Ideas of religion, sexuality, and vengeance are challenged when murder comes to a small town known for wine, theatre, rich cultural history, and deep-rooted family trees. Celebrated actress Bella James returns to the acclaimed Shaw Festival where she’s not only starring in a musical but is also part of an Artist-in-the-Classroom initiative at the local high school. When the popular teacher she’s assigned to work with is found hanged in his office, Bella and Detective Sergeant Andre Jeffers set out to investigate his death. They soon find themselves entwined in a series of webs that not only test their understanding of grief and what it means to love, but also threaten to destroy even more lives. Niagara-on-the-Lake again provides the beautiful backdrop for this latest Bella James mystery. Full of humour, heart, surprising twists, and “hold on to your seat” turns, Bella and Jeffers return at full force, joined by many returning characters from Encore (including Dr. Gorgeous and, yes, Moustache!!) as well as some new faces who will make you laugh, cry, and keep you guessing until the very end!

Alexis has been working as a professional actor on stage and screen for over twenty years. Her debut novel, Encore, received nominations for both an Arthur Ellis and Bony Blithe Award in 2016. Alexis lived in Niagara-on-the-Lake for ten years and currently makes her home in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with a Bernedoodle puppy named Sebastian. She loves scary movies, dirty gin martinis, and has a terrible weakness for potato chips.

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