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Rosa Reed #4
Murder on Location
Brand New 1950s Cozy Mystery series by USA TODAY bestselling author Lee Strauss!
Murder's a wrap! Private Investigator Rosa Reed has finally accepted that her girlhood romance with Detective Miguel Belmonte has no hope of being rekindled, but when his actress girlfriend gets embroiled in a murder on her movie set, it's more than a movie schedule that's upsetting. Can Rosa put aside matters of the heart long enough to help Miguel solve the case?
THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES Murder at High Tide Murder on the Boardwalk Murder at the Bomb Shelter Murder on Location
If you love early rock & roll, poodle skirts, clever who-dun-its, a charming cat and an even more charming detective, you're going to love this new series!
~ Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.THE ROSA REED MYSTERY SERIES Murder at High Tide Murder on the Boardwalk Murder at the Bomb Shelter Murder on Location
Audio CD
Published May 23, 2023
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216 people want to read
About the author
Lee Strauss
129 books2,339 followersFor fans of Golden Age who-dun-its ~ from a USA TODAY Bestselling author!
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
You'll adore Lady Gold from the acclaimed Ginger Gold Mysteries series, and the spin of series, Higgins & Hawke.
Look for the connected 1950s era Rosa Reed Mysteries.
NEW ~ The Velvet Spy ~ The Wartime Journal of Ginger Gold
For more info visit: leestraussbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 22, 2020
Murder on Location by Lee Strauss was a delightful addition to the Rosa Reed series. I was captured from the first page and didn't put it down until the end.
Rosa and her cousin, Gloria, apply to be extras on a movie being filmed in Santa Bonita. They make the cut and then are witnesses to a murder. Cue Detective Miguel Belmonte to enter the scene and then the serious work begins. A quickly paced plot, only a few suspects, enough twists to keep me guessing and then Rosa stumbles onto the final clue. A fun and engaging story that kept me turning the pages all afternoon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Rosa and her cousin, Gloria, apply to be extras on a movie being filmed in Santa Bonita. They make the cut and then are witnesses to a murder. Cue Detective Miguel Belmonte to enter the scene and then the serious work begins. A quickly paced plot, only a few suspects, enough twists to keep me guessing and then Rosa stumbles onto the final clue. A fun and engaging story that kept me turning the pages all afternoon.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 11, 2021
This fun series featuring ex-London Metro PD officer Rosa Reed is a fun off-shoot of Lee Strauss's Ginger Gold cozy mysteries. Rosa Reed is the daughter of the former Lady Ginger Gold and her second husband, Basil Reed.
August 21, 2020
A fun and easy read!
The adventures of Rosa Reed, PI continue, this time on a movie set.
As well researched as one would expect from Lee Strauss, this book gives the reader a peek into what a filming set for a Hollywood movie looked like in the 50's. There is plenty of intrigue and, pun intended, drama as Rosa determines who killed one of the movie's stars.
This book is a perfect summer read!
The adventures of Rosa Reed, PI continue, this time on a movie set.
As well researched as one would expect from Lee Strauss, this book gives the reader a peek into what a filming set for a Hollywood movie looked like in the 50's. There is plenty of intrigue and, pun intended, drama as Rosa determines who killed one of the movie's stars.
This book is a perfect summer read!
January 31, 2025
These Rosa Reed books are so easy to read and the only truly annoying part is her cat messing up all the crime scenes… other than that love them!
Currently reading
September 14, 2020CHAPTER ONE
One of the first things that attracted Rosa Reed to Dr. Larry Rayburn, assistant medical examiner for the Santa Bonita Police Department, had been that he was the picture of Texas charm. As a former Woman Police Constable for the London Metropolitan Police, Rosa had worked with many pathologists and found most capable and efficient, but they were a little, well, “stiff”. Perhaps that came with the job of examining corpses all day. Larry Rayburn, however, defied any stereotypes Rosa had ever had. As a Londoner, she appreciated his gentle formality—but just below that was a funny, unpretentious, and kind man that Rosa enjoyed.
Still, she had to occasionally stifle a giggle when he came to pick her up for a date. He drove a 1948 faded-green Chevrolet pickup truck with its heavy rounded hood, large bug-eyed headlights, and painted grille. Larry had regaled Rosa with stories about how he used to drive the machine on his father’s ranch in Galveston, and though he kept saying he meant to trade it in for “a nicer chariot”, Rosa suspected her date was a little more attached to the truck than he liked to let on. So tonight, as she watched him trundle into the elegant and expansive Forrester estate in his faithful mechanical steed, she grinned at the incongruous sight.
The Forrester mansion was a sprawling Spanish-style structure, built on a low hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and was a testament to her late Uncle Harold’s wealth and his success as an oil baron. It boasted many acres of land, manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. The long driveway was lined with swaying palm trees and ended in a circle surrounding an angel-pouring-water fountain. Not bothering to wait for Larry to come to the door—and saving him from another embarrassing interrogation by her Aunt Louisa who, in Rosa’s opinion, was overly enthusiastic about her budding relationship—Rosa stepped out into the warm and breezy California sunshine.
Already out of the truck and opening the passenger door, Larry tipped his straw fedora, winked with his deep-blue eyes twinkling, and said, “Hiya, Miss Reed.”
“Hello, Dr. Rayburn,” she teased as they were on a first-name basis. Rosa, shifting the crinolines of her black-and-white checkered skirt—embossed with red cherries that matched her red form-fitting, fine-knit sweater—kissed Larry before she climbed into his truck. Gloria, her younger and society-minded cousin, had been with Rosa when they were lingerie shopping and had encouraged the purchase of a bullet brassiere, named such for its rather pointy design. Rosa felt a tad self-conscious wearing it, but Larry, if one could go by his cheeky grin, seemed quite taken with her outfit.
