"The curtain rises on murder in this third excursion of the American agent Benjamin Franklin into the criminal underworld of London, when a relaxing night at the theater becomes the occasion for real-life intrigue and suspense." "Sent on business by the colony of Pennsylvania, Benjamin Franklin seeks a respite from his duties by attending a new play at Drury Lane Theatre, where the noted actor David Garrick holds sway. But when a heckler tumbles to his death, Franklin is drawn behind the footlights and into a whirl of backstage mystery. Threatening notes are sent, fires mysteriously lit, and in order to save his playhouse, Garrick engages Ben to bring the miscreant to justice." "Ben finds himself in the world of rakes, harlots, and jealous actors and actresses who jostle behind the green curtain. Once again, his keen mind and his broad humanity proves Franklin to be eighteenth-century London's most ingenious detective. Filled with the atmospheric charm and color of Victorian London, this is a mystery that demands all of Benjamin Franklin's legendary wit and wisdom."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved