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A Jarrod Jarvis Mystery #1
The Actor's Guide To Murder
Baby, don't even go there!
That was Jarrod Jarvis's catch phrase as the adorable, girl-crazy moppet on the eighties sitcom, Go to Your Room! It was a great ride until the tabloids caught the popular teen idol kissing another guy at the L.A. gay rodeo. Gay and teen heartthrob not exactly being career-making words at the time, Jarrod's star crashed harder than a Kathie Lee Gifford CD.
Flash forward: Now happily living with his cop boyfriend, Charlie, and their dog, Snickers, in the Hollywood Hills, Jarrod's ready to hit the comeback trail—but he never imagines how fame will strike this time. At a reading with his psychic, Jarrod is disturbed to hear that someone close to him will be murdered and even more shocked when it turns out to be his best friend, Willard Ray Hornsby, also a former child star. When Willard is found face down in his own lap pool, the cops call it an accident, but Jarrod's far from convinced—and he's ready to play the Sherlock Holmes of West Hollywood to prove his conspiracy theory right.
But what starts in curiosity soon becomes deadly serious. Willard was keeping some very weighty secrets and even more dangerous company. From a tattooed body-work specialist to Willard's formidable mother and her nefarious lover, everyone seems to have had a reason to want him out of the picture permanently. And when another body turns up, it's clear that in a town full of actors, somebody's playing the very convincing part of a killer. Now, among the hustlers and the wannabes, the boy toys, sadistic acting coaches, and the tabloid press, Jarrod's high-profile sleuthing is making him once more into a household name. Except this kind of publicity is a very bad thing—because Jarrod's newest fan is someone who doesn't want an autograph...he wants him dead.
Fast, furious, and outrageously funny, Rick Copp's debut mystery introduces a gay sleuth with the panache of William Powell, the timing of Paul Rudnick, and an acid wit that turns Hollywood deliciously inside out.
That was Jarrod Jarvis's catch phrase as the adorable, girl-crazy moppet on the eighties sitcom, Go to Your Room! It was a great ride until the tabloids caught the popular teen idol kissing another guy at the L.A. gay rodeo. Gay and teen heartthrob not exactly being career-making words at the time, Jarrod's star crashed harder than a Kathie Lee Gifford CD.
Flash forward: Now happily living with his cop boyfriend, Charlie, and their dog, Snickers, in the Hollywood Hills, Jarrod's ready to hit the comeback trail—but he never imagines how fame will strike this time. At a reading with his psychic, Jarrod is disturbed to hear that someone close to him will be murdered and even more shocked when it turns out to be his best friend, Willard Ray Hornsby, also a former child star. When Willard is found face down in his own lap pool, the cops call it an accident, but Jarrod's far from convinced—and he's ready to play the Sherlock Holmes of West Hollywood to prove his conspiracy theory right.
But what starts in curiosity soon becomes deadly serious. Willard was keeping some very weighty secrets and even more dangerous company. From a tattooed body-work specialist to Willard's formidable mother and her nefarious lover, everyone seems to have had a reason to want him out of the picture permanently. And when another body turns up, it's clear that in a town full of actors, somebody's playing the very convincing part of a killer. Now, among the hustlers and the wannabes, the boy toys, sadistic acting coaches, and the tabloid press, Jarrod's high-profile sleuthing is making him once more into a household name. Except this kind of publicity is a very bad thing—because Jarrod's newest fan is someone who doesn't want an autograph...he wants him dead.
Fast, furious, and outrageously funny, Rick Copp's debut mystery introduces a gay sleuth with the panache of William Powell, the timing of Paul Rudnick, and an acid wit that turns Hollywood deliciously inside out.
248 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2003
6 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Rick Copp
8 books23 followersRick Copp (born August 8, 1964) is an American television writer, story editor, producer and occasional actor. He was executive story editor for 11 episodes and writer for two episodes of the short-lived 1991 NBC sitcom Flesh 'n' Blood. He also wrote for Flying Blind, The Golden Girls and Wings, among others. He was a co-writer on The Brady Bunch Movie and has written for many animated series including Teen Titans and Scooby Doo. In 2005 he served as a consulting producer on the Barbershop TV series, based on the hit movie.
