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Foul Deeds Will Rise
To prove her friend’s innocence, she’s willing to face death.
By 1875, Lillian Nolan believes she has successfully shut off any connection to the spirit world. That winter she is thrilled when she wins the role of Ophelia in a new production of Hamlet in her home town of Chicago. Everything changes when the body of the managing director is found sprawled across the steps of the dress circle and all the investors’ money is missing. Lillian fears, once again, her career is over before it begins.
After her dearest friend is arrested for murder, Lillian commits herself to discovering the truth. Her search is complicated by a strange man who is following her, the romantic overtures of her co-star, and a reunion with an old nemesis. But nothing is what it seems. What she does find puts a member of her own family at risk and leads to the unmasking of the killer with lethal consequences for herself.
Foul Deeds Will Rise is the second standalone book in the Backstage Mystery Series. If you enjoy historical mysteries that blend fact and fiction and include a touch of the paranormal, then you’ll love Elizabeth Ireland’s story of the adventures of one young actress during the golden age of acting and spiritualism in America.
Buy Foul Deeds Will Rise and discover that death may just be the beginning…
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2019
21 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Ireland
8 books40 followersElizabeth Ireland discovered her passion for theater early. After receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in Theater, she accepted a teaching position in a vibrant performing arts department at a college in northern Illinois. For ten years, she taught, directed and ran front-of-house operations. American Theater History—particularly that of the 19th century—has always been of particular interest to her.
She has been a quarter-finalist and a semi-finalist for the Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship in screenwriting sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Two of her screenplays have been optioned. Her nonfiction work, Women of Vision: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives, was published in 2008. Her work has also been published in a collection of paranormal short stories, Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving the Undead. She lives in metro Atlanta with her ever-patient husband, and two quirky dachshunds.
Learn about her upcoming work and the next installment in the Backstage Mystery series at: http://www.backstagemystery.com/
She has been a quarter-finalist and a semi-finalist for the Don and Gee Nicholl Fellowship in screenwriting sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Two of her screenplays have been optioned. Her nonfiction work, Women of Vision: Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives, was published in 2008. Her work has also been published in a collection of paranormal short stories, Paramourtal: Tales of Undying Love and Loving the Undead. She lives in metro Atlanta with her ever-patient husband, and two quirky dachshunds.
Learn about her upcoming work and the next installment in the Backstage Mystery series at: http://www.backstagemystery.com/
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 14, 2019
As with A Walking Shadow, the previous book in the A Backstage Mystery series, Foul Deeds Will Rise opens with a sudden death. In this case it is Phillip Kincaid who passes away, seemingly of natural causes. In the few chapters in which he is alive, it certainly appears as if he is a man with a serious medical condition but this is a mystery, of course and so it isn't surprising when foul play is soon suspected.
Once again, the events here are told through the now ninety-six year old Lillian Nolan's memoir, written in 1950. Although Foul Deeds Will Rise can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, it does reference the first novel and I would ideally recommend reading the series in order, if possible. We learn that following her traumatic introduction to the theatrical world, Lillian reunited with her family, despite their lingering reticence towards her chosen career. After a short period without work, she joined a touring company where she served her apprenticeship as an actor. It's really interesting to see how Lillian's character evolves over the years in which the story takes place and how she changes from being a naive young girl into a assured professional who takes every opportunity to learn how to best hone her craft. Those with a knowledge of Shakespeare's plays will recognise the title of the book as a line from Hamlet and after Lillian meets and befriends the celebrated actress, Regina Ellicott, she is given the role of Ophelia. The production is set in her home town of Chicago and it means she is able to live with her beloved grandmother.
After Phillip Kincaid's death, his widow, Regina is arrested on suspicion of his murder. Lillian desperately wishes to clear her friend's name but she has other pressing issues to deal with too, including concerning financial matters affecting her grandmother and the upcoming nuptials of her oldest brother. Her terrifying encounter with the spirit world previously means she has worked hard to suppress her abilities and it means there is less of a supernatural feel to this book. Nevertheless, the spirits still find ways of communicating with her and there are little hints of someone beyond our mortal plane who wishes to make their presence known throughout the story.
