Played to Death - by Mike Ripley (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

[A] lively adventure-- "Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Christmas"

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"

A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of 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"

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"

Outstanding . . . A joy to read-- "Booklist on Mr Campion's Christmas"

Ripley uses his well-honed sardonic wit to skewer crime fiction publishers . . . A thoroughly enjoyable read-- "Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine on 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"