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A Jake & Laura Mystery #2
All That Glitters
In Michael Murphy’s rollicking new Jake & Laura mystery, the hard-boiled writer and the aspiring movie star head for sun-drenched Los Angeles, where a cold-blooded murderer lurks behind the scenes.
Just arrived from New York, Broadway actress Laura Wilson is slated to star in Hollywood’s newest screwball comedy. At her side, of course, is Jake Donovan, under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But peace and quiet are not to be had when an all-too-real murder plot intrudes: After a glitzy party, the son of a studio honcho is discovered dead from a gunshot wound. And since Jake exchanged words with the hothead just hours before his death, the bestselling author becomes the LAPD’s prime suspect.
In 1930s Tinseltown, anything goes. Proving his innocence won’t be easy in a town where sex, seduction, and naked power run rampant. With gossip columnist Louella Parsons dead-set on publicizing the charges against him, Jake has no choice but to do what everyone else does in the City of Angels: act like someone else. Blackie Doyle, the tough-talking, fist-swinging, womanizing hero from Jake’s novels wouldn’t pull any punches until he exposed the real killer—nor will Jake, to keep the role of a lifetime from being his last.
Just arrived from New York, Broadway actress Laura Wilson is slated to star in Hollywood’s newest screwball comedy. At her side, of course, is Jake Donovan, under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But peace and quiet are not to be had when an all-too-real murder plot intrudes: After a glitzy party, the son of a studio honcho is discovered dead from a gunshot wound. And since Jake exchanged words with the hothead just hours before his death, the bestselling author becomes the LAPD’s prime suspect.
In 1930s Tinseltown, anything goes. Proving his innocence won’t be easy in a town where sex, seduction, and naked power run rampant. With gossip columnist Louella Parsons dead-set on publicizing the charges against him, Jake has no choice but to do what everyone else does in the City of Angels: act like someone else. Blackie Doyle, the tough-talking, fist-swinging, womanizing hero from Jake’s novels wouldn’t pull any punches until he exposed the real killer—nor will Jake, to keep the role of a lifetime from being his last.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
About the author
Michael Murphy
14 books134 followersWhether you prefer to turn pages or tap screens,, Sundown is available in hard copy, paperback and ebook. Order Sundown now!. https://tinyurl.com/uy9vn4mc
My journey as a historical fiction writer has taken me from Woodstock in Goodbye Emily to the bright lights and dark alleys of 1930's in my Jake and Laura series, and now to Wyoming in 1871. Sundown is coming.
Sundown, Wyoming 1871. In the heart of the untamed West, where legends are forged and secrets run deep…
A young lawyer, Wyatt McCrea seems to have it all, a flourishing career and a beautiful fiancée, the wealthy daughter of his powerful boss. His idyllic life shatters when he learns his estranged brother Travis has been arrested for murder in the mysterious town of Sundown, Wyoming.
Leaving everything behind, Wyatt embarks on a dangerous journey into a world of corruption, desire and shocking secrets.
In Sundown, Wyatt quickly learns a law book alone won’t be enough as he untangles a web of deceit and whispers of stolen Confederate gold.
The stakes quickly escalate as he faces off against a legendary judge, an ambitious prosecutor and a corrupt mayor.
With time running out, Wyatt is aided by a captivating newswoman devoted to the truth—but she harbors secrets of her own.
With Travis’s fate hanging in the balance, Wyatt risks everything to expose the truth and bring justice to a lawless frontier. In a tense courtroom showdown, Wyatt uncovers revelations that alter everything he thought he knew about his brother.
Sundown is a gripping Western legal thriller about unbreakable bonds in a town where the line between truth and fiction blurs like a fading sunset.
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mmurfy86
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/mmurfy86/
My journey as a historical fiction writer has taken me from Woodstock in Goodbye Emily to the bright lights and dark alleys of 1930's in my Jake and Laura series, and now to Wyoming in 1871. Sundown is coming.
Sundown, Wyoming 1871. In the heart of the untamed West, where legends are forged and secrets run deep…
A young lawyer, Wyatt McCrea seems to have it all, a flourishing career and a beautiful fiancée, the wealthy daughter of his powerful boss. His idyllic life shatters when he learns his estranged brother Travis has been arrested for murder in the mysterious town of Sundown, Wyoming.
Leaving everything behind, Wyatt embarks on a dangerous journey into a world of corruption, desire and shocking secrets.
In Sundown, Wyatt quickly learns a law book alone won’t be enough as he untangles a web of deceit and whispers of stolen Confederate gold.
The stakes quickly escalate as he faces off against a legendary judge, an ambitious prosecutor and a corrupt mayor.
With time running out, Wyatt is aided by a captivating newswoman devoted to the truth—but she harbors secrets of her own.
With Travis’s fate hanging in the balance, Wyatt risks everything to expose the truth and bring justice to a lawless frontier. In a tense courtroom showdown, Wyatt uncovers revelations that alter everything he thought he knew about his brother.
Sundown is a gripping Western legal thriller about unbreakable bonds in a town where the line between truth and fiction blurs like a fading sunset.
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE
http://www.facebook.com/#!/mmurfy86
FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/mmurfy86/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 19, 2016
Laura Wilson, Broadway star arrives in Hollywood to star in a screwball comedy. With her is her boyfriend Jake Donovan, who is under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But they hardly have time to settle down before everything goes wrong. A man is killed at a party they attend the very same night they arrive in LosAngeles and Jake is soon murder suspect number 1...
Everyone that has seen screwball comedies from the 1930s will feel familiarity with this book. It feels like an homage to old Tinseltown and screwball comedies. There are even cameo appearances by William Powell and Carol Lombard in the story. I really loved that since I'm a huge fan of 1930s movies and love screwball movies. If you haven't seen The Thin Man, then you should see it after you read this book.
This book is fast-paced and funny and there are both mobsters and movie stars, and of course murder. Never a dull moment! Jake must do everything in his power (together with Laura of course) to exonerate himself and that before the press prints that he is the prime suspect and his career is over and also clear himself so he doesn't end up in jail for a murder he didn't commit...
This was the first book I read with Jake and Laura, but it won't be the last (especially since I own the first book). I enjoyed reading this book very much and it felt very good to read something lighthearted once in a while. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, perhaps a female aviator will be in it...?
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review!
Everyone that has seen screwball comedies from the 1930s will feel familiarity with this book. It feels like an homage to old Tinseltown and screwball comedies. There are even cameo appearances by William Powell and Carol Lombard in the story. I really loved that since I'm a huge fan of 1930s movies and love screwball movies. If you haven't seen The Thin Man, then you should see it after you read this book.
This book is fast-paced and funny and there are both mobsters and movie stars, and of course murder. Never a dull moment! Jake must do everything in his power (together with Laura of course) to exonerate himself and that before the press prints that he is the prime suspect and his career is over and also clear himself so he doesn't end up in jail for a murder he didn't commit...
This was the first book I read with Jake and Laura, but it won't be the last (especially since I own the first book). I enjoyed reading this book very much and it felt very good to read something lighthearted once in a while. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, perhaps a female aviator will be in it...?
I received this copy from the publisher through Netgalley in return for an honest review!
October 17, 2014
What a great book!
This sequel to The Yankee Club is just as rollicking as its predecessor. And it starts immediately after the first closes, which always makes me happy. I dislike missing time in treasured characters' lives.
The setting of the noir mystery changes from the grimy New York streets to the glittering but somehow dirtier boulevards of Hollywood. But the heart and guts are the same. The familiar street-wise gumshoe, the beautiful heroine, the down-on-their-luck bums and the undeservedly-lucky high rollers.
The cast is filled with memorable characters, and plenty of Golden Era name-dropping.
And the case! Wooo, the case. A classic who-dunnit, with a bit of the old "Oh crap, they think I dunnit" nail-biting thrown in.
In summary, anyone who enjoys Model Ts, classy dames, slick hoods, the dawn of the "talkies," and fast-paced, hard-boiled action will love this book and the series.
Another, Mr. Murphy! I need another!!
This sequel to The Yankee Club is just as rollicking as its predecessor. And it starts immediately after the first closes, which always makes me happy. I dislike missing time in treasured characters' lives.
The setting of the noir mystery changes from the grimy New York streets to the glittering but somehow dirtier boulevards of Hollywood. But the heart and guts are the same. The familiar street-wise gumshoe, the beautiful heroine, the down-on-their-luck bums and the undeservedly-lucky high rollers.
The cast is filled with memorable characters, and plenty of Golden Era name-dropping.
And the case! Wooo, the case. A classic who-dunnit, with a bit of the old "Oh crap, they think I dunnit" nail-biting thrown in.
In summary, anyone who enjoys Model Ts, classy dames, slick hoods, the dawn of the "talkies," and fast-paced, hard-boiled action will love this book and the series.
Another, Mr. Murphy! I need another!!
