Death on the Strand or Motoring Ahead in
Style
TIME: 1905
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. Henry Ford, a designer, builder and racer of
automobiles.
Mrs. Clara Bryant Ford, the loving wife of Henry Ford.
Mr. Thomas Millet, the Mayor of the City of Cape May. He
is also one of the founders of the Cape May Automobile Club.
Mrs. Millet, the devoted wife of Thomas Millet and a leader
in local society.
Mr. Louis Chevrolet, a rival automobile builder of Henry
Ford and racing enthusiast from Switzerland.
Mrs. Louis Chevrolet, the patrician wife of Louis Chevrolet.
Miss Flora Hughes, a transcendentalist student of Henry
David Thoreau and opponent of the automobile races on the
beach in the City of Cape May.
Miss Louella Ludlum, an automobile enthusiast and
hostess for the evening’s activities.
Mr. Andrew “Andy” Bender, a local mechanic for Henry
Ford.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City.
Distinguished Guests.
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the creation of the
Cape May Automobile Club and the opening of the racing
season on the sands of Cape May. During the festivities,
word arrives that one of Mr. Ford’s mechanics is found dead
on the strand; Mr. Ford’s and Mr. Chevrolet’s racing cars
were also vandalized. The anonymous note warns of further
attacks on other drivers and their automobiles if the races
are not stopped and the Cape May Automobile Club is not
disbanded. Mrs. Flower takes control to resolve the matter,
and to insure that the races on the beach will be safe and
secure.
Copyright John Pekich 2005
Murder on the Pittsburgh or Dredging up the
Future
TIME: 1903
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. William Flinn, a major industrialist from Pittsburgh and
the head of the East Cape May Project.
Mrs. Nancy Galbraithe Flinn, the devoted and affluent wife
of William Flinn.
Mr. Peter Shields, a real estate entrepreneur from
Pittsburgh who is guiding the efforts of the East Cape May
Project.
Thomas Millet, the Mayor of the City of Cape May and a
longtime local businessman.
Mrs. Grace Thompson, an outspoken critic of the plans for
the “Newport” of Cape May.
Mr. Harvey Mellon, the on-site construction engineer
overseeing the East Cape May Project.
Mrs. Dorothea Mellon, the exuberant wife of Harvey
Mellon.
Miss Florence Hewitt, the hostess for the evening.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City.
Mr. Walter Rego, a former valet turned fashion designer
and sartorial consultant.
Miss Wanda Lust, the noted adventuress.
Reverend C. U. Sunday, a prominent local minister.
MESSENGER
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the start of the
dredging operations of the harbor, part of the East Cape May
Project, to create the “Newport” of Cape May. During the
festivities, a messenger brings word that a dead body was
found near the dredge, Pittsburgh. A ransom message
demands that the dredging immediately end, else more “dire
consequences” will follow, including a threat to the trains
carrying dignitaries from Philadelphia to the City of Cape
May. Mrs. Flower takes control, telling Mayor Millet that she
has placed some of his officers on alert, outside the hotel.
She must, now, deal with the threat to the Pittsburgh, and to
the future of the City of Cape May.
Copyright John Pekich 2004
The Travails of the Republic or A Stylish
Stolen Steamer
TIME: 1881
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. Jonathan Cone, the owner of the Republic and railroad
magnate.
Mrs. Jonathan Cone, a Philadelphia socialite and wife of
Jonathan Cone.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor of the City of Cape May
and a powerful economic force in the city.
Senora Alma Corazon y Madariaga Carilla, the Royal
organizer of the collection of Victoriana sent by way of the
Republic to the Celebration of Style in the City of Cape May.
Mr. Angus McDougall, a Scotsman and expert in Victorian
style and fashion.
Mr. Charles “Chuck” Lancer, a former cowboy, cattle
baron and a self-made millionaire, now residing in the City of
Cape May.
Mrs. Rose “Rosie” Lancer, the good-hearted, but "flashy,"
wife of Chuck Lancer.
Mr. Samuel Stilwell, a lighthouse keeper.
Mrs. Pearl Armitage, the Hostess for the evening.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City of Cape May.
Mr. Walter Rego, a former valet, now, a fashion designer
and sartorial consultant.
Miss Wanda Lust, the noted adventuress.
The Reverend C. U. Sunday, a prominent local minister.
