At first, Juliet feels a bit out of her element, but with some encouragement, she is able to use her keen eye for detail to help Ruth through several difficult transitions. This done, Juliet doesn't expect she'll be needed any longer, but Ruth begs her to return and though she is reluctant to do so, Juliet, ever the true friend, agrees to continue.

Spending more time with the troupe, as well as individual dancers, Julie quickly detects some very complicated relationships. Some members of the troupe have had affairs with several other members: there are jealousies, both personal and professional, and there is tension between the producers, who see the troupe as more traditional ballerinas, and Ruth, who is trying to push the limits and try some more contemporary moves as well.

None of these things seems too serious, until the male lead, Anton Mohr, has a bad fall during rehearsal, a fall that is traced to talc mixed with the resin dancers use to coat their feet with for better traction. Though Anton is not hurt badly, things are soon ratcheted up and within days he is dead. Juliet's keen powers of observation and her position as an objective outsider make her curious enough to start asking questions, the wrong questions of the wrong person that could prove to be curtains for Juliet.

Corpse de Ballet, billed as the first nine muses mystery, is a fast-paced, involved book, with an engaging heroine and a strong supporting company. Despite her success as an author, Juliet appears unsure of herself at times, yet when she is certain of something, or feels strongly, she is able to speak out with confidence, traits that make her seem human. She is a comfortable person and many younger members of the troupe draw her into their confidence easily. She is a very loyal friend to Ruth and fiercely supports her and encourages her.

The plot moves along quickly, as it offers many plausible motives and suspects, while offering the reader a closer look at the inside world of processional dance and theater. The coincidence of Detective Murray Landis being a former college sweetheart of Juliet allows for the possibility of a romantic future, although the issue is not pushed unnaturally. Corpse de Ballet is a strong beginning to what appears to be a long planned series that is sure to appeal to many.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry