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Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen
Perhaps the best place in 1943 Hollywood to see the stars is the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen staffed exclusively by those in show business. Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence, new in town after a devastating breakup, definitely hopes to rub elbows with the right stars. Maybe then she can get her movie made.
But Hollywood proves to be more than tinsel and glamour. When despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen, Annie realizes any one of the Canteen's luminous volunteers could be guilty of the crime. To catch the killer, Annie falls in with Fiona's friends, a bitter and cynical group―each as uniquely unhappy in their life and career as Annie is in hers―that call themselves the Ambassador's Club.
Solving a murder in real life, it turns out, is a lot harder than writing one for the stage. And by involving herself in the secrets and lies of the Ambassador's Club, Annie just might have put a target on her own back.
But Hollywood proves to be more than tinsel and glamour. When despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen, Annie realizes any one of the Canteen's luminous volunteers could be guilty of the crime. To catch the killer, Annie falls in with Fiona's friends, a bitter and cynical group―each as uniquely unhappy in their life and career as Annie is in hers―that call themselves the Ambassador's Club.
Solving a murder in real life, it turns out, is a lot harder than writing one for the stage. And by involving herself in the secrets and lies of the Ambassador's Club, Annie just might have put a target on her own back.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2023
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November 13, 2023
Glitter, stage lights, and heavily drawn-on eyebrows were de rigueur among Hollywood starlets, all just looking to be the next big thing in a crumbling post-war society... but what you truly see without social media, cell phones with telephoto lenses, and airbrushing apps? All of the unfiltered good, the bad, and the ugly... and how people tried to hide even back then.
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen pulled back the curtain on what many of us look back on as a glamorous age. We didn't live it.. so it's easy to ignore the salacious truths that lurk behind infamous characters like Al Capone or stunning women like Sophia Loren? As our unlikely heroine, Annie Laurence, finds herself caught up in the glamour.. she soon realizes you can't have one without the other. An ugly murder finds its way into the pretty-people crowd and eventually takes over her life as she tries to solve a crime.. all while skirting the blame herself.
This historical fiction murder mystery is also peppered with themes of police indiscretions, malicious ambition, and discovering what kind of person you want to be. One who stands up to selfishness, greed, and lies? Or the kind of person who loves people unconditionally while also making their way in the world.
I loved the ending of Annie's story because it wasn't happy ever after. More a reminder that life goes on even when you think you're in the worst part of your life.
**Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
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Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen pulled back the curtain on what many of us look back on as a glamorous age. We didn't live it.. so it's easy to ignore the salacious truths that lurk behind infamous characters like Al Capone or stunning women like Sophia Loren? As our unlikely heroine, Annie Laurence, finds herself caught up in the glamour.. she soon realizes you can't have one without the other. An ugly murder finds its way into the pretty-people crowd and eventually takes over her life as she tries to solve a crime.. all while skirting the blame herself.
This historical fiction murder mystery is also peppered with themes of police indiscretions, malicious ambition, and discovering what kind of person you want to be. One who stands up to selfishness, greed, and lies? Or the kind of person who loves people unconditionally while also making their way in the world.
I loved the ending of Annie's story because it wasn't happy ever after. More a reminder that life goes on even when you think you're in the worst part of your life.
**Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤
Find Me On Instagram 🦋 || More Bookish Thoughts & Reviews Here 🖤
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April 5, 2024Murder mystery in Golden Age Hollywood among an Algonquin set type of group of witty, arty, deeply unlikeable people.
This was an interesting read, very well researched and a well drawn setting, but honestly it had the kind of feeling that I often get from witty Golden Age movies: there's a little bit too much cleverness and not quite enough emotion for it to be entirely satisfying. That's very much a matter of taste, though.
This was an interesting read, very well researched and a well drawn setting, but honestly it had the kind of feeling that I often get from witty Golden Age movies: there's a little bit too much cleverness and not quite enough emotion for it to be entirely satisfying. That's very much a matter of taste, though.
November 13, 2023
Annie Laurence is a playwright, she writes murder mysteries, after she breaks up from a long term relationship, she moves to Hollywood and has been offered a contract with Pacific Pictures and they want her to write musicals.
Annie wants to meet film critic Fiona Farris, her reviews are full of wit, sly allusions and she’s a powerful woman in glamorous Hollywood. Annie becomes a member of the Ambassador’s Club, they hang out at the Ambassadors Hotel, she discovers the group is full of bitter, cynical people, they are just as unhappy with how their lives have turned out as she is and many are hiding secrets and much more.
When Fiona Farris is murdered, Annie is the prime suspect and because she died in a similar way to what Annie had included in one of her plays, she has to find the real killer, she considers who it could be and starts making a list.
Based on the Hollywood Canteen, a real place where serviceman could grab a free bite to eat, have a drink, and watch a show and dance the jitterbug and before being sent off to the war. It was opened by Bette Davis and John Garfield, staffed entirely by volunteers from the film industry, all the big name stars made an appearance, including the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
I received a copy of Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. The historical mystery is full characters who depict what it was like to work in the film industry at the time, lots of things were covered up and would someone kill to keep the truth about them from being revealed and it’s certainly possible.
It has it all from sham marriages, a throuple, plagiarism, greed, drug and alcohol abuse, secrets and lies. Three stars from me, I found the characters hard to connect with and the plot jumped around a lot, but the information at the end of the book about the Hollywood Canteen was really interesting.
Annie wants to meet film critic Fiona Farris, her reviews are full of wit, sly allusions and she’s a powerful woman in glamorous Hollywood. Annie becomes a member of the Ambassador’s Club, they hang out at the Ambassadors Hotel, she discovers the group is full of bitter, cynical people, they are just as unhappy with how their lives have turned out as she is and many are hiding secrets and much more.
When Fiona Farris is murdered, Annie is the prime suspect and because she died in a similar way to what Annie had included in one of her plays, she has to find the real killer, she considers who it could be and starts making a list.
Based on the Hollywood Canteen, a real place where serviceman could grab a free bite to eat, have a drink, and watch a show and dance the jitterbug and before being sent off to the war. It was opened by Bette Davis and John Garfield, staffed entirely by volunteers from the film industry, all the big name stars made an appearance, including the Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong.
I received a copy of Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. The historical mystery is full characters who depict what it was like to work in the film industry at the time, lots of things were covered up and would someone kill to keep the truth about them from being revealed and it’s certainly possible.
It has it all from sham marriages, a throuple, plagiarism, greed, drug and alcohol abuse, secrets and lies. Three stars from me, I found the characters hard to connect with and the plot jumped around a lot, but the information at the end of the book about the Hollywood Canteen was really interesting.
November 11, 2023
LOVED THE HOLLYWWOD SETTING, BUT WASN'T CAPTURED BY THE MYSTERY
I absolutely love Golden Age Hollywood and binge watch all the old movies, so that was definitely the thing that first spoke to me about this book. I really liked the setting and seeing of the old stars - such as Bette Davis and Mickey Rooney - figuring as characters certainly helped the matter. The characters were also quite interesting. They are a group of snide, sarcastic and self-deprecating friends, who find themselves caught up in a murder. However, the central piece - the murder mystery - did not really manage to capture my attention. I was never really invested in the mystery or Annie's attempts at solving it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I absolutely love Golden Age Hollywood and binge watch all the old movies, so that was definitely the thing that first spoke to me about this book. I really liked the setting and seeing of the old stars - such as Bette Davis and Mickey Rooney - figuring as characters certainly helped the matter. The characters were also quite interesting. They are a group of snide, sarcastic and self-deprecating friends, who find themselves caught up in a murder. However, the central piece - the murder mystery - did not really manage to capture my attention. I was never really invested in the mystery or Annie's attempts at solving it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
December 16, 2023
Although differences in plot, location, and crime, this felt similar to The Spectacular. Annie moves to LA to write for movies when a new acquaintance, Fiona, dies by suicide. However, she believes it was murder and she enlists in Fiona’s friends (the Ambassador’s Club) to help solve the case.
It did not read like historical fiction, both in the vernacular used and the culture portrayed. This takes place in 1943/44 at a bar for servicemen, and yet almost no time is dedicated to discussing WWII. Fiona was in a throuple at one point, Vic, one of the members of the Ambassador’s Club is gay, casual sex is openly discussed, and pill pushing is common at the production companies. All of this was written about with little to no scandal and yet it was the 1940s. It felt disingenuous to the time. You could have told me this happened in the 1990s and I would have believed it.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
It did not read like historical fiction, both in the vernacular used and the culture portrayed. This takes place in 1943/44 at a bar for servicemen, and yet almost no time is dedicated to discussing WWII. Fiona was in a throuple at one point, Vic, one of the members of the Ambassador’s Club is gay, casual sex is openly discussed, and pill pushing is common at the production companies. All of this was written about with little to no scandal and yet it was the 1940s. It felt disingenuous to the time. You could have told me this happened in the 1990s and I would have believed it.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
September 15, 2024
Meh… interesting Hollywood characters; but overall I didn’t care much about the murder mystery, and the context of WWII was nearly non-existent. Quite disappointed that there was only the bare minimum said about how Hollywood changed plots, avoided stars being drafted, and more to keep the motion picture industry flush. Additionally, the daily effect of WWII and news crossing into the US was not nearly as all encompassing as I felt it should be. I do not believe that so many days could pass where there were no updates or discussions about the war. I like to read historical fiction to get context for the time; this felt a bit too modern, and certainly lacked any sort of emotional reactions to the war from our characters 99% of the time.
Although I suppose Hollywood may very well have been that self-absorbed even during the wars times. Only really thinking of themselves and holding events, like those at the Hollywood Canteen that furthered their own celebrity while appearing to be about the soldiers. This is definitely depressing for me as I always want to think humans are better. Alas we really aren’t and I suppose this story reflects that.
Overall, this is an okay read. I’d easily say pass on it were anyone to ask if they should read it. Maybe if you love murder mysteries and celebrity gossip? I’m not unhappy I read it but I could just as easily DNF’d it and walked away with no rejects about not finding out who our killer is, or how the club members lives finally pan out.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Although I suppose Hollywood may very well have been that self-absorbed even during the wars times. Only really thinking of themselves and holding events, like those at the Hollywood Canteen that furthered their own celebrity while appearing to be about the soldiers. This is definitely depressing for me as I always want to think humans are better. Alas we really aren’t and I suppose this story reflects that.
