Methods of Malice

By Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe

The Hope Street Community Theater is staging It’s a Wonderful Life as a fundraiser, and Cooper and the Bible study group are all taking part. They’ve also managed to land the help of a famous Broadway director who’s trying to clean up his image after a scandal, and he travels to Richmond along with his star actress and staff. But the director’s entourage epitomize the worst of theater personalities, with petty grievances and jealousies stirring up more drama off the stage than on. And when the assistant director is found murdered in her hotel suite, the list of possible suspects is longer than a red carpet.

Unwilling to stand by with a murderer in their midst, Cooper and her friends get to work ferreting out clues and surveilling the staff, including a dangerously inept set technician as well as the director’s current and former love interests. Despite inexplicable and terrifying stage “accidents” threatening to derail their investigation and the play, the intrepid amateur sleuths know the show must go on. Their only prayer is to set a trap and successfully catch a killer before it’s curtains for Cooper . . .

Includes heavenly recipes from Magnolia Lee’s kitchen!

About the Authors:

USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, two children, and three cats. She’s written multiple series including the Supper Club Mysteries, the Book Retreat Mysteries, the Secret, Book, and Scone Society Mysteries, and more.

A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina Radcliffe is an RWA Honor Roll member, a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, four-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Arizona, where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781958384978

Ellery Adams

Ellery Adams is a New York Times bestselling author who has written over thirty novels. A native New Yorker, she has had a lifelong love affair with stories, food, rescue animals, and large bodies of water. When not working on a novel, she bakes, gardens, spoils her cats, and wastes time on Pinterest. She lives with her husband and two children in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she can't imagine spending a day away from her keyboard.

Book preview

Methods of Malice

The Hope Street Community Theater is staging It’s a Wonderful Life as a holiday fundraiser, and Cooper and the Bible study group are all taking part. They’ve also managed to land the help of a famous Broadway director who’s trying to clean up his image after a scandal, and he travels to Richmond along with his star actress and staff. But the director’s entourage epitomize the worst of theater personalities, with petty grievances and jealousies stirring up more drama off the stage than on. And when the assistant director is found murdered in her hotel suite, the list of possible suspects is longer than a red carpet.

Unwilling to stand by with a murderer in their midst, Cooper and her friends get to work ferreting out clues and surveilling the staff, including a dangerously inept set technician as well as the director’s current and former love interests. Despite inexplicable and terrifying stage accidents threatening to derail their investigation and the play, the intrepid amateur sleuths know the show must go on. Their only prayer is to set a trap and successfully catch a killer before it’s curtains for Cooper . . .

Title Page

Copyright

Methods of Malice

Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe

Copyright © 2023 by Ellery Adams

Cover design and illustration by Dar Albert, Wicked Smart Designs

Published by Beyond the Page at Smashwords

Beyond the Page Books

are published by

Beyond the Page Publishing

www.beyondthepagepub.com

ISBN: 978-1-958384-97-8

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this book. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented without the express written permission of both the copyright holder and the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Magnolia’s Marvels

Books by Ellery Adams

Books by Tina Radcliffe

About the Authors

Epigraph

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

—Philippians 2:2 KJV

Chapter One

Does this mean I got the part? Cooper Lee turned from the theater bulletin board and the cast list to her friend Trish Tyler from the Sunrise Bible study group. She worked to hold back her nervous excitement as she searched Trish’s face.

Though Cooper never felt the need to be in the spotlight, being part of this production along with the rest of the Bible study group was important, since it was a fundraiser for the senior center.

"Yes. You are officially a cast member of the Hope Street Community Theater’s holiday production of It’s a Wonderful Life." Trish grinned and hugged Cooper.

What about you? Cooper asked. Aren’t you thrilled to be in the play too?

Of course. It’s an honor. The Realtor smoothed her copper-hued bangs aside and sighed.

What’s wrong, Trish?

Oh, I’m being childish. She shrugged. As the president of the theater board, I have years of experience in community theater. And, well . . .

You wanted the lead? The Mary Bailey role?

I did. Silly me, I never imagined being cast as the understudy. Trish gave a resigned smile. When I snagged the renowned Simon Doyle as a replacement artistic director, I didn’t realize he’d bring in his own actress. And apparently neither did anyone else.

Who’s the actress?

"Jasmine Ryan. Up-and-coming stage and screen actress and Simon’s protégée. You may have seen her in small television roles. He’s predicting she’ll be America’s next sweetheart. Not unlike Donna Reed, the actress who played Mary Bailey in the film production of It’s a Wonderful Life."

Wow! So how did you manage to bring in Simon Doyle on such short notice, anyhow?

You won’t believe it. I received a college alumni e-newsletter and under the news section, it mentioned my sorority sister, Laura Champagne, working as assistant to Simon Doyle. The article indicated that she’s very connected in the New York theater scene. I emailed her and mentioned our charity benefit needed a director. As it turns out, Simon saw our fundraiser as a way to put himself back in the public’s good graces after the bad press surrounding his last romance with a married actress blew up social media.

Really?

