by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this review on how to enter to win a copy of MacDeath. There is also a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy.

Olivia Ziegwart took the stage name of Ivy Meadows, but she needs affirmation she truly is an actress. Through a happy accident involving a hidden cord and nimble recovery, Ivy manages to snag the role of an aerobatic witch in a circus-themed interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Even in a production where Macbeth is a lion tamer and Lady Macbeth is an aerialist, the curse of The Scottish Play falls heavily on the cast with the most notable cast member as its first victim.

Simon Black was an aging film star of spy agent parodies until a drinking problem curtailed his career. Ivy felt honored to be working with him. Though she felt unqualified, she was too flattered to turn down his request that she be his witness of sobriety. Discovering Simon’s body means Ivy feels both responsible and guilty. Ivy can’t help but investigate, especially when it appears that some of the cast benefited by Simon’s early curtain call.

Ivy Meadows debuts as an impulsive but well-meaning young woman who investigates out of self-preservation and self-interest. As Ivy questions her cast mates regarding Simon, the author reveals a peek into the less-than-pristine world of actors and the theater. In a profession where vanity and self-obsession are accepted, it’s inevitable the production would be filled with eccentric and narcissistic personalities who will do–and have done—anything to further their careers. Ivy proves she is engaging enough to carry the series. The stage setting only enhances the fun tone of the novel. Romantic entanglements, mixed signals, and suspects who lie and pretend for a living, combine into one fun and lively mystery.

To enter to win a copy of MacDeath, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “MacDeath,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen February 7, 2015. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book and you will be supporting an indie bookstore & a portion goes to help support KRL.

Macdeath

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).