What if Romeo and Juliet did not die tragically as they did at the end of William Shakespeare’s play? That is the supposition on which Christina Dodd has based her latest novel, A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA.

In Dodd’s retelling, Juliet survived her stab wounds, and the poison Romeo purchased from a slipshod apothecary did not take his life. The two lovebirds and newlyweds go on to start a family and live happily ever after in fair Verona. Decades have gone by, and they now have seven children. The oldest is 19-year-old Rosaline, cleverly named after Juliet’s cousin, for whom Romeo once upon a time carried a torch before he met his forever love.

"As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure."

Rosaline (or Rosie, as she likes to be called) is not only seen as a spinster since she is still unwed, she also has remained a virgin. She has wangled her way out of a few engagements but now seems doomed to marry Duke Stephano, a much older and slovenly type whose last two wives died under mysterious circumstances. Rosie is not at all enamored with him and seeks some way to get out of this betrothal.

Meanwhile, Rosie meets a young man named Lysander. Similar to her parents' first encounter decades earlier, it is love at first sight. The only issue is that Lysander is a Marcketti, and they are sworn enemies of the Montagues in much the same way that the Capulets once were. Rosie and Lysander wish to be together, but that will mean getting out of her engagement to Stephano. Before they can plot anything, fate answers for them as Stephano is found slain with a dagger through his chest. Of course, Rosie is seen as the primary suspect and now must use all of her clever wares in the form of investigating the murder to clear her good name.

Using the aid of some friends, including the infamous nurse who had seen to her mother and her employer, Friar Laurence, Rosie puts on her detective cap and gets to work. Stephano’s murder does not turn out to be an isolated incident as more victims begin to pile up. At first, it seems that whoever is responsible wants Rosie to be implicated. But as they continue, she is eventually absolved of any wrongdoing by Prince Escalus himself. Little does Rosie realize at the time that he may have an eye for her hand as well.

When Rosie learns the true identity of the killer, it is an absolute shocker. She is in danger once again, but this time at the hands of a vengeful lunatic.

As a Shakespeare scholar, actor and teacher, I welcome anything that keeps the Bard alive. A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA certainly does not disappoint. It’s extremely clever and enjoyable, and I look forward to Rosie’s next adventure.