Death of a Pooh-Bah

I normally avoid amateur sleuth novels like the plague. Even in fiction, I personally prefer realism - something the average amateur PI novel doesn't often have. However, being a singer by trade, I will ocassionally pick something up because it's related to music I perform, and that's how I found this novel. My expectations were pretty low, you can imagine that I was very pleasantly surprised to find this an interesting, engaging novel with occasionaly splashes of wit, and an eye for believable but catchy plot twists. Though G & S fans will enjoy this book a bit more than would the unacquainted, it's still accessible to those who've never been subjected to multiple, drunken renditions of "I've got a little list..."

In years past I had little interest in mysteries, but this book piqued my interest for two reasons: Sturges and I share an alma mater in Northampton, where this story is set, and I'm heavily involved with community theatre. What a delightful surprise to discover such a gem in a genre that was new to me!In addition to the vivid depictions of smalltown show-biz wannabes, I thoroughly enjoyed the puzzle of the mystery. Budding sleuth Phoebe's dilemmas and discoveries captivated me so much I've also purchased Sturges' "Death of a Baritone," I've shared both books with friends and family, and I eagerly await the further adventures of this character in future volumes. In the meantime, I've immersed myself in other mystery series ... but this book is still my favorite.

If you've ever thought about participating in a community (that is, non-professional) theatre or other performance group, you should read this book first. Oh, not that every such organization will suffer the loss of one of the star performers the way the Northampton Repertory Company did, and thank goodness for that, or we'd be all out of live performances in no time. But, Karen Sturges has obviously participated; otherwise she could never have gotten the characters and other back-stage business so well-defined as she has in this book.The author also not only knows her music, she is a terrific writer and story-teller, with an awesome ability to plot in a believable manner. Phoebe Mullins has led a life that would devour someone less strong. An only child, she describes herself thusly: "...I, who had lost a mother at eighteen, a father at twenty-two, a baby at twenty-six, a husband at forty-seven..." Had she not immense inner reserves she hadn't known she possessed, Phoebe might well have collapsed into a puddle somewhere. But now, a bit more than a year after becoming a widow, she receives a letter from a long-lost aunt, with an invitation to come visit.A mere handful of days later, Phoebe is not only happily ensconced in the big old Victorian house with her Aunt Portia and Portia's sister-in-law, Anandi, but also finds herself as choreographer and then stage manager for the premiere production of the newly-formed company--the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, The Mikado. Of course, murder rears it's ugly head--not once, but twice, and Phoebe finds herself heading the list of suspects. She also finds herself with not one, but two possible suitors, and for a forty-eight-year-old-widow, this is heady country, indeed. Her wry asides about this and other events will prompt you to giggles and/or guffaws.The music winds its way as sensuously through the book as it does through the operetta, and if the casting is a bit too much to type in some cases, and not enough in others, well, that's a fact of life in community theatre. Not everyone can be a star. Karen Sturges clearly is, and with eager anticipation, I look forward to her next curtain call.

Phoebe has spent most of her life taking care of first her father and then her husband; both heavily involved in the music world. She kept the groupies away from both males, developed their schedules, and insured they stuck to their commitments. When her spouse died, Phoebe is shocked to learn she is broke thanks to their financial advisor's embezzling their funds.Phoebe knows she needs a job and to begin to take care of her own needs, but has no idea where to start. Aunt Portia invites Phoebe to visit her in Northampton, Massachusetts. Taking advantage of the reprieve, Phoebe travels to her aunt's home, and soon becomes part of the local community by helping with a production of the Mikado. However, things turn ugly when someone murders the universally disliked star of the show followed by the killing of a second casts member. Phoebe begins an investigation that places her in danger from an unknown assailant.DEATH OF A POOH-BAH is a well-done amateur sleuth mystery that will appeal to baby boomers because the star is one. Karen Sturges has cleverly executed the who-done-it due to the red herrings and plethora of false leads. Although readers might raise an eyebrow (like the Rock) as to why Phoebe starts her inquires, everyone will find this puzzler too good to put down until finished.Harriet Klausner