Dashiell Hammett and the Hearst Castle Mystery

by Gregory Urbach

Dashiell Hammett, America's foremost mystery writer, is invited for a weekend at Hearst Castle in the spring of 1934. But when a body is discovered in the gardens, William Randolph Hearst gives Hammett 48 hours to solve the crime. Marion Davies and a cast of Hollywood stars, gangsters and hoodlums are soon caught up in an investigation that is never quite what it seems.

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2020

Reviews

[Happy Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A romp back in time with famous and infamous stars from the Golden Age. Set in William Randolph Hearst’s castle in San Simeon, including glamorous stars of Hollywood in the 1930’s, a murder takes place. Lucky thing Dashell Hammett is there to solve the case with William Powell at his side. A fun mystery with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Fast paced as Urbach takes his reader throug the mansion and its beautiful grounds during its heyday.

[Susanne Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both my husband and I really enjoyed this book. A fun, clever, intriguing page turner that gave you a glimpse into the old Hollywood elite with Dashiell Hammett taking the helm to solve the mystery that unfolded while visiting Hearst Castle. Really appreciate Urbach's character development skills and his ability to paint you into the settings. A really fun, easy, well plotted read. Great to take on a trip and share with friends.

[mzbeastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun tour of Hollywood stars in WR Hearst's "Castle" with a mystery to be solved...by Dashiell Hammett. Lots of "gossip" tidbits I wasn't aware of, a few surprises, and since I researched some of the bits, seems to be mostly accurate - except, Johnny Weissmuller didn't have blue eyes! Enjoyed the plot, nicely written.

[Lizzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really struggled to read this.

[Chb4usc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Really captures the Hammett style...plus many interesting facts about Hearst and the castle. Excellent mystery...great characters.

[Joseph Hageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, well written, highly recommended