Played to Death (Main)
Played to Death (Main)
Played to Death (Main)
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Description
Description
It's curtains down for one actor when preparations for a new murder mystery play at the local theatre take a chillingly real twist . . .
The Librarian Retirement was beckoning until local lawyer Adam Cunningham - aka the Hopewell Players' pantomime dame - requested my professional opinion on the script of their next play that he's been given. The Lawyer The script is terrible! And it rips off a number of Golden Age mysteries. With Roly's knowledge of crime fiction, I might be able to get the whole thing cancelled. The Producer I couldn't believe it when I learned that my late father had written a play of all things! And now the players will perform his work - until one of them is found dead. . . The Inspector A body on the stage of the local playhouse doesn't happen often round here. Was it a pre-rehearsal accident, suicide . . . or is the spotlight about to fall on a murderer? Told from the point of view of four unreliable narrators, most of whom can't be trusted - The Librarian, The Lawyer, The Producer and The Inspector - this cunningly inventive novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
Breezy in tone but ingenious in construction, Ripley's playful mystery deserves a standing ovation-- "Publishers Weekly"
Five unreliable narrators and Ripley's trademark wit ensure the reader will not look at classic crime in quite the same way again-- "The Financial Times on Buried Above Ground"
A labyrinthine tale of envy, greed, lust, and murder most foul, seasoned with touches of acerbic humor. Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley-- "Booklist Starred Review of Buried Above Ground"
Ripley's best book: a wickedly funny sendup of the clichés behind all those classic mysteries and their successors-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Buried Above Ground"
This is catnip for Anthony Horowitz fans-- "Publishers Weekly on Buried Above Ground"
Ripley uses his well-honed sardonic wit to skewer crime fiction publishers . . . A thoroughly enjoyable read-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine on Buried Above Ground"
A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Christmas"
Outstanding . . . A joy to read-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Christmas"
[A] lively adventure-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Christmas"
Clever, witty, and packed with intriguing characters, period ambiance, and unexpected twists-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Memory"
Excellent . . . This dead-on pastiche will satisfy newcomers and series devotees alike-- "Publishers Weekly on Mr Campion's Memory"
Features [Ripley's] trademark subtle humor, memorable characters, and unusual plots . . . Another winner for Ripley's legions of loyal fans-- "Booklist"
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Severn House
Pub date:
2026-06-02
Length:
272 pages
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