Murder in Fifth Position: Mystery Review

Murder in Fifth Position by Lori Robbins is a solid and enjoyable addition to the On Pointe Mystery series. as well as the cozy mystery genre.

Synopsis: Murder in Fifth Position

A stylish, sharply written mystery set in the rarefied and ruthless world of professional ballet.

Ballerina Leah Siderova has a lot in common with Superman: she wears tights, performs for a demanding audience, and worries about the state of the world. Unfortunately, only one of them can fly and he wasn’t around the night Leland Vanderhof plunged sixteen stories from his penthouse apartment to his death.

The fall occurs during a glittering party celebrating the finalists for the prestigious Vanderhof Prize for Choreography. Two hundred impeccably dressed guests express shock at the tragedy. One of them knows exactly what really happened.

As Leah navigates rehearsals, rivalries, and career-defining opportunities, the stakes rise sharply. A second murder, along with a troubling disappearance, or two and mounting suspicion turns the ballet world into a deadly stage.

Matters become even more complicated when Leah’s partner, homicide detective Jonah Sobol, arrives on the case with a glamorous new colleague, forcing Leah to rethink both her investigation and her relationship.

With her career on the line and danger closing in, Leah must rely on her instincts to uncover the truth. Can she expose the killer, salvage her love life, win the prize, and save her future before the final curtain falls?

Witty, atmospheric, and full of insider detail, a front-row seat to a world where ambition, jealousy, and murder move in perfect synchrony.

Review: Murder in Fifth Position

A cosy mystery firmly grounded in the world of ballet

Murder in Fifth Position is the fifth instalment in Lori Robbins’ On Pointe Mystery series, a cosy mystery collection set against the elegant yet competitive backdrop of professional ballet.

Returning readers will feel immediately at home, while newcomers will quickly grasp the rhythm of the series thanks to its familiar genre conventions and well-established cast.

Plot Overview

The novel once again centres on Leah Siderova, a star dancer with the American Ballet Company who, alongside her demanding artistic career, has developed an uncanny talent for uncovering the truth behind suspicious deaths.

When a murder disrupts a prestigious choreography competition, Leah finds herself drawn into another investigation: this time involving judges whose rivalries, egos, and professional ambitions provide plenty of motive.

With the support of her New York detective boyfriend and a colourful ensemble of friends and colleagues from the ballet world, Leah works to untangle a web of secrets, professional jealousy, and hidden grudges.

Setting and Atmosphere: Ballet as a Crime Scene

What truly sets Murder in Fifth Position apart, both within the series and the cosy mystery genre, is its immersive ballet setting. Robbins clearly understands the value of grounding a mystery in a distinctive professional world, and the novel benefits from this specificity.

Even for readers with little to no prior knowledge of ballet, the environment feels authentic. Robbins balances technical detail with accessibility, using familiar workplace dynamics, competition, hierarchy, insecurity, and ambition to make the setting relatable.

The added layer of artistic pressure only heightens the tension, reinforcing the idea that behind the grace and discipline of ballet lies a fiercely competitive industry.

Mystery and Genre Expectations

As a cosy mystery, Murder in Fifth Position delivers exactly what fans of the genre expect:

• A contained circle of suspects
• Plenty of red herrings
• Clues scattered fairly throughout the narrative
• A puzzle that rewards attentive readers

The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, allowing readers to speculate without feeling overwhelmed or misled. While the mystery itself does not radically reinvent the genre, it is competently constructed and satisfying in its resolution.

Characters and Series Continuity

Leah Siderova remains a likeable and capable protagonist, balancing her artistic life with amateur sleuthing in a way that feels increasingly natural as the series progresses. Her relationship with her detective boyfriend adds credibility to her investigations without overshadowing her independence.

The supporting cast, friends, dancers, and industry insiders, adds texture and warmth, reinforcing the cosy tone and providing multiple perspectives within the ballet world.

Who Should Read This Book?

Murder in Fifth Position is well suited to readers who enjoy:

• Cosy mysteries with a strong professional or hobby-based setting
• Long-running mystery series with recurring characters
• Light, puzzle-driven crime without graphic violence
• Ballet-themed or arts-based fiction
• Readers new to cosy mysteries looking for an accessible entry point

While there are more standout series within the cosy mystery genre, this novel comfortably holds its own and offers something distinctive through its setting.

Conclusion

Murder in Fifth Position by Lori Robbins is a solid and enjoyable addition to the On Pointe Mystery series. It does not aim to redefine the cosy mystery genre, it succeeds by offering a well-paced investigation, a clearly realised setting, and a protagonist who feels fully at home in both the ballet studio and the world of amateur sleuthing.

Whether you are a dedicated fan of the series, a lover of cosy mysteries, or simply curious about a crime novel set in the world of professional ballet, Murder in Fifth Position is well worth picking up—and may well inspire you to explore the rest of the series.

click here to see a full list of the book in Lori Robbins On Pointe Mystery Series.

• Facebook
• X
• Threads
• Pinterest
• Pocket

Like follow or share if you would want similar content.

Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.

Mark.