The Stranger in the Opera House — Helen Macie Osterman

As the cast and crew rehearse for their debut performance of The Ghosts of Versailles, mystery descends upon Chicago's Midwest Opera House. Sexagenarian Emma Winberry, longtime volunteer, supporter and now an extra in the lavish production, finds her "sixth sense" tickled by sightings of a phantom wandering in and out of the theater. History and modern-day skullduggery merge when Emma discovers a secret room and old documents proving the original building was a station on the Underground Railroad. And that someone is stealing from the cache of historical artifacts.

When the group's archivist and librarian is assaulted and the strange apparition seems to take on more earthly qualities, Emma finds herself delving into intrigue both past and present. She learns that looming danger comes from the devious intent of a very real conspirator.