Death in the Palace by Barbara Hambly:

5 stars

Amid the glamour and sins of the movie business in the roarin’ twenties, Emma (Duchess) Blackstone fills many roles — dog watcher, scene writer, starlet’s conscience/accomplice, and detective. When film star Darlene Golden is brutally murdered, Duchess has questions.

Death in the Palace is a masterclass in weaving history and fiction into a beautiful whole. The result is a story so seamless and sultry, it could be worn to the Oscars and appear on the best-dressed lists. So, yes, I loved this book.

The worldbuilding is so immersive, you’ll be thinking and speaking in quick-witted quips until you annoy your friends. Ms. Hamby didn’t just read about the time period and major historical events; she integrated the culture, food, clothes, nicknames, jealousies, mysteries, and motivations like they were lived experiences. It’s enough to drown in.

The dialogue is as rich as Lindy’s cheesecake. Groucho and Duchess could take the show on the road and make a killing. It’s fast, funny, and convincing.

Likewise, the character development is sublime. As a war widow, Emma’s husband, Jim, is never far from her mind. It affects her romantic relationships, how she understands others, and how she reacts to stories of cruel, abusive, or neglectful parents. There is a sharp contrast between the sins we associate with the twenties — smoking, drinking, and fornication — and those that aren’t as glamorous — controlling behavior, emotional abandonment, and the refusal to forgive. It makes you think.

The entire cast — Zal, Kitty, Darlene, Shakespeare Malone, Roxie North, the Marx brothers, and even Kitty’s trio of Pekinese pups — is well-drawn, varied, and authentic. It was such a brilliant move to provide readers with a guide who is not a leading lady, but, despite being something of an outsider, is still within the circle. We see the vices and victories up close, but through a window, not a door.

As the mystery unfolds, it becomes slightly difficult to follow in places. A line or two more clarifying the villain’s plan and motivations might help. That’s my only criticism — and I was able to sort everything out and enjoy the mystery.

Full marks for theme, style, and consistency. This is a gorgeous story ideal for historical mystery buffs who like a fast pace, don’t mind a little bathtub moonshine, and are resilient in the face of misogyny and prejudice — Death in the Palace is accurate on multiple fronts. Readers who enjoy classic Hollywood intrigue with emotional depth will be enthralled.

Thank you, Severn House, for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley, and I am writing this review voluntarily.