Originally Published: March 2, 2017

By: Guy Bolton

In 1939 Hollywood, two of the biggest classics were made: Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz. And it’s right in this time period that this novel is set.

Detective Craine is Hollywood’s big fixer. He solves the problems of the stars and studios and keeps things covered up – think Olivia Pope from Scandal. After the death of his actress wife, Craine is trying to step away from that life but is brought in once more to help MGM cover up a producer’s suicide. But, this fixing will take him into a case that’s far bigger than he expects.

This book drags on and features much less of the Hollywood spectacle than it sells. Detective Craine’s personal problems, like his inability to connect with his son, take up too much of the plot.

Final say: Glitz-less disappointment. ★☆☆☆☆