A Very Lively Murder - Katy Watson

I enjoyed The Three Dahlias a lot when I read it a couple of years ago - particularly the nods towards various queens of classic crime, so I looked forward to the second in the series, 'A Very Lively Murder' with some enthusiasm. I can't say I was disappointed, but I will say I'm glad I waited for the paperback. 

In the first book 3 women who have played or will play a famous fictional detective - Dahlia Lively - meet at a weekend convention at the golden age authors former country home. Phones are confiscated, murder is done, and the the three Dahlias solve the crime, evade blackmail, and secure the future of the newest film, and with it the career of former child star and tabloid victim, Posy Starling, the youngest Dahlia.

In book 2 filming has started complete with Posy in the lead role and original Dahlia, Rosalind King (a national treasure with a slightly tarnished reputation after the events of book one) playing an elderly aunt. Something is amiss on set though, the atmosphere is strained, someone has disappeared, and unpleasant notes have been found. The final Dahlia, Caro Hooper, is called in to help investigate by her friends. The band is back together to make sure that any threats to Rosalind are nipped in the bud.

A second book might be an even trickier proposition than a second album - I loved the playful homage to golden age crime in book one, missed it a bit in book two. Watson focuses more on a post Me Too world and the difficulties her actor/detectives face. It's not a bad choice - this approach avoids the dangers of slipping into pastiche, and roots the series firmly in the contemporary world whilst still nodding towards the Golden Age. I would have liked more character development, and maybe it will come in book three - there were hints towards the end that the dynamic between the characters was set to change which is good. 

Otherwise, the three central characters are well drawn, human, and compelling flaws and all. The plot is fun, and the setup for the next book intriguing. This is easy reading and fairly cosy crime done well, and which solidly sets up the next books to come. All good, there just want the extra something that made me race through the first book despite being full of covid at the time and barely able to stay awake.