January 28, 2015
Michael Murphy strikes again with Jake and Laura as they stumble into adventure requiring their gumshoe tactics and expertise, true partners in crime and love.
All That Glitters takes the reader to Hollywood during The Golden Era with plenty of excitement, silver screen celebrities referenced and included in the narrative, loads of historical references. Murphy has a talent for plunging the reader into the era with ease. The motley characters, the dialog all transport you to the 1930’s, the vibe clearly realized.
Jake and Laura are such vibrant protagonists. Their chemistry, quick banter bulleted with sarcasm charm the reader. Almost animated as they spring to life from the pages. Shenanigans, their passionate bickering all add excitement as they untangle the mystery of ‘who dunnit’ ferreting out the killer.
The fast pace keeps your attention, smart narrative keeps you guessing until the very end as the dynamic duo unearth secrets and scandalous behavior while seeking the culprit.
Great frolicsome protagonists paired with a riveting narrative create a fun and adventurous mystery, exciting until the last page is turned. Once again Murphy leaves me craving more from a favorite couple, anxiously awaiting the next in this fun noir series.
All That Glitters takes the reader to Hollywood during The Golden Era with plenty of excitement, silver screen celebrities referenced and included in the narrative, loads of historical references. Murphy has a talent for plunging the reader into the era with ease. The motley characters, the dialog all transport you to the 1930’s, the vibe clearly realized.
Jake and Laura are such vibrant protagonists. Their chemistry, quick banter bulleted with sarcasm charm the reader. Almost animated as they spring to life from the pages. Shenanigans, their passionate bickering all add excitement as they untangle the mystery of ‘who dunnit’ ferreting out the killer.
The fast pace keeps your attention, smart narrative keeps you guessing until the very end as the dynamic duo unearth secrets and scandalous behavior while seeking the culprit.
Great frolicsome protagonists paired with a riveting narrative create a fun and adventurous mystery, exciting until the last page is turned. Once again Murphy leaves me craving more from a favorite couple, anxiously awaiting the next in this fun noir series.
January 20, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/al...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Spoilers
First off I first must say… I loved the style with which this book was written. I really felt like I was back in the early 1930’s. The vocabulary, style and feel of the book reminded me of a Mickey Spillane novel. The mystery of who committed the murder of Eric Carville was very well executed (pun intended) and I was unable to guess who the murderer was until the very end. And that is a pre-requisite when I decide as to whether the book was a good murder/mystery or not.
The whole story takes place over an 8 day period. The cast of characters are indeed just that….characters. Laura Wilson (aspiring film actress) has come to town from New York City to star in a movie along with her boyfriend Jake Donovan (though they initially try to keep their relationship under wraps). Jake is a mystery writer and former Pinkerton detective. During their first day in LA, they are met at the train by various co-stars as well as Eric Carville. You can tell that Jake has little use for Eric…
”If possible, I had even less respect for him than before. His last name might be on the side of a studio building, but the twit wrote the substandard screenplay. I understood screenwriting basics, that was it, but I could do better than his melodrama.”
Right from the train Laura is whisked away and Jake must fend for himself. In steps one of the co-stars, Christine Brody, and invites Jake as her date for the Hollywood get together at the Carville Estate that evening. Many things happen that night but most notable is that Eric gets drunk, picks a fight with Jake (whom he just met that day) and then later on in the evening, Eric turns up dead of an apparent suicide (of course). In order to prove his innocence, Jake must solve the mystery of who dunnit as the police are keen on taking the easy way….and pinning the murder on Jake as a result of some very flimsy circumstantial evidence.
Some noteworthy characters:
The butler of course – James – An interesting character whom was an actor from Britain. As he had difficulties breaking into the industry in the US, he had to make a living and thus became the butler for the head of one of the studios in tinsel town.
Angie – mother of Sonny (young actor in the movie). Of course Angie will do what is required to further her son’s career….but will she commit murder?
Detective Gus Connolly – would love nothing more than wrapping up the case quickly with Jake as the main suspect. There is a past there and it provides for an interesting dynamic between Gus and Jake.
Annabelle Church – lead detective on the case and old flame of Jake’s.
Louella Parsons- In real life was known as the first American movie columnist and she is featured in the story in her capacity as a columnist. There are other references to real life persons from the era as well, with Al Capone as another. I found the inclusion of these people really make me feel as if I was back in the appropriate era. As well, Murphy added to the narrative and dialogue Depression-era slang that added to this perception as well.
I also really enjoyed the old patriarch and head of Carville Studios…Norman Carville. Some of his dialogue is priceless. He had a couple of surprises up his sleeve. But I did have empathy as he did lose his son, his hope for the future.
The mob connection added intrigue and danger into the story. And of course, what are prohibition and the 1930’s without the mob? And yet, the main mobster was a bit of a stand-up guy……hmmmm.
If anything….I am sad because this book is author Michael Murphy’s follow-up to the first book in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, The Yankee Club. This story picks up right on the heels of The Yankee Club‘s ending…and I did not get a chance to read that book first. You can bet I will pick up a copy though and read it.
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Spoilers
First off I first must say… I loved the style with which this book was written. I really felt like I was back in the early 1930’s. The vocabulary, style and feel of the book reminded me of a Mickey Spillane novel. The mystery of who committed the murder of Eric Carville was very well executed (pun intended) and I was unable to guess who the murderer was until the very end. And that is a pre-requisite when I decide as to whether the book was a good murder/mystery or not.
The whole story takes place over an 8 day period. The cast of characters are indeed just that….characters. Laura Wilson (aspiring film actress) has come to town from New York City to star in a movie along with her boyfriend Jake Donovan (though they initially try to keep their relationship under wraps). Jake is a mystery writer and former Pinkerton detective. During their first day in LA, they are met at the train by various co-stars as well as Eric Carville. You can tell that Jake has little use for Eric…
”If possible, I had even less respect for him than before. His last name might be on the side of a studio building, but the twit wrote the substandard screenplay. I understood screenwriting basics, that was it, but I could do better than his melodrama.”
Right from the train Laura is whisked away and Jake must fend for himself. In steps one of the co-stars, Christine Brody, and invites Jake as her date for the Hollywood get together at the Carville Estate that evening. Many things happen that night but most notable is that Eric gets drunk, picks a fight with Jake (whom he just met that day) and then later on in the evening, Eric turns up dead of an apparent suicide (of course). In order to prove his innocence, Jake must solve the mystery of who dunnit as the police are keen on taking the easy way….and pinning the murder on Jake as a result of some very flimsy circumstantial evidence.
Some noteworthy characters:
The butler of course – James – An interesting character whom was an actor from Britain. As he had difficulties breaking into the industry in the US, he had to make a living and thus became the butler for the head of one of the studios in tinsel town.
Angie – mother of Sonny (young actor in the movie). Of course Angie will do what is required to further her son’s career….but will she commit murder?
Detective Gus Connolly – would love nothing more than wrapping up the case quickly with Jake as the main suspect. There is a past there and it provides for an interesting dynamic between Gus and Jake.
Annabelle Church – lead detective on the case and old flame of Jake’s.
Louella Parsons- In real life was known as the first American movie columnist and she is featured in the story in her capacity as a columnist. There are other references to real life persons from the era as well, with Al Capone as another. I found the inclusion of these people really make me feel as if I was back in the appropriate era. As well, Murphy added to the narrative and dialogue Depression-era slang that added to this perception as well.
I also really enjoyed the old patriarch and head of Carville Studios…Norman Carville. Some of his dialogue is priceless. He had a couple of surprises up his sleeve. But I did have empathy as he did lose his son, his hope for the future.
The mob connection added intrigue and danger into the story. And of course, what are prohibition and the 1930’s without the mob? And yet, the main mobster was a bit of a stand-up guy……hmmmm.
If anything….I am sad because this book is author Michael Murphy’s follow-up to the first book in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, The Yankee Club. This story picks up right on the heels of The Yankee Club‘s ending…and I did not get a chance to read that book first. You can bet I will pick up a copy though and read it.
*OBS would like to thank the author and TLC Book Tours for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 2, 2014
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.5 0f 5
Not too long ago I reviewed the first book in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, The Yankee Club , and gave it a rare full five stars rating. All That Glitters is author Michael Murphy's follow-up, with the story picking up right on the heels of The Yankee Club's ending.
In this venture, Jake & Laura are headed to Hollywood, where Laura has been offered a leading role in a new film at a company run by a domineering family. Jake's prowess as a writer (of 'Blackie Doyle' mystery novels) precedes him and he is asked to help fix the script for the film Laura will be featured in. Jake is hesitant to get involved, not wanting to possibly derail her future in film, but the studio's head won't take no for an answer. After an argument (that comes to blows) with the original screenwriter (a son of the head of the company), the writer is found dead of an apparent suicide. When Jake proves it wasn't a suicide, the most likely candidate to have murdered the man, is Jake! Jake then has only a few days to prove his innocence. The search takes Jake through some of the finer parts of the glamorous life and acquaints him with some of the seedier parts of mob life.
