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Forms of Things Unknown
For two weeks in the summer of 1876, she is caught in a vortex of love and hate. Recently returned to Chicago after a successful tour of Hamlet , Lillian Nolan is awakened in the dead of night by a strange voice. She is shocked to learn that well known and admired actress, Louise Hawthorne, has fallen to her death from the sixth floor of the Tremont House. Was it an accident? Did she jump or was she pushed? Louise’s former lover, and the main suspect, pleads with Lillian to uncover the truth and clear his name. In the process of learning to trust her intuitive abilities, Lillian attempts to find balance between relying upon her gift and uncovering the truth in her own way. But the menace of death pursues her and soon her own life is at risk. When she finds herself in a trap from which she cannot escape, her only hope of survival is to call upon the metaphysical world. Forms of Things Unknown is a work of fiction based upon an actual event and is the third standalone book in the Backstage Mystery Series. If you enjoy stories with a touch of the paranormal that blend historical fact with fiction, then you’ll love Elizabeth Ireland’s tale of history, mystery and theater. Buy Forms of Things Unknown and discover how love can lead to murder.
294 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2019
14 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ireland
8 books40 followersElizabeth Ireland discovered her passion for theater early. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in Theater, she accepted a teaching position in a vibrant performing arts department at a college in northern Illinois. For ten years, she taught, directed and ran front-of-house operations. American Theater History—particularly that of the 19th century—has always been of particular interest to her.
She has been a quarter-finalist and a semi-finalist for the Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship in screenwriting sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Two of her screenplays have been optioned. Her nonfiction work, Women of Vision: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives, was published in 2008. Her work has also been published in a collection of paranormal short stories, Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving the Undead. She lives in metro Atlanta with her ever-patient husband, and two quirky dachshunds.
Learn about her upcoming work and the next installment in the Backstage Mystery series at: http://www.backstagemystery.com/
She has been a quarter-finalist and a semi-finalist for the Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship in screenwriting sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Two of her screenplays have been optioned. Her nonfiction work, Women of Vision: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives, was published in 2008. Her work has also been published in a collection of paranormal short stories, Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving the Undead. She lives in metro Atlanta with her ever-patient husband, and two quirky dachshunds.
Learn about her upcoming work and the next installment in the Backstage Mystery series at: http://www.backstagemystery.com/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 8, 2019
Forms of Things Unknown is the third book in Elizabeth Ireland's Backstage Mystery series and as with the previous books, takes its title from the Shakespeare play, Lillian Nolan is performing in. This time she is playing the part of Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream, returning once more to her home city, Chicago for the play's run.
As historical murder mysteries, there are always links to true events in these books; the Great Fire of Chicago was an integral part of A Walking Shadow and in Foul Deeds Will Rise, the financial Panic of 1873 looms large. However, in Forms of Things Unknown, it's a rather more personal tragedy, the real-life death of a celebrated actress of the times, Louise Hawthorne which inspires the story. Although, of course, Elizabeth Ireland has fictionalised what happened, the bare bones of the case are factual. Louise Hawthorne really did plummet to her death from the sixth-storey window of her room at the Tremont Hotel in Chicago and upcoming theatre idol, James O'Neill was reported as having ended their relationship that night whilst also rumoured to have been the last person to see her alive.
James - or Jimmy - O'Neill was introduced in the previous book and had a brief dalliance with the series' main character, Lillian Nolan. It is Lillian's help he seeks after Louise's tragic death; declared an unfortunate accident by the coroners, he claims to be convinced she was murdered. However, with the theatrical rumour mill in overdrive, is he really hoping to deflect the finger of suspicion currently pointed very firmly in his direction?
Lillian's spiritual abilities will be required again if she is to discover the truth but although she is more relaxed about her gifts now, she is still resistant to really engaging with her guide, Robert and avoids spending time practising her spirit writing. However, I felt that this book will prove to be a pivotal point in the series, as later in the story she is forced to rely on Robert's help when she finds herself in terrible danger. It has already been fascinating to see how her character has progressed over the three books - from the naive novice in the first book to the experienced and much more confident young woman she has become here. She no longer wishes to live with her beloved grandmother when she stays in Chicago, preferring to reside in the Tremont House hotel. She relishes the freedom which comes from being an actress and therefore not tied by society's conventions as other young, unmarried women of the time were. Readers are reminded of the very different perception of actresses back then and though Lillian's family have grown to accept her choice of career, to protect them from the potential scandals which could arise from her decisions to live as her own woman, she continues to use a stage name and to keep her professional and personal life separate.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Backstage Mystery series and although Forms of Things Unknown could easily be enjoyed as a standalone, I'm pleased I've read the books in order to truly appreciate not just how Lillian has changed but also how the other recurring characters respond and adapt to both her experiences and their own over the course of time. After a teasing glimpse of Jack Martin at the end of Foul Deeds Will Rise, he makes a welcome return here although I can't help sensing a foreshadowing that things aren't perhaps all they seem with him. The authentic sense of time and place is once again a real highlight of the novel, particularly in the scenes set in the theatre and the captivating combination of the historical and paranormal together with the ongoing personal developments mean that I'm intrigued to know more and look forward to the next book in this absorbing series.
As historical murder mysteries, there are always links to true events in these books; the Great Fire of Chicago was an integral part of A Walking Shadow and in Foul Deeds Will Rise, the financial Panic of 1873 looms large. However, in Forms of Things Unknown, it's a rather more personal tragedy, the real-life death of a celebrated actress of the times, Louise Hawthorne which inspires the story. Although, of course, Elizabeth Ireland has fictionalised what happened, the bare bones of the case are factual. Louise Hawthorne really did plummet to her death from the sixth-storey window of her room at the Tremont Hotel in Chicago and upcoming theatre idol, James O'Neill was reported as having ended their relationship that night whilst also rumoured to have been the last person to see her alive.
James - or Jimmy - O'Neill was introduced in the previous book and had a brief dalliance with the series' main character, Lillian Nolan. It is Lillian's help he seeks after Louise's tragic death; declared an unfortunate accident by the coroners, he claims to be convinced she was murdered. However, with the theatrical rumour mill in overdrive, is he really hoping to deflect the finger of suspicion currently pointed very firmly in his direction?
Lillian's spiritual abilities will be required again if she is to discover the truth but although she is more relaxed about her gifts now, she is still resistant to really engaging with her guide, Robert and avoids spending time practising her spirit writing. However, I felt that this book will prove to be a pivotal point in the series, as later in the story she is forced to rely on Robert's help when she finds herself in terrible danger. It has already been fascinating to see how her character has progressed over the three books - from the naive novice in the first book to the experienced and much more confident young woman she has become here. She no longer wishes to live with her beloved grandmother when she stays in Chicago, preferring to reside in the Tremont House hotel. She relishes the freedom which comes from being an actress and therefore not tied by society's conventions as other young, unmarried women of the time were. Readers are reminded of the very different perception of actresses back then and though Lillian's family have grown to accept her choice of career, to protect them from the potential scandals which could arise from her decisions to live as her own woman, she continues to use a stage name and to keep her professional and personal life separate.
I am thoroughly enjoying the Backstage Mystery series and although Forms of Things Unknown could easily be enjoyed as a standalone, I'm pleased I've read the books in order to truly appreciate not just how Lillian has changed but also how the other recurring characters respond and adapt to both her experiences and their own over the course of time. After a teasing glimpse of Jack Martin at the end of Foul Deeds Will Rise, he makes a welcome return here although I can't help sensing a foreshadowing that things aren't perhaps all they seem with him. The authentic sense of time and place is once again a real highlight of the novel, particularly in the scenes set in the theatre and the captivating combination of the historical and paranormal together with the ongoing personal developments mean that I'm intrigued to know more and look forward to the next book in this absorbing series.
June 11, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Lillian Nolan returns to her memoirs, the stage and investigating murders in this third instalment of the Backstage Mystery series. The story reads perfectly easily as a standalone, but reading the previous books first will give you more of a sense of the character development, and particularly Lillian’s challenges with her family and her ‘gifts’.
In this story we see Lillian starting to gradually become more accustomed to contact with the spirit world, although still as reluctantly as my children face their homework! I could see why the patient Robert, her spirit guide, felt frustrated at times as he had to keep urging her back to effort that could save her own life and those around her.
Lillian has other things on her mind than solving the murder at hand or her blossoming career though, as the charismatic Jack Martin is back on the scene. (Personally I have more of a soft spot for a certain intrepid reporter, but each to their own!). We also see here that while Lillian is sensitive to the spirit world and quick to spot physical clues, she is utterly oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around her. I love how her character is developing as the series progresses and that she not only has faults but owns them honestly and strives for better.
For the first time we get a bit of direct interjection from Robert into the manuscript which is mostly, as usual, penned by an elderly Lillian reminiscing for her young relative about her action-packed youth. The knowledge that Lillian survives her adventures to write this future narrative does relieve some of the anxiety when she recklessly plunges into danger, but the payoff is that we get such an intimate narrative, with the bonus of her insights in retrospect as well.
This is a great cosy mystery series for fans of theatre and the supernatural and I look forward to seeing where Lillian’s adventures take her next.
Communication from anyone in “The Beyond” is complicated at best. Oftentimes, this is made even more difficult by the fact that a message transmitted may be concerned with or received by someone else entirely different than the person who is doing the asking. It can all be very frustrating. If I had only heeded the message I heard at Cora’s that day and understood more acutely for whom it was meant, I could have saved myself a lot of pain and anguish.
