The New Zealand Listener book review: Fright on Stage Right

A “charming cosy series” and “an intriguing Kiwi mystery laced with plenty of grin-inducing elements among the dark deeds” according to Craig Sisterson’s review in this week’s edition of The New Zealand Listener.

I’m so chuffed to see Addison, Jake, and the rest of my Milverton crew getting highlighted in print, and in such excellent company too!

I nabbed myself a copy of the print edition, of course

Selfie holding up the New Zealand Listener magazine in print

Craig Sisterson reviews three sleuths digging into troubling deaths

A full page from the New Zealand Listener magazine showing three mystery novel reviews

Book review: Fright on Stage Right

New Zealand Listener review of Fright on Stage Right by G. B. Ralph. Far lighter in tone than Sigurdardottir’s latest, but equally page-turning, is Palmerston North author GB Ralph’s fourth in his charming cosy series set in fictional Milverton, Manawatū. Popular in the US, Ralph’s tales star Wellington city slicker and marketing man Addison Harper, who finds himself in Milverton dealing with a creaking house inherited from a relative, as well as an anxiety-inducing romantic entanglement with police Sergeant Jake Murphy. In this, Addison has made the move to Milverton more permanent, as he’s about to begin a new job promoting the town to tourists. Just before he starts, there’s a date night with Jake, front row at a local Halloween variety show packed with spooky fun, ghoulish drag queens and audience participation. Addison is dragged on stage with the mayor to judge the contestants, only to witness a very sudden, very unscripted death. À la The Brokenwood Mysteries, Ralph creates an intriguing Kiwi mystery laced with plenty of grin-inducing elements among the dark deeds; there’s a lovely tone and a fun group of characters to keep readers engaged. Looking forward to more in the series.

Far lighter in tone than Sigurdardottir’s latest, but equally page-turning, is Palmerston North author GB Ralph’s fourth in his charming cosy series set in fictional Milverton, Manawatū. Popular in the US, Ralph’s tales star Wellington city slicker and marketing man Addison Harper, who finds himself in Milverton dealing with a creaking house inherited from a relative, as well as an anxiety-inducing romantic entanglement with police Sergeant Jake Murphy. In this, Addison has made the move to Milverton more permanent, as he’s about to begin a new job promoting the town to tourists. Just before he starts, there’s a date night with Jake, front row at a local Halloween variety show packed with spooky fun, ghoulish drag queens and audience participation. Addison is dragged on stage with the mayor to judge the contestants, only to witness a very sudden, very unscripted death. À la The Brokenwood Mysteries, Ralph creates an intriguing Kiwi mystery laced with plenty of grin-inducing elements among the dark deeds; there’s a lovely tone and a fun group of characters to keep readers engaged. Looking forward to more in the series.
Fright on Stage Right by G. B. Ralph reviewed by Craig Sisterson for The New Zealand Listener (3 November 2025)

If you’re keen to find out more, click through for Fright on Stage Right (the reviewed book) or The Milverton Mysteries (the book series).