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Scream Queen Confidential: A Memoir and Two Mysteries
ADRIENNE BARBEAU’S L.A. TIMES BESTSELLING MEMOIR, There Are Worse Things I Could Do, is now available on Kindle in a box set with two thrillers from her witty, satirical fictional series about another “scream queen” – with a twist…
After the success of her bestselling memoir, a rollicking romp through five decades of Broadway and Hollywood, Tony-nominated actress and iconic “scream queen” Adrienne Barbeau turned her skill as a sharp-eyed satirist to the absurdity of Hollywood, with its petty jealousies, vain ambitions, and over-the-top visuals.
The delicious result of all these thrilling elements? The action-packed Vampyres of Hollywood series! Part comic mysteries, part police procedurals, a little bit supernatural, paranormal, and occult (with a dash of old-fashioned vampyre romance—and lots of action, suspense, and adventure), Love Bites and Make Me Dead are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud—more than once.
Vol. 1: THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO
Barbeau hilariously details her early years in New York, securing her first apartment, then getting her first job—as a barmaid—and, memorably, starring on Broadway in Grease. She shares warm memories of her two hit television series (Maude and Carnivale), and tales of her many television and feature films (The Fog, Escape from New York, Cannonball Run, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Creepshow).
But unlike most showbiz biographies, Barbeau’s story doesn’t stop—or even slow down—at fifty, which finds our heroine newly in love, wandering the halls of the maternity ward a new mother (the only new mother on the floor with an AARP card), becoming a published author (of vampire thrillers!), and taking up trapeze-performance at seventy.
Vol. 2: LOVE BITES
NOT YOUR MAMA’S POLICE PROCEDURAL—A COP STORY WITH BITE…AND ROMANCE… Not to mention sharp, cutting wit.
If you think you don't like vampyre books, you haven't met a woman sleuth like Ovsanna Moore. Don't think “vampyre”, think the fulfillment of your fondest personal fantasy—a woman who wins every fight; who (being 450 years old) can say exactly what she wants with no guilt and no regrets; and who, even at the advanced age of 450, looks like a sexy 20-year-old and is still up for hot romance. Enter Beverly Hills cop Peter King—easy on the eyes, he’s not only one hell of a detective, he's also a consummate master of spin, concealing what he knows about the world of vampyres, werewolves, and shapeshifters while solving the crimes they commit.
Vol. 3: MAKE ME DEAD
…WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH OUT LOUD
Nobody’s better than Barbeau at skewering the foibles of Hollywood and its self-involved denizens, and nobody’s got a smarter mouth than her movie star heroine, Ovsanna Moore, this time in New Orleans for a horror convention. Fasten your seat belts—lots of fun to be had (at the expense of horror conventions).
- GenresMysteryNonfiction
997 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2017
267 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Adrienne Barbeau
35 books72 followersAll my life I’ve been a performer – an actress, a singer, a dancer, even a talk show host – but never in the wildest dreams of my first 50 years did I ever imagine I would write something that other people would read. I still can’t quite get over it.
Adrienne began her career entertaining our servicemen throughout Southeast Asia. She made her Broadway debut as Tevye’s daughter, Hodel, in Fiddler on the Roof. A Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award for her creation of Rizzo in Grease led to the role of Bea Arthur’s daughter, Carol, in the hit series Maude.
Since then she has become a best selling author, a recording artist, and the star of numerous features, films for television, concert performances, musicals and plays.
Her films include The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, Swamp Thing, Back to School, and Cannonball Run, the award winning “zombie film” Alice Jacobs is Dead and Oscar's Best Film winner, Argo.
With a Golden Globe nomination and over 450 screen performances to her credit, she starred as Ruthie, the Snake Dancer, on HBO’s series, Carnivale. Her recent appearances include Son’s of Anarchy, Dexter, and Revenge.
Off camera, Adrienne is the voice of Catwoman in Batman, The Animated Series, and she can be heard in a myriad of video games: God of War and Halo 4 among them.
Adrienne is the author of three books: the best-selling memoir There Are Worse Things I Could Do; Vampyres of Hollywood; and the most recent Love Bites.
In March of 1997, Adrienne gave birth to identical twin boys, William and Walker Van Zandt, m age 51, “the only woman on the maternity ward who was a member of AARP”. She lives in Los Angeles, but travels to Japan whenever she can to visit her older son, Cody Carpenter.
