Murder in the Balcony by Margaret Dumas is the second book in the “Movie Palace” cozy mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, September 24, 2019

Classic Movies, Ghostly Mischief, and Murder! Nora Paige is settling into her new life as manager of the Palace movie theater. She only has a few things to worry about. Like keeping the theater safely out of the clutches of an evil real estate developer, dealing with her staff of movie-obsessed misfits and their daily meltdowns, and hiding the fact that her new best friend Trixie is the ghost of an usherette who died in 1937.

It would also be helpful if she could figure out whether she wants to take her charming-but-cheating husband back.

But when someone close to the Palace is murdered, the only thing Nora really needs to worry about is finding the killer before they strike again.

Purchase Link

This fast-paced whodunit immediately grabbed my attention as I’m a fan of classic movies. With a ghost present and murder and mayhem on the horizon, this book quickly became a page turner as I had to know who was behind the mischievous real estate deal that threatens Nora’s livelihood. When murder darkens her movie theater, Nora inquisitive nature takes hold and she is on the case.

What a fun and delightfully entertaining tale with a solid mystery that kept me intrigued throughout. The author did a great job in staging this drama with visually descriptive narrative, engaging dialogue and the perfect backdrop, classic movies. This well-written tale had me immersed in all aspects from the murder, the quirky cast of characters including Trixie, Callie (love that she did not want Nora to meet her mother), Marty and David to her ex and to the adorable yet lovable Hector. There were a few surprises in store for Nora, especially when the killer’s identity was revealed.  A great read and I look forward to the next book in this cinema showpiece.