The Understudy

Australia’s most famous opera singer disappears on opening night. Her understudy steps into the spotlight, and the rumours begin.

Sydney, 1973. The theatre world is glamorous on the surface, but behind the curtain ambition, jealousy, and secrets thrive.

For years, she has waited in the wings, overlooked and underestimated while dreaming of her moment in the spotlight. Now, with Australia’s most celebrated opera singer mysteriously missing on the night of a historic performance, the opportunity she has always wanted is finally within reach.

But success comes at a price.

As rumours swirl and suspicions grow, questions begin to emerge about what really happened to the missing star—and whether her ambitious understudy knows more than she is willing to admit.

Because she worked hard to get here.

She sacrificed everything for this chance.

But how far would someone go to step into the spotlight?

Atmospheric, addictive, and rich with glamour, romance, and intrigue, this gripping historical mystery explores the dark side of ambition, the intoxicating lure of fame, and the dangerous choices people make for love and success.

Praise for The Understudy

‘A delicious read! A fascinating glimpse into the glamorous world of opera where innocence & betrayal is set against the seedy underbelly and glorious splendour of Sydney and the opening of our very own opera house. You’ll never see the twists and turns as the layers of this intriguing mystery begin to unfold.’ Tania Blanchard, author of The Girl from Munich

‘Julie Bennett's The Understudy is the best kind of historical fiction: a powerful love story blended with a mystery that keeps the reader guessing. Bennett relives the opening of the fabled Sydney Opera House in all its glory, while describing the underbelly of opera and the machinations that carry on backstage. A stunning debut that will have book clubs talking!’ Anita Abriel, author of The Light After War

‘A heady, genre-bending drama about ambition, performance, love, betrayal and passion … a delight to read … There is a cast of wonderfully interesting characters, like an Agatha Christie novel, some with richly drawn backstories and some remaining infuriatingly enigmatic … An enjoyable and page-turning read.’ Cass Moriarty, author of The Promise Seed

‘The Understudy takes us back to a time of change and growth in Australia; its operatic characters feel, sing and live with passion and intensity. The story of two opera singers, twenty years apart, gives us both triumph and tragedy, that bittersweet tone which stays with you for a long time. So evocative you can smell the scent of Sydney Harbour—and the then-mean streets of Woolloomooloo.’ Pamela Hart, author of The Charleston Scandal

‘The Understudy is a sexy, page-turner of a novel, full of intrigue, secrets and ambition set during the opening season of the Sydney Opera House in 1973. Julie Bennett has woven a spell that will entice the reader in and won’t let them go. Brava!’ Mary-Lou Stephens, author of The Last of the Apple Blossom