Murder at Drury Lane

Historical mysteries abound--and why not? There’s such a large subject matter--not to mention characters--from which to draw. In Robert Lee Hall’s "Mudrder at Drury Lane," we find none other than Benjamin Franklin "trodding the boards" and solving a mystery at the venerable Drury Lane Theatre in London. And for none other than David Garrick, London’s highest rated actor! Besides incorporating a special twist to American history, Hall adds another most interesting ingredient--the world of the theatre circa late 18th century!Told in first person by young (and I mean very young!) Nick Handy, Franklin’s young (and I mean very young) secretary, ward, and constant companion, the story moves along at a rapid pace, as Hall seems to be able to present the period--and characters--in a most interesting manner and fashion. Ben and Nick are engaged to find the murderer (or murderers) in a series of slayings that threaten to close down the theatre! Franklin uses hisincredible powers of logic and deduction to get at the bottom of this and before a "final curtain" is drawn, naturally, he solves the case. "Murder in Druy Lane" is the third in this series and a good one it is. A good blending of fact and fiction, coupled with a excellent portrayal of his characters, makes Hall’s book one not to be missed.