Death Mask: A Jocelyn O'Roarke Mystery

Plaudits are bound to greet the third adventure of Jocelyn (Josh) O'Roarke who starred in Dentinger's witty and enticing First Hit of the Season and Murder On Cue. Both Josh's directorial debut and the future of the famous Manhattan Burbage Theater depend on a successful presentation of Shaw's Major Barbara. Although the great Frederick Revere has retired, he agrees to play the lead, rounding out a cast of distinguished performers. Josh is disturbed, however, when the theater's artistic director, JoJo Daniels, insists on casting mediocre Burton Evans in an important role. When Evans dies on stage, seemingly the victim of a heart attack, the problems accumulate along with suspicions that someone murdered the unpopular actor. The situation brings Josh's rejected lover, detective Phillip Gerrard, back into her life as he investigates. It is a murky case, perhaps arising out of secret deals to profit from the destruction of the landmark theater, but Josh considers other motives for killing. What she finds is astonishing, capping this amusing and ingenious caper. (September)