Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll turns real life detective when his leading lady is shot and killed on stage, in full view of an unsuspecting audience.

“A proper page-turner” Ian Moore

Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll returns, this time in London's West End, to solve the mystery of an impossible murder and the newspaper advert that preceded it.

“A book cosy crime fans and theatre buffs will enjoy from Act One all the way through to the final curtain!” Fiona Leitch

Bertie Carroll swaps the West End for Ealing Studios, when one of his plays is considered for a movie adaptation. Things take a deadly turn when one of the lead actors is found poisoned in his dressing room with no signs or clues as to how it was done.

“A wonderfully atmospheric blend of murder mystery and moviemaking” Kelly Mullen

Publication Dates:
eBook: 14th December 2026
Paperback: 18th March 2027

The CWA has published anthologies of members’ stories since 1956, with Martin Edwards as editor for over 25 years.

A short story by Jamie is included in the 2027 anthology around the theme Dangerous Company.

Publication Date:
TBC

An extract by Jamie is included in CrimeBits – a new collection made from the first pages of thrillers, selected by best-selling 'Tartan Noir' author Val McDermid. 

An exclusive introduction from McDermid will be included, alongside linked mystery logic puzzles.