The Final Curtain

Dani Ross Mystery #2

by Gilbert Morris

Final Curtain

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Suspense

320 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1991

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Lovely Day · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

Pretty disappointed in this one considering how much I enjoyed the first one!

A wealthy tycoon with many children from many ex-wives asks the Ross Detective Agency to find out who tried to kill him with a head on collision.

I was just very bored and waaiiitting for it to be over.

[Kaitlyn Krispense · Rating 1 out of 5]

When you dont find yourself enjoying a book in the least, why finish it?

To be fair, I did not get very far into it...but the sheer lack of depth and maturity that our heroine was supposed to have developed in book 1 has me more than a little annoyed

[Jaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent mystery series and I liked this episode in the series. This is a Christian-based mystery so it does have a preachy tone to it. I don't mind that in the series, but I did want to warn new readers because this one did seem preachier than the others I've read in the series. The mystery was a basic, solid mystery with a few interesting twists and turns along the way. Some parts of the story did drag a little, otherwise it would have been a four-star read. I do like the characters as well, even if Dani seems a little too perfect at times. Overall, this was a fun, quick read.

[Chrissy Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend loaned me this book a while ago, and I've been waiting for the right time to sit down and read a 'real' book. These days, most of the books I read are eBooks. The edition that I read had a different cover which seems more appealing.

Gilbert Morris was one of my favourite authors while my children were growing up. This volume is Book 2 in the Danielle Ross Mystery series. I enjoyed the story and kept turning the pages looking for clues. I guessed a couple of the plot twists before they were announced, but others took me by surprise. One thing I'm mindful of is how much has changed in our culture since this book was published.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a well written book with good characters that you cared about - the story was one that made you want to get back to your book and finish - some romance - some mystery and suspense - this is the 2nd book of this series that I have read and will continue to read this author

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love his books and this is a good one

[Carissa (Regency Woman) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gilbert Morris did a very strange thing over a decade ago. He took an already completed series, the Dani Ross Mysteries, with already established titles, and re-released them under new names. And Then There Were Two is one of these newer releases, and unless I'm much mistaken, is actually a new book, added to the series. Because it wasn't a book I had grown up reading, I was less attached to it than the original stories. But I still found it interesting. I suspected early on who the villain might be, and turned out to be correct, but it's always about the journey with Gilbert Morris books, and less about the outcome. Rather like romance novels since they're easy to guess from an early stage.

It was a fun way to spend a few afternoons at work, listening to the audiobook read most excellently by Kris Faulkner. I do wish the book had had more Ben Savage in it, but since the series is about Dani, I got over my disappointment. It does amuse me, though, how every female of a certain age tends to throw herself at Ben, placing him in a precarious situation that can be misinterpreted at least once in the story. And Dani, with her hot temper, always misinterprets, usually leading to an argument, that can lead to kissing, making me a very happy woman. Ben and Dani have always been, will always be, one of my favorite couples in Christian fiction.

I just wish she preached less. Every time Dani opens her mouth to share the gospel, be it on a plane with a complete stranger, or a woman who's an alcoholic, it always results in a salvation experience. That does not feel true to life for me, to be quite honest, but then again, I don't go around sharing my faith with every person I meet. Maybe I should. Maybe I'd get the same results as Dani, who knows.

This novel doesn't have quite the same feel as the original series, especially since it feels like Dani and Ben are further along in how well they know each other than they actually would be at this point. Still, it was an entertaining book with some terrifying moments that turned out all right in the end. The series is a fun blast to the past, even this new book that I had never read before.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all the book is actually about the following, “Against the backdrop of the New York stage, Danielle Ross finds herself caught in a dangerous real-life drama.
The Final Curtain takes Danielle Ross to New York City, behind the scenes of theatrical world, to investigate bizarre death threats against the multi-talented, arrogant stage actor Jonathan Ainsley. Joining the cast and crew of Jonathan’s newest play, Into the Night, under the guise of costume lady, Dani is catapulted into the female lead when the star is killed - right on stage! While the press enjoys a field day with the latest, most shocking attack by the “Phantom of the Theater”, the police threaten to close the production. But Jonathans’s adamant persistence that “the show must go on” wins out, and the anxious new leading lady sends for help - partner Ben Savage.
Death threats soon yield another murder. Dani and Ben are baffled by the motives of the cast and crew members who have openly expressed animosity toward Jonathan, and one another. Can Dani and Ben bring down the curtain on the “Phantom” before he strikes again?”
What is written above is from the back of the book, and is accurate. Since I’ve read the book I can confirm that, unlike, apparently, the person who wrote the description for Goodreads. 🤨🧐
Also this is Christian fiction. Since Dani, the main character, did attend seminary and at one point considered being a missionary, this series has a strong witnessing for Christ and talking about the Bible and theology focus. If that’s not you thing, despite the excellent mystery, character development, and storyline, you may not enjoy this book as well as I did. I love Dani, but she isn’t perfect. I must admit, Ben Savage is almost a perfect character, while at the same time, his character makes Dani more human and relatable. It’s a strange balance that works well for this series.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good sequel to "One by One". I thoroughly enjoyed the first book because it was so reminiscent of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None".