MESSENGER
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the arrival of the
Republic, a side-wheeler from Philadelphia. The boat is
carrying "experts" from London, to help celebrate an
extravaganza of style in the City. Accompanying them are
original gowns belonging to Queen Victoria, outfits from
members of her court, and personal mementos and jewelry.
During the evening’s festivities, the lighthouse keeper brings
news that the Republic is missing in a savage storm. A
ransom message arrives from the "scoundrels" who have
taken the Republic. Mrs. Flower takes control of the events,
reads the note, and informs the others that a $100,000.00
ransom must be paid by the next day, else the Republic will
be sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Copyright John Pekich 2003
A Towering Theft or The Lady’s Torch Song
TIME: October 1886
SETTING: The City of Cape May
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur private detective. She is a
lover of fine food, drink and company.
Mr. Bentley Longfellow Becker, the sponsor of the
evening’s festivities.
Mrs. Wilhelmina "Willy" Becker, a former ceramic artist
and wife of Bentley Becker.
Countess Marie Louise Vernet, the representative of the
French Government to the evening’s festivities.
Mr. Seamus La Pierre Young, an adventurer and Irish
rogue.
Mr. William "Billy" Holmstead, a self-made millionaire.
Mrs. Trudy Holmstead, the fun-loving wife of Billy
Holmstead.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the city.
Mr. George Westerfield, a local design artist, sailor and
author of adventure tales.
Mrs. Maureen Angerson, the hostess for the evening's
activities.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
A reception is being held in the City of Cape May to celebrate
the arrival of the Statue of Liberty Exhibition containing
copies of the plans for the head and torch of the Statue, and
a solid gold model of the Statue of Liberty. During the
reception, a threat against the plans and the gold model is
uncovered. Mrs. Flower must protect the plans and the
statue so the guilty parties cannot carry out their threats.
Copyright John Pekich 2002
Murder in the Light of Asia or Howdah Do It?
TIME: October 1884
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Mr. Theodore M. Reger, the speculator and developer who
is underwriting the construction of the Light of Asia.
Sir Anthony Montague Devonshire, M.B.E., Equerry to
Her Majesty Queen Victoria, former Ambassador to India,
adventurer and noted author.
Mrs. Phillipa Lucretia Devonshire, the wife of Sir Anthony
and the daughter of an Italian Viscount and an American
opera singer.
Reginald LeClerc Morales, a Spanish-born French art
critic. He was educated at Princeton, Oxford, and the
Sorbonne.
Jacob Hewlett, a social prominent, but financially inept,
developer in the City of Cape May.
Mrs. Louella Hewlett, the modest wife of Jacob Hewlett.
Miss Evangeline Potter, a local naturalist, teacher of
music, theatrical performer and opponent of the Light of Asia.
Mr. Hank Scutter, the construction foreman on the Light of
Asia project.
Mrs. Doris Scutter, the wife of Hank Scutter and operator of
an emporium in the City of Cape May.
Mrs. Margaret Mayfair Carruthers, the President of the
League of Preservationists and Supporters of Fine Art for the
City of Cape May and hostess for the evening's festivities.
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the dedication of the
Light of Asia, affectionately known as Old Jumbo. The forty-
foot, ten-inch pachyderm, will be available for merchants as a
location in which to sell their wares. During the reception,
Theodore Reger receives a note from terrorists, accepting
responsibility for a worker found dead inside the Light of
Asia. They also threaten more attacks, including one on the
Light of Asia. Colonel Mey must solve the death of the
watchman and the attack on Reger, and save the Light of
Asia.
Copyright John Pekich 2001
A Scandal in Focus or Negative Impressions
TIME: 1884
SETTING: The City of Cape May
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape Mey.
Mr. Cyrus Burkett, a prominent Philadelphia financier and a
silent partner in the construction of the Iron Pier.
Mrs. Rosemary Burkett, a Philadelphia artist and wife of
Cyrus Burkett.
Mr. John Forrester, the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Philadelphia Museum of European Art and Culture.
Mrs. Josephine Forrester, the tolerant wife of John
Forrester.
Signore Lorenzo Fetucce, an internationally renowned
Italian amateur photographer, entrepreneur and world
traveler .
Miss Louise Desmond, an actress of dubious abilities and
questionable ambitions.
Mr. Peter Stone, a reporter working on an authorized
biography of Cyrus Burkett.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City of Cape May.
