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Rating: 
Summary: Short on Mystery but Long on Excellent Writing
Review: Although it is a bit short on actual mystery, KILLER DOLPHIN is probably the best-written of Marsh's novels set in the theatrical world, offering a sharply-written peep behind the curtain into a way of life that combines creativity, hysteria, obnoxious egos, and unexpected self-discipline.On a whim, a promising young director tours a dilapidated theatre and almost falls to his death, only to be unexpectedly rescued by the property's eccentric and incredibly wealthy owner. The incident sets in motion a chain of unexpected events: the property owner, who is in possession of a glove made by William Shakespeare, rennovates the theatre and installs the young man as artistic director--who in turn writes a play inspired by the Shakespeare glove--which is in turn displayed to promote the play. But with such a valuable artifact in the mix, theft and murder are inevitable. Marsh writes this particular novel with remarkable brilliance--so much so that the slightness of the story is actually rather beside the point. KILLER DOLPHIN is a remarkably well-written work, and should be required reading for all Marsh fans.
Rating:
Summary: Good Theatrical Mystery
Review: In "Killer Dolphin", an Inspector Alleyn mystery, Ngaio Marsh takes her celebrated detective into the world of the theatre: The Dolphin Theatre, to be exact. Alleyn himself makes a late appearance; for the first part of the book, the protagonist is Peregrine Jay (originally from New Zealand), a playwright and theatrical director who becomes caught up in theft, murder, betrayal, and even romance. The crime revolves around a glove reputed to belong to the son of the greatest English playwright (I won't spoil it!) and its connection to a shadowy billionaire. By the time Alleyn appears, Jay has witnessed backstage romance, intrigue, and mercurial tempers that threaten the production and possibly even the actors' lives. Marsh captures the theatrical world well, and expresses the diverse personalities and creativity that flourish on the live stage. She also delivers suspense and just enough romance to satisfy the reader without detracting from the main plot and character development. A good diversion.
Rating:
Summary: Good Theatrical Mystery
Review: In "Killer Dolphin", an Inspector Alleyn mystery, Ngaio Marsh takes her celebrated detective into the world of the theatre: The Dolphin Theatre, to be exact. Alleyn himself makes a late appearance; for the first part of the book, the protagonist is Peregrine Jay (originally from New Zealand), a playwright and theatrical director who becomes caught up in theft, murder, betrayal, and even romance. The crime revolves around a glove reputed to belong to the son of the greatest English playwright (I won't spoil it!) and its connection to a shadowy billionaire. By the time Alleyn appears, Jay has witnessed backstage romance, intrigue, and mercurial tempers that threaten the production and possibly even the actors' lives. Marsh captures the theatrical world well, and expresses the diverse personalities and creativity that flourish on the live stage. She also delivers suspense and just enough romance to satisfy the reader without detracting from the main plot and character development. A good diversion.
Rating:
Summary: Good Theatrical Mystery
Review: In "Killer Dolphin", an Inspector Alleyn mystery, Ngaio Marsh takes her celebrated detective into the world of the theatre: The Dolphin Theatre, to be exact. Alleyn himself makes a late appearance; for the first part of the book, the protagonist is Peregrine Jay (originally from New Zealand), a playwright and theatrical director who becomes caught up in theft, murder, betrayal, and even romance. The crime revolves around a glove reputed to belong to the son of the greatest English playwright (I won't spoil it!) and its connection to a shadowy billionaire. By the time Alleyn appears, Jay has witnessed backstage romance, intrigue, and mercurial tempers that threaten the production and possibly even the actors' lives. Marsh captures the theatrical world well, and expresses the diverse personalities and creativity that flourish on the live stage. She also delivers suspense and just enough romance to satisfy the reader without detracting from the main plot and character development. A good diversion.
Rating: 
Summary: Mystery and the Theatre
Review: This is my second Ngaio Marsh book. It starts with a director who is also a playwright visiting a theatre long unused. Unusual circumstances introduce him to a mysterious and very wealthy individual who helps him restore the theater and provides inspiration for a play. The book is a wonderful look into theatre. The play is new and the book follows the introduction of the actors and the staging of the production. The reader can explore the atmosphere of backstage and the actors personalities. The murder and the introduction of Inspector Alleyn come into the story after all the atmosphere has been laid. This book is part of a series, but stands on its own with its own characters and atmosphere. The central character of this story is the director/playright rather than the detective. The detective and the reader are both visiting another world and are guided by the character who understood it best. I look forward to exploring this writer's world again.
Rating: 
Summary: Dolphin is a dog
Review: This is one which people who don't care about the puzzle may enjoy, as there is a lot of theater detail. But the plot is limp and dull. One her rare failures.
Rating:
Summary: Dolphin is a dog
Review: This is one which people who don't care about the puzzle may enjoy, as there is a lot of theater detail. But the plot is limp and dull. One her rare failures.
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