Murder in Second Position: Mystery Review

Murder in Second Position by Lori Robbins is a ballet-centric cozy mystery that lets its setting take centre stage

Synopsis: Murder in Second Position

Ballerina Leah Siderova belongs onstage, not under interrogation at Manhattan’s Twentieth Precinct.

Yet for the second time in less than a year, she finds herself questioned about a murder.

When the autocratic new director of the American Ballet Company is found dead, Leah is determined to stay well clear of the investigation.

She’s focused on her career, not playing amateur sleuth. Besides, if Leah had any motive at all, it would be tied to the woman relentlessly harassing her online, not the victim in question.

But ballet is a world where ambition runs high, rivalries cut deep, and appearances are everything. As suspicion tightens and professional tensions turn toxic, Leah discovers that the saying “ballet can be murder” may be far more literal than she ever imagined.

Smart, sharp, and steeped in backstage drama, Murder in Second Position delivers another elegant mystery where jealousy, obsession, and deadly intent lurk just beyond the spotlight.

Review: Murder in Second Position

A ballet-centric cozy mystery that lets its setting take centre stage

Murder in Second Position is the second instalment in Lori Robbins’ On Pointe Mystery series, of cozy mysteries, set within the highly competitive world of a New York City ballet company.

As with the first novel, “Murder in First Postion” Robbins blends murder with backstage politics and artistic ambition, reminding readers that ballet, dancers may metaphorically kill for the best roles, but this time the murder is all too real.

Once again, principal dancer Leah Siderova finds herself at the heart of a homicide investigation after discovering a body at the bottom of a staircase. Although she is not a professional investigator, Leah’s proximity to the victim and her insider knowledge of the ballet company naturally draw her into uncovering the truth, placing her directly in the path of danger.

Setting and Atmosphere

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its commitment to setting. Robbins fully embeds the mystery within the daily realities of professional ballet, making the world feel authentic and lived-in. For readers unfamiliar with ballet, Murder in Second Position offers an illuminating glimpse into the physical and psychological demands placed on elite dancers.

Leah’s constant pain, injuries, and strict control over her diet are not treated as throwaway details but as integral parts of her life and identity. These elements add texture to the narrative and reinforce the idea that ballet is not just an art form, but a demanding profession that exacts a real cost from those who pursue it at the highest level.

Characters and Perspective

The story is told entirely from Leah’s point of view, which keeps the narrative focused and easy to follow. Leah remains a likeable and grounded protagonist, determined, observant, and flawed enough to feel human. Her dual role as dancer and amateur sleuth continues to work well, especially within a closed, high-pressure environment like a ballet company.

That said, the single-perspective narrative does mean that some secondary characters feel less fully developed than might otherwise be.

While they are distinct enough to serve the mystery and provide plausible suspects, readers who enjoy deeply layered supporting casts may find this to be a limitation. However, this is a common trait within the cozy mystery genre and does not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

The Mystery

At its core, Murder in Second Position delivers what cozy mystery readers expect: a well-structured whodunnit with a steady flow of clues, red herrings, and twists. The pacing allows readers to actively engage with the puzzle, attempting to piece together the solution alongside Leah.

While the Murder in Second Position does not reinvent the genre, it is competently executed and satisfying, striking a balance between predictability and surprise that will appeal to fans of traditional cozy mysteries.

Themes

Beyond the murder itself, the novel explores themes of ambition, competition, physical sacrifice, and the price of artistic excellence. Ballet is portrayed not as a glamorous fantasy, but as a demanding world where success often comes at the expense of personal well-being, a thematic undercurrent that gives the story additional weight beneath its cozy exterior.

Who Should Read This Book?

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

• Cozy mysteries with distinctive, immersive settings
• Ballet or performing arts–themed fiction
• Amateur sleuth stories with a strong central protagonist
• Series mysteries that build familiarity over time

Readers who appreciated Murder in First Position will find this a natural continuation, while newcomers can still enjoy the story without feeling completely lost.

Conclusion

Murder in Second Position by Lori Robbins is a solid and engaging entry in the On Pointe Mystery series. Its greatest strength lies in how convincingly it weaves the demanding world of professional ballet into the fabric of the mystery, giving the novel a strong sense of place and purpose.

While secondary characters could be more deeply explored, the compelling setting, likeable protagonist, and well-paced mystery ensure that this remains an enjoyable and worthwhile read, particularly for cozy mystery fans looking for something a little different from the usual village or small-town backdrop.

Click here for a full list of Lori Robbins On Pointe Series

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Above all Keep Safe and treat people fairly.

Mark.