Dead Pan: A Jocelyn O'Roarke Mystery

I read these books out of order but I don't recommend it. Dentiger has done a good job of giving a sense of closure to each book; however, the overall story arc is also important.This story involves an attempt to save a grand old New York threatre, the Burbage, from the wrecking ball. The mystery arises from the death of an actor during the curtain call but the mystery is not the best thing about this book.The best thing about this book is Dentinger's knowledge of actors and acting, directors and directing. Whether or not actors are really like this, they should be in order not to disappoint their fans. Dentinger is able to miss the stereotype trap with little deft touches of character. Darkly humorous, this one is well worth reading.

Her relationship with Phillip Gerard on the rocks, Jocelyn O'Roarke heads to the left coast to take a part in a movie being produced by an old friend and to nurse her emotional wounds. The star of this movie is a former child actress who has gone through a patch of drugs and marital problems. Jocelyn's job is not just acting though. She has also agreed to coach the star and try to keep her on track.As usual in Dentinger's books, the death does not dominate the plot. Her cast of characters from the cowboy hairdresser to the crotchety photographer "uncle" pull the reader into Jocelyn's adventure in Tinsel Town. The author does not take the obvious or easy route as she puts her characters through their paces.

Both good writers and good actors have the ability to make their characters believable. Jane Dentinger is both a writer and actress and she has created the wonderful character of Jocelyn (Josh) O'Roarke, an actress and director who often finds herself around murder. Josh has gone out to Hollywood to work on a TV movie. Shortly after her arrival, the director of photography turns up dead by cyanide gas poisoning. Buddy Banks was also the uncle of the former child star who has the lead in the movie. Josh immediately begins to try and ferret out the truth. Along the way, there are assaults, supposed accidents on the set, a possible embezzlement, and a secret real estate deal that she has to sort out. This is a well written and interesting mystery, full of authentic details about the acting profession. The characters are believable, the writing is good and the plot is well constructed. I have read all of the Josh O'Roarke mysteries and this one is my favorite.