Along with her white half-hat angled on her head of short chestnut curls, short white gloves, and black ballet shoes, Rosa was appropriately dressed for going to the movies and was looking forward to the evening.
Showing at the Santa Bonita Cinema was an action flick called The Last Clue starring Nicholas Post. Though Rosa had only recently heard of the star, Gloria had told her, most emphatically, that in America, he was as famous as Cary Grant or Humphrey Bogart.
“You should like this one,” Larry said as they moseyed along the main road. “Nicholas Post plays a hard-boiled private investigator.”
“I’d hardly call myself hard-boiled.” Rosa had recently set up Reed Investigations in Santa Bonita, and though she worked as a private investigator, she didn’t think she could be compared to the character in this film.
Larry chuckled and took her hand. “No, darlin’, you are definitely of the softer-boiled variety.” “Isn’t The Last Clue about the mob?”
“Yes, ma’am. Nicholas Post is hired by the mob boss to investigate a string of murders committed by rival gang members.”
After arriving at the theater and picking up the reserved tickets, Larry bought two sodas, a big bucket of popcorn to share, and a movie magazine called Inside the Silver Screen that featured the very movie they were about to see.
Once seated, Rosa opened the magazine. “East Shore Productions Incorporated produced this film,” she said. “It says here they are based in Boston.”
“This movie is set there too, isn’t it?” Larry said. “In 1912.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize the year!” Rosa looked closer at the article. “Aunt Louisa was born and raised there,” Rosa said, “and though my mother was born in London, she grew up in Boston. She’d have lived there that year. I’ve never been to Boston, so I think I’m going to enjoy this!”
Larry draped an arm over Rosa’s shoulder. “And I’m going to enjoy watching you enjoy it.”
The theater darkened and the newsreels began: news that San Francisco’s iconic cable line was being replaced by buses, and the winner of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship.
“NASCAR is planning an exhibition race here in Santa Bonita,” Larry said. “In November.”
“Aunt Louisa mentioned that,” Rosa returned. “One of her organizations is sponsoring it.”
Dramatic music filled the theater as the credits began, and the moviegoers cheered. There was not a seat to spare, and it seemed much of Santa Bonita was excited to start watching.
As the movie progressed, the costumes of the times—the long stiff skirts worn by the women along with their modest long-sleeve blouses with high, button-up collars—intrigued Rosa. And the parasols and big hats could hardly have eased the summer heat. Rosa felt thankful to live in a time where a lady could wear a skirt that ended at the knees, and blouses with no sleeves at all!
But it was the setting of the city of Boston that interested Rosa the most. Boston Harbor differed greatly from Los Angeles on the Pacific Ocean, or London on the River Thames. Her mother had often talked about her transatlantic trip from Boston Harbor to Liverpool. That trip had been significant in several ways. It had been the first time that her mother, Ginger Gold, had met Rosa’s father, Basil Reed, another passenger on the ship. It was also the first time Ginger had helped solve a murder with Basil leading the investigation.
Rosa owed her existence to that voyage. Had her mother never gone on that ship, Rosa would never have been born just a few years later. The ship had been called the SS Rosa—Rosa’s namesake.
Every time the camera panned a shot of the city or the harbor, Rosa, fascinated with it all, leaned forward in her seat. Less impressive to Rosa, however, were the skills of some actors. The main villain in the movie, played by an actor named Scott Huntington, certainly looked the part with his dark, brooding good looks. Still, his acting seemed melodramatic, especially the scene where he was shot, which was a long, painfully dramatic affair causing Rosa to roll her eyes.
The magazine article hinted at a rivalry between this stuntman and Nicholas Post. Was that actually true or something fabricated for publicity to promote the movie, Rosa wondered.
“I’d put my money on the dark-haired feller in a real fistfight,” Larry whispered in her ear as the two main characters brawled in an Irish pub. “Neither one of ’em seems to know how to operate a gun. They must’ve shot at each other at least a dozen times in that last scene, and no one got so much as a powder burn.”
When the story reached the point where the private investigator rubbed a pencil across an old notepad to reveal hidden letters underneath, Rosa whispered back to Larry, “That’s such an overused trick in detective stories. I’ve never once done that myself, and I doubt if any other detective ever has.”
However, Rosa couldn’t afford to be critical. Though she’d opened her office a couple of months earlier, business was slow. But she didn’t want to think about that problem now and forced herself to focus on the film. Rosa realized that despite her critiques, she was pulled into the movie’s plot and felt a sense of disappointment when the story ended.
As they stepped into the evening air and onto the sidewalk along with the rest of the movie patrons, Larry suggested drinks. “There’s a bar just down the block.”
“Yes, I would like that.” Rosa linked her arm with his as they strolled down the street on a pleasantly cool evening.
While in her office the next morning, Rosa arranged the magazines on the teak coffee table for the third time. Did the room look more welcoming now? She’d placed an ad in the Santa Bonita Gazette that had garnered her a few new clients, but not enough to keep her mind and body busy. She had worked at her mother’s office, Lady Gold Investigations, in London. A long-running establishment—starting its operations since from before Rosa was born—Ginger Gold’s business never hurt for clients. Her stellar reputation had been passed by word of mouth and hers was the first agency considered when most people needed a detective. But how did one gain those qualities with a new business in Santa Bonita, California?
“What are we going to do, Diego?”
Rosa’s brown tabby kitten, curled in the corner of the couch, feigned indifference to his owner’s plight. He slowly closed his eyes and purred. Apparently, this new office space was even too boring for her cat.