Mrs. Gladys Sutherland, the President of the League of
Amateur Photographers of the City of Cape May and hostess
for the evening's reception..
James Hildreth, the Mayor of the City of Cape May.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
A dinner reception is being held to celebrate the construction
of the Iron Pier which will extend 1000 feet over the ocean
and serve as a space for dancing and other entertainments.
The highlight of the festivities will be an exhibit of
photographs of exotic locations around the world taken by
Signore Lorenzo Fetucce. During dinner, Mrs. Burkett
receives a note from a blackmailer demanding fifty thousand
dollars, else a film will be released showing her and John
Forrester together in a private rendezvous. Colonel Mey
must deal with the blackmail threat and protect the
reputations of Mrs. Burkett’s reputation, her husband, Cyrus,
and her former lover, John Forrester.
Copyright John Pekich 2000
Murder on the Cape May Limited or Tough
Brakes
TIME: 1885
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape Mey.
Mr. Richard Stark, a ruthless business tycoon who uses
any means to gain increased wealth and power.
Mrs. Elizabeth Prudence Ridgeway Stark, the affluent
wife of Richard Stark.
Monsieur Andre Robert, a successful avant-garde painter
in the City of Cape May for his first national exhibition.
Miss Alice Porter, a promising singer, currently in the City
of Cape May to perform at a benefit concert for local disaster
relief.
Mr. Richie Barker, a talent promoter directing the career of
his wife, Alice Porter.
Mr. Harden Brinkman, an embittered Vice-President for
Stark Enterprises and a former business rival of Richard
Stark.
Mrs. Ruth Glover Brinkman, a weak and vain social
climber and wife of Harden Brinkman.
Mrs. Sarah Snowden Stevenson, the dowager organizer
of the charity fundraiser to help the unfortunates made
homeless by a recent storm in the city.
Mr. Arthur Samuelson, a kindly, sixtyish business
acquaintance of Richard Stark.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in City of Cape May.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
Stark Enterprises is sponsoring a charity fundraiser for
victims devastated by a recent storm. An avant-garde
painting will be auctioned during this evening, with the
proceeds going to the disaster relief. During the festivities,
Richard Stark receives a note; he rises to leave, gags, and
falls onto the table. Colonel Mey takes control of the action.
He examines Stark and pronounces him dead, poisoned by
Prussic acid. He, then, reads aloud a note taken from Stark’s
clenched fist; it contains one word--REVENGE! Mey also
directs that "No one is to leave the dining room until the
matter is resolved."
Copyright John Pekich 1999
The Mask of Montezuma or The Inca
Revenge
TIME: The late 1880s
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Dr. Charles Robertson, the noted Professor of
Archaeology at the University of Chicago, consultant to the
British Museum and international authority on Aztec cultures.
Mrs. Maria Louisa Robertson, a noted authoress,
adventuress and wife of Charles Robertson.
Dr. Jorge Lopez, a professor of archaeology and curator of
the Museum of Aztec History and Culture in Mexico.
Miss Elena Wilson, the attractive, but unassuming traveling
secretary to Charles Robertson.
Mr. James Drake, a Pinkerton Guard assigned to protect
the Mask of Montezuma on its travels.
Mrs. Gloria Parker, the President of the Historical Society of
the City of Cape May and hostess for the Mask of
Montezuma exhibit.
Mrs. Anna Hand, the benefactress for the exhibition of the
Mask of Montezuma in the City of Cape May.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the City of Cape May .
Two Men who help carry out the body of Maria Robertson.
Waiter who speaks to Mey.
Man who hands Mey a note
Assorted Dignitaries
PREMISE:
A reception is held to celebrate the exhibition of the Mask of
Montezuma, part of a national tour of art treasures from
Mexico. After briefly leaving the celebration, Dr. Robertson's
wife, Maria, reenters the dining room, stumbles toward him
and cries out that the Mask is gone. Revealing blood on her
chest and a bloody dagger in her hand, she gasps, “The
curse,” then falls to the floor, dying. Colonel Mey must find
her killer and the Mask of Montezuma to prevent a diplomatic
crisis between Mexico and the United States.
Copyright John Pekich 1998
The Shakespeare Folio Mystery or Where
There's A Will There's A Play
TIME: The late 1880s
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Mr. Percival Burbage, an actor with and impresario of the
Traveling Theatre Troupe.
Miss Priscilla Dumas, an actress of some national repute.
Miss Gloria Sutherland, a talented and respected actress,
quick with a joke or a compliment.
Mr. George Flynn, a taciturn actor in his thirties who shows
occasional flashes of brilliance, when he is sober.
Miss Henrietta Caruthers, a quiet, unassuming actress.
Mrs. Florence Winthrop Jackson, the hostess of the
evening's festivities.
Mrs. Anna Hand, the benefactress of the exhibition of the
Salome folio.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the City of Cape May.
Two Men who carry out the body of Gloria Sutherland.
Policeman who guards the manuscript.
PREMISE:
A dinner party is being held to honor a newly discovered
Shakespearean manuscript, Salome, which is in the city as
part of a Touring Exhibition. Members of the Traveling
Theatre Troupe of Philadelphia will perform scenes from the
play. After the first scene, Gloria Sutherland leaves to
secure props for the next scene. She returns, carrying a
short sword. Staggering toward Richard Burbage, she cries
out that the manuscript of Salome is gone, then collapses,
dead, onto the floor. Colonel Mey must find the manuscript,
and those responsible for the death of Gloria Sutherland,
before word reaches London, in order to prevent an
international scandal.
Copyright John Pekich 1997
Miller's Revenge
TIME: 1885
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Charles Winslow Brookdale, a financier and middle-aged
widower.
Ruth Jarvis Brookdale, in her early 20s, the daughter of
Charles Winslow Brookdale.
Mrs. Davis, the housekeeper.
James Sullivan, in his mid-20s, a reporter for the New York
Times.
Mary Rowland, a temperamental actress in her late-thirties.
Jake Miller, a typical ne'er-do-well in his early forties.
PREMISE:
Charles Winslow Brookdale is being blackmailed by Jake
Miller, a disreputable drifter. He accuses Brookdale of
stealing diamonds from his father, then murdering him, when
Brookdale and Miller’s father were soldiers of fortune in the
Zulu Wars in 1879.
Brookdale’s daughter, Ruth, is threatened by Miller to
intimidate Brookdale into giving up the money he got from the
diamonds. Meanwhile, Mary Rowland, a confidant of Jake
Miller, is forced by Miller to take a position as Personal
Secretary to Brookdale, to ingratiate herself into his life.
When she falls in love with Brookdale, Mary must decide
between him and her loyalty to Miller.
James Sullivan must do what he can to thwart Miller’s plans.
Copyright John Pekich 1990, Rev. 2007
Cape May Diamonds
TIME: Today
SETTING: Victorian Guest House and Restaurant, Cape
May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Philip Andrew Reed, a middle-aged widower, successful
financier, former Ambassador to the Court of St. James,
former adventurer and soldier of fortune,
Ruth Jarvis Reed, an attractive woman of twenty-two, she
has recently returned to Cape May from studies on the
Continent. She is the only child of Philip Andrew Reed.
Mrs. Davis, the housekeeper. She is a kindly woman in her
sixties and has been with the Reed household for the past
forty years.
James Sullivan, a handsome twenty-five-
year-old reporter from the New York Times, on holiday in
Cape May.
Mary Rowland, also known as Alice Johnson. She is a
temperamental actress in her late-thirties,
Jake Miller, in his early forties, he is a typical and brutal
ne'er-do-well, drifting from job to job.
Charles Winslow Brookdale, in his late-middle ages, he is
a business associate and friend of Philip Andrew Reed.
Sarah Reed Kahill, an audience member and "great
granddaughter" of Mr. Reed.
David Kahill, the husband of Sarah Red Kahill.
Customer, seated in dinner theatre audience.
Police Lieutenant, investigates the murder of David Kahill.
Police Officer, assists the Lieutenant in his investigations.
George, a bartender
Waitress 1
Waitress 2
PREMISE:
This is a frame play involving a contemporary production of a
Victorian melodrama, Miller’s Revenge. It involves the
murder of a philandering actor and the search for a treasure
in diamonds, with clues hidden in the Victorian Guest House
and Restaurant where the play is being performed. The
suspects involve a jealous wife, a jilted lover, other cast
members, and nefarious “audience” members.
Copyright John Pekich 1990
Style
TIME: 1905
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. Henry Ford, a designer, builder and racer of
automobiles.
Mrs. Clara Bryant Ford, the loving wife of Henry Ford.
Mr. Thomas Millet, the Mayor of the City of Cape May. He
is also one of the founders of the Cape May Automobile Club.
