Lillian Frost & Edith Head, Book 1
Synopsis: This debut is the first in a series of riveting behind-the-scenes mysteries from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Los Angeles, 1937. Lillian Frost has traded dreams of stardom for security as a department store salesgirl . . . until she discovers she’s a suspect in the murder of her former roommate, Ruby Carroll. Party girl Ruby died wearing a gown she stole from the wardrobe department at Paramount Pictures, domain of Edith Head.
Edith has yet to win the first of her eight Academy Awards; right now she’s barely hanging on to her job, and a scandal is the last thing she needs. To clear Lillian’s name and save Edith’s career, the two women join forces.
Unraveling the mystery pits them against a Hungarian princess on the lam, a hotshot director on the make, and a private investigator who’s not on the level. All they have going for them are dogged determination, assists from the likes of Bob Hope and Barbara Stanwyck, and a killer sense of style. In show business, that just might be enough.
Review: I did not really know about the series but with the release of the second volume I had the chance to to discover this first novel. The idea of investigations along with Hollywood during this period was very attractive and I was curious to see what the author was going to present us.
We discover Lillian Frost a young woman who works today in a clothing store. Her rather routine life is going to be completely upset down when she learns that her ex roommate and friend is found murdered. Suspect of the murder, she will try everything to innocent her name and discover what happened to Ruby. This young woman who enjoyed by life without hesitation, abusing it, has changed somewhat since her departure. This is how Lillian will team up with Edith, a friend of hers who is trying to understand the events as well and they both will try to clear up the mystery. But while Lillian discovers Ruby’s secrets, she will put herself in danger and discovering the killer will become indispensable!
I loved the idea of the novel, it is a very interesting mix and it was a pleasure to discover Lillian. She is a very fresh and dynamic woman who, despite what Ruby has made her endure, hopes to understand the truth. The plot is not badly conducted with many secrets, arrangements, and we gradually discover the stories of each character. I confess that I had not seen the end coming, especially about the culprit. The author makes us doubt, suspecting the characters, the one after the other and it is true that this mobile was far from what I could have imagined.
As I said, this novel was a good discovery and I am curious now to find the characters for a new story!
Sophia Rose
Oh, that is neat how it’s set in old time Hollywood and even better that the mystery kept you guessing.
Melliane
right? I love that
blodeuedd
Yay for a good discovery, I hope the rest are good too
Melliane
me too
Geybie's Book Blog
This sounds interesting. And this is the author’s debut. Wow, great. I’ve never read any hystorical fiction books with a mystery as the main theme. Glad that you enjoyed this, Melliane. I hope the rest in the series will be equally great.
Melliane
yes it was a new one for me too, it’s interesting!
Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading
I like the sound of this. For me a good msystery is one that keeps you guessing until the end and this book sounds like it fits that category.
Melliane
yes !
kindlemom1
I love the retro 20’s look to the cover! Great review, glad you enjoyed this.
Satine's books
The cover looks nice, I like that period.
Your review is very nice ! I loved reading it 🙂
This book seems very good. I will probably add it to my very loooooong Wish List 🙂
Melliane
j’espère que ça te plaira !
LilyElement Book Reviews
This sounds different and intriguing!! Thanks 😀
Lekeisha
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book like this.
Greg
Ooh I love that almost art deco style cover! And the fact that it’s set in the ’30’s and real Hollywood people make an appearance! Plus it just sounds fun.
Melliane
right?
Mary Kirkland
A good murder mystery is always good for keeping me intrigued.
Carole Rae
Good discovery! 😀
I even like the cheesy cover..it fits nicely.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This sounds like a really good book. I like that the characters seem to be great and the mystery was hard to guess. Great review!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Wow, what a great setting! The look of the cover is perfect too. Thanks for putting this one on my radar!
Melliane
it was fun
ShootingStarsMag
Love mystery novels -and Lillian sounds like a really great character. 🙂
-Lauren
Silvia
I don’t remember exactly where, but I saw this one a while ago and it got me curious. I’m glad it worked well for you, now I’m even more intrigued! 😀
Melliane
I hope you try
Vanessa
The setting is from the old time Hollywood? Now that’s interesting
Melliane
right?
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I like that cover. Sounds interesting. 🙂