So far so good; this series continues to impress for atmosphere, characterisations and plotting.

Some of this, I know, is because of the inclusion of so many real life, prominent characters of the time - 1938 Hollywood, but the writers are faithful enough to each of the stars they include that I, at least, never felt like I wasn't reading about the real life actor. Extra points go to the authors for including Hedy Lamarr; not for her acting accomplishments, but for her scientific ones.

The fictional characters hold their own too, although the authors struggle with romantic tension; introducing another love interest (which given the era doesn't feel quite as triangle-ish somehow) doesn't help either. Although I sort of like the new guy better than the old guy.

The story didn't get the full five stars because it did drag just a little; the plot is a complex one that is intricately enmeshed with another, so that around the mid-book mark it felt like the story wasn't really getting anywhere - things were happening, but they didn't seem to mean anything to either the characters or the reader. It all comes together in the end, of course, and it's so damn interesting I forgave the exercise in patience.

An author's note at the end takes the time to not only separate the fact from the fiction, but recommends several non-fiction books that go in-depth into the real life events borrowed for Dangerous to Know. At least two of which, one about Hedy Lamarr and her work as an inventor - not an actress - and one about the Hollywood-funded spy ring in place to watch the Nazis, are definitely going on my list.

This was my Free Friday read (#3) and was 336 pages (including the author's note, which was a must read, in my opinion). ( )

I was looking forward to more from these authors and this did not fail to delight. How actual Hollywood stories and scandals are woven into the storyline is fascinating, providing entertainment and insight into what everyday life and fantasy-building might have been. Lillian Frost, as a "Girl Friday' character is further developing her unique persona, and I'm waiting for more adventures ahead for her and Ms. Head. Thanks for great summertime reading!

"...I can't go on reading papers and watching newsreels hoping everything will work out. I have to do something... I mean, the Nazis already invaded my apartment."

Lillian, now a social secretary, isn't content with only rubbing shoulders with 1938 Hollywood glamour while the cloud of the Reich descends in Europe and reaches across the ocean. When a composer seeking work at Paramount Pictures is found dead, Lillian partners with her friend Edith, Paramount's lead costume designer, to unravel the latest mystery on their hands in Dangerous to Know by authors Renee Patrick.

I enjoyed the first Lillian Frost & Edith Head novel, and this second novel's ties to the imminent Second World War most compelled me to read it.

I'll admit, though, I fluctuated between moments of being engrossed in this one and stretches where the story all but lost my interest.

Where the romance thread is concerned, although I like Lillian's dry wit overall, she might be a little too dry as a romantic character. And, even with the beginnings of attraction in the first book, one of her love interests isn't compelling enough to make me see why he's still in the running for her. He just doesn't seem like someone who's ready to pursue a woman.

I'm glad I made it to the mystery's climactic stage, which is the best part. While I didn't enjoy this read as much as the first, I'll still keep my eyes open for more from this joint author, particularly to see if another Lillian and Edith novel will go deeper into the war. ( )

Reading Renee Patrick's Lillian Frost and Edith Head mysteries is like walking into Old Hollywood; you never know who's going to have a cameo role. So much of the plot is based on actual events-- like Jack Benny and George Burns facing smuggling charges-- that readers get a real sense of life in the movie industry before the U.S. enters World War II.

For some reason, I'm having a difficult time warming to Lillian Frost, and I don't know why. I can certainly sympathize with what Edith Head had to endure-- being considered the cheapest alternative while the studio brought in a continuous round of prospective replacements. Edith is a good foil to Lillian and does provide the younger woman with sound advice. Frost's new job as social secretary helps give her the entrée into Hollywood society that she needs in order to conduct her investigations.

The writing team of Renee Patrick is adept at creating absorbing, complex mysteries that keep the pages turning. Anyone with even a minuscule interest in old Hollywood movies and stars should enjoy their Frost and Head mysteries. In fact, the books are so good that readers unfamiliar with the territory may find themselves becoming fans, too. ( )

Renee Patrick is the pseudonym for the dynamic writing husband and wife team Rosemarie and Vince Keenan. Last year's release of Design for Dying (Lillian Frost and Edith Head #1) was met with rave reviews and has been nominated for several awards. Design for Dying is a cozy, behind-the-scenes mystery surrounding Hollywood's Golden Age. You have atmosphere, glitz and glamour, and murder, of course. Not to mention two intelligent women who steal the show. Dangerous to Know is the second book starring this amateur crime-fighting duo.

After the success they had in Design for Dying, Edith and Lillian have built a bit of a reputation for themselves. So much so, when Marlene Dietrich comes knocking insisting they investigate the disappearance of a composer, they agree. The mystery launches them head-first into a plethora of espionage, gangsters, cover-ups, FBI investigations, starlets, and secrets. Patrick uses "a real-life incident, a historical footnote long forgotten, in which the war clouds gathering over Europe cast a shadow on Hollywood."

I love old movies. I love how glamorous everything seemed in 1930's Hollywood. I loved the clothes, the cars, the panache lifestyle. Renee Patrick takes you back to when glamour rules, gossip is king, and everybody has a secret. Dangerous to Know is a noir with two classy ladies who are whip smart and savvy. It's a nod at the classics and it will keep you guessing until the very end. Lillian Frost and Edith Head are an unstoppable force to be reckoned with and I can't wait for their next adventure.

Read more at http://www.toreadornottoread.net/2017/05/champagne-mystery-and-movie-magic.html#... ( )