Mrs. Millet, the devoted wife of Thomas Millet and a leader
in local society.
Mr. Louis Chevrolet, a rival automobile builder of Henry
Ford and racing enthusiast from Switzerland.
Mrs. Louis Chevrolet, the patrician wife of Louis Chevrolet.
Miss Flora Hughes, a transcendentalist student of Henry
David Thoreau and opponent of the automobile races on the
beach in the City of Cape May.
Miss Louella Ludlum, an automobile enthusiast and
hostess for the evening’s activities.
Mr. Andrew “Andy” Bender, a local mechanic for Henry
Ford.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City.
Distinguished Guests.
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the creation of the
Cape May Automobile Club and the opening of the racing
season on the sands of Cape May. During the festivities,
word arrives that one of Mr. Ford’s mechanics is found dead
on the strand; Mr. Ford’s and Mr. Chevrolet’s racing cars
were also vandalized. The anonymous note warns of further
attacks on other drivers and their automobiles if the races
are not stopped and the Cape May Automobile Club is not
disbanded. Mrs. Flower takes control to resolve the matter,
and to insure that the races on the beach will be safe and
secure.
Copyright John Pekich 2005
Murder on the Pittsburgh or Dredging up the
Future
TIME: 1903
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. William Flinn, a major industrialist from Pittsburgh and
the head of the East Cape May Project.
Mrs. Nancy Galbraithe Flinn, the devoted and affluent wife
of William Flinn.
Mr. Peter Shields, a real estate entrepreneur from
Pittsburgh who is guiding the efforts of the East Cape May
Project.
Thomas Millet, the Mayor of the City of Cape May and a
longtime local businessman.
Mrs. Grace Thompson, an outspoken critic of the plans for
the “Newport” of Cape May.
Mr. Harvey Mellon, the on-site construction engineer
overseeing the East Cape May Project.
Mrs. Dorothea Mellon, the exuberant wife of Harvey
Mellon.
Miss Florence Hewitt, the hostess for the evening.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City.
Mr. Walter Rego, a former valet turned fashion designer
and sartorial consultant.
Miss Wanda Lust, the noted adventuress.
Reverend C. U. Sunday, a prominent local minister.
MESSENGER
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the start of the
dredging operations of the harbor, part of the East Cape May
Project, to create the “Newport” of Cape May. During the
festivities, a messenger brings word that a dead body was
found near the dredge, Pittsburgh. A ransom message
demands that the dredging immediately end, else more “dire
consequences” will follow, including a threat to the trains
carrying dignitaries from Philadelphia to the City of Cape
May. Mrs. Flower takes control, telling Mayor Millet that she
has placed some of his officers on alert, outside the hotel.
She must, now, deal with the threat to the Pittsburgh, and to
the future of the City of Cape May.
Copyright John Pekich 2004
The Travails of the Republic or A Stylish
Stolen Steamer
TIME: 1881
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur detective and lover of fine
food, drink and company.
Mr. Jonathan Cone, the owner of the Republic and railroad
magnate.
Mrs. Jonathan Cone, a Philadelphia socialite and wife of
Jonathan Cone.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor of the City of Cape May
and a powerful economic force in the city.
Senora Alma Corazon y Madariaga Carilla, the Royal
organizer of the collection of Victoriana sent by way of the
Republic to the Celebration of Style in the City of Cape May.
Mr. Angus McDougall, a Scotsman and expert in Victorian
style and fashion.
Mr. Charles “Chuck” Lancer, a former cowboy, cattle
baron and a self-made millionaire, now residing in the City of
Cape May.
Mrs. Rose “Rosie” Lancer, the good-hearted, but "flashy,"
wife of Chuck Lancer.
Mr. Samuel Stilwell, a lighthouse keeper.
Mrs. Pearl Armitage, the Hostess for the evening.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City of Cape May.
Mr. Walter Rego, a former valet, now, a fashion designer
and sartorial consultant.
Miss Wanda Lust, the noted adventuress.
The Reverend C. U. Sunday, a prominent local minister.
MESSENGER
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the arrival of the
Republic, a side-wheeler from Philadelphia. The boat is
carrying "experts" from London, to help celebrate an
extravaganza of style in the City. Accompanying them are
original gowns belonging to Queen Victoria, outfits from
members of her court, and personal mementos and jewelry.
