Death in the limelight

by A.E. Martin

210 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1946

Reviews

[notgettingenough · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think this was as good as the first of his I read. It would have made a great B grade Hollywood movie, black and white, made in a week when that used to be the way.

Love the Mexican knife-thrower, thoroughly jealous type bursting into every which place looking for his girlfriend and excitedly throwing knives about.

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[Jimmy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of the early chapters of "Death in the Limelight" is written from the point of view of one of the various protagonists, until we ultimately settle on Bob and Janie, our two wholesome favorites. As you might expect from the title, the majority of our cast are actors - some "legit" and some vaudeville. Our murder occurs in the very first chapter, with the second chapter a bit of a backtrack to set a second stage for the bigger cast of characters.

A. E. Martin (1885-1955) was born in Australia, where our story occurs. He became a novelist when he was over fifty, but co-founded/owned a weekly newspaper in his hometown earlier in life. Most significantly, at 27, he was mentored by Houdini and later became involved in promoting circus events and vaudeville acts in Australia.

With "Limelight" involving a mentalist/hypnotist and his supporting cast, a jealous knife thrower and frisky assistant, the doorman, stage support, and our engaged dance team of Bob and Janie, the author's professional experience does him proud. As if that cast wasn't enough to stir up a good plot, we add to the story a retired actress, who has recently rediscovered a few apparently venal family members, has an oddly protective and familiar manservant, and still talks to her late husband.

Unlike many more popular authors, Martin skillfully manages the voluminous cast and complex plot with ease - I never had a moment where I needed to go back and figure out what just happened to who. And, although I had been reading along with the Inspector's revelations, I was surprised with the results at the end. Good read.

[dmayr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending felt a bit rushed and the tying up of loose ends a little bit confusing, but the goings on were entertaining, especially with Egan Crane who is one funny character.