A moment later, the door burst open, and there stood Gloria—all bright eyes and shiny red lipstick.
“Rosa! I thought I might find you here.”
Gloria wore an emerald-green A-frame dress patterned with flecks of red and gold. A V-shaped neckline enhanced the capped sleeves. Around the creamy skin of her neck, a pearl choker hung, and her matching pearl belt emphasized her figure. Short curly hair framed her heart-shaped face, and although she’d tested a platinum-blonde look, her natural dark locks suited her much better.
Gloria waved the flyer in her hand. “Look what was posted on the bulletin board.”
Rosa picked up on Gloria’s infectious smile as she reached for the paper. It might be a flyer advertising Reed Investigations, Rosa thought. However, her name and business were nowhere to be found on the flyer.
“Still a little slow?” Gloria asked, looking around the small office and stating the obvious. But Rosa’s rapt attention was now fixed on the small white flyer.
It read: FILMING ON LOCATION IN SANTA BONITA, QUICK STRIKE—A WESTERN FILM BY DIRECTOR FREDERICK FORBES. EXTRAS NEEDED!
“That’s intriguing,” Rosa remarked. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s the same director as last night’s movie.”
"It’s the same director,” Gloria confirmed. “Frederick Forbes is a very influential figure in that industry.” The qualifications for those who might be interested in extra work were listed under the heading. Prospective extras were people in their twenties with no distinguishing features such as scars or birthmarks on their faces. On the first day of filming, the possible extras had to be prepared to spend the first few hours going through the selection process, and then came makeup and wardrobe allocation.
Gloria came around Rosa and peered over her shoulder to read the flyer, even though Rosa couldn’t imagine that her cousin hadn’t already memorized every word. “It starts tomorrow,” Gloria said. “I already asked if I could miss class—I thought the experience could be helpful.” Gloria was a student at a local acting studio. She waved her hands around at the empty office. “It looks as though you’re free too. Why don’t you come with me?”
The idea of being in a movie—a Frederick Forbes film, no less—pumped more than a little extra adrenaline through Rosa’s veins. It certainly beat rearranging coffee-table magazines all day while waiting for the telephone to ring.
“Rosa?” Gloria prodded. “You’ll do it with me?”
“I don’t know,” Rosa hedged. “Acting isn’t something I do well.” She was purposely modest. In her line of work, she often had to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.
Gloria pouted. “You don’t have to act as an extra, not really. Anyway, I’ll do all the work, you just have to respond to my cues.” Gloria tugged on Rosa’s arm. “Come on! It’ll be fun!”
Rosa’s hesitancy had nothing to do with acting, and she knew it. It had everything to do with a certain detective’s fiancée, Charlene Winters, who Rosa knew would be on the set.
Rosa sat on the couch beside Diego and sorted out her crinolines and her emotions. Hadn’t she carefully filed away her tumultuous romance with Miguel Belmonte into the past? Hadn’t she been enjoying the time spent with her new boyfriend, the intelligent and respected Dr. Larry Rayburn, who had the prestigious position of assistant medical examiner?
Hadn’t she moved on?
Rosa reached over to pet her kitten’s soft fur. “What do you think, Diego? Can you live without me for a day?”
Diego’s eyelids opened briefly but shut again as if the effort to look up at Rosa was too much. Rosa’s mind spun quickly. Just because Charlene Winters would be on set, didn’t mean she and Gloria would encounter the actress. Movie sets were notoriously busy places, and she knew she’d be one of many extras who milled about. And what about Miguel? Since he had his job to do at the Santa Bonita Police Department, there was no need to worry about him showing up.
Her choice was to while away the time in her office, hoping a client would call, or making her cousin happy.
She smiled up at Gloria. “Let’s do it.”
GET MURDER ON LOCATION TODAY: https://smarturl.it/RRLocation
One of the first things that attracted Rosa Reed to Dr. Larry Rayburn, assistant medical examiner for the Santa Bonita Police Department, had been that he was the picture of Texas charm. As a former Woman Police Constable for the London Metropolitan Police, Rosa had worked with many pathologists and found most capable and efficient, but they were a little, well, “stiff”. Perhaps that came with the job of examining corpses all day. Larry Rayburn, however, defied any stereotypes Rosa had ever had. As a Londoner, she appreciated his gentle formality—but just below that was a funny, unpretentious, and kind man that Rosa enjoyed.
Still, she had to occasionally stifle a giggle when he came to pick her up for a date. He drove a 1948 faded-green Chevrolet pickup truck with its heavy rounded hood, large bug-eyed headlights, and painted grille. Larry had regaled Rosa with stories about how he used to drive the machine on his father’s ranch in Galveston, and though he kept saying he meant to trade it in for “a nicer chariot”, Rosa suspected her date was a little more attached to the truck than he liked to let on. So tonight, as she watched him trundle into the elegant and expansive Forrester estate in his faithful mechanical steed, she grinned at the incongruous sight.
The Forrester mansion was a sprawling Spanish-style structure, built on a low hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and was a testament to her late Uncle Harold’s wealth and his success as an oil baron. It boasted many acres of land, manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. The long driveway was lined with swaying palm trees and ended in a circle surrounding an angel-pouring-water fountain. Not bothering to wait for Larry to come to the door—and saving him from another embarrassing interrogation by her Aunt Louisa who, in Rosa’s opinion, was overly enthusiastic about her budding relationship—Rosa stepped out into the warm and breezy California sunshine.
Already out of the truck and opening the passenger door, Larry tipped his straw fedora, winked with his deep-blue eyes twinkling, and said, “Hiya, Miss Reed.”
