Book Review: A Night in Beverly Hills

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

A Night in Beverly Hills     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Andrew J. Fenady
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Five Star, Nov 2003, $25.95, 257 pp.

Hollywood sleuth Alex Night serves as bodyguard and chauffeur of wealthy old tomato Cynthia Alderdyce as she attends the Annenberg New Year’s Eve Party in Palm Springs. On the way home, a cop car stops them. Two thugs steal Cynthia’s millions in jewelry. Alex gives chase, wounding Bogus 2, recovering the loot, and taking a bullet while Bogus 1 escapes.

With his mother pressuring him, Alex decides it is time to begin writing like his heroes Hammett and Chandler. However, he suffers writer’s block until Cynthia asks him to learn about the Bogus who escaped especially since Bogus 2 allegedly leaped from the hospital roof. As Alex uncovers the truth behind the robbery by the Bogus thugs of Cynthia, he knows he has the true crime story of the century. However, he also knows that though this would make him into a successful writer, Alex cannot reveal the tale to anyone at least while Cynthia lives.

Fans of urban noirs with a salute to the movies will appreciate this engaging crime thriller. The story line centers on Alex who with asides often pays homage to classic pictures and actors. The investigation begins late in the tale, but the plot has plenty of action throughout as Andrew J. Fenady provides a solid novel that will be thoroughly enjoyed by readers.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner