In Suzannah Rowntree's "A Stab in the Dark," the latest installment of the Miss Dark's Apparitions series, wealthy Miss Dark and her eccentric crew find themselves embroiled in a deadly mystery at the Paris Opera in 1890s France. A murdered tenor halts a Wagner production, but for Miss Dark's crew, this is an opportunity: a heist disguised as a social climb. While Molly pursues high society, Nijam seeks to solve the murder, Alphonse hopes for romance, and Mimi dreams of ballet mastery. However, as ballerinas vanish into the opera's depths, the crew must unravel the secrets of the Opera Ghost before one of their own becomes the next victim. This thrilling blend of heist and gothic mystery promises ghostly mayhem and perilous intrigue in the catacombs of the Paris Opera.
Review A Stab in the Dark
Oh my goodness, "A Stab in the Dark" was a complete whirlwind! This fifth installment of Miss Dark's Apparitions absolutely lived up to the hype, and then some. I went in expecting a fun, quirky heist story set against the backdrop of the Paris Opera, and I got that and so much more. The blend of historical detail—that wonderfully evocative 1890s Paris—and fantastical elements was perfectly balanced; it felt both richly authentic and wonderfully imaginative. The undead dancers? Don't even get me started!
But beyond the thrilling plot, it was the characters that truly stole the show. Molly and Vasily’s relationship continues to be a captivating highlight, their witty banter and burgeoning romance providing moments of genuine warmth amidst the chaos. I loved seeing Molly grappling with her own identity and ambitions, and the way Rowntree handled that internal conflict felt both realistic and deeply affecting. Nijam and Alphonse’s slow burn is just as compelling, their hesitant steps towards intimacy creating a lovely counterpoint to Molly and Vasily’s more established connection. And Mimi? Don't even get me started on Mimi! Her journey was incredibly satisfying to witness, her determination and resourcefulness shining through. Seriously, this entire crew is just delightful; their individual quirks and their collective dynamics are a masterclass in character building. Their combined ridiculousness and inherent brilliance is captivating.
The mystery itself was cleverly constructed, keeping me guessing until the very end. Rowntree expertly weaves together the threads of the heist, the murder investigation, and the characters' personal struggles, creating a narrative that is both intricately plotted and surprisingly emotionally resonant. The author’s clever allusions to “The Phantom of the Opera” were a fun touch, adding another layer of enjoyment to the story without feeling forced or derivative. Instead, it felt like a loving homage, a playful nod to a classic tale reimagined with a fresh, modern sensibility.
The humor throughout the book was another major draw. The deadpan wit, the perfectly timed one-liners, the sheer absurdity of some situations—it all combined to create a reading experience that was both exhilarating and laugh-out-loud funny. The author’s ability to balance lightheartedness with genuinely suspenseful moments is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. It's a book that will leave you breathless one minute and giggling the next.
While the book works wonderfully as a standalone read, the rich tapestry of the larger Miss Dark universe is undeniably alluring. The established relationships and recurring themes make you crave more adventures with this unforgettable group. This isn't just a book; it's an experience. A fantastic, thrilling, hilarious, and deeply satisfying experience that left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter (and desperately hoping there are many more to come!). If you love a good heist, a touch of the supernatural, a healthy dose of humor, and characters you'll genuinely care about, then "A Stab in the Dark" is an absolute must-read. Seriously, just read it. You won’t regret it.
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.87 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 346
- Publication date: 2024
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