From the New York Times bestselling and internationally acclaimed author comes a Hollywood crime drama set in the 1940s and present day that tackles racism, sexism, and murder.
Karissa Glover is a movie producer who moves into a decrepit but functional old mansion in the West Adams Heights area of Los Angeles, where black celebrities of yesteryear-Hattie McDaniel, Louise Beavers, and others-once resided. The former owner was a white actress, Blair Kendrick, who often starred as the "bad girl"-a femme fatale-in films noir of the 1940s. However, Blair's career was cut short when she was tragically killed by the mob after allegedly witnessing the slaying of a corrupt studio head in 1949.
As Karissa and her producing partner decide to develop a modern film noir about Blair Kendrick, malevolent forces from the past attempt to stop them-first with intimidation, and then with the thread of murder.
Is this because Karissa has learned that Blair was involved in a then-taboo interracial relationship with jazz musician Hank Marley? What really happened on the night that death struck in a dimly lit studio mogul's office? The consequences of Blair and Hank's doomed love affair still resonate in the present day as Karissa attempts to unravel Blair's secrets.
Seeping with mystery, intrigue, Hollywood history, and forbidden romance, Blues in the Dark is Raymond Benson at his most insightful and page-turning best.
Blues in the Dark is a Hollywood noir with parallel alternating plotlines from the 1940s and present day by Raymond Benson. Released 8th Oct 2019 by Skyhorse on their Arcade Crimewise imprint. It's 336 pages and available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The author uses the parallel story lines to pretty good effect here and main character Karissa (a filmmaker) becomes more and more involved in the 1940s life and death of femme fatale movie star Blair Kendrick after renting Blair's house which hasn't been changed much since her death in 1949. The plot revolves around dirty money, corruption, racism, sexism, and the motion picture industry of the golden age of Hollywood.
This is a gritty thriller; the language is rough, there's sexual content, murder, etc. The plotting and dialogue are well done, and the writing is entertaining - the author is a competent writer. I will say that the main plot twists are so heavily foreshadowed that I assumed they were meant to be known before the denouement reveal.
I would heartily recommend this one to fans of noir and golden age Hollywood. Highly readable and entertaining.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