The mystery of who killed Phillip is intriguing but I felt it is the development of Lillian's character which really makes Foul Deeds Will Rise so compelling. She is a young woman determined to make a success of her career, despite it being considered an unworthy choice for somebody of her class. During the course of the novel she makes some important discoveries about who she is and what she wants from her life and inevitably makes some mistakes or errors of judgement as she tries to make sense of a world she is still learning about. Her personal and professional life are both affected by events in the story and readers are reminded that it was a very different time for women of the age who risked being condemned harshly if it was discovered that they had behaved in a way not considered lady-like. Lillian's resolute strength of character stands her in good stead but I appreciated that she does make potentially unwise choices which could lead to her risking her reputation - and indeed, her life.
Foul Deeds Will Rise is atmospheric, convincing historical fiction set in a world which is fascinating to read about and authentically brought to life. I enjoyed the smaller domestic elements of the story as much as the more obviously exciting scenes and the mystery of Phillip's death never becomes the sole focus of the book, complemented throughout by Lillian's honest, often wry recollections of her past. This is an excellent second book in a series I am thoroughly enjoying and I look forward to reading the third novel, Forms of Things Unknown very soon.
Once again, the events here are told through the now ninety-six year old Lillian Nolan's memoir, written in 1950. Although Foul Deeds Will Rise can easily be enjoyed as a standalone, it does reference the first novel and I would ideally recommend reading the series in order, if possible. We learn that following her traumatic introduction to the theatrical world, Lillian reunited with her family, despite their lingering reticence towards her chosen career. After a short period without work, she joined a touring company where she served her apprenticeship as an actor. It's really interesting to see how Lillian's character evolves over the years in which the story takes place and how she changes from being a naive young girl into a assured professional who takes every opportunity to learn how to best hone her craft. Those with a knowledge of Shakespeare's plays will recognise the title of the book as a line from Hamlet and after Lillian meets and befriends the celebrated actress, Regina Ellicott, she is given the role of Ophelia. The production is set in her home town of Chicago and it means she is able to live with her beloved grandmother.
After Phillip Kincaid's death, his widow, Regina is arrested on suspicion of his murder. Lillian desperately wishes to clear her friend's name but she has other pressing issues to deal with too, including concerning financial matters affecting her grandmother and the upcoming nuptials of her oldest brother. Her terrifying encounter with the spirit world previously means she has worked hard to suppress her abilities and it means there is less of a supernatural feel to this book. Nevertheless, the spirits still find ways of communicating with her and there are little hints of someone beyond our mortal plane who wishes to make their presence known throughout the story.
The mystery of who killed Phillip is intriguing but I felt it is the development of Lillian's character which really makes Foul Deeds Will Rise so compelling. She is a young woman determined to make a success of her career, despite it being considered an unworthy choice for somebody of her class. During the course of the novel she makes some important discoveries about who she is and what she wants from her life and inevitably makes some mistakes or errors of judgement as she tries to make sense of a world she is still learning about. Her personal and professional life are both affected by events in the story and readers are reminded that it was a very different time for women of the age who risked being condemned harshly if it was discovered that they had behaved in a way not considered lady-like. Lillian's resolute strength of character stands her in good stead but I appreciated that she does make potentially unwise choices which could lead to her risking her reputation - and indeed, her life.
Foul Deeds Will Rise is atmospheric, convincing historical fiction set in a world which is fascinating to read about and authentically brought to life. I enjoyed the smaller domestic elements of the story as much as the more obviously exciting scenes and the mystery of Phillip's death never becomes the sole focus of the book, complemented throughout by Lillian's honest, often wry recollections of her past. This is an excellent second book in a series I am thoroughly enjoying and I look forward to reading the third novel, Forms of Things Unknown very soon.
May 25, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The story here does stand alone, with any necessary backstory filled in as the plot requires, but I would personally recommend reading the series in order for a full picture of Lillian’s life.
Lillian is the main character and direct narrative voice as she recounts her youthful adventures in memoir form in her elder years. This slightly lessens the tension of any peril she faces during the course of the plots, but pays off in the dual perspectives of her ‘then-and-now’ commentary on the events she describes.
