Last night at the Hollywood Canteen A novel

James (The Woman with Two Shadows, 2022) brings intrigue and glamour to this story set in Los Angeles during WWII. The narrative brilliantly captures the essence of Hollywood's golden era, complete with movie stars, scandal, and the allure of fame, as Annie Laurence, a New York playwright seeking refuge after heartbreak, becomes ensnared in a web of suspicion and murder, while her own secrets remain hidden beneath the surface. When Hollywood critic and gossip Fiona Farris, known for her sharp wit and even sharper reviews, is found dead at the Hollywood Canteen, Annie and her newfound group of friends find themselves embroiled in a scandalous murder mystery. The tension simmers as the group's history with Fiona is unveiled, leaving Annie second-guessing every motive and alibi. The question lingers: could one of their own be responsible for Fiona's demise? Taking place in a world where appearances are deceiving and loyalties are tested, this is a thrilling exploration of ambition, jealousy, and the dark side of glamour. With engaging characters, a captivating setting, and a relentlessly twisty-turny plot, it's a must-read for fans of both classic whodunits and modern suspense.

When murder-mystery playwright Annie Laurence moves to Hollywood from NYC in 1943 to start a new life, she begins hobnobbing with stars like Bette Davis at the Hollywood Canteen, a real-life club that offered food, dancing, and entertainment to servicemen during World War II. The mystery begins when harsh film critic Fiona Farris is found dead at the Canteen, after Annie's been integrated into Fiona's group of industry friends. James's latest (after The Woman with Two Shadows) then starts reading like a murder-mystery dinner script with a cast of unique and witty characters who all quickly become suspects. Annie's character comes off a little dull, and a little too much attention is given to her ex-lovers and failed relationships, but the humor and Hollywood absurdity keep the story suspenseful without it getting too dark. VERDICT An atmospheric Hollywood whodunit for fans of Kate Alcott and Marie Benedict. Purchase where historical mysteries are popular.--Carrie Voliva