A Fatal Dose: Behind the Mask

by Fred M. White

This murder mystery shows how the looks can be utterly deceiving. The main character looks like she has it all, but she hides a dark secret and an enemy determined to expose her true personality. "Nevertheless, the smile faded from her face, and her features became harsh and almost haggard as she lounged back in the shadow. She wondered what all her superficial friends would say if they knew the truth. She had had her enemies, too, but these she had conquered by sheer force of character. Two years ago she had been unknown to the great world of London, and now she had reached the top of the shimmering flood by sheer fascination and audacity. Yet "All that glitters is not gold," and this brilliant creature was dross to the core." Frederick White (1859–1935), mostly known for mysteries, is considered also as one of the pioneers of the spy story.

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Frederick Merrick White (1859–1935) wrote a number of novels and short stories under the name "Fred M. White" including the six "Doom of London" science-fiction stories, in which various catastrophes beset London.

(Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Alonzo Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eleanor Marsh, adventuress, has risen up from nothing to become a figure in London society. But it has cost her — and not just spiritually. Debt collectors hound her and her clever thievery of some loose diamonds has been found out. Only a brilliant marriage to a rich man can save her from jail. But the rich man she has in her clutches has a fiancée.

She’s in a tight spot. But she’s a clever girl with a plan. And if the plan does not work, she has others.

A good first half features our heroine’s frantic scheming to keep her high wire act going. The second half which unwinds all the plotting gets a bit dull as much of the finish can be predicted.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think White can create some of the best rather unlikable characters that I end up really disliking. In this book the main character is Eleanor Marsh and is at the top of society circles. She is not a nice person and is described as an adventuress quite a bit in this book. She is always looking for an opportunity to make some money no matter who it hurts....