Death Takes the Lead

Gilded Age Mystery #9

by Rosemary Simpson

When a series of mysterious deaths plagues a new Scottish play, heiress and lawyer Prudence MacKenzie and her partner ex-Pinkerton Geoffrey Hunter are called in to perform an investigation at one of Broadway’s most stunning theatres . . . DEATH TAKES THE LEAD APRIL 1891: Prudence MacKenzie is delighted to attend a riveting rehearsal of Waif of the Highlands with her dear friend, Lydia Truitt, whose cousin, Septimus Ward, stars in the play. But the drama continues after the curtain falls, as the women overhear a ferocious argument between Septimus and the play’s famous playwright-director, Barrett Hughes. When confronted about the dispute, Septimus reveals that he actually wrote the script, but allowed Hughes to claim authorship in return for casting Septimus’s paramour, Flora Campbell, in the lead. Septimus has come to regret the agreement and vows to reclaim authorship, even if it means the play never opens. But, days later, Prudence and Geoffrey are urgently summoned to Septimus’s boarding house, where the thespian lays dying in Lydia’s arms. Lydia believes her cousin’s death is no accident and wants Hunter and MacKenzie Investigative Law to look into the matter, going so far as to help Prudence and Flora secure employment undercover in the play’s wardrobe department. At first, Hughes’s determination to keep the production running seems admirable, but his motives are soon called into question as Prudence hears whispers backstage about his notorious predatory behavior with young women. And when another body turns up at the theatre, it’s clear that someone is targeting the play and its company—but why? Prudence and Geoffrey must improvise as they tread into an unfamiliar world where deceit is cultivated for entertainment and deception is celebrated as talent, to expose a darkness lurking behind the glittering stage lights. . .

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook

342 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2024

About the author

Rosemary Simpson's What the Dead Leave Behind is set in Gilded Age New York where the Great Blizzard of 1888 brings both disaster and independence to her wealthy and unconventional heroine. Lies that Comfort and Betray is the second in the Gilded Age Mystery series, to be followed by Let the Dead Keep Their Secrets
Rosemary is also the author of two stand-alone historical novels, The Seven Hills of Paradise and Dreams and Shadows.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Historical Novel Society. Educated in France and the United States, she now lives near Tucson, Arizona.

Reviews

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been eagerly waiting for news of another book in the Gilded Age Mystery series. I stumbled upon these books last year and gobbled them up. Our main characters are Prudence, the wealthy, single member of the 400 and Geoffrey, the Harvard-educated lawyer trying to forget his early years on his family's southern plantation. They have a wonderful cast of friends, employees, and two animals helping them as they start up their investigative law firm. Don't let the inclusion of animals have you thinking this is a cozy series - this is gilded age New York and danger abounds!

In this installment, Prudence's friend Lydia Truitt wants to help her cousin protect his rights to a play he has written. The production has several actors eager for great reviews and one being called the writer/director/star of the play is desperate to be seen as a leading man. At the same time, there are some aging actors hoping to stay relevant with their performance. Someone is killing people associated with the show and setting up accidents for the crew. Prudence and Lydia go undercover in the costume department and experience accidents themselves. As they recuperate, the men in their lives pick up the investigation.

This mystery doesn't follow the typical format. There is no denouement. The villain(s) don't have any sort of confrontation with the sleuths. They get their comeuppance, though.

Meanwhile, there are big developments on the relationship side of this series that are exciting for anyone who knows Prudence and Geoffrey.

Probably one of the most delightful, scene-stealing secondary characters is Josiah, the assistant in Prudence and Geoffrey's law office. Though his appearances are limited, he's such a fun part of this beloved cast. His part of the epilogue is hilarious!

