I loved this book! A brilliant murder mystery that has the uniqueness of time travel. Once I started I couldn’t stop and it’s a brilliant read. I will be highly recommending this

In 2019, Lily Jones is living a life far from what she dreamed of in Los Angeles. Instead of being a movie producer, she finds herself cleaning at the prestigious Beverly Hills Hotel, specifically in the Paul Williams suite—the site of Honey Black’s brutal murder in 1949. The suite is shrouded in rumors and dark glamour, which only adds to Lily’s fascination with the past. However, after an accidental bump on the head, Lily is inexplicably transported back to 1949, just two weeks before Honey Black’s untimely death. As she navigates this bygone era, rubbing shoulders with Tinseltown’s elite, Lily realizes she may have been sent back for a reason—to prevent Honey Black’s murder and change history.

The dual timelines are skillfully woven together, creating a seamless and immersive experience. The novel does more than just tell a story; it transports you. The vivid descriptions of 1949 Hollywood are enchanting, making you feel as if you’re walking the same hallways as the stars of that era. The attention to detail is meticulous, from the fashion to the mannerisms, and the dialogue is both authentic and engaging.

“The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black” by Lisa Hall is a captivating time-slip murder mystery that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Really enjoyed it.

The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black is such an interesting twist on an old Hollywood mystery. However, I'm not a fan of the writing. It came off as both flowery and forced, and I couldn't push past it to finish the book. It's a shame because the premise is so fun, but hopefully other readers will like it more than I did.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

I don't usually love time travel but this was such a fun concept! It could have veered towards being convoluted but Hall did a fantastic job of making it compelling!

I enjoyed this book mainly because of the descriptions of old Hollywood and LA in the 1940s. I found the story quite predictable and I guessed the ending early on but it was still a fun ride through to the end.

"The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black" by Lisa Hall is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Hall masterfully weaves together a complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and danger lurks around every corner.

At the heart of the novel is the enigmatic Honey Black, a reclusive author whose sudden and mysterious death shocks the small town of Banktoun. As the community reels from the tragedy, secrets long buried begin to surface, and dark truths come to light. Hall expertly builds suspense, ratcheting up the tension with each twist and turn of the plot, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind Honey's death.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its cast of complex and multi-dimensional characters. From the troubled detective determined to solve the case to the eclectic mix of townspeople with their own hidden agendas, each character adds depth and intrigue to the story. Hall skillfully explores the dynamics of small-town life, where gossip spreads like wildfire and everyone has something to hide.

Hall's writing is atmospheric and evocative, with vivid descriptions that bring the town of Banktoun to life. From the eerie beauty of the surrounding countryside to the claustrophobic confines of the town itself, Hall creates a sense of place that is both haunting and immersive. Her attention to detail and knack for building suspense make for a thrilling reading experience that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, "The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black" is not just a whodunit—it's also a thought-provoking exploration of identity, ambition, and the nature of storytelling itself. Hall deftly examines the power of narrative to shape our perceptions of reality, raising questions about the reliability of memory and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the world.

In conclusion, "The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black" by Lisa Hall is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that will appeal to fans of suspense and mystery. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and evocative setting, it's a book that will keep readers guessing until the very end. Hall has crafted a masterful tale of secrets and lies that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

If you love Old Hollywood, dual-timeline and mystery, this is the book for you. This was a lot of fun. Lily Jones, an classic Hollywood film buff, is excited to know that the room she's supposed to be cleaning has a ghost in it (probably) of a starlet who was murdered. The next thing she knows, she wakes up in 1949 and finds herself being hired by Honey Black herself, as a personal assistant, and she has two weeks to either prevent the murder, or get back into her own time and solve the murder.

Oh, boy, there is no shortage of suspects, no shortage of attempts and poor Lily is right in the thick of it all. Time is running out!

I really enjoyed the fact that Lily, a product of the modern age, struggled with how different things were "back then." She had no cell phone, no Wikipedia, no internet to help her figure things out, and I loved how she tried to bring some of the modern woman into the lives of the women she met in 1949. d

I thought the characters were well written, even the bratty ones, and really enjoyed the Old Hollywood storyline. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are mine, and freely given.

The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black is written by Lisa Hall. This is a dual timeline story . This is the first book that I have read by this author - and it will not be my last. This is a nice blend of mystery and historical story.

It's 2019 - and Lily Jones has moved to LA to try and work in film. However, she finds that it is harder then she thought. She is being shown the suite at the Beverley Hills Hotel where Honey Black was found murdered - and while she is cleaning she falls and hits her head. When she comes too it's 1949 and she finds herself becoming Honey's assistant. It's a few weeks before the murder.

Lily is determined to try and prevent and/or solve the murder. It's remained unsolved for several years. The author has done a wonderful job with all the twists and turns. The book is well written, the storyline is engaging. You will be drawn into the story within the first few pages.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

I really liked this book, it was different than anything else I've read which was a breath of fresh air. I will be recommending this to my friends, and auto buy this author!

Everything is gorgeous, the cover is SO gorgeous, the main character Lily Jones is gorgeous and the whole story is awash with 1940s glamour. Utterly exquisite.

