The Dark Drama Of Amateur Theatre
I’ve recently published my latest novel, titled Murder Most Dramatic, and I have to say, it is, I hope, a thrilling journey through the complexities of a small town gripped by conflict, secrets, and ultimately, tragedy. The story unfolds in the coastal town of Brightcombe, where tensions rise over a controversial supermarket development that threatens to change the fabric of the community.
From the outset, the town’s heartbeat pulses around the local community hall—a kind of microcosm of the larger struggles. Here, Cyrus Bailey, the charismatic yet divisive town councillor, becomes the focal point. His ambition stirs unrest among residents passionate about preserving their traditions and local businesses. Watching the municipal power plays and the undercurrents of rivalry beneath the surface, I wanted to capture not just a murder mystery but the social and emotional fallout that such upheaval unleashes.
The narrative is deeply rooted in the lives of ordinary people, from the dedicated councillor to his estranged wife, from the passionate local activists to the spirited theatre group members chafing under Cyrus’s shadow. Central to the mystery is Paula Langford, a character whose blend of determination and vulnerability guides the reader as she navigates a labyrinth of motives and secrets. I've tried to weave her story with a measured balance of grit and heart, reflecting the complexity of juggling family, work, and an obsession with uncovering the truth.
As I wrote, I found myself exploring themes of power, community, and the cost of ambition, especially through the lens of the arts. The local amateur dramatic society, with its fractured relationships and fierce desires for recognition, provided a vivid backdrop where personal dramas mirrored the larger conflicts playing out across town. It was important to me that readers see how people’s facades—both onstage and off—can mask far deeper struggles.
The murder itself—intricately plotted as an accident turned sinister—permeates every chapter, blending everyday life with dark suspicion. The investigation, led by Inspector Julian Merrick, unfolds with authentic procedural detail and a nod toward the unexpected alliances that form in such moments. His sometimes sardonic but encouraging partnership with Paula highlights the tension between law, community, and individual determination.
In crafting this novel, I’ve deliberately layered the narrative with rich, character-driven scenes: the charged town meetings, quiet moments of family life undone by suspicion, and the slow unravelling of lies and betrayals. The community hall, the coffee shop, the local off-license—each setting is an arena for subtle power plays and whispered alliances, helping to ground the story in a believable, lived-in world.
Writing from Paula’s point of view gave me a chance to draw readers into the emotional core of the mystery—the fear, hope, and stubborn resolve that define her. Her interactions with Daniel, her children, and the other townsfolk hew closely to the tensions I believe many people feel when caught between loyalty and justice. It was important that her voice ring true: caring without being naïve, courageous yet at times uncertain.
In reflecting on the broader story as I prepare for revisions, I’m struck by how this tale marries the drama of human ambition with the quiet resilience of community. It’s a story of how a single devastating event can ripple outward, touching lives in unexpected ways—damaging, healing, transforming.
I’m excited to bring readers into a world where the stakes are high not just for solving a crime, but for restoring a fractured town. With Murder Most Dramatic, I aimed to weave suspense, social commentary, and heartfelt character study into a compelling mystery that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Available now on Amazon
