‘Behind You’ by Linda Regan
Published by Crème de la Crime.
 ISBN 0955-15892-3

Linda Regan’s first book opens up the backstage world of the British Christmas pantomime.  The accidental but suspicious death of the principal girl in a pantomime provides Detective Inspector Paul Banham and his team with work over Christmas.  The involved and almost incestuous relationships of the members of the cast and management of this small theatre make the investigation complicated for a man unfamiliar with the theatrical milieu.  His sergeant, Alison Grainger, has had experience in the theatre as a child so she supplies the needful insights for him.  The relationships and backgrounds of the police team also impinge on this story.

I enjoyed seeing the world behind the glamour with its seedy actors, drunken stage manager, jealous comedians and cold uncomfortable backstage conditions.  The investigation is complicated, especially when a second death occurs.  This is a good detective story and the climax reaches thrilling heights adding further twists after the mystery seemed to have been solved.  I hope we see this team in action again.   Linda Regan is an actress who has used her experience to produce this first thriller. 
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Jennifer S. Palmer

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