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A Nick Williams Mystery #30
The Agitated Actress
Sunday, March 13, 1966
Nick and Carter are just finishing breakfast in their kitchen on Sacramento Street when the phone rings.
The caller is Ben White, head of Monumental Pictures, and he's calling Nick to report that the fog that has been sitting on the Bay Area for the last day or so is about to pay off.
The producers of TV's The Big Valley want to get some shots in the fog for an upcoming episode and and they're already setting up at the Monumental back lot up in Sonoma County that afternoon.
Miss Barbara Stanwyck, star of the series, has also asked to meet with Nick, who grudgingly obliges.
The next morning, when the fog is thicker than anyone can ever remember, Miss Stanwyck stumbles across a dead body.
With no way for the sheriff to get to them through the pea soup, Nick and Carter are left to find the killer before he, or she, strikes again.
- GenresMystery
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2019
15 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Frank W. Butterfield
123 books106 followersFrank W. Butterfield, not an assumed name, loves old movies, wise-cracking smart guys with hearts of gold, and writing for fun.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
Although he worships San Francisco, he lives at the beach on another coast.
Born on a windy day in November of 1966, he was elected President of his high school Spanish Club in the spring of 1983.
After moving across these United States like a rapid-fire pinball, he currently makes his home in a hurricane-proof apartment with superior water pressure that was built in 1926.
While he hasn't met any dolphins personally, that invitation is always open.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 14, 2019
Adding Barbara Stanwyck into the mix - what could be better than that.
May 11, 2019
The Agitated Actress (Nick and Carter #30)
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author 2019
Four stars
In the thirtieth volume of the lives of Nick Williams and Carter Jones, we have a rather different kind of story arc. It is short and very focused: basically Nick gets to play Hercule Poirot for Carter’s pleasure, although an actual killing has taken place. The setting is Nick and Carter’s vast fogbound movie backlot up in Sonoma country, north of San Francisco. The context is a richly textured gathering of real Hollywood people who are forced to deal with Nick and Carter’s fictitious reality. The year is 1966, and I was ten years old when the action supposedly took place. I adored The Big Valley and Perry Mason. I had a terrible crush on Richard Long, without understanding why.
The ending of the Agitated Actress was more abrupt than usual, although only readers of this series would notice that. Also, oddly, I felt a little let down by the climax of the story – an anticlimactic climax? Then again, there was a moment at the end that sent a shiver of delight up my spine, and I suspect that this was the real climax in Frank Butterfield’s mind.
It was that tiny, thrilling moment at the end of the story that confirmed in my mind what the author’s purpose was in this book. This is Nick Williams, in his early forties, as a man in full (a nod to Tom Wolfe). Nick is at peace with himself, with his demons, with his family, with the spirit of his great-uncle Paul. We see a Nick Williams who, with his beloved Carter, has lived through hell despite the vast wealth at his command. These are two men who know Lyndon Johnson and Charles DeGaulle by name. They fear nothing, because they have faced the worst and survived.
Nick gets to slip back into his private detective mode and solve a crime. But the crime is secondary to watching Nick be Nick – this mature, sure, smart, benevolent Nick; who hates bullshit and phoniness and loves the little guy with all his heart.
The Agitated Actress wouldn’t be hugely meaningful to folks who haven’t read the series, because it is the context that makes this narrative sing with emotional power. Like Carter, we get to watch Nick command the situation. We marvel at his clever mind, his gentle soul, and his generous nature. Middle age is going to be good for Nick and Carter, and we’re lucky enough to be along for the ride.
By Frank W. Butterfield
Published by the author 2019
Four stars
In the thirtieth volume of the lives of Nick Williams and Carter Jones, we have a rather different kind of story arc. It is short and very focused: basically Nick gets to play Hercule Poirot for Carter’s pleasure, although an actual killing has taken place. The setting is Nick and Carter’s vast fogbound movie backlot up in Sonoma country, north of San Francisco. The context is a richly textured gathering of real Hollywood people who are forced to deal with Nick and Carter’s fictitious reality. The year is 1966, and I was ten years old when the action supposedly took place. I adored The Big Valley and Perry Mason. I had a terrible crush on Richard Long, without understanding why.