Just as in the first book, author Murphy sprinkles in a few authentic, recognizable people. These famous Hollywood figures are fun to meet and Murphy manages to keep them true to the Hollywood history books but their connections to Jake and Laura are completely believable as well. These real-life historical figures are a great way to spice up a Prohibition Era mystery series!
Although it is definitely my personal bias, I have to admit I enjoyed Jake and Laura's adventures in New York just a little more, but then I have more of a history and passion for theatre than I do for film. However, this fun, fictional look at the 'glory days' of Hollywood definitely has appeal.
Jake and Laura's relationship is a huge part of the fun of this series so far and their growth here is perfect. It does grow, and yet it leaves us wanting more. In fact...everything about this book leaves me wanting more. In a good way! Jake gets into scrapes the way only a 1930's former Pinkerton-turned-novelist can! And with Laura's connections to the wealthy and famous both will be hobnobbing in all sorts of places.
I felt that Laura took a stronger hand in this book, and it shows that she's more than capable of holding her own alongside the tough Jake Donovan.
I liked this book. I liked it a lot and of the various mystery books and mystery series' that I've read, this is far and away my favorite. I can't wait for more.
Looking for a good book? All That Glitters is gold.
Not too long ago I reviewed the first book in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, The Yankee Club , and gave it a rare full five stars rating. All That Glitters is author Michael Murphy's follow-up, with the story picking up right on the heels of The Yankee Club's ending.
In this venture, Jake & Laura are headed to Hollywood, where Laura has been offered a leading role in a new film at a company run by a domineering family. Jake's prowess as a writer (of 'Blackie Doyle' mystery novels) precedes him and he is asked to help fix the script for the film Laura will be featured in. Jake is hesitant to get involved, not wanting to possibly derail her future in film, but the studio's head won't take no for an answer. After an argument (that comes to blows) with the original screenwriter (a son of the head of the company), the writer is found dead of an apparent suicide. When Jake proves it wasn't a suicide, the most likely candidate to have murdered the man, is Jake! Jake then has only a few days to prove his innocence. The search takes Jake through some of the finer parts of the glamorous life and acquaints him with some of the seedier parts of mob life.
Just as in the first book, author Murphy sprinkles in a few authentic, recognizable people. These famous Hollywood figures are fun to meet and Murphy manages to keep them true to the Hollywood history books but their connections to Jake and Laura are completely believable as well. These real-life historical figures are a great way to spice up a Prohibition Era mystery series!
Although it is definitely my personal bias, I have to admit I enjoyed Jake and Laura's adventures in New York just a little more, but then I have more of a history and passion for theatre than I do for film. However, this fun, fictional look at the 'glory days' of Hollywood definitely has appeal.
Jake and Laura's relationship is a huge part of the fun of this series so far and their growth here is perfect. It does grow, and yet it leaves us wanting more. In fact...everything about this book leaves me wanting more. In a good way! Jake gets into scrapes the way only a 1930's former Pinkerton-turned-novelist can! And with Laura's connections to the wealthy and famous both will be hobnobbing in all sorts of places.
I felt that Laura took a stronger hand in this book, and it shows that she's more than capable of holding her own alongside the tough Jake Donovan.
I liked this book. I liked it a lot and of the various mystery books and mystery series' that I've read, this is far and away my favorite. I can't wait for more.
Looking for a good book? All That Glitters is gold.
November 8, 2014
All That Glitters by Michael Murphy
This is the second volume in the series about Jake & Laura. Laura Wilson is a well-known Broadway actress going out to California to star in a movie. Laura is being brought west to make a comedy that the owners of the studio hope will be their first successful talky. Jake Donovan is her paramour and a writer of hard-boiled mysteries in the style of Dashiel Hammet. Jake and Laura travel out to the west coast on a train where Jake is hoping to find the right moment to “pop the question” to Laura.
Jake and Laura attend a fancy party at the home of the studio head to introduce Laura to the Los Angeles press and to hype the movie she is about to make. The head of the studio asks Jake if he could help out by “punching up” the screenplay even though he’s a novelist. Jake and the author have an argument during the party, and it turns into a fight with Jack putting the other writer on his butt.
But after the party the author of the movie (and the studio honcho’s younger son) is found dead from a gunshot to the head. Is it suicide or not? When the local cops decide it is murder, Jake becomes their number one suspect. Jake realizes that the only way he is going to get out of this predicament is to find the murderer.
Throw in a blonde bombshell, a washed up child actor and his stage mother, a drunken butler, studio head with a heart-attack, and Jake’s old flame as the head of detectives on the case, and it’s like a script from the “Thin Man” or a Kathrine Hepburn-Cary Grant screwball comedy. It’s fun an light reading, but the mystery of the murderer is well handled and hidden to near the end of the book. Good job.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
This is the second volume in the series about Jake & Laura. Laura Wilson is a well-known Broadway actress going out to California to star in a movie. Laura is being brought west to make a comedy that the owners of the studio hope will be their first successful talky. Jake Donovan is her paramour and a writer of hard-boiled mysteries in the style of Dashiel Hammet. Jake and Laura travel out to the west coast on a train where Jake is hoping to find the right moment to “pop the question” to Laura.
Jake and Laura attend a fancy party at the home of the studio head to introduce Laura to the Los Angeles press and to hype the movie she is about to make. The head of the studio asks Jake if he could help out by “punching up” the screenplay even though he’s a novelist. Jake and the author have an argument during the party, and it turns into a fight with Jack putting the other writer on his butt.
But after the party the author of the movie (and the studio honcho’s younger son) is found dead from a gunshot to the head. Is it suicide or not? When the local cops decide it is murder, Jake becomes their number one suspect. Jake realizes that the only way he is going to get out of this predicament is to find the murderer.
Throw in a blonde bombshell, a washed up child actor and his stage mother, a drunken butler, studio head with a heart-attack, and Jake’s old flame as the head of detectives on the case, and it’s like a script from the “Thin Man” or a Kathrine Hepburn-Cary Grant screwball comedy. It’s fun an light reading, but the mystery of the murderer is well handled and hidden to near the end of the book. Good job.
Zeb Kantrowitz zworstblog.blogspot.com
January 4, 2015
I had really enjoyed Michael Murphy’s first Jake and Laura mystery, The Yankee Club. It offered a good mystery in a time period that is featured in few series: The early 1930s during the worst of the Great Depression. I was interested to see where the story would lead, so I was excited at the opportunity to read a preview copy through Netgalley.
In the second book of the series, All that Glitters, Jake and Laura leave New York as Laura launches a career move from stage actress to screen actress. Murphy captures the glitzy world of 1930’s Hollywood well, contrasting the swanky world of film stars to the gritty urban view shown in New York. The film studios owned their talent which means that Jake and Laura have to keep their relationship under wraps from the studio execs and the Hollywood rumor mills. However, despite Jake's attempts to stay in the shadows and let Laura have her glory; issues with the script lead the studio head to enlist Jake’s help on a rewrite. Their life gets more complicated when murder occurs and Jake is under suspicion.
One of my complaints about the Yankee Club, was the forced entrance of too many famous historical figures. While we still see some famous faces in All that Glitters, Murphy does a better job of making them part of the story rather than just shoving them into the plot. Initially, I found the character of the female homicide detective to be anachronistic, but after doing a little research, I found that there were a few female detectives on police forces in the 1930s. Adding some historical notes at the end would better support that aspect of the book, but, I don’t believe a woman who could rise that far in the force would be as simpering as Murphy paints her.
In the second book of the series, All that Glitters, Jake and Laura leave New York as Laura launches a career move from stage actress to screen actress. Murphy captures the glitzy world of 1930’s Hollywood well, contrasting the swanky world of film stars to the gritty urban view shown in New York. The film studios owned their talent which means that Jake and Laura have to keep their relationship under wraps from the studio execs and the Hollywood rumor mills. However, despite Jake's attempts to stay in the shadows and let Laura have her glory; issues with the script lead the studio head to enlist Jake’s help on a rewrite. Their life gets more complicated when murder occurs and Jake is under suspicion.
One of my complaints about the Yankee Club, was the forced entrance of too many famous historical figures. While we still see some famous faces in All that Glitters, Murphy does a better job of making them part of the story rather than just shoving them into the plot. Initially, I found the character of the female homicide detective to be anachronistic, but after doing a little research, I found that there were a few female detectives on police forces in the 1930s. Adding some historical notes at the end would better support that aspect of the book, but, I don’t believe a woman who could rise that far in the force would be as simpering as Murphy paints her.
