This was a fun beginning to a new historical mystery series. In 1930s Los Angeles, Vivian has a design boutique when she’s drawn into a murder mystery plot after her husband is murdered. She ends up investigating with the help of mysterious wealthy playboy, Preston Stone, and a variety of friends including Carol Lombard. Add in a couple of cute dogs to complete the team.

The novel moves fast and kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed the setting, but it did seem strange to follow all these well-to-do people with such little mention of the Great Depression. The unveiling of who the murderer was came as a surprise.

This is clearly meant to be a new series as Vivian and Preston both have mysterious identities that haven’t been explained. And, of course, there is the incipient attraction between them which shall surely build over future books. I look forward to following along with their adventures and finding out what the mystery is about each of them.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gail Meath for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Perilous Premiere coming out November 15, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries and old Hollywood, so this book was a perfect combination for me! I thought the writing was really good. I loved the Hollywood quotes and pictures at the beginning of the chapters. The plot was really interesting. I think Vivian and Preston were fun characters and I loved the banter. It was also fun to have Carole in the story. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Hollywood mysteries!

A thoroughly entertaining book. I love the historical context. The author has an engaging writing style and the scenes come alive. The characters are interesting and nuanced. The story is well plotted and well-paced. The bottom line is that his is an enjoyable, fun book that I recommend to those that enjoy both light reading and a compelling mystery. I’m looking forward to more Stone & Steele Mysteries.

Thanks to NetGalley, for the eARC. This is my voluntary review.

The premise of the mystery was intriguing:
- a lady lost her husband to an unexplained shooting and would stop at nothing to uncover the mystery of his death, but she stumbles on some surprising details.

- A rich playboy playing detective.

- some very valuable coins gone missing.

I really liked the 1930s vibe, real tidbits about old Hollywood, including real characters like Carole Lomabrad and Clark Gable, and how the villain reveal was quite the surprise.
Bella and Boris are just too cute.

I need to know more about the main character because I didn’t fully connect with them but I enjoyed the plot.

Set in 1930s Hollywood, this mystery feels like reading an old black and white movie. It's fast paced and fun and requires some suspension of disbelief, especially in the early chapters. I don't know enough about Carole Lombard to tell you if her character is a convincing portrayal or not -- a fictional actress could have probably served the same purpose.

The title, Perilous Premiere, is perfect as is hints to a movie and with characters like Carole Lombard and Clark it seems fitting. Vivian moves to Hollywood for a fresh start. She opens a boutique and marries a banker. Life is looking up until her husband is killed in what looks like a random shooting. At the scene is a fellow by the name of Preston Stone. Vivian has a restless feeling that her husband's death was more sinister than a random shooting. As she investigates, she uncovers more secrets about her husband's life. The more she pokes around, she sets her life to be in grave danger. Preston is always showing up at every turn to her dismay. The friction and banter between these characters is worth the read as well as the mystery.

I enjoyed this cozy set in 1930's Hollywood. I read quite a few cozy series, mostly centered around food. The journey to the '30's was a nice departure. The pictures at the beginning of each chapter was a nice touch.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early access.

A Perilous Premiere is my first book by Gail Meath, but I plan to look at her other books, including the next in this new series. It is set' in the 1930's Las Angeles with many references to actors and others in the filming industry. Vivian Steele, an up-and-coming fashion designer and shop owner, is dealing with the murder of her husband and is searching for his killer. Preston Stone is a wealthy guy who used to date Vivian's sister, and she doesn't care for him, but he keeps showing up wherever she is. Eventually they decide to work together to see who is behind some strange events including them both. This story shows corruption, greed, murder, cheating, and many surprises in the interesting mystery with twists and turns that moved along a quick pace and kept my attention. I really enjoyed the relationship between Vivian and Preston and liked them. I can't wait to read the next book to see where their investigation may take them. Both of the two have a backstory not yet revealed and I hope to get answers in the next book.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

In 1938 Hollywood, fashion designer Vivian’s husband is murdered. She soon becomes entangled with playboy nemesis Preston in a deadly game involving a missing coin collection and a killer targeting them both.

This has the feel of a hard-boiled detective mystery. I enjoyed the characters and the story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A Perilous Premiere is the first of a new Historical Mystery Series starring Vivian Steele and Preston Stone. Vivian owns a boutique in Beverly Hills and is a friend of Carole Lombard. Her husband, George, is a successful banker who gets murdered.

Vivian gets a call and is told to go to hotel room where she finds the body of a dead actress. Also present in the room is Preston Stone, handsome playboy and Vivian's nemesis. They go their separate ways and somehow end up at the movies a few days later and it becomes clear they are now targets.

The book is plot driven and moves quickly with twists and turns and secrets to be revealed along the way. The dialogue is humorous and well written. I look forward to book 2, hoping for more character development. The cutest characters are Bella, a Boston Terrier, and, Boris, a Saint Bernard. All in all, a great start to a new series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Cranberry Pond Publishing, for an ARC. The review is my own.

A Perilous Premiere by Gail Meath is a fast paced mystery that grabs your attention and doesn't let go in the short 200 pages that make up a very well structured and written book that primarily focuses its pages on explaining and solving the murders that have occurred in the story. Even though it is not a character driven book, there is potential and chemistry to be explored. I will definitely be waiting for the next book in this series to continue the adventures of our characters.This book is set in Hollywood 1930 and I can appreciate the research into the history and important landmarks of that time - all of which provided us with a very cosy historical fiction book.

