The Jean Harlow Bombshell by Mollie Cox Bryan is the first book in the NEW “Classic Star Biography #1” traditional mystery series. Publisher: Midnight Ink, May 8, 2019.

When it comes to writing Golden Age Hollywood biographies, the pen is deadlier than the sword

Justine Turner is a world-famous biographer of Hollywood stars. She’s also Charlotte Donovan’s overbearing boss. So it comes as no surprise to Charlotte when Justine requests an emergency meeting related to her latest in-progress biography. It is a surprise, though, when Justine up and dies before their urgent discussion can begin.

In the wake of such a tragedy, all Charlotte wants to do is finish the Jean Harlow biography that Justine had started. Instead, she finds herself in grave danger—stalked both online and in person by a drop-dead Jean Harlow look-alike. Together with police sergeant Den Brophy, Charlotte uncovers shocking revelations. But will these revelations be enough to catch the killer?

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I have to say that I thought this was a historical and wasn’t planning on reading it, but now I am glad I did. I love this book. From the first page, this wonderfully crafted novel immediately grabbed my attention and I could not put this book down until all was said and done. When Charlotte’s boss is found murdered, Charlotte is determined to finish the book, but not before she solves her boss’ murder.

This was a fun book to read. The writing is crisp and easy to follow and I like the tone and the pacing which was on par with how well this story was being told. I like how the author introduced the suspects keeping me enthralled in all the motives, but it’s the clues that kept me on guard as one by one, it became clear as to the motive and the killer’s identity. It was interesting to read the backstory of Charlotte and how it influenced the person that she is today, but I have high hopes that the tide turns in her life. Overall, this was a good story that satisfied the mystery that I enjoy with a nod to the classic stars from bygone years.