George Baxt (1923–2003)

Film buffs will delight in this wonderful book, mystery lovers, not so much. Baxt has written a light mystery that will bring a smile to the face of many who fondly remember William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, as long as they don’t expect the charm or sophistication of the Thin Man films. And don’t expect any deft plotting. Some great series set around Hollywood’s heydays, such as Stuart Kaminsky’s Toby Peters mysteries, are both nostalgic and riotous as they deliver the goods. This one will deliver the goods, but only if your order is something light and entertaining, with little bite.

Baxt's regular characters in his series, cops Herb Villon and Jim Mallory, along with Herb's girlfriend Hazel Dixon, a gossip underling of Louella Parsons, have plenty to do and have quite a bit of interaction with Powell and Loy. This is good, because rather than having Powell and Loy be a gimmick, they are actually front and center in solving the murder. It makes for a sweet and nostalgic ride through 1930s Hollywood. Gossip and tidbits classic film fans will love are peppered throughout the narrative.

Hollywood is buzzing and Louis B. Mayer is fuming when a former stock player at MGM named Audrey Manners gets word out that she needs money. Since she is now Claire Young, a rather famous madam with a black book full of Hollywood names, such a message can only lead to murder. When her assistant gets killed, it is up to Villon and the gang to get it solved. To Mayer's consternation, however, it is Powell and Loy in the news, when they are reported as helping out with the investigation. Powell is about to marry the sickly "Baby" (Jean Harlow), and Myrna is having marriage trouble as she and Powell use the cover of researching their next Thin Man film to nose around helping Villon. Hazel, of course, is delighted at the prospect of a juicy story. Herb, however, is more concerned for Claire, with whom he once was in love.

There is nothing tawdry here despite the storyline, just some gentle fun for classic film fans. Powell and Loy discover the murder may have ties going all the way back to Paul Bern, Jean Harlow’s former husband. The friendship of Powell and Loy comes alive in their fun exchanges, and if that’s what you’re after, it’s a nice read. If you’re looking for intricate plotting, some genuine tension, this one isn’t for you. Riveting the mystery may not be, but fun in the extreme it most definitely is, if you come at it from the right direction. Obviously your mileage may vary greatly on this one, depending on expectations and how much you love wallowing in film nostalgia.… (más)