The murder mystery here is clever and easy-to-follow, with just the right number of suspects to keep it interesting without confusing matters. Elizabeth Ireland has varied the paranormal element of the plot by introducing the concept of spirit guides and subconscious interplay between the spirit and material worlds; adding to the direct ghost hauntings and possessions she has already established.
I particularly loved in this book how the author handled the sub-plot of Lillian’s romantic life. Her sexual nature and surrounding emotions are explored with honesty and sensitivity, and her subsequent behaviour is proud and dignified.
As usual with this series there is a fascinating insight into the backstage world of rehearsals, props and understudies. I would definitely recommend these stories to anyone who likes a traditional murder mystery with some less traditional ghostly assistance / hindrance, and lashings of theatrical flair!
“Mr. Kincaid? Mr. Kincaid, sir? The play is over.”
Phillip appeared to ignore him. The usher shook his shoulder much harder and suddenly Phillip slid out of his chair and his body sprawled onto the steps in the aisle.
The usher leaned in to take a good look at Phillip, gave a muffled scream, turned, and ran for the exit.
There was a moment of complete and utter silence in the empty theatre. And then, Phillip rose out of his body, stood, and looked at the corpse on the floor. Then he heard a male voice speak from behind him.
“Bit of a shock at first, isn’t it?”
– Elizabeth Ireland, Foul Deeds Will Rise
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The story here does stand alone, with any necessary backstory filled in as the plot requires, but I would personally recommend reading the series in order for a full picture of Lillian’s life.
Lillian is the main character and direct narrative voice as she recounts her youthful adventures in memoir form in her elder years. This slightly lessens the tension of any peril she faces during the course of the plots, but pays off in the dual perspectives of her ‘then-and-now’ commentary on the events she describes.
The murder mystery here is clever and easy-to-follow, with just the right number of suspects to keep it interesting without confusing matters. Elizabeth Ireland has varied the paranormal element of the plot by introducing the concept of spirit guides and subconscious interplay between the spirit and material worlds; adding to the direct ghost hauntings and possessions she has already established.
I particularly loved in this book how the author handled the sub-plot of Lillian’s romantic life. Her sexual nature and surrounding emotions are explored with honesty and sensitivity, and her subsequent behaviour is proud and dignified.
As usual with this series there is a fascinating insight into the backstage world of rehearsals, props and understudies. I would definitely recommend these stories to anyone who likes a traditional murder mystery with some less traditional ghostly assistance / hindrance, and lashings of theatrical flair!
“Mr. Kincaid? Mr. Kincaid, sir? The play is over.”
Phillip appeared to ignore him. The usher shook his shoulder much harder and suddenly Phillip slid out of his chair and his body sprawled onto the steps in the aisle.
The usher leaned in to take a good look at Phillip, gave a muffled scream, turned, and ran for the exit.
There was a moment of complete and utter silence in the empty theatre. And then, Phillip rose out of his body, stood, and looked at the corpse on the floor. Then he heard a male voice speak from behind him.
“Bit of a shock at first, isn’t it?”
– Elizabeth Ireland, Foul Deeds Will Rise
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 16, 2019
Thank you to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Now this is the second book in the Backstage Mystery series and I have to say it is definitely just as intriguing as the first! Now this I think could be read as a standalone but I think it would be best to read the first in series beforehand. Once again written as a memoir we follow Lillian as she is immediately confronted with another death and the mystery that surrounds this. I think I enjoyed this book a little more than the first possibly because I had already got to know Lillian but also I think she develops more as a character within this book than the first. I also think I knew what to expect and went in super excited to see how it Lillian stories continued! Once again I really enjoyed the theater aspect of the book as well as the mystery and once again it was really refreshing to read something a little out of my comfort zone especially when it was so enjoyable!
A really great four star read!
Rating: 4/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
Now this is the second book in the Backstage Mystery series and I have to say it is definitely just as intriguing as the first! Now this I think could be read as a standalone but I think it would be best to read the first in series beforehand. Once again written as a memoir we follow Lillian as she is immediately confronted with another death and the mystery that surrounds this. I think I enjoyed this book a little more than the first possibly because I had already got to know Lillian but also I think she develops more as a character within this book than the first. I also think I knew what to expect and went in super excited to see how it Lillian stories continued! Once again I really enjoyed the theater aspect of the book as well as the mystery and once again it was really refreshing to read something a little out of my comfort zone especially when it was so enjoyable!
