A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS


When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save

herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks

upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve

of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is

shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair,

more …

When India Hartley is accused of murder, she must uncover the deceptions of others to save

herself.

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks

upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve

of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is

shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India.

A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to

increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will

bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge

handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the

beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears

to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise

troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India

discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to

her freedom. If only he will believe her.

less …
  • Thomas Nelson
  • Paperback
  • October 2015
  • 384 Pages
  • 9781401687595

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About Dorothy Love

A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her

husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels,

Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels.

Praise

A great historical romance with a Gothic vibe that also has mystery and murder. Characters are well

thought out; some are hiding secrets and will do whatever they must to keep those secrets, and some

characters will do what they must to get closer to the truth. Love has outdone herself in this latest book,

creating a unique novel that readers are sure to treasure forever.” RT Book Reviews, 4 1/2 starred

review and Top Pick! for A Respectable Actress

Discussion Questions

How does the notion of “respectability” affect the way in which India sees herself? How does it color

her perception of her relationship with Philip?

India’s nomadic lifestyle causes her to long for a real home—a refuge no theater can provide. What is

your definition of home?

India suffers the effects of being thought of as an outsider. Have you ever felt that way about

yourself? How did it influence your choices?

What do you think acting means to India? How do her skills influence the outcome of the story?

Were you surprised by the outcome of India’s trial? Why or why not?

What did you think of Philip’s decision not to tell India about his past until he was forced to do so?

How would his revelations have altered the story and their relationship?

If you have read The Bracelet, what did you enjoy most about this glimpse into Celia Mackay’s life ten

years later? Were you surprised that she took up India’s cause?