He is also an author of four mystery novels, The Actor's Guide to Murder, The Actor's Guide to Adultery, The Actor's Guide to Greed and Fingerprints and Facelifts. His book The Actor's Guide to Greed was a Lambda Literary Award nominee in the Gay Mystery category at the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards. In 2012, he was one of the writers, creators and stars of the comedy mystery web series Where the Bears Are.
He is also an author of four mystery novels, The Actor's Guide to Murder, The Actor's Guide to Adultery, The Actor's Guide to Greed and Fingerprints and Facelifts. His book The Actor's Guide to Greed was a Lambda Literary Award nominee in the Gay Mystery category at the 2006 Lambda Literary Awards. In 2012, he was one of the writers, creators and stars of the comedy mystery web series Where the Bears Are.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 25, 2024
Lots of telling but I kind of understand in this case. It's well set up and believable.
Very funny and sometimes in a subtle way like
He and his partner love to watch the show Oz:
The MC is exactly my age so it was fun revisiting our formative years. It's dated though. In his never ending assertion of the name brands he wears, he mentions his Joe Boxer underwear several times. Clearly this was before they got the K-Mart account which made the company instantly go from designer to tacky.
He had no way of knowing what was or wasn't on the answering machine. It's not like someone checking why someone hadn't shown up to an appointment would have been a suspicious call.
Simple assault? He tried to kill him!
No way would Charlie be allowed to interrogate a suspect accused of attacking his bf.
The computer stuff was off. You can't trace all that from something downloaded to the computer already.
He excuses murder and attempted murder way too easily.
I wanted him to actually get physically hurt with a hospital scene, drat, but he was brave and risked his life for someone else and we still saw the bf scared for him.
I like the sensitive way the author approached the subject of being (major major major spoiler)
I can't wait to read the sequel.
Very funny and sometimes in a subtle way like
"...I left Lauretta at Baskin Robbins arguing with the sales clerk about the pitiful amount of Butterfingers pieces he put in her fat free yogurt..."
"Stan was eighty-two years old but looked seventy-six if he was a day."
"Food always became an overriding obsession when we were nervous. Or sad. Or happy. Or excited. Food was just an overriding obsession, come to think of it."I don't always like when the MCs are already in a relationship but I do like it this time. His bf is incredibly sweet and understanding. They have a great relationship and the bf sometimes even finds the main guy's antics entertaining when they're not dangerous. It's the ever popular trope of a cop who tells his nosy adorable bf not to investigate a murder.
He and his partner love to watch the show Oz:
"It's guilt-free TV. Because it's critically acclaimed, we don't have to feel sleazy watching all the full-frontal male nudity."I've been missing out... I wonder if it's on Netflix?
The MC is exactly my age so it was fun revisiting our formative years. It's dated though. In his never ending assertion of the name brands he wears, he mentions his Joe Boxer underwear several times. Clearly this was before they got the K-Mart account which made the company instantly go from designer to tacky.
He had no way of knowing what was or wasn't on the answering machine. It's not like someone checking why someone hadn't shown up to an appointment would have been a suspicious call.
Simple assault? He tried to kill him!
No way would Charlie be allowed to interrogate a suspect accused of attacking his bf.
The computer stuff was off. You can't trace all that from something downloaded to the computer already.
He excuses murder and attempted murder way too easily.
I wanted him to actually get physically hurt with a hospital scene, drat, but he was brave and risked his life for someone else and we still saw the bf scared for him.
I like the sensitive way the author approached the subject of being (major major major spoiler)
I can't wait to read the sequel.
January 19, 2012
This book (and its sequels) will definitely go on the "guilty pleasures" list. Here's why: these books are to the mystery genre what "Dawson's Creek" was to tv drama.
If you're looking for deep characters, meaningful plots and the kind of mystery that will stick with you long after the book is finished, these books are not for you. If you're looking for a light read, a lead character who drops more pop culture references than your average Gilmore Girl, and the kind of mystery you'd see solved in an hour on a tv show, then these books are definitely for you.
The lead character is Jarrod Jarvis, former child actor (on an 80s ABC Friday night comedy called "Go To Your Room!") best known for his catchphrase "Baby, don't go there!" Jarrod's career came to a screeching halt when he was 16 and was photographed kissing another boy at a gay rodeo. Thankfully, Jarrod's parents investing his 5 seasons worth of income well, and as an adult now he lives comfortably with his cop boyfriend Charlie in the hills outside LA.