The ending of the Agitated Actress was more abrupt than usual, although only readers of this series would notice that. Also, oddly, I felt a little let down by the climax of the story – an anticlimactic climax? Then again, there was a moment at the end that sent a shiver of delight up my spine, and I suspect that this was the real climax in Frank Butterfield’s mind.
It was that tiny, thrilling moment at the end of the story that confirmed in my mind what the author’s purpose was in this book. This is Nick Williams, in his early forties, as a man in full (a nod to Tom Wolfe). Nick is at peace with himself, with his demons, with his family, with the spirit of his great-uncle Paul. We see a Nick Williams who, with his beloved Carter, has lived through hell despite the vast wealth at his command. These are two men who know Lyndon Johnson and Charles DeGaulle by name. They fear nothing, because they have faced the worst and survived.
Nick gets to slip back into his private detective mode and solve a crime. But the crime is secondary to watching Nick be Nick – this mature, sure, smart, benevolent Nick; who hates bullshit and phoniness and loves the little guy with all his heart.
The Agitated Actress wouldn’t be hugely meaningful to folks who haven’t read the series, because it is the context that makes this narrative sing with emotional power. Like Carter, we get to watch Nick command the situation. We marvel at his clever mind, his gentle soul, and his generous nature. Middle age is going to be good for Nick and Carter, and we’re lucky enough to be along for the ride.
May 7, 2019
epub via Prolific Works from the author; 120 pages
Hardly an interlude, since a death is involved, but a brief visit to a film location shoot with several real life names. Nick is summoned (the appropriate term) by Barbara Stanwyck who needs a favour. The drive through the fog is tedious and once the death is discovered Nick is deputised to investigate as the local sheriff is unable to reach the site. So we have Nick doing some sleuthing - and Carter sees him do his Poirot bit at long last.
Taking place over only two days this is a change of pace from the hectic travelling around in recent releases in all three series. The historical detail seems spot on, of course - and is always interesting.
A return to form here - a restricted cast and an isolated location (I'm almost sorry I have to use those terms) and Nick doing his thing as an investigator, finally managing to give Carter the Poirot 'summing-up and reveal' he's hankered for - and in a living room, for good measure... Not quite the isolated island of Ten Little (whatever the current title is), more the stranded Oriental Express or snow-bound Mousetrap setting - here it's heavy fog that requires Nick to be deputised until he can be relieved by 'any competent member of law enforcement'.
This is a change of pace from the busy globe-trotting of several recent releases from this author, in fact I'd go so far as to say a welcome change. Nick seems to relish the challenge, even if it involves having to deal with Barbara Stanwyck - the two dislike each other. His relationship with Carter seems to be returning to normal after a slightly rocky period and we get to (almost) see some of Nick's wider business interests (here in the film industry).
Although short (the action occurs over only two days) this is a splendid addition to the series - not least because for once Nick and the law are managing to work together. As we've come to expect the period detail is spot-on - and Miss Stanwyck is only one of several real people who have a large part to play (sorry. Again).
Hardly an interlude, since a death is involved, but a brief visit to a film location shoot with several real life names. Nick is summoned (the appropriate term) by Barbara Stanwyck who needs a favour. The drive through the fog is tedious and once the death is discovered Nick is deputised to investigate as the local sheriff is unable to reach the site. So we have Nick doing some sleuthing - and Carter sees him do his Poirot bit at long last.
Taking place over only two days this is a change of pace from the hectic travelling around in recent releases in all three series. The historical detail seems spot on, of course - and is always interesting.
A return to form here - a restricted cast and an isolated location (I'm almost sorry I have to use those terms) and Nick doing his thing as an investigator, finally managing to give Carter the Poirot 'summing-up and reveal' he's hankered for - and in a living room, for good measure... Not quite the isolated island of Ten Little (whatever the current title is), more the stranded Oriental Express or snow-bound Mousetrap setting - here it's heavy fog that requires Nick to be deputised until he can be relieved by 'any competent member of law enforcement'.
This is a change of pace from the busy globe-trotting of several recent releases from this author, in fact I'd go so far as to say a welcome change. Nick seems to relish the challenge, even if it involves having to deal with Barbara Stanwyck - the two dislike each other. His relationship with Carter seems to be returning to normal after a slightly rocky period and we get to (almost) see some of Nick's wider business interests (here in the film industry).
Although short (the action occurs over only two days) this is a splendid addition to the series - not least because for once Nick and the law are managing to work together. As we've come to expect the period detail is spot-on - and Miss Stanwyck is only one of several real people who have a large part to play (sorry. Again).
May 24, 2019
Nick Is Back!
Loved, loved, loved this book! I was so happy to see Nick back in action-taking charge and solving mysteries. This story was so fun to read. It had classic who-done-it elements and was reminiscent of earlier books in the series. I loved how most of the story took place in one main location and kept Nick at the forefront of the story to lead us through the characters and give the big reveal at the end. Lots of great parallels to famous mysteries with a Nick and Carter twist. This one of my new favorites in this outstanding series and is a must-read!
Loved, loved, loved this book! I was so happy to see Nick back in action-taking charge and solving mysteries. This story was so fun to read. It had classic who-done-it elements and was reminiscent of earlier books in the series. I loved how most of the story took place in one main location and kept Nick at the forefront of the story to lead us through the characters and give the big reveal at the end. Lots of great parallels to famous mysteries with a Nick and Carter twist. This one of my new favorites in this outstanding series and is a must-read!
August 8, 2020
Nick at his best!
Loved this mystery that had me guessing til the very end. It also showcased Nick’s detective skills which I found very sexy! As Nick, with his beloved Carter’s help, went step by step through each suspect’s motive (which included Barbara Stanwyck of all people) I was sure, no, make that absolutely positive I knew who did “it”. Oops....boy was I wrong! But one thing that I am certain of...5 stars!
Loved this mystery that had me guessing til the very end. It also showcased Nick’s detective skills which I found very sexy! As Nick, with his beloved Carter’s help, went step by step through each suspect’s motive (which included Barbara Stanwyck of all people) I was sure, no, make that absolutely positive I knew who did “it”. Oops....boy was I wrong! But one thing that I am certain of...5 stars!
May 7, 2019
Too Much Historical Background
Unfortunately I must admit that I'm disappointed. I do not feel that this is one of the author's better efforts. The first half of the book spent WAY too much time providing historical background information and bringing readers up to date on who all the characters are. Thankfully, things pickrd up in the second half of the book.
Unfortunately I must admit that I'm disappointed. I do not feel that this is one of the author's better efforts. The first half of the book spent WAY too much time providing historical background information and bringing readers up to date on who all the characters are. Thankfully, things pickrd up in the second half of the book.
May 27, 2019
I have to say that in all the books in this series this one made the least sense. It was like a day in the life of..... It read more like a short story mystery in a magazine. I love Nick and Carter and am always interested in what goes on with them but it just seemed rather incomplete compared to the others in the series. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 4, 2019
Definitely On Point
Great addition to the Nick Williams series. Well written with good character development for the new players and well placed backgrounds for the continued cast. Ends as expected, with a bit of a surprise for the who-done-it.
Great addition to the Nick Williams series. Well written with good character development for the new players and well placed backgrounds for the continued cast. Ends as expected, with a bit of a surprise for the who-done-it.
June 1, 2019
Nick and Carter in Action
With these stories set in the past it reads well. I'm not caught up in what things should have been, but can picture what is written very well. I liked the mystery set up can for once did not know 5he outcome before it was revealed. Nice work.
With these stories set in the past it reads well. I'm not caught up in what things should have been, but can picture what is written very well. I liked the mystery set up can for once did not know 5he outcome before it was revealed. Nice work.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews