British private investigator Alexandra Raven enters a world of glitz and glamour on the trail of a Hollywood murderer.
London, 1950.
Hollywood powerhouse Jake Rashman hires Alex to keep rising star Phillipa Arden out of trouble.
It sounds like an easy job, but the moment Arden steps off the plane, Alex sees the truth.
Behind the glamour, Arden is volatile, secretive, and trailed by the kind of men who don’t take no for an answer.
Rumours follow her everywhere — missing valuables, questionable friends, and a past in France she refuses to discuss. Wherever Arden goes, trouble follows.
Then the studio fixer assigned to Arden turns up dead in a Pimlico hotel with Alex’s card in his pocket. Now Alex is dragged into the very trouble she was hired to prevent.
And the studio wants answers.
On set, the lights are bright and the camera is always watching. But so is Alexandra Raven . . .
In this latest instalment of the series, private investigator Alexandra Raven takes on another unusual assignment—one that quickly becomes far more complicated than she expected. Alexandra is hired to act as a companion to actress Phillipa Arden for six weeks. The explanation given for the arrangement immediately raises Alexandra’s suspicions; she is supposedly being hired to help keep Phillipa out of trouble. However, the generous financial reward makes the offer difficult to refuse. As a private investigator accustomed to a wide variety of assignments, Alexandra can’t help but feel that there is more to this job than she has been told. When she finally meets Phillipa Arden, Alexandra has mixed feelings about accepting the role. Phillipa proves to be quite a handful, surrounded by people constantly trying to cater to her every demand. It soon becomes clear that dealing with the actress will not be easy. Things take a dramatic turn when one of the people in Phillipa’s circle is found dead. At that point, Alexandra’s assignment changes completely. She is asked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and to look into someone who may—or may not—be responsible for the murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Alexandra begins digging deeper, calling on her many contacts to help piece together what really happened. I really enjoy this series, largely because Alexandra Raven is such a fantastic character. She’s intelligent, determined, and often a little unorthodox in the way she conducts her investigations. Her tenacity and willingness to bend the rules make every case exciting and entertaining to follow. I also find the time period of the series particularly interesting, which adds another layer of atmosphere to the story. Overall, this was another enjoyable and engaging instalment featuring Alexandra Raven, and one that fans of the series will certainly appreciate.
Another excellent instalment from Shiv Saywack. Private detective Alex Raven returns, this time hired by a film producer determined to protect his latest movie star. Set against the murky underworld of 1940s London, the story draws us into a world of gangsters, drugs and dangerous secrets.
Although the novel starts at a steady pace, it quickly builds into an intriguing and twist-filled case, with plenty of false leads and tense moments. Raven finds herself facing one of her most challenging investigations yet, and at times the danger feels very real.
With help from her trusted colleagues, and keeping her cards close to her chest, Raven proves once again why she’s such a compelling lead character. The writing is strong, the characters feel authentic, and the atmosphere is vividly brought to life.
As always, Saywack delivers strong writing and well-developed characters who feel realistic and relatable. The atmosphere of post-war London is vividly brought to life, adding depth and authenticity to the story.
I hope this series continues for a long time to come. Thanks to JOFFE Books for the opportunity to read and enjoy this latest instalment.
I'm a big fan of Mr Saywack's writing, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. A real cast of characters; Alex Raven, of course, but also gang leaders, highly-strung actresses and rich 'sponsors', a film director, muscle-bound chauffeurs and a dodgy doctor. Quite a recipe - and a lot for Alex Raven to wade through to get to the truth. But she does eventually get there! I don't want to give anything away, only to repeat that old cliché - I couldn't put it down! I loved how the characters just jump off the page under Mr Saywack's 'pen' (okay, his computer, but it doesn't sound the same, does it?); I can see the glimmer of paste diamonds, and hear the American, French, cockney voices, not to mention the smoke and mirrors - in this story, the smoke is literal, along with a distinct smell - and see those dead bodies in various poses. I think this is my favourite Alex Raven story so far.
A CAPTIVATING MYSTERY SERIES~ I’ve now read all three books in the Alexandra Raven Mystery Series, and I’m delighted to say each one is better than the other. That’s saying a bunch since all three are winning stories with intriguing plots. The series is great to read one book after the other, but each story can be equally enjoyed as standalone novels. The plot will draw you into the story from the first chapter and will grip you constantly until the satisfying ending. The characters are well-defined, the dialogue is clever and intelligent, and the scene descriptions are vivid. Alex Raven is a gritty character with an independent personality who will stop at nothing uncover the truth, and she shines as the main character. The writing is crisp and fresh, and the story is fast paced. It was an enjoyable read and those who love a British police procedural mystery that unfolds layer by layer with a satisfying ending will enjoy the story and the entire series.
Death Under the Spotlight is a sharp, entertaining noir mystery that grabbed my attention immediately and never let go. Shiv Saywack creates a richly layered world filled with colorful personalities, danger, intrigue, and enough twists to keep the pages turning. Alex Raven is an outstanding lead character: smart, determined, and fearless when pursuing the truth. She carries the story with confidence and grit while navigating a cast of unforgettable characters that range from glamorous actresses to dangerous criminals and suspicious insiders. The dialogue feels natural and quick, and the descriptions are vivid enough to place you directly inside each scene. I could easily picture this story unfolding on screen. The pacing moves briskly without sacrificing atmosphere or character development. Fans of noir suspense and strong investigative fiction will find a lot to enjoy here. This may be the strongest Alex Raven adventure yet.
