Death at the Selig Studios

The early summer of 1909 finds Emily Cabot eagerly anticipating a relaxing vacation with her family. Before they can depart, however, she receives news that her brother, Alden, has been involved in a shooting death at the Selig Polyscope silent movie studios on Chicago’s northwest side. She races to investigate, along with her friend Detective Henry Whitbread. There they discover a sprawling backlot, complete with ferocious jungle animals and the celluloid cowboys Tom Mix and Broncho Billy. As they dig deeper into the situation, they uncover furtive romantic liaisons between budding movie stars and an attempt by Thomas Edison to maintain his stranglehold over the emerging film industry. Before the intrepid amateur sleuth can clear her brother’s name she faces a serious break with the detective; a struggle with her adolescent daughter, who is obsessed with the filming of the original Wizard of Oz movie; and threats upon her own life.

Praise for Death at the Selig Studios

“A well-crafted plot with fascinating period detail… Historical figures such as Tom Mix and Bronco Billy move easily among the strong fictional cast.
This is a must for film buffs, as well as those simply looking for a cracking good mystery.” —Publishers Weekly

“Film history buffs will have a ball with this entertaining historical mystery set in 1909… Author McNamara’s penchant for research shines brightly here…[A] rollicking tale of early 20th­century greed, lust, and hypocrisy…Death at the Selig Studios isn’t only a historical who-did-what­and-when; it’s a dead-on psychological dramedy where rapidly changing social mores play merry hell with old-fashioned virtues…Death at the Selig Studios is pure delight.”
—Betty Webb, Mystery Scene

“I loved this gripping historical mystery that delves into the early efforts of the movie industry in Chicago in 1909. Frances McNamara brings the period and the setting alive with details of clothing, trains, everyday life, and technological breakthroughs…This is the seventh book in the series and I was able to jump directly into Emily life and those of her family members. The twists and turns kept my attention until a surprising ending. I highly recommend this book.” —Edith Maxwell,  Agatha- and Macavity-nominated author of the Quaker Midwife Mysteries

“Frances McNamara writes such a smart, well researched mystery. Her books are a perfect example of what a good historical mystery should be—well rounded characters, terrific plot with some unexpected turns, and a wealth of historical detail.” —View from the Birdhouse

“This was a fascinating historical mystery with wonderful tidbits about Chicago’s movie history…I definitely recommend this to those who enjoy historical mysteries, and to those who are interested in movie making history…Bottom Line: Full of fascinating historic detail. I couldn’t put this one down!” —Luv to Read

“I love this entertaining and well-plotted series that blends interesting facts from history with a lively fictional protagonist…Ms. McNamara’s writing is always a treat…This novel was yet another winner from her.” —Beth’s Book Nook