August 6, 2015
Jake Donovan and Laura Wilson have left the Big Apple in their dust and gone to Hollywood, where Laura is about to enter a new phase of her career with a lead role in one of the new talking pictures. All That Glitters, the new episode of Michael Murphy's Jake and Laura series, a cozy mystery series if ever there was one, is full of Depression-era flavor, complete with celebrities from the time and place in which is it set. The writing is tight and sassy. Murphy has penned a winner! My thanks go to Net Galley and Random House/Alibi Publishers for the ARC.
Jake has promised Laura that his risky gumshoe days are over; he is a novelist now, a new leaf turned over for the woman he loves. Who would dream that Blackie Doyle, the protagonist of his series, would have to solve a real-life murder to clear author Donovan of a murder charge that has been tethered to him by scant evidence and lazy cops? Louella Parsons, a real-life celebrity journalist whom Murphy has borrowed to add spice to his already spunky story, wants to see him behind bars; just think what a scoop it represents!
The story is enhanced by one detective who carries a torch for Jake, and another who creates all manner of ridiculous situations with his obvious, bumbling surveillance. Murphy peppers the narrative and dialogue with generous applications of Depression-era slang that sounded to this reviewer as if it had fallen from the lips of her late parents. In other words: it's a doozy!
Cold weather has come, and now is the perfect time to curl up in your favorite warm hidey-hole with this extremely entertaining mystery. You never know; you may become addicted to the series.
Stranger things have happened!
Jake has promised Laura that his risky gumshoe days are over; he is a novelist now, a new leaf turned over for the woman he loves. Who would dream that Blackie Doyle, the protagonist of his series, would have to solve a real-life murder to clear author Donovan of a murder charge that has been tethered to him by scant evidence and lazy cops? Louella Parsons, a real-life celebrity journalist whom Murphy has borrowed to add spice to his already spunky story, wants to see him behind bars; just think what a scoop it represents!
The story is enhanced by one detective who carries a torch for Jake, and another who creates all manner of ridiculous situations with his obvious, bumbling surveillance. Murphy peppers the narrative and dialogue with generous applications of Depression-era slang that sounded to this reviewer as if it had fallen from the lips of her late parents. In other words: it's a doozy!
Cold weather has come, and now is the perfect time to curl up in your favorite warm hidey-hole with this extremely entertaining mystery. You never know; you may become addicted to the series.
Stranger things have happened!
October 27, 2014
ARC provided by NetGalley.
There has been a serious lack of mysteries in my bookshelf, and I'm so glad that I found these. Jake and Laura are the best, and they make such a great team.
This book picks up right after the last one, with Jake and Laura traveling to Hollywood for Laura's big screen movie debut. While Jake has promised no detective work and only to concentrate on his book, the first party they attend ends with a murder. Jake gets caught in the middle and somehow becomes a suspect, so he has to either solve the murder before news of his involvement gets out, or Laura and his careers come to a screaming halt.
This book was so much fun because, like the last book, the historical characters that Michael Murphy drop in are amazing. There's mention of Al Capone and Jake befriends William Powell (William Powell, people!). The original characters are something special, too. Laura is still the best, because she's such a great partner for Jake. She's smart, brave, and always full of surprises. The author does a great job portraying Jake as a 1930s detective, albeit an exasperated one. This poor detective/author seems to want a quiet life, and it just never works out for him.
The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next one, especially since the author ended it the way he did. One of my favorite historical figures popped up at the end and then...no more pages. Sigh.
There has been a serious lack of mysteries in my bookshelf, and I'm so glad that I found these. Jake and Laura are the best, and they make such a great team.
This book picks up right after the last one, with Jake and Laura traveling to Hollywood for Laura's big screen movie debut. While Jake has promised no detective work and only to concentrate on his book, the first party they attend ends with a murder. Jake gets caught in the middle and somehow becomes a suspect, so he has to either solve the murder before news of his involvement gets out, or Laura and his careers come to a screaming halt.
This book was so much fun because, like the last book, the historical characters that Michael Murphy drop in are amazing. There's mention of Al Capone and Jake befriends William Powell (William Powell, people!). The original characters are something special, too. Laura is still the best, because she's such a great partner for Jake. She's smart, brave, and always full of surprises. The author does a great job portraying Jake as a 1930s detective, albeit an exasperated one. This poor detective/author seems to want a quiet life, and it just never works out for him.
The only bad part is that now I have to wait for the next one, especially since the author ended it the way he did. One of my favorite historical figures popped up at the end and then...no more pages. Sigh.
January 23, 2015
With 1930s Hollywood as the setting, this second Jake and Laura mystery offers plenty of Tinseltown atmosphere, including appearances by real life celebrities like William Powell, Louella Parsons, and Jack Benny. Jake accompanies the love of his life to sunny Los Angeles to support her budding film career, but things quickly get complicated when Jake becomes a suspect in the murder of a studio head's troubled son. Even worse, Jake's publisher threatens to drop him if he gets arrested for the crime, and his relentless editor arrives in Hollywood to make sure that the author of the Blackie Doyle mysteries sticks to writing and stays out of the big house.
Fans of light, rollicking mystery novels will enjoy the characters and the brisk pace, but for classic movie buffs this book proves a special treat. Murphy shows considerable knowledge of the cinema scene of the day and delights in populating his tale with characters film fans will recognize. Details from 1930s Hollywood abound, from the looming enforcement of the Hays Code to the death of Peg Entwistle.
Having finished both of the Jake Donovan mysteries currently in print, I'm eager to see what Murphy has planned for Jake and Laura's future adventures!
Fans of light, rollicking mystery novels will enjoy the characters and the brisk pace, but for classic movie buffs this book proves a special treat. Murphy shows considerable knowledge of the cinema scene of the day and delights in populating his tale with characters film fans will recognize. Details from 1930s Hollywood abound, from the looming enforcement of the Hays Code to the death of Peg Entwistle.
Having finished both of the Jake Donovan mysteries currently in print, I'm eager to see what Murphy has planned for Jake and Laura's future adventures!
November 12, 2014
1933. The Great Depression has wreaked havoc across the nation – breadlines line blocks in even Hollywood, men looking for work ride boxcars, but mystery writer Jake Donavan and the love of his life, actress Laura Wilson not only have jobs but Laura is about to hit the movies.
But their plans quickly go awry when Laura’s swept away by the studio stars and heads at the train station and Jake’s picked up by the other star of Laura’s film, a platinum blonde man collector.
Getting attacked by one of the son’s of the studio head doesn’t help Jake, nor being the prime suspect in that son’s murder that evening.
Will Jake figure out the real killer before he’s arrested and endangers Laura’s Hollywood career even more?
Journey back to those tough Depression days with Jake and Laura as they find themselves in what looks like a disaster for their relationship and their jobs in one terrific mystery with echoes of the great Dashiell Hammett.
This is NOT one to miss!
But their plans quickly go awry when Laura’s swept away by the studio stars and heads at the train station and Jake’s picked up by the other star of Laura’s film, a platinum blonde man collector.
Getting attacked by one of the son’s of the studio head doesn’t help Jake, nor being the prime suspect in that son’s murder that evening.
Will Jake figure out the real killer before he’s arrested and endangers Laura’s Hollywood career even more?
Journey back to those tough Depression days with Jake and Laura as they find themselves in what looks like a disaster for their relationship and their jobs in one terrific mystery with echoes of the great Dashiell Hammett.
This is NOT one to miss!
January 15, 2015
Thank you Random House/Alibi and Net Galley for the free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
With all the drama of Hollywood, and of course, the name dropping of celebrities; this book had me at hello. It reminded me of watching an old time movie mystery (duh, it took place during the Depression, ha) where the detective had all the suspects meet in one room where "all would be revealed". Several times I thought I knew "who did it" but it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book.
I was getting a little tired of Jake always wondering "what about Laura's career?". However, after pondering this, I determined the author was possibly just trying to humanize his character a little more or just make him more appealing to the female. Whatever the reason I got over it and enjoyed the book.
It was a light, cozy, fun and entertaining read. I would actually give it 4.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't have that capability.
With all the drama of Hollywood, and of course, the name dropping of celebrities; this book had me at hello. It reminded me of watching an old time movie mystery (duh, it took place during the Depression, ha) where the detective had all the suspects meet in one room where "all would be revealed". Several times I thought I knew "who did it" but it did not take away from my enjoyment of this book.
I was getting a little tired of Jake always wondering "what about Laura's career?". However, after pondering this, I determined the author was possibly just trying to humanize his character a little more or just make him more appealing to the female. Whatever the reason I got over it and enjoyed the book.
It was a light, cozy, fun and entertaining read. I would actually give it 4.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't have that capability.
January 6, 2015
Thanks to Mr. Murphy for alerting me to the availability of this book on NetGalley! I requested the book immediately and made time to read it within the next few days.
Jake and Laura's adventures continue, this time in LA, where Laura is co-starring in a motion picture. As in the first book of the series, there is a lot of name-dropping, but that was easy for me to overlook, since I enjoyed the story so much. Except for Jake's eagerness to do whatever Laura wants him to do -- even if it's something he just promised himself he'd never do! -- the characters are all well-drawn, and fit the time period to a T.
