by J.D. Robb
Part of In Death, book 10
First published 2004
Lieutenant Eve Dallas expects drama at the New Globe Theatre, but not murder. During opening night, the lead actor takes a real blade to the chest while performing center stage. The packed audience watches him die, thinking it's part of the show. Eve finds herself working a celebrity killing that puts her in an impossible position. She witnessed the crime herself, and reporters swarm when they learn Roarke owns the theater. The media circus threatens to derail her investigation before it starts. Eve must cut through layers of theatrical pretense to find the killer. Every actor, director, and crew member becomes a suspect with motive and opportunity. She races against time while cameras follow her every move. The case forces Eve to separate performance from reality when everyone around her makes lying look like art.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, investigation
Setting: New Globe Theatre
Period: 21st-century
359 pages · Paperback · Piatkus Books