The first book in the series, "Guide to Murder," starts the ball rolling when Jarrod discovers a fellow former child star murdered and vows to solve the crime (even though the police rule it an accidental death). From there, the pace is fast, the action is broken out like the acts of an hour-long detective show, and the pop-cult references are fast and furious.
Despite his self-absorption and penchant for dropping names, Jarrod is a very likeable character. Likeable enough that even though I thought the resolution to "Murder" came around a bit out of left field, I will still read the second book, "The Actors Guide to Adultery." But probably not until after I read Neil Gaiman's "Anansi Boys."
Author Rick Copp has worked as a tv writer for many years, and his credits currently include the Teen Titans cartoon among other sitcoms and action shows. His style is definitely "light and breezy."
Recommended, as I said, if you want some light reading.
If you're looking for deep characters, meaningful plots and the kind of mystery that will stick with you long after the book is finished, these books are not for you. If you're looking for a light read, a lead character who drops more pop culture references than your average Gilmore Girl, and the kind of mystery you'd see solved in an hour on a tv show, then these books are definitely for you.
The lead character is Jarrod Jarvis, former child actor (on an 80s ABC Friday night comedy called "Go To Your Room!") best known for his catchphrase "Baby, don't go there!" Jarrod's career came to a screeching halt when he was 16 and was photographed kissing another boy at a gay rodeo. Thankfully, Jarrod's parents investing his 5 seasons worth of income well, and as an adult now he lives comfortably with his cop boyfriend Charlie in the hills outside LA.
The first book in the series, "Guide to Murder," starts the ball rolling when Jarrod discovers a fellow former child star murdered and vows to solve the crime (even though the police rule it an accidental death). From there, the pace is fast, the action is broken out like the acts of an hour-long detective show, and the pop-cult references are fast and furious.
Despite his self-absorption and penchant for dropping names, Jarrod is a very likeable character. Likeable enough that even though I thought the resolution to "Murder" came around a bit out of left field, I will still read the second book, "The Actors Guide to Adultery." But probably not until after I read Neil Gaiman's "Anansi Boys."
Author Rick Copp has worked as a tv writer for many years, and his credits currently include the Teen Titans cartoon among other sitcoms and action shows. His style is definitely "light and breezy."
Recommended, as I said, if you want some light reading.
July 23, 2016
The murderer's motive being "get someone's life insurance money to pay for her MtF surgery" is crazy offensive. And the author's faux compassion about it was really gross. 2003 was weird bad times man. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2016
Loved this so much more than I thought I would. So funny! My only complaint is that I would have liked to get to know Jarrod's bf better(whose name I can't even recall right now) and see their dynamic as a couple. One of the themes of the book was Jarrod's unresolved feelings for Willard and I was disappointed that it was mentioned as more of an afterthought in order to wrap up all the loose ends.
October 14, 2008
Another fun murder adventure w/ 80's child star turned amateur detective Jordan Jarvis. book one of an enjoyable gay comfortable murder series. since this was the first one i liked this one a little better than the other i'd read since it laid more groundwork for the characters. why hasn't logo made this into a series?
September 26, 2009
this book was a thrill ride and so much fun it put me in a great mood and I just had to start another one too bad there is only 3 books to this series cant wait to delve into the next thanks so much John for telling me about them theyre what reading is all about escape and a whole lot of fun and funny I would recomend it to anyone gay or straight kudos to Rick copp whit his clever wit
June 17, 2020
This book was quite comical quick and often scary....an enjoyable lite read...
August 25, 2025
I was wavering between three and two stars until I got to Chapter 26, which deploys the hokiest plot twist known to detective fiction, and that put me off. A former child star, now grown up and with his career in the doldrums, is an intriguing choice of protagonist/narrator. Jarrod Jarvis even has a catchphrase from his years on a hit eighties sitcom. The difficulty for non-professional investigators in crime stories is in persuading suspects to share information when they have no institutional authority to back them up. Miss Marple gently exploits the lazy assumptions others hold about the clear-sightedness and intelligence of elderly spinster ladies. Jarrod, by comparison, wins people over by obligingly reciting his catchphrase: ‘Baby, don’t even go there!’ He is self-absorbed but self-aware, and initially I found him endearing – but self-awareness only goes so far.
