This story gave a detailed insight into the workings of theatre in England. The hardships the actors and actresses faced, the attitude of the aristocracy towards the theatre world, supporting and patronizing only when it suited them and treating them with disdain for the most part.

Prudence an heiress and Geoffrey Hunter ex Pinkerton, have worked before in detective mode, and when the theatre erupts into one murder of the lead star of the play, murdered by arsenic poisoning both George and Prudence are drawn into the investigation because prudence’s friend Lydia is so troubled by the murder which both Police and the theatre producer is trying to sweep under the carpet. The lead actor Septimus was Lydia’s cousin. Going undercover as seamstresses was not very successful but they discover another victim smothered in a trunk followed by two attempts on both Lydia and Prudence’s life.


The detective work is thorough but there are many hurdles to overcome. The theatre community is tight knit and the murderer knows that they are being pursued. The number of suspects varies from day to day and in the meantime the production of the play goes on and the opening night is very successful, even though the lead actress and the producer are prime suspects. Characters were very well portrayed and the touch of romance was a nice touch.

A finely rendered mystery, though this installment started to make me feel that the series has run its course.

To start, I’m not sure why every historical mystery series needs a “death at the theatre” book. It’s not a great premise (though there are certainly authors who have made the most of it), but mostly it’s just overused, and always makes me feel like the author is running out of ideas.

Structurally the mystery here is fine, and I liked how it ended, though getting there feels like a bit of a slog. A lot of that is due to the fact that while this does technically feel historically accurate, that aspect of the books has become more generic as the series progresses, and we’ve lost a lot of the supremely good historical detail that made the early installments in the series stand out in a very crowded subgenre.

The central characters remain likable, but they no longer feel as fully formed, in the sense that you don’t get the impression they do much when they’re “offstage,” and that makes for a far less immersive read. Aside from needlessly gross descriptions of Prudence’s hand wound, we get very little anecdotal detail, and that used to be the best thing about Simpson’s work.

This was a particularly good installment of this reliably good mystery series. Gritty and interesting as always, with lots of twists and turns and a surprising but satisfying denouement.

I love this book. I hadn’t read any of the earlier books in this series of Gilded Age mysteries. I was a bit hesitant when I realized that it was a series and I was coming in at the middle. But it was never a problem. The author does a nice job of introducing the various characters with enough background information so I could figure out how they all related to each other without thinking that it was artificial. The characters were all interesting and the author even introduces depth to characters who show up for one short scene. The setting of a group putting on a play in 1890s New York along with the characters who have a background in vaudeville was quite intriguing.

All the characters who come together to investigate the two murders made an interesting team of different personalities and skills. It wasn’t that much of a surprise who the murderer was; there were only two choices and the hints were present. But it still kept my interest to see how it was going to turn out and what would happen.

I so enjoyed this book that I now plan to read the earlier ones.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This is a wonderful series and if you love historical mysteries like me, I would encourage you to start at the beginning!

Full of wonderful characters and of course a mystery at the death of the star of a play, the journey to discovering the culprit will keep you glued to the pages!

Loved this story and this series!

Investigative partners Geoffrey Hunter, former Pinkerton, and Prudence MacKenzie, society miss and lady lawyer, become involved in a new case through Prudence’s friend Lydia Truitt. Well drawn characters, great setting, a convoluted mystery with lots of drama and historical tidbits about the theater world and vaudeville. Geoffrey and Prudence did not spend much time investigating together, but their relationship is moved forward. The story is told in multiple POV, as several secondary characters are integral to the plot. Series is best read in order for the full back story on the characters.

Lawyer Prudence MacKenzie and investigator Geoffrey Hunter dive into the sordid world of Gilded Age Broadway theatre in the 9th book in this series. I am enjoying both the personal and professional developments of this crime-fighting couple and look forward to more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As a former NYC resident, I always enjoy the Manhattan-related elements of Simpson’s Gilded Age mysteries (I especially appreciated the appearance of the Metropolitan Museum in Murder Wears a Hidden Face). In the lively ninth installment, Prudence MacKenzie’s strength and smarts are tested by a murder in the city’s theatrical circles—a world that’s even more dramatic offstage than on. As always with this series, the plotting is well-crafted and the glimpse of Gilded Age America rich (in several senses of the word).

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Rosemary Simpson for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death Takes the Lead coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’ve actually only read the first book in this series, so I definitely need to read the books in between. I’m obsessed with historical mysteries. I really loved the theater setting. Plays definitely provide a lot of drama, which is perfect for murder mysteries! Prudence and Geoffrey are really smart pair and I really loved the mystery in this book. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical cozy mysteries!

In this ninth Gilded Age adventure featuring attorney Prudence MacKenzie and her ex-Pinkerton partner Geoffrey Hunter our investigators become involved in murder and other drama on Broadway. The main and major supporting characters are best understood if you have read all or most of the previous books, especaily since a few of the supporting characters play important roles. I particularly enjoyed the setting and attention to historical roles of women and actors.

This is the ninth book in the series, and I unfortunately had difficulty keeping track of the characters. The tone of the book is too dark for me, but I’m sure others will enjoy it.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

After attending a rehearsal of Waif of the Highlands, Prudence MacKenzie is hired to investigate the mysterious death of leading actor Septimus Ward. Prudence’s friend, Lydia Truitt, is Septimus’s cousin, and she is determined to prove that it was Septimus who wrote the play and that he allowed the director to take credit in exchange for his lover getting the role as leading lady. Septimus was planning to go back on the deal, and Lydia is convinced that it was got him killed. Lydia gets positions for herself and Prudence and in the theater’s wardrobe department so that they can mingle with the others involved in the play. While undercover at the theater, a second person is murdered. When Lydia and Prudence get too close to exposing the truth, they are both threatened and attacked. With Prudence confined to her bed, it is up to her partner, Geoffrey Hunter, and their various connections to infiltrate the theater troupe and see to it that Septimus’s murderer faces justice.

