Getting Garbo: A Novel Of Hollywood And Murder

Rating:
Summary: In A Lonely Place--Hollywood
Review: GETTING GARBO might not have been the best title for this hard-hitting noir book which reads a lot like Dorothy B. Hughes bestseller of a bygone era, IN A LONELY PLACE. I think GETTING GARBO, coupled with the simpering face on the cover of this novel, will lead some readers into thinking the book is a romance which it definitely is not. Well, maybe it is in an ultra-perverse sort of way. Young Reva, a member of the Secret Six society of autograph hounds, has always had an unspoken affinity to up and coming screen star Roy Darnell, who has a TV series from Warner Brothers called "Jack Havoc."

Roy and Reva alternate chapters between them, and author Ludwig nails down both characters beautifully, as well as giving us a full scale, Edna Ferber-like picture of show biz life both in NY and Hollywood. It's almost a Kenneth Anger "insider's" look, but one that has a gentle, sepia tone to it, even in its courscating scenes of violence, ruthless ambition, and horrible bloodshed. Though this is not a book for the faint-hearted, adventurous readers will appreciate the trip back to the days when "Confidential" was both a threat and a treat to stars and their fans alike.

Rating:
Summary: HOLLYWOOD LORE
Review: I LOVED this book! I just love a story that takes me back to Hollywood in the 50s and 60s because the stars of that time were so classic! The characters are entertaining, if a bit offbeat and the story built all the way until the end. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Hollywood gossip or just a good mystery.