The Theatre Organ Murders by Jeanette Howeth Crumpler (2008, Paperback)

Jeanette Howeth Crumpler’s “Theatre Organ Murders” is first and foremost a mischievous and delightful murder mystery that takes place on the theatre row of Elm Street in Dallas, Texas. The reader should enjoy this book for what it is, fiction.
It does, however, include some stories that are interwoven into the book that were inspired by real situations, real characters, and real history, in other words, a roman à clef. One must take the literal facts as presented in this charming story cum grano salis. Crumpler advises us in her forward of the book to “Read with a sense of humor. Think about it. Loosen up. Don’t let your halo be on too tight” Don’t draw any hasty conclusions. These are cautions you might observe before going any further.”
Taking heed of Jeanette’s caveat, I enjoyed this tale of deception, intrigue and avarice as various characters in the book were done in by a diapason, violated by a vox humana or doomed by other dastardly deeds. The entire book is centered around the fictional Rivertree Theatre, its owners and associated characters, its famous Wurlitzer organ and a series of bizarre murders that take place in the timeline of the theatre’s history. The story was filled with intrigue and I had to finish the entire book once I started reading it.
One of the aspects of the book that I enjoyed the most was Crumpler’s obvious love and passion for the grand old motion picture palaces and how they were built to transform a person from their day to day existence into a world of fantasy for the price of an admission ticket. She lovingly describes the jungle atmospheric style of the Rivertree Theatre with its floating clouds, twinkling stars, elaborate palatial interior with thousands of seats. With the greatest of enthusiasm she describes the Rivertree’s mighty four manual Wurlitzer with its golden ormolu swirls and a gold plush Howard seat.
Wrapped around this tale of the series of murders in and about the Rivertree’s Wurlitzer is really the story of the history of the theatre organ itself; how its very existence changed and adapted from its original intent to transformations in the motion picture and entertainment industries. The author states that the fictional Rivertree Theatre is really an amalgamation of the Palace and Majestic Theatres in Dallas, Texas. At the end of the book is the very interesting history of the actual Palace Theatre organ, Publix #1, Opus 2125, including the specification of the instrument as installed in the latter part of 1930.
This book is a worthy addition to the shelves of any theatre organ or movie palace aficionado and the lurid cover will certainly attract interest on any coffee table.