A quick and entertaining read (nothing wrong with that) in Lovesey's long running Peter Diamond series. The mystery wasn't particularly enthralling but the characters kept me interested.


This was a First Reads book I won. ( )

This book was unique in my experience. It was a murder mystery but with no murder until the last fifth of the book. Indeed, the mystery was is there a mystery? As usual, Lovesey has several side stories which take up space and attention but which don't advance the real story. Even so, even the side stories are done in typical Lovesey fashion. Back to the library for more volumes. ( )

I liked this one for the characters, even though the one character annoyed me almost as much as he did Diamond. The murderer's rationale (and even existence) didn't seem realistic, but I liked it anyway. ( )

A chatty traditional British police procedural crime novel. Good but not spectacular. Despite that this series is one to follow. ( )

After reading the less than thrilling 'Skeleton Hill' I was pleased to find in 'Stagestruck' that Peter Lovesey was on top form. Taking place mainly within the Theatre Royal,Bath,this is an atmospheric thriller of the best sort.
A faded,female pop star is bough in to play the part of Sally Bowles in the production of 'I Am A Camera' by Christopher Isherwood.She is nervous and unsure of herself as this is her first important acting role. Shortly after appearing onstage on the first night,she screams and rushes off. It transpires that caustic soda has been added to her makeup and has badly burned he face and neck.
The police are called in and Peter Diamond arrives to take charge of the investigation. Shortly after the dresser who applied the makeup falls (or jumps)to her death. Does this tie up the case or does it not ? You will have to read the book and find out. ( )