Stage Fright

Jimmy McSwain Files Series, Book 3

By: Adam Carpenter

Narrated by: Joel Leslie

All the world's a stage, but in Stage Fright, Hell's Kitchen private detective Jimmy McSwain learns that life upon its wicked boards can be a killer.

The Harold Calloway Theatre on West 47th Street is home to the new play Triskaidekaphobia, and its playwright has been receiving threatening messages. Theater owner and lead producer Wellington Calloway has hired Jimmy to investigate, but it's a case not without its complications. His mother is the head usher there, and Jimmy grew up on its aisles. His ex, Remy, is also the costume designer for the show, a man he hasn't seen in years.

Further making his life difficult is the mysterious Seetha Assan, who is connected - albeit tentatively - to the case that forever haunts Jimmy - his own father's murder. She may just have the clue to help him finally solve the cold case.

As opening night for the play looms, Jimmy finds himself involved in a nest of egos and personalities, all while seeking to find the missing Seetha. Toss in his on-again, off-again relationship with Captain Francis X. Frisano, and suddenly Jimmy's life is edging toward tragedy. That's when a murderer strikes, and suddenly nothing is pretend anymore. Life on the stage has turned all too real, and all too deadly. Just like on the mean streets of Manhattan.

©2016 Adam Carpenter (P)2020 Tantor

Enjoyed it

Good mystery, likable MC. Didn’t listen to the first two books but it worked well as a standalone. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Another good suspense

As usual Joel Leslie was brilliant with his different accents and character voices. The story was intriguing with the little mysteries but most of all because Jimmy is closer to finding out about his father. I really would like to see a happy ending for Frank and Jimmy but I highly doubt that's going to happen anytime soon.

Love it.!

Its a great Mystery ! parts keeping you on the edge of your set. it is a MM but not a lot he is amazing private detective! the author keeps you guessing tell the end it dose rap the ending up well no cliff hangers. can't wait for the next one!

Great story. Great narration.

The theater backdrop of this story takes center stage in the plot. (Sorry, had to write that...)

This book takes an even more personal note as Jimmy takes on a case for the theater where his mother works. He also acquires some potential leads on his father's suspected killer. The two cases put Jimmy in both physical and emotional peril. I am glad that Jimmy doesn't feel compelled to carry a gun, but I really wish he would get a taser or a baton. I am worried for his continued safety.

I appreciate the sense of community built into this series. The author has done a wonderful job of showing the perks and the perils of living in a close knit community. In the previous book the author had some enlightening insight into the different ways that LGBTQ members of that community are treated based on their personalities and the support of their families. Those perspectives are continuing to be explored in this book.

The narration continues to be an excellent way to experience this book, and I have already started on the next book.