by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Out of Tragedy Comes…
It’s only been two and a half months since Julia Bonatti lost her fiancé in a hit and run and now struggling has been her daily M-O. Finding a safe place to grieve without judgements or constant reminders of the life that’s now gone meant only one thing…her grandmother Gloria’s home. There she’s been able to shut herself off, and even though “Nonni” can identify since she lost, although many years ago, her own love, she recognizes for Julia it’s not a case of moving on, but just getting out…one step at a time. So, she plies Julia with a strong coffee and invites her to help transport the costumes and accessories she’s created for the Theatre Mars.

Enter a Wizard, Stage Left Earns 5/5 Costume Designs…Entertaining Fun!
Gloria Bonatti had been a seamstress by trade, but in retirement, she only did projects for close friends…hence her current project of period costumes for Theatre Mars’s production of Christie’s Appointment with Death. The production has been adapted by director/actor/writer Nigel Hammond from the original book, not Christie’s play, with Poirot in all his iconic panache. However, an off-hand reference to MacBeth exacerbates the fact that theater people are a superstitious bunch from lucky coins and patron saint pendants to demanding things be a certain way. Despite a cast of egos, jealousies, criticisms, and diva tirades, everyone is looking forward to opening night success. But, is it the MacBeth curse, rumors the theater is haunted, cosmic issues with the dark of the moon, or just plain everyday malice that leads to murder? Will the show go on?

Curtain Up! Connie di Marco has penned a delightfully entertaining prequel to her three-book Zodiac Mystery series set in my favorite city, San Francisco. It’s a shorter, 111-page read, easily enjoyed in an afternoon, but don’t think it short on drama with its karmic murder, multiple suspicions, a bit of peril, and surprise arrest. This prequel is clever and engaging sharing more of Julia’s efforts to emerge from her grief and evolving interest in astrology. My lifelong interest in astrology inspired me to read fiction and non-fiction books and explore my sign, so Connie’s insights along with the fascinating ins, outs, and backstage antics in the theater kept my interest. The murder occurs midway through the story, preceded by a introduction to the various personalities and the play, but it’s a nice introduction to the series for newbies and nice back to the beginning for established fans.

Zodiac Mysteries
The Madness of Mercury (2016)
All Signs Point to Murder (2017)
Tail of the Dragon (2018)
Enter a Wizard, Stage Left prequel (2021)

Be a Big Connie di Marco Fan!
Connie di Marco’s fascination with astrological charts led to the creation of her Zodiac Mystery series and her heroine who also carved out a life with the zodiac as her guide. Use these Discussion Guides with your book club. She also writes the Soup Lover’s Mystery under the name Connie Archer. Both series are creative and entertaining.

Facebook—Connie di Marco, Author of Zodiac Mysteries
Website—Connie di Marco
Website—Connie Archer (pen name of Connie di Marco)

To enter to win an ebook copy of Enter a Wizard, Stage Left, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, with the subject line “wizard,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 8, 2022. Only US entries and you must be at least 18 to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.