The author compares the dynamic between Jarrod and his policeman lover Charlie to that of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on I Love Lucy, where she was ditzy and impetuous and he was exasperated and sensible. The trouble is exasperated and sensible is difficult to make interesting, and Charlie remains flatly characterized throughout (‘in so many respects, he is the perfect boyfriend’). This has the knock-on effect of reducing Jarrod’s likeability since he describes his other half in broad, rather generic terms, which makes it seem as though he’s too self-involved to have noticed much about him.
I enjoyed the geography and atmosphere of Hollywood as an actual place where people live rather than its more familiar incarnation as metaphysical dream location. The book is quite funny, although some of the jokes land and some don’t (‘his tolerance was waning faster than Pat Robertson at a Gay Pride March,’ for example). Finally, although I tend to think of 2003, when the book came out, as not that long ago, today’s sensitivity readers would be shocked to the core by Rick Copp’s choice of villain; it would never pass now, a realization which interested and amused me.
The author compares the dynamic between Jarrod and his policeman lover Charlie to that of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on I Love Lucy, where she was ditzy and impetuous and he was exasperated and sensible. The trouble is exasperated and sensible is difficult to make interesting, and Charlie remains flatly characterized throughout (‘in so many respects, he is the perfect boyfriend’). This has the knock-on effect of reducing Jarrod’s likeability since he describes his other half in broad, rather generic terms, which makes it seem as though he’s too self-involved to have noticed much about him.
I enjoyed the geography and atmosphere of Hollywood as an actual place where people live rather than its more familiar incarnation as metaphysical dream location. The book is quite funny, although some of the jokes land and some don’t (‘his tolerance was waning faster than Pat Robertson at a Gay Pride March,’ for example). Finally, although I tend to think of 2003, when the book came out, as not that long ago, today’s sensitivity readers would be shocked to the core by Rick Copp’s choice of villain; it would never pass now, a realization which interested and amused me.
November 10, 2024
A very easy read, and I did accurately guess who the killer was about halfway through (usually I'm no good at making predictions in murder mysteries) but the journey to discovering "why" and all the twists and turns before it was definitely entertaining.
Some of my amusement comes from the technology. This book makes me realize just how close to the nineties 2003 actually was lol.
Off of that, the references are dated and so most of them go over my head, but the writing is quick-witted and Jarrod is a very likeable narrator (even with his tendency towards self-absorption).
Having his boyfriend be a cop is definitely...a choice. (ACAB and all that but for the plot it's quite convenient).
Not a full five stars because it could use another proofread. Also, there's something about the structure of this book that prevents me from fully investing in the characters? I dunno, it's mainly the fact that Jarrod is apparently still in love with Willard that comes out of nowhere. I think maybe it doesn't work for me because we don't have much to establish Jarrod's character before the book (and then Willard dies right away) so when Jarrod declares that he loved Willard all along, I was left feeling...unsatisfied? Uninvested? Because there was no context for it.
Another reviewer on here said the book is a lot of "telling, not showing," which is an assessment I definitely agree with.
CW: deadnaming, homophobia, HIV/AIDS mention
Some of my amusement comes from the technology. This book makes me realize just how close to the nineties 2003 actually was lol.
Off of that, the references are dated and so most of them go over my head, but the writing is quick-witted and Jarrod is a very likeable narrator (even with his tendency towards self-absorption).
Having his boyfriend be a cop is definitely...a choice. (ACAB and all that but for the plot it's quite convenient).
Not a full five stars because it could use another proofread. Also, there's something about the structure of this book that prevents me from fully investing in the characters? I dunno, it's mainly the fact that Jarrod is apparently still in love with Willard that comes out of nowhere. I think maybe it doesn't work for me because we don't have much to establish Jarrod's character before the book (and then Willard dies right away) so when Jarrod declares that he loved Willard all along, I was left feeling...unsatisfied? Uninvested? Because there was no context for it.
Another reviewer on here said the book is a lot of "telling, not showing," which is an assessment I definitely agree with.
CW: deadnaming, homophobia, HIV/AIDS mention
March 25, 2020
A light read and pretty funny, even if the humor can get pretty old, pretty quick. It's incredibly dated by now, but in a way that just adds some unintentional humor to it. Good for when you just want something quick to entertain yourself and pass the time.
