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The Doom List (Tom Collins Mystery 2)
Gerard O'Donovan
July, 1922. Newly-appointed 'movie czar' William H. Hays is about to arrive in town on a single-minded mission to clean up Hollywood. He is said to be compiling a list of 'undesirables' whom he plans to bar from screen work. They call it the Doom List.
With the industry in the grip of fear and paranoia, Hollywood's hottest young director Rex Ingram is determined that no hint of scandal should mar the premiere of his new movie, The Prisoner of Zenda, and hires private investigator Tom Collins, a fellow Irishman, with instructions to protect his leading lady's reputation at all costs. But, as Collins discovers, Barbara La Marr isn't the only member of the cast hiding a dangerous secret.
Meanwhile, a body is discovered in the Baldwin Hills to the south of the city. Could there be a connection? Against his better judgement, Collins is drawn into a case of scandal, forbidden love, blackmail . . . and cold-blooded murder.
With the industry in the grip of fear and paranoia, Hollywood's hottest young director Rex Ingram is determined that no hint of scandal should mar the premiere of his new movie, The Prisoner of Zenda, and hires private investigator Tom Collins, a fellow Irishman, with instructions to protect his leading lady's reputation at all costs. But, as Collins discovers, Barbara La Marr isn't the only member of the cast hiding a dangerous secret.
Meanwhile, a body is discovered in the Baldwin Hills to the south of the city. Could there be a connection? Against his better judgement, Collins is drawn into a case of scandal, forbidden love, blackmail . . . and cold-blooded murder.
GENRE
Crime; Historical
UK PUBLICATION
February 2020
Crime; Historical
UK PUBLICATION
February 2020
Praise
"O'Donovan makes fine use of period details, and peoples the cast with fascinating real-life characters. This action-packed, tightly plotted mystery should win the author news fans."
Publishers Weekly
"Blending historical figures – Ingram and La Marr, Ramon Navarro and political fixer Kent Kane Parrot – into his vividly etched story, O’Donovan delivers a stylish, scabrous and punchy private-eye investigation."
The Irish Times
"This is a gentle, jaunty tale despite the odd violent death, with a welcome dusting of wit; the characters, real or imagined, are excellent company. 4*"
Telegraph
"O’Donovan weaves a fascinating, compelling story. Add this to the author’s gift for bringing the glamorous sights, sounds and atmosphere of silent-era Hollywood vividly to life, and you have an unmissable opportunity for escapism."
The People's Friend
Publishers Weekly
"Blending historical figures – Ingram and La Marr, Ramon Navarro and political fixer Kent Kane Parrot – into his vividly etched story, O’Donovan delivers a stylish, scabrous and punchy private-eye investigation."
The Irish Times
"This is a gentle, jaunty tale despite the odd violent death, with a welcome dusting of wit; the characters, real or imagined, are excellent company. 4*"
Telegraph
"O’Donovan weaves a fascinating, compelling story. Add this to the author’s gift for bringing the glamorous sights, sounds and atmosphere of silent-era Hollywood vividly to life, and you have an unmissable opportunity for escapism."
The People's Friend
Also by Gerard O'Donovan
Tom Collins series
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Other books by Gerard O'Donovan
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Rights Sales for THE DOOM LIST
World English Language: Severn House