Too Famous to Live Long

Too Famous to Live Long by David Linzee, 272 pages

After years as a journeyman performer, mezzo soprano Renata Radleigh has finally landed a costarring role in Thelma & Louise: The Opera, which will have its world premiere at the St. Louis Opera. But the production is mired in controversy from the beginning, with a big-name Russian conductor — whose private life is as scandalous as his public ties to the Kremlin — drawing protests wherever he appears. And just five days before Thelma & Louise's premiere, the conductor is killed in the most operatic fashion. While Renata and her beau, Adams University PR hack Peter Lombardo, attempt to catch the killer, the SLO is dealing with an onslaught of controversies, from who will replace the late conductor to who will play Thelma, as an old rival reappears at just the wrong time.

This is Linzee's third Renata Radleigh book, and I very much enjoyed it. I don't read many mysteries, but I really enjoy these. Renata's a great character, the behind-the-scenes-at-the-opera bits ring true, and I would DEFINITELY buy a ticket to see Thelma & Louise as an opera. Do yourself a favor and check out these books by U City's own David Linzee.