Timestep to Murder: A Chorus Line Reunion Takes a Murderous Twist

Norma Lehr
Camel Press (2011)
ISBN 9781603818636
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (11/11)

 

A twenty-five-year reunion has been planned for members of the Toppettes (who are similar to the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes) in Lake Tahoe. Among the attendees are Abby, Renee, Dana, Melanie, Gail, and Blythe. Although some of them have kept in contact with each other, for some this is their first meeting in years and things don’t go particularly well. When they get together to relive the past, personality clashes and professional rivalries resurface. Added to the discomfort is the tough choreographer who is putting the routines together for the show. But things get even worse when one of the Toppettes is killed and it is quite possible that her murderer is a former coworker. Could another dancer be seeking revenge or has someone else gone to a lot of trouble to plan her death?

There is definitely a lot of drama in this story, not only with the murder investigation but also in the characters’ personal lives. Over the years they have harbored a great deal of resentment toward each other for issues such as pursuing the same man, trying to steal the spotlight during their routines, and spreading rumors. Each of them also has secrets they have kept hidden, and as they become exposed the pace really picks up speed.

The author does a fine job of setting up the murder scene and then demonstrating how just about every other character in the book, from the former Toppettes to the mysterious private investigator who always seems to show up in unexpected places, would have had a possible motive. There are many surprises included to deepen the plot and to keep the reader guessing. One thing I do not like is the way the author uses Abby in the story as an investigator. By doing this she seems to condone civilians disturbing crime scenes, withholding information and evidence from the police, and putting themselves in danger.

“Timestep to Murder” is definitely a book that will appeal to women. It has an interesting plot, intriguing characters, and an ample amount of drama. The story moves at a good pace and provides the reader with an entertaining experience.

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