I just loved seeing Adam playing a Montague in Edwin's presentation of Romeo and Juliet. He was beautiful!

Adam as a Montague.

It was a wonderful story. I loved your descriptions of New Orleans.

I also liked your description of being an alcoholic, coming from the mouth of an alcoholic, Edwin Booth. "I do feel like one of the Greek gods when I drink - standing aloft on Olympus and being worshiped by mere mortals who 'crawl between heaven and earth'."

Shades of The Crucible! Is Adam capable of committing murder? "And that is your fear, isn't it -- that you'll abandon self control altogether and become a beast like every other man."

Very well done! Thanks for writing it!

A well written story that kept me reading (so had only 3 hours sleep in that night). Adam loves the theater , he loves Shakespeare . Learned some theater language 

very good story! Thanks

I always second guess myself when reading or watching a mystery. Maybe it is the amateur writer in me, but I want to figure out "who done it" before everyone else in the book or on the show. Adamant, your murdered was on my list of two, but not the top choice. Bravo! You fooled me.

I highly recommend this story, and I plan on suggesting, begging, pleading, maybe even bribing Adamant to continue the tale of the friendship between Adam and Edwin.

Well, having recently watched "The Princess and The Frog" with my granddaughter, I couldn't get the animated image of Mama Odie out of my head! So Mama Zee =Mama Odie for me!

Such vivid original characters, Adamant. From Mama Zee to Pretty Loius to Chauvette. I don't think I want this story to end!

Another intriguing original character shows up in this chapter. Adam's ability to access a man's background rivals that of the detective, and I get the impression they might have been friends had they met under other circumstances. 

Another chapter that reeled me in and held me captive. I very much enjoyed the detail written about the goings on back stage. It brought back several fond memories. Many people aren't familiar with the terms and jobs of those behind the curtain. "Break a legging" has always been on of my favorite expressions from theater and performing. You've truly captured the ambiance.

Knowing the theme for these MMM stories, I was wondering just what the mystery would be. I was right, but had the wrong character. :)

Looking forward to reading more. 

Well, finished at last!  Please don't take that as it may read.  This was not a chore by any means.

The setting of the scenes in Theatreland, back and front of house, worked well with the seedier parts of New Orleans. The addition of the 'voodoo dolls' gave a sense of fear as well as mystery.  

My favourite character was that of Detective Chauvette, I enjoyed the way Adam and the detective had a cautious and caustic respect for each other.  In fact, I could see these two characters better matched than Adam and Booth.  

Also that you kept the Ponderosa in Adam's thoughts. I could well believe the recollection of the set too with his father and his teacher, Mr Lowery - very Adam Cartwright.  

Is it just that the story was set around the Theatre?  For me, I felt as if I weren't reading but that I was sat in plush surroundings of a Covent Garden Theatre watching the drama from a private box.  That I would then, along with the gathered audience I would leap to my feet and give applause - yes, that I would.

"All The World's A Stage" has grabbed me, pulled me in, and entertained me from the first sentence on.

The relationship between Adam and Edwin is brotherly and more. I'm looking forward the the rest of the story.

"I have wiped my shoes with your initials . . ." -- made me laugh out loud! What a spectacularly written scene.

It is in this chapter that I have really taken on board that Adam is a young man in his early twenties and not the cool, calm, calculating Adam that one I am more familiar with. A much enjoyable chapter. 

Such a dramatic change from the previous chapter.  Held a lot of sadness and gives no hint of what is to follow.

 From the very story notes, I was eager to dive in.

Wonderful start to what I know is going to be an enthralling read. 

Immediately I was thrown into the craziness of backstage activity.  Adam in tights!! Sweat stained at that. For a brief (sorry) moment, I was not able to see the words at all. But, I persevered and was taken from the razzle-dazzle of the entertainment world to a less than lavish drinking establishment.  I could almost smell the salty ozone mixed with the odours of vice and danger.

Adam the observer takes everything in his stride but, his friend Edwin seems on the road to ruination.

It was a love triangle (sort of), and I loved it!  

I was suspicious of Penn's feelings for awhile as Adam so obviously held Booth's attention, personal intimacy, and they did have a history together.  I became distracted with the details of the murder, however, and I forgot about the possibility of Booth leaving with Adam until near the end, and then it all became rather clear. Adam was a tremendous threat to Penn, the stability of his tour, and had become an obstacle in his own relationship with Booth.  It was his undoing that he became so desperate to retain all of it.  

I also enjoyed the backdrop of New Orleans for the story.  It occupies a very big place in Cartwright family history due to Marie, and subsequently, Joseph.  I also very much appreciated the mini glimpses into Adam and Marie's relationship; I have often thought they would have shared a unique and special friendship of their own accord.  

Thank you for your story, Adamant.        

I think Adam fit quite well into his friend's acting world, although his discomfort as a super was tangible, and the idea of remaining there just wasn't his goal.  He demonstrates he is a good friend to Edwin nonetheless, and it feels as though Booth understands that.

I enjoyed the flurry of activity of the backstage area; seems real to me, and probably a lot of chaos was the norm.  Booth is indeed a troubled man, and I sense the tension of something potentially traumatic ahead for both Edwin and Adam as a result.                  

The perfect title and some wonderfully dramatic actors first caught my attention and held it to the not so bitter end. You've woven a sophisticated mystery into what could have been a boring legal matter for our young Master Cartwright. Bravo!

The way you have balanced both past and present actions in the present tense narrative is both clever and exciting. It didn't occur to me until after the murder that you had spent the first three acts developing the characters as well as setting the stage. I guess I was just caught up in the fast pace of the dialogue. 

So so jealous I am of your skill that my own mystery seems juvenile. Thanks for posting this story. 

Present tense does move the action along quickly.