"Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer: By Lee Hollis: Review/Giveaway

 Review by Cynthia Chow 

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and links to purchase it.

Although Poppy Harmon is returning to a film set for the first time in thirty years, it’s not to resume her role as a television actress. Once a lead on the hit 1980s private detective television show Jack Holt, Poppy and her two best friends transitioned in second careers to form their Desert Flowers Detective Agency. To sway those not trusting women of a certain age to run their own investigative business, Poppy, Iris Becker, and Violet Hogan installed actor Matt Flowers as the face of the agency. It’s why Matt is thrilled to be at the Sundial Luxury Resort, the shoot location for the Netflix remake of the 1960s frothy movie Palm Springs Weekend, now starring the rising starlet and influencer Danika Delgado. Danika wants to hire the agency to protect her against a stalker, although after seeing Matt she seems more determined to have him has her own personal bodyguard. When the director turns out to be a dazzled fan of Poppy’s, he convinces her to take on a small role that would also give her an excuse to be on set.


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Although Danika initially found the random gifts of chocolate and flowers to be inoffensive and charming, they’ve recently taken a dark turn to become more threatening. After the impetuous actress attempts to fire the Agency after Matt is nearly killed and they name her co-star and boyfriend as a threat, Poppy the horrific experience of discovering Danika’s body smothered with a pillow in her trailer. Even worse for Poppy, it brings back memories of yet another series of murders thirty years ago. Three actresses had all similarly been killed in their beds, and Poppy’s interaction with one of the victims revealed just how close she came to becoming one herself. Now motivated to bring justice for all of the women, Poppy assigns the Dessert Flowers a mission to track down what could be the same killer. A Ronan Farrow-type reporter is following his own leads to the movie’s producer Hal Greenwood, an unappealing behemoth of power who gives off strong Harvey Weinstein vibes. Having had her own experiences dodging directors and seeing the exploitation of vulnerable young women, Poppy feels protective of the on-set actors and those unwilling to offend those in control. Fortunately Poppy’s besties Iris and Violet are always nearby for moral support, as is a handsome senior stunt pilot who may give Poppy’s friend Sam Emerson a run for his money.

This third in the series continues to ