore has the "good mystery" part covered, but it also has the good sense to complement that with a cast of characters whose stories are interesting and whose interactions with each other are lively. It's a small-town mystery that gives a ton of life to its community.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Bella and looking forward to the next one. Intriguing story.

[Tweetybird · Rating 5 out of 5]

How refreshing to read a novel set in a familiar locale. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a perfect backdrop for a murder mystery series, and Alexis Koetting's debut novel does not disappoint. It's actually hard to believe this is the author's first book, because she writes like a pro. Her dialogue is spot-on, and the characters are engaging, real, intelligent and intriguing. The story is plausible, and it feels her research into Canadian policing gives the plot authenticity. I was sorry the novel wasn't longer, as it usually takes me awhile to get through a book, but this one moved so quickly.

I had also hoped to read more about the main character's theatrical life, until I realized that this is but the first volume. I hope we can look forward to many more Bella James mysteries, where Ms. Koetting can flesh out these characters so we can learn much more about them. One can easily see this as a television serial, a la 'Bones', 'Rookie Blues', or the U.K.'s 'Scott & Bailey'. I eagerly anticipate book #2 in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review, but all comments here are my own.

[David Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encore, by Alexis Koetting, is my one hundred and thirty - nineth book that I have received and read from Goodreads. I really enjoyed reading this book. What made reading the story is we live in Northeast Ohio, and we have been to Niagara-On-The-Lake numerous times. At first I Wasn't sure if I would like the story. I thought the characters were complex and very intriguing. I had a very hard time putting the book down, it was easy to get through.
I hope the author writes a follow-up novel, which would make a very good series to read.
This book had me guessing up to the end as to who did the killings.
I would like to thank the author for taking the time to sign my book and for writing a short note. I think this is a great book to read from High School thru Adults.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how well the science stands up, but this was a tremendously engaging read. Alexis Koetting is a terrific storyteller. The novel is paced very quickly — her specialty seems to be setting up expectations and then knocking them right back down at blazing speed, and I was completely on edge, waiting for answers.

The novel wrapped up nicely, though I am anxiously awaiting the encore to Encore.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this one. Good job on 1st book in what I hope becomes a new series.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, captivating. Wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next!

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love seeing Canadian authors use locations like Niagara-on-the-Lake as the setting of their novels. The town becomes a character in its own right. The actual characters are enjoyable, the dialogue quick, and the mystery will have you guessing until the end.

[Dave Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quintessential Canadian mystery. Enjoyed it and look forward to more from Alexis.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Could not put it down!

[Wendy Morey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating plot! I found myself reading faster and faster to learn more to try and figure out whodunnit and why. Can't wait to join Bella James on her next adventure.