Overall, this is an okay read. I’d easily say pass on it were anyone to ask if they should read it. Maybe if you love murder mysteries and celebrity gossip? I’m not unhappy I read it but I could just as easily DNF’d it and walked away with no rejects about not finding out who our killer is, or how the club members lives finally pan out.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
November 10, 2023
The year is 1943. After a tough breakup, New York City murder-mystery playwright Annie Laurence moves to Hollywood to write for Pacific Pictures, one of the less successful studios. As part of the war effort, the movie community was entertaining servicemen before they headed overseas at the Hollywood Canteen. Top actors, comedians and musicians performed, and studio employees worked there as volunteers. When it was Pacific night, Annie decided to help out and mingle. She managed to connect herself to an interesting group which dubbed itself the Ambassador's Club, as they would frequently meet, drink, gossip and exchange witticisms and barbs at one another at the Ambassador Hotel. The group was made up of a comedian/radio host with a drinking problem, a musician, a Chinese actress who yearned to be taken seriously but was relegated to being a sex symbol, a female producer and Fiona Farris, top film critic who seemed to hate everything she reviewed. When she is found dead one night at the Canteen, it was first deemed a suicide. But Annie suspects she was murdered. She is determined to uncover what happened. Soon everyone becomes a suspect, including Annie.
Author Sarah James brings back the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood in Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen. The book also depicts the dark side of the studio system during this era. Many secrets were kept and some of the most talented people lived in fear that the media would reveal them. The studios had powerful people in their pockets to keep their secrets. What I enjoyed the most about the book was the humor and banter between the members of the Ambassador's Club, who weren't a very likeable bunch. As for the murder, my early assumption as to who was guilty turned out to be right, so I wasn't surprised by the ending. But I didn't get the sense that the author was going for anything shocking. This quick-read book did a good job creating the ambiance of the Golden Age of Hollywood, which I found very appealing. If this era is of interest to you, it's worth checking out.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Sarah James brings back the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood in Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen. The book also depicts the dark side of the studio system during this era. Many secrets were kept and some of the most talented people lived in fear that the media would reveal them. The studios had powerful people in their pockets to keep their secrets. What I enjoyed the most about the book was the humor and banter between the members of the Ambassador's Club, who weren't a very likeable bunch. As for the murder, my early assumption as to who was guilty turned out to be right, so I wasn't surprised by the ending. But I didn't get the sense that the author was going for anything shocking. This quick-read book did a good job creating the ambiance of the Golden Age of Hollywood, which I found very appealing. If this era is of interest to you, it's worth checking out.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
November 15, 2023
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen” by Sarah James transports readers to the glitz and glamour of 1943 Hollywood. The Hollywood Canteen, a club exclusively staffed by show business professionals, becomes the backdrop for a riveting murder mystery.
Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence finds herself embroiled in a real-life murder investigation when despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen. As Annie navigates the secrets and lies of the Ambassador’s Club, readers are treated to witty banter, old Hollywood charm, suspense and a rich ensemble of well-defined characters.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, mysteries, and the allure of classic Hollywood, I think you may enjoy this one. Sarah James skillfully captures the essence of an era, making it a delightful escape for anyone seeking a touch of nostalgia and a dash of suspense.
“Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen” by Sarah James transports readers to the glitz and glamour of 1943 Hollywood. The Hollywood Canteen, a club exclusively staffed by show business professionals, becomes the backdrop for a riveting murder mystery.
Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence finds herself embroiled in a real-life murder investigation when despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen. As Annie navigates the secrets and lies of the Ambassador’s Club, readers are treated to witty banter, old Hollywood charm, suspense and a rich ensemble of well-defined characters.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, mysteries, and the allure of classic Hollywood, I think you may enjoy this one. Sarah James skillfully captures the essence of an era, making it a delightful escape for anyone seeking a touch of nostalgia and a dash of suspense.
June 17, 2023
Who has two thumbs and has a girl crush on the cover of “Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen”
That would be meeeeeeee.
I am also a crazy, slightly obsessed fan of Sarah James. I mean who could really blame me, am I right or am I right ?
This book will take you back in time and teleport you to a whole new era. I hung on every word. I am literally going wild hoping Sarah James is writing her next book. I have a craving that can only be satisfied by THIS author.
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is one hell of a drama filled ride. Talk about an instant addiction, once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down so make sure you clear your schedule.
Teaser :
Perhaps the best place in 1943 Hollywood to see the stars is the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen staffed exclusively by those in show business. Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence, new in town after a devastating breakup, definitely hopes to rub elbows with the right stars. Maybe then she can get her movie made.
But Hollywood proves to be more than tinsel and glamour. When despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen, Annie realizes any one of the Canteen's luminous volunteers could be guilty of the crime. To catch the killer, Annie falls in with Fiona's friends, a bitter and cynical group—each as uniquely unhappy in their life and career as Annie is in hers—that call themselves the Ambassador's Club.
Solving a murder in real life, it turns out, is a lot harder than writing one for the stage. And by involving herself in the secrets and lies of the Ambassador's Club, Annie just might have put a target on her own back.
That would be meeeeeeee.
I am also a crazy, slightly obsessed fan of Sarah James. I mean who could really blame me, am I right or am I right ?
This book will take you back in time and teleport you to a whole new era. I hung on every word. I am literally going wild hoping Sarah James is writing her next book. I have a craving that can only be satisfied by THIS author.
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is one hell of a drama filled ride. Talk about an instant addiction, once you pick this book up you will not be able to put it down so make sure you clear your schedule.
Teaser :
Perhaps the best place in 1943 Hollywood to see the stars is the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen staffed exclusively by those in show business. Murder mystery playwright Annie Laurence, new in town after a devastating breakup, definitely hopes to rub elbows with the right stars. Maybe then she can get her movie made.
But Hollywood proves to be more than tinsel and glamour. When despised film critic Fiona Farris is found dead in the Canteen kitchen, Annie realizes any one of the Canteen's luminous volunteers could be guilty of the crime. To catch the killer, Annie falls in with Fiona's friends, a bitter and cynical group—each as uniquely unhappy in their life and career as Annie is in hers—that call themselves the Ambassador's Club.
Solving a murder in real life, it turns out, is a lot harder than writing one for the stage. And by involving herself in the secrets and lies of the Ambassador's Club, Annie just might have put a target on her own back.
May 3, 2023
This is a fascinating look back into the Hollywood of the 1940s during the war. The Hollywood Canteen was a real place where all the servicemen and women were always welcome to come for a night of free food, drinks, entertainment, and dancing. The Canteen was staffed by the local studios, as well as the stars themselves. You never knew who might be found making hundreds of sandwiches
Annie Laurence a murder mystery playwright in New York, is out of a job when her highly acclaimed play comes to an end. She is also recovering from a painful breakup, so when she is contacted by one of the studios in Hollywood and offered a job as a mystery writer, she eagerly accepts. Off she goes to tinsel town.
One of the first people Annie meets is the extremely critical, often unpopular, film critic, Fiona Farris. Annie gets absorbed into Fiona’s circle of friends, who call themselves the “Ambassador’s Club.” They meet regularly at the Ambassador Hotel.
This story will take you on a trip through the glamour and glitz of wartime Hollywood, as well as a glimpse behind the scenes during that era. After a suspicious murder occurs that is similar to her recent successful play in New York, Annie is suddenly one of the suspects. She sets out to prove her innocence and find the real killer.
As I read this captivating story, I often found myself laughing and other times I was shocked at the scandalous behavior. It is an entertaining, fun book that takes the reader right back to wartime Hollywood.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Annie Laurence a murder mystery playwright in New York, is out of a job when her highly acclaimed play comes to an end. She is also recovering from a painful breakup, so when she is contacted by one of the studios in Hollywood and offered a job as a mystery writer, she eagerly accepts. Off she goes to tinsel town.
One of the first people Annie meets is the extremely critical, often unpopular, film critic, Fiona Farris. Annie gets absorbed into Fiona’s circle of friends, who call themselves the “Ambassador’s Club.” They meet regularly at the Ambassador Hotel.
This story will take you on a trip through the glamour and glitz of wartime Hollywood, as well as a glimpse behind the scenes during that era. After a suspicious murder occurs that is similar to her recent successful play in New York, Annie is suddenly one of the suspects. She sets out to prove her innocence and find the real killer.
As I read this captivating story, I often found myself laughing and other times I was shocked at the scandalous behavior. It is an entertaining, fun book that takes the reader right back to wartime Hollywood.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2023
Something was off about this book. No matter how earnestly I tried, the characters never worked for me and I found the plot so boring that I did not care at all about either the victim or the murderer by the end.
Annie is a writer who has just moved to LA and while she is find her place she is adopted by a crew of cynical and bitter Hollywood types at a place called the Hollywood Canteen. When one of the crew ends up dead Annie decides to investigate.
It has ever salacious secret you can imagine from old Hollywood - sham marriages, secret homosexuality, racism, sexism, and even a throuple. It should have been scandalous and exciting but it all fell flat. When the big reveal happens at the end it just felt ridiculous and because I never invested in the victim it was easy to shrug and walk away. This had the potential to be a gripping read but it never reached it.
Annie is a writer who has just moved to LA and while she is find her place she is adopted by a crew of cynical and bitter Hollywood types at a place called the Hollywood Canteen. When one of the crew ends up dead Annie decides to investigate.
It has ever salacious secret you can imagine from old Hollywood - sham marriages, secret homosexuality, racism, sexism, and even a throuple. It should have been scandalous and exciting but it all fell flat. When the big reveal happens at the end it just felt ridiculous and because I never invested in the victim it was easy to shrug and walk away. This had the potential to be a gripping read but it never reached it.
October 16, 2023
3.5 Rounded ^
I really enjoyed the old Hollywood glamour feel that James almost perfected in LAST NIGHT AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN. I also really enjoyed that noir take on a murder mystery. The characters were among the most impressive parts of this novel. When the body of the book began, all of the information was being thrown at me and I almost felt like I should've had a paper and taken notes on all the little evidence that was provided, because later down the road, it became confusing. This was probably my fault since I wasn't noting all the little evidence that was being presented. Once again, thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for an arc of this novel!!! I really appreciate it!!
I really enjoyed the old Hollywood glamour feel that James almost perfected in LAST NIGHT AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN. I also really enjoyed that noir take on a murder mystery. The characters were among the most impressive parts of this novel. When the body of the book began, all of the information was being thrown at me and I almost felt like I should've had a paper and taken notes on all the little evidence that was provided, because later down the road, it became confusing. This was probably my fault since I wasn't noting all the little evidence that was being presented. Once again, thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for an arc of this novel!!! I really appreciate it!!
November 6, 2023
Tense, suspenseful, and fun!
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is a scheming, twisty whodunit that sweeps you away to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and into the life of Annie Laurence, a New York playwright who, after a devastating breakup and the end of her show, heads to LA to start a new life writing for the movies only to find herself quickly in a world of trouble when one of her new friends, a famous critic who seems to have had a little bit of dirt on everyone is found murdered and everybody seems to have had at least one reason to want her dead.
The writing is witty and tight. The characters are ambitious, self-obsessed, and vulnerable. And the plot is an enticing mix of lies, secrets, drama, duplicity, manipulation, mayhem, substance abuse, movie-making, amateur sleuthing, and murder.
Overall, Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is a menacing, nostalgic, highly entertaining tale by James that is the perfect choice for fans of 1940s Tinseltown mysteries that have an abundance of quirky characters, Hollywood legends, and straight-up detective work.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is a scheming, twisty whodunit that sweeps you away to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age and into the life of Annie Laurence, a New York playwright who, after a devastating breakup and the end of her show, heads to LA to start a new life writing for the movies only to find herself quickly in a world of trouble when one of her new friends, a famous critic who seems to have had a little bit of dirt on everyone is found murdered and everybody seems to have had at least one reason to want her dead.
The writing is witty and tight. The characters are ambitious, self-obsessed, and vulnerable. And the plot is an enticing mix of lies, secrets, drama, duplicity, manipulation, mayhem, substance abuse, movie-making, amateur sleuthing, and murder.
Overall, Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen is a menacing, nostalgic, highly entertaining tale by James that is the perfect choice for fans of 1940s Tinseltown mysteries that have an abundance of quirky characters, Hollywood legends, and straight-up detective work.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2023
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen was a little bit ridiculous, in a Hollywood sort of way. After only a few days,the main character is all of a sudden best friends with a group of people who had known each other for 20 years. I guess that’s perhaps plausible in Hollywood. What’s weird is that in a town where personalities are supposed to be larger than life, the characters in this book are just self deprecating and boring. While there were definitely some funny parts, I often wondered just how these people were friends when all they do is ruthlessly roast each other. Maybe that’s just a Hollywood thing?
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2023
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this historical murder mystery but I ended up really enjoying it! Historical murder mystery isn’t a genre I’ve read much of, but now I want to read more! The mystery kept me guessing and o felt entertained the whole time. My only complaint was the characters became a little hard to keep up with. Overall I definitely recommend this book as a fun take on the typical mystery and you’ll probably even learn something along the way!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC
February 20, 2024
LAST NIGHT AT THE HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN
Sarah James
So this wasn't bad. In fact, I rather enjoyed it despite the one or two places where I just wanted to pick up the pace. I always love historical fiction, and despite the fact that the war took a backseat in the plot, I have to say that it was ok.
I enjoyed all the name-dropping of the stars at the time and the glitz and glamour that I only imagined was so real then. This is the backdrop to a pretty good mystery about a "murder".
After breaking up with her married couple, playwright Annie Laurence seeks her own contract in LA and slinks off after the jilting lovers. As Annie snuggles down into her group, she ends up befriending the journalist Fiona Farris, who tapped the threesomes' living arrangements in New York and caused the breakup. But then Fiona comes up dead... and Annie becomes the fall gal.
Lots of name-dropping and witty banter. I loved that Betty Davis was making sandwiches in one scene.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
Sarah James
So this wasn't bad. In fact, I rather enjoyed it despite the one or two places where I just wanted to pick up the pace. I always love historical fiction, and despite the fact that the war took a backseat in the plot, I have to say that it was ok.
I enjoyed all the name-dropping of the stars at the time and the glitz and glamour that I only imagined was so real then. This is the backdrop to a pretty good mystery about a "murder".
After breaking up with her married couple, playwright Annie Laurence seeks her own contract in LA and slinks off after the jilting lovers. As Annie snuggles down into her group, she ends up befriending the journalist Fiona Farris, who tapped the threesomes' living arrangements in New York and caused the breakup. But then Fiona comes up dead... and Annie becomes the fall gal.
Lots of name-dropping and witty banter. I loved that Betty Davis was making sandwiches in one scene.
4 stars
Happy Reading!
May 21, 2023
Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen by Sarah James is a great historical fiction that is a classic murder/mystery set in the 1940s old Hollywood.
This was such a great read!
The author took the glitz and glamour of the classic, old Hollywood era and balanced it perfectly with the darker aspects of what we now know sometimes happened behind the scenes and also the classic who-dunnit murder mystery.
The mystery itself was entertaining and creative, but the real gem was the dialogue, characters, banter, dark humor, jokes, and one-liners. The perfect balance of humor and true emotion and dark, sadistic, and sarcastic humor and content. It was beyond impressive and kept me coming back for more.
I liked the pacing, plot, and the satisfying ending. The author has a true talent. I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Sourcebooks Landmark for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/7/23.
This was such a great read!
The author took the glitz and glamour of the classic, old Hollywood era and balanced it perfectly with the darker aspects of what we now know sometimes happened behind the scenes and also the classic who-dunnit murder mystery.
The mystery itself was entertaining and creative, but the real gem was the dialogue, characters, banter, dark humor, jokes, and one-liners. The perfect balance of humor and true emotion and dark, sadistic, and sarcastic humor and content. It was beyond impressive and kept me coming back for more.
I liked the pacing, plot, and the satisfying ending. The author has a true talent. I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Sourcebooks Landmark for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/7/23.
February 1, 2024
Sarah James takes readers on a captivating journey into the glamour and intrigue of 1940s Hollywood. In a city where stars shine both on and off the screen, the Hollywood Canteen becomes the backdrop for a thrilling murder mystery. Protagonist Annie Laurence, a heartbroken and talented playwright seeking her own big break, moves from New York to Hollywood after a big breakup. Once there, finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and suspicion when the despised film critic, Fiona Farris, is discovered dead in the Canteen's kitchen.
Part mystery, part historical fiction. It was an easy, breezy mystery without vivid detailing of crime. I enjoyed the setting of this book a lot. However, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. There are a handful of them and none of them had any depth that made you care about them. In fact, they began to blend together in my mind. I was curious about the ending though, so I felt invested in the story. Overall, I hoped for more but it was an easy enough read.
Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy. Out 11/07/2023.
Part mystery, part historical fiction. It was an easy, breezy mystery without vivid detailing of crime. I enjoyed the setting of this book a lot. However, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. There are a handful of them and none of them had any depth that made you care about them. In fact, they began to blend together in my mind. I was curious about the ending though, so I felt invested in the story. Overall, I hoped for more but it was an easy enough read.
Thank you to NetGalley for my digital copy. Out 11/07/2023.
February 8, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Landmark for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
2.5 stars
I spent most of this book thinking I should probably just DNF it and move on. The writing was tame and I found most of the characters to be either boring or useless. I think I've read too much historical fiction set at the Hollywood Canteen or in 1940s Hollywood so most of these characters and scenarios felt stereotypical or pale comparisons to better-written books.
2.5 stars
I spent most of this book thinking I should probably just DNF it and move on. The writing was tame and I found most of the characters to be either boring or useless. I think I've read too much historical fiction set at the Hollywood Canteen or in 1940s Hollywood so most of these characters and scenarios felt stereotypical or pale comparisons to better-written books.
March 6, 2024
I don’t usually read murder mysteries but the setting of the golden age of Hollywood caught my attention. This was a light read. I enjoyed the cast of characters and found the whole whodunit plot line interesting.
November 6, 2023
Witty repartee with an amusing cast of characters, all definitely left of center in their lifestyle
and relationship choices, Sarah James’, “Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen,” is a 1940s WWII comedic historical fiction set around the murder of a LA gossip columnist at an actual former locale where GIs were treated to free food and entertainment by studio celebrities before shipping off to foreign battle destinations.
FYI—There are no explicit scenes depicting any type of carnal relationships; however, the novel is filled with ongoing innuendo and straightforward references to what may be considered atypical romances that may be offensive to some readers.
JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Sarah James, and Publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, and imprint of Sourcebooks for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review,
and relationship choices, Sarah James’, “Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen,” is a 1940s WWII comedic historical fiction set around the murder of a LA gossip columnist at an actual former locale where GIs were treated to free food and entertainment by studio celebrities before shipping off to foreign battle destinations.
FYI—There are no explicit scenes depicting any type of carnal relationships; however, the novel is filled with ongoing innuendo and straightforward references to what may be considered atypical romances that may be offensive to some readers.
JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Sarah James, and Publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, and imprint of Sourcebooks for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review,
November 22, 2023
Last Night At The Hollywood Canteen is a 1940’s throwback mystery story set in Hollywood where stardom meets addiction meets jealousy meets frenemies meets murder. Set during the time of Bette Davis and Mickey Rooney, the story revolves around a young playwright who moves to Hollywood and befriends a band of what could only be called misfit, alcoholic, movie, music and radio stars. When one of the friends is murdered at the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen to dance and relax, they know it would be in the best interest for their careers to figure out exactly what happen.
Annie Laurence is the playwright who is coming off a high. Her Broadway show was a success for the most part but due to circumstances…both leads signed with a movie company in Los Angeles, and it shuts down. Devastated at not only the loss of the show, but her relationship with the two stars, when offered a job herself, she jumps at the chance to move to LA and work on a script for a movie.
But Annie goes there with a few secrets. And when she goes to the famous Hollywood Canteen to volunteer, she sees Fiona Farris, a famous film critic who alluded to her secret in a review she did of her play, and she becomes nervous. But Fiona introduces her to a band of actors/musicians who she quickly befriends. But are they friends? The seem to love to hate each other! But things take a terrible turn when Fiona is found dead at the club. At first it is ruled a suicide, but the friends seem to think it is much more sinister. Who would have it out for Fiona? Yes, she was hated for her honesty but enough to kill?
But when the friends begin digging, they discover Fiona had been working on a mysterious story which by chance could have ruined someone’s career. But whose?
So as any narcissistic stars would do, they band together to try and discover what really happened to Fiona and what and whose secret she was trying to expose. And that of course is when everybody’s skeletons in the closet slowly surface. Annie herself is panic stricken as she knows if her secret gets out it could be the end of her career!
As for her “career” Annie has a terrible case of writer’s block and hasn’t been able to write a complete sentence since she arrived at the studio. What if she gets fired?
But the case begins to turn, and when Annie gets a brick thrown into her apartment, she realizes she’s on to something. But someone else clearly knows that as well. Then Annie is arrested for the murder of Fiona! How will she be able to prove her innocence? More important who of these friends can she truly trust? Could one of them have really killed Fiona?
Last Night At The Hollywood Canteen is a terrific murder mystery filled with gruff characters who are great at not telling the truth, who are funny and quirky who are able to keep up the facade Hollywood is known for even if it might kill them in the process. But wouldn’t that make them even more famous? Hmmm….
Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #SarahJames #LastNightAtTheHollywoodCanteen for the advanced copy.
Annie Laurence is the playwright who is coming off a high. Her Broadway show was a success for the most part but due to circumstances…both leads signed with a movie company in Los Angeles, and it shuts down. Devastated at not only the loss of the show, but her relationship with the two stars, when offered a job herself, she jumps at the chance to move to LA and work on a script for a movie.
But Annie goes there with a few secrets. And when she goes to the famous Hollywood Canteen to volunteer, she sees Fiona Farris, a famous film critic who alluded to her secret in a review she did of her play, and she becomes nervous. But Fiona introduces her to a band of actors/musicians who she quickly befriends. But are they friends? The seem to love to hate each other! But things take a terrible turn when Fiona is found dead at the club. At first it is ruled a suicide, but the friends seem to think it is much more sinister. Who would have it out for Fiona? Yes, she was hated for her honesty but enough to kill?
But when the friends begin digging, they discover Fiona had been working on a mysterious story which by chance could have ruined someone’s career. But whose?
So as any narcissistic stars would do, they band together to try and discover what really happened to Fiona and what and whose secret she was trying to expose. And that of course is when everybody’s skeletons in the closet slowly surface. Annie herself is panic stricken as she knows if her secret gets out it could be the end of her career!
As for her “career” Annie has a terrible case of writer’s block and hasn’t been able to write a complete sentence since she arrived at the studio. What if she gets fired?
But the case begins to turn, and when Annie gets a brick thrown into her apartment, she realizes she’s on to something. But someone else clearly knows that as well. Then Annie is arrested for the murder of Fiona! How will she be able to prove her innocence? More important who of these friends can she truly trust? Could one of them have really killed Fiona?
Last Night At The Hollywood Canteen is a terrific murder mystery filled with gruff characters who are great at not telling the truth, who are funny and quirky who are able to keep up the facade Hollywood is known for even if it might kill them in the process. But wouldn’t that make them even more famous? Hmmm….
Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #SarahJames #LastNightAtTheHollywoodCanteen for the advanced copy.
December 13, 2023
I had a hot and cold relationship with this book. It was very slow paced at times and then suddenly it would pace fast and become interesting and exciting just to double down to slow pace. It happened several times that I was totally engrossed in the book and wanted to know what happens next but it would just lose its pace and the excitement would die down.
The writing is good. It gave me some —the secret history or if we were villains's character vibes. All hateful, no one to like or feel for , so basically dark academia vibes.
It's classic who dunnit based in Hollywood in between 1940-1950s. It gives insight into the glamorous life which can make you blind and raises the question of if anyone is really happy in the Hollywood or if they even have any morals left.
Overall a good story but I did not like the ending. The reveal was meh. There were many things that did not make sense. Annie was too fast to get to the conclusions and the last clue she got which led her to the murderer was really dumb. For a such a smart book the ending was totally off.
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS landmark for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The writing is good. It gave me some —the secret history or if we were villains's character vibes. All hateful, no one to like or feel for , so basically dark academia vibes.
It's classic who dunnit based in Hollywood in between 1940-1950s. It gives insight into the glamorous life which can make you blind and raises the question of if anyone is really happy in the Hollywood or if they even have any morals left.
Overall a good story but I did not like the ending. The reveal was meh. There were many things that did not make sense. Annie was too fast to get to the conclusions and the last clue she got which led her to the murderer was really dumb. For a such a smart book the ending was totally off.
Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS landmark for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
April 28, 2025
Historical murder mystery set in World War II Hollywood. This is well-written and researched, and Annie is a likeable protagonist. I also liked how casually, effortlessly queer this is: Annie was in a relationship with a married couple, who dumped her for a chance at stardom, which is not a piece of backstory one often encounters! However, the mystery itself is predictable -- I figured out who the murderer was almost as soon as they were introduced, and I'm not the type of mystery reader who actively tries to solve anything. Still, this was pleasant pool/plane company.
November 12, 2023
The 40's, Hollywood glamour and murder. This historical mystery transports the reader to the night life of movie stars during the golden age of Hollywood. A time where they partied all night long, and competition was fierce for major movie contracts. One bad review could cost you your career or in this case your life. This whodunit had me guessing till the end with its edgy story.
This was a quick-read and its cast of characters were fun.
Thank you Sourcebooks for the complimentary copy.
This was a quick-read and its cast of characters were fun.
Thank you Sourcebooks for the complimentary copy.
February 20, 2024
3.5 - definitely more movie vibes…yet another script to write!! I think this book’s concept is fascinating, but not enough room to fully immerse oneself in the details and fully flush out ideas. Did I guess who it was correctly from the beginning? Yes. But still enjoyable, again think it needed to be longer or multiple books; a trilogy would’ve been epic and to alternate between the different characters perspectives and alivies I think would’ve made it better/heightened the tension.
didn-t-finish
January 29, 2024Unfortunately, this historical mystery didn't jive with me due to the writing style. It felt a little hokey and dull at times. I really love the time period, but that wasn't enough to suck me in. It's a DNF for me.
July 13, 2023
I really liked the way this book began with a happy throuple of a playwright and two actors, because not many books aimed at mainstream readers have this kind of representation. But then it all went to hell and devolved into a mess of stock characters, red herrings the size of airplanes, and a dull ending. None of the characters have much depth, the story drags, and the ending feels completely untrue to the protagonist.
November 25, 2023
Unique blend of murder mystery, a tell-all of Hollywood during the war years and the personalities and wit of the Algonquin Round Table. Certainly entertaining, it had the feel of a madcap mystery from Hollywood's early years but with real secrets that were hidden by studios. A quick read with some deliciously delightful banter. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
October 12, 2023
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Annie Laurence has written murder mysteries for the stage, but solving one in real life proves to be much more difficult.
Hollywood, 1943. Playwright Annie Laurence moves from New York City to Los Angeles after she's offered a job writing for the film studio, Pacific Pictures. After a recent break-up and bout of depression, Annie hopes her move to L.A. will prove lucrative for her career and help her reconcile with her exes, a pair of married actors she'd been having a polyamorous relationship with. Unfortunately, her exes want nothing to do with her, and Pacific Pictures doesn't want her to write murder mysteries, but trite movie musicals Annie doesn't feel passionate about.
Annie's life changes when she attends Pacific Night at the Hollywood Canteen, a club where film's hottest stars offer entertainment, dancing, and food to servicemen about to be shipped overseas. There, Annie meets Fiona Farris, the acerbic film critic who previously reviewed Annie's play. Annie falls in with Fiona and her friends, a group of cynical stars who call themselves the Ambassador's Club, after the hotel where they drink and commiserate. The group includes:
Jack, an alcoholic comedian who wishes to become a serious novelist.
Victor, a failed composer with a turbulent love life.
June, a Chinese-American actress who's sick of being treated like a sex symbol instead of a talented performer.
And Terry, a film producer with a failed marriage who often tries to keep the group in line.
Annie feels like perhaps her life is turning around, but when Fiona is discovered dead at the Hollywood Canteen - dead of the same poison Annie wrote about in her play - she takes it upon herself to figure out the truth. Who killed Fiona, and what secrets was she about to expose?
In the background, World War II is raging on, though to call Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen a World War II mystery might be a bit of a misnomer. The war is referenced occasionally, and the Hollywood Canteen provides a setting for the main mystery, but World War II politics play no part in the plot. Perhaps that's why I liked this book when I usually detest World War II-era stories. I would classify this as an Old Hollywood mystery, rather than a World War II one.
I enjoyed this murderous tour through classic Hollywood and how it explored the control studios used to have over their talent's lives. Actors had to follow strict "morality clauses." Stars would be forced into elaborate publicity stunts or enter an arranged marriage to hide their queer identities. These were things that were known to or rumored to have happened. Imagine if nowadays two actors appeared in a movie together and the studio asked them to get married! This kind of control is absolutely wild to think about.
As for the main characters, the members of the Ambassador's Club all have a cynical worldview, and the barbs they exchange with each other can come across as incredibly harsh. However, author Sarah James wrote their clever dialogue in such a way that - even though I'm not sure I'd ever want to hang out with this crew in real life - I enjoyed reading about them. (It is unrealistic that Annie becomes besties with the group and wants to avenge Fiona after knowing them for one week, but well, suspension of disbelief and all that.)
My biggest complaint about this book is I wanted a bit more from the ending. The resolution to the mystery made perfect sense, but the murderer(s) weren't as developed as I would've liked. I didn't genuinely fear them, and while their motive made sense, it wasn't surprising. I wish there had been more of a 'wow' moment at the end to take the book to the next level.
Overall, 4 stars. 🌟 I would read from this author again.
Annie Laurence has written murder mysteries for the stage, but solving one in real life proves to be much more difficult.
Hollywood, 1943. Playwright Annie Laurence moves from New York City to Los Angeles after she's offered a job writing for the film studio, Pacific Pictures. After a recent break-up and bout of depression, Annie hopes her move to L.A. will prove lucrative for her career and help her reconcile with her exes, a pair of married actors she'd been having a polyamorous relationship with. Unfortunately, her exes want nothing to do with her, and Pacific Pictures doesn't want her to write murder mysteries, but trite movie musicals Annie doesn't feel passionate about.
Annie's life changes when she attends Pacific Night at the Hollywood Canteen, a club where film's hottest stars offer entertainment, dancing, and food to servicemen about to be shipped overseas. There, Annie meets Fiona Farris, the acerbic film critic who previously reviewed Annie's play. Annie falls in with Fiona and her friends, a group of cynical stars who call themselves the Ambassador's Club, after the hotel where they drink and commiserate. The group includes:
Jack, an alcoholic comedian who wishes to become a serious novelist.
Victor, a failed composer with a turbulent love life.
June, a Chinese-American actress who's sick of being treated like a sex symbol instead of a talented performer.
And Terry, a film producer with a failed marriage who often tries to keep the group in line.
Annie feels like perhaps her life is turning around, but when Fiona is discovered dead at the Hollywood Canteen - dead of the same poison Annie wrote about in her play - she takes it upon herself to figure out the truth. Who killed Fiona, and what secrets was she about to expose?
In the background, World War II is raging on, though to call Last Night at the Hollywood Canteen a World War II mystery might be a bit of a misnomer. The war is referenced occasionally, and the Hollywood Canteen provides a setting for the main mystery, but World War II politics play no part in the plot. Perhaps that's why I liked this book when I usually detest World War II-era stories. I would classify this as an Old Hollywood mystery, rather than a World War II one.
I enjoyed this murderous tour through classic Hollywood and how it explored the control studios used to have over their talent's lives. Actors had to follow strict "morality clauses." Stars would be forced into elaborate publicity stunts or enter an arranged marriage to hide their queer identities. These were things that were known to or rumored to have happened. Imagine if nowadays two actors appeared in a movie together and the studio asked them to get married! This kind of control is absolutely wild to think about.
As for the main characters, the members of the Ambassador's Club all have a cynical worldview, and the barbs they exchange with each other can come across as incredibly harsh. However, author Sarah James wrote their clever dialogue in such a way that - even though I'm not sure I'd ever want to hang out with this crew in real life - I enjoyed reading about them. (It is unrealistic that Annie becomes besties with the group and wants to avenge Fiona after knowing them for one week, but well, suspension of disbelief and all that.)
My biggest complaint about this book is I wanted a bit more from the ending. The resolution to the mystery made perfect sense, but the murderer(s) weren't as developed as I would've liked. I didn't genuinely fear them, and while their motive made sense, it wasn't surprising. I wish there had been more of a 'wow' moment at the end to take the book to the next level.
Overall, 4 stars. 🌟 I would read from this author again.
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