Cue the Dead Guy: A Polly Deacon Mystery

by H. Mel Malton

In the sequel to Down in the Dumps, Polly finds herself touring as set and puppet designer for a small rural theatre company. When the stage manager mysteriously fails to appear for the first rehearsal, Polly has to step in and do the job. The full-time employment is welcome, but the work is hell. Dealing with a cast of viciously feuding actors, a mysterious practical joker whose tricks are decidedly gruesome, and a deepening conviction that the stage...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0929141660
• ISBN13: 9780929141664
• Release Date: November 1999
• Publisher: Napoleon and Co
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.1" x 7.5"

Customer Reviews

This could be addictive!

My first thought upon finishing "Cue the Dead Guy" was--oh good, I have two more Polly Deacon books waiting to be read. Polly is addictive. I love the glimpse into the not-so-glamourous world of the touring theatre company. The insight into that world,and the world of Muskoka, Ontario is so refreshing. Mel Walton writes about her world without fawning or feeling the need to make it painfully cute. Her world is appealing and real, and just maybe a little more interesting than the average small town. Her main characters are vivid; her plotting is splendid, even the subplots kept my interest. It's an easy and enjoyable read, and, Polly is an ingenius creation with her dry wit and interesting life choices. Loved it. Looking forward to the next book!

An addictive read

When I finished Mel Walton's book, my first thought was--good, I have at least 2 more of her books to read. I'm already addicted to this character--Polly Deacon is a fresh and genuinely interesting protagonist. She's brave, funny and human. I loved the detailed picture of life in the theatre, especially the not-so-romantic aspect of a small touring company in the Muskoka's. I loved the description of the area; not fawning or precious,but respectful and pleasing. Plot, setting, character--the book is rich with all three, and somehow, Mel Walton makes them work splendidly. Her humour is edgy without being cynical. I love the book. I will buy more H. Mel Walton!

Funny, engaging, cleverly plotted, skillfully written.

In need of cash, Polly deacon takes a job designing the props for a squabbling, dysfunctional touring children's theater group. But when the stage manager goes mysteriously missing before the first rehearsal, only Polly suspects murder. The local police show their usual lack of interest in her theories, but a series of gruesome, demented practical jokes proves that the killer is on the loose -- and it's like a member of the cast! Cue The Dead Guy is funny, engaging, cleverly plotted, skillfully written, and will leave the reader looking for more H. Mel Malton titles!