Vamp (Valentino Mysteries #7)
Description
Vamp is a hot new Valentino mystery by Loren D. Estleman, the master of the hard-boiled detective novel and recipient of the Private Eye Writers of America Lifetime Achievement Award.
Renowned film detective Valentino is on a quest to help restore The Comet, an extinct drive-in movie theater, and his trail leads him to Leo Kalishnikov, who requests a favor first—rid him of a blackmailer from his shady past, and he'll gladly hand over the money that The Comet needs.
With only an uncashed check for a clue, Valentino embarks on a treacherous path to save not only The Comet but the last remaining print of the 1917 film Cleopatra, which has been lost for over a century. The film is somewhere in Los Angeles, and Valentino is willing to risk it all to find it. He must navigate the shady underbelly of Hollywood once more, in a dangerous adventure that threatens not only his career—but his life.
Praise for Vamp (Valentino Mysteries #7)
"Estleman’s encyclopedic knowledge of the movie industry and gift for dialogue shine throughout. This gets two thumbs up." —Publishers Weekly
"Estleman offers up a classic screwball comedy for the reader to play out in their mind in frames of black and white. There’s delightful banter, colorful quirky characters, and plenty of Hollywood clichés and fascinating lore sprinkled in."—Booklist
Praise for Indigo:
"Film noir has provided the frame story for a wealth of crime fiction, and now Estleman adds another sterling entry to the growing list ... Classic-movie fans who don't know this series should be ashamed of themselves." —Booklist, Starred Review
Praise for Frames:
“Great cast, great subject, flawless delivery from a real pro.” —Booklist, starred review
“Estleman has scripted yet another wacky comedic mystery that begs to become a feature film. His snappy dialog, feisty characters, Hollywood lore, and gentle romance make this his funniest to date. Recommended for all mystery collections.” —Library Journal
“Frames melds Estleman's love of movies with his gift for swift, satisfying storytelling.” —San Francisco Chronicle