Adrienne began her career entertaining our servicemen throughout Southeast Asia. She made her Broadway debut as Tevye’s daughter, Hodel, in Fiddler on the Roof. A Tony nomination and a Theatre World Award for her creation of Rizzo in Grease led to the role of Bea Arthur’s daughter, Carol, in the hit series Maude.
Since then she has become a best selling author, a recording artist, and the star of numerous features, films for television, concert performances, musicals and plays.
Her films include The Fog, Escape From New York, Creepshow, Swamp Thing, Back to School, and Cannonball Run, the award winning “zombie film” Alice Jacobs is Dead and Oscar's Best Film winner, Argo.
With a Golden Globe nomination and over 450 screen performances to her credit, she starred as Ruthie, the Snake Dancer, on HBO’s series, Carnivale. Her recent appearances include Son’s of Anarchy, Dexter, and Revenge.
Off camera, Adrienne is the voice of Catwoman in Batman, The Animated Series, and she can be heard in a myriad of video games: God of War and Halo 4 among them.
Adrienne is the author of three books: the best-selling memoir There Are Worse Things I Could Do; Vampyres of Hollywood; and the most recent Love Bites.
In March of 1997, Adrienne gave birth to identical twin boys, William and Walker Van Zandt, m age 51, “the only woman on the maternity ward who was a member of AARP”. She lives in Los Angeles, but travels to Japan whenever she can to visit her older son, Cody Carpenter.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 6, 2023
I went to high school in the early 80s where I crushed on Adrienne Barbeau, hard. I mean, she was a horror fan's dream starring in The Fog, Swamp Thing, Escape From New York, and Creep Show. She was easy on the eyes, and her voice was sultry AF. She posed for Playboy, for God's sake. All of those things are known qualities, but here I go, and pick up a memoir that is quick-witted and bold with some very real moments of pathos and drama. She married John Carpenter and had children, what? Further, the boxed set comes equipped not just with the sharp-tongued memoir, but with two Hollywood vampire-detective supernatural, mystery novels. The novels are more comedy-horror, meaning that they are light on the horror and heavy on the schlocky comedy satire. I would have preferred more hardcore horror, but if read under the right circumstances or mood, you will laugh out loud. I did, several times and did not feel cheated. Barbeau can write, and her voice has not changed since the 80s and remains consistent throughout the three books. A boxed set worthy of the rating: Great.
March 26, 2019
Talent
I had read the mystery stories before, but not the memoir. Lots of name dropping, which I've never been a fan of, but I did enjoy reading about her process to succeed. Very relatable struggles.
I had read the mystery stories before, but not the memoir. Lots of name dropping, which I've never been a fan of, but I did enjoy reading about her process to succeed. Very relatable struggles.
October 5, 2018
Who knew? I loved the author as an actress. Her sharp wit, quick tongue, and mega-banter style are just, well, lacking in a lot of what I read these days. The characters are believable (given a certain level of suspension of belief), rounded, and enjoyable. The overall premise is good, and her world has an internal stability that makes it a place to want to come back to.
Now, I just have to get the first mystery to get the introduction to the authors' ideas, and I'm a more than a happy camper.
Looking forward to new publications from Ms. Barbeau.
Now, I just have to get the first mystery to get the introduction to the authors' ideas, and I'm a more than a happy camper.
Looking forward to new publications from Ms. Barbeau.
June 4, 2018
Adrienne Barbeau
This is the memoir of Adrienne Barbeau as well as two mysteries about a vampire, Osvanna Moore and her relationship with a human, Detective Peter King. The memoir was very informative and enjoyable. Even though I usually don't read paranormal books, I really enjoyed the mysteries. Highly recommend this book.
This is the memoir of Adrienne Barbeau as well as two mysteries about a vampire, Osvanna Moore and her relationship with a human, Detective Peter King. The memoir was very informative and enjoyable. Even though I usually don't read paranormal books, I really enjoyed the mysteries. Highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2019
What a combo
I enjoyed the autobiography of Adrienne Barbeau. I remembered her from the TV show Maude and one of her least favorite movies, Cannonball Run. It was good learning something about her. The two books included were fun. Besides being a good actress, she’s a good writer. First time I have ever liked a book about Vampyres. Enjoyable on several levels. Recommended.
I enjoyed the autobiography of Adrienne Barbeau. I remembered her from the TV show Maude and one of her least favorite movies, Cannonball Run. It was good learning something about her. The two books included were fun. Besides being a good actress, she’s a good writer. First time I have ever liked a book about Vampyres. Enjoyable on several levels. Recommended.