I will look for book #3 in this series when it becomes available :)
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jake and Laura's adventures continue, this time in LA, where Laura is co-starring in a motion picture. As in the first book of the series, there is a lot of name-dropping, but that was easy for me to overlook, since I enjoyed the story so much. Except for Jake's eagerness to do whatever Laura wants him to do -- even if it's something he just promised himself he'd never do! -- the characters are all well-drawn, and fit the time period to a T.
I will look for book #3 in this series when it becomes available :)
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2014
Jake and Laura move to 1930s Hollywood for another great adventure. Murphy has a way of making the setting come alive, and brilliantly captures the spirit of Hollywood during the early days of talkies and lust before the Hays code. The crime is a murder, and Jake is a prime suspect, despite his solid alibi. The cast of characters is as good as anything Damon Runyan came up with and made the story compelling on so many levels. I so enjoyed Murphy's ability to capture the environment and immerse the reader. The dramatic ending was better than a movie. You can't miss with this book.
January 5, 2015
*ARC
I loved this one. It is every bit as fun as the first one, however you will love this one even if you haven’t read the first one. Jake and Laura are a great duo. This one doesn't have as much of the noir flair, but deadpan humor is sparkling. All that Glitters is a peek into the glossy murder and mayhem of early Hollywood.
I loved this one. It is every bit as fun as the first one, however you will love this one even if you haven’t read the first one. Jake and Laura are a great duo. This one doesn't have as much of the noir flair, but deadpan humor is sparkling. All that Glitters is a peek into the glossy murder and mayhem of early Hollywood.
January 30, 2015
This is a fun escape to the glory days of Hollywood. It can be read as a standalone, but it was so enjoyable I’m going back to read the first book in the series.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
April 14, 2017
This witty mystery features Jake (who should be writing a mystery but is playing detective instead) and Laura (who is acting in her first movie, but can't resist playing detective too). The writing style is warm and funny, and the characters are folks you'd like to know. Good reading!
June 2, 2016
I like this series
July 21, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Jake & Laura series is tremendously fun, especially if you like 20th century historical mysteries, and/or if you like stories where the fictional creations interact with real people.
The thing about using the 20th century as a setting for any type of historical fiction is that even if the reader doesn’t personally remember the era, it is close enough in time that we knew people who did, or at least that some of the icons of the time live in the public consciousness. We feel that we are familiar with the ancillary characters, even if we don’t know the details. And that we associate certain people with certain eras helps fix the story in time in a way that bare historical details may not.
In this particular case, Jake & Laura go to Hollywood in the relatively early days of the “Talkies”. The Jazz Singer, the first feature film presented as a talkie, premiered in 1927. Hollywood was still feeling the echoes, as acting careers, producers, directors and studios were still suffering the fallout. The Great Depression, which brought record numbers of viewers to theaters for cheap, escapist entertainment, also made it difficult for studios to pay back their loans on the expensive new equipment needed for sound.
Jake and Laura have arrived at a Hollywood in the midst of change, but still the Hollywood that is now legend, where starlets were discovered at street-corner diners, and speakeasies catered to the rich and/or famous. It was also the early days of the “studio system” where stars and wannabees signed up to have their public life controlled by the studios’ star-making publicity machine.
Laura is a successful Broadway actress, but she has come to Hollywood to star in a screwball comedy as the ingenue. It’s a role that will make her career in movies, if the picture ever gets made. But Laura is supposed to be the star, and Jake Donovan is supposed to hang around and finish his latest novel. The trip is also a test of their recently rekindled relationship.
Nothing works out the way it is supposed to.
Jake has been in Hollywood before, but the last time he was in LA, it was when he was working as a Pinkerton with Dashiell Hammett. Jake, like Hammett, is a detective-turned-novelist, and Hammett has been singing his praises on both fronts. So when Laura’s picture needs some tightening in the screenwriting, Jake is drafted against his will. As usual, he’s protecting Laura, and equally usually, he doesn’t tell her why he is suddenly involved in something she didn’t want him near.
Then there’s a death (of course there is) and Jake is in it up to his neck. He may not be guilty, but he certainly looks guilty. He needs to find the real killer before the scandal murders his writing career, and more importantly, Laura’s big chance in Hollywood.
Because in the Depression, Jake knows that they are only one or two paychecks away from disaster. Unless he ends up in prison, which will be more disaster than anyone can handle.
Escape Rating B+: The title, of course, is meant to recall the famous quote, “All that glitters is not gold”. Most of what glitters in Hollywood is tinsel, although it could equally be said to be pyrite, or “fool’s gold”. The point is that under all the glitter, there is a lot of fakery. Also a lot of people chase the gold of Hollywood, only to discover that the metal they mined isn’t gold after all.
The other version of this saying is also true, “All that is gold does not glitter”. Jake and Laura, their relationship and their core selves, are gold and true, even if they do suffer some knocks along the way. But then, real gold is a relatively soft metal, and it’s easy to dent or shape, yet it is resistant to corrosion, as, in the end, are Jake and Laura.
While the mystery in this story turns out to be a relatively simple case of “Who Benefits?” there are plenty of red herrings to steer Jake off course and keep the reader entertained. You are pretty sure who it has to be, but it takes a convoluted time for the evidence to be revealed (and/or discredited).
One of the fun things about this series is the way that Laura and Jake interact with the luminaries of Hollywood in the 1930s. Jake knew Dashiell Hammett, the author of The Thin Man books, which became a movie series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. William Powell appears as an important secondary character in All The Glitters. This is made even more fun (and slightly recursive) that Jake and Laura are intended to be a slightly more down to earth Nick and Nora Charles. (Hammett modeled Nick and Nora on himself and his lover Lillian Hellman)
The Thin Man series is also a comedy of manners hidden in a mystery (and vice versa) and so are the Jake and Laura stories. Art imitates life imitates art imitates life, with just as terrific results as the first book in this series, The Yankee Club. You don’t have to read Yankee Club in order to enjoy All That Glitters, but it’s probably just that much more fun if you do.
The Jake & Laura series is tremendously fun, especially if you like 20th century historical mysteries, and/or if you like stories where the fictional creations interact with real people.
The thing about using the 20th century as a setting for any type of historical fiction is that even if the reader doesn’t personally remember the era, it is close enough in time that we knew people who did, or at least that some of the icons of the time live in the public consciousness. We feel that we are familiar with the ancillary characters, even if we don’t know the details. And that we associate certain people with certain eras helps fix the story in time in a way that bare historical details may not.
In this particular case, Jake & Laura go to Hollywood in the relatively early days of the “Talkies”. The Jazz Singer, the first feature film presented as a talkie, premiered in 1927. Hollywood was still feeling the echoes, as acting careers, producers, directors and studios were still suffering the fallout. The Great Depression, which brought record numbers of viewers to theaters for cheap, escapist entertainment, also made it difficult for studios to pay back their loans on the expensive new equipment needed for sound.
Jake and Laura have arrived at a Hollywood in the midst of change, but still the Hollywood that is now legend, where starlets were discovered at street-corner diners, and speakeasies catered to the rich and/or famous. It was also the early days of the “studio system” where stars and wannabees signed up to have their public life controlled by the studios’ star-making publicity machine.
Laura is a successful Broadway actress, but she has come to Hollywood to star in a screwball comedy as the ingenue. It’s a role that will make her career in movies, if the picture ever gets made. But Laura is supposed to be the star, and Jake Donovan is supposed to hang around and finish his latest novel. The trip is also a test of their recently rekindled relationship.
Nothing works out the way it is supposed to.
Jake has been in Hollywood before, but the last time he was in LA, it was when he was working as a Pinkerton with Dashiell Hammett. Jake, like Hammett, is a detective-turned-novelist, and Hammett has been singing his praises on both fronts. So when Laura’s picture needs some tightening in the screenwriting, Jake is drafted against his will. As usual, he’s protecting Laura, and equally usually, he doesn’t tell her why he is suddenly involved in something she didn’t want him near.
Then there’s a death (of course there is) and Jake is in it up to his neck. He may not be guilty, but he certainly looks guilty. He needs to find the real killer before the scandal murders his writing career, and more importantly, Laura’s big chance in Hollywood.
Because in the Depression, Jake knows that they are only one or two paychecks away from disaster. Unless he ends up in prison, which will be more disaster than anyone can handle.
Escape Rating B+: The title, of course, is meant to recall the famous quote, “All that glitters is not gold”. Most of what glitters in Hollywood is tinsel, although it could equally be said to be pyrite, or “fool’s gold”. The point is that under all the glitter, there is a lot of fakery. Also a lot of people chase the gold of Hollywood, only to discover that the metal they mined isn’t gold after all.
