The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden (#1,053) is the third book in Kate Saunders' Laetitia Rodd Mystery series. The Victorian era Laetitia Rodd is the widow of a clergyman, and much in need of a means to supplement her meagre income. Fortunately, her brother Fred is one of the most celebrated criminal attorneys in London, and always willing to throw the odd job her way.
In this case, it's Fred's love of the theater that helps Laetitia mediate a settlement between a famous actor and his estranged wife. Both of the Transomes trod the boards, along with their three daughters, but the flame has gone from their marriage, and Tom Transome has made clear his interest in a younger, beautiful actress. When a body is discovered during a theater renovation, old feuds boil to the surface, and the resulting tragedy is more terrible than any stage play...
Kate Saunders covers some dark territory in the theatrical world's transition from rogues, thieves and prostitutes to a respectable calling for actors. It's an interesting setting for this mystery which I only half-guessed until the final pages.
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