February 28, 2018
Far better than expected
Adrienne Barbeau is as talented an author as she is an actor. Mysterious, suspenseful and intriguing stories that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go.
Adrienne Barbeau is as talented an author as she is an actor. Mysterious, suspenseful and intriguing stories that grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go.
April 23, 2020
If I could give this more stars I would.
I learned a lot about Adrienne and the people she worked with.
She went through a lot of CR_P and came out a winner.
I will read here other books.
Why don't you join me.
I learned a lot about Adrienne and the people she worked with.
She went through a lot of CR_P and came out a winner.
I will read here other books.
Why don't you join me.
May 31, 2020
Interesting life
Enjoyable but not spellbinding. Easy to read. Not your typical movie star lifestyle throughout. Many situations can be easy to relate to for the common person.
Enjoyable but not spellbinding. Easy to read. Not your typical movie star lifestyle throughout. Many situations can be easy to relate to for the common person.
August 10, 2017
Scream Queen Confidential: A Memoir and Two Mysteries (Vampyres of Hollywood) by Andrienne Barbeau Review 8/9/17 (Love Bites & Make Me Dead)
Humor galore, action with a twist and love with a hook!
Vol. 1: THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO
Barbeau hilariously details her early years in New York, securing her first apartment, then getting her first job—as a barmaid—and, memorably, starring on Broadway in Grease. She shares warm memories of her two hit television series (Maude and Carnivale), and tales of her many television and feature films (The Fog, Escape from New York, Cannonball Run, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Creepshow). But unlike most showbiz biographies, Barbeau’s story doesn’t stop—or even slow down—at fifty, which finds our heroine newly in love, wandering the halls of the maternity ward a new mother (the only new mother on the floor with an AARP card), becoming a published author (of vampire thrillers!), and taking up trapeze-performance at seventy.
Vol. 2: LOVE BITES
Not your mama’s police procedural—a cop story with bite…and romance… Not to mention sharp, cutting wit. If you think you don't like vampyre books, you haven't met a woman sleuth like Ovsanna Moore. Don't think “vampyre”, think the fulfillment of your fondest personal fantasy—a woman who wins every fight; who (being 450 years old) can say exactly what she wants with no guilt and no regrets; and who, even at the advanced age of 450, looks like a sexy 20-year-old and is still up for hot romance. Enter Beverly Hills cop Peter King—easy on the eyes, he’s not only one hell of a detective, he's also a consummate master of spin, concealing what he knows about the world of vampyres, werewolves, and shapeshifters while solving the crimes they commit.
Vol. 3: MAKE ME DEAD
…Will make you laugh out loud
Nobody’s better than Barbeau at skewering the foibles of Hollywood and its self-involved denizens, and nobody’s got a smarter mouth than her movie star heroine, Ovsanna Moore, this time in New Orleans for a horror convention. Fasten your seat belts—lots of fun to be had (at the expense of horror conventions).
What did I like? Starting out with:
Vol. !: Adrienne has been around as long as I have and I have seen her in many of the movies that she has done. I, unfortunately, did not see her while she was in New York but when she hit the big screen I do remember many of her parts. I was surprised at many of the things that happen to her and laughed, cried and commiserated over some of her life events. Living now in California not too far from Hollywood and the fact that I spent over 20 years in the Louisiana area makes all these stories more enjoyable to me.
Vol. 2: Love Bites: I love a good book that has some substance to it! Besides being a sci-fi book, it was so tender and funny. The characters are bright and enjoyable, well developed and very lovable. The descriptions and details are incredible. I loved every one of them.
Vol. 3: Make Me Dead: Continuing on with the story and great characters from above with more humor, love, and tender parts but moving all the action to Louisiana made it even more enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the area and different businesses with detailed information about them.
What will you like about all three of them? Adrienne has a real way with words and if you have been around as long as I have you're going to enjoy the update of her life and all the humor and unbelievable things that happen to her. The list of celebs and movie stars that she has been associated with just keeps going. I know what you are also going to enjoy the two other stories. The humor and details that have been included will keep you so involved that you won’t be able to put the book down. She has brought enough of her own past to life again here on these pages and the references to the old stars bring back memories of their lives. But more than that she has brought them back to life in a new more humorous way. There is another book that follows this and I will be purchasing it to complete the series or at least as far as she had gone to date. Who knows maybe there are more adventures in the future for Ovsanna Moore and Her Hollywood Vampyres?
Humor galore, action with a twist and love with a hook!
