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Death Takes the Lead
Death Takes the Lead | Rosemary Simpson
1 post | 1 read
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 . . . 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. . . 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. . .
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robinb
Death Takes the Lead | Rosemary Simpson
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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, 🔻

robinb 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 ?
2w
robinb one particular scene.

All in all, very well done and an excellent addition to an already stellar series. 5/5⭐️
2w
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