Customer Reviews

The Fat Lady Sings

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For film editor Margot O'Banion, things are oddly...comfortable. Not only has their independent M2 Productions gone into the black, but after five years Max Skull has just proposed moving in and buying a home together (they already have an adult son, but that's another long story). Workaholic Max is continually affectionate but at loose ends without the pressure of a Studio demanding constant productions, and he's ready for change in his life. A viewing of a college musical production with their son introduces Margot to the Gilbert and Sullivan diva Lenore Chambers, who convinces Margot to expand her talents and direct a production of Patience, with the hope that she will earn them a prestigious prize that comes with a possible film adaptation. Despite her initial misgivings Margot gives it a go and finds herself surprisingly adept at managing the complex workings of a Gilbert and Sullivan musical. Her talents at investigation are also unfortunately called into play when she learns that the director she replaced was murdered by a bomb, and an actress previously involved with the production died of poisoning. The diva Lenore comes with her own entourage that includes a trollish sister and thuggish makeup artist, and threats left for Margo has Max providing support and protection.

While the investigation is well-plotted and the culprit completely unexpected, the real fun comes with learning about how a play is produced and following the antics of a stage crew and actors. Max is refreshingly laid-back and supportive of Margot, and her talents as a director allow her to shine and grow as a character. The final competition for the Cooker Prize takes the cast to England, and the setting adds additional fun and details to the story. Overall, this is a highly enjoyable fast read for both mystery and theater lovers. - Cindy Chow

"The Fat Lady Sings" is a tightly wound tale that makes it easy for us to keep flipping the pages for more. Kit Sloane never ceases to amaze us as she takes Margo and Max yet again, through a wondrous adventure. This book is #7 and another bright star in Kit Sloane's list of novels!

With her usual flair and wit, Kit Sloane delves here into the wonderful world of light opera production--with murder and suspense on the side, to be sure. I'm a big Sloane fan, I warn you now, so if I sound giddy, it's because... she's bacckk--and as bad as ever, from the usual, unusual cover by the very talented artist Annie Sperling to the weird situations Sloane's Margot O'Banion finds herself coping with.

Margot O'Banion is more or less like you and me, except that she's a Hollywood film editor, and her paramour is the famed movie director and slightly clueless male Max Skull. Shy and essentially reserved in the everyday course of her existence, Margot nonetheless has a certain talent with people, and with sleuthing. In this instance, Margot takes over a Gilbert and Sullivan musical theatre group, and you know what that must mean--a definite amount of silliness married to an eventual unexpected outcome. There, you've guessed it. But you won't know all the details for sure until you read the latest Sloane caper and come to the very final page.

Because, as we all well know from parable and real, authenticated experience: It simply isn't over until the fat lady sings.

"The Fat Lady Sings" is the 7th novel in this mystery series for author, Kit Sloane. I could not wait to read the latest adventure of Margot and Max and I was not disappointed. Ms. Sloane continues to bring us a fast-paced, interesting mystery, with great twists along the way. She has the unique ability to keep the reader in a heightened state of suspense from the first page to the last. It was a page-turner to the very end. The characters are vividly written, with an interesting view into the world of a repertory company where Margot and Max find themselves involved in the business of murder and mayhem. Many books start out strong and lose steam mid-way. Not so with "The Fat Lady Sings." I look forward to the next in the series from this author.

Welcome to the world of Gilbert and Sullivan via Margot and Max, our famous film editor and director. Margot and Max have decided to move in together after many years, life, and a wonderfully raised Son who is now in college studying to be an actor.

To Margot's surprise, she is approached to direct a live G&S company in Los Angeles whose aim is winning the coveted Cooker Prize in Cambridge, U.K. This is daunting as it will be Margot's first try at being a director and not working on a 'Max Skull Production' as well.

There is one concern before Margot signs on...the previous Director has just been murdered by a bomb!

With assurances by Max, the backers of the theater company, and just really wanting to do this, Margot jumps in for the performance of "Patience." Max is thrilled as he is suffering a slight case of writer's block and so is available to protect her.

It becomes readily evident that the killer is still busy and almost assuredly in the company itself. The local police lend their hands and voices to the cause and we the readers are off on a terrific adventure...featuring the Diva, Lenore!

This book is amazingly readable and enjoyable. I can barely wait to read the next one, "The Magicians."