The other version of this saying is also true, “All that is gold does not glitter”. Jake and Laura, their relationship and their core selves, are gold and true, even if they do suffer some knocks along the way. But then, real gold is a relatively soft metal, and it’s easy to dent or shape, yet it is resistant to corrosion, as, in the end, are Jake and Laura.
While the mystery in this story turns out to be a relatively simple case of “Who Benefits?” there are plenty of red herrings to steer Jake off course and keep the reader entertained. You are pretty sure who it has to be, but it takes a convoluted time for the evidence to be revealed (and/or discredited).
One of the fun things about this series is the way that Laura and Jake interact with the luminaries of Hollywood in the 1930s. Jake knew Dashiell Hammett, the author of The Thin Man books, which became a movie series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy. William Powell appears as an important secondary character in All The Glitters. This is made even more fun (and slightly recursive) that Jake and Laura are intended to be a slightly more down to earth Nick and Nora Charles. (Hammett modeled Nick and Nora on himself and his lover Lillian Hellman)
The Thin Man series is also a comedy of manners hidden in a mystery (and vice versa) and so are the Jake and Laura stories. Art imitates life imitates art imitates life, with just as terrific results as the first book in this series, The Yankee Club. You don’t have to read Yankee Club in order to enjoy All That Glitters, but it’s probably just that much more fun if you do.
June 30, 2017
This is the second book in the series and I love it just as much as the first one. It was fast paced and I couldn't put it down! Michael Murphy does a fantastic job of weaving in Hollywood history into this story. He really does capture this era of Hollywood perfectly! I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
January 14, 2015
Michael Murphy in his new book, “All That Glitters” Book Two in the Jake & Laura Mystery Series published by Alibi gives us another adventure with Jake Donovan & Laura Wilson.
From the back cover: In Michael Murphy’s rollicking new Jake & Laura mystery, the hard-boiled writer and the aspiring movie star head for sun-drenched Los Angeles, where a cold-blooded murderer lurks behind the scenes.
Just arrived from New York, Broadway actress Laura Wilson is slated to star in Hollywood’s newest screwball comedy. At her side, of course, is Jake Donovan, under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But peace and quiet are not to be had when an all-too-real murder plot intrudes: After a glitzy party, the son of a studio honcho is discovered dead from a gunshot wound. And since Jake exchanged words with the hothead just hours before his death, the bestselling author becomes the LAPD’s prime suspect.
In 1930s Tinseltown, anything goes. Proving his innocence won’t be easy in a town where sex, seduction, and naked power run rampant. With gossip columnist Louella Parsons dead-set on publicizing the charges against him, Jake has no choice but to do what everyone else does in the City of Angels: act like someone else. Blackie Doyle, the tough-talking, fist-swinging, womanizing hero from Jake’s novels wouldn’t pull any punches until he exposed the real killer—nor will Jake, to keep the role of a lifetime from being his last.
Jake and Laura have now arrived in Hollywood after the events of the first book, “The Yankee Club”. Don’t worry you can read this all by itself and it will be just fine. Though I do recommend that you read the first one just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Laura is going to be in a movie, Jake is hired to help with the plot. The the person he gets into an argument with is murdered and Jake is the prime suspect. Now he is trying to solve the case to get himself off the hook. “All That Glitters” is a top-notch thriller filled with blackmail, betrayal and murder. Mr. Murphy really knows how to write a good story and he has the uncanny ability to transport you back in time so that you feel that you are there. The characters in this book are so well done you would swear they are real. My only complaint was the language it is “R” rated. I suppose it makes them sound tough but Bogart, Cagney and the others never spoke like that and those stories are classics. Other than that this is grade A+. I am so glad to have found Michael Murphy and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: In Michael Murphy’s rollicking new Jake & Laura mystery, the hard-boiled writer and the aspiring movie star head for sun-drenched Los Angeles, where a cold-blooded murderer lurks behind the scenes.
Just arrived from New York, Broadway actress Laura Wilson is slated to star in Hollywood’s newest screwball comedy. At her side, of course, is Jake Donovan, under pressure to write his next mystery novel. But peace and quiet are not to be had when an all-too-real murder plot intrudes: After a glitzy party, the son of a studio honcho is discovered dead from a gunshot wound. And since Jake exchanged words with the hothead just hours before his death, the bestselling author becomes the LAPD’s prime suspect.
In 1930s Tinseltown, anything goes. Proving his innocence won’t be easy in a town where sex, seduction, and naked power run rampant. With gossip columnist Louella Parsons dead-set on publicizing the charges against him, Jake has no choice but to do what everyone else does in the City of Angels: act like someone else. Blackie Doyle, the tough-talking, fist-swinging, womanizing hero from Jake’s novels wouldn’t pull any punches until he exposed the real killer—nor will Jake, to keep the role of a lifetime from being his last.
Jake and Laura have now arrived in Hollywood after the events of the first book, “The Yankee Club”. Don’t worry you can read this all by itself and it will be just fine. Though I do recommend that you read the first one just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Laura is going to be in a movie, Jake is hired to help with the plot. The the person he gets into an argument with is murdered and Jake is the prime suspect. Now he is trying to solve the case to get himself off the hook. “All That Glitters” is a top-notch thriller filled with blackmail, betrayal and murder. Mr. Murphy really knows how to write a good story and he has the uncanny ability to transport you back in time so that you feel that you are there. The characters in this book are so well done you would swear they are real. My only complaint was the language it is “R” rated. I suppose it makes them sound tough but Bogart, Cagney and the others never spoke like that and those stories are classics. Other than that this is grade A+. I am so glad to have found Michael Murphy and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from TLC Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 16, 2015
By 1933, unemployment had reached more than 15 million (1/4) of the wage earners in America. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had just been elected in 1932 who promised to make our lives better. We’d left the roaring twenties and were in the midst of the Great Depression, yet millions of Americans still managed to pack themselves into movie theaters every week. The film industry built itself around this consumer interest, going from silent films to ‘talkies’. At the beginning of this novel, Jake Donovan and his girlfriend, Broadway actress Laura Wilson, were traveling cross country by train to Hollywood where she had been selected to co-star a lead in Midnight Wedding, a romantic comedy. Jake was hoping to spend this time out of the public eye to continue on his mystery novel. However, at the kickoff party for the movie, Eric Carville, son of Norman Carville of Carville Studios, got into a tiff with Jake. Eric was later found dead in his room. The tiff was enough to rouse suspicions that Jake may be the killer. Now Jake was running out of time to prove his innocence. He and Laura team up to do their own investigating. As a former L.A. Pinkerton man, sleuthing was not new to Jake.
The author placed fictional characters alongside the Hollywood greats of that era. Fictional is Jake; Laura; Laura’s costars Christine Brody and Roland Harper; Carville Studios; and the movie Midnight Wedding. Real are all the famous people they come across during the story – William Powell and Carole Lombard; gossip columnist, Louella Parsons; and talk of how Jake and author Dashiell Hammett served as Pinkerton detectives together. There is even a guest appearance by Jack Benny and his wife. This novel is the second in the series following The Yankee Club, but was comfortably read as a standalone. The story is told in first person by Jake, who used the dialect of the day: “I’d been to parties like this before, sprinkled with actors and rich businessmen who owned expensive cars and flashy dames.” I loved the good old fashioned instincts involved when it came to investigating what really happened to Eric Carville. I rated All that Glitters at 4 out of 5.
The author placed fictional characters alongside the Hollywood greats of that era. Fictional is Jake; Laura; Laura’s costars Christine Brody and Roland Harper; Carville Studios; and the movie Midnight Wedding. Real are all the famous people they come across during the story – William Powell and Carole Lombard; gossip columnist, Louella Parsons; and talk of how Jake and author Dashiell Hammett served as Pinkerton detectives together. There is even a guest appearance by Jack Benny and his wife. This novel is the second in the series following The Yankee Club, but was comfortably read as a standalone. The story is told in first person by Jake, who used the dialect of the day: “I’d been to parties like this before, sprinkled with actors and rich businessmen who owned expensive cars and flashy dames.” I loved the good old fashioned instincts involved when it came to investigating what really happened to Eric Carville. I rated All that Glitters at 4 out of 5.
January 9, 2015
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley:
All that Glitters is the second installment of Michael Murphy’s Jake and Laura mystery series. This book has all of the same qualities that made the first book a great read. This book is set in 1933 in Hollywood, when Jake and Laura take a train cross country from New York to begin their new life in Hollywood.
Laura Wilson has signed a contract to be in movies for Carville Studios. I loved the setting in old, glamorous Hollywood with its enchanting actors, lavish parties and the glitz of the big screen. It was interesting to see the history of how movies with speaking actors, called “talkies,” developed. It was a very exciting time for people involved with the big screen; these movie studios provided people with a good laugh through their screwball comedies even though the country was in the midst of a depression.