A really great four star read!
Rating: 4/5
Would I read again: Yes
Would I Recommend: Yes
Would I read another book from this author: Yes
May 15, 2019
This is the second book in the A Backstage Mystery series by Elizabeth Ireland…but can easily be read as a Stand-alone.
Philip Kincaid has died…natural causes? Maybe not and suspicion is raised at something more sinister…
The story is told by the elderly, Lillian Nolan and her memoirs.
Phillip Kincaid’s widow, Regina is arrested on suspicion of his murder. She is a friend of Lillian and so Lillian wants to help her clear her name..the spirits again make themselves known, adding a little of the supernatural to this clever and intriguing tale. There’s more of Lillian’s background and life too which add the to atmosphere along with the excitement of solving a murder….
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Philip Kincaid has died…natural causes? Maybe not and suspicion is raised at something more sinister…
The story is told by the elderly, Lillian Nolan and her memoirs.
Phillip Kincaid’s widow, Regina is arrested on suspicion of his murder. She is a friend of Lillian and so Lillian wants to help her clear her name..the spirits again make themselves known, adding a little of the supernatural to this clever and intriguing tale. There’s more of Lillian’s background and life too which add the to atmosphere along with the excitement of solving a murder….
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
May 18, 2019
Another fantastic read from Elizabeth Ireland's Backstage Mysteries series. This can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed it more because I read the first novel. It references the first novel a few times, and if you read the first novel, you'll have more of a sense of Lillian.
Told as a memoir, I really love the way this novel us written. It's interesting to see how Lillian evolves over the years. This story is almost more compelling because we get to watch Lillian.
The mystery is once again intriguing. The pace kept me invested. I really liked Foul Deeds Will Rise. I highly recommend checking it out!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
Told as a memoir, I really love the way this novel us written. It's interesting to see how Lillian evolves over the years. This story is almost more compelling because we get to watch Lillian.
The mystery is once again intriguing. The pace kept me invested. I really liked Foul Deeds Will Rise. I highly recommend checking it out!
*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
March 31, 2019
Second in the series and just as enjoyable. Lillian Nolan continued her story a few years later. A different murder took place within the theatre world, and she was asked to help solve it. By the end of the story, she accepted her spiritualist side and realized how helpful it was. The characters are well described, and I came to enjoy their quirks and personalities more this time round. This story stands alone, but I do recommend reading A Walking Shadow for introductions to Lillian and her family.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
May 22, 2019
I was really pleased to read the second in the Backstage Mystery Series, as I thoroughly enjoyed the first A Walking Shadow.
As I said before the author’s knowledge of the subject shines through and it only adds to the superb story. Whilst reading I could picture the theatre, the scenery and the characters.
This story follows on from the first one and Lillian finds herself touring after the fire. She is then invited to play Ophelia, where she makes a new friend, she has just found her feet when tragedy strikes again. She will risk everything to discover the truth.
As I said before the author’s knowledge of the subject shines through and it only adds to the superb story. Whilst reading I could picture the theatre, the scenery and the characters.
This story follows on from the first one and Lillian finds herself touring after the fire. She is then invited to play Ophelia, where she makes a new friend, she has just found her feet when tragedy strikes again. She will risk everything to discover the truth.
August 27, 2019
This is my favorite mixture of genre - mixing some fiction in among historical facts to create a fabulous story. Then throw in a mystery and now I have everything I want! I am enjoying this series very much. Each is a stand alone read with great characters, lots of action and all of my favorite things mixed in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2019
A great follow to A Walking Shadow, but not needed to read this book. A story full of twists to keep you entertained in this murder mystery in the world of theater. This is a great story and enjoyed it greatly..
March 27, 2019
You don’t have to be a big Shakespeare fan to enjoy how Ireland brings out the best of him in her theatrical references. This is a wonderful follow on to A Walking Shadow, a deeper dive into Lillian’s character as she matures in her stage roles and her life experiences. Enough twists around the crime to keep you guessing right to the end.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews