An Animated Death in Burbank

This is a terrific and enjoyable mystery. Michael Joens has created a fun and interesting cast of characters, from the main protagonists to the various suspects and victims. I found myself caring about these characters and wanting to find out what happened next. The main characters, detectives for the Burbank Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department, are likeable and interesting. The mystery itself is compelling, and the solution is not obvious. As a native southern Californian, I especially enjoyed the details about places the characters visited, since I was familiar with a number of the locales and areas. Sandy Cameron and Tom Rigby are investigating three deaths: one looks like a probable suicide, one looks like an accident, and one is definitely a murder. What connects all three deaths is the animation industry, and in particular a specific period where ideas were being "pitched" for new animated series. Sandy and Tom decide to work together since their cases seem to be connected, and find themselves drawn toward each other personally and professionally. This is listed as being the first in a series of books featuring Detective Sandra Cameron. The character is likeable and multi-faceted enough to continue a series, and the author's writing style keeps you involved with the story and the characters (there is a particularly gripping scene where we experience a murder over the phone.) I plan on getting a copy of the second book of the series to find out what happened to the characters next.

Great book for those who love a good mystery - kept me guessing to the end. Joens has a real talent for developing characters and making them real. He can also make your skin crawl with chilling detail. A very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next one.

A seemingly simple suicide case turns out to be anything but. Add in two related cases - one a definite murder and the tale soon becomes one of fascinating mystery, romance and intrigue.All of the characterizations in the book are very realistic, with a great level of depth. To discuss them in much detail would spoil certain key plot elements, but both they and the events of the story evoke strong emotions.My favorite part is how the author seems to have a real understanding of the animation industry. After checking the cover flap, it turns out that he has worked in a number of jobs in animation. I think it brings a real authenticity to the book that makes for some very fascinating reading. The author seems to have some very strong opinions about certain aspects of the animation industry. The fictional animation company portrayed in the book has many parallels to some in the real world.I was disappointed to learn that this is the first book in the series... but only because that means I can't run right out and read some more! I hope that there's another story soon, because this a great book that definitely deserves a followup.

Once he was considered by Hollywood as one of animation royals, but though he remains a force in the industry the virtuoso Parker Stewart is descending from the mountaintop. His descent becomes complete when he is found dead with a bullet in his head and a suicide note of sorts on his computer screen: "That's All Folks" in a house surrounded by pictures of the Looney Tune characters.Though it looks like suicide, Burbank police detectives Tom Rigby and his partner Dan Bolt make inquiries anyway. Soon LA County Sheriff Detective Sergeant wealthy Sandy Cameron joins the team and works closely with Tom. As they begin to follow a loony trail of real life murder, Tom and Sandy are attracted to one another. However, he still struggles with his ex-wife aborting their three month old unborn and she wonders if she really wants a relationship when her lifestyle is near perfect. Of course there is a serial killer to catch before he downsizes more of the animation population.This is not Bugs or Mickey, but more like a version of Roger Rabbit without the humor. The story line is action-packed as the two police officers work the case while desiring one another. The serial killer scenario seems absurd, but then again this is a cartoon killer. The lead duo is a delightful spunky pair who provides this tale with extra pow and zap so that the audience has a good time following their exploits in the dangerous La La Land of Hollywood.Harriet Klausner