The Show Won't Go On

August 1, 2019
This is the perfect book for the morbidly curious, the gawkers, and anyone fascinated by peculiar deaths. It chronicles those who gave their last performances in all types of entertainment: theater, comedy, magic, television, radio, and several genres of music. Abraham and Kearns use a journalistic style to inform the reader of the events surrounding each performer's demise, and this pays off in the interviews with some of the decedent's friends and relatives. In some cases, we learn their last words before the performance, which is moving and oddly satisfying. While some deaths were completely preventable, the authors are careful not to pass judgment and instead simply report the events as they happened. The format is not a strict narrative, allowing the reader to skip around, if desired, and read whatever bits and pieces immediately jump out. The pictures are a touching tribute, showing each performer in his or her prime. Laced with intrigue and respectful at the same time, this is a wonderful read for those looking for a unique twist on true crime.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)