A Murder in Hollywood

In this sterling posthumous mystery from Jurassic Park author Crichton (1942–2008), written under his pseudonym John Lange in the 1970s, but never published, film publicist Harvey Jason gets caught up in chaos after perpetually drunk screenwriter Arthur McDougall is found dead in his Tucson hotel bathtub during a troubled 1973 shoot. Before dying, McDougall brawled with Clete Williams, star of the epic western Bloodrock, and left a trail of resentment among the cast, including Oscar nominee Brenda Conrad and emotionally unstable newcomer Sally Oldman. As director Tom Franklin ushers production through injuries and flash floods after McDougall’s death, Bloodrock’s neurotic producer taps Harvey to manage the film’s compounding PR disasters. Harvey’s job gets more difficult when nervous studio executives send insurance investigator Harlow Perkins to look into McDougall’s death. Suspecting foul play, Perkins uncovers a web of secrets and rivalries connecting some of the most unsavory people in Hollywood. As personal and professional stakes ramp up for the sprawling ensemble, Crichton ushers the proceedings to a pitch-perfect climax. Sharp humor, convincing dialogue, and breakneck pacing bring both the mystery and the movie set to life. Film buffs will enjoy this one just as much as mystery lovers. Agent: Shane Salerno, Story Factory. (May)