The Fallen Architect

Another enjoyable novel from the author, Charles Belfoure.  I believe his most powerful novel was
The Paris Architect and then also his next incredible read was House of Thieves.  Now this novel has a little lighter plot and is not as architecturally intricate, but it is every bit as entertaining as his previous books.

This time we meet an architect who has been disbarred and sent to serve a five year sentence in prison when a theatre he designed collapse, killing and injuring many people.  Douglas Layton, who has risen from his station in society as the son of a mason to become a well respected architect, has lost his wife, son and home when the balcony falls and he accused of faulty design work. 

Now, his sentence is finished and he has paid his debt to society.  He returns to London, under a new identity, as Frank Owen, a scenic designer.  He becomes beloved by the people he works with and the woman he works for, Cissie Mapes.  Creating a new life for himself, he is finding happiness and also realizes that he was not responsible for the accident that brought down the house and killed the patrons of the theatre.  He and Cissie decide to clear his name and investigate on their own to find out who was responsible for the collapse of the theatre.

Belfoure uses tricks of the trade to build the case for this mystery.  Describing the architecture behind building theaters in London at the turn of the century, we are again treated to the world building and designing buildings.  We are also treated to the fascinating world of vaudeville back stage.  The characters are colorful and the backdrops, Owens paints are realistic and beautiful.
the plot is intricate and keeps the reader thinking alongside Douglas Layton aka Frank Owens as he tries to clear his name and get a second chance at happiness.