Another thoroughly entertaining, enjoyable, slinky sleuth of a whodunit, this is the third in the ‘A Mystery for DI Costello’ series, following on from ‘Dead Gorgeous’. The show must go on, but it doesn't for one member of a rock star’s road crew, when an unlikeable roadie is murdered at the stage door. DI Angela Costello and her team enter into an investigation full of whispers, mutterings and hidden truths, and where everyone on the crew is a potential suspect. DI Costello is solid, dependable and likeable, her team rely on her lead and we see the case unfold, layer by intriguing layer. Elizabeth Flynn’s background in stage management ensures an interesting and diverting foray behind the scenes. ‘End of the Roadie’ is an effortless and engaging read, and a great little puzzler, as you try to work out who did the ghastly deed!
Brendan Phelan, rock star, is playing the Apollo, Hammersmith. The stage show includes guns and whips: as it reaches its climax a shot rings out. The body of Oliver Joplin, one of the road crew, lies lifeless outside the stage door. DI Angela Costello and her team investigate, but they quickly discover that several stage hands, and Phelan himself, are adept with firearms - and that Joplin was widely disliked and distrusted. So why had Phelan kept him on, despite the reservations of his crew? Joplin's emails reveal the presence of a shadowy figure stalking the dead man. Who might profit from Joplin's death? Little by little Angela unpicks the web of lies. But unless one person opens up, she can't crack the case. And that is not going to happen.
Elizabeth Flynn is a Londoner of Anglo-Irish parentage. She has a background in the theatre both as an actress and in stage management, and has experience in broadcasting. She is the author of Game, Set and Murder and Dead Georgeous.
