Book Review: Murder on Cue

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Murder on Cue    
Jane Dentinger
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Theater
Series: Jocelyn O'Roarke # 1
Mystery Guild, May 2001, 180 pp.

Jocelyn "Josh" O'Rourke has paid her dues as an actress and feels it is time to reap the rewards for her patience. She obtains a minor role in "Term of Trial" as well as serving as the understudy to the star Harriet Weldon. The angels behind this production are Harriet's father and husband so although the leading lady lacks spark and skill the role is set.

During a rehearsal, Harriet is temporarily called away so the director has Josh replace her. When Harriet returns only to observe how well Josh and the leading man work together, harsh words are exchanged. Josh leaves for a few hours only to return to learn that Harriet is dead. Josh takes over the part, but is also the number one suspect. Josh begins to make her own inquiries to insure that the sexy homicide detective only sees her on social calls.

The heroine of this production has plenty of moxie on the stage and off and has the courage to act on her convictions even if it leads to trouble. Jane Dentinger does a fantastic job hiding the killer in plain sight, but it is doubtful that many will guess who has the part as the means and motive makes Josh appear as the killer. This is a reprint of a Reagan era novel, but remains current and fresh in the Dubya era.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner