What do you think?
Rate this book
Lillian Frost & Edith Head #4
The Sharpest Needle
Ready to mingle with the stars? Hollywood's A-list takes centre stage once again in this stylish, twisty and sharply observed Golden Age of Hollywood mystery featuring irresistible sleuthing duo Lillian Frost and Edith Head. Effortlessly blending oodles of glamour and famous (and fictional) names with a stunningly crafted whodunit, this compelling, vibrant tale is bursting with twists and shocking moments. Love gossip, rumour and scandalous secrets? This page-turning read is perfect for fans of Classic Hollywood films and all mystery-loving fashionistas.
What happens when your past catches up with you?
Lillian Frost and Edith Head investigate a series of bizarre poison pen letters sent to a leading Hollywood actress in this mesmerising mystery.
1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies has a problem. The actress has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious 'Argus'. Can Lillian Frost and her friend and partner-in-crime, celebrated costume designer Edith Head, expose the writer before they expose Marion? Lillian's boss, millionaire inventor Addison Rice, seems to think so, but when Lillian speaks to her idol, Marion is reluctant to reveal her secrets, fearful of jeopardizing her affair with newspaper tycoon W.R. Hearst.
Is a prankster simply trying to tarnish the reputation of one of Hollywood's leading ladies, or is something more sinister going on behind the scenes? As Lillian and Edith are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory, their enquiries take an unexpected and stunningly dark twist . . .
What happens when your past catches up with you?
Lillian Frost and Edith Head investigate a series of bizarre poison pen letters sent to a leading Hollywood actress in this mesmerising mystery.
1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies has a problem. The actress has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious 'Argus'. Can Lillian Frost and her friend and partner-in-crime, celebrated costume designer Edith Head, expose the writer before they expose Marion? Lillian's boss, millionaire inventor Addison Rice, seems to think so, but when Lillian speaks to her idol, Marion is reluctant to reveal her secrets, fearful of jeopardizing her affair with newspaper tycoon W.R. Hearst.
Is a prankster simply trying to tarnish the reputation of one of Hollywood's leading ladies, or is something more sinister going on behind the scenes? As Lillian and Edith are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory, their enquiries take an unexpected and stunningly dark twist . . .
240 pages, Hardcover
Published February 2, 2021
6 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Renee Patrick
6 books133 followersRenee Patrick is the pseudonym for married authors Rosemarie and Vince Keenan. Rosemarie is a research administrator and a poet. Vince is a screenwriter and a journalist. Both native New Yorkers, they currently live in Seattle, Washington.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 3, 2021
It’s August 1939, and silent film actress Marion Davies has been receiving poison pen letters from someone calling himself Argus. The letters threaten to reveal something from Marion’s past, something that could ruin her current relationship with William Randolph Hurst. When she turns to Lillian Frost and Edith Head for help, Edith can’t help but think there is more to the situation than there first appears to be. Then a dead body turns up. Can Lillian and Edith figure out what is going on?
There is so much to praise in this book. The plot is strong and always keeps us engaged. It does get a little convoluted as we reach the climax, but as long as you pay attention, you’ll follow what is happening. Real people and fictional characters rub elbows seamlessly, and they all appear fully formed to us. I love watching for cameos. The news of the day impacts the character, and therefore us. Yet we also have talk about the films coming out during that time, which I enjoyed. This is more than a Hollywood mystery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, you need to read these books today.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
There is so much to praise in this book. The plot is strong and always keeps us engaged. It does get a little convoluted as we reach the climax, but as long as you pay attention, you’ll follow what is happening. Real people and fictional characters rub elbows seamlessly, and they all appear fully formed to us. I love watching for cameos. The news of the day impacts the character, and therefore us. Yet we also have talk about the films coming out during that time, which I enjoyed. This is more than a Hollywood mystery. If you enjoy historical mysteries, you need to read these books today.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 15, 2020
I received a free advance review copy from the publisher, via Netgalley.
I’ve read this series from the start. Renee Patrick (pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team) paints a vivid and detailed picture of Hollywood between the wars, as seen through the eyes of Lillian Frost, a onetime would-be actress who now works as a wealthy man’s social secretary. Lillian and her friend, costume designer Edith Head, have a reputation as amateur sleuths willing to take on discreet investigations for Hollywood’s elite.