When Jake and Laura get off the train in California, Jake immediately understands that there are a variety of unsavory and dishonest characters involved in the movie business. Jake has a fight with Eric Carville on his first night in Hollywood while he is at a party with the “who’s who” of Tinseltown. It is well-known that Eric, the son of the movie studio’s owner, is a bully that is used to pushing everyone around; but now he has met his match in Jake Donovan.
Of course, the Jake and Laura series wouldn’t be complete without a mystery. When Eric ends up dead, Jake is the prime suspect and in order to clear his name he is drawn right back into his role as a gumshoe. Even though he was supposed to leave his detective life behind in New York, his instincts won’t let him wait for the police to prove his innocence.
If you enjoyed the first book in the Jake and Laura series, then you will equally love reading ALL THAT GLITTERS. Michael Murphy has pulled off another successful novel with interesting characters, a riveting story, and a great setting that transports us back to Prohibition Era Hollywood.
All that Glitters is the second installment of Michael Murphy’s Jake and Laura mystery series. This book has all of the same qualities that made the first book a great read. This book is set in 1933 in Hollywood, when Jake and Laura take a train cross country from New York to begin their new life in Hollywood.
Laura Wilson has signed a contract to be in movies for Carville Studios. I loved the setting in old, glamorous Hollywood with its enchanting actors, lavish parties and the glitz of the big screen. It was interesting to see the history of how movies with speaking actors, called “talkies,” developed. It was a very exciting time for people involved with the big screen; these movie studios provided people with a good laugh through their screwball comedies even though the country was in the midst of a depression.
When Jake and Laura get off the train in California, Jake immediately understands that there are a variety of unsavory and dishonest characters involved in the movie business. Jake has a fight with Eric Carville on his first night in Hollywood while he is at a party with the “who’s who” of Tinseltown. It is well-known that Eric, the son of the movie studio’s owner, is a bully that is used to pushing everyone around; but now he has met his match in Jake Donovan.
Of course, the Jake and Laura series wouldn’t be complete without a mystery. When Eric ends up dead, Jake is the prime suspect and in order to clear his name he is drawn right back into his role as a gumshoe. Even though he was supposed to leave his detective life behind in New York, his instincts won’t let him wait for the police to prove his innocence.
If you enjoyed the first book in the Jake and Laura series, then you will equally love reading ALL THAT GLITTERS. Michael Murphy has pulled off another successful novel with interesting characters, a riveting story, and a great setting that transports us back to Prohibition Era Hollywood.
December 29, 2014
All That Glitters picks up immediately after the end of The Yankee Club. Jake Donovan, successful mystery author and former Pinkerton Agent, and long-time girlfriend, Laura Wilson, are leaving Grand Central Station for a cross-country journey to Hollywood. Laura, a successful Broadway actress, has been hired to co-star in a comedy produced by Carville Studios. Laura is hoping for a new career and Jake is hoping to close the deal on a whole new life by finally becoming engaged. They both agree that Jake should keep a low profile since they are neither engaged or married. That plan very quickly goes awry when the head of the studio's son is murdered and Jake becomes the prime suspect. Jake has to take off his author hat and use his investigative skills to prove his innocence before all their plans are ruined, perhaps forever.
I have always been fascinated by the Depression years and am particularly fond of the Hollywood screwball comedies of the era. Hollywood performed a great service during the Depression and later in WWII by diverting people from their fears and worries. All That Glitters features a cast instantly recognizable to movie fans of that era; the tough studio head, the blonde bombshell, the former child star with a floundering career, a female detective who is carrying a torch for Jake from years before and her not-too-smart partner. Real Hollywood figures also make an appearance; Jack Benny, William Powell and Louella Parsons figure prominently in the story. Jake and Laura make a great team much in the Nick and Nora Charles tradition, with less alcohol and more squabbling.
All That Glitters is a fun read throughout with great characters and a colorfully rendered atmosphere. I enjoyed The Yankee Club and thought All That Glitters was even better. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks to Random House Alibi and netgalley for an advance digital copy.
RATING- 4.5 Stars
February 18, 2015
Looking for a madcap, glamorous couple to help while away a few evenings? Look no further than detective-turned-mystery-writer Jake Donovan and the love of his life, Broadway-star-turned-movie-actress Laura Wilson. To meet them, you’ll have to travel back to the 1930s, but that’s not a problem. Just pick up a copy of All That Glitters, and you’ll immediately be whisked away.
Jake and Laura sprang from the mind of Michael Murphy, a Phoenix-based novelist and, I’m happy to say, a friend. Michael introduced Jake and Laura last year in The Yankee Club. This New-York-City-based novel saw the couple reunite after a two-year separation. Jake had hit it big with his Blackie Doyle novels, and Laura was the toast of Broadway. Jake gets pulled back into the detective business when his old partner, Mickey O’Brien, gets killed. While investigating Mickey’s death, Jake and Laura uncover and foil a presidential assassination attempt.
In the new novel, Jake and Laura have transplanted themselves to Los Angeles for Laura’s first movie role. In less than a day, one of the studio owner’s sons – and the script writer for Laura’s movie – ends up with a bullet in his head. Investigators find a suicide note, but Jake demonstrates that it’s a fake. Showing that no good deed goes unpunished, he soon finds himself as the prime suspect in the case. He has to solve the case to make sure he doesn’t end up in the chair.
As in The Yankee Club, Michael finds ways to weave in celebrities of the day, including Louella Parsons, William Powell, Al Capone and even Amelia Earhart. The book does a good job of capturing the glamour and ambience of Hollywood in the Prohibition era.
When you’re done with All That Glitters, you can sign up for Wings in the Dark, due out in July. This time, Jake and Laura head to Hawaii, where Earhart drafts them to help solve the murder of a local businessman. Get on board with this series. You’ll have a blast!
Jake and Laura sprang from the mind of Michael Murphy, a Phoenix-based novelist and, I’m happy to say, a friend. Michael introduced Jake and Laura last year in The Yankee Club. This New-York-City-based novel saw the couple reunite after a two-year separation. Jake had hit it big with his Blackie Doyle novels, and Laura was the toast of Broadway. Jake gets pulled back into the detective business when his old partner, Mickey O’Brien, gets killed. While investigating Mickey’s death, Jake and Laura uncover and foil a presidential assassination attempt.
In the new novel, Jake and Laura have transplanted themselves to Los Angeles for Laura’s first movie role. In less than a day, one of the studio owner’s sons – and the script writer for Laura’s movie – ends up with a bullet in his head. Investigators find a suicide note, but Jake demonstrates that it’s a fake. Showing that no good deed goes unpunished, he soon finds himself as the prime suspect in the case. He has to solve the case to make sure he doesn’t end up in the chair.
As in The Yankee Club, Michael finds ways to weave in celebrities of the day, including Louella Parsons, William Powell, Al Capone and even Amelia Earhart. The book does a good job of capturing the glamour and ambience of Hollywood in the Prohibition era.
When you’re done with All That Glitters, you can sign up for Wings in the Dark, due out in July. This time, Jake and Laura head to Hawaii, where Earhart drafts them to help solve the murder of a local businessman. Get on board with this series. You’ll have a blast!
February 13, 2015
“All That Glitters” was published in 2015 and was written by Michael Murphy (http://mjmurphy.com). Mr. Murphy has published several previous books. This is his second in the “Jake & Laura” Mystery series.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘PG’ as there are mild instances of Mature Language, Mature Situations, and Violence. This Mystery novel is set in 1930s Hollywood, California and picks up only a few weeks after the first novel in the series “Yankee Club” ends. The primary characters are former detective, now mystery writer Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson.
Jake and Laura head to Hollywood from New York on the train. Jake is intending to ask Laura, once again, to marry him. Things quickly get out of hand as the studio, which has hired Laura for her first movie, sweeps her up into the glittering world of the film studios as soon as they step off of the train.
Jake soon has an encounter with one of the studio owner’s sons that puts Laura’s film career at risk. Then that same son is found dead from an apparent suicide. Old ‘friends’ of Jake on the Los Angeles Police force question him and then ask him to take a look at the crime scene. Jake quickly points out discrepancies that indicate that it was murder rather than suicide.
Jake’s standing starts to unravel as evidence keeps pointing to him as the killer. He finds himself in a situation where he has to solve the murder in order to clear himself. He and Laura find a tangled web of deceit, double cross, and danger.
I enjoyed the 6 hours I spent with this novel. I liked the way that real characters from the time are woven into the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘PG’ as there are mild instances of Mature Language, Mature Situations, and Violence. This Mystery novel is set in 1930s Hollywood, California and picks up only a few weeks after the first novel in the series “Yankee Club” ends. The primary characters are former detective, now mystery writer Jake Donovan and actress Laura Wilson.
Jake and Laura head to Hollywood from New York on the train. Jake is intending to ask Laura, once again, to marry him. Things quickly get out of hand as the studio, which has hired Laura for her first movie, sweeps her up into the glittering world of the film studios as soon as they step off of the train.