“Hello, Dr. Rayburn,” she teased as they were on a first-name basis. Rosa, shifting the crinolines of her black-and-white checkered skirt—embossed with red cherries that matched her red form-fitting, fine-knit sweater—kissed Larry before she climbed into his truck. Gloria, her younger and society-minded cousin, had been with Rosa when they were lingerie shopping and had encouraged the purchase of a bullet brassiere, named such for its rather pointy design. Rosa felt a tad self-conscious wearing it, but Larry, if one could go by his cheeky grin, seemed quite taken with her outfit.
Along with her white half-hat angled on her head of short chestnut curls, short white gloves, and black ballet shoes, Rosa was appropriately dressed for going to the movies and was looking forward to the evening.
Showing at the Santa Bonita Cinema was an action flick called The Last Clue starring Nicholas Post. Though Rosa had only recently heard of the star, Gloria had told her, most emphatically, that in America, he was as famous as Cary Grant or Humphrey Bogart.
“You should like this one,” Larry said as they moseyed along the main road. “Nicholas Post plays a hard-boiled private investigator.”
“I’d hardly call myself hard-boiled.” Rosa had recently set up Reed Investigations in Santa Bonita, and though she worked as a private investigator, she didn’t think she could be compared to the character in this film.
Larry chuckled and took her hand. “No, darlin’, you are definitely of the softer-boiled variety.” “Isn’t The Last Clue about the mob?”
“Yes, ma’am. Nicholas Post is hired by the mob boss to investigate a string of murders committed by rival gang members.”
After arriving at the theater and picking up the reserved tickets, Larry bought two sodas, a big bucket of popcorn to share, and a movie magazine called Inside the Silver Screen that featured the very movie they were about to see.
Once seated, Rosa opened the magazine. “East Shore Productions Incorporated produced this film,” she said. “It says here they are based in Boston.”
“This movie is set there too, isn’t it?” Larry said. “In 1912.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize the year!” Rosa looked closer at the article. “Aunt Louisa was born and raised there,” Rosa said, “and though my mother was born in London, she grew up in Boston. She’d have lived there that year. I’ve never been to Boston, so I think I’m going to enjoy this!”
Larry draped an arm over Rosa’s shoulder. “And I’m going to enjoy watching you enjoy it.”
The theater darkened and the newsreels began: news that San Francisco’s iconic cable line was being replaced by buses, and the winner of the Formula One Drivers’ Championship.
“NASCAR is planning an exhibition race here in Santa Bonita,” Larry said. “In November.”
“Aunt Louisa mentioned that,” Rosa returned. “One of her organizations is sponsoring it.”
Dramatic music filled the theater as the credits began, and the moviegoers cheered. There was not a seat to spare, and it seemed much of Santa Bonita was excited to start watching.
As the movie progressed, the costumes of the times—the long stiff skirts worn by the women along with their modest long-sleeve blouses with high, button-up collars—intrigued Rosa. And the parasols and big hats could hardly have eased the summer heat. Rosa felt thankful to live in a time where a lady could wear a skirt that ended at the knees, and blouses with no sleeves at all!
But it was the setting of the city of Boston that interested Rosa the most. Boston Harbor differed greatly from Los Angeles on the Pacific Ocean, or London on the River Thames. Her mother had often talked about her transatlantic trip from Boston Harbor to Liverpool. That trip had been significant in several ways. It had been the first time that her mother, Ginger Gold, had met Rosa’s father, Basil Reed, another passenger on the ship. It was also the first time Ginger had helped solve a murder with Basil leading the investigation.
Rosa owed her existence to that voyage. Had her mother never gone on that ship, Rosa would never have been born just a few years later. The ship had been called the SS Rosa—Rosa’s namesake.
Every time the camera panned a shot of the city or the harbor, Rosa, fascinated with it all, leaned forward in her seat. Less impressive to Rosa, however, were the skills of some actors. The main villain in the movie, played by an actor named Scott Huntington, certainly looked the part with his dark, brooding good looks. Still, his acting seemed melodramatic, especially the scene where he was shot, which was a long, painfully dramatic affair causing Rosa to roll her eyes.
The magazine article hinted at a rivalry between this stuntman and Nicholas Post. Was that actually true or something fabricated for publicity to promote the movie, Rosa wondered.
“I’d put my money on the dark-haired feller in a real fistfight,” Larry whispered in her ear as the two main characters brawled in an Irish pub. “Neither one of ’em seems to know how to operate a gun. They must’ve shot at each other at least a dozen times in that last scene, and no one got so much as a powder burn.”
When the story reached the point where the private investigator rubbed a pencil across an old notepad to reveal hidden letters underneath, Rosa whispered back to Larry, “That’s such an overused trick in detective stories. I’ve never once done that myself, and I doubt if any other detective ever has.”
However, Rosa couldn’t afford to be critical. Though she’d opened her office a couple of months earlier, business was slow. But she didn’t want to think about that problem now and forced herself to focus on the film. Rosa realized that despite her critiques, she was pulled into the movie’s plot and felt a sense of disappointment when the story ended.
As they stepped into the evening air and onto the sidewalk along with the rest of the movie patrons, Larry suggested drinks. “There’s a bar just down the block.”
“Yes, I would like that.” Rosa linked her arm with his as they strolled down the street on a pleasantly cool evening.
While in her office the next morning, Rosa arranged the magazines on the teak coffee table for the third time. Did the room look more welcoming now? She’d placed an ad in the Santa Bonita Gazette that had garnered her a few new clients, but not enough to keep her mind and body busy. She had worked at her mother’s office, Lady Gold Investigations, in London. A long-running establishment—starting its operations since from before Rosa was born—Ginger Gold’s business never hurt for clients. Her stellar reputation had been passed by word of mouth and hers was the first agency considered when most people needed a detective. But how did one gain those qualities with a new business in Santa Bonita, California?
