Galley Talk: Final Curtain

I tend to read a lot of hard-boiled dark crime fiction, so R.T. Jordan's Final Curtain [Kensington, Feb.] is the perfect alternative as a lighter look at crime. Final Curtain really exemplifies the best in the cozy genre. It's likable series heroine, Polly Pepper, is an iconic superstar from TV whose career provides her with a multitude of opportunities to get involved in crimes. Polly has won the title role in Mame, but it's being produced in Glendale, Calif. When the musical's director is murdered, it's up to Polly and her team of confidants to find out whodunit. This fast-paced, lively and funny mystery is full of catty Hollywood gossip and name-dropping to the nth degree. Her cast of supporting characters—her son, her maid and her loyal-yet-conflicted LAPD boyfriend—each contribute to the uniquely dishy tone. Jordan's very enjoyable read brightened my mood and left me fully refreshed and ready to go back to the dark side.