Crafting Poetry One Syllable at a Time
“Hollywood, 1926. Where actors’ and actresses’ dreams can come true. But do they? While silent screen movie stars reign supreme, a film producer is gunned down in cold blood. Enter Rosie, a pretty bit-player, Eddie, her current beau, and Beatrice, her bitter stage-mother. As real celebrities of the time, such as Clara Bow, Lon Chaney, Gloria Swanson, and Rudolph Valentino float in and out, a chase to find the killer exposes the true underbelly of Los Angeles––with all its corruption.”
Welcome to Los Angeles, California. The year is 1926, and the reader finds themselves smack dab in the midst of the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition is in full swing, and there is more booze sloshing around in the speakeasies than you can imagine. Are you there with me? Step back in time and be prepared to read what it was like back in the good ole’ days when Model T’s were king, and Flappers filled the streets.
On the set at Medford Studios, a cold-blooded murderer has just gunned down Mr. Harris, the “big-shot” Producer. Rosie Paige, an actress in the making and Eddie, her boyfriend, an assistant to Lon Chaney, are on the set when the murder occurs. Never in their wildest dreams did they think they would be involved in a real-life murder investigation. Besides, Rosie and Eddie have dreams they would like to fulfill if Beatrice, Rosie’s mother will let them.
The first officer to show up to the investigation is Detective Frank Lozano, who is fighting an alcohol-induced hangover from the night before. Lozano is a washed-up cop having lost his family to his drinking habit. Between the Mafia, bootleggers, and corrupt police officers, Lozano stands out as a decent guy who swears he will solve the murder. I liked his character. All of his faults made his journey all the more worthwhile.
Like many of the silent movies from the period, Trouble in Glamour Town leads the reader into the dazzling world of movies and movie stars, where behind the scenes, everything is not as lovely as it appears. Hollywood, where money-hungry producers are seducing young female wanna-be actresses for sexual favors, where dirty cops are on the take, and drunken parties hide the dreams and desires of many a young woman. Intertwined with this murder mystery is a novel rich with the lessons of the past that still scream to us from our current headlines today.
As with all of S. R. Mallery’s novels, the details and the historical facts that make the story come to life in your mind are enchanting. I heard the sound of the Model-T and experienced Clara Bow’s wild party first hand. As the mystery unravels, the murderer pops from the pages, a total surprise at the end.
This book was a fun read that I read in a couple of nights. If you love murder, mystery, and mayhem dive into pages of Trouble in Glamour Town. At $.99 this book is a steal!
Won’t you join me? I’m off to enjoy a cocktail called the Bee’s Knees. During Prohibition, this drink found its fame by calming the jagged edges of illegal booze. Made with gin, honey, lemon and orange juice it’s a crowd pleaser. Hey, these period pieces are fun! ❤
Image Credit: PlatingsandPairings.com
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Fairies
Author, S. R. Mallery
S.R. Mallery, Gold Medalist winner of the 2016 READERS’ FAVORITE Book Awards for Anthologies and 2017 READERS’ FAVORITE Gold medalist for Historical Fiction Personage, has been labeled nothing short of ‘eclectic.’ She has been a singer, a calligrapher, a quilt designer, and an ESL teacher. As a writer, History is her focus and is woven into her stories with a delicate thread. When people talk about the news of the day or listen to music, Sarah’s imagination likens the story to a similar kind of news in the past and is conjuring up scenes between characters she has yet to meet.
What readers are saying about S. R. Mallery’s books:
“A master storyteller has been at work, and this marvelous piece of writing is the result.” ~ Thomas Baker Thomas on Unexpected Gifts.
“Honestly, I haven’t read a book this unique in quite some time.” ~ John H. Byk on Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads
“Mallery is an extremely talented writer. Her style lures the reader; you actually become a part of her tapestry of expression.” ~ Melinda Hines on Tales to Count On.
The Dolan Girls “was so enjoyable. At times rollicking, at times poignant, but always authentic, well researched and a beautifully told story. Highest recommendation. Five stars.” – B. Nelson
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Thanks for stopping by! Cheers! ❤
This is indeed a well organized and organized post, great approach to the author and the books!!
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Thanks, Mihran. A fun book and great mystery. ❤️
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I love Sarah’s books and this one is on my list. Thanks, Colleen!
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It’s the perfect period piece. I really enjoyed the story. ❤️
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TYSM, Colleen. Gin Rickey’s were also in fashion…along with dangerous wood alcohol and heroine addiction (Mabel Normand was a huge heroine addict)…
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I had so much fun researching a drink for this post. See, that’s what historical fiction does to me. LOL! I loved this book, Sarah. Well done! ❤
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YOU! Well, my family now all laugh when I start foaming over about the latest tidbit that this person did or that government did in the past…and of course what they all wore!
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LOL! I’m starting a new trend on all of your books when I review them. A period drink to go along. I love it! ❤️
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Thanks, olga. Hope you enjoy it! 💖
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I loved The Dolan Girls so I’m sure I’ll enjoy this one, too. Off to download it.
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Oh, Mary. This one’s a gem. She really captured the time period. ❤
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Much thanks, Mary! 🙂
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Wow! Thank you SO much for your wonderful review, Colleen! Your words warm my heart…
I had SUCH A BLAST researching for this book. Watching Rudolph Valentino up on the screen proved he was indeed the “hunk” of his time; Gloria Swanson’s dramatic clothing described was from photos and to me, added to her need for attention; Clara Bow was so expressive, delightful, and maligned by the Hearst organization and Hollywood royalty, and Lon Chaney, IMO, was a true genius.
But when I delved even deeper, finding out about the complete corruption happening in Los Angeles from top to bottom, I quickly realized I had to include all of it! Thank you again, dear friend, for your great support xoxo
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Reading your books is always a pleasure, Sarah. You’ve outdone yourself with this one. A great read and fun to learn all the bits that you never hear about. I enjoyed the mystery and of course the characters were outstanding. Hugs. ❤
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Thank you, thank you. I’ve always loved movies; even went on various sets as a teenager because my father was a television writer for years and years. I guess that’s why when I thought of doing this, I dove into this project with flying colors!
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How fascinating! That sounds like another book! ❤️
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Reblogged this on S.R. Mallery's AND HISTORY FOR ALL and commented:
Much thanks for the wonderful author, Colleen Chesebro, for this great review of my TROUBLE IN GLAMOUR TOWN.
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