A glamorous dinner party. A forged masterpiece. And a killer with a real flair for drama.

When gallery owner and amateur sleuth Sadie Stewart scores an invitation to a murder mystery soirée high above the city hosted by famous film director Marion Shaw, she expects dramatic dialogues and diva antics, not a real corpse before curtain call.

But when a guest ends up truly dead and a suspiciously Klimt-like painting looks more fake than fine art, Sadie suspects the famous director is running more than just a bad script..

With forged art, phony alibis, and fame-fed egos swirling like camera flashes, Sadie plunges into a plot of deadly rewrites, double takes, and a chilling connection to her own estranged family.

With help from her best friend and gallery manager Daniel, a Hollywood-worthy disguise, and her dog that has better instincts than most critics, Sadie finds herself caught in the killer’s twisted plot as she comes dangerously close to becoming the next missing starlet.

Sadie must uncover the truth before her scene fades to black leaving her dead in the final frame.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Death in a Gilded Frame delivers a sharp, layered mystery wrapped in Chicago’s elite art world. The setup is clever, and the writing is tight, fast paced, and witty. Characters speak with clear voices. Sadie and Daniel’s bond carries the emotional weight, while the supporting cast adds variety and tension.

The use of fine art as both setting and symbol deepens the plot. The tone balances lightness and suspense with ease. Dialogue sings as the mystery unravels with skill. Perfect for readers who enjoy smart, stylish mysteries with emotional depth and artistic flair. Fans of Only Murders in the Building or The Goldfinch will feel right at home. ~ Jeff A

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What struck me most about Death in a Gilded Frame was how seamlessly you wove the glamour of Chicago's elite art world into the intrigue of a tightly plotted mystery. The forged masterpiece at the heart of the story isn't just a clever plot device, it's a rich metaphor for the facades people construct, both in life and in art. Sadie's wit, resilience, and bond with Daniel bring a warmth and humanity that balance the sharp suspense, and the way you layer fine art into the narrative gives the book a texture that lingers well after the last page. ~ Claire