I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Star Struck
by Marjorie McCownSeries: Hollywood Mystery #2
Series Rating:
Published by Crooked Lane Books on May 7, 2024
Setting: Los Angeles, California
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 368
Format: Audible Audiobook, Audio CD, Hardcover, Kindle
Source: the Author
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Get Your Copy at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Penquin Random House, Nook
Perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano and Kellye Garrett, in this second Hollywood Mystery, film costumer Joey Jessop discovers that Hollywood buries its secrets deep when a superstar’s assistant turns up dead.
Costumer Joey Jessop is working on a movie set in 1930s Hollywood and starring two of the world’s biggest stars. The male lead is also a dedicated social activist, and the female lead, Gillian Best, is known for her lifestyle brand. After a hit-and-run near the set, Joey realizes that the car involved belongs to Gillian, and she begins to wonder if the actress has more to hide than her Botox appointments.
Her suspicions deepen when Gillian’s personal assistant Rita vows to get revenge for Gillian replacing her and is found dead shortly after. Gillian quickly labels Rita’s death a suicide, and the police seem to agree–but Joey isn’t so sure.
With the police standing aside, it’s up to Joey to dig up the truth–but Hollywood stars know how to keep their secrets close, and a woman like Gillian Best won’t take kindly to someone sniffing around her affairs. Joey is certain that Gillian has something to hide–and she’s determined to find out what.
Star Struck by Marjorie McCown is an insightful look at Hollywood’s glamorous world with a mystery twist.
Will Joey figure out what is happening and get over her guilt?
Joey Jessop
Our sleuth is Joey Jessop, a Hollywood costumer. She is working on a movie about the golden years of Hollywood, set in the 1930s. Period pieces are Joey’s favorite. She loves the research and seeing everything come together on the screen.
Joey is a fantastic character. She is a bit of a workaholic, but she knows it, and it helps her get through some rough spots. Joey is a bit damaged from what happened in the first book, but by the end of this installment, she seems to be working it into her norm.
The Mysteries
So, many things are going on. Joey meets a young lady who she wants to help but can’t. The girl runs into traffic and is killed by a car. The accident happens outside the movie shoot they are at, and everything gets messed up. A few days later, a colleague is found dead, then a star’s daughter tries to commit suicide. One of Joey’s costume shops may be using sweatshop labor.
Joey is handling all of it, along with a constantly shifting production schedule and impossible deadlines. Oh, and let’s not talk about the traffic and how much time it takes to get a few miles down the road. However, Joey manages to handle everything, including catching the culprits.
Four Stars
I love the fast-paced mystery, and the setting is fabulous. Although I thought the author got a bit too technical on costuming, it did help me learn about Joey. I was entertained and enjoyed the characters and their connections.
My rating for Star Struck by Marjorie McCown is four stars. I recommend this mystery, especially if you like Hollywood.
Hollywood Mystery
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Star Struck by Marjorie McCown.
Until the next time,
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Jenz 2024 Cloak and Dagger
- Jenz 2024 Craving the Cozies
- Jenz 2024 Cruisin’ thru the Cozies
- Jenz 2024 Goodreads RC
- Jenz 2024 Medical Examiner Mystery RC
- Jenz 2024 Mystery Marathon
Thank you so much, Karen and Jen, for this terrific review — and for featuring STAR STRUCk on your wonderful blog! I’m very grateful to you both!