The Sharpest Needle - (A Lillian Frost and Edith Head Mystery) by Renee Patrick (Paperback)

About the Book

1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies, one of Hollywood's leading ladies, has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious 'Argus'. Lillian Frost and her partner-in-crime Edith Head try to expose the writer before they expose Marion, but are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory .

Book Synopsis

Ready to mingle with the stars? Hollywood's A-list takes centre stage once again in this stylish, twisty and sharply observed Golden Age of Hollywood mystery featuring irresistible sleuthing duo Lillian Frost and Edith Head. Effortlessly blending oodles of glamour and famous (and fictional) names with a stunningly crafted whodunit, this compelling, vibrant tale is bursting with twists and shocking moments. Love gossip, rumour and scandalous secrets? This page-turning read is perfect for fans of Classic Hollywood films and all mystery-loving fashionistas.

What happens when your past catches up with you?

Lillian Frost and Edith Head investigate a series of bizarre poison pen letters sent to a leading Hollywood actress in this mesmerising mystery.

1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies has a problem. The actress has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious 'Argus'. Can Lillian Frost and her friend and partner-in-crime, celebrated costume designer Edith Head, expose the writer before they expose Marion? Lillian's boss, millionaire inventor Addison Rice, seems to think so, but when Lillian speaks to her idol, Marion is reluctant to reveal her secrets, fearful of jeopardizing her affair with newspaper tycoon W.R. Hearst.

Is a prankster simply trying to tarnish the reputation of one of Hollywood's leading ladies, or is something more sinister going on behind the scenes? As Lillian and Edith are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory, their enquiries take an unexpected and stunningly dark twist . . .

From the Back Cover

RENEE PATRICK THE SHARPEST NEEDLE 1939, Los Angeles. Marion Davies has a problem. The actress has received poison pen letters highlighting an embarrassing event in her past from the mysterious 'Argus'. Can Lillian Frost and her friend and partner-in-crime, celebrated costume designer Edith Head, expose Argus before Argus exposes Marion? Lillian's boss, millionaire inventor Addison Rice, seems to think so, but when Lillian speaks to her idol, Marion is reluctant to reveal her secrets, fearful of jeopardizing her relationship with newspaper tycoon W.R. Hearst. Is a prankster simply trying to tarnish the reputation of one of Hollywood's leading ladies, or is something more sinister going on behind the scenes? As Lillian and Edith are drawn into increasingly dangerous and disturbing territory, their enquiries take an unexpected and stunningly dark twist . . .

Review Quotes

A champagne-flavored frolic of a first mystery set during Hollywood's golden age ... Sure to delight fans of old Hollywood and Turner Classic Movies-- "Library Journal on Design for Dying"

A delightful and entertaining story with unexpected twists and turns ... If you enjoy a fast-paced detective story with a sprinkle of humor, this might be the perfect book for you-- "Historical Novels Review"

A meaty, densely packed presentation of Tinseltown riven by potentially murderous factions on the brink of World War II-- "Kirkus Reviews on Script for Scandal"

A solid mystery, but it's the imaginative blending of real and fictional history that really sells the book ... The emergence of Head as a fully fleshed character, along with evermore- engaging, Hollywood-based stories, has made [this series] something quite special-- "Booklist"

An exhilarating ride through Hollywood in its heyday . Lovers of old movies, fabulous gowns, and historical gossip will be enchanted-- "Publishers Weekly on Dangerous to Know"

Entertaining... Patrick elegantly weaves Hollywood gossip and history into the well-crafted plot. This is a tailor-made treat for film buffs - Publishers Weekly

Patrick skillfully stitches together bits of authentic Hollywood history and provides star turns for the likes of Bette Davis and Fred MacMurray in this exuberant tale of murder, revenge, and sartorial splendor-- "Publishers Weekly on Script for Scandal"

The story is intricate and surprising, and the partnership between Head and her good friend Frost sets the stage for many further adventures-- "Booklist on Dangerous to Know"

The story, concerning a bank robbery, is genuinely gripping. Well done-- "Booklist on Script for Scandal"

The warm working relationship that develops between Lillian and Edith will leave readers eager to see more of their adventures-- "Publishers Weekly on Design for Dying"

Vibrant, stylish and crackling, Design for Dying is both a gift to devotees of Golden Age Hollywood and a mystery lover's delight. It's a delicious cocktail, one you won't want to end-- "Megan Abbott, bestselling author"

About the Author

Renee Patrick is the pseudonym for married authors Rosemarie and Vince Keenan. Rosemarie is a research administrator and a poet. Vince is a screenwriter and a journalist. Both native New Yorkers, they currently live in Seattle, Washington. The Sharpest Needle is the fourth title starring Lillian Frost and Edith Head. The most recent in the series, Script for Scandal, is also published by Severn House.