Don’t Upstage the Body | A Classic Murder Mystery
Don’t Upstage the Body is a delightfully clean and witty murder mystery, with wild plot twists to keep you guessing until the very end.
Main Themes
Hippolyta Halfpenny is a reluctant professional mourner. She’s tired of always being the third cousin twice removed, but she knows how much the discreet acting gig means to her father. But during one of the funerals, a second body unexpectedly shows up…and Hippolyta is the prime suspect. If her stage persona slips and the police realize she’s been lying to them about who she is, she’ll be arrested for sure. With the entire funeral party unable to leave the house until the murderer is caught, Hippolyta is determined to figure out who did it before they claim another victim.
Main themes include telling the truth, trusting others, not giving up, and using the gifts God gave each person.
Faith Elements
Faith plays a small but respected role in Don’t Upstage the Body. Hippolyta’s father wrestles with letting go of the past, and Hippolyta herself often feels disconnected from the rest of her outgoing, theater-obsessed family. But when they release the past and look forward with hope and grace, life gets a little bit brighter.
Family Friendly Considerations
This was the most mild murder mystery novel I’ve read all year. It was clever enough to entertain adults, while also being clean enough that any teen or preteen could enjoy it without being overwhelmed. I really enjoyed how Naomi Stephens crafted an absolutely masterful plot without relying on graphic violence or cringe romance. Definitely one of my favorite books this year!
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