TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN

Romeo and Juliet (yes, that Romeo and Juliet) invite you to join them in celebrating the marriage of their spinster daughter, Rosie (she’s 20!) to Escalus the younger, prince of Verona, where murder is the unexpected guest at the wedding.

My Lady Jane meets Knives Out in Fair Verona, as New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd brings you the wedding of the season star-crossed with poison most discreet. 

Joining us will be the famously rival families, the upstart Montagues and the snooty Capulets. All will be armed with sharp blades. … Also attending are the Leonardis, royal and decorous kin of the groom.

If I, the aforesaid Rosie, blushing bride and witty sleuth, were to identify when events spiraled out of control, I’d point to that moment when elderly Princess Ursula observed the display of gleaming swords and bared teeth and announced that she would hold a séance to determine the future of the marriage. With the aid of Yorick’s skull and her considerable dramatic nature, she prophesied three things: the marriage would be joyous and fertile (guests yawn,) a long-lost treasure would be found (mildly interesting …) and foul and most unnatural murder would disrupt the fragile peace of Verona. 

Before the day was done, two prophesies had been fulfilled. Hint: not the fun fertility one. As one death follows another and it’s clear a skilled poisoner lurks among us, I use all my skill to discern the reason for the deadly vendetta and uncover the killer’s identity … for I desire that the church bells that now ring a lament instead peel for the wedding and the joyous future foretold …

“If you’re looking for a novel to sweep you away and lift your spirits, look no further.” —KRISTIN HANNAH, #1 New York Times bestselling author