When the family arrives on the boat, they learn that Eli’s death is now considered suspicious by local authorities. The reasons aren’t quite clear but there is no shortage of suspects on the boat. While her brother Preston is cozying up to a sultry actress, Gwen tries to keep the ship afloat and find out what happened to her uncle. The murder of a deck hand confirms Gwen’s suspicions of foul play. When all signs point to newly hired Captain Stockwell, Gwen is sure the police are up the wrong river and is determined to solve the murder, all the while keeping the Jubilee Palace afloat.

Stagestruck has potential to be a very atmospheric mystery with a very strong heroine, yet all the elements never seem to quite come together. Gwen is portrayed as an independent young woman of the new century, yet she never seems to develop into her own person. Her mother is not quite as grounded as Gwen and often appears wishy-washy, though she has moments of clarity and resourcefulness. Preston, who is the most likely candidate at the time for man of the family doesn’t seem all that interested in helping Gwen and Lillian and spends much of his time chasing the boat’s star actress.

While at first the local police don’t suspect Eli’s death was a murder, Gwen does feel there was foul play, though it’s never quite clear why. Gwen’s investigation is very methodical, and though there are several viable suspects, the real suspect is obvious. Even after a solution is offered, readers may feel there is something missing in the murder’s motive that must go deeper than what is presented.

The idea for a mystery series starring a showboat traveling to different ports up and down the Mississippi River is very appealing and has great possibilities, as do Gwen and her family. There is a good amount of potential here for a delightful series, though right out of the gate it is a slow start. As a stand-alone though, this book may disappoint.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry