Dead Pan (Jocelyn O'roarke Mystery)

Rating:
Summary: Jocelyn O'Roarke on the Left Coast
Review: Her relationship with Phillip Gerard on the rocks, Jocelyn O'Roarke heads to the left coast to take a part in a movie being produced by an old friend and to nurse her emotional wounds. The star of this movie is a former child actress who has gone through a patch of drugs and marital problems. Jocelyn's job is not just acting though. She has also agreed to coach the star and try to keep her on track.

As usual in Dentinger's books, the death does not dominate the plot. Her cast of characters from the cowboy hairdresser to the crotchety photographer "uncle" pull the reader into Jocelyn's adventure in Tinsel Town. The author does not take the obvious or easy route as she puts her characters through their paces.

Rating:
Summary: Murderer Enters Stage Left
Review: I read these books out of order but I don't recommend it. Dentiger has done a good job of giving a sense of closure to each book; however, the overall story arc is also important.

This story involves an attempt to save a grand old New York threatre, the Burbage, from the wrecking ball. The mystery arises from the death of an actor during the curtain call but the mystery is not the best thing about this book.

The best thing about this book is Dentinger's knowledge of actors and acting, directors and directing. Whether or not actors are really like this, they should be in order not to disappoint their fans. Dentinger is able to miss the stereotype trap with little deft touches of character.

Darkly humorous, this one is well worth reading.