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On Pointe #4

Murder in Fourth Position

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Mad Music was the buzziest new show of the upcoming Broadway season, with a hot score, a cool director, and a deadly plot twist no one saw coming. When rumors of a behind-the-scenes disaster surface, ballerina Leah Siderova finds herself with the opportunity of a the chance to make her Broadway debut while playing a double role. The producers hope to capitalize on her talent, as well as her devoted fan base, to revive ticket sales. Leah’s true reason for abandoning Lincoln Center for the Great White Way is her undercover investigation of online threats against Amber Castle, the star of the show.

Leah finds herself in a deadly race against time as the virtual threats escalate into real-life violence. Her collaboration with the handsome detective assigned to the case complicates their fragile romance as she battles jealousy, hidden motives, and a shadowy stalker who endangers her personal and professional future.

Surrounded by actors skilled in deception, can Leah solve the mystery in time to save the show?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

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About the author

Lori Robbins

13 books200 followers
Lori Robbins is the author of the On Pointe and Master Class mystery series. Her work has garnered multiple awards, including the Indie Award for Best Mystery and the Silver Falchion.

Short stories include “Accidents Happen” in Mystery Most Diabolical and “Leading Ladies” in Justice for All. She’s also a contributor to The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers Cookbook.

A former dancer, Lori performed with a number of modern and ballet companies, including Ballet Hispanico and the St. Louis Ballet. Her commercial work included featured ads for Pavlova Perfume and Macy’s. After ten very lean years onstage she became an English teacher and now writes full time.

As a dancer, teacher, and mother of six, Lori is an expert in the homicidal impulses everyday life inspires.

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Dannii Elle.
2,402 reviews1,856 followers
October 3, 2023
This is the fourth instalment in the On Pointe Mystery series.

Thrillers revolving around intense rivalries will forever be my favourite, which is why academic or arts based ones are those I tend to gravitate towards. I knew nothing about this book but saw the cover and immediately wanted to read it.

The thriller was a solidly delivered one and I did enjoy exploring the narrative twists and turns. It did not have as much actual dance content as I had anticipated and I really wished to see more practise sessions feature.

There was also much occurring in the protagonist's past, which took the focus away from what was currently occurring even though it did have bearing on the current concerns, but this was to be expected from the fourth book in a series. I had not read the prior three novels before beginning this one so it was entirely my fault that I did not bond more with these aspects, however.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Lori Robbins, and the publisher, Level Best Books, for this opportunity.
Profile Image for Renske.
459 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2023
This was an okay story, it was a fun premise, I haven't read a murder mystery set in the world of ballet and Broadway before so that was fun and I am willing to read more of them. I didn't realise this was part of a series, but I don't think I really missed anything in the other books so that was nice.

I liked Leah as a character she was independent and very strong, her eating disorder was very much in the foreground which got a bit annoying because it was mentioned more than the things that were happening to Amber. That takes me to Amber, I couldn't really get a read on her, I still don't really know how to feel about her even after finishing the book. Detective Sobol was nice he was a good character in the book. The people in the company were just there for the story don't have much to say about them. I do wish we would have seen more from the Weird Sisters they were introduced as ladies who could help the investigation but they just ended up sitting around and storming in the room at the end.

Thank you NetGalley, Lori Robbins and the publisher for this eARC, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,756 reviews349 followers
March 30, 2024
One of the topics I have enjoyed watching movies/TV and in real life as well as reading books is based around Ballet. If only I had been taught earlier on in life and a bit more graceful and coordinated, I think I would have loved to give ballet a go as I just love watching the dance and the fluidity of it. I had read previously one of the books in this series and so was excited to give this one a go. Leah is back and this time she is not only going undercover in a Broadway musical called Mad Music, but she is also dancing the lead and keeping an eye on one of the main dancers Amber. Someone has been sending threats to Amber and when Amber and another cast member turn up in hospital, it's time to up the ante as the actual police finally take notice. What will happen though when Leah finds herself a target of the same stalker? Who is threatened by her and Amber and doesn't want them in the lead? Is it one of the other dancers Carly, Natalie, or Rose? As the investigation goes along, it looks like everyone in this world has a motive, but which one is causing the damage? I did like the twist of this book and it did make you think that the world of dance and ballet more so, can be quite a cutthroat industry as age is everything, it is a career that the slightest thing can ruin forever and it can be gone in a flash. I am now looking forward to giving this author's other series which is another cozy mystery but set around a schooling environment. Murder in Fourth Position can be read as a stand-alone and is the perfect read for all ballet fans and those readers who love their mysteries more on the safe cozy side of the fence.

Profile Image for Holly.
206 reviews8 followers
September 13, 2023
Murder in Fourth Position by Lori Robbins
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Pub date: Oct. 3, 2023

Thank you Netgalley and Level Best Books for a gifted ARC of this book- my review is voluntary and my honest opinion.

I would consider this book a “cozy mystery”. It was not one that got my heart racing or had me up at night thinking about it. But it was a cute and fun read that kept me interested enough to want to find out what happened.

I wish that the weird sisters had played a bigger role. There was a big fuss made about their special skills, but in the end they really only served as a sounding board for Leah to discuss her own theories with. They were lovable characters and I wanted them to have more involvement.

My only other criticism is how prevalent Leah skipping meals and counting her calories was. I grew up in the world of dance, so I know that this is unfortunately a very real thing that dancers struggle with. I don’t mind it being mentioned once or twice, but it was talked about more than the threats to Amber were. And it didn’t add anything to story.

But other than that, Leah is a strong and independent main character. You’ll especially enjoy this if you love or have any involvement in the dance/ stage world. This is perfect short read for when you want a light cozy mystery to cuddle up with on the couch for a weekend.
Profile Image for Gregory Stout.
Author 10 books13 followers
December 28, 2023
Okay, right up front, a couple of disclosures. FIRST, I know absolutely nothing about the world of dance, or, for that matter, the workings of Broadway plays and musicals (though we do have a street named Broadway in our southeast Missouri town of 40,000). SECOND, I have not attended an actual Broadway presentation in New York since my senior high school trip in 1967, although I did attend several when the traveling casts of other shows like Cats, Jersey Boys, Miss Saigon and The Addams Family came to Chicago. But that said, I know a good book when I read one, and Murder in the Fourth Position, by Lori Robbins, is just such a book. I haven’t read all four installments in the Leah Siderova series, but I have read one other one. This time around, Leah has taken a leave from the American Ballet Company to take a second lead in a Broadway musical called “Mad Music.” At the same time, she is working as an unofficial investigator, trying to figure out who is sending threatening letters to the star performer, and why. Threats quickly lead to assaults, which lead to a murder, and it appears Leah is targeted to be the next victim, unless she can crack the case before it’s too late. This is a fun read, with lots of insights into the high-strung world of A-list dancers, choreographers and producers. I recommend it unreservedly.

Greg Stout, author of the Jackson Gamble series
56 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2023
I love this series as I teach dance and can relate to the behind the scenes backstories going on and rivalry between people.

This is the 4th book (and I do hope the author writes more). You can pretty much read it as a stand alone, but you will want to read the other 3 books too. In this one, ballerina Leah Siderova, finds herself in a new broadway show. Leah’s taken a break from her ballet company and signed a short term contract for a role dancing as a Dream for the star of an upcoming Broadway musical, Mad Music. Although taking a leave from ABC, Leah has an ulterior motive for taking the job. She is going undercover to investigate the online threats against Amber Castle, the musical’s star. Suddenly Leah is also receiving online threats.

Lori Robbins provides us with a cast of kooky characters including an elderly dance trio called The Weird Sisters, an ex-mobster named Sol and Leah’s mother, who authors murder mysteries and fancies herself as a detective. Returning as Leah's romantic interest is Jonah Sobol, her dreamy homicide detective boyfriend.

It was a thoroughly delightful read and I look forward to more books by Lori Robbins.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
37 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2023
Murder in Fourth Position, An On Pointe Mystery, is the fourth book in the series. The author, Lori Robbins, is incredibly good with keeping the reader's interest, character development, and twists and turns that highlight the need to pay attention to details, including the smallest of clues given throughout the book.

