Nicki's book blog: The Empire

The Empire- Michael Ball- Historical mystery/ fiction

I’ve admired Michael’s talents for many years, from the stage through screen to the radio. He makes me sing, smile and the occasional tear with his astute, caring, humorous personality and this shines through in this his first novel. It's set in an environment he knows intimately- that of a theatre and I'm sure there are the odd reflections of real characters amongst the fictional ones. It's brilliantly written and there's the odd line here and there which if you “ know” Michael it's his wonderful sense of humour coming through the pages. (I've never met him- would dearly love to- but from hearing him for many years you feel that you “know” the public personality in a small way). For example, without giving anything away there's a chap who lives above a fish and chip shop- the line goes “ his place above the shop” (plaice??). It's a serious book but light hearted and for me, wonderful that there's the smile factor stamping Michael’s own personality on this.

Jack has returned from the war and his mother always said he should work in the theatre. He tries his luck and gets thrown in at the deep end. One thing leads to another and Jack with Grace who is also a woman of all trades begins to try to save the theatre as it is likely to be bought by a rival and become a picture house so the rumours have it. There's lots going on both on and off stage, in and around the theatre and those whose lives it affects. Can Jack and Grace keep pulling together to save the day and more?

I read over 200+ books a year of several genres. This one shines through in a very good way. There is a real ease of reading and a sense of comfort, a passion and love coming through the pages. There's drama, a little romance and scandals of various kinds which keep the pages turning and turning. I can't say how brilliantly this is written , it's stunning as if by a seasoned author. I truly enjoyed reading this and hope that perhaps there will be more. A wonderful, uplifting sensational read. A big 5* from me.

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The Empire Welcome to The Empire theatre 1922. When Jack Treadwell arrives at The Empire, in the middle of a rehearsal, he is instantly mesmerised. But amid the glitz and glamour, he soon learns that the true magic of the theatre lies in its cast of characters - both on stage and behind the scenes. There's stunning starlet Stella Stanmore and Hollywood heartthrob Lancelot Drake; and Ruby Rowntree, who keeps the music playing, while Lady Lillian Lassiter, theatre owner and former showgirl, is determined to take on a bigger role. And then there's cool, competent Grace Hawkins, without whom the show would never go on . . . could she be the leading lady Jack is looking for? When long-held rivalries threaten The Empire's future, tensions rise along with the curtain. There is treachery at the heart of the company and a shocking secret waiting in the wings. Can Jack discover the truth before it's too late, and the theatre he loves goes dark? Musical theatre legend Michael Ball brings his trademark warmth, wit and glamour to this, his debut novel. Enjoy the show!

Purchase Links - http://unbouncepages.com/Michael-ball/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP https://www.amazon.com/Empire-charming-romantic-Cameron-Mackintosh-ebook/dp/B09X1725SP

Author Bio – Michael Ball OBE is a singer, actor, presenter and now author. He's been a star of musical theatre for over three decades, winning the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical twice, he's also won two BRIT awards and been nominated for a Grammy. Michael regularly sells out both his solo tours and his Ball & Boe shows with Alfie Boe and has multiple platinum albums. The Empire is his first novel.