“What are we going to do, Diego?”
Rosa’s brown tabby kitten, curled in the corner of the couch, feigned indifference to his owner’s plight. He slowly closed his eyes and purred. Apparently, this new office space was even too boring for her cat.
A moment later, the door burst open, and there stood Gloria—all bright eyes and shiny red lipstick.
“Rosa! I thought I might find you here.”
Gloria wore an emerald-green A-frame dress patterned with flecks of red and gold. A V-shaped neckline enhanced the capped sleeves. Around the creamy skin of her neck, a pearl choker hung, and her matching pearl belt emphasized her figure. Short curly hair framed her heart-shaped face, and although she’d tested a platinum-blonde look, her natural dark locks suited her much better.
Gloria waved the flyer in her hand. “Look what was posted on the bulletin board.”
Rosa picked up on Gloria’s infectious smile as she reached for the paper. It might be a flyer advertising Reed Investigations, Rosa thought. However, her name and business were nowhere to be found on the flyer.
“Still a little slow?” Gloria asked, looking around the small office and stating the obvious. But Rosa’s rapt attention was now fixed on the small white flyer.
It read: FILMING ON LOCATION IN SANTA BONITA, QUICK STRIKE—A WESTERN FILM BY DIRECTOR FREDERICK FORBES. EXTRAS NEEDED!
“That’s intriguing,” Rosa remarked. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s the same director as last night’s movie.”
"It’s the same director,” Gloria confirmed. “Frederick Forbes is a very influential figure in that industry.” The qualifications for those who might be interested in extra work were listed under the heading. Prospective extras were people in their twenties with no distinguishing features such as scars or birthmarks on their faces. On the first day of filming, the possible extras had to be prepared to spend the first few hours going through the selection process, and then came makeup and wardrobe allocation.
Gloria came around Rosa and peered over her shoulder to read the flyer, even though Rosa couldn’t imagine that her cousin hadn’t already memorized every word. “It starts tomorrow,” Gloria said. “I already asked if I could miss class—I thought the experience could be helpful.” Gloria was a student at a local acting studio. She waved her hands around at the empty office. “It looks as though you’re free too. Why don’t you come with me?”
The idea of being in a movie—a Frederick Forbes film, no less—pumped more than a little extra adrenaline through Rosa’s veins. It certainly beat rearranging coffee-table magazines all day while waiting for the telephone to ring.
“Rosa?” Gloria prodded. “You’ll do it with me?”
“I don’t know,” Rosa hedged. “Acting isn’t something I do well.” She was purposely modest. In her line of work, she often had to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.
Gloria pouted. “You don’t have to act as an extra, not really. Anyway, I’ll do all the work, you just have to respond to my cues.” Gloria tugged on Rosa’s arm. “Come on! It’ll be fun!”
Rosa’s hesitancy had nothing to do with acting, and she knew it. It had everything to do with a certain detective’s fiancée, Charlene Winters, who Rosa knew would be on the set.
Rosa sat on the couch beside Diego and sorted out her crinolines and her emotions. Hadn’t she carefully filed away her tumultuous romance with Miguel Belmonte into the past? Hadn’t she been enjoying the time spent with her new boyfriend, the intelligent and respected Dr. Larry Rayburn, who had the prestigious position of assistant medical examiner?
Hadn’t she moved on?
Rosa reached over to pet her kitten’s soft fur. “What do you think, Diego? Can you live without me for a day?”
Diego’s eyelids opened briefly but shut again as if the effort to look up at Rosa was too much. Rosa’s mind spun quickly. Just because Charlene Winters would be on set, didn’t mean she and Gloria would encounter the actress. Movie sets were notoriously busy places, and she knew she’d be one of many extras who milled about. And what about Miguel? Since he had his job to do at the Santa Bonita Police Department, there was no need to worry about him showing up.
Her choice was to while away the time in her office, hoping a client would call, or making her cousin happy.
She smiled up at Gloria. “Let’s do it.”
GET MURDER ON LOCATION TODAY: https://smarturl.it/RRLocation
August 27, 2020
Another fast paced murder mystery set in CA in the 50s with lots of red-herrings and twists and turns and lots of humor and drama. When Rosa Reed's cousin, Gloria finds a flyer looking for extras on a local movie set, she convinces Rosa, since business is slow in her PI business to audition for the parts. When they were cast as extra saloon girls, they saw how things are on a set when you have lead actors that are egotistical, womanizers and her ex-boyfriend detective Miguel Belmonte's actress fiancé who obviously does not like Rosa. And to boot she saw this fiancé in a compromising situation with one of the actors. Is it fun yet? When one of the male lead actors gets murdered and Rosa and Gloria are witnesses, Rosa is hired by the other male lead actor to prove his innocence she ends up working along side her ex. Should she tell Miguel what she saw with his fiancé and the actor, or should she spare his hurt. A dilemma she must put aside so she can solve a crime. A roller coaster of a ride through drama and mystery with a little humor thrown in! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions here are strictly my own.
August 20, 2020
Show Biz
Rosa and Gloria decide to try out for the new motion picture advertising for extra's. They make the grade and find out that show biz is not as much fun as they thought it would be. A lot of time waiting for their cue...that is until a murder happens on set.
The police show up with Miguel and Larry Rayburn with whom Rosa has been dating. Here she stands in a skimpy saloon girl costume. She ends up working with Miguel on the case. Of course Diego finds the best clue.
I just love this fun series. So colorful and full of life, just like the 1950's were. My favorite outfit was the flowered pants with ballerina flats and a sleeveless blouse. Sounds so pretty and comfortable.
