Death Masque

Small town controversies can be murder. When a newcomer to Erin, Ohio, proposes to tear down the historic Bijou Theater and erect in its place a boutique hotel, Sebastian McCabe adds "civic activist" to a long resume that already includes magician, mystery writer, professor, and amateur sleuth. With the strategic help of brother-in-law Jeff Cody, Mac launches a far-reaching campaign to "Save the Bijou." The issue becomes highly political when three eccentric mayoral candidates stake out their positions -- which one of them switches after a hefty campaign contribution. "The plot machinations of grand opera seem positively guileless by comparison!" Mac cries. Can homocide be far behind? ... The new Erin Opera Company is staging an original work with a Mardi Gras theme. As murder strikes again, this time back stage, Sebastian McCabe becomes aware that many of the actors in this real-life drama are wearing metaphorical masks as well. -- Cover, page [4].