This book is set in Hollywood in 1930 and I can appreciate the research into the history and important landmarks of the time - all of which provided us with a very cosy historical fiction book.

Fun start to a new cozy series. Set in 1930s Hollywood, this fast-paced adventure introduces Vivian Steele whose husband is gunned down. Friends with Carole Lombard and beset by man-about-town, Preston Stone, Vivian has her hands full with figuring out whether her husband’s death was a case of ‘wrong place, wrong time’ or something more sinister. Add in two adorable dogs and you’ve got a strong first book in this new series.

Review:

A Perilous Premiere by Gail Meath
The first book in the Stone & Steel Mysteries
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is an entertaining read for fans of historical mysteries, suspense, and detective novels.

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
Vivian Steele loses her husband, George, during a shooting incident in a store. Vivian, a fashion designer and a boutique owner, starts her investigation and helps the police catch George’s possible killer. Yet Vivian is not content and suspects the police arrested the wrong person. An unknown woman asks Vivian to meet her in a hotel suite. Arriving, she encounters Preston Stone, her adversary and a Hollywood socialite, who has also been invited. They find a murdered young actress, and Vivian sees a photo that shakes her to the core. George’s secrets now threaten to destroy Vivian’s life. Vivian and Preston must join forces to find a killer who plays wicked games with them both.

…………………………………………………..

This is not a character driven book, it focuses on the mystery and solving the murders, I quite enjoyed reading a book written this way as it was a refreshing change for me. This is a short book at just over 200 pages and can be read fairly quickly. I will certainly keep my eye out for the next books in this series as they are different from what I would normally read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/⭐️⭐️

Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC copy

Read if you are a fan of Richard Osman and Reverend Richard Coles

#cosymurdermystery #cosymurderbook #hollywoodmurdermystery #bookreview #arccopy

'A Perilous Premiere' started with a bang and took me on a puzzling adventure in 1930s California. Bonus enjoyment for loyal pet dogs and hints of romance. If you enjoy reading quick mysteries, then I recommend this book to you! I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Special thanks to the Publisher, BooksGoSocial, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A Perilous Premiere is a great read! And I am eager for the next book in this series.

The story is set in 1930s Hollywood. Vivian Steele, dress designer, and boutique owner counts Carole Lombard among her besties. But Vivian’s seemingly perfect life is fractured when her banker husband is gunned down while buying a pack of cigarettes. Initially, his murder seems random, but was it? The mystery is intertwined with rich, playboy, Preston Stone’s own inquiries. And this unlikely duo team up to get to the bottom of it.

It’s easy to become intrigued by these bigger than life characters. The main characters and secondary characters are fully fleshed out. Getting a handle on their personalities, values, and dreams is effortless. Through them, we are able to feel this glamorous lifestyle.

Finally, the writing is superb. It was simple to get drawn into the story line. The people, surroundings, and actions were all easily envisioned, making the book so much fun to read.

Gail Meath has a previous series I now plan to check out as well.

I really enjoyed this fast paced and fun cosy mystery! A Perilous Premiere follows the recently widowed Vivian Steele as she seeks answers for the circumstances surrounding her husband’s untimely death. With a brilliant cast of characters, including the mysterious playboy Preston Stone, actress Carole Lombard and cute Boston terrier Bella, this novel immerses you in 1930s Hollywood. Throughout there are evocative descriptions that keep you immersed as you follow the plot’s twists and turns. The ending was very satisfying and I am looking forward to the next book in the series and hoping we learn more about Vivian’s secretive past and Preston’s career.

With thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.

“A Perilous Premiere: 1930s Historical Mystery Series” by Gail Meath is an engrossing beginning of a new series.. Anyone who likes a mystery within a mystery sprinkled within history will find this book delightful.

A really fun, 1930s cozy mystery. It’s a quick read with very engaging characters, and I loved the inclusion of real people/movie stars as characters. I’m glad it’s the start of a new series because I can’t wait to read more!

This is a fast-paced cozy crime story set in 1930s Hollywood. I liked the author's evident love for that era - the music, films, stars and fashions - which made this a fun read. The vintage photographs included as chapter headers are a lovely touch, as is the tribute to Carole Lombard in the author's note at the end. This is the first in a new series, and I look forward to more.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

pet-dogs, 1938, first-in-series, new-series, Hollywood, historical-figures, historical-novel, historical-mystery, historical-research, suspense, secrets, lies, amateur-sleuth, police-corruption, political-corruption, small-business, investigators, investigations, murders, murder-witness, wealthy, actors, cozy-crime, situational-humor, verbal-humor, banter, theft*****

Everyone has a hidden background and most have a hidden agenda as well in this character driven story. It moves along quite well with a few hiccups here and there, but that didn't interfere with my enjoyment or keep me from wanting to finish it after I went to bed. The Special Note at the end includes historical facts, mini bios of the historical characters in the story, music clips, and appropriate old film clips. I'm really looking forward to the promised next two books in series!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!
#APerilousremiere #1930sHistoricalMystery by @GailMeathAuthor #StoneAndSteeleMysteriesBk1
#NetGalley @newbooksplease @ibpa

What a great start to a new Historical Mystery Series! In 1938 Vivian Steele comes to Hollywood. Things are fine until her husband is murdered. This is the story of how Vivian and her playboy nemesis Preston Stone, solve his murder. It was well-written with a fun cast of characters. I like that the pets were included as characters. I also liked the little pictures at the beginning of each chapter to give the reader more details about what is coming up. I highly recommend if you like mysteries about old Hollywood. I want to read the next one in the series.