Yes, about the married actress, and yes, I’m grateful he’s donating his services and paying for his entourage’s accommodations while he’s here. She smiled. We could never afford him or his team on our small budget. Ticket sales and the community acting classes are how we keep the lights on.

Cooper glanced down the hall, where various cast members milled about. I know nothing about how this works, but is it normal for a director to bring along an entourage?

A touring company brings in their entire cast and crew. This is different. It’s Simon Doyle. Broadway director. Normal doesn’t apply. Trish raised her brows. "But I can tell you this. I sent a press release to the Richmond Times-Dispatch and have contacted several media outlets. They’ll have front-row seats on opening night. We’ve already had record ticket sales."

That’s wonderful. Think of how this will help raise money for the senior center.

Exactly what I’m focused on, Trish said. I only hope I’ve got all my ducks in a row.

You’re an old pro. I’m sure everything will be fabulous, Cooper said. As for me, I’m more than a little nervous. I don’t know my stage left from right.

Trish laughed. You’ll be fine. It will be fun having every one of my Sunrise Bible study friends involved in the production.

What’s that noise? Cooper again glanced down the hall.

Let’s go see.

They pushed past the group gathered in the hallway, only to discover assistant director Regina McAllister tugging on a swath of silk that Jasmine Ryan held tightly.

Let go. It’s mine, Jasmine demanded.

How dare you. You little hussy, Regina hissed.

Ladies, ladies. A tall, dark-haired gentleman with silver wings at his temples regally strolled into the room. Impeccably dressed in a silk suit, complete with a teal pocket square, he grimaced at the scene before him.

Cooper knew nothing about theater celebrities, but from his demeanor, she could only guess that this was the famous man himself. Simon Doyle.

Are we savages? he asked.

I only want my pashmina, Simon, the actress said with a pout.

It’s mine, Regina sputtered. Simon gave it to me. She gave the silky peach fabric a hard tug, nearly upending the raven-haired actress, who white-knuckled the fabric.

Darling, let Regina have it. I’ll buy you another.

Jasmine released the fabric and huffed as she left the area with Simon.

The director’s assistant, Laura Champagne, stood to the side with a clipboard in her hand, chuckling.

Something funny? Regina snarled. The middle-aged assistant director gave Laura the once-over, from the top of the woman’s stylish auburn pixie cut to her expensive suit, to her pointy heels. I suggest you move along. You’re last year’s flavor.

Take that back, Laura said. She stepped toward Regina.

I will not, and you can be certain I’ll be first in line when you and your pretentious ways are on your way out the door. She narrowed her gaze. Trust me, that will be very soon.

Oh, my, a familiar voice whispered near Cooper’s ear. What’s going on here?

Cooper and Trish both turned at the sound of Savannah Knapp’s voice.

Savannah! Cooper said, delighted to see her friend. What are you doing here? And where’s Jake? Jake Lombardi usually accompanied the leader of the Sunrise Bible study group.

He’s here somewhere.

Are you aware there’s paint on your face? Cooper asked.

Savannah laughed. Why am I not surprised? She pulled a navy bandanna from her pocket and swiped at her cheeks. Better?

Cooper reached out to touch the other woman’s dark tresses. It’s on your hair as well.

All part and parcel of the job.

What job? Cooper asked.

The set designer hired Savannah and me, Jake said as he joined them. Hired as in we are now set volunteers.

I’m painting sets—under Jake’s guidance, of course, Savannah said. Not my usual artistic canvas, but it’s fun. We’re thrilled to be part of a good cause.

Cooper nodded. She continued to be amazed at how nothing stopped her friend. Legally blind, Savannah refused to let her vision issues define her and had a thriving career as a folk artist.

Do you need help? Trish asked. I’ve been known to wield a mean paintbrush.

Oh, no. But thank you. I have enlisted volunteers from my painting class. She grinned. Did I hear correctly that our very own Bryant and Quinton have lead roles in the production?

Trish smiled and waved a hand through the air in a Vanna White impression. "It’s a Wonderful Life starring Bryant Shelton as George Bailey and Quinton Enderly as guardian angel Clarence Odbody."

Savannah chuckled. It sounds like the Sunrise Bible study may steal the show.

My thoughts exactly, Trish said.

Team, it’s time to get going, Laura Champagne said, tapping her clipboard. Our director has asked me to remind you that there is a rehearsal call in five minutes in the auditorium. We’ll discuss the schedule and expectations. I’ll see you there.

Once Cooper bid Savannah and Jake goodbye, she turned to the left.

This way. Trish took Cooper’s arm and led her the other way. Shortcut through the backstage area.

Scenery and props cast long shadows as they moved through the storage area. Are you certain this is the right way? Cooper’s voice echoed in the space.

Yes. I know every inch of this theater.

Watch out! a voice from above called out.

Both women jumped back as a sandbag attached to a thick rope crashed to the floor in front of them with a reverberating thud.

Cooper clutched a hand to her neck and looked from the floor to the dark abyss of rafters above.

You could have killed us! Trish cried.

My apologies, a voice called from above. An accident.

