Murder on Pointe

Murder on Pointe: Cindy McDonald

Excitement and thrilled that she was going to see her closest friend dance the lead at the Benedum Center, little does Fiona Quinn know that she would be at the heart of solving a murder. Fiona spent man years dancing and has not point on pointe shoes for longer than she can remember yet what happens within the first few chapters of this novel lets you know that some dreams can get rekindled even when the situation is not exactly what you might expect. Accidents seem to be at the heart of this novel and the basis for some of the tragedies that come to light as we get to know Fiona who was injured many years ago and dance became a think of the past and teaching kindergarten the present. But, her closest and best friend has been given the lead in Coppelia and the anticipation of seeing her dance is greater than the injuries she endured. The story of Coppelia centers around an old inventor named Dr. Coppelius. He loved to create life-like dolls in his simple shop. The focus of the play centers around the doll named Coppelia whom he adored. He displayed this magnificent doll on the balcony of his shop. Imagine walking by and seeing this beautiful and life-like image and hoping to get the attention of its creator. Things heat up after the performance as Fiona watches her friend Silja in the primary role and when the show is completed and they have lunch. Going to her dressing room so Silja could change out of her costume they find the dead body of Alexis Cartwright, the dancer playing the lead role. Someone must have been extremely angry because she was whacked real hard on the head and definitely dead. Enter Detective Nathan Landry who seems taken with Fiona from the start. Upon investigating the murder and learning that she once danced he requests her help to solve and catch a murderer. But, that will require that Fiona put on pointe shoes after so many years. Within the investigation you can tell that Fiona and Nathan seem to match up quite well. His flippant manner and quick wit seems to have captured her attention. But, not everyone is what they seem as we get to know David Sheppard the man in charge of the company as Fiona is asked to become one of the dancers to help find the murderer. Her background as a dancer should help but after not rehearsing and dancing for so many years will she be able to meet the task? What about the rest of the company as we learn more about Morgan McCarthy and her jealous streak and hatred for Silja. How could she play Coppelia? But David comes up with a way that she might be able to handle it as we meet Cynthia Montgomery his wife and ex-prima ballerina who has more than just one ax to grind. As the investigation takes on an eerie turn when we learn more about Cynthia her accident and her relationship with Calvin in maintenance and what caused her accident taking away her career. But, resentments are high as Cynthia does not care for anyone close to David since even though he is more than a senior in age he has the taste of a man much younger when it comes to women and it seems they find him attractive because of who he is and his position.

Fiona is asked to try and trap a killer and the detective hopes she can get one suspect to give up some information but all she gets is anger and told to leave. But, someone is wise to her conversation and although she is warned by her police guard to be more careful and fix one of the doors in her house, she thinks she is safe but in reality a killer just might get her and she could be next. But, not before the final rehearsal and we find Morgan dead too.
Things spiral even further as someone else is recruited to replace Morgan and the end result you won’t believe. Fiona is smart and although she is not sure about playing the role of Coppelia but someone wants her out of the way but why? Overhearing the killer flaunting her skill at getting away with murder and then two others having to stand trial as this is a case of multiple killers and murderers. But, will Fiona now that she has figured it out be next? The final rehearsal and she is nowhere to be found so how will they continue one or will they? What about David Sheppard will he dance the role of Dr. Coppelius after they learn about his wife? The ending is right out of a Lucy and Ethel episode as Fiona and David create comedy, slapstick and their own version of the play in order to stop a killer. But, poor Adele the ballet mistress will she ever be the same again after two murders and a third cast member missing and the purposeful mistakes that both Silja and David added to the rehearsal but where is Fiona?
The suspense heightens as Fiona is missing and by the time they realize that she is not there it might be too late. The show must go on but if Fiona is not found and Nathan and the officers cannot free her from captivity then a friendship will be gone, a possible romance in bloom withered and the ending will be most tragic. Author Cindy McDonald takes us right inside the minds of several killers who justify their actions as one is responsible for an event years ago and is being tormented and blackmailed. Another is out for revenge, jealousy and to keep what is hers or thinks is hers and the final just wants to be on top and shine at any cost including murder. Just who are the three well since the author made me promise that I could watch the show if they find Fiona and I would get first row orchestra seats, I won’t give that away. The only way you’ll learn who was behind the three murderers is to read Murder On Pointe yourself. Murder On Pointe: Is totally on Point if you know what I mean! An ending that you won’t expect and one friend named Silja whose anger should not be taken lightly if she has anything to do with the final outcome for the killer. Friendships, loyalty, deceits, deceptions and trust are all issues that come to light in this novel. But, will Fiona if she does dance the final performances: will she decide that being a kindergarten teacher is not on Point for her or will she retie those shoes and decide that she will dance and be on Pointe once more?

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ Magazine

My sister danced the lead in many shows and she starred as the lead ballerina when we were taking dancing lessons and her pointe shoes were her favorite although she could do ballet and tap. But, I never loved dancing lessons. I dedicate this review to my sister Marcia who loved to dance and she still dancing now!