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Bestselling author Joe Cosentino won Divine Magazine’s awards for best mystery novel, best humorous novel, and best contemporary novel of 2015. He is the author of the Jana Lane mysteries: PAPER DOLL, PORCELAIN DOLL, SATIN DOLL, CHINA DOLL, and the upcoming RAG DOLL (The Wild Rose Press); the Nicky and Noah mysteries: DRAMA QUEEN, DRAMA MUSCLE, and the upcoming DRAMA CRUISE (Lethe Press); the Cozzi Cove beach series: COZZI COVE: BOUNCING BACK and COZZI COVE: MOVING FORWARD (NineStar Press); the romance novellas: IN MY HEART anthology (AN INFATUATION and A SHOOTING STAR), A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, and THE NAKED PRINCE AND OTHER TALES FROM FAIRYLAND (Dreamspinner Press); and THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). As an actor, he has appeared in principal roles in film, television, and theatre opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Porcelain Doll by Joe Cosentino is a delightful mystery with a headstrong leading lady. Jana Lane is a former child star recovering from the murderous events of the first novel, Paper Doll. She has her life back to normal, except for the pesky nightmares about being chased through the woods. When her manager, Simon, talks her into taking a lead role in a movie to be shot at her estate, she thinks this will bring her out of her current mood. Her time back on set is just what she needs. That is, until a murder occurs on set. The local detective refuses to believe her, again. She finds solace with one of her leading men, Jason Apollo, otherwise known as America’s heartthrob. When Jana receives a threatening note, she makes it her priority to find out who the murderer is, hopefully before she becomes the next victim.
What a delight! A fun mystery that takes place in the 1980s with a range of engaging characters and a strong heroine, Porcelain Doll has no faults. Joe Cosentino creates a realistic world by using real events occurring at the time. Jana is helping a fundraiser to raise money for AIDS research. There’s also a fun reference to Arnold Schwarzenegger that is really funny. Jana is the perfect heroine for a mystery. She’s headstrong, nosy, and doesn’t know when to quit. She sees the best in people and fights for those she loves. In addition there is a range of great side characters that get more charming with each scene. Simon and Cornelius are adorable and perfect as her supportive friends. Jason Apollo is a layered character, who has more to him than his image. He’s charming, sincere, and the perfect Hardy boy to her Nancy Drew as she searches for clues. A must-read for mystery lovers! Porcelain Doll is charming with a great insight to the rise and fall of stardom, and with a twist at the end I honestly didn’t see coming.
