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A linguistic feast featuring a rich spread of finely crafted characters, A Player’s Exit by Terri Karsten serves up a hearty helping of historical sleuthing and narrative charm.

Penelope Corbitt has spent more than a year working as the tavern cook and improving its reputation alongside the tavern owner – and determined suitor – Miles Tucker. However, the extended stay of a royal representative has practically dried their business up, along with the essential flow of bootleg molasses and rum.

When a traveling troupe of actors arrives, it seems like a godsend, but a sudden series of shocking murders among the cast threatens to shutter the tavern forever. Penelope and Miles must sort fact from fiction, and resolve their own complex connections if they mean to unmask a killer and keep their humble dreams alive.

Beneath the cozy colonial facade and enveloping writing are potent, timeless themes: the painful side effects of betrayal, internal contradictions of gender roles and norms, and unrest across society driven by dictatorial pressure, offering a uniquely layered tapestry whether it’s historical fiction or historical mystery. Neatly capturing the atmospheric energy of an 18th-century pub and putting voice to the rumbling dissidence of a nation yet to be born, Tarsten proves herself to be a nimble and witty wordsmith, furthering the depth and charm of this endearing series.