Lillian and Edith are called to the side of Marion Davies, the comic actress known (and, to some, notorious) as the lover of press magnate William Randolph Hearst. Davies is receiving poison-pen letters and blackmail threats about an incident in her past that she’d rather Hearst not know about.
Lillian and Edith think they have the case solved quickly, but it turns out to be far from over. And, as their investigation continues, Hollywood and the whole country are on tenterhooks while war in Europe comes ever closer to breaking out.
The atmosphere of this novel is interesting, as always, with loads of cameos by such luminaries as Orson Welles and Charlie Chaplin, and appearances by lesser-known faces and places in Hollywood history. I also enjoyed reading about the “fifth column” in Hollywood.
I was not as impressed with the mystery plot. I never think much of blackmail plots, but this one was especially thin. As danger and violence increased, it was inexplicable that nobody suggested that confessing to the transgression was a good idea. The investigation dragged for over three quarters of the book and I found myself not particularly motivated to read. The denouement, set at a celebrity-filled costume party, was far more interesting in scene setting than in its revelation of the whodunnit—and the whydunnit was not compelling. It was also a bit of a letdown that Edith Head faded into the background of this story and Lillian Frost’s character seemed flat.
A lesser effort in this generally enjoyable series.
I’ve read this series from the start. Renee Patrick (pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team) paints a vivid and detailed picture of Hollywood between the wars, as seen through the eyes of Lillian Frost, a onetime would-be actress who now works as a wealthy man’s social secretary. Lillian and her friend, costume designer Edith Head, have a reputation as amateur sleuths willing to take on discreet investigations for Hollywood’s elite.
Lillian and Edith are called to the side of Marion Davies, the comic actress known (and, to some, notorious) as the lover of press magnate William Randolph Hearst. Davies is receiving poison-pen letters and blackmail threats about an incident in her past that she’d rather Hearst not know about.
Lillian and Edith think they have the case solved quickly, but it turns out to be far from over. And, as their investigation continues, Hollywood and the whole country are on tenterhooks while war in Europe comes ever closer to breaking out.
The atmosphere of this novel is interesting, as always, with loads of cameos by such luminaries as Orson Welles and Charlie Chaplin, and appearances by lesser-known faces and places in Hollywood history. I also enjoyed reading about the “fifth column” in Hollywood.
I was not as impressed with the mystery plot. I never think much of blackmail plots, but this one was especially thin. As danger and violence increased, it was inexplicable that nobody suggested that confessing to the transgression was a good idea. The investigation dragged for over three quarters of the book and I found myself not particularly motivated to read. The denouement, set at a celebrity-filled costume party, was far more interesting in scene setting than in its revelation of the whodunnit—and the whydunnit was not compelling. It was also a bit of a letdown that Edith Head faded into the background of this story and Lillian Frost’s character seemed flat.
A lesser effort in this generally enjoyable series.
December 6, 2021
As I said in my "why I'm reading this" blurb, I'm predisposed to liking any book in this series even if as friend Sally said, "not enough Edith!". I love the golden age of Hollywood, so these stories are right up my alley. They all feature amateur sleuthing team of Hollywood costume designer Edith Head and former shop girl and movie fanatic Lillian Frost. Each book has as characters actual stars, directors and crew, which of course I love!
In this installment, silent movie star Marion Davies, mistress of William Randolph Hearst, receives several letters from "Argus" in attempts to blackmail her over an alleged affair with Charlie Chaplin. All Argus wants is a painting Hearst owns, kept somewhere unknown in his vast holdings. Lillian and her employer, Addison Rice, are invited to a weekend at Hearst Castle under the guise of just enjoying themselves, but Lillian and Marion are determined to find the painting and get it to Argus.
Lots going on in this installment. Art dealers, Nazis and Nazi sympathizers, Lillians' on-again-off-again relationship with detective Gene Morrow, movie buffs and silent movie memorabilia collectors and a host of others, many potential suspects as the blackmailers. Not to mention the build-up to and start of WWII, all contributing to the interest and tension. The action culminates in a costume party at Marion's beach house where guests are asked to come dressed as devil or angel, saint or sinner. How will Edith and Lillian and the cops be able to find Argus under all the disguises? You can find out in this fourth in the series that reflects a bye-gone era!
If you're interested in these books, I definitely recommend reading them in order.
Why I'm reading this: FINALLY this cleared the hold list at the library after months "on order". Fourth in a favorite series, I'm eager to get to it. IRL friend Sally, also a fan of this series, said "it was good but not enough Edith!. In any event, I'm predisposed to like it.