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting of New York theatre was interesting, but likable side characters’ POV take time from the main characters. Other characters did more investigating, and Geoffrey and Prudence still hardly share page time. Their resolution was anticlimactic. I know this is a mystery first but the slow burn could’ve had a hint of romance. Or just more conversations. The mystery is excellent, I’m just sad this isn’t as character driven as it used to be. Prudence and Geoffrey do little compared to their team and have no personality or interiority anymore. I’m resigned this series will now be an ensemble cast without strong leads even though it delivers a good mystery.

3.5 I received and arc from NetGalley

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A finely rendered mystery, though this installment started to make me feel that the series has run its course.

To start, I’m not sure why every historical mystery series needs a “death at the theatre” book. It’s not a great premise (though there are certainly authors who have made the most of it), but mostly it’s just overused, and always makes me feel like the author is running out of ideas.

Structurally the mystery here is fine, and I liked how it ended, though getting there feels like a bit of a slog. A lot of that is due to the fact that while this does technically feel historically accurate, that aspect of the books has become more generic as the series progresses, and we’ve lost a lot of the supremely good historical detail that made the early installments in the series stand out in a very crowded subgenre.

The central characters remain likable, but they no longer feel as fully formed, in the sense that you don’t get the impression they do much when they’re “offstage,” and that makes for a far less immersive read. Aside from needlessly gross descriptions of Prudence’s hand wound, we get very little anecdotal detail, and that used to be the best thing about Simpson’s work.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asked by friends to investigate problems in the theater where a friend's relative is starring, the body of that man is found in suspicious circumstances. Prudence, the daughter of a judge and newly admitted to The Bar in New York state, and Geoffrey, a former Pinkerton man, are Private Investigators (along with their secretary, an ex-NYPD cop, and others) are there to be on the job. They uncover facts, unscrupulous managers, dishonest playwrights, lechers, and devastated women. And that's only in the first quarter of the book! Excellent mystery read and a glimpse into early Vaudeville and Broadway. Riveting!
I requested and received a temporary advanced eproof from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#GildedAgeMysteryBk9 Avail Nov 26 2024

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read somewhere this is the last book in this series, if tgg by at true it ended satisfactorily.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ninth in "A Gilded Age" mystery series, this book entertains and illuminates, (albeit with footlights and gas lamps), bringing the reader into the New York City theater district for mystery and misadventure. Protagonist Prudence MacKenzie is asked to accompany her friend Lydia to a rehearsal of, "Waif of the Highlands," featuring Lydia's cousin in a leading role. As it turns out, he wrote the script as a vehicle to elevate the object of his heart into Broadway's limelight. Like that other Scottish play, (which shall not be named), death and misadventure seem to hound it. Together, Prudence and Lydia along with the usual investigative team are covertly on the case but can they solve it and bring the perpetrator to justice before another production colleague takes their final bow?

Oh how I do love a well written historical mystery with just the right amount of solid background research. It adds interesting detail to the story without allowing the story to be bogged down by it. Author Rosemary Simpson has the balance of this down to a science and entertains the reader with lots of interesting historical facts of 1890 New York City which engages the reader's imagination without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. This ninth installment in her Gilded Age Mystery series is perfectly balanced in this regard. We hear the rustle of the ladies' gowns as they sidle down a darkened hallway or the rhythmic clopping sound of horse hooves on the cobblestone streets. The vignettes are richly described and transport the reader to another time and place.

Certainly Ms. Simpson's fine turn of phrase drew me into the book and her strong female protagonist, Prudence (daughter schooled in law by her father, a judge) held my interest as she put forth an image of a feisty, bright and fearless women in an age where such character was extraordinary. Prudence and her partner, Geoffrey run an investigative law firm. He is a southern gentleman schooled in law and a former Pinkerton man. There's a developing spark between them as he tries to steer her away from seemingly dangerous situations but Prudence will have none of it and that's what he so admires about her. She's a bright independent woman with a strong mind of her own, an admirable trait and simultaneously vexing to Geoffrey.

If you enjoy well written and well researched historical mysteries, then I commend to you this wonderful series. You shan't be disappointed.

