The Case of the Missing Dancer: A 1920s Historical Cozy Mystery

Kitty Worthington Cozy Caper #4

by Magda Alexander

When a star ballerina goes missing before opening night, can Kitty Worthington find her in time for the show to go on?London. 1924. A few days before a highly anticipated ballet is set to debut, the famed ballet master of the King’s Theater makes a desperate call to Kitty Worthington. His leading ballerina—beautiful, talented, and notoriously elusive—has vanished without a trace. Without her, the ballet cannot happen.

Soon, Kitty finds herself drawn deeper into the shadowy world of London’s ballet scene, where ambition, secrecy, and danger entwine. As she follows one clue after another, the trail leads beyond the theatre into the heart of a criminal enterprise. One with unexpected ties to the star dancer's family.

Racing against time, Kitty pieces together a complex web of deceit where no one is who they seem. As opening night looms closer, can she find the première danseuse before curtain rise? Or is the performance doomed to fail?

The Case of the Missing Dancer, Book 4 in The Kitty Worthington Cozy Capers, is yet another captivating tale from the pen of USA Today Bestselling Author Magda Alexander. This enthralling historical cozy mystery promises readers a thrilling escape into the dazzling, yet dangerous, world of a bygone era and the London ballet scene.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2025

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not my favorite.

I like these little side mysteries, but this one was not my favorite. It was a little too dramatic, the tension forced a bit. Or maybe it was just too much story for a short. I think I would’ve liked it much better if it was a part of the main series and full length. It’s not a bad story. It’s full of action and non stop. Just didn’t quite fit with the lightheartedness of the series that I’ve come to love.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting historical cosy mystery as a lead ballerina suddenly goes missing
Fast, quick mystery when Kitty Worthington is called on to investigate the case of a missing ballerina. The story moves on to dangerous Russian men, an insurance fraud and much more as Kitty and her fiance from Scotland Yard, try to uncover the mystery and race into danger one after the other.
Simple plot and neat adventure read.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent adventure in an excellent series. The characters are vivid, the movement is breathtaking, and although short, the action was unrelenting till the last moment. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding a young ballerina pursued by a mysterious stranger. The answers were shocking. I highly recommend this story and the entire series.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a novella, barely more than a short story. That said it does a good job of creating a story with historical atmosphere and cozy-mystery sensibilities. At just 84 pages, it’s a brisk, engaging read The ballet world is richly evoked, from ambitious dancers to backstage intrigue, and the plot moves swiftly—perfect for fans seeking a quick, afternoon mystery.

[Jackie Mulkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 52 Book Club's 2025 Challenge - Summer Challenge #9 - Shares a narrative technique with the previous book - setting

This is #4 of the cozy capers - I read it out of chronological order - but that is fine.

Little cozy mystery and an easy read for a day of staying in the house to escape the oppressive heat outside !

[CJ Earls · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novella in the Kitty Worthington series that has a little history, a little political intrigue and a fast moving plot that kept me turning the pages. It was rather dark and had an unexpected twist at the end. I enjoy this series and enjoyed this newest entry.

[John Nino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Phoenix

A quick enticing read full of political intrigue, organized crime and a continuing love story. Well plotted and written. Good character development. Recommend reading.

[Martha Silbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Case of the Missing Dancer is once again a compelling and thrilling adventure for Kitty Worthington and her entourage of helpers including her dashing fiancé, Robert Sinclare of Scotland Yard. A must read as part of Kitty’s adventures and excellent investigative work.

[Leanne Pazik · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun short story!!

Love the characters, love the story and loved the beautiful setting this story had. Can’t wait for the next installment!!!

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK cozy 1020s missing person mystery.

[Jane Hunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy Mysteries

The Kitty Worthington series is charming with good plots that twist and surprise. I highly recommend these short but enjoyable mysteries.