While trying to make it big on Broadway, dancer Abby Fouchet finds herself falling in love, falling in rehearsal (!), and trying to outwit a clever killer out to destroy the man she loves.
I inherited my name, Abby, my height (5’2”), and the gift of second sight from my great-grandmother, Abigail Dumas. Precognition hasn’t stopped me from falling for “soap” star Johnny Gerard, or keeping the two of us from being hounded by mobsters, lawyers, contract killers, and loony daytime drama fans. Johnny and I are rehearsing for a new Broadway musical. But, if my latest vision comes true, we won’t live long enough to hear the overture from the orchestra. Where’s Granny Abigail when I need her?
Excerpt
I'd been cast as a lead dancer/tormentor. What that had to do with the choreographer's decision to have me leaping into Judas' arms was beyond my comprehension. Maybe that was part of the torment?
The role of Judas is not that of a dancer. Judas is not supposed to be a dancer...he's a screaming rock tenor. Our particular Judas was a screaming rock tenor with no depth perception.
He did catch me. Yes, indeedy. Then he ran slap into the wall, turned and threw me at the rehearsal accompanist, who screamed in terror and promptly dropped me. Can't say as I blame him. I'd've had the same reaction if a flying object in three-inch tall character shoes came hurtling at me across a piano.
I landed in a heap and began screaming louder than Judas. And my guardian angel took pity. Pilate noticed me. How could he not? I was writhing in pain on the floor and the apostles were writhing around Mary Magdalene. The pianist was writhing at the piano and Judas was just writhing in general. Pilate was the only non-writher among us.
Next thing I knew strong arms were cradling me and a gentle hand was brushing my hair away from my eyes and smoothing my forehead. "You'll be okay, Miss Dancer."
Pilate. Johnny Gerard. Somehow I knew if he was in my life, I'd be more than okay.
Professional Reviews It has a real twist and I like that
I really liked the story line - have not read anything like this one. I generally read heavy mysteries with historical or government conspiracies. This was a first for me and I really liked it. I struggled with getting into it but once I did I could not put it down and finished it in one day. Had to stick with it because I could not figure out the ending. Well done Ms Fitzpatrick. Ready for my next Abby Fouchet book.
Fitzpatrick is a zany delight
This is my third Flo Fitzpatrick novel in the last year, and I must say this writer continues to delight me. I utterly adored Ghost of a Chance, Kensington Zebra Debut Romance, August 2004. This was followed but the wacky delight, Hot Stuff, Kensington, April 2005. Both were great "fun" reads for me and firmly fixed this author as a talent on the rise. Now with Sweet Dreams, her first hardback release from Hilliard & Harris Publishers, December 2005, she keeps making me smile. Fitzpatrick's bio makes it clear she is taking a lemon and making lemonade and I for one hopes she continues to do so. A foot injury sidelined her dancing career, so she took that love of the arts and poured it into her books. As a former ballerina, I appreciate Fitzpatrick's ability to carry to reader to the backstage preparations, the frantic madness, the egos...the smell of grease paint!
In Sweet Dreams, Abby Foutchet is a dreamer. Her one dream is to perform on Broadway. Only in following her heart's desire, she failed to foresee dreams often could turn out to be nightmares. She gets that break on the Great White Way, but in a real life drama of murder, mayhem and corruption. But little stuff like that would never keep a good lass down and certainly not our Abby.
Johnny Gerard is a long-time performer on Broadway and television, a heartthrob to the masses. Only our lad isn't prepared for Abby's "road production" of Murder by Decree! hehehe. He slowly comes to see both he and Abby was up to their necks in Who Dun Its? His roommate was run down in a hit-and-run accident. The reader immediately ponders if the real target was Johnny. In short time, that question is answered, as someone starts shooting at Johnny and Abby. To save their careers they have to play Nick and Nora and find out just what is at the bottom of the real-life script of Murder She Wrote.
Once again, Fitzpatrick, delivers on all levels and leaves this reader eager for more of her charming stories.
Mystery in the theater
If you love visiting backstage with someone who has really been there--read Flo Fitzpatrick! With her light and vivid style she makes you feel that you're a member of the cast. If you enjoyed Ghost of a Chance and Hot Stuff--you're sure to love Sweet Dreams.
Revenge is Fun series. Millions of dollars are missing from the Venice Canals HOA and so are the Vice President and Treasurer. Were they kidnapped? Where is the money? Twists galore and a surprise ending with humor along the way.