As a warning, and spoiler for the ending ahead,
As a warning, and spoiler for the ending ahead,
September 21, 2018
Actors...can't live with 'em...can't kill 'em. But you can try! =) So many actor cliches in here, that are handled in a funny tongue-in-cheek way. There's also a good who-dunnit in there that winds it's way throughout the story, twisting and turning along the way. Who's the good guy and who's a baddie?
February 13, 2020
Cute, Campy, Adorable. This is one of the books that should have been longer. I enjoy Rick Copp's
writing style, he knows how and when to end a chapter that makes you long to start the next. The storyline is humorous and intriguing. Picture a mix of "I Love Lucy" and "Matlock".
writing style, he knows how and when to end a chapter that makes you long to start the next. The storyline is humorous and intriguing. Picture a mix of "I Love Lucy" and "Matlock".
August 18, 2015
I read this as I was looking for a gay mystery series and a reviewer said this series was funnier than the Vermilion series. To that I say re-read the second book in that series, Cobalt.
This book was cute, a little charming perhaps, though that started to wear thin. Not what I would call funny. The hero is likeable enough, a former child star of the eighties now 30 and on a new acting career path. There are a couple of problems though which distract from the book.
The book seems written by someone who's 45, not someone who's 30, many references to eating snacks and Judy Garland. There are too many suspects, everyone in the book is taken down the road of possible killer and then brought back and it's too much. Finally the twists in the book are unrealistic and taken out of a telenovela. One character turns out to be an identical twin, another is a woman who is later revealed to have been born a man, there's psychics, one of these things would have been pushing it, all three is too much.
The mystery was okay, the book was a quick read, the story cute enough, the cover art is great. I enjoyed the setting in the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA. I may read another in the series, not sure.
This book was cute, a little charming perhaps, though that started to wear thin. Not what I would call funny. The hero is likeable enough, a former child star of the eighties now 30 and on a new acting career path. There are a couple of problems though which distract from the book.
The book seems written by someone who's 45, not someone who's 30, many references to eating snacks and Judy Garland. There are too many suspects, everyone in the book is taken down the road of possible killer and then brought back and it's too much. Finally the twists in the book are unrealistic and taken out of a telenovela. One character turns out to be an identical twin, another is a woman who is later revealed to have been born a man, there's psychics, one of these things would have been pushing it, all three is too much.
The mystery was okay, the book was a quick read, the story cute enough, the cover art is great. I enjoyed the setting in the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA. I may read another in the series, not sure.
May 9, 2014
Surprisingly fun mystery. Jarrod Jarvis is a previous child actor who has not been too successful lately getting parts; he currently also is with a cop as his boyfriend of three years. He goes to an audition and runs into an ex-flame, his first love. The ex- gets the part. Jarrod was going to throw a birthday and celebratory party but the ex- does not show up. He goes to find out why and finds his friend dead in a pool. Thus begins a series of murders and other crimes that Jarrod decides to investigate, sometimes with the help of his lover and sometimes against his wishes. Full of name-dropping in the best Hollywood tradition.
July 6, 2025
Re-read as a refresher before diving into the continuation of the series over 20 years later (My Father Always Finds Corpses)! This series is such a nostalgia bomb and one of my favorites by Rick Copp. Onto the next before finishing the third and then finally finding out what Jarrod is like as a dad!
July 31, 2007
I'm not even sure how this book got published. I read a lot of gay-themed fiction, but this thing was so full of stereotypes and so poorly written, I could hardly finish it. Save your money.
March 8, 2008
I love this series of books. These characters are funny!
February 25, 2009
OMG - these books are the best! I laughed my through each and every one of them, wishing there were more!
July 15, 2009
Fun to read. Had a good time with these characters
November 3, 2011
It was cute, it was funny. Makes me want to pick up more by this author!
September 27, 2012
I love this series! A campy fun read that passes the time.
March 16, 2013
Really surprised. From the cover I expected this to be foolish but I really enjoyed it.
June 14, 2013
The plot was simple but interesting. Fast-paced. I liked that our amateur detective made fun of himself for being an amateur detective. Cute and funny.
May 14, 2014
Terrible. Full of offensive stereotypes, not to mention horrible plot holes.
February 22, 2016
Quick read - good writing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews