Murder in Third Position: Mystery Review

Review of Murder in Third Position by Lori Robbins, graceful blend of ballet and murder in this third On Pointe Mystery

Synopsis: Murder in Third Position

Lori Robbins returns readers to the high-stakes world of professional ballet in the 3rd instalment of her on Pointe series, where ambition, rivalry, along with murder take centre stage.

The Nutcracker should be filled with holiday magic, but for lead dancer Leah Siderova, this season is anything but joyful.

When demanding director Maurice Kaminsky forces her to perform on a dangerously unstable platform suspended high above the stage, tensions are already running high.

Then the curtain rises, not on festive cheer, but on a corpse. The scene looks less like a Christmas ballet and more like the tragic finale of Romeo and Juliet.

Maurice was widely disliked, and few mourn his sudden departure. Still, no one expected him to exit in a body bag rather than on a flight to Los Angeles.

Leah has no desire to become entangled in yet another murder investigation. But when suspicion lands on her dance partner and friend, Tex, she has no choice but to step back into the role of reluctant sleuth.

With help from the ever-resourceful “Choreographers of Crime,” Leah must navigate backstage politics, bruised egos, and deadly secrets, while her complicated relationship with homicide detective Jonah Sobol adds further strain.

With opening night fast approaching and the future of the American Ballet Company hanging in the balance, Leah must uncover the truth before the final curtain falls.

Witty, suspenseful, and steeped in insider ballet detail, Murder in Third Position delivers another elegant whodunnit where one misstep could prove fatal.

Review: Murder in Third Position

Murder in Third Position by Lori Robbins – Review

With Murder in Third Position, Lori Robbins returns readers once again to the fiercely competitive world of ballet.

As the third instalment in the On Pointe Mystery series, the novel continues to combine the elegance of classical dance with the intrigue of a cozy whodunnit.

This time, the death of Maurice Kaminsky throws the company into turmoil, and ballerina Leah Siderova finds herself once again entangled in a murder investigation.

When her dance partner, Tex, becomes the prime suspect, Leah is compelled to step in, not only to protect her friend but to uncover the truth behind a crime that threatens both their careers and reputations.

Complicating matters further is Leah’s increasingly complicated relationship with the investigating detective. With personal tensions clouding professional cooperation, the question becomes whether Leah can navigate both emotional and investigative challenges effectively enough to help Tex.

Setting: Ballet as More Than a Backdrop

As with the previous novels in the series, Robbins places ballet firmly at the heart of the story. The rehearsal rooms, backstage rivalries, physical strain, and artistic ambition all feel authentic and immersive.

For readers unfamiliar with the professional dance world, the novel offers a compelling glimpse into the discipline and sacrifice required to succeed at an elite level.

Leah’s dual role, principal dancer and amateur sleuth, continues to work well. Her insider perspective provides access to motives rooted in jealousy, competition, and career desperation, all of which sit naturally within the ballet setting.

Characters and Series Development

Leah remains an engaging and reliable narrator. Told entirely from her point of view, the story allows readers to connect closely with her determination, loyalty, and occasional impulsiveness. She carries shades of a traditional cozy mystery sleuth, resourceful and observant in the vein of Miss Marple, yet grounded in a thoroughly modern environment.

The supporting cast adds warmth and familiarity. Leah’s sister and mother provide emotional grounding, while Olga, of Ukrainian descent, remains a standout character, compassionate, sharp-witted, and intriguingly mysterious.

The addition of Leah’s aunt further strengthens this close-knit female circle, creating a supportive investigative team that adds charm to the narrative.

While some elements of the mystery may feel slightly “by the numbers”, a common risk in long-running cozy series the strength of the characters and the unique ballet setting prevent the story from feeling stale.

The Mystery and Pacing

As a cozy mystery, the novel delivers a steady stream of clues, suspects, and red herrings. The pacing is consistent, encouraging readers to piece together the puzzle alongside Leah. While it may not radically reinvent the genre, it remains competently structured and satisfying.

At times, the plot follows familiar cozy patterns, particularly for seasoned readers of the genre. However, Robbins’ distinctive setting and established character dynamics help maintain engagement.

Themes

Beyond the central murder, the novel touches on themes of loyalty, ambition, friendship, and trust under pressure. Ballet, by its nature, is a world of intense competition masked by grace and beauty, making it an ideal environment for exploring rivalries and hidden resentments.

The tension between professional ambition and personal loyalty, especially in Leah’s defence of Tex, adds emotional stakes to the mystery.

Who Should Read This Book?

Murder in Third Position will appeal to:

• Fans of cozy mysteries with unique professional settings
• Readers who enjoy series with a recurring amateur sleuth
• Those interested in behind-the-scenes glimpses of the ballet world
• Fans of character-driven mysteries rather than dark or gritty thrillers

It works best for readers already invested in the On Pointe series, though newcomers can still follow the story with relative ease.

Conclusion

Murder in Third Position by Lori Robbins is a solid and enjoyable third entry in the On Pointe Mystery series. While parts of the plot may feel familiar within the cozy mystery framework, the immersive ballet setting and the strong, supportive cast of characters continue to distinguish the series from others in the genre.

For readers who enjoy elegant settings paired with murder and a determined amateur sleuth, this instalment proves that the series still has plenty of poise left in it.

Check here for the current list of the novels in On Pointes mystery series

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Mark.