Book 28, 2020

Curtains for Romeo by Jessa Archer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Last night I finished reading Curtains for Romeo by Jessa Archer. It's the first book in the "Coastal Playhouse" mystery series, although I understand there's a prequel...? I hate not reading things in order. Story is told in first person pov by the main character, Antigone "Tig" Alden.

When acting jobs dry up, Tig and her teenage daughter move to the outer banks of North Carolina, where Tig grew up. She moves into the house she inherited from her mother and accepts a job teaching at the local college. When the theater professor, whose job Tig was hired for, is found murdered, Tig's former high school nemesis and current reporter, Alicia Brown, implicates her as a suspect. However, the victim was known as a womanizer, which means there is no shortage of suspects for who may have wanted him dead.

Tig also reconnects with her teenage flame, Travis Lamm, who now works for the local police. Her daughter seems to approve of the relationship, as does Antigone's deceased mother, who occasionally appears in the house. Tig isn't sure if she's losing her mind, but she does know she needs this murder solved so she can get on with her life.

I enjoyed this story. Tig was a likable heroine, and the other characters were portrayed well, including the loathsome Alicia. The plot flowed smoothly, and the resolution was satisfying.

Favorite line: That's one thing about old frenemies. You already know which buttons to push.

Very good, and I look forward to reading more in this series.