The Mayor of Hollywood by MB Brophy

Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members' Titles

Lucy Cassidy was a teenage Hollywood star, famous for her work on Malibu Cove, think 90210 and Orange County. Despite the fact that she and her manager mother had a contentious relationship, her money was well managed leaving Lucy financially comfortable and able to pursue other interests when she was of independent age.

 

Studying history becomes Lucy's passion and she earns a doctorate degree in history and continues to do some occasional movie work.  When the body of a Hollywood agent, who has a link to a dark secret in Lucy's past, is found murdered beside the body of a reporter on the same site as a famous old Hollywood murder case, Lucy’s life takes a turn for the worse.  She now has a stalker to deal with, who not only attempts to terrorize her, but also puts both of her careers in jeopardy. She and her boyfriend, detective Mark Adamson, must find the connection between the two murders and the identity of the stalker before it is too late.

 

By linking a 1930 murder to a current day murder, the author explores some of the problems and dangers in the Hollywood of wannabees and successful stars.  The hazards related to the “director’s couch”, prescription and non-prescription drugs, eating disorders, power and greed, and the power of the press, are part of the stories past and present. 

 

If you aren’t a big Hollywood junkie, you should find some of the historical tidbits about Hollywood in the 30’s and how one can become the Mayor of Hollywood, an honorary position, interesting.  My guess is there is nothing new here for hard core junkies, but I found I learned a few things about Hollywood that were interesting and sometimes amusing.

 

All in all MB Brophy has created a solid and enjoyable read with likeable characters and enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader interested and surprised.