This one, a bit different in that no one actually dies (spoiler?), was interesting and engaging. The premise is that everyone is a suspect in the attempted murder of a very wealthy businessman. Everyone includes his three ex-wives and their extended families. There are more than a few red herrings, which I guess is common with any mystery. Drug use, dangerous tempers, overt threats...all leading to nothing.

As in the last book, Dani and Ben Savage engage in a bit of sexual tension, with it being played out a little more in this book in a kiss or two. It is obvious that there is chemistry between them, but I find the jealousy on Dani's part to be a bit petty and sophomoric. Also, I almost put this one down when Dani, in the first chapter, put herself in danger purely because of her stubborn streak. This is not the mark of a mature Christian woman, and I felt it was overdone, unnecessary and irritating. However, the rest of the story flowed for me.

While I would recommend this one, I probably won't read any more in the series.

[Karen Hsu · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I was totally wrong about who the killer was. The plot is similar to this R.L. Stine mystery (i think it was R.L. Stine) that I read in high school.

I enjoyed the banter between Ben and Dani; there could have been more, though.

I do feel like Dani is almost too perfect as a heroine...she's attractive to every man she meets, she acts, she's a wonderful preacher, she's an awesome detective, she also is a CPA, she used to be a fantastic rodeo rider. It's kind of an unbelievable skill set for a woman at 28 years old.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't have quite as much suspense or intrigue as the first one, but still a pretty good book overall.
Dani Ross, the main character, is very brave and outspoken about her faith, which strikes me as not too terribly realistic given the situations that she is in. However, I always appreciate good clean reading material where my senses don't have to be assaulted with foul language on every page.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series years ago, and decided to read it again. This book seems to be a new one that was added when they re-titled some others. I enjoyed the read, and was kept guessing the identity of the guilty party. It was great to read more about Dani and Ben....these are among the best books Morris wrote.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Gilbert Morris books in the past and this was no exception. It's a Dani Ross mystery. Dani is a private investigator hired to find out who tried to kill millionaire J.T. Dillon. It wasn't as faced paced as some mysteries, but it was still a good read.

[Tiffany Huggins]

I love mysteries:) Ever since i was kid, i loved reading Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Boys, so this was a fun mystery to read after not having read a good mystery in a while!

[Cws]

YA Mor

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as creepy as the third one, no one dies in this one. Preachier though.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audio while walking and enjoyed it. I think this series will grow on me.

[Kelly Haverlandt · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I like the main character, I keep hoping she will lose the "holier-than-thou" attitude. Maybe in book 3? I am not sure I am willing to read it....

[Diane Large · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought this recorded book at a yard sale for $1. Interesting mystery. I didn't guess the villian. However, there's too much religion in it for me.

[Shelbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neither the plot nor most of the characters were especially new, but for me, it was worth listening to just for the character of Ben Savage. Love that guy!

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

read

[Jeneane Denger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not one of Gilbert Morris's best books.

[Diona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one. It goes into a little more depth of the main characters. I can't wait to read the the 3rd and 4th book.

[Telisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Final Curtain copyright 1991, fourth printing May 1993

This review not to be confused with the newer - retooled version of this series.

Dani and Ben head into the closed world of Broadway! Death threats directed toward the lead actor/writer prompted him to beg for help.
Dani takes a role on stage, Ben comes on as a stage hand.
The deeper they get involved, the harder it is to see who could be behind this.
When accidents turn to murder things make even less sense.