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Alms for Oblivion: A Shakespearean Murder Mystery

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"Alms for Oblivion" is the fourth in the series "A Shakespearean Murder Mystery" by Philip Gooden. The author in each of these four takes a Shakespeare play as its literary theme--and so far so good. This series, featuring the young player Nicholas Revill, is an excellent read, even if the reader isn't a scholar, or even fan, of The Bard.

Nicholas, while trying very hard to make his way as a serious actor, seems to find himself, book by book, in nasty, fiendish, nefarious murder situations. Of course, Gooden is free with his references to Shakespeare (who also appears as a minor character) and this gives the series not only a unique flair but hints at serious writing! This time around, Gooden treats us to "Troilus and Cressida" as his "central" theme play.

We find young Nick heavily involved once again with the Chamberlain's Company. A boyhood friend comes to London seeking his own fame as an actor and turns to Nicholas for help. Happy to see his longtime friend, Nicholas obliges and within a
few days comes home to find his friend murdered! Because he is found with the body, he is under investigation for the death of his friend. Soon after, an up-and-coming playwright, who's about to publish a scandalous play, is found murdered; again, because of his involvement with the man, Nicholas is charged.
Finally, Nicholas' long time and dear friend Nell is found strangled to death, by Nicholas' own clothing piece. What's a boy to do under these circumstances? He runs! Back to his village, where he hopes to work things out. Alas, things only get more complicated.

Yet, all's well that ends well and once more our Nick escapes the nick, using some clever reasoning and intelligent deductive skills! "Alms for Oblivion" is a a fun read. Surely a fifth episode is in the making! (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)