During the evening’s festivities, the lighthouse keeper brings
news that the Republic is missing in a savage storm. A
ransom message arrives from the "scoundrels" who have
taken the Republic. Mrs. Flower takes control of the events,
reads the note, and informs the others that a $100,000.00
ransom must be paid by the next day, else the Republic will
be sunk to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
Copyright John Pekich 2003
A Towering Theft or The Lady’s Torch Song
TIME: October 1886
SETTING: The City of Cape May
CHARACTERS:
Mrs. Iris Flower, an amateur private detective. She is a
lover of fine food, drink and company.
Mr. Bentley Longfellow Becker, the sponsor of the
evening’s festivities.
Mrs. Wilhelmina "Willy" Becker, a former ceramic artist
and wife of Bentley Becker.
Countess Marie Louise Vernet, the representative of the
French Government to the evening’s festivities.
Mr. Seamus La Pierre Young, an adventurer and Irish
rogue.
Mr. William "Billy" Holmstead, a self-made millionaire.
Mrs. Trudy Holmstead, the fun-loving wife of Billy
Holmstead.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the city.
Mr. George Westerfield, a local design artist, sailor and
author of adventure tales.
Mrs. Maureen Angerson, the hostess for the evening's
activities.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
A reception is being held in the City of Cape May to celebrate
the arrival of the Statue of Liberty Exhibition containing
copies of the plans for the head and torch of the Statue, and
a solid gold model of the Statue of Liberty. During the
reception, a threat against the plans and the gold model is
uncovered. Mrs. Flower must protect the plans and the
statue so the guilty parties cannot carry out their threats.
Copyright John Pekich 2002
Murder in the Light of Asia or Howdah Do It?
TIME: October 1884
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Mr. Theodore M. Reger, the speculator and developer who
is underwriting the construction of the Light of Asia.
Sir Anthony Montague Devonshire, M.B.E., Equerry to
Her Majesty Queen Victoria, former Ambassador to India,
adventurer and noted author.
Mrs. Phillipa Lucretia Devonshire, the wife of Sir Anthony
and the daughter of an Italian Viscount and an American
opera singer.
Reginald LeClerc Morales, a Spanish-born French art
critic. He was educated at Princeton, Oxford, and the
Sorbonne.
Jacob Hewlett, a social prominent, but financially inept,
developer in the City of Cape May.
Mrs. Louella Hewlett, the modest wife of Jacob Hewlett.
Miss Evangeline Potter, a local naturalist, teacher of
music, theatrical performer and opponent of the Light of Asia.
Mr. Hank Scutter, the construction foreman on the Light of
Asia project.
Mrs. Doris Scutter, the wife of Hank Scutter and operator of
an emporium in the City of Cape May.
Mrs. Margaret Mayfair Carruthers, the President of the
League of Preservationists and Supporters of Fine Art for the
City of Cape May and hostess for the evening's festivities.
PREMISE:
A reception is being held to celebrate the dedication of the
Light of Asia, affectionately known as Old Jumbo. The forty-
foot, ten-inch pachyderm, will be available for merchants as a
location in which to sell their wares. During the reception,
Theodore Reger receives a note from terrorists, accepting
responsibility for a worker found dead inside the Light of
Asia. They also threaten more attacks, including one on the
Light of Asia. Colonel Mey must solve the death of the
watchman and the attack on Reger, and save the Light of
Asia.
Copyright John Pekich 2001
A Scandal in Focus or Negative Impressions
TIME: 1884
SETTING: The City of Cape May
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape Mey.
Mr. Cyrus Burkett, a prominent Philadelphia financier and a
silent partner in the construction of the Iron Pier.
Mrs. Rosemary Burkett, a Philadelphia artist and wife of
Cyrus Burkett.
Mr. John Forrester, the Chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Philadelphia Museum of European Art and Culture.
Mrs. Josephine Forrester, the tolerant wife of John
Forrester.
Signore Lorenzo Fetucce, an internationally renowned
Italian amateur photographer, entrepreneur and world
traveler .
Miss Louise Desmond, an actress of dubious abilities and
questionable ambitions.
Mr. Peter Stone, a reporter working on an authorized
biography of Cyrus Burkett.
Miss Natalie Attired, the owner of a fashion boutique in the
City of Cape May.
Mrs. Gladys Sutherland, the President of the League of
Amateur Photographers of the City of Cape May and hostess
for the evening's reception..