– Elizabeth Ireland, Forms of Things Unknown
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Lillian Nolan returns to her memoirs, the stage and investigating murders in this third instalment of the Backstage Mystery series. The story reads perfectly easily as a standalone, but reading the previous books first will give you more of a sense of the character development, and particularly Lillian’s challenges with her family and her ‘gifts’.
In this story we see Lillian starting to gradually become more accustomed to contact with the spirit world, although still as reluctantly as my children face their homework! I could see why the patient Robert, her spirit guide, felt frustrated at times as he had to keep urging her back to effort that could save her own life and those around her.
Lillian has other things on her mind than solving the murder at hand or her blossoming career though, as the charismatic Jack Martin is back on the scene. (Personally I have more of a soft spot for a certain intrepid reporter, but each to their own!). We also see here that while Lillian is sensitive to the spirit world and quick to spot physical clues, she is utterly oblivious to the thoughts and feelings of those around her. I love how her character is developing as the series progresses and that she not only has faults but owns them honestly and strives for better.
For the first time we get a bit of direct interjection from Robert into the manuscript which is mostly, as usual, penned by an elderly Lillian reminiscing for her young relative about her action-packed youth. The knowledge that Lillian survives her adventures to write this future narrative does relieve some of the anxiety when she recklessly plunges into danger, but the payoff is that we get such an intimate narrative, with the bonus of her insights in retrospect as well.
This is a great cosy mystery series for fans of theatre and the supernatural and I look forward to seeing where Lillian’s adventures take her next.
Communication from anyone in “The Beyond” is complicated at best. Oftentimes, this is made even more difficult by the fact that a message transmitted may be concerned with or received by someone else entirely different than the person who is doing the asking. It can all be very frustrating. If I had only heeded the message I heard at Cora’s that day and understood more acutely for whom it was meant, I could have saved myself a lot of pain and anguish.
– Elizabeth Ireland, Forms of Things Unknown
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 13, 2019
I had the best time with this book, a historical fiction/fantasy book that made the history of the times so fresh and real; readers, you are there with our heroine, actress Lillian Nolan. We learn about two intense weeks in Lillian’s life as told by the 96-year-old Lillian, who is writing her memoirs. From a vantage point of about 70 years, Lillian writes with a confident, clear, factual style.
What was going on in the summer of 1876, besides the harrowing events that Lillian relates? The country was celebrating the nation’s Centennial. Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for his telephone. (Lillian’s family was split on whether this was a crazy or interesting invention.) Mark Twain and his “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” was popular, as was the new sport of baseball- already America’s favorite pastime. Chicago, where the story takes place has rebuilt after the Great Fire. Custer made his last stand at Little Big Horn and Lillian almost made her last stand as her memoirs clinically detail.
Once again, Lillian is called on to solve a mysterious death. This time, it involves a popular actress. Did the actress commit suicide or accidentally fall from her hotel window in downtown Chicago? When danger comes to Lillian, thankfully she has friends to help her, plus a guide from the spirit world, a 16th century gentleman.
The author has populated this book, the third in the series, with plenty of interesting characters and fascinating scenes of the theater and life in Chicago. Each chapter stars with a quote by Shakespeare, which adds to the mystery clues. This book was readable and entertaining as a stand-alone. Enjoy Lillian’s world!
Thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
What was going on in the summer of 1876, besides the harrowing events that Lillian relates? The country was celebrating the nation’s Centennial. Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for his telephone. (Lillian’s family was split on whether this was a crazy or interesting invention.) Mark Twain and his “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” was popular, as was the new sport of baseball- already America’s favorite pastime. Chicago, where the story takes place has rebuilt after the Great Fire. Custer made his last stand at Little Big Horn and Lillian almost made her last stand as her memoirs clinically detail.
Once again, Lillian is called on to solve a mysterious death. This time, it involves a popular actress. Did the actress commit suicide or accidentally fall from her hotel window in downtown Chicago? When danger comes to Lillian, thankfully she has friends to help her, plus a guide from the spirit world, a 16th century gentleman.
The author has populated this book, the third in the series, with plenty of interesting characters and fascinating scenes of the theater and life in Chicago. Each chapter stars with a quote by Shakespeare, which adds to the mystery clues. This book was readable and entertaining as a stand-alone. Enjoy Lillian’s world!
Thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
June 6, 2019
I found this third book in The Backstage Mystery series my favourite of the three. Each book in the series reads perfectly well as a standalone, but reading them together is just a treat. You really see Lillian develop – as a person, a spiritualist and as an actress – throughout the books.
I also enjoyed that this book now steps away from the theatre and more into Lillian’s personal relationships with her friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the author’s wonderful descriptions of theatre life, but seeing Lillian away from her chosen profession added another facet to her personality and character, which made her much more interesting.
As with the previous books, Elizabeth Ireland has managed to fill this one with an abundance of intriguing characters – each with distinct personalities that almost leap off the page. Her characters always seem like real, breathing people, and it makes the story much more enjoyable.
In true historical fiction fashion, the backdrop of Chicago could be a character in itself. The city comes to life in this book and the sprinkling of actual historical figures and events gives this book a realistic touch that makes you almost suspend belief that it’s a work of fiction.
I’m not sure if Elizabeth has more books planned for Lillian but I sure hope so!
*** Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
You can read my entire spoiler-free review on my blog: https://www.bookfrolic.com/book-revie...
I also enjoyed that this book now steps away from the theatre and more into Lillian’s personal relationships with her friends and family. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the author’s wonderful descriptions of theatre life, but seeing Lillian away from her chosen profession added another facet to her personality and character, which made her much more interesting.
As with the previous books, Elizabeth Ireland has managed to fill this one with an abundance of intriguing characters – each with distinct personalities that almost leap off the page. Her characters always seem like real, breathing people, and it makes the story much more enjoyable.
In true historical fiction fashion, the backdrop of Chicago could be a character in itself. The city comes to life in this book and the sprinkling of actual historical figures and events gives this book a realistic touch that makes you almost suspend belief that it’s a work of fiction.
I’m not sure if Elizabeth has more books planned for Lillian but I sure hope so!
*** Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
You can read my entire spoiler-free review on my blog: https://www.bookfrolic.com/book-revie...
June 5, 2019
As always I really enjoyed catching up with Lillian and her memoirs….while this is the third in the Backstage Mystery Series, it can quite easily be read as a stand-alone.
I loved the little factual elements to this story, mentions of a patent for the telephone, popular fiction of the time and the general lifestyle, which just brought the story to life.
Lillian is again called on to help solve the suspicious death of an actress, did she fall or was she pushed……can Lillian find out with the help of her spirit guide….? Using her own deductive skills, she starts to find the answer but puts herself in danger as a result..
An absolute charming, cosy mystery with a haunting feel. Marvellously engaging writing as always by Elizabeth Ireland.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
I loved the little factual elements to this story, mentions of a patent for the telephone, popular fiction of the time and the general lifestyle, which just brought the story to life.
Lillian is again called on to help solve the suspicious death of an actress, did she fall or was she pushed……can Lillian find out with the help of her spirit guide….? Using her own deductive skills, she starts to find the answer but puts herself in danger as a result..
An absolute charming, cosy mystery with a haunting feel. Marvellously engaging writing as always by Elizabeth Ireland.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
June 5, 2019
Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited to be back in Lillian's world, after reading the first two books I was definitely happy that I got to continue with Lillian on her journey. Just like the others, this is told as a memoir, as we are transported back to 1876. What I have really loved about this book series is that not only does it really make it feel like it has taken you back in time it also pulls you in and fully engrosses you within the story. As a bonus feature, it throws in tales of the theatre with a few Shakespeare quotes as well. Once again I loved not only the characters but the storytelling and fantasy aspect. If you are a fan of historical fiction/theatre or an added bit of fantasy I definitely recommend this book series for you!
Rating: 4/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
I was really excited to be back in Lillian's world, after reading the first two books I was definitely happy that I got to continue with Lillian on her journey. Just like the others, this is told as a memoir, as we are transported back to 1876. What I have really loved about this book series is that not only does it really make it feel like it has taken you back in time it also pulls you in and fully engrosses you within the story. As a bonus feature, it throws in tales of the theatre with a few Shakespeare quotes as well. Once again I loved not only the characters but the storytelling and fantasy aspect. If you are a fan of historical fiction/theatre or an added bit of fantasy I definitely recommend this book series for you!
Rating: 4/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
June 6, 2019
I’m really getting into the historical fiction genre this year, and a lot of that has to do with Elizabeth Ireland’s Backstage Mysteries series. I love that this is written in memoir style. It is such a unique way to tell the story and I was glued to the pages.
As the third in the series, there is still a ton happening to Lillian and for her to solve. The characters are interesting, and Chicago and the theater during 1867 is fascinating.
This could definitely be read as a standalone, but the rest of the series is so good, I’m recommending you read them all.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
As the third in the series, there is still a ton happening to Lillian and for her to solve. The characters are interesting, and Chicago and the theater during 1867 is fascinating.
This could definitely be read as a standalone, but the rest of the series is so good, I’m recommending you read them all.
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
August 27, 2019
True historical facts, a bit of fictional license, and a bit of mystery equals this great book. As in previous books, great story with fabulous characters and you have an awesome book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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