So many engrossing novels about the entertainment industry in the 1920’s and 1930’s have been written this year. Vivian in Red focuses on the magic of Broadway in its early years, and the evolution from vaudeville to staged musicals. Riggle also weaves in the role Tin Pan Alley played in contributing to the theater.

As the book opens, 88-year-old Milo Short, a Broadway lyricist and producer, still participates in his family business Milo Short Productions. As he is leaving work one day, he sees a woman from his past, Vivian Adair, as she would have looked when he knew her in the 1930’s. Startled, he collapses and is rushed to the hospital. Diagnosed with a stroke, Milo recovers the use of his limbs, but not his voice. Meanwhile he continues to see and hear Vivian speak to him. As the story oscillates between the 1930’s and 1999, the story of Milo’s life and relationship with Vivian unfold.

Since I love going to see Broadway shows, I particularly loved the sections relating to the early Broadway shows and Tin Pan Alley. Milo’s show for which he wrote the lyrics, The High Hat, ran at the New Amsterdam, a theater I have been to many times. I was mesmerized by the references to Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, the Gershwins, and other famous people from that era. Riggle works the real life details in seamlessly, and I found it all truly fascinating.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. For theatre lovers, it is a must read. I am already looking forward to Kristina Riggle’s next book. ( )

Hard not to fall form the irrepressible Milo Short, 88, and feisty, still in possession of all his marbles. Famous for a hit musical, notable songwriter and producer in his day, if fact he still goes into his office. Now the head of family that includes many grandchildren and greats, he is doing fine until...... he sees a ghost from the past, Vivian Adair, a dark haired beauty wearing a red hat, the only problem, Vivian Adair is dead, died long ago. Milo has a stroke and now he is not doing so fine, what does Vivian's ghost want?

I was attracted to cover, love the black, white with the red, very visual. Also the subject matter was a novel one for me, back in the earlier 1900's, the heyday of the big musical productions and the atmosphere really takes the reader back. Singers, actors, songwriters, Milo and his partner, their stories separately and together, and the advent of Vivian. Modern day story, a granddaughter charged with writing a book about her grandfather's life happens upon a discrepancy, and sets out to discover what is troubling him from the past. Of course, she has help, much to the dismay of the rest of the family.

A lighter book. family secrets, a tromp back to Broadway times and a wonderful character in Milo, an old man with secrets and retreats of his own. Slowly paced, but an entertaining read. ( )