Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel by Glenda Young is a sparkling seaside whodunnit full of heart. We return to Scarborough’s sweeping bays in the second instalment of a hugely enjoyable cosy crime series. This novel blends mystery, humour and heartfelt emotion with the easy confidence of a writer who knows exactly how to entertain readers.
A Return to the Seaside With Higher Stakes and Deeper Emotion
We rejoin Helen Dexter a few months after the events of Murder at the Seaview Hotel. She’s still navigating life without her beloved husband, Tom, almost a year after his death. This straight-talking landlady is still mourning his loss and grappling with guilty emotions at finding herself attracted to handsome Jimmy Brown. And this emotional thread gives the story real depth, grounding the mystery in tenderness and human frailty.
With Jimmy away performing on a cruise ship, Helen throws herself into improving the Seaview Hotel in the hope of securing a coveted four‑star rating. But Scarborough never stays quiet for long.
Drama Arrives in the Form of a Chaotic Acting Troupe
A theatre company descends on the hotel, bringing with them a flurry of egos, secrets and simmering tensions. The group is full of divas, deceit and drama. And when the leading lady is found dead, the stakes rise sharply. Helen’s troubles escalate further when her car is vandalised and a hotel inspector unexpectedly books a stay.
Young handles this escalating chaos with flair. The pacing is brisk, the dialogue sharp, and the atmosphere deliciously theatrical. It’s the kind of cosy crime that keeps you smiling even as you’re trying to piece together the clues.
A Cast of Characters You’ll Want to Follow
One of the joys of this series is its ensemble. Familiar faces return, including the ever‑snobbish Miriam next door. Alongside them, Young introduces a fresh cast of wonderfully drawn characters from the acting troupe. Each brings their own quirks, tensions and secrets, enriching the story without ever overwhelming it.
But Helen remains the beating heart of the series. Her grief, resilience and wry humour make her deeply relatable. Readers feel every step of her journey as she questions her future. Can she move on from Tom. And does she even want to?
A Confident, Charming Sequel That Delivers
Young’s storytelling shines throughout. The narrative flows effortlessly, the seaside setting feels vivid and lived‑in, and the mystery is both playful and satisfying. Young is without doubt a talented storyteller who effortlessly draws the reader into a highly entertaining whodunnit.
For fans of cosy crime, this sequel more than delivers. It cements Young’s place as a standout voice in the genre and sets the stage perfectly for the next instalment, Foul Play at the Seaview Hotel.
Final Thoughts
Curtain Call at the Seaview Hotel is warm, witty and wonderfully atmospheric. It’s a story that balances intrigue with heart. Whether you’re already invested in Helen Dexter’s world or discovering the Seaview Hotel for the first time, this is a delightful read that leaves you eager for more.
If you enjoy seaside mysteries with charm, character and a generous dash of drama, this one deserves a place on your reading list. It’s a cracking sequel and I already have the third mystery on my shelf ready to go.