Stagestruck: 11

Description

There's plenty of drama, of the wrong kind, when a fading pop star wanting to launch an acting career at Bath's Theatre Royal gets taken to hospital with third degree burns. In the best theatrical tradition, the show goes on, but the agony turns to murder. Bath's top detective, Peter Diamond, is on the case - but for reasons he can't understand, he suffers a physical reaction amounting to phobia each time he goes near the theatre. Before he can find the killer, he must face his own demons...

Peter Lovesey's novels and short stories have won him awards all over the world, including the Gold, Silver and Cartier Diamond Daggers of the Crime Writers' Association, of which he was Chairman in 1991-2. He also recently won the CWA Short Story Dagger. He lives in Chichester.

May I be forgiven for describing Peter Lovesey as an old pro? It is truly meant as a compliment. With his ever-fresh reworking of the classic formula he never fails to intrigue and mystify. Stagestruck is one of his best. - Daily Mail A civilized British detective story - New York Times