I’m always excited for the next novel in the Gilded Age Mystery series, but DEATH TAKES THE LEAD fell flat for me. The mystery itself was interesting, but the focus on the novel was on the secondary characters opposed to Prudence and Geoffrey. Geoffrey had little to do with the investigation, and there was little interaction between the two in the first half of the novel. Had I not read the other books in the series, I would have been clueless that there was a romantic involvement between Prudence and Geoffrey until he finally (FINALLY!) took the next step in advancing their relationship. As for Prudence, she just came off as unlikable in this novel. I would have preferred more focus on Prudence and Geoffrey than on the secondary characters—especially the ones whose storylines seemed superfluous to the story. The ending of the novel was disappointing as there was no confrontation between Prudence, Geoffrey, and the killer. I’m hoping things pick up in the next novel and that the focus returns to Prudence and Geoffrey.

I always enjoy this series. I like the historical setting, and I really like the characters. mystery was engaging and fast-paced.

This story is fascinating! The theater world is completely alien to Prudence but she and Geoffrey take on a case of theft and murder. They have their suspect, but proving a case without evidence is problematical. Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover and work for the costume mistress. Prudence can barely sew and has to take ironing lessons from her lady's maid. How long will her disguise last?

Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover in the theater to find a murderous villain in this latest installment in a series that will also be fine as a standalone especially for those who enjoy historical cozies. I'm not usually a fan of theater based mysteries but Simpson does a nice job with the atmospherics here and, of course there are the characters. Fans will want to know where Geoffrey is as he's not as active a partner this time until.....no spoilers. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read with a sufficiently twisty mystery that moves Prudence and Geoffrey forward.

Another excellent Gilded Age mystery. I’ve always been a theater kid, so I loved how this mystery revolved around the backstage of a Broadway theater. Multiple POVs keep the story moving, and a huge development was quietly made in the over-arching storyline. Long time fans will be pleased.

I'm always excited when another book releases in the Gilded Age mystery series, and as usual, this one doesn't disappoint.

Prudence is called upon by a friend to help protect her cousin's rights as a playwright for the authorship of a play that promises to be big at the box office. However, when murders begin racking up connected to the play, both ladies go undercover to try and flush out the dastardly villain(s). With their lives in peril, the two must call on their male counterparts/friends to step in for assistance.

I really liked that Prudence and Judith were the "stars" of the show in this one. I also thought it clever how it seemed that the victims were being chosen. And the denouement was totally original and not what I was expecting...loved it! There is also some movement on the personal front for Prudence and Geoffrey which is heartwarming and swoon worthy...especially one particular scene.

All in all, very well done and an excellent addition to an already stellar series.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing the free early arc of Death Takes the Lead for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Prudence and her friend Lydia go undercover as backstage seamstresses to solve the murder of Lydia‘s beloved cousin, Septimus Ward.

Septimus was going to hire Prudence (a lawyer) to get recognition as the writer of the play in which he was starring. He had agreed to give Barrett Hughes (famous actor and director) the credit for authorship in exchange for giving him and Flora Campbell, leading roles. Septimus was deeply in love with Flora but he came to regret this sacrifice, as Hughes worked his evil charm on her.

While undercover at the theater, there is a second murder, and then both Lydia and Prudence are almost murdered. For their own safety, they must step aside and the investigation is continued by the most fascinating and entertaining group of ex-Pinkerton agents. These characters have been in previous books, but in Death Takes the Lead, their characters’ are developed so brilliantly they could have their own book series.

Meanwhile Geoffrey (Prudence’s partner) is sidetracked, taking care of her after the attack. He finally admits how he feels about her in the most romantic and satisfying way.

The ex-pinks continue investigating the murders searching the pasts of all the possible suspects. What they find is further proof that Barrett Hughes is despicable and avaricious, but is he the murderer?

Just like in every single one of Rosemary Simpson‘s books, this too is a winner. Her writing is excellent and seamlessly carries the reader from beginning to end—not wanting to put the book down. I had high expectations and I was not let down by Death Takes the Lead.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, but I would highly recommend this to everyone.

#DeathTakestheLead #NetGalley

I wavered on my rating for this book. It’s between a 3 and a 4, but erring closer to the 3. Rosemary Simpson is a very good and very thorough storyteller and this ninth addition to the series is no exception. It takes the reader backstage to the nuances of theater life and rivalries in gilded age New York.

What fell short for me were the character relationships. Geoffrey had a very minimal role throughout, and, at the risk of being too spoilerish (but with eight books behind it, there’s no huge surprise here) the resolution of Geoffrey and Prudence FINALLY progressing in their romantic relationship felt abrupt. It felt like there was too much reliance on their interactions in previous novels and not enough conversation/interaction between them in this book to make their engagement feel like a natural progression to the reader. If I hadn’t read the others, it would’ve felt distinctly lackluster.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rosemary Simpson's Prudence MacKenzie mysteries have all been very atmospheric and well written. Death Takes the Lead is no exception to this. Murders take place during the run up to a play's opening and Prudence goes undercover to solve the crimes. The cutthroat nature of show business is a bit overdone here, but overall, this is a satisfying installment in the series. 3 1/2 stars.