It's Monday again, which means it's Gus LeGarde day here at The Twinners. This week we bring to you Aaron Lazar's second Gus Legarde book, Upstaged.

About the Book:
"In Upstaged...Gus LeGarde is in for another wild ride as he faces a disturbed stage mother, a deviant predator, and a twisted saboteur who lurks backstage, terrorizing the drama club with deadly, psychotic games.

Who's playing bizarre pranks on Gus's fiancée, Camille? Gus suspects handsome Brazilian student, Armand, whose behavior is laced with sexual improprieties. His suspicion shifts as a jealous stage-mother goes berserk when her daughter isn't cast in the lead role. As the attacks escalate, even the school superintendent is questioned when it's learned that his shadowy past is sealed in an official file.

The action turns lethal as opening night approaches. A sniper fires shots. Camille's home is ransacked and her beloved dog is missing. The star performer takes a bone-shattering fall when the stage railing mysteriously falls apart. Was the set rigged? Will Gus prevent the villain from upstaging the show?"

About the Author:
"Aaron Paul Lazar resides in Upstate New York with his wife; three daughters; two grandsons; mother-in-law; dogs, Max and Frisky; and three cats, Tristan, Allouette, and Jasmine. When not writing, he works as an engineer. He is also a passionate gardener, chef, photographer, cross-country skier, pianist, and fine arts enthusiast."

My Take:
Once again, Aaron Lazar takes his main character through some very hard times. Camille is being stalked by a crazed lunatic, but no one knows who it is! Be ready for a shocking surprise ending that will give you chills. This person goes to extraordinary lengths to cause serious trouble for Camille and the drama club.

I especially enjoyed this book because I always tried out for the plays at school and camp, and I even got some good parts! I used to love being in the musicals and singing in the choir, although I dreamed of actually getting the lead role. It finally happened at my last year of Camp Tamakwa when I played the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz! I know what it feels like to always be passed over for the best roles because of typecasting and just not being good enough, so I really feel for Lisa Bigelow, who seems to be living in the shadow of the girl who always gets the lead role.

Aaron's narrative will take you back to your high school days, and you'll get to live it all over again. This book made me want to find a drama troupe and act again. I miss it so much!! We really need to start a Jewish acting group in Boston, because I need a drama outlet pronto.

Cost: You can buy Upstaged: A Gus LeGarde Mystery on Amazon.com for $3.51 + shipping (for a used book) or $18.89 + shipping (for a new book).

Overall: We give Upstaged: A Gus LeGarde Mystery a 10/10!

One very lucky reader will win a copy of the book Upstaged!





We were sent copy of the book "Upstaged" free of charge for the sole purpose of this review; no other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are my own.