When The Glitter Fades
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Ages: 18+
Beneath the facade of dazzling performances lurk secrets, murder, and mayhem.
Vinnie, a criminal on the run, finds refuge in a travelling show. He sets up his own vaudeville troupe just as the Great Depression hits Melbourne. Smitten with Belle, his star performer, a battle for her love ensues when Artis, his protégé, lays eyes on her.
Lured with promises of fame and fortune by both men, Belle joins Artis’s new showbiz venture, leaving Vinnie hell-bent on revenge.
A marriage of convenience provides Vinnie with the funds and power he needs to destroy Artis’s business and win Belle back. But when Vinnie makes a deal with the mob, it ends up costing him everything when a blackmail letter gets into the wrong hands.
Is Belle playing Artis and Vinnie in her quest for fame? Can her love be trusted? Is she a pawn in a twisted game, or the mastermind behind the curtain?
Will a love child be the ultimate undoing in their bitter feud?
When the Glitter Fades encapsulates Australia’s entertainment history, from the Association for the Advancement of the Blind concert’s variety acts to vaudeville, burlesque, and circus life. The story is loosely based on true events of Alf Broadway’s Pantomime Players and spans from the 1920s to the 1950s, ending just as Australian television was being established.
The novel also incorporates the polio pandemic and the controversial therapies used by Sister Elizabeth Kenny.
https://www.book2look.com/book/NtfNg6lScF
Reviews
Reviewed in Australia on 28 November 2024 Format: KindleVerified Purchase I really enjoyed this book as it describes times in Australia’s early theatre history that I was not aware of. Lots of great characters and romantic love stories intertwined throughout. Bring on the next book 👌
Barry Crocker AM – 22 November 2025 I’ve just finished reading ‘When the Glitter fades’ and enjoyed very much the story of early ‘Circus life’ in Australia. The story begins in a long-forgotten past taking us back several decades and up to the start of television in 1956. The Early passages tell of the hardships that faced these travelling shows, along with the romances, deceptions’, and devotion playing their part in this page turning book! I believe ‘When the Glitter Fades’… would be a shoe in for a Television series. Yours Sincerely, Barry Crocker AM
Reggie Lau – 3 August 2025 I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting during my flight from Brisbane to Perth, with a stop in Sydney. Managed to finish the book just prior to landing at Perth airport. Eyesight was blurry but spirit was refreshed.😂. The storyline is absolutely riveting and filled with emotional depth, exploring human flaws in a way that feels both raw and relatable. The characters are incredibly well-drawn, offering a fascinating study of human nature and resilience. Through their journeys, I found myself cursing, crying, and reflecting deeply. The historical backdrop of Australian entertainers during the above period added a rich layer to the story, making it both educational and entertaining. The moral of the story is powerful and leaves a lasting impression. Highly recommend! Have ordered a few books to give to friends for the Christmas season.