The person that committed the crime was not who I thought it would be, but then I never do guess the killer. I love the outfits and the music...the Ames brothers and Elvis. Gloria's poodle skirt sounds right in style.
I am sure now that Rosa's detective business is up and going we will be reading many more Rosa Reed books. Keep writing so we can keep reading.
Thanks for allowing me to read an advance copy for an honest review.
Rosa and Gloria decide to try out for the new motion picture advertising for extra's. They make the grade and find out that show biz is not as much fun as they thought it would be. A lot of time waiting for their cue...that is until a murder happens on set.
The police show up with Miguel and Larry Rayburn with whom Rosa has been dating. Here she stands in a skimpy saloon girl costume. She ends up working with Miguel on the case. Of course Diego finds the best clue.
I just love this fun series. So colorful and full of life, just like the 1950's were. My favorite outfit was the flowered pants with ballerina flats and a sleeveless blouse. Sounds so pretty and comfortable.
The person that committed the crime was not who I thought it would be, but then I never do guess the killer. I love the outfits and the music...the Ames brothers and Elvis. Gloria's poodle skirt sounds right in style.
I am sure now that Rosa's detective business is up and going we will be reading many more Rosa Reed books. Keep writing so we can keep reading.
Thanks for allowing me to read an advance copy for an honest review.
August 25, 2020
I continue to thoroughly enjoy this fun and fresh series of cozy mysteries. In this book, Mrs Strauss gives us quite an insight into the life of a film extra which provides a great setting for a murder. And, of course, Rosa Reed happens to be on set at the time! With prima donna film stars to cope with as well as all the other people it takes to get a movie made, there are plenty of candidates available as interesting suspects. Add into the mix that the leading lady is Rosa’s former love Miguel’s fiancée and that Rosa is caught in her own love triangle with Miguel and her new beau, Dr Larry, family drama at the Forrester home, and cute little Diego’s antics, and there is a lot to keep readers glued to the pages. I’m now looking forward to our next outing in sunny Santa Bonita.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All the above opinions are my own.
August 29, 2020
Loved, loved, loved this book. The whole series is great and each book is better than the one before. The authors attention to period details is exemplary both in describing clothing and in use of language. The mystery was well plotted and the murderer a complete surprise.
Rosa and Gloria take part as extras in a movie filming in Santa Bonita. When the stunt man/actor is shot and killed, Rosa is on the scene to help the police department catch the killer.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Rosa and Gloria take part as extras in a movie filming in Santa Bonita. When the stunt man/actor is shot and killed, Rosa is on the scene to help the police department catch the killer.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
August 22, 2020
1950’s glamour and film noir mixed with with Hercule Poirot! Lee Strauss does it again with her fun and intriguing character Rosa Reed! I love to see the continuation of this family saga first from Ginger Gold and now Rosa Reed. The writing in this book actually takes you behind the scenes of a 1950’s western movie set. This whodunnit keep me guessing until the end. I can’t wait for the next Rosa Reed book to see what she gets into next!
August 26, 2020
Rosa and her cousin Gloria have the opportunity to be extras as saloon girls on a movie set. During the shooting of the film an actual murder happens in front of everyone! Rosa's ex fiancé works with the local police and he's engaged to an actress in the movie, but she's not a Miss Goody Two Shoes! Follow along as Rosa and Miguel work together again to solve this recent murder; and perhaps find one another again?
August 28, 2020
I really enjoy the Rosa Reed mysteries and the nostalgia of the 50's. This was a good mystery and an exciting time for Rosa. She is coming to a cross road.
Strauss makes her characters feel real and her world building is excellent. You don't need to read the other books of the series before this one, but it does help to understand the characters better. I love her books!
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
Strauss makes her characters feel real and her world building is excellent. You don't need to read the other books of the series before this one, but it does help to understand the characters better. I love her books!
I received this book as an ARC and wished to leave a review.
September 11, 2020
Another great read in the Rosa Reed series by Lee Strauss. They can be read in order or as stand alone stories. Nice quick read with lots of nostalgic details. As usual a fun period piece with lots of authentic detail
In this book Rosa and her cousin try out and get a job as stand ins in a Hollywood movie. (The book takes place in 1950s California.) The movie is a western and they are dance hall girls. In rehearsal the stage gun is in use and when the hero shoots, the villain falls down....dead for real. Rosa is the one who realizes something is wrong and calls the police. Then Rosa is hired by the hero to prove that he did not intentionally kill the victim.
to further complicate the story Rosa's ex flame is the cop in charge of the case and his fiancee is the leading lady of the movie who is also the hero's alibi when they are trying to determine who had access to the gun before the rehearsal. Miguel breaks off his engagement with the lovely but unfaithful fiancee .
Working more or less together Rosa and Miguel work to discover the murderer but not before Rosa once again is in a life threatening situation.
In this book Rosa and her cousin try out and get a job as stand ins in a Hollywood movie. (The book takes place in 1950s California.) The movie is a western and they are dance hall girls. In rehearsal the stage gun is in use and when the hero shoots, the villain falls down....dead for real. Rosa is the one who realizes something is wrong and calls the police. Then Rosa is hired by the hero to prove that he did not intentionally kill the victim.
to further complicate the story Rosa's ex flame is the cop in charge of the case and his fiancee is the leading lady of the movie who is also the hero's alibi when they are trying to determine who had access to the gun before the rehearsal. Miguel breaks off his engagement with the lovely but unfaithful fiancee .
Working more or less together Rosa and Miguel work to discover the murderer but not before Rosa once again is in a life threatening situation.