Accident? Trish released a trembling breath.

Laura raced to their sides. Are you all right? Her gaze went from the riggings overhead to the floor.

Yes, Trish said. "Thankfully.

Oh, my goodness. I know the technicians were training Michael on the rigging, Laura said. Remember when we used to have to do that in college, Trish?

Yes. Quite the learning curve, Trish said.

Everyone all right? A tall muscular man raced up to them, his face shadowed with concern.

Cooper recognized the voice as that of the man who had called down from above moments before.

We’re fine, Michael. Trish’s voice held a terse tone.

For that, I am eternally grateful, and I take full responsibility for this error. Your team is training me on the setup to ensure everything is up to Simon Doyle standards.

So Laura told us. Trish looked at him and shook her head. Michael, I’ve been with this theater for ten seasons, and we’ve never had an accident with our ropes and pulleys.

I don’t know how it happened, and believe me, I feel terrible about frightening you like that. It’s inexcusable.

Trish took a deep breath and seemed to be trying to calm down.

I know it was an accident, Michael, but perhaps you should leave the riggings to us. It may be old-fashioned, but our crew understands the intricacies of the system.

Yes, ma’am. Will do. He turned and met Cooper’s gaze, his eyes questioning. I usually know all the beautiful women on set, but it seems I am remiss at making your acquaintance.

Cooper never reacted well to this kind of blatant male flattery. She generally avoided being the center of attention anyway, because people felt the need to discuss her unusual eyes—one blue and one green. She stepped back and away from the man’s close scrutiny.

Michael, this is Cooper Lee, Trish said.

Michael Ospina, technical director, at your service, madam. And again, I humbly apologize. He offered a bow.

What exactly is a technical director? Cooper asked.

His dark gaze fixed on Cooper, Michael feigned hurt and surprise at the question. Why, the technical director oversees lighting, sound, set design and construction. Since Ms. Tyler has her own crew in place, I’ll be working in an advisory capacity. He grinned, and a dimple appeared.

Cooper couldn’t hold back a small smile. He was charming and attractive, and reminded her of a younger version of Simon Doyle. The same coloring and thick, dark hair. Though neither were as appealing as a certain handsome and gallant chef who’d recently entered her life.

That’s an enormous job, Cooper said.

Yes, it is. He gave an imperious wave of his arm around the space. This is my kingdom.

Cooper laughed at the image he conjured up.

Once again, I apologize for the fright. He checked his watch. Perhaps we can chat more at the mixer on Saturday night.

Um, all right, Cooper said. When Michael departed, she turned to Trish. What mixer?

Didn’t you see the announcement on the board? Trish said.

No. I was too dazzled by the fact that I’m actually a cast member to notice anything else.

It’s after our first official rehearsal tomorrow night, Trish said. Simon suggested it. An icebreaker to build morale and get everyone excited.

I’m already excited, Cooper said.

Me too. Trish linked arms with Cooper. And I’m tickled that the entire Bible study is part of the production.

I only hope I don’t ruin things, Cooper said. I’m a complete theater newbie.

You’ll do fine. Remember, even Simon Doyle was a beginner once.

I never thought of it that way.

Trish nodded. And no pressure or anything, but this production must do well. The majority of the theater’s funds are invested in the production, and the senior center is counting on us.

No pressure, huh? I thought you said this would be fun, Cooper said. She worked to keep the concern out of her voice.

It will be.

Though Trish offered a reassuring smile, Cooper couldn’t help feeling a niggle of concern. She’d signed up for an artistic adventure. To try something new. Knowing that her performance could make or break the play was not comforting.

Had she made the right decision to audition? She certainly hoped so.

• • •

Do you think I’m silly for signing up for the play? Cooper downed her Saturday morning coffee and looked up to gauge her mother’s reaction.

Not at all, Magnolia Maggie Lee said as she washed her hands and reached for a dish towel. I’m for anything that keeps you happy and close by.

Cooper smiled as she glanced around the cozy kitchen where she spent most Saturday mornings. Her sister Ashley had been pestering their parents for months to allow her to make over the pale yellow walls and speckled linoleum. Cooper prayed her mother didn’t cave. A kitchen shouldn’t look like a magazine spread. It should look like love. The Lee kitchen was perfect as is.

Good answer, Cooper finally said. Though very soon I’ll be caught up on my bills and able to move out of your garage apartment.

There’s no rush. Your grandmother refuses to live there, so it will be empty if you leave. And I like having one of my daughters so close by. She gave Cooper a hug.

How’s your other daughter? Cooper glanced at the October calendar. Ashley will be moving into the last trimester soon.

So far, so good. Keep praying, because with Hannah turning two in a couple of weeks, Ashley won’t be pleased if the doctor puts her on bed rest like last time.

I’ll be praying, Mama. She perused the headlines of the newspaper her father left on the table before heading to Walmart. Are we doing anything for Hannah’s birthday?

"We?" Maggie Lee shook her head. "We will have Hannah over for cake and ice cream. However, your sister has grand plans. I think I heard something about a kiddie