I am grateful to Ms. Simpson and her publisher, Kensington, for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: November 26, 2024
Number of pages: 336
ISBN:‎ 978-1496741073

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosemary Simpson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death Takes the Lead coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

APRIL 1891: Prudence MacKenzie is delighted to attend a riveting rehearsal of Waif of the Highlands with her dear friend, Lydia Truitt, whose cousin, Septimus Ward, stars in the play. But the drama continues after the curtain falls, as the women overhear a ferocious argument between Septimus and the play’s famous playwright-director, Barrett Hughes.

When confronted about the dispute, Septimus reveals that he actually wrote the script, but allowed Hughes to claim authorship in return for casting Septimus’s paramour, Flora Campbell, in the lead. Septimus has come to regret the agreement and vows to reclaim authorship, even if it means the play never opens. But, days later, Prudence and Geoffrey are urgently summoned to Septimus’s boarding house, where the thespian lays dying in Lydia’s arms.

Lydia believes her cousin’s death is no accident and wants Hunter and MacKenzie Investigative Law to look into the matter, going so far as to help Prudence and Flora secure employment undercover in the play’s wardrobe department. At first, Hughes’s determination to keep the production running seems admirable, but his motives are soon called into question as Prudence hears whispers backstage about his notorious predatory behavior with young women. And when another body turns up at the theatre, it’s clear that someone is targeting the play and its company—but why?

Prudence and Geoffrey must improvise as they tread into an unfamiliar world where deceit is cultivated for entertainment and deception is celebrated as talent, to expose a darkness lurking behind the glittering stage lights. . .

I’ve actually only read the first book in this series, so I definitely need to read the books in between. I’m obsessed with historical mysteries. I really loved the theater setting. Plays definitely provide a lot of drama, which is perfect for murder mysteries! Prudence and Geoffrey are really smart pair and I really loved the mystery in this book. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!

[bibliolatry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover as backstage seamstresses to solve the murder of Lydia‘s beloved cousin, Septimus Ward.

Septimus was going to hire Prudence (a lawyer) to get recognition as the writer of the play in which he was starring. He had agreed to give Barrett Hughes (famous actor and director) the credit for authorship in exchange for giving him and Flora Campbell, leading roles. Septimus was deeply in love with Flora but he came to regret this sacrifice, as Hughes worked his evil charm on her.

While undercover at the theater, there is a second murder, and then both Lydia and Prudence are almost murdered. For their own safety, they must step aside and the investigation is continued by the most fascinating and entertaining group of ex-Pinkerton agents. These characters have been in previous books, but in Death Takes the Lead, their characters’ are developed so brilliantly they could have their own book series.

Meanwhile Geoffrey (Prudence’s partner) is sidetracked, taking care of her after the attack. He finally admits how he feels about her in the most romantic and satisfying way.

The ex-pinks continue investigating the murders searching the pasts of all the possible suspects. What they find is further proof that Barrett Hughes is despicable and avaricious, but is he the murderer?

Just like in every single one of Rosemary Simpson‘s books, this too is a winner. Her writing is excellent and seamlessly carries the reader from beginning to end—not wanting to put the book down. I had high expectations and I was not let down by Death Takes the Lead.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, but I would highly recommend this to everyone.