Vol. 1: THERE ARE WORSE THINGS I COULD DO
Barbeau hilariously details her early years in New York, securing her first apartment, then getting her first job—as a barmaid—and, memorably, starring on Broadway in Grease. She shares warm memories of her two hit television series (Maude and Carnivale), and tales of her many television and feature films (The Fog, Escape from New York, Cannonball Run, Swamp Thing, Back to School, Creepshow). But unlike most showbiz biographies, Barbeau’s story doesn’t stop—or even slow down—at fifty, which finds our heroine newly in love, wandering the halls of the maternity ward a new mother (the only new mother on the floor with an AARP card), becoming a published author (of vampire thrillers!), and taking up trapeze-performance at seventy.
Vol. 2: LOVE BITES
Not your mama’s police procedural—a cop story with bite…and romance… Not to mention sharp, cutting wit. If you think you don't like vampyre books, you haven't met a woman sleuth like Ovsanna Moore. Don't think “vampyre”, think the fulfillment of your fondest personal fantasy—a woman who wins every fight; who (being 450 years old) can say exactly what she wants with no guilt and no regrets; and who, even at the advanced age of 450, looks like a sexy 20-year-old and is still up for hot romance. Enter Beverly Hills cop Peter King—easy on the eyes, he’s not only one hell of a detective, he's also a consummate master of spin, concealing what he knows about the world of vampyres, werewolves, and shapeshifters while solving the crimes they commit.
Vol. 3: MAKE ME DEAD
…Will make you laugh out loud
Nobody’s better than Barbeau at skewering the foibles of Hollywood and its self-involved denizens, and nobody’s got a smarter mouth than her movie star heroine, Ovsanna Moore, this time in New Orleans for a horror convention. Fasten your seat belts—lots of fun to be had (at the expense of horror conventions).
What did I like? Starting out with:
Vol. !: Adrienne has been around as long as I have and I have seen her in many of the movies that she has done. I, unfortunately, did not see her while she was in New York but when she hit the big screen I do remember many of her parts. I was surprised at many of the things that happen to her and laughed, cried and commiserated over some of her life events. Living now in California not too far from Hollywood and the fact that I spent over 20 years in the Louisiana area makes all these stories more enjoyable to me.
Vol. 2: Love Bites: I love a good book that has some substance to it! Besides being a sci-fi book, it was so tender and funny. The characters are bright and enjoyable, well developed and very lovable. The descriptions and details are incredible. I loved every one of them.
Vol. 3: Make Me Dead: Continuing on with the story and great characters from above with more humor, love, and tender parts but moving all the action to Louisiana made it even more enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the area and different businesses with detailed information about them.
What will you like about all three of them? Adrienne has a real way with words and if you have been around as long as I have you're going to enjoy the update of her life and all the humor and unbelievable things that happen to her. The list of celebs and movie stars that she has been associated with just keeps going. I know what you are also going to enjoy the two other stories. The humor and details that have been included will keep you so involved that you won’t be able to put the book down. She has brought enough of her own past to life again here on these pages and the references to the old stars bring back memories of their lives. But more than that she has brought them back to life in a new more humorous way. There is another book that follows this and I will be purchasing it to complete the series or at least as far as she had gone to date. Who knows maybe there are more adventures in the future for Ovsanna Moore and Her Hollywood Vampyres?
October 22, 2017
3.5 Stars. A very readable, enjoyable book. So funny!
To hear about her life and to her adventures about breaking into show business are quite amusing and tenacious . I think anyone interested in show business should give this a read plus anyone interested in movies, what great insights. Oh and hysterical. To read about the rat movie. OMG, sounds like a made for TV script. Incredible.
A very fun book.
To hear about her life and to her adventures about breaking into show business are quite amusing and tenacious . I think anyone interested in show business should give this a read plus anyone interested in movies, what great insights. Oh and hysterical. To read about the rat movie. OMG, sounds like a made for TV script. Incredible.
A very fun book.
March 22, 2019
A very interesting autobiography! She's just a few years younger than me, but boy! has she lived! I didn't notice her in any of the shows or movies she acted in, but I recognized many. How could I have missed such a beautiful woman? In addition, two sexy vampire and hunky LA detective mystery stories. Lots of action and sexual tension followed by consummation. Just wish I'd read The Vampyres of Hollywood first.
April 27, 2019
This is a great collection from actress/author Adrienne Barbeau with her two mystery books which are worth reading and her memoir of her ife from growing up to starring in Maude and some of the most popular 80s films even while being an legendary screen queen is worth checking out!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews