1st March 2025

The Dahlias return for their third adventure. Caro has published the first book in the series, and the trio are met at the launch party by a group who ask for their help clearing a family member of a cold case.

I love all the moments of meta jokes that fill this book - what better 'write what you know' than a mystery set at a literary festival. There are so many throughout that just make this a delight to read.

The characters feel almost a step realer now - they've had time for their personalities to settle, and jumping between them feels less harsh than before and a better flow. I enjoyed the balance of focus with the previous novel too.

Just an enjoyable little trip into their world. I look forward to the three more promissed.

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28th September 2024

The 3 Dahlias reconvene in Wales after one receives a death threat, and various other mysteries surround the production of their new film.

Unlike the first novel, the perspective shifts frequently between the three main characters, and I found that made the flow slightly less smooth. I’m not sure how the original style could have been preserved now though.

I didn’t find myself as captivated as by the first novel either, despite it being a solid mystery with a good range of characters and lots going on. I think it almost loses something without all the insecurities in the just-beginning relationship between the characters.

That said, it’s still been an enjoyable read and I’m planning to continue with this series as future entries become available in paperback.

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14th April 2024

This new twist on the golden era/cosy crime genre sees three actresses who played the fictional detective Dahlia Lively meet up for a convention, where naturally they are drawn into solving a real murder.

It’s a wonderful read, full of fascinating characters with secrets to uncover. There’s a lot going on, and Watson’s structure provides a great way to meet her characters and see the world through each of their eyes, as well as setting out a thoroughly good mystery.

I properly enjoyed every moment and have immediately put the sequels on my wish list - I can’t wait to find out what adventures await for them.

The perfect cosy read, just the sort of thing I was hoping for.

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