In this installment, silent movie star Marion Davies, mistress of William Randolph Hearst, receives several letters from "Argus" in attempts to blackmail her over an alleged affair with Charlie Chaplin. All Argus wants is a painting Hearst owns, kept somewhere unknown in his vast holdings. Lillian and her employer, Addison Rice, are invited to a weekend at Hearst Castle under the guise of just enjoying themselves, but Lillian and Marion are determined to find the painting and get it to Argus.
Lots going on in this installment. Art dealers, Nazis and Nazi sympathizers, Lillians' on-again-off-again relationship with detective Gene Morrow, movie buffs and silent movie memorabilia collectors and a host of others, many potential suspects as the blackmailers. Not to mention the build-up to and start of WWII, all contributing to the interest and tension. The action culminates in a costume party at Marion's beach house where guests are asked to come dressed as devil or angel, saint or sinner. How will Edith and Lillian and the cops be able to find Argus under all the disguises? You can find out in this fourth in the series that reflects a bye-gone era!
If you're interested in these books, I definitely recommend reading them in order.
Why I'm reading this: FINALLY this cleared the hold list at the library after months "on order". Fourth in a favorite series, I'm eager to get to it. IRL friend Sally, also a fan of this series, said "it was good but not enough Edith!. In any event, I'm predisposed to like it.
March 9, 2021
Lillian and Edith are handing a sleuthing job on a sliver platter, literarly. Marion Davis, mistress of William Randloph Hearst, is recieving poison pen letters and Lillian's boss suggested they are the women to solve this problem for her. Set in the 30's, this book puts the upcoming war in stark view, but nothing can dim Hollwood's glamor for long. Of course there is a murder or two along the way, and Lillian finds herself up against an enemy with an unexpected motivation while surrounded by the luxury of Hearst castle in all it's, drafty, glory. I like this mystery and Lillian place in it. She's got pluck. She's also got to find a better beau. Sorry, but both the fellas on offer are duds in my opinion. Let's hope the next book lets her come up against someone who really deserves her.
August 5, 2025
In this riveting outing, Lillian and Edith are helping Marion Davies, a famous silent screen star and the long-time mistress of William Randolph Hearst. Marion was renowned as the hostess of lavish parties both at her beach home and the famous Hearst Castle, of which a weekend party here is a feature of one chapter.
There are several elements within this story, including Lillian's love life, the evolution of movies with color, which brings changes for Edith, the creation of clothes for the people in them, and the looming war in Europe, culminating in Germany's invasion of Poland near the end of the book. So, you may want a chart to keep track not only of who is real, but also the motives behind much of what drives each character. Thus, the reason this took longer than normal to read.
There are several elements within this story, including Lillian's love life, the evolution of movies with color, which brings changes for Edith, the creation of clothes for the people in them, and the looming war in Europe, culminating in Germany's invasion of Poland near the end of the book. So, you may want a chart to keep track not only of who is real, but also the motives behind much of what drives each character. Thus, the reason this took longer than normal to read.
February 8, 2022
Though I looked forward to Lillian and Edith getting into the war years, this first hearing of war declared did not cover much of what went on. Pretty interesting mystery as art mystery interests me, too. Lots of scenery descriptions as in drives with Edith to the 'ranch' and views from a long train trip. Bits with stars good, and especially the silent error fears of being forgotten.
I wondered why Lil didn't think to suggest to her boss to buy up Carter's collection.
I wondered why Lil didn't think to suggest to her boss to buy up Carter's collection.
January 22, 2021
The fourth superb addition to Renee Patrick's Lillian Frost and Edith Head series is another corking good read. No one conjures up the magic and glamour of Golden Age Hollywood quite like the husband and wife writing team known as Renee Patrick, and their latest stellar effort is an entertaining tale of poisoned pen letters that lead to murder. Once again, the authors' commendable attention to detail and the effortless manner in which they incorporate historical tidbits and movie gossip into the storyline pays off in a fascinating plot that made me want to learn more about Marion Davies, W.R. Hearst, and plan a trip to San Simeon whenever that is next possible. Mix in their delightfully dry as Death Valley sense of wit, and you have a mystery that for me was practically perfect in every way.