James Hildreth, the Mayor of the City of Cape May.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
A dinner reception is being held to celebrate the construction
of the Iron Pier which will extend 1000 feet over the ocean
and serve as a space for dancing and other entertainments.
The highlight of the festivities will be an exhibit of
photographs of exotic locations around the world taken by
Signore Lorenzo Fetucce. During dinner, Mrs. Burkett
receives a note from a blackmailer demanding fifty thousand
dollars, else a film will be released showing her and John
Forrester together in a private rendezvous. Colonel Mey
must deal with the blackmail threat and protect the
reputations of Mrs. Burkett’s reputation, her husband, Cyrus,
and her former lover, John Forrester.
Copyright John Pekich 2000
Murder on the Cape May Limited or Tough
Brakes
TIME: 1885
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape Mey.
Mr. Richard Stark, a ruthless business tycoon who uses
any means to gain increased wealth and power.
Mrs. Elizabeth Prudence Ridgeway Stark, the affluent
wife of Richard Stark.
Monsieur Andre Robert, a successful avant-garde painter
in the City of Cape May for his first national exhibition.
Miss Alice Porter, a promising singer, currently in the City
of Cape May to perform at a benefit concert for local disaster
relief.
Mr. Richie Barker, a talent promoter directing the career of
his wife, Alice Porter.
Mr. Harden Brinkman, an embittered Vice-President for
Stark Enterprises and a former business rival of Richard
Stark.
Mrs. Ruth Glover Brinkman, a weak and vain social
climber and wife of Harden Brinkman.
Mrs. Sarah Snowden Stevenson, the dowager organizer
of the charity fundraiser to help the unfortunates made
homeless by a recent storm in the city.
Mr. Arthur Samuelson, a kindly, sixtyish business
acquaintance of Richard Stark.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in City of Cape May.
Assorted Dignitaries
Messenger
PREMISE:
Stark Enterprises is sponsoring a charity fundraiser for
victims devastated by a recent storm. An avant-garde
painting will be auctioned during this evening, with the
proceeds going to the disaster relief. During the festivities,
Richard Stark receives a note; he rises to leave, gags, and
falls onto the table. Colonel Mey takes control of the action.
He examines Stark and pronounces him dead, poisoned by
Prussic acid. He, then, reads aloud a note taken from Stark’s
clenched fist; it contains one word--REVENGE! Mey also
directs that "No one is to leave the dining room until the
matter is resolved."
Copyright John Pekich 1999
The Mask of Montezuma or The Inca
Revenge
TIME: The late 1880s
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Dr. Charles Robertson, the noted Professor of
Archaeology at the University of Chicago, consultant to the
British Museum and international authority on Aztec cultures.
Mrs. Maria Louisa Robertson, a noted authoress,
adventuress and wife of Charles Robertson.
Dr. Jorge Lopez, a professor of archaeology and curator of
the Museum of Aztec History and Culture in Mexico.
Miss Elena Wilson, the attractive, but unassuming traveling
secretary to Charles Robertson.
Mr. James Drake, a Pinkerton Guard assigned to protect
the Mask of Montezuma on its travels.
Mrs. Gloria Parker, the President of the Historical Society of
the City of Cape May and hostess for the Mask of
Montezuma exhibit.
Mrs. Anna Hand, the benefactress for the exhibition of the
Mask of Montezuma in the City of Cape May.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the City of Cape May .
Two Men who help carry out the body of Maria Robertson.
Waiter who speaks to Mey.
Man who hands Mey a note
Assorted Dignitaries
PREMISE:
A reception is held to celebrate the exhibition of the Mask of
Montezuma, part of a national tour of art treasures from
Mexico. After briefly leaving the celebration, Dr. Robertson's
wife, Maria, reenters the dining room, stumbles toward him
and cries out that the Mask is gone. Revealing blood on her
chest and a bloody dagger in her hand, she gasps, “The
curse,” then falls to the floor, dying. Colonel Mey must find
her killer and the Mask of Montezuma to prevent a diplomatic
crisis between Mexico and the United States.
Copyright John Pekich 1998
The Shakespeare Folio Mystery or Where
There's A Will There's A Play
TIME: The late 1880s
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Colonel Athelstan Mey, a private consulting detective in
the City of Cape May.
Mr. Percival Burbage, an actor with and impresario of the
Traveling Theatre Troupe.
Miss Priscilla Dumas, an actress of some national repute.
Miss Gloria Sutherland, a talented and respected actress,
quick with a joke or a compliment.
Mr. George Flynn, a taciturn actor in his thirties who shows
occasional flashes of brilliance, when he is sober.
Miss Henrietta Caruthers, a quiet, unassuming actress.
Mrs. Florence Winthrop Jackson, the hostess of the
evening's festivities.
Mrs. Anna Hand, the benefactress of the exhibition of the
Salome folio.
James Henry Edmunds, the Mayor and a powerful
economic force in the City of Cape May.
Two Men who carry out the body of Gloria Sutherland.
Policeman who guards the manuscript.
PREMISE:
A dinner party is being held to honor a newly discovered
Shakespearean manuscript, Salome, which is in the city as
part of a Touring Exhibition. Members of the Traveling
Theatre Troupe of Philadelphia will perform scenes from the
play. After the first scene, Gloria Sutherland leaves to
secure props for the next scene. She returns, carrying a
short sword. Staggering toward Richard Burbage, she cries
out that the manuscript of Salome is gone, then collapses,
dead, onto the floor. Colonel Mey must find the manuscript,
and those responsible for the death of Gloria Sutherland,
before word reaches London, in order to prevent an
international scandal.
Copyright John Pekich 1997
Miller's Revenge
TIME: 1885
SETTING: The City of Cape May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Charles Winslow Brookdale, a financier and middle-aged
widower.
Ruth Jarvis Brookdale, in her early 20s, the daughter of
Charles Winslow Brookdale.
Mrs. Davis, the housekeeper.
James Sullivan, in his mid-20s, a reporter for the New York
Times.
Mary Rowland, a temperamental actress in her late-thirties.
Jake Miller, a typical ne'er-do-well in his early forties.
PREMISE:
Charles Winslow Brookdale is being blackmailed by Jake
Miller, a disreputable drifter. He accuses Brookdale of
stealing diamonds from his father, then murdering him, when
Brookdale and Miller’s father were soldiers of fortune in the
Zulu Wars in 1879.
Brookdale’s daughter, Ruth, is threatened by Miller to
intimidate Brookdale into giving up the money he got from the
diamonds. Meanwhile, Mary Rowland, a confidant of Jake
Miller, is forced by Miller to take a position as Personal
Secretary to Brookdale, to ingratiate herself into his life.
When she falls in love with Brookdale, Mary must decide
between him and her loyalty to Miller.
James Sullivan must do what he can to thwart Miller’s plans.
Copyright John Pekich 1990, Rev. 2007
Cape May Diamonds
TIME: Today
SETTING: Victorian Guest House and Restaurant, Cape
May, New Jersey
CHARACTERS:
Philip Andrew Reed, a middle-aged widower, successful
financier, former Ambassador to the Court of St. James,
former adventurer and soldier of fortune,
Ruth Jarvis Reed, an attractive woman of twenty-two, she
has recently returned to Cape May from studies on the
Continent. She is the only child of Philip Andrew Reed.
Mrs. Davis, the housekeeper. She is a kindly woman in her
sixties and has been with the Reed household for the past
forty years.
James Sullivan, a handsome twenty-five-
year-old reporter from the New York Times, on holiday in
Cape May.
Mary Rowland, also known as Alice Johnson. She is a
temperamental actress in her late-thirties,
Jake Miller, in his early forties, he is a typical and brutal
ne'er-do-well, drifting from job to job.
Charles Winslow Brookdale, in his late-middle ages, he is
a business associate and friend of Philip Andrew Reed.
Sarah Reed Kahill, an audience member and "great
granddaughter" of Mr. Reed.
David Kahill, the husband of Sarah Red Kahill.
Customer, seated in dinner theatre audience.
Police Lieutenant, investigates the murder of David Kahill.
Police Officer, assists the Lieutenant in his investigations.
George, a bartender
Waitress 1
Waitress 2
PREMISE:
This is a frame play involving a contemporary production of a
Victorian melodrama, Miller’s Revenge. It involves the
murder of a philandering actor and the search for a treasure
in diamonds, with clues hidden in the Victorian Guest House
and Restaurant where the play is being performed. The
suspects involve a jealous wife, a jilted lover, other cast
members, and nefarious “audience” members.
Copyright John Pekich 1990
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Page Title
| VICTORIAN MYSTERIES |