It all starts off simple enough, a Hollywood film maker, JT Rashman, hires Raven to look after a world renowned actress Philippa Arden which Raven thinks will be a cushy little number. But then after meeting her and being around her for less than 5 minutes she begins to regret it and tries to turn down the job. That is until a murder occurs that attracts Raven’s attention and as she looks into it some more she’s pulled into a complex web of murder and mayhem where she sees the darker and seedier side of Hollywood that may play with the PI’s own morals. This book does get off to a slow start but it soon turns into a runaway locomotive of a story as the bodies pile up and all the twists and turns that will leave you in shock and disbelief. Some of the moral decisions that Alexandra Raven makes especially towards the end is thought provoking and may make you wonder if you will do the same in her predicament. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and can’t wait for the next one.
The Reality Behind the Cameras! In the third instalment of the Alexandra Raven series, our favourite investigator is plunged into the volatile world of showbiz. But forget the glitz and the glamour, Alex quickly discovers a dark underbelly populated by ego-driven, unhinged characters who care for no one but themselves. As the body count rises, Alex is forced down a perilous path to uncover the truth. She remains as funny, sharp, and endearingly untidy as ever, facing danger at every turn with unwavering determination. Shiv Saywack has delivered another triumph: a high-tension narrative lightened by sharp humour and a perfectly tied up ending. It is a compelling, fabulously character-driven mystery that leaves you desperate for the next one! My thanks to Joffe Books for the ARC. This is my own opinion.
Excellent addition to the series with Alex Raven our PI.
Fed up with yet more divorces, Alex is tempted when shes asked to take on the job of babysitter to the star of a film. First contact with her new charge, though, soon changes her mind and she takes a step back. All too soon though, a body emerges and she’s drawn back into a murder behind the scenes that would be the studios dream if it wasn’t for the fact it’s their stars that are at the centre of this web.
Old characters make an appearance too and we have a well written plot with so many twists that you will not see the ending coming. You don’t have to have read any of the previous books in the series to enjoy this one but be warned, it will probably put you off ever wanting to be an actor!
Thanks to Joffe for this ARC. All views are my own.
Private investigator, Alex Raven is asked by a film studio to keep their new star out of trouble. She declines the job after meeting the star and the studios fix-it man, Ricky, who were seemingly into smoking illicit cigarettes. When the fix-it man is found dead, the studio boss asks Alex to find out the link between his star, a notorious businessman, and the death of Ricky. And so she delves into the seedy underworld of the movie business - drugs, murder, blackmail… this book has it all. Shiv Saywack has a way of writing that invokes 1950s London, making the reader feel that they are there. With strong characters and a twisting storyline, this third instalment of the Alex Raven Mysteries is an excellent standalone read.
Alex Raven does it again - skating a thin line at times between what's legal and what's right, she reluctantly agrees to babysit the latest "It girl", Phillipa Arden, whilst she is filming what will hopefully be a new Hollywood blockbuster. She is quickly thrust into a murky world of blackmail, drugs and murder in the London of 1950, with the glitz and glamour of the film set only casting a thin veil over the tragedy of Phillipa's life.
Putting her own life in danger, she delves into Phillipa past, including the horrifying case of a serial killer from before the War.
Can she solve the case, whilst a very dangerous killer is watching all that she does? You'll have to read it to find out!
Once again, the author captivates the reader with a page-turning story.
I’ve read the first two in this series, and I have to admit, this one is my favourite. Is it because I’m used to Alexandra’s character? Or is it the unusual setting for the plot? Whatever. Those pages were turning quickly.
The story ticks all boxes as — mystery/danger/murder/intrigue/outspokeness — exactly what I like when reading a novel. Death under the spotlight is one of those stories where you think you know where it’s going, when in fact you don’t, and when you think the murder has been solved and all is well, another one pops up. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster of events.
This is the third mystery in the series featuring private investigator Alexandra Raven, as she is asked to keep rising star Philippa Arden out of trouble by Hollywood film magnate Jake Rashman.
The subsequent events mean that Alex needs to investigate the star herself and especially her somewhat mysterious backstory and her links or involvement with a number of people, some of whom are unsavoury and some downright dangerous and/or criminal.
Once again, the style of the novel is pretty much as laconic as Alex herself and it twists and turns intriguingly.
The book reads well as a standalone and it is also enjoyable following Alex’s adventures in private investigation.
Love this series. I have read and really enjoyed all 3 books. I love how Alex copes with the sexism of the 1950s after having been a member of the SOE in the war and done more dangerous and risky things than the men who patronise her. Instead of reacting with lectures on equality - a little heard phrase then- she simply gets on with the job and proves her point. Reluctantly accepting a commission to mind a starlet for a millionaire prospective husband, she avoids cliches and puts everyone in their place.Her confident sassy approach is great. The mysteries are always challenging enough to keep you guessing, but for me this series is character driven and all the better for it.
When the main character, Alexandra Raven, is employed by Hollywood Studio owner JT Rashman to keep star Phillipa Arden out of trouble, she thinks she is onto an easy, lucrative job that will make a pleasant change from her usual divorce work. However, the detective soon finds out that the actress does not want a minder, and when people start dying, it seems no one is safe, not even Raven herself. This is the third book in the series I have read, and it was good to get back to the now-familiar characters and spend some time with them. The plot is well-written with enough twists to keep the reader guessing, and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend the book.
Captivating Hollywood Noir Vibes I’ve long been drawn to the intriguing dark side of early Hollywood, so I enjoyed Alex Raven’s foray into that seedy world. She’s the perfect protagonist in this twisty tale of stars caught up in the post war underworld driven by desperation. Her character has the cynical charm of Bogart and the toughness and deadpan satire timing of Cagney. Shiv Saywack is adept at painting a vivid world for his readers to experience. The cast of characters are layers deep, drawing an array of emotions and delivering surprises. The plot is delightfully clever and kept me guessing to the end. This book is pure entertainment. I highly recommend it.
In this third book, Alex takes on a different type of case when she enters the world of showbiz and finds it not quite as glamorous as expected. There's lots of nasty characters around, a dodgy doctor and an actress who is keen not to discuss her prior life in France.
This was another enjoyable read and I liked how the story felt a lot different from the other books, although Alex still finds herself in some bad situations and once again at odds with the local police. I enjoy the various twists here as the body count rises, and loved the ending.
Another cracker from Shiv Saywack in the Raven private investigator series.
When Alex Raven is hired by a Hollywood movie director the job is too good to turn down. An open cheque book and the prestige of rubbing shoulders with some movie greats just for simply minding the latest rising star! However Raven soon realises that the directors protege, Philipa Arden, is big trouble! Drugs, drug smuggling, murder and mayhem surrounds Arden and her friends. Cleverly written in Shiv Saywacks almost staccato rhythm style the book has a post war style and is a must read, page turne
I have already read several mysteries by Shiv Saywack. This one also doesn't disappoint. I like the down-to-earth style of these books.
The main character, Alex Raven, is a young, confident gumshoe hired to keep her eye on a diva actress. Along the way, Alex gets caught up with mob bosses, brutish muscle men with surprisingly good manners, and drug addicts.
Always caught in the thick of things, Alex is forced to navigate the seedy underbelly of the film industry in London in the 1950s.
I've read all three books in this series and they just get better and better. I love Shiv Saywack's writing style. His writing truly is exquisite, and his intelligence and creativity shines through each and every finely crafted scene.I love the subtle humour that is weaved into this brilliantly told murder mystery. I would love to see some development in the relationship between our heroine Alex and the deliciously handsome bad boy Daniel Stark. Fantastic job, Mr Saywack. Another winner!
Private Investigator Alexandra Raven is employed by Hollywood Starlight Studio owner JT Rashman to keep actress Phillipa Arden out of trouble. Sounds like an easy job for Alex, but of course it isn't. Phillipa does not want a minder and soon people she knows are dying. No one is safe, not even Alex herself. I found this book a little slow, but it picked up towards the end and I look forward to the next book by this author.
I'm enjoying this series so much. I highly recommend the read. Shiv Saywack places the reader directly into each scene with his rich language. Death Under the Spotlight is a post-WW2 crime drama set in London. The protagonist is a salty private investigator who gets caught up in another case of murder, as she raced to solve the crimes before she becomes a victim herself.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to be published.
Death under the Spotlight. Latest in the Alex Raven series. Hollywood comes to London with its Diva's, ego's and backbiting. Alex is engaged to chaperone a wayward star but all does not go well. Murders, drugs and gangsters soon have her in her element. Another great storyline will have you gripped to the end
This was a fascinating book. I was drawn into the story from the first page. The vivid descriptions of the characters, settings and scenery had me thinking this would make an interesting movie. I enjoyed the pace of the book and the lead character, Raven, who is smart, witty and clever. I was captivated from the first page to the last. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I have now read all three of the Alex Raven mysteries. I have to say this is my favourite, Arden the movie starlet with a dark secret. Everyone is in love with her, she will be anything and everyone to get to Hollywood. I didnt want this story to end. Please write another one. I could see Alex Raven as a movie. I'd definitely watch it, I wonder who would play her?
I have now read all three of the Alex Raven mysteries. I have to say this is my favourite, Arden the movie starlet with a dark secret. Everyone is in love with her, she will be anything and everyone to get to Hollywood. I didnt want this story to end. Please write another one. I could see Alex Raven as a movie. I'd definitely watch it, I wonder who would play her?
Death under the Spotlight is an interesting story. Saywack writes a wild book with drugs and psychiatric activity that keeps the reader guessing with lots of twists and turns. A fun read.
1950. Alexandra Raven is initially employed to accompany actress and rising star Phillipa Arden while she is staring in a film in London. Circumstances change when a death occurs, the first. An entertaining historical mystery