August 21, 2021
The books in this series have become increasingly hard to put down. Lillian Frost, social secretary to a millionaire radio baron with a motion picture obsession, and Edith Head, costume designer extraordinaire, are an unstoppable pair of investigators, out to protect their beloved movie business, including some of its more sympathetic stars. The hook is the cameos of people like Jack Benny, Paulette Goddard and Charlie Chaplin. This time out, the intrepid twosome is trying to help Marion Davies figure out who is sending poison pen letters to her, while simultaneously keeping them secret from W.R. Hearst. Lillian spends a weekend at San Simeon, makes a new friend in Orson Welles, sees two dead bodies and helps Edith uncover the villain. There is even a costume party full of angels and demons and a lament for the lost heritage of silent movies. Great fun from cover to cover.
December 3, 2020
I just love this series. Patrick really conveys the early days of the movies wonderfully, peppered with cameos of whos who in Hollywood in the 30s / 40s.
I think the actually mystery in The Sharpest Needle was a bit lacking, but as always the chemistry between Edith Head & Lillian is perfect. I LOVED that this featured mogul Hearst & his lover Marion Davies AND had Orson Wells & Charlie Chaplin in the story line too. I would have liked to see more to the blackmail / poison pen mystery as it seemed flat against all of the glitz & glamour of the very very rich. Maybe a bit bloodthirsty but more murders usually work for me.
I look forward to the next installment!
I think the actually mystery in The Sharpest Needle was a bit lacking, but as always the chemistry between Edith Head & Lillian is perfect. I LOVED that this featured mogul Hearst & his lover Marion Davies AND had Orson Wells & Charlie Chaplin in the story line too. I would have liked to see more to the blackmail / poison pen mystery as it seemed flat against all of the glitz & glamour of the very very rich. Maybe a bit bloodthirsty but more murders usually work for me.
I look forward to the next installment!
November 17, 2020
Such a fun read! And fascinating trivia about vintage Hollywood. Highly recommended!
December 12, 2020
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Severn House for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review The Sharpest Needle. All opinions are my own.
As usual, Renee Patrick conjures up an amazing look at early Hollywood and the movie industry in this, the latest Lillian Frost and Edith Head historical mystery. This one’s set in 1939, just before the war. Literally.
Our main star is Marion Davies, paramour of William Randolph Hearst, of Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Castle fame. Miss Davies has received a poison pen letter, and she shows it to Lillian and Edith, requesting their help. She wants them to find out who’s sending the things. Come to find out a couple other people from Miss Davies’ silent screen past have also received letters. Eventually our duo find out it has to do with a sham wedding that took place between Marion and Charlie Chaplin. A joke ceremony, just something silly, but if “W.R.” finds out, well.
We get a cameo from Orson Welles, who arrives quickly on the scene, makes an impression on Lillian and Edith, and leaves. “A star that fell to earth,” as Edith says. Followers of Hollywood history will know that Mr. Welles’ star did indeed burn bright, too bright for him to sustain.
And there’s our continuing character, Simon Fischer, who’s still undercover in his neo-Nazi organization. He’s still pining for Edith, but there’s that cop fellow she can’t get enough of, although they’re on the outs right now (hopefully you read the previous book, and you know why).
It doesn’t take long for our (amateur) snoops to figure out where the letters are coming from, and off they go --- to find the chief suspect dead. Suicide? Not on your life. And the letters keep coming, now with blackmail demands for a piece of artwork that Hearst owns. That takes Lillian to Hearst Castle, to get some answers. (If you ever get a chance to see it, go. It’s as fabulous as described.)
Did I mention they also got to spend some time at Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles – what a place that was! It’s great to see the author(s) (a husband-and-wife duo) use these terrific, gone but not forgotten LA locations in their books – their research is exemplary.
Even Charlie Chaplin makes an appearance, trying to patch everything up. The risk of bad publicity is something that’s gone on forever in Hollywood! The chapter gossip column headings remind us that there’s always an eye on goings-on in Tinseltown.
At Marion’s beach house (once the largest beach house in California – parts of which still exist) comes our denouement with the painting – and a big ‘ol twist, the real reason behind everything. But retribution has its place, and those who require it will feel its sting.
As in the other books in the series, The Sharpest Needle is cleverly plotted, filled with famous faces, famous places, and real time events. The war may have started in Europe, but it’ll be a while before it becomes a reality for America. Lillian and Edith will have plenty to do before that, and I look forward to many more adventures.