#DeathTakestheLead #NetGalley

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hadn't read Anne Perry's Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Mysteries for awhile, but Rosemary Simpson's forte, much like that series, is taking a detailed Gilded Age setting, in this case 1896 New York City, and plopping a wealthy woman who defies conventions in order to solve mysteries into the middle of things. I enjoyed the descriptions of the mansions and the NYC streets I have visited, and the theater world that the wealthy and well dressed attend, and also enjoyed the descriptions of the dishonor, distrust, and closeness to the grit of freak shows and vaudeville that involvement with the real backstage theater world require. No respectable woman would sully her white gloves by any real involvement there. My disappointment with the plot is that Prudence MacKensie of the Hunter and MacKensie Investigative Law firm, this story's wealthy female detective, really is not the key player investigating or solving the mysterious deaths at the Argosy Theater. Instead, it is the myriad of almost underworld characters that she and her fellow investigator Geoffrey Hunter have access to, that do all the footwork of investigating. The gap of understanding between the haves and have nots does not change in this story. I counted thirty-six characters beyond those two leads that were staff, street urchins, injured Civil War veterans, ex-Pinkerton investigators, actors and backstage theatre staff, nurses and disreputable doctors, and animals (Mr. Washington the horse, and Flower the horse's faithful dog friend being my favorites. And of course the man known as "The Ferret"). This was an enjoyable tale but not something I will be tempted to read more of the series.

[Mystica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story gave a detailed insight into the workings of theatre in England. The hardships the actors and actresses faced, the attitude of the aristocracy towards the theatre world, supporting and patronizing only when it suited them and treating them with disdain for the most part.

Prudence an heiress and Geoffrey Hunter ex Pinkerton, have worked before in detective mode, and when the theatre erupts into one murder of the lead star of the play, murdered by arsenic poisoning both George and Prudence are drawn into the investigation because prudence’s friend Lydia is so troubled by the murder which both Police and the theatre producer is trying to sweep under the carpet. The lead actor Septimus was Lydia’s cousin. Going undercover as seamstresses was not very successful but they discover another victim smothered in a trunk followed by two attempts on both Lydia and Prudence’s life.


The detective work is thorough but there are many hurdles to overcome. The theatre community is tight knit and the murderer knows that they are being pursued. The number of suspects varies from day to day and in the meantime the production of the play goes on and the opening night is very successful, even though the lead actress and the producer are prime suspects. Characters were very well portrayed and the touch of romance was a nice touch.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always excited when another book releases in the Gilded Age mystery series, and as usual, this one doesn't disappoint.

Prudence is called upon by a friend to help protect her cousin's rights as a playwright for the authorship of a play that promises to be big at the box office. However, when murders begin racking up connected to the play, both ladies go undercover to try and flush out the dastardly villain(s). With their lives in peril, the two must call on their male counterparts/friends to step in for assistance.

I really liked that Prudence and Judith were the "stars" of the show in this one. I also thought it clever how it seemed that the victims were being chosen. And the denouement was totally original and not what I was expecting...loved it! There is also some movement on the personal front for Prudence and Geoffrey which is heartwarming and swoon worthy...especially one particular scene.

All in all, very well done and an excellent addition to an already stellar series.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the free early arc of Death Takes the Lead for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

[Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wavered on my rating for this book. It’s between a 3 and a 4, but erring closer to the 3. Rosemary Simpson is a very good and very thorough storyteller and this ninth addition to the series is no exception. It takes the reader backstage to the nuances of theater life and rivalries in gilded age New York.

What fell short for me were the character relationships. Geoffrey had a very minimal role throughout, and, at the risk of being too spoilerish (but with eight books behind it, there’s no huge surprise here) the resolution of Geoffrey and Prudence FINALLY progressing in their romantic relationship felt abrupt. It felt like there was too much reliance on their interactions in previous novels and not enough conversation/interaction between them in this book to make their engagement feel like a natural progression to the reader. If I hadn’t read the others, it would’ve felt distinctly lackluster.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the 9th book in the series, I was still riveted to the pages worrying about the characters. I sometimes can lose interest as a series goes longer. Geoffrey doesn’t have much of a role in the book until the end and it’s mainly Prudence and Lydia trying to find the killer of Lydia’s cousin. Some other minor characters play more of a role in the investigation and outcome which was interesting. Even if their methods might be questionable, having more background into their lives, characters, and motivations helped to understand their choices. Dangerous situations for Prudence and Lydia bring the rest of the group together to protect and help them and be more honest in their feelings. I enjoyed the story much more with the focus on character development rather than just the crime-solving.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well written mystery which takes place in late 19th Century New York in the fascinating world of theater. Ms. Simpson gives the reader a vivid look into the life of stage actors when the attraction of the gas stage lights lured young and not so young well before actors earned a generous living. A handsome, talented young actor is found dead, followed closely by the discovery of a young dresser found suffocated in a locked trunk. The police, uninterested in the plight of the unimportant victims, declared them accidents, leaving Lydia, the deceased actor's cousin, no choice but to turn to her best friend, Prudence MacKenzie, to join her in investigating the deaths. While investigating the murders, Prudence and Lydia stumble upon the sordid actions of a man who not only seduces hopeful young women, but is also a violent rapist, reminding the reader of the continuing threat of men who see women as merely a source of entertainment, a threat which has not lessened over time.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings. The story itself was good and it was interesting to see more of Lydia and the other side characters. The side story affecting Lydia’s father and that threat seemed to fizzle out anti-climactically so that seemed semi-pointless.
Also Geoffrey was basically nonexistent most of the book and prudence was there but there was very little interaction between them which was a bummer.

The biggest gripe? After EIGHT BOOKS of incredibly slow burn, Prudence and Geoffrey are finally engaged. And it was barely a damn footnote in the book and was, again, anticlimactic. I am happy that they finally are moving along, but could it not have happened in a book that they are actually are prominent in their OWN series?

I don’t generally support vigilante justice but in this instance, I’d have been happy to have even more description of those deaths because they were selfish, awful people. good for Clyde and Amos. 👏🏻👏🏻

[Cri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death takes the lead is the ninth installment in the "a gilded aged mystery series".

Once again Prudence, Geoffrey and the other characters we have come to know found themselves involved in a perilous murder situation, which touches Lydia deeply.

Some undercover job leads the crew dangerously close to lose one of their one, but in a very cleverly managed change of perspective, some other characters take charge of the investigation. I thought that was really masterfully done as the story takes place for the most part in a theater.

Wonderfully written, this book takes you directly to the gilded age!

I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the historical setting, I liked the team. The mystery was exciting and very fast-paced. This is my first in the series (I believe this may be book 9), and I was intrigued enough to catch up.

The Gilded Age is always so exciting historically. Women are moving forward steadily towards independence and autonomy slowly, but also, there's the advent of many new innovations in art and industry.

This book focused on theater arts, and it was revealing, but not surprising, to learn about the working of this competitive world.

The romance seems super low burn, I wish authors would move things along, either make it clear it's a friendship / partnership or it's a romance. You really don't need 9 books and sill waver.

#netgalley #DeathTakesTheLead

[Charlene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inquiry Agent Prudence MacKenzie is excited to attend a rehearsal of the new Broadway play "Waif of the Highlands" with her friend Lydia Truitt, whose cousin Septimus has been cast as the leading man. Prudence and Lydia overhear a ferocious argument between Septimus and the play's director over actual authorship of the play, and when Septimus is found murdered shortly thereafter, Prudence's partner Geoffrey Hunter begins an investigation. Shady characters from the old vaudeville days and other dangerous connections come to light when another death is discovered, as well as menacing attempts to get Prudence, Lydia and Geoffrey to cease their investigation or pay the ultimate price. (2.5 stars)

[Robin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Investigative partners Geoffrey Hunter, former Pinkerton, and Prudence MacKenzie, society miss and lady lawyer, become involved in a new case through Prudence’s friend Lydia Truitt. Well drawn characters, great setting, a convoluted mystery with lots of drama and historical tidbits about the theater world and vaudeville. Geoffrey and Prudence did not spend much time investigating together, but their relationship is moved forward. The story is told in multiple POV, as several secondary characters are integral to the plot. Series is best read in order for the full back story on the characters.
I received free copy via NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have almost always enjoyed stories from the Gilded Age (before World War one) and this story was no exception. I have enjoyed all the books from this series and congratulate the author for a story well told. The main characters (more than most) are beloved to me and I am glad that some of the things in the story happened (well done, all!). The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding proof an actor actually wrote the play, the producer was claiming as his own. Lives were lost, injuries engineered, and still, Karma got her due. I highly recommend this book and all the rest in the series, which should be read in order.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover in the theater to find a murderous villain in this latest installment in a series that will also be fine as a standalone especially for those who enjoy historical cozies. I'm not usually a fan of theater based mysteries but Simpson does a nice job with the atmospherics here and, of course there are the characters. Fans will want to know where Geoffrey is as he's not as active a partner this time until.....no spoilers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read with a sufficiently twisty mystery that moves Prudence and Geoffrey forward.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is always well written and the mystery well done. However this one felt like bit of a let down. not with the mystery so much as the character's relationship. We are meant to believe this has developed when Geoffrey and Prudence still hardly share page time and in fact Prudence and Geoffrey do little investigating compared to their team and it felt like they weren't involved very much at all. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.. 3.5 which I have rounded up as the mystery is still good.

[Linda Sobolewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent series

I discovered this series about five years ago and have recommended it to many friends who enjoy it as much as I do. It’s always wonderful to see a new book has been published. This one, set in the world of the Broadway theatre, brings back the familiar established characters, along with a few intriguing new ones, to create another compelling, fascinating story of New York in the Gilded Age. If you haven’t yet begun reading the series, I urge you to start immediately with book one. You’ll have a great reading adventure ahead of you!

[C L · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of Rosemary Simpson's Gilded Age Mysteries are masterful in capturing an often Gothic sense of menace surrounding the the two main characters Prudence and Geoffrey, but this ninth one is my favorite in the series (now comprised of 10 books). This is mostly due to its satisfying relationship solidification/advancement of the two lovers illustrating more clearly than ever why they are not just perfect partners but true soulmates. I wanted to re-read several passages more than twice to savor the impact. Highly recommended!

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fascinating! The theater world is completely alien to Prudence but she and Geoffrey take on a case of theft and murder. They have their suspect, but proving a case without evidence is problematical. Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover and work for the costume mistress. Prudence can barely sew and has to take ironing lessons from her lady's maid. How long will her disguise last?

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this ninth Gilded Age adventure featuring attorney Prudence MacKenzie and her ex-Pinkerton partner Geoffrey Hunter our investigators become involved in murder and other drama on Broadway. The main and major supporting characters are best understood if you have read all or most of the previous books, especaily since a few of the supporting characters play important roles. I particularly enjoyed the setting and attention to historical roles of women and actors.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

April 1891 New York Prudence MacKenzie attends a rehearsal of Waif of the Highlands with her riend Lydia Truitt whose cousin Septimus Ward star but allowed s in the play. Septtimus claims he actually wrote the play but allowed the playwright-director Barrett Hughes to claim authorship. When Septimus is poisoned Lydia asks Prudence to investigate. Lydia and Prudene are both soon in danger. Interesting characters and complicated plot. I recommend it to fans of historical mysteries.

[Melissa Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lawyer Prudence MacKenzie and investigator Geoffrey Hunter dive into the sordid world of Gilded Age Broadway theatre in the 9th book in this series. I am enjoying both the personal and professional developments of this crime-fighting couple and look forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to prudence Mackenzie‘s next adventure. Rosemary Simpson has done it again and provided a great mystery with lots of characters to consider. I enjoy how although the book stands alone, There are many elements that are tied together from previous mysteries.

Love the gilded age as the backdrop!

Looking forward to the next edition about this time next year !

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series and if you love historical mysteries like me, I would encourage you to start at the beginning!

Full of wonderful characters and of course a mystery at the death of the star of a play, the journey to discovering the culprit will keep you glued to the pages!

Loved this story and this series!