Scene Stealer by Elise Warner

Miss Augusta Weidenmaier is a retired school teacher who, because of a chance encounter on a subway train, finds herself embroiled in finding a kidnapped child.  Her sleuthing leads her to become involved in acting and enlivens her rather predictable life.

At first, Miss Weidenmaier drove me insane.  She attributes many of her skills as a sleuth, such as the power of observation or the ability to tell when someone is lying, to her years as an elementary teacher.  My initial response was, "When did she retire, in the 1800s?"  However, as the novel progressed, she grew on me.  She is the heroine of a cozy mystery in the mold of Miss Marple and other distinguished older ladies.  She has more gumption than one would expect, and she becomes rather endearing by the end of the book.

The theater in New York City plays an important role in this mystery, so those who love either the profession or the place would enjoy this read.