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Lily Torrence
Lyman Wilbur might write about a hard-boiled sleuth, but he is about as far from that in real life as a guy can get. When he’s offered a job at Colosseum Studios, helping to put his latest crime novel onto the silver screen, he falls deeper and deeper into a world where lies, blackmail, and murder are part of real life.
And maybe he should know better than to ask too many questions, especially when powerful people are willing to commit murder and extortion to protect their secrets, but a young girl has been killed—and it just seems to Lyman that he’s the only one willing to find out the real story.
And maybe he should know better than to ask too many questions, especially when powerful people are willing to commit murder and extortion to protect their secrets, but a young girl has been killed—and it just seems to Lyman that he’s the only one willing to find out the real story.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2014
8 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Fred Andersen
12 books14 followersFred Andersen is the author of mystery, crime and suspense fiction. Hollywood Noir Mystery: "Lily Torrence;" contemporary crime thriller set on the SW U.S. border: "Line in the Sand." Fred also writes short stories and humor. Humor: "Pregnant Without a Caouse" by Wilshire Lewis. All these books are listed on Goodreads, and avaiable at your favorite online bookstore, at my website:
fxandersen.com, or email fxandersen@msn.com
Also check out my short story about a dangerous chat room:: http://www.imitationfruit.com/issue_6....
fxandersen.com, or email fxandersen@msn.com
Also check out my short story about a dangerous chat room:: http://www.imitationfruit.com/issue_6....
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 28, 2018
This book reminded me of a classic noir mystery or pulp mystery. The book takes place in the long ago days of Hollywood. There is a bombshell actress with a past and a brain as well as the every day guy who is just trying to do the right thing – in between trying to keep a job as a screenwriter and controlling his alter ego Detective he writes about. While there is some sleeping around it is done in the days of “cut away” scenes. The murder mentioned in the summary happens pretty late in the story but at this point we are nicely pulled into the characters and their entwined secrets. The author does a stand up job of placing you into the time, the atmosphere and the story.
July 18, 2022
A couple of Hollywood murders in a 1940's movie studio, amongst ruthless agents, amoral producers and assorted hangers-on. Would make a good "Film Noir" with the right "Golden Age" director and screenwriter. Pretty good. Entertaining.
May 3, 2018
Well written, punchy dialogue, interesting characters, sharp descriptions and details, great story.
February 24, 2017
I always love reading a good mystery novel. I loved the time frame, and the author really manages to make you feel like you're there. The story moves along at a good pace, and keeps you sucked in. You're introduced to quite a few characters, and you get to see the events unfold through all of their eyes. It makes the mystery more intriguing, as you go through the many suspects. As the story progresses you get to see why each person is an important piece of the larger picture. The author has a real talent for bringing everything together, but still managing to surprise you. If you're looking for an interesting, and unique old fashioned mystery this book is a must read!
September 9, 2016
This is where you write a review.
April 7, 2017
First of all, I would like to thank the author, Fred Andersen, for sharing his book in exchange for an honest review.
The character 'Deborah Boynton' in the book is said to be based on 'Barbara Stanwyck', who was an American actress, model and dancer.
Though titled 'Lily Torrence', she is not the main protagonist. The story-line follows Lily's aspiration to make her way into Hollywood, the help offered by Deb, with a touch on homosexuality and prostitution.
Max Beckerman is a German Jew, who managed to escape the tyranny of Hitler, and is making a living as a well-known and powerful movie Director. He, however, is a pawn in the hands of a more powerful Marty Nuco - a pimp, who can make or break, not only anybody's career, but also, just about anybody's life.
Lyman Wilbur - writer of detective novels, and creator of Archer Daniel, fails to create an impression. I am sure, the book would have done well without him. He is shown to be loving and faithful to his wife - still tries to flirt with a lady way younger than him, but is never categorized as a womanizer! Strange that!
As any other with a lot of movie stuff in it, this one has no dearth for sex, scandal and booze.
I would have liked to spend a little more time with Ted, he could have had a little more room in the story.
Maria, proves to be a character in vain.
Deb and Lily are two powerful and impressive women worth appreciating.
Though Lyman often says, "Things are moving too fast", I unfortunately felt it to be on the contrary.
In-spite of the flow of events being believable in most parts, I did not feel my blood racing, nor did I feel the need to feel curious, when I would have been curious in any other book under similar circumstances.
On the whole, the book was an interesting read.
The character 'Deborah Boynton' in the book is said to be based on 'Barbara Stanwyck', who was an American actress, model and dancer.
Though titled 'Lily Torrence', she is not the main protagonist. The story-line follows Lily's aspiration to make her way into Hollywood, the help offered by Deb, with a touch on homosexuality and prostitution.
Max Beckerman is a German Jew, who managed to escape the tyranny of Hitler, and is making a living as a well-known and powerful movie Director. He, however, is a pawn in the hands of a more powerful Marty Nuco - a pimp, who can make or break, not only anybody's career, but also, just about anybody's life.
Lyman Wilbur - writer of detective novels, and creator of Archer Daniel, fails to create an impression. I am sure, the book would have done well without him. He is shown to be loving and faithful to his wife - still tries to flirt with a lady way younger than him, but is never categorized as a womanizer! Strange that!
As any other with a lot of movie stuff in it, this one has no dearth for sex, scandal and booze.
I would have liked to spend a little more time with Ted, he could have had a little more room in the story.
Maria, proves to be a character in vain.
Deb and Lily are two powerful and impressive women worth appreciating.
Though Lyman often says, "Things are moving too fast", I unfortunately felt it to be on the contrary.
In-spite of the flow of events being believable in most parts, I did not feel my blood racing, nor did I feel the need to feel curious, when I would have been curious in any other book under similar circumstances.
On the whole, the book was an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews