A Perilous Premiere

Stone & Steel Mysteries Book 1

Fiction - Mystery - Historical
203 Pages
Reviewed on 10/10/2024
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

A Perilous Premiere by Gail Meath, the first book in the Stone & Steel Mysteries, is a thrilling read for fans of historical mysteries, suspense, and detective novels. The book depicts two sides of life in California in the late 1930s. Glamorous facades often hide corruption, dishonesty, evil intentions, and even lust for murder. Vivian Steele loses her husband, George, during a shooting incident in a store. Vivian, a fashion designer and a boutique owner, starts her investigation and helps the police catch George's possible killer. Yet Vivian is not content and suspects the police arrested the wrong person. An unknown woman asks Vivian to meet her in a hotel suite. Arriving, she encounters Preston Stone, her adversary and a Hollywood socialite, who has also been invited. They find a murdered young actress, and Vivian sees a photo that shakes her to the core. George's secrets now threaten to destroy Vivian's life. Vivian and Preston must join forces to find a killer who plays wicked games with them both.

Gail Meath's A Perilous Premiere is a skillfully built mystery with multiple layers. It is a pleasure to uncover them and explore the characters. Vivian is bright, strong-willed, and determined to get justice. A puzzling enigma surrounds Vivian, and her best friend is none other than the great Carole Lombard! Vivian has a superpower akin to a photographic memory, which makes her character unforgettable. Preston's sarcastic attitude masks a brave and gentle heart. They are a dynamic team that is always ready for another witty exchange. The artfully written dialogue is one of the most appealing aspects of this book. Gail's expressive writing style finely conveys the emotional intensity of the narrative. The outstanding editorial work gives us an amazing read. The narrative is very well-paced, every chapter is straight to the point, and the plot's culmination is breathtaking. While this is an entertaining mystery, the author includes a substantive theme of trust. I cannot wait for Vivian and Preston's next adventure.