Death in St. Petersburg

Lady Emily investigates the murder of a ballerina in Russia, following a trail of red scarves and encountering a mysterious dancer in white. She must apply her skills to discover the rising star's murderer, navigating the opulence of the Winter Palace and the modest flats of ex-ballerinas.

Format: Paperback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 24 July 2018
Publisher: St. Martins Press

After the exhilarating performance of Swan Lake at the Mariinsky Theatre, an animated crowd exits the venue, filled with excitement from the night's spectacle. However, the atmosphere outside is somber, with a ballerina's lifeless body lying face down in the snow, her blood splattered like rose petals across the costume of the Swan Queen. A single cry pierces the silence, and the crowd is left stunned as they realize the tragic loss of Nemetseva. Among the theatergoers is Lady Emily, accompanied by her dashing husband, Colin, on an assignment from the Crown. However, it soon becomes evident that Colin is not the only one with a task at hand. When the dead ballerina's aristocratic lover arrives, begging for justice, Emily must employ her own set of skills to unravel the mystery surrounding her death.

Her investigation takes her on a captivating dance across the stage of Tsarist Russia, from the opulence of the Winter Palace to the modest flats of ex-ballerinas and the locked attics of political radicals. A mysterious dancer in white follows closely behind, creating waves through St. Petersburg with her unexpected performances and a trail of red scarves. Is it the sweet Katenka, Nemetseva's childhood friend and fierce rival? The ghost of the murdered étoile herself? Or something even more sinister lurking in the shadows?

As Emily delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that intertwine with the lives of the dancers and the political climate of Tsarist Russia. She encounters a cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas, including the enigmatic Director, who holds the key to unlocking the truth. With each step, Emily becomes more and more immersed in the world of ballet, as she witnesses the passion, dedication, and sacrifice that the dancers endure to achieve their dreams.

As the mystery unfolds, Emily must navigate through treacherous waters, facing danger and betrayal at every turn. She must use her wits, her intuition, and her connections to piece together the puzzle and bring the murderer to justice. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she realizes that the stakes are higher than she ever imagined. The fate of the ballet company, the reputation of the Swan Queen, and even the safety of Emily and Colin are all at risk.

In the end, Emily emerges as a hero, using her skills and determination to save the ballet company and bring the murderer to justice. She pays tribute to the memory of Nemetseva, the rising star who lost her life too soon, and inspires others to pursue their dreams with passion and integrity. The performance of Swan Lake continues to captivate audiences, but the memory of Nemetseva's tragic death will always remain a reminder of the darker side of the world of ballet.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 138 x 208 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250146151