Five stars for this one!
I cannot wait to read more of Lee Winter’s work! She is an extraordinary talent and to say that she spins a good yarn is an understatement to be sure.
I loved this book and will definitely be re-reading it to catch all the breadcrumbs of clues to the mystery that I missed this time around along with other details I may have overlooked. I’ll be glad to re-read the antics of the characters and to laugh, snicker and snort in every chapter again; this was great fun to read!
The relationship between King and Ayers makes for entertaining reading. Acerbic Ayers and sassy King make a wonderful pair (like oil and water or gasoline and a blowtorch) as they collaborate in investigating the bizarre goings on at a Hollywood party they attend along with a colourful group of Hollywood celebrities, wannabes and politicians. Banter between King and Ayers is snarky and caustic, the kind that can have beverages burning their way out your nose so use caution if you’re prone to this happening while reading something hilarious or outrageous.
The mystery is complex and intriguing, often unpredictable, but the pieces gradually come into view ready for assembly by King and Ayers. Supporting cast are easy to imagine and often eccentric characters, dialogue is frequently laugh out loud funny, and the depiction of politicians and Hollywood stars and wannabes makes for a superbly fun read.
There are hints in the writing that the author has a background in journalism, from setting the story in part in a newsroom and having several characters work in that field down to the headline style chapter titles that pique interest and curiosity in the reader, as if to say ‘what does this have to do with the story?’ and having the answer come in a totally unexpected way. The intersections of celebrity, journalism and politics make for an explosive mix with plenty of intrigue, suspense and hilarity; Lee Winter clearly knows how to balance all the elements masterfully.
I highly recommend this book to those who love a good mystery, the quirky world of celebrities and their relationship to the press, or anyone who just loves a good laugh. If the best elements of a movie of television show were combined in book form, it would look something like this I think. I would love it if these characters were featured in another story at some point in the future.
(Reviewed January 28, 2017)