Murder on the Dance Floor by Helena Dixon ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Murder on the Dance Floor is my first book by Helena Dixon. However, it is the 4th book in the Miss Underhay Mystery series. It had everything I love about cozy mysteries.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

October 2020; Bookouture; 978-1800190573
audio, ebook, print (242 pages); cozy mystery

I love discovering new-to-me cozy mystery series, and as I usually discover them mid-series, I love the ones that can be read in any order. I had absolutely no problem jumping into this series with book 4. There were a few references to previous murder cases that the characters had been involved with, but it felt more like giving background information and evidence that this wasn't their first murder. 

I have now read enough "couple detective" cozies to be convinced that they are my favorite ones. While the series only references Kitty Underhay, she is paired up with one Matthew Bryant. Perhaps it is because she is the amateur detective and as he runs an investigative service or it could just be that series is more focused on Kitty. While I liked Kitty well enough on her own, I particularly enjoyed their dynamic. 

It is no secret that I enjoy stories set in the 1930s. Murder on the Dance Floor takes place in November of 1933. I kind of like comparing how different series handle the time period. Maybe it is because this series is set in Dartmouth instead of London, but there is no mention of what is happening in Germany or the economic depression in England. Or maybe the author wanted to keep the story light by waving away these more distressing issues of the time. Though it did make it feel more like the gay twenties and I had to remind myself it was the 1930s. 

There are actually two mysteries. One, the disappearance of Kitty's mother, seems to be an overarching mystery that spans the series. The other mystery, the murder of Councillor Everton, is particular to this book. The Everton murder kept me guessing as to who and why all the way to the reveal. 

The supporting cast is great. I kind of hope that Alice and Robert become an item and perhaps play a bigger part in assisting Kitty and Matt in future books - I can see that being a natural progression.

Do you know the best part about discovering a great series at book 4? It means I don't have to wait for the next new book to enjoy more of this series - I can go back and pick up the first 3 books. Whether you have been reading this series, want to start with book 1, or will jump right in with book 4, I highly recommend checking out Murder on the Dance Floor.

Buy Murder on the Dance Floor at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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