As usual, Renee Patrick conjures up an amazing look at early Hollywood and the movie industry in this, the latest Lillian Frost and Edith Head historical mystery. This one’s set in 1939, just before the war. Literally.
Our main star is Marion Davies, paramour of William Randolph Hearst, of Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Castle fame. Miss Davies has received a poison pen letter, and she shows it to Lillian and Edith, requesting their help. She wants them to find out who’s sending the things. Come to find out a couple other people from Miss Davies’ silent screen past have also received letters. Eventually our duo find out it has to do with a sham wedding that took place between Marion and Charlie Chaplin. A joke ceremony, just something silly, but if “W.R.” finds out, well.
We get a cameo from Orson Welles, who arrives quickly on the scene, makes an impression on Lillian and Edith, and leaves. “A star that fell to earth,” as Edith says. Followers of Hollywood history will know that Mr. Welles’ star did indeed burn bright, too bright for him to sustain.
And there’s our continuing character, Simon Fischer, who’s still undercover in his neo-Nazi organization. He’s still pining for Edith, but there’s that cop fellow she can’t get enough of, although they’re on the outs right now (hopefully you read the previous book, and you know why).
It doesn’t take long for our (amateur) snoops to figure out where the letters are coming from, and off they go --- to find the chief suspect dead. Suicide? Not on your life. And the letters keep coming, now with blackmail demands for a piece of artwork that Hearst owns. That takes Lillian to Hearst Castle, to get some answers. (If you ever get a chance to see it, go. It’s as fabulous as described.)
Did I mention they also got to spend some time at Clifton’s Cafeteria in downtown Los Angeles – what a place that was! It’s great to see the author(s) (a husband-and-wife duo) use these terrific, gone but not forgotten LA locations in their books – their research is exemplary.
Even Charlie Chaplin makes an appearance, trying to patch everything up. The risk of bad publicity is something that’s gone on forever in Hollywood! The chapter gossip column headings remind us that there’s always an eye on goings-on in Tinseltown.
At Marion’s beach house (once the largest beach house in California – parts of which still exist) comes our denouement with the painting – and a big ‘ol twist, the real reason behind everything. But retribution has its place, and those who require it will feel its sting.
As in the other books in the series, The Sharpest Needle is cleverly plotted, filled with famous faces, famous places, and real time events. The war may have started in Europe, but it’ll be a while before it becomes a reality for America. Lillian and Edith will have plenty to do before that, and I look forward to many more adventures.
January 31, 2021
With occasional snippets from gossip columns, visits to "houses of beauty" catering to the elite, and descriptions of 1930s clothing, the writing team known as Renee Patrick (Rosemarie and Vince Keenan) plant readers so firmly into the soil of Hollywood that they can't help but try to catch glimpses of Clark Gable and Errol Flynn. The Keenans have a deep knowledge of Hollywood (you may have seen them on Turner Classic Movies), so even though you may have a phobia of writers using historical personages as characters, you might change your mind after reading The Sharpest Needle. I've enjoyed this series from the first book-- Design for Dying-- and I like the way the Keenans handle their historical characters: fun, light, and sticking as closely to the facts as possible.
As the personal assistant to a millionaire, Lillian Frost has the ability to take time off to investigate as long as she stays up-to-date with her work. Edith Head, as the head of Paramount Picture's insanely busy costume department, is mainly Lillian's friend and advisor who has a fierce intelligence, an eye for detail, and a wealth of contacts. Through Head, readers get to see what she had to put up with in order to become the best costume designer Hollywood has ever seen.
Through millionaire Addison Rice's contacts, Lillian Frost can be invited almost anywhere, and in this fourth book, she gets to wander Hearst Castle. As we see the grounds and learn of William Randolph Hearst's collecting habits, I was reminded of a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was longing for a time machine so I could be transported back. Just turn me loose and let me explore, pretty please!
As good as the characters and the setting are, the mystery is every bit as good. There are many paths to follow before readers finally begin to learn what's really going on. If you enjoy multi-layered historical mysteries with strong characters and a fantastic sense of place, you can't go wrong with Renee Patrick's Lillian Frost & Edith Head series. You can jump right in with The Sharpest Needle, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the other three. They're quite addictive!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
As the personal assistant to a millionaire, Lillian Frost has the ability to take time off to investigate as long as she stays up-to-date with her work. Edith Head, as the head of Paramount Picture's insanely busy costume department, is mainly Lillian's friend and advisor who has a fierce intelligence, an eye for detail, and a wealth of contacts. Through Head, readers get to see what she had to put up with in order to become the best costume designer Hollywood has ever seen.
Through millionaire Addison Rice's contacts, Lillian Frost can be invited almost anywhere, and in this fourth book, she gets to wander Hearst Castle. As we see the grounds and learn of William Randolph Hearst's collecting habits, I was reminded of a scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was longing for a time machine so I could be transported back. Just turn me loose and let me explore, pretty please!
As good as the characters and the setting are, the mystery is every bit as good. There are many paths to follow before readers finally begin to learn what's really going on. If you enjoy multi-layered historical mysteries with strong characters and a fantastic sense of place, you can't go wrong with Renee Patrick's Lillian Frost & Edith Head series. You can jump right in with The Sharpest Needle, but don't be surprised if you find yourself looking for the other three. They're quite addictive!
(Review copy courtesy of the publisher and Net Galley)
February 2, 2021
When a fading star in 1939 Hollywood keeps receiving letters from an anonymous sender threatening to destroy her reputation, she calls on Lillian Frost and Lillian's friend, film costume designer Edith Head, to get to the bottom of it. But getting to the bottom of what appears to be a prank will become increasingly dangerous in The Sharpest Needle by authors Renee Patrick.
Well, I'm four books into the Lillian Frost & Edith Head mystery series by this husband-and-wife team of co-authors writing under one pseudonym. Like the novels that precede it, this fourth book is glinting with glamour from the Golden Age of Hollywood—juxtaposed with sensitive secrets, hazardous intrigues, and the encroaching shadow of impending world war touching it all.
Now, given how much I appreciate the dashes of dry, clever humor in Lillian's narration of her experiences, I'm not altogether sure why I haven't warmed up to her more. Although I understand her, she hasn't fully come alive for me. Also, the romantic (?) side of her life still hasn't given me anything satisfying as a reader, and I'll admit the conclusion of this mystery left me feeling a little ungratified.
Yet, I didn't foresee each of the plot twists as they happened, and as I'm a growing fan of historical mysteries, something in the overall build-up of this series keeps me curious and has me hooked. I'm staying on the lookout for a Book Five.
Well, I'm four books into the Lillian Frost & Edith Head mystery series by this husband-and-wife team of co-authors writing under one pseudonym. Like the novels that precede it, this fourth book is glinting with glamour from the Golden Age of Hollywood—juxtaposed with sensitive secrets, hazardous intrigues, and the encroaching shadow of impending world war touching it all.
Now, given how much I appreciate the dashes of dry, clever humor in Lillian's narration of her experiences, I'm not altogether sure why I haven't warmed up to her more. Although I understand her, she hasn't fully come alive for me. Also, the romantic (?) side of her life still hasn't given me anything satisfying as a reader, and I'll admit the conclusion of this mystery left me feeling a little ungratified.
Yet, I didn't foresee each of the plot twists as they happened, and as I'm a growing fan of historical mysteries, something in the overall build-up of this series keeps me curious and has me hooked. I'm staying on the lookout for a Book Five.
February 15, 2022
Lillian Frost, along with Edith Head, investigates a series of letters that refer to an incident that might embarrass Marion Davies and possibly even Charlie Chaplin. Lillian is invited to spend a weekend at the Hearst Castle and the book ends at a “saints and sinners” costume party at Hearst’s mansion in Malibu. However, it is 1939 and the threat of war in Europe hangs over these extravagant affairs. Edith is being criticized because she creates her costumes to showcase the talent of the actors rather than the flamboyance of the designer. In this genre, it is quite hard for a writer to come up with an original twist, but the structure of the mystery plot is brilliant. The author did a lot of research and I particularly enjoyed the story of Clifton’s cafeteria.
January 16, 2021
1939 Los Angeles. Retired actress Marion Davies, among others, has received a poison pen letters. On hearing about the activities of Lillian Frost and Edith Head she asked them to investigate. But then a murder occurs and the next letter states their demands.
An enjoyable cozy historical well-written mystery with a selection of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An enjoyable cozy historical well-written mystery with a selection of likeable characters. Another good addition to the series which can be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I'm not especially a fan of Hollywood and filmmaking, but I do often enjoy historical fiction. The story is set in 1939, the eve of WWII, and features many Hollywood luminaries from early days of filmmaking.
I haven't read earlier books in the series, but would like to. The book can stand alone, but now I'm curious about the characters and their previous mysteries. What I liked about this serial is that it neither spent a lot of time recapping past events, nor did it assume the reader had read earlier books. It struck a good balance.
A fun read.
I haven't read earlier books in the series, but would like to. The book can stand alone, but now I'm curious about the characters and their previous mysteries. What I liked about this serial is that it neither spent a lot of time recapping past events, nor did it assume the reader had read earlier books. It struck a good balance.
A fun read.
February 5, 2021
I'm loving this series for the excellent mix of fictional and historical characters.
The descriptions of 30s Hollywood always fascinates me and the solid mystery keeps me guessing.
Excellent plot and character development, a well researched and vivid historical background.
I can't wait to read the next installment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The descriptions of 30s Hollywood always fascinates me and the solid mystery keeps me guessing.
Excellent plot and character development, a well researched and vivid historical background.
I can't wait to read the next installment, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 29, 2023
I am enjoying this series about Lillian Frost and Edith Head. It is so much fun to come across these names of people from 1930's (and later) Hollywood. For instance, Lucille Ball mentioned as a new face! This time the mystery is who wants a painting William Randolph Hearst has in his collection and is blackmailing Marion Davies to get it? But while investigating -- and searching for the painting- two suspects die. Now the police must be involved, too....
January 14, 2021
Devoured this series one after the other and now I want more!!! Hit all my sweet spots: film noir, vintage fashion and murder. It’s just So Good! A full tilt fasten your seatbelts ride through 1930s Hollywood! Now what do I read? Any and all suggestions welcome.
May 2, 2021
More clothing descriptions in this one, but it's getting to be a bit of a slog. Germany is in the wings and getting ready to conquer the world and some Hollywood types are getting involved. Oh, yes, and there are a few murders. At least I can add to my "movies I'd like to see" list.
May 8, 2021
Another classic whodunnit in the style of the Hollywood movies of the past, chalked full of Golden Hollywood cameos and references. Light, enjoyable read as all in the series have been.
August 5, 2023
I learn more about 1930s Hollywood when I read this series. I enjoy the mix of real-life people and fictional characters.
July 4, 2022
I love the cameos. I love old Hollywood. I love the lead. A little annoyed by the side love interest stuff. Just…idk. Almost rather she was heart whole and fancy free with no entanglements ever.
June 11, 2022
Another wonderful entry in the Lillian Frost & Edith Head mystery series! Authors Rosemarie and Vince Keenan, writing under the nom de plume Renee Patrick, are so good at what they do. You can tell that they put a lot of diligent research and care into each of these novels and it pays off. Not only are these stories fun and twisty mysteries featuring some of your favorite Golden Age of Hollywood stars, but they are also written in a way that is really enjoyable to read. The narration by protagonist Lillian Frost is snappy and witty; she fits right in with the heroines of the 1930s and early 40s movies we all love. I'm always struck by the clever turns of phrase that pop up. The celebrity cameos are also so well-written that you can feel the stars come to life; when Barbara Stanwyck shows up, for example, I can really see and hear her in the story. The authors also pepper in little-known anecdotes, so I always feel like I'm learning something new about this era and its stars.
Once again, Lillian and Edith's reputation for crime-solving precedes them and they are tasked with helping Marion Davies with a series of blackmail letters. Set in Hollywood's greatest year, 1939, Lillian's world is also on the brink of war and she faces personal turmoil as she tries to make sense of the role she wants to play in Hollywood. Reading this for the first time during the pandemic, and again now as I watch the situation continue to deteriorate in Ukraine, there are some truly moving passages about movies' power to tell us who we are and where we've been, and to lift our spirits in dark times.
If you love classic Hollywood, these books are a must-read. I can't wait to see what Lillian and Edith do next!
Once again, Lillian and Edith's reputation for crime-solving precedes them and they are tasked with helping Marion Davies with a series of blackmail letters. Set in Hollywood's greatest year, 1939, Lillian's world is also on the brink of war and she faces personal turmoil as she tries to make sense of the role she wants to play in Hollywood. Reading this for the first time during the pandemic, and again now as I watch the situation continue to deteriorate in Ukraine, there are some truly moving passages about movies' power to tell us who we are and where we've been, and to lift our spirits in dark times.
If you love classic Hollywood, these books are a must-read. I can't wait to see what Lillian and Edith do next!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews