Played to Death

Mike Ripley author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Joffe Books

Published:2nd Jun '26

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Played to Death cover

It’s curtains down for one actor when preparations for a new murder mystery play at the local theatre take a chillingly real twist . . .

The Librarian

Retirement was beckoning until local lawyer Adam Cunningham – aka the Hopewell Players’ pantomime dame – requested my professional opinion on the script of their next play that he's been given.

The Lawyer

The script is terrible! And it rips off a number of Golden Age mysteries. With Roly’s knowledge of crime fiction, I might be able to get the whole thing cancelled.

The Producer

I couldn’t believe it when I learned that my late father had written a play of all things! And now the players will perform his work – until one of them is found dead. . .

The Inspector

A body on the stage of the local playhouse doesn’t happen often round here. Was it a pre-rehearsal accident, suicide . . . or is the spotlight about to fall on a murderer?

Told from the point of view of four unreliable narrators, most of whom can't be trusted – The Librarian, The Lawyer, The Producer and The Inspector – this cunningly inventive novel is a refreshingly fun, subversive take on the crime fiction genre.

Trademark subtle humor, memorable characters, and unusual plots . . . Another winner for Ripley’s legions of loyal fans

* Booklist *

Breezy in tone but ingenious in construction, Ripley’s playful mystery deserves a standing ovation

* Publishers Weekly *
Five unreliable narrators and Ripley’s trademark wit ensure the reader will not look at classic crime in quite the same way again * The Financial Times on Buried Above Ground *
A labyrinthine tale of envy, greed, lust, and murder most foul, seasoned with touches of acerbic humor. Another absolutely brilliant book from Ripley * Booklist Starred Review of Buried Above Ground *
Ripley’s best book: a wickedly funny sendup of the clichés behind all those classic mysteries and their successors * Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Buried Above Ground *
This is catnip for Anthony Horowitz fans * Publishers Weekly on Buried Above Ground *
Ripley uses his well-honed sardonic wit to skewer crime fiction publishers . . . A thoroughly enjoyable read * Deadly Pleasures Mystery Magazine on Buried Above Ground *
A refreshingly surprise-packed entry in an always excellent series * Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Mr Campion's Christmas *
Outstanding . . . A joy to read * Booklist on Mr Campion's Christmas *
[A] lively adventure * Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Christmas *
Clever, witty, and packed with intriguing characters, period ambiance, and unexpected twists * Booklist on Mr Campion's Memory *
Excellent . . . This dead-on pastiche will satisfy newcomers and series devotees alike * Publishers Weekly on Mr Campion's Memory *
The plot thickens in utterly unexpected ways * Kirkus Reviews on Mr Campion's Memory

ISBN: 9781448317684

Dimensions: 9mm x 5mm x 1mm

Weight: unknown

272 pages