Star Struck

I'll tell you upfront that I know Nancy Baker Jacobs personally, but because of an overload of work, the holidays, and company I loved and wanted to spend time with, I didn't get a chance to read her Quinn Collins Hollywood mystery until recently. I looked forward to it because I was hoping she had portrayed Hollywood/Los Angeles as I remember it from living there a couple of times. And, I hoped she might sneak in some gossip about the stars -- without going so far as to be libelous, of course. :-)Well, I sure wasn't disappointed. Her descriptions of the area, the "Biz", and people are wonderful -- quite authentic and complete, yet they don't slow the pace down at all. STAR STRUCK zings along like a comet, and Quinn Collins is a truly enjoyable character. I felt as if I were right there with her, or for that matter, as if I were her. Her "voice" makes this book easy to read, but that doesn't mean the writing is simple. It's so intelligent it makes me wonder how much of it is true! I recommend this book to anyone who truly enjoys a well-thought out, well-plotted, exciting mystery.

When Quinn Collins, reporter and part owner of the Hollywood Star, agrees to look into the suspicious death of a friend's son, she finds herself immersed in two murders and in danger of being killed herself. You will not be able to put down this fast-paced mystery. Quinn is a gutsy, forty-something heroine who has been in Hollywood long enough to see its foibles and passions clearly. It is fun-and enlightening-to look at the entertainment industry through her eyes. I look forward to more Quinn Collins books.

STAR STRUCK introduces Quinn Collins, reporter and co-owner of "HollywoodStar", a struggling show business publication. When movie mogul ShaneKing (who happens to be the son of Quinn's former lover) is murdered, Quinnuses her reporting skills to help track down Shane's killer.Quinn is an appealing heroine (in the tradition of another detective created byMs. Jacobs, Devon MacDonald). Her wonderfully wry observations about Hollywoodshow that she is anything but star struck. I hope this is the beginning ofa new series!

Author Nancy Baker Jacobs has nailed the Hollywood scene in this page turner of a mystery. As a former resident of Hollyweird who worked in the Biz, I recognize all the elements of the culture and the people who seek their fame and fortune there. Ms. Jacobs writes with truth and humor in this first of many (I hope) Quinn Collins mysteries.