Jake soon has an encounter with one of the studio owner’s sons that puts Laura’s film career at risk. Then that same son is found dead from an apparent suicide. Old ‘friends’ of Jake on the Los Angeles Police force question him and then ask him to take a look at the crime scene. Jake quickly points out discrepancies that indicate that it was murder rather than suicide.
Jake’s standing starts to unravel as evidence keeps pointing to him as the killer. He finds himself in a situation where he has to solve the murder in order to clear himself. He and Laura find a tangled web of deceit, double cross, and danger.
I enjoyed the 6 hours I spent with this novel. I liked the way that real characters from the time are woven into the story. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
March 22, 2015
You know how it is when you have the perfect cup? The aroma is great, the perfect balance in taste, it’s hot enough to warm your soul, but not too hot to burn your tongue and the mug fits perfectly in your hands. All the senses are engaged and you forget the world around you. That is this book to a mystery reader- it has the impeccable balance.
The setting and characters in this book were just fabulous. Picture the 1930’s in Los Angeles where you are bumping into the likes of William Powell and Carole Lombard. Folks are talking about Dashiell Hammett and who will get the role in The Thin Man. The pace was just right. The author smartly gave you the foundation information you would need for the era but put you into the action and pickle quickly without pages and pages of set up information. This is the second book with these characters, but can be read and enjoyed just fine if you haven’t had a chance to read The Yankee Club.
The chemistry between Jake and Laura is there. They are both smart and at the same time vulnerable in certain areas. Jake is a mystery writer and a former Pinkerton agent. This adds to the believability of having the skills to investigate. The idea that there would be greed, politics, gossip and romantic entanglements in the movie making business was perfectly understandable. All the ingredients for a murder are before the reader.
I think younger readers unfamiliar with actors and actresses of that time might miss a few of the references. Someone old enough to have seen a few of these black and white movies with fantastic gowns and charming ladies, gentlemen and/or scoundrels will smile a little from pleasant memories.
I was provided a free copy of the book to read and write an honest review.
The setting and characters in this book were just fabulous. Picture the 1930’s in Los Angeles where you are bumping into the likes of William Powell and Carole Lombard. Folks are talking about Dashiell Hammett and who will get the role in The Thin Man. The pace was just right. The author smartly gave you the foundation information you would need for the era but put you into the action and pickle quickly without pages and pages of set up information. This is the second book with these characters, but can be read and enjoyed just fine if you haven’t had a chance to read The Yankee Club.
The chemistry between Jake and Laura is there. They are both smart and at the same time vulnerable in certain areas. Jake is a mystery writer and a former Pinkerton agent. This adds to the believability of having the skills to investigate. The idea that there would be greed, politics, gossip and romantic entanglements in the movie making business was perfectly understandable. All the ingredients for a murder are before the reader.
I think younger readers unfamiliar with actors and actresses of that time might miss a few of the references. Someone old enough to have seen a few of these black and white movies with fantastic gowns and charming ladies, gentlemen and/or scoundrels will smile a little from pleasant memories.
I was provided a free copy of the book to read and write an honest review.
January 29, 2015
Rating: 4.5 stars, but worthy of rounding up
Laura Wilson is headed to Hollywood with a contract in hand; tagging along is her almost-fiance (he's asked several times, and she swears she will eventually accept) Jake Donovan, a mystery writer and former detective.
Not long after attending their first Hollywood soiree, a murder occurs and Jake quickly finds himself the top suspect. Then, it's time to put back on his gumshoe hat and figure out who did it before their careers are both destroyed.
There's so much to love about this book: excellent characters; a fun, fast-paced story; twists and turns; romance; and old Hollywood glamour. More than all of that, it's simply charming. It beckoned to the days of Dick Tracy.
As a woman, I loved the strong female characters, especially since the novel is set at a time when women were still in the shadows. Laura is feisty, yet loving. However, my favorite female character was Annabelle, a hard--but wounded--police woman.
It's been a long time since I said a book was charming, but it's the perfect word for this one. I loved the real characters mentioned (e.g., Al Capone, Myrna Loy, Cary Grant), and that Hollywood was essentially another character.
If you love a good mystery with old-fashioned charm and a quick wit, not to mention clever twists and turns, then All That Glitters is a sure bet.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
Laura Wilson is headed to Hollywood with a contract in hand; tagging along is her almost-fiance (he's asked several times, and she swears she will eventually accept) Jake Donovan, a mystery writer and former detective.
Not long after attending their first Hollywood soiree, a murder occurs and Jake quickly finds himself the top suspect. Then, it's time to put back on his gumshoe hat and figure out who did it before their careers are both destroyed.
There's so much to love about this book: excellent characters; a fun, fast-paced story; twists and turns; romance; and old Hollywood glamour. More than all of that, it's simply charming. It beckoned to the days of Dick Tracy.
As a woman, I loved the strong female characters, especially since the novel is set at a time when women were still in the shadows. Laura is feisty, yet loving. However, my favorite female character was Annabelle, a hard--but wounded--police woman.
It's been a long time since I said a book was charming, but it's the perfect word for this one. I loved the real characters mentioned (e.g., Al Capone, Myrna Loy, Cary Grant), and that Hollywood was essentially another character.
If you love a good mystery with old-fashioned charm and a quick wit, not to mention clever twists and turns, then All That Glitters is a sure bet.
Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.
July 22, 2015
Once in awhile you roll the dice on an unknown author or a bargain priced book because the premise sounds intriguing enough. Sometimes the chance pays off & others times, not so much. This is a case of "It paid off". This book was a fun read. Jake, a former Pinkerton turned author, accompanies his fiancé to Hollywood, CA to work on a new book while she transitions from a successful Broadway career to the film industry. After attending a swanky party one of the Studio execs ends up dead. Jake & Laura then embark on trying to solve the case. The characters were well developed & 'real'. I loved the 1930's Hollywood setting, which was described perfectly. The relationship & banter between Jake & Laura was witty & very much in step with the social norms & practices of the period.
I particularly enjoyed how the author threw in big Hollywood names of the era as minor characters in the story; & the vernacular used was not only spot on, but gave an overall immersion into the authenticity of the story. The mystery kept you guessing; or at least a jumping back & forth to who did it & why. The ending had that old-fashioned, "I confess" feel to it; but it was perfect for this setting. It was like watching a movie from that time period.
This book is second in a series. I didn't read the first one, & I don't think it's necessary. The author provides enough background to make this a stand-alone story. I would definitely recommend.
I particularly enjoyed how the author threw in big Hollywood names of the era as minor characters in the story; & the vernacular used was not only spot on, but gave an overall immersion into the authenticity of the story. The mystery kept you guessing; or at least a jumping back & forth to who did it & why. The ending had that old-fashioned, "I confess" feel to it; but it was perfect for this setting. It was like watching a movie from that time period.
This book is second in a series. I didn't read the first one, & I don't think it's necessary. The author provides enough background to make this a stand-alone story. I would definitely recommend.
February 5, 2015
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
#2 in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, this book picks up where #1 left off, but does it better. Now that we know Jake & Laura better, it's nice to see how comfortable they are with each other, having been friends since childhood and lovers more recently. This time they've traveled to Hollywood so Laura can star in a new movie now that talkies have become fashionable. Jake is planning to work on his latest Blackie novel. However, the murder of a studio exec occurs the night they arrive, and Jake is the prime suspect. He, with Laura's help, decide they have to solve the murder before both their careers are sabotaged due to this crime. I loved the 1930's jargon as well as the references to celebrities and events of the time period, making it seem more familiar. This time the namedropping didn't bother me either since there was much less of it, and what there was enhanced the backdrop of the era. Intriguing, a little different, mystery that wasn't too difficult to figure out but still kept my interest, all with a bit of humor. Laughed at the scene with Slick Ray Gambino. Also the big dramatic reveal at the end was entertaining and left the reader with a good feeling. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
#2 in the Jake & Laura Mystery series, this book picks up where #1 left off, but does it better. Now that we know Jake & Laura better, it's nice to see how comfortable they are with each other, having been friends since childhood and lovers more recently. This time they've traveled to Hollywood so Laura can star in a new movie now that talkies have become fashionable. Jake is planning to work on his latest Blackie novel. However, the murder of a studio exec occurs the night they arrive, and Jake is the prime suspect. He, with Laura's help, decide they have to solve the murder before both their careers are sabotaged due to this crime. I loved the 1930's jargon as well as the references to celebrities and events of the time period, making it seem more familiar. This time the namedropping didn't bother me either since there was much less of it, and what there was enhanced the backdrop of the era. Intriguing, a little different, mystery that wasn't too difficult to figure out but still kept my interest, all with a bit of humor. Laughed at the scene with Slick Ray Gambino. Also the big dramatic reveal at the end was entertaining and left the reader with a good feeling. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
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