August 21, 2020
In this book, the fourth in the Rosa Reed mysteries, we find Rosa and her cousin entering into the big screen excitement of being an extra in a movie. Unfortunately, there is a murder on the set and Rosa Reed actress morphs into Rosa Reed, PI. She encounters Miguel, her boyfriend from long ago, again who is working the case for the police department. Rosa also has a new boyfriend in the assistant pathologist.
As the story unfolds, Rosa, Miguel, and Dr. Perrry all have personal side stories bring about an interesting background.
There seemed to be more recollections of Ginger and Basil Reed in this book than I remember in the other three preceding books. The relationships on both sides of the pond became clearer to me.
This was a short but intriguing read, perfect for a rainy August afternoon. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I can’t wait for the next installment!
As the story unfolds, Rosa, Miguel, and Dr. Perrry all have personal side stories bring about an interesting background.
There seemed to be more recollections of Ginger and Basil Reed in this book than I remember in the other three preceding books. The relationships on both sides of the pond became clearer to me.
This was a short but intriguing read, perfect for a rainy August afternoon. I would highly recommend this to anyone. I can’t wait for the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2020
Rosa Reed Private Detective Agency is starting off very slow, so cousin, Gloria Forrester, talks Rosa into being an extra on a movie set.
She closes the office for the day, never thinking they would get a part.
Both Gloria and Rosa get type cast as saloon girls. Dressed in risque costumes, fishnets and low fitting corsets, they are onset when a murder takes place.
The police arrive, and of course former boyfriend Miguel Bellmonte and his sidekick show up as well as medical examiner, current boyfriend, Larry Rayburn with raised eyes at seeing Rosa in costume.
The main suspect, current leading man, Nick Post employs Rosa to clear him.
So Rosa and Miguel are thrown together once again.
They really do make a good investigative team.
I would recommend this series to all cozy mystery readers.
Lee writes a good page Turner that keeps you guessing to the end!!!
She closes the office for the day, never thinking they would get a part.
Both Gloria and Rosa get type cast as saloon girls. Dressed in risque costumes, fishnets and low fitting corsets, they are onset when a murder takes place.
The police arrive, and of course former boyfriend Miguel Bellmonte and his sidekick show up as well as medical examiner, current boyfriend, Larry Rayburn with raised eyes at seeing Rosa in costume.
The main suspect, current leading man, Nick Post employs Rosa to clear him.
So Rosa and Miguel are thrown together once again.
They really do make a good investigative team.
I would recommend this series to all cozy mystery readers.
Lee writes a good page Turner that keeps you guessing to the end!!!
August 23, 2020
Murder on Location is another fast paced, fun and entertaining addition to the Rosa reed series. Rosa and her cousin Gloria are extras in a Western and are first hand witnesses to a death on the set. Rosa once again finds herself working alongside her old flame Miguel to catch the killer. This can be read as a standalone since the characters relationships and backstory is well described. I still suggest reading the first three since this particular story focused a lot on Rosa's personal life ( to me the mystery took a back seat). Besides you don't want to miss out on any of the fun. The attention to detail is extraordinary thus making it an enjoyable series for fashionistas and lovers of the fifties!
August 28, 2020
Rosa doesn't have a case to work on so Gloria talks her into going to try out to be extras on a movie set that is being filmed. While on the set one of the main 'stars' is shot and killed even though there was supposed to be blanks in the gun. Then, Rosa, she's her ex-boyfriend's fiancee and Nicholas leaving her trailer while on a break. The murder brings Miguel and his partner Larry Rayburn out to investigate. This causes problems for Rosa, as she is hired by Nicolas Post to prove he is innocent. Can Miguel and Rosa work together to find the killer? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 30, 2020
Rosa Reed can’t seem to go anywhere without it leading to a murder mystery that she has a huge part in solving. This time she and her cousin Gloria take advantage of a movie call for extras. As they are on the set, Rosa is once again thrust into a murder investigation. Of course, this also leads to the involvement of her cat, Diego, and the two men in her life.
I enjoyed reading this book. Lee Strauss never disappoints in giving her readers an entertaining story with glimpses of what life was like in the past. Rosa is a likable character with talents that many women didn’t have in the fifties. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book. Lee Strauss never disappoints in giving her readers an entertaining story with glimpses of what life was like in the past. Rosa is a likable character with talents that many women didn’t have in the fifties. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
January 6, 2021
Shootout West
P.I. Rosa Reed's business is slow when her cousin, Gloria signs them up to be extras on a Western movie being shot in San Bonito. The movie isn't the only thing shot when a scene between film star Nicholas Post & rising star rival Scott Huntington ends up fatally shot. Did Post switch the blank for a real bullet to eliminate his competition? He hires Rosa to prove his innocence but there's more going on behind the scene when Detective Miguel Belmonte's fianceé, actress Charlene Winters is implicated.
The Rosa Reed series is on par with the best historical mysteries out there.
P.I. Rosa Reed's business is slow when her cousin, Gloria signs them up to be extras on a Western movie being shot in San Bonito. The movie isn't the only thing shot when a scene between film star Nicholas Post & rising star rival Scott Huntington ends up fatally shot. Did Post switch the blank for a real bullet to eliminate his competition? He hires Rosa to prove his innocence but there's more going on behind the scene when Detective Miguel Belmonte's fianceé, actress Charlene Winters is implicated.
The Rosa Reed series is on par with the best historical mysteries out there.
July 17, 2021
While waiting for her phone to ring with a new client.
Rosa's cousin, Gloria, convinces her to go tryout as an extra for a Hollywood movie being shot in town. Surprisingly, both Gloria and Rosa are picked to be part of the show.
This puts them in perfect position to witness one of the main actors being shot down in real life with the blank gun being used.
The lead actor learns that Rosa is a PI and ask her to help clear his name as he was the prim e suspect being the only one with a gun.
This was a fun story with developed characters as well as some humor and a few red herrings.
Rosa's cat also helps find a few clues.
Rosa's cousin, Gloria, convinces her to go tryout as an extra for a Hollywood movie being shot in town. Surprisingly, both Gloria and Rosa are picked to be part of the show.
This puts them in perfect position to witness one of the main actors being shot down in real life with the blank gun being used.
The lead actor learns that Rosa is a PI and ask her to help clear his name as he was the prim e suspect being the only one with a gun.
This was a fun story with developed characters as well as some humor and a few red herrings.
Rosa's cat also helps find a few clues.
August 24, 2020
Rosa at the movies!
Another adorable mystery in the Rosa Reed series finds Rosa as an extra on a Hollywood movie set. This is the 1950s, the golden age of cinema, and as always with Lee Strauss, I love all the authentic historical touches that bring her stories alive.
Murder, mystery, more than a smattering of romance - I can’t stop smiling when I read a Rosa Reed book! The tone is light, the descriptions and dialogue sparkle along and it’s a wholly relaxing, easy read.
I received an ARC and am delighted to be able to review this as highly as it deserves.
Another adorable mystery in the Rosa Reed series finds Rosa as an extra on a Hollywood movie set. This is the 1950s, the golden age of cinema, and as always with Lee Strauss, I love all the authentic historical touches that bring her stories alive.
Murder, mystery, more than a smattering of romance - I can’t stop smiling when I read a Rosa Reed book! The tone is light, the descriptions and dialogue sparkle along and it’s a wholly relaxing, easy read.
I received an ARC and am delighted to be able to review this as highly as it deserves.
July 1, 2022
A great look at film-making, with a twist.
Rosa Reed's cousin, Gloria, talked her into trying to be an extra on a film being made in Santa Bonita. They were chosen to act as saloon girls, but during the shoot, one of the stars was shot and killed. The suspect hires Rosa to prove his innocence, and the game was afoot. There was a surprise ending, with an unexpected twist. Rosa succeeded in not only proving her client's innocence, but finding the real killer. A very satisfying ending.
Rosa Reed's cousin, Gloria, talked her into trying to be an extra on a film being made in Santa Bonita. They were chosen to act as saloon girls, but during the shoot, one of the stars was shot and killed. The suspect hires Rosa to prove his innocence, and the game was afoot. There was a surprise ending, with an unexpected twist. Rosa succeeded in not only proving her client's innocence, but finding the real killer. A very satisfying ending.
November 6, 2021
Cute
Since murders seem to follow Ross around it is only fitting that Ross is present when an actor is gunned down in front of her. Ross and her cousin Gloria are extras on a movie set and get to witness the back stabbing between the two main actors, so when one is murdered, the other actor promptly hired Ross to clear his name. So begins our story as Ross along with Deputy Diego, the cat, solves the case.
Since murders seem to follow Ross around it is only fitting that Ross is present when an actor is gunned down in front of her. Ross and her cousin Gloria are extras on a movie set and get to witness the back stabbing between the two main actors, so when one is murdered, the other actor promptly hired Ross to clear his name. So begins our story as Ross along with Deputy Diego, the cat, solves the case.
June 9, 2021
Rosa and Gloria decide to try to be extras on a movie set where Miguel's fiancee is working. During the rehearsal, one of the stars is shot and killed. Rosa investigates, and during the investigation she witnesses Miguel's fiancee having a fling with another actor. The murderer is discovered through Rosa's sleuthing. Is there something deeper going on than was at first thought? Fun, quick read.
Read
September 9, 2020Guns as Well as Glory
This was a readable complex story which. I didn t want to put down. The fact
that so many characters knew guns and one even worked for the Mafia was a
red herring. But once before the one who hired the PI was the killer
This was a readable complex story which. I didn t want to put down. The fact
that so many characters knew guns and one even worked for the Mafia was a
red herring. But once before the one who hired the PI was the killer
October 6, 2020
Movies and Murder
Filming comes to Santa Bonita, California, and Rosa Reed's cousin Gloria convinces Rosa to become an extra for the day. Filming is suspended when a death occurs and Rosa feels compelled to solve it. A fun read to this series set in the 1950s.
Filming comes to Santa Bonita, California, and Rosa Reed's cousin Gloria convinces Rosa to become an extra for the day. Filming is suspended when a death occurs and Rosa feels compelled to solve it. A fun read to this series set in the 1950s.
October 10, 2020
Good
I liked this one. I think some of the factual information regarding revolvers and suppressor and whatnot could use a bit of going over, but I read this primarily for the 50s beach vibes, which I received in abundance.
I liked this one. I think some of the factual information regarding revolvers and suppressor and whatnot could use a bit of going over, but I read this primarily for the 50s beach vibes, which I received in abundance.
October 16, 2020
Murder on Location is another great read from author Lee Strauss. Finding flyers for film extras very exciting and yes there is a murder. This is the fourth book in the Rosa Reed mysteries and is not to be missed it's a great read.
November 7, 2020
Rosa is an extra on a movie that stars Miguel's fiancee. Things end with a bang on set. Rosa investigates. I liked this story a lot better than the last one. It was interesting hearing about behind the scenes on a movie.
Read
August 8, 2021Fun to read
I can just imagine Rosa zipping around in her little sports car working on the mystery in this book. I really enjoy her character, her spunk and her drive. I also enjoy reading these nice, clean mysteries. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I can just imagine Rosa zipping around in her little sports car working on the mystery in this book. I really enjoy her character, her spunk and her drive. I also enjoy reading these nice, clean mysteries. Can't wait to see what happens next.
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