Firstly, I must mention the title The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black is such an intriguing title. Why a double death? What’s the mystery behinFirstly, I must mention the title The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black is such an intriguing title. Why a double death? What’s the mystery behind the death of Honey Black? So many questions that are deftly answered by Lisa Hall in this original glamorous, time-slip murder mystery set in the Golden Age of Hollywood. It’s 2019, and Lily is a cleaner at the famous Beverly Hills Hotel. It’s the where the actress Honey Black was brutally murdered and they did not catch her killer. After an accidental bump to the head, Lily finds herself in Hollywood but in 1949. Rubbing shoulders with Hollywood’s elite, including Honey Black. Lily realises that the actress has only two weeks left to live before her murder date. Can she unmask the killer before it’s too late? Can she alter Honey’s fate? And so begins a compelling and addictive read.
I normally like my crime thrillers to be full of blood and gore. The Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black is more of a cosy murder mystery. It made a pleasant change and reminded me of a classic Agatha Christie book, where the tension lies in the ‘whodunnit’ rather than the crime itself. It’s obvious the author has researched the Hollywood of bygone days, the glamour, glitz, gossip and scandal. She brings the era to life with her stunning visual descriptions.
I like how the author misdirects you at every given opportunity. It certainly keeps you guessing. No sooner had I discounted one suspect another character took their place! Amateur sleuth Lilly is such a refreshing character. She’s determined, resourceful and considering her circumstances, she’s incredibly resilient.
The thing that makes this book so interesting is that, alongside Lilly’s investigations, we get transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. I loved the references to the real life stars before they became household names. In case you haven’t guessed, I loved the Mysterious Double Death of Honey Black. It’s clever and so original, it’s brilliantly plotted, with incredible characters. Highly recommend.
THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved every page of this book! The story spans several decades, and it’s setTHE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO surpassed my expectations. I absolutely loved every page of this book! The story spans several decades, and it’s set against the backdrop of the glittery Hollywood film industry. But all that glitters is not gold! Recluse Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, we learn more about her seven husbands along the way! The burning question and one everyone wants the answer to is, ‘who was the love of her life?’ Evelyn Hugo insists that Monique a journalist, will be the one to write her tell-all biography, but why? And what connects the two?
Most of the narrative is from Evelyn POV as she reminisces about her past and chapters interspersed with the present, where we learn more about Monique. The narrative and the characters are second to none. TJR captures the very essence of her characters. I convinced myself that this was a real life Hollywood star! Evelyn is flawed, ruthless, she’s manipulative and very selfish, but I loved her! She frustrated me; she made me angry, my heart broke for her, but she is unforgettable! And as each husband comes and goes, you love her a little more.
The real reason for Evelyn picking Monique is intriguing, and kept me guessing all the way to the dramatic revelation. There are so many characters that made this book a joy to read. Some will worm their way into your heart, others will leave you cold, but each one adds a depth to the story that made this book such a joy to read. I adored reading Evelyn’s rag to riches story, the glitz and glamour, the scandals, the heartbreak and her incredible forbidden love story. Highly recommended.
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