Lisa Hall has crafted a masterpiece here which highlights her brilliance as Hollywood tinsel ooozes from the pages and the Beverly Hills Hotel with its infamous Paul Williams suite is beautifully described.

For a while, reading this, I was suspended in time and thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the 1940s.

Though I am normally a fan of slightly darker thrillers, I loved this cosy time-slip mystery set during Hollywood’s heyday.

A well plotted and intriguing mystery with time slips, cold cases and a murder that could be stopped or solved.
Highly entertaining and full of surprises
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is a dual timeline mystery, although most of the story is set in Hollywood in 1949. Lily the main character finds herself transported to the start of the ‘golden age of Hollywood’ to try and solve the mystery of the murder of an upcoming film star. I had a strong idea the killer was who I thought it was! One of the bad sides of the story was the constant reminders that Lily was no longer in 2019. - it happened a least once per chapter! Having said that overall, I did enjoy this book!

This was a lovely step back in time and the characters were well rounded however I felt that the ‘bump’ in to the past and back again was a bit basic. It felt a bit silly and although I enjoyed the pace of the mystery itself the ending left a lot to be desired.

This book was really entertaining and historical fiction chick lit. It is really light and goes by fast. This is perfect for someone who is dipping their toes in historical fiction.

Golden age of Hollywood + murder mystery = a good time.

I liked this book and the main character, Lily. It was exciting to read her journey to save Honey Black and I loved the touches of humor throughout.

I would have liked a bit more resolution at the end. I feel like it just... ended. But overall, a fun read!

I liked this but I didn’t love it enough to want to pick it up and read. I struggled through this one because I felt the pacing wasn’t the best. For the majority of the book the plot of the murder mystery was not progressing very quickly (which I don’t necessarily have a problem with), but there wasn’t a lot of character development or character exploration going on to compensate for the pace. I really liked the idea of a book set in old Hollywood, but I don’t feel like the time period really shined. Other than the misogyny towards women and lack of iPhones (which was mentioned by the main character many times), I really couldn’t place the decade. I would have enjoyed a little bit more exploration in the scenery and culture of the 40s and old Hollywood. Overall a good read, and I feel people might enjoy this one more than I had, especially if you enjoy a time travel murder mystery.

The Mysterious Double Death Of Honey Black may be all about fathoming the unsolved murder for the title’s up and coming starlet but there is one massive question. What happened to Lily? Was it all a dream? Was she magically transported to 1949 to finding Honey’s killer?

As Lily adjusts to an LA of the past, she slips herself into the group surrounding the young Honey Black, making herself the starlet’s PA. Being in the inner circle surely must enable Lily to solve the murder that had remained a mystery for so long. But as she spends longer there she draws attention to herself and not just the good variety! She not only gets herself in trouble but also young Honey!

For me the glamour of 1940s Hollywood has been encapsulated. Hall seamlessly thrown in the contrast of a bygone era with the modern day with Lily’s experience of her real life. The blatant inequalities and chauvinistic attitudes of the day are brilliantly replicated (in my opinion) and Lily’s difficulties dealing with them are real.

Hall has curated a fabulous murder mystery with a twist. It’s the Golden Age brought in to the 21st century but taken back again if that makes sense! This is very different to my experience of Hall’s psych-thrillers but she has pulled it off brilliantly – I loved it!

PS: after the Acknowledgments, Hall has created a playlist to accompany the book which is well worth a listen. The mix of modern with the very familiar classics works so well.

This was absolutely addictive! I could not put it down! I was totally absorbed into the story. It was old Hollywood Glamorous and this was absolutely unforgettable. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I just reviewed The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black by Lisa Hall. #TheMysteriousDoubleDeathofHoneyBlack #NetGalley
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You are aware that she was slain. Can you prevent a repeat occurrence?
Two radically distinct lives...
Lily Jones is in Los Angeles in 2019 living her dream. Kind of. She had hoped to work as a movie producer, but things haven't quite worked out that way; now she cleans at the upscale Beverly Hills Hotel. At least she gets to work in the legendary Paul Williams room, where Honey Black was brutally murdered 70 years ago, and the crime is cloaked in mystery and glitz.
In 1949, Honey Black is on the verge of stardom. She may have started off as a Hicksville country girl, but she is now a star. Hollywood had better be on the lookout because nothing can now stop her!
One homicide in Hollywood
After suffering an unintentional head injury, Lily wakes up in 1949 Hollywood. She is mingling with Hollywood's elite, which is like a dream come true. Aside from Honey Black... Lily is horrified to learn that the actress has just two weeks to live before being killed. Could this be the reason she ended up in 1949? to track out the murderer and put a stop to them?


I absolutely loved this book I felt like I went back to 1949 with Lily and was actively helping Lily resolve and try to prevent the death of Honey Black. This book made me want to go back time and live in the 1940's and see what it was like. It definitely seems like a different time from now and would be a wonderful break from the troubles of everyday life. Do you think you could survive in the 1940's if you were from 2019? Do you think Lily will be able to solve the murder of Honey Black and be able to save her and figure out who the culprit is before time runs out?