Step back into the charm and chaos of a 1950s summer resort—where glamorous guests, film crews, and secrets collide. This mystery delivers classic whodunit vibes, nostalgic atmosphere, and a murder that shakes the peaceful Catskills to its core. If you love vintage-set cozies with sharp clues and lively characters, this one will pull you right in.
Deadly Director's Cut by Vicki Delany
Series: Catskill Summer Resort Mysteries #2
Genres: Cozy Mystery

Daring resort manager Elizabeth Grady will need to think fast to bring a killer into the limelight in this charming 1950s set cozy mystery series.

Famous director Elias Theropodous has chosen Haggerman’s Catskills Resort as a shooting location for his next film. It sounds glamorous to much of the staff, but resort manager Elizabeth Grady is less satisfied. Dealing with the ridiculous demands of the antagonistic director is bad enough, and his attempts to walk all over Elizabeth are making her feel like her position at the resort has been changed into a bit part.

But when Elias is poisoned during a dinner at the resort, the future of the film and the resort itself are on the line. Between an aging movie star, a harried producer, and former victims of the deceased director’s wrath, Elizabeth has a full cast of suspects to examine, and she’ll need to investigate every lead to catch a killer.

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Review

This is the second book in the Catskill Summer Resort Mysteries, and although it’s my first time reading Vicki Delany’s series, I had no trouble jumping right into the drama of Haggerman’s Resort. Elizabeth, the ever-capable resort manager, is once again juggling demanding guests, unpredictable staff, and—this time—a full film production taking over the grounds. When the temperamental director, infamous for berating everyone around him, ends up dead, the serene Catskill atmosphere shatters.

The discovery that poison may be involved casts suspicion squarely on Elizabeth’s beloved kitchen staff, especially when it’s revealed someone on her team had a complicated past with the victim. Suddenly, Elizabeth must track down motives among movie stars, crew members, and resort employees—all while keeping the resort running smoothly and dodging the glare of scandal.

What makes this book shine is its immersive mid-century setting. The absence of modern technology gives the investigation an authentic, old-school charm—waiting for phone calls, chasing down clues in person, and navigating a world fueled by word-of-mouth and intuition. Delany’s writing vividly captures resort life in the 1950s, rich with atmosphere, personality, and just the right hint of glamour.

The characters leap off the page, especially Elizabeth, who balances wit, determination, and vulnerability. The supporting cast—from film stars to resort staff—adds depth, humor, and motives aplenty. Even though this was my first dip into the series, I found everything easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable.

This installment delivers a classic cozy setup, engaging mystery, and a delightful return to a bygone era. I’ll definitely be continuing with the series!

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