Shake-speared in the Park by Joy Ann Ribar (Bay Browning Mystery Book 2)

Publisher / Publication Date: Wine Glass Press, February 18, 2026

Language: English

Format / Pages: Paperback, 333 pages; also available as e-book Genre: Traditional Mystery / Female Sleuth

ISBN: 978-1959078265 ASIN: B0DVG65Z7T

Reviewed by: Jerry McGinley

Murder, Mayhem, and the Bard

Fans of William Shakespeare, live outdoor theater, and clever cozy mysteries will find Joy Ann Ribar’s Shake-speared in the Park irresistible. The second installment in the Bay Browning Mystery series, this novel reads seamlessly as a standalone while offering a tempting gateway into the rest of the series.

The story follows English professor Bay Browning, who reluctantly agrees to help direct Flourish College’s summer production of Shakespeare’s Couch, a play she co-authored. What begins as a lighthearted rehearsal quickly spirals into chaos when a murder occurs on stage. Suddenly, the theater transforms into a crime scene, and Bay—joined by her colleague Jenny Hoo, her enigmatic sister Cassandra, and Detective Bryce Downing—must unravel a tangled web of revenge, secrets, and theatrical superstition.

Set in Pleasant Ridge, a fictionalized enclave of Madison, Wisconsin, the novel vividly contrasts the opulence of Angel Bird Bluff’s historic mansions with the working-class neighborhoods below. This social divide becomes a central thread in the mystery, with Flourish College serving as the crossroads where wealthy heirs, scholarship students, and faculty collide.

One of Ribar’s greatest strengths lies in her ability to weave Shakespearean themes into the narrative. The outdoor theater setting brims with backstage drama, academic politics, and the egos of elite cast members. As the plot builds toward its climax, readers are treated to a lavish Shakespeare-themed costume ball—a dazzling backdrop for suspense and revelation.

Bay Browning herself is a thoroughly engaging sleuth: clever, resourceful, and refreshingly believable. Supporting characters add depth and variety—Jen Yoo provides balance to Bay’s impulsiveness, Cassandra’s checkered past as a grifter enriches the investigation, and Detective Downing grounds the story with steady professionalism. Together, they create a dynamic ensemble that keeps the mystery lively and unpredictable.

Stylistically, Ribar’s prose is crisp, witty, and accessible. She offers vivid descriptions without excess, maintaining brisk pacing that heightens tension with each rehearsal and discovery. Shakespeare enthusiasts will delight in the literary references, but even readers unfamiliar with the Bard will find the story engaging and easy to follow.

Shake-speared in the Park is a clever, fast-moving mystery that blends theatrical flair with authentic suspense. With its strong female protagonist, literary references, and touches of humor and romance, it is a perfect choice for cozy mystery fans. Ribar once again proves that Bay Browning’s adventures are worth following—and leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next act.

Jerry McGinley is the author of the seven-book Pat Donegal/Shea Sommers Mystery series, featuring A DRIFTLESS MURDER, winner of the 2022 MIPA Midwest Book Award for Fiction. His latest book is a historical fiction novel titled DUST UNDER OUR FEET (The Saga of an Irish American Family). He lives in Waunakee, Wisconsin.