Not only is this a great story of mystery and intrigue, but it is also well written from the standpoint of the author's understanding of the world of dance in general, as well as the theatrical elements, rehearsals, back stage back stabbing, and political ties within the various dancer's connections. When she describes what a dancer feels, how and why she continues to dance despite extreme challenges, the dancer's obsession with age, their envy and jealousy of one another, and the importance of the character the dancer is chosen to portray, she is amazingly accurate.

Once again, Lori Robbins has transported this reader back into the world of dance with all it's glory, mystery, and many challenges, which makes this a perfect read! It was not easy to put it down. In fact, the intention was to read a chapter a night and make the book last for weeks rather than hours. Absolutely impossible to put it down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Gabrielle George.
Author 10 books27 followers
October 30, 2023
A tantalizing tangle of tutus and treachery, “Murder In Fourth Position” is the brilliant fourth installation of Lori Robbins’ On Point mystery series. Ballerina, Leah Siderova, trades the serene stage of Lincoln Center for the unpredictable allure of the Great White Way, proving that beneath the glitz and glamour of showbiz, lies a dark underworld that is anything but a fairy tale. Leah pirouettes into a plot that’s every bit as twisted as a grand fouetté en tournant. The stakes are high, the footlights are bright, and the pages practically turn themselves as our dancing detective finds herself in an electrifying duel of deception and danger. Award-winning author Lori Robbins once again choreographs a novel that’s both elegant and adrenaline-fueled. “Murder In Fourth Position” is destined to receive a standing ovation from mystery lovers and ballet fans alike. Bravo, Madame Robbins, your audience eagerly awaits the next act in Leah’s captivating mystery series!

Gabrielle St. George, Award-winning author of the Ex-Whisperer Files series.
345 reviews96 followers
September 29, 2023
I did not initially know that this book was part of a series. It was an enjoyable light read . I was not that taken with it though.

It is a murder mystery set in the world of ballet. We have Leah who is a strong person. She also has an eating disorder, which is focused upon a lot in the book. The detective, Sobol in the mystery was an interesting character. The ballet company in the main were just a bit of background noise really.

Amber is the star in this Broadway musical show. Amber and another musical show member are taken to hospital. Leah, who involves herself, also becomes a target of the perpetrator. I hasn’t quite guessed the ending so some suspense was maintained in the story. I wasn’t sure what to make of the sisters who were flagged as people who could assist with the investigation and then sort of faded away until reappearing in the end .

Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.
1,615 reviews31 followers
September 9, 2023
I quite enjoyed this. Set in the theatre world, Leah is a dancer who bears a strong resemblance to Amber, who is the main star of the show. She is using her position to keep an eye on Amber who has been receiving some threats.

I enjoyed the various egos in play here and Leah's mother and aunt are particularly funny. Things escalate when Amber and another show member end up in hospital and then Leah becomes targeted herself. There were various twists along the way and the final reveal was a surprise to me as I had initially dismissed this line of thought earlier on. Even though this is the fourth in the series, it's the first one I have read and it didn't impact me whatsoever. There's enough background detail to fill you in. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,769 reviews23 followers
September 23, 2023
This well written cozey mystery with a touch of murder is a fabulous reach of why writers so often write what they know. As a former ballet dancer,and English teacher Lori Robbins brings to life the characters of the Broadway stage and ballet as in real life that are so vibrant ,colorful with curious and engaging minds. Of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer hidden in plain sight. While the array of characters draw you in with their dramatic flare it's the intrigue of drama behind the scenes the lies, secrets , manipulation ,betrayals and the idea of murder that entices you further keeping you captivated turning page after page unable to put it down until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Murder in Fourth Position " Book 4 in;An On Pointe Mystery for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
Profile Image for Caity.
22 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2023
First and foremost. Thank you to Level Best Books (@levelbestbooks ), Lori Robbins, and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Murder in Fourth Position finds, Ballerina Leah Siderova in debut role on Broadway. The catch is she is thrust into her latest mystery. In this dazzling mystery Leah Siderova finds herself in an undercover investigation of mysterious online threats, plaguing show star, Amber Castle. Can she solve the crime before the threats become deadly?

To start this book was a fun and light mystery. The setting of Broadway was perfect for someone who enjoys both Broadway and a good murder mystery. It also was very nice to read a lighter mystery that was fast paced and thrilling at some parts. Aside from the overall mystery and main plot I was thrilled by the romance added in. I would do anything to have a knight in shining armor like the main character's romantic interest.

Overall this book is great if you are looking for an amazing setting, a fun mystery, a little romance, and a quick read. I will definitely be adding more Lori Robbins' mysteries to my ever growing TBR.
Profile Image for Caity.
22 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2023
Thank you to Level Best Books, Lori Robbins, and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

To start this book was a fun and light mystery. The setting of Broadway was perfect for someone who enjoys both Broadway and a good murder mystery. It also was very nice to read a lighter mystery that was fast paced and thrilling at some parts. Aside from the overall mystery and main plot I was thrilled by the romance added in. I would do anything to have a knight in shining armor like the main character's romantic interest.

Overall this book is great if you are looking for an amazing setting, a fun mystery, a little romance, and a quick read. I will definitley be adding more Lori Robbins' mysteries to my ever growing TBR.
Profile Image for Lori Duffy Foster.
Author 10 books153 followers
October 6, 2023
Lori Robbins does it again in Murder in Fourth Position, pulling us deep into the world of professional dance with gripping intensity, dark twists and a touch of humor. In this fourth novel of the On Pointe series, ballerina Leah Siderova tries something new, landing a major role in a Broadway musical, but variety is not her motivation. The producers have asked Leah to go undercover and find out who is threatening Amber Castle, the show’s star. The new role quickly becomes a dangerous one when Leah becomes a target of threats and violence. Murder in Fourth Position will keep readers on their toes, holding their breath until the very end. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Mally Becker.
Author 4 books134 followers
October 9, 2023
I loved Murder in Fourth Position for its tongue-in-cheek humor, its sparkling "lights of Broadway" setting, and, above all else, for ballet-dancer-turned-amateur-sleuth Leah Siderova. This is the fourth book in the series, and Leah is as concerned as ever by her aching knees, her obsession with food (since dancers can be fired for gaining weight), a new romance with an NYPD detective, and a murder mystery-writing mother who loves looking over Leah's shoulder during each investigation. With a background as a professional dancer, author Lori Robbins makes Broadway and Leah's investigation feel real enough to touch. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews100 followers
November 4, 2023
Former Prima Ballerina Leah Siderova had been working undercover as protection for Amber Castle who was getting a lot of threats. Then Amber is apparently poisoned at the studio and Marty the wardrobe assistant was found unconscious as well during the rehearsal for the Broadway performance of “Mad Music “. Thence the sleuthing begins with Leah continuing to assist the NYPD. There is plenty of sly humor, fascinating characters, sneaky twists, and obscure red herrings. Loved it even though I'd never read the previous books in the series.
I requested and received an EARC from Level Best Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!
Profile Image for Ruth McDaniel.
315 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2023
This book was very twisty.
Leah Siderova is undercover on a Broadway show to find out who's targeting the show's star performer, sending threatening texts and online messages.
As Leah is tasked with (also) performing a major role, she too, begins to receive threatening messages and is being followed, and even attacked.
Can Leah and her friends find out who is behind these scary events? And when she does, will she make it out alive?
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Deborah.
461 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2023
Another excellent murder mystery by this author. While the first three books, all of which stand alone quite nicely, had Leah Siderova in her job as a ballerina, this volume has her moving to Broadway to dance as the dream of an actress. First, people associated with the show, including Leah, were threatened, then people were injured, finally there were deaths. Intertwined were romances and faked romances.

Altogether a fun romp with enough mayhem to keep the reader guessing

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mary.
Author 9 books62 followers
April 6, 2024
Wonderfully well-written story.
Like other reviewers, I have never danced ballet, yet Robbins found a way to include readers like me on this journey.
From start to last page, I loved Leah's story of sleuthing behind stage...oh, and let's not forget the fun side-kicks, the Weird Sisters! What a hoot.
I didn't guess the right killer. I especially liked that.
I wonder if the standby dancer really has to look like the other dancer. I've never thought about that before.
The whole idea was unique to me, making this a fun read.
Profile Image for Cathi.
Author 19 books119 followers
August 28, 2023
“Prima ballerina, Leah Siderova, makes the leap from ballet to Broadway in Lori Robbins’s twisty Murder In Fourth Position. Going undercover as the alter-ego dancer of the star of Mad Music, Amber Castle, accidents plague the production right from the start. After Amber winds up in the hospital, things go from bad to worse. Will the show be a no-go? Or, will Leah discover who’s behind the threats? You’ll be turning pages as fast as you can to find out!”
Profile Image for Donna Haas.
15 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2023
This was a delightful fourth installment in the series. It could be read as a stand alone, but having previously read the other books makes the interplay between characters more understandable. This book delves into the behind the scenes action in preparation of a Broadway musical. It’s just as cutthroat as the world of professional ballet. I especially enjoyed how the author credibly inserted some of the quirky characters, like The Weird Sisters, into the novel.
Profile Image for Mellie Miller.
Author 15 books32 followers
October 31, 2023
Fantastic!

Such a twisted tale of jealousy, greed and murder. Like the earlier books in the series, I couldn't put it down. It combines two of my favorites--dancing and theater--with a favorite genre. Looking for a good murder mystery? This is it!
Profile Image for Victoria.
724 reviews25 followers
November 29, 2023
This was a really interesting and unique story that was enjoyable! I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Lori Robbins, Level Best Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
1,708 reviews27 followers
September 26, 2023
Leah Siderova, and Natalie Stevens were friends. Amber Castle is poisoned at the studio. Marty the wardrobe assistant was unconscious too. They were all rehearsing for the “Mad Music “ performance . Leah had been working undercover as protection for Amber as she was getting a lot of threats. There are a lot of under currents between the dancers. Leah had her hands full trying to find who the culprit was. There are some interesting characters, humour and suspense to make this a great read. I received this book via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.
Profile Image for Kate Rock.
487 reviews75 followers
November 7, 2023
Give me all the murdery ballet novels! An addicting whodunit and why in the tough world of dance and theater. Lori Robbins just became a new favorite author!!
Profile Image for Mark taylor.
477 reviews8 followers
December 2, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


Murder in Fourth Position, is a cozy mystery set in the world of broadway where Lori Robbins ballet dancer Leah Siderova takes on a role in Mad Music so she has an excuse to skip a tour as well as protecting its star Amber Castle from both online and real life threats.

As the name hints at this is the 4th book in Lori Robbins An On Pointe Mystery, while they do follow on it is not imperative that these books are read in order.

To me Murder in Fourth Position is an enjoyable cozy mystery and to me the best book in the series, with enough of a mystery, that allows the reader to try and figure out the solution.

As well as the puzzle in Murder in Fourth Position, the individual characters add to the story especially the main Character, Leah Siderova whose eyes you see the whole story through as she not only investigates the threats against Amber Castle in addition to the politics of the world of Broadway.

Add to this the weird sisters who take over the book in a nice way when they are on the page with their characters and how Robbins writes them.

So with the additional characters and puzzle Murder in Fourth Position An On Pointe Mystery: Book 4 by Lori Robbins is well worth reading for those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Catherine Siemann.
1,199 reviews39 followers
September 9, 2023
I've enjoyed Lori Robbins' ballet-centered mystery series very much, both for her insider's knowledge of dance, and for her clever plotting. But after three "positions," the ballet world was beginning to seem pretty hazardous. In book four, amateur detective and prima ballerina Leah Siderova has taken on a new challenge, a Broadway musical. Favorite characters are back, and Leah's sharp wit and aching knees are in good form. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews