Untimely Death

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What to expect

This witty and wise work is the first in Elizabeth J. Duncan’s charming new mystery series.

A Catskills resort’s production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet takes a wickedly ironic turn when the leading lady, Lauren Richmond, is first poisoned and then stabbed. Who would extinguish the life of such a beautiful young thespian? It seems like just about everyone had a motive to pull the ropes on her final curtain call. At the center of this Shakespearean tragedy is Charlotte Fairfax, formerly the costume mistress of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Upstate New York is a long way from the royal stage, but Charlotte is always the queen of her domain. As this small production’s costume designer, she has stitched her way into everyone’s lives, learning more than anyone could possibly imagine about the rise and fall of Lauren Richmond.

Critics Review

  • “An impressively crafted mystery that is a fully absorbing and inherently fascinating read from beginning to end…Very highly recommended.”

    Midwest Book Review
  • “Readers of the cozy mystery genre should definitely check out Untimely Death.”

    Noir Journal
  • “Amid the bucolic backdrop of springtime in upstate New York, Duncan drops just enough clues and red herrings to keep the reader guessing whodunit to the end.”

    Publishers Weekly
  • “Sympathetic, well-drawn characters and fascinating details on Shakespeare’s plays and costume design add to what is a satisfying mystery.”

    Booklist
  • “Duncan introduces a charming new sleuth and plenty of quirky characters sure to appeal to her base and to cozy fans in general.”

    Kirkus Reviews

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