Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Don't Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens

 

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family have mastered the business of bereavement. As professional mourners, they are so accomplished that even Lord Basil Monfort, the famous and wealthy recluse, engages the family's services for his own funeral. Tired of disguises and aliases, Hippolyta vows it will be her last performance. Then she discovers the undertaker's body during the wake and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an increasingly unpredictable investigation.  

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlister and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight. Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.

 

My Review


This read had me chuckling at times, and thoughts of a new job!
Makes sense in this culture to want people at the service, and Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family are up to the task, or are they.
With a body turning up at the estate after the funeral, we wonder what is going on, and yes, with lots of action, we do get answers.
This is a past meets present, and throw in some sweet romance, along with danger! I did love that there are surprises here right to the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

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Don't Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens

  Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family have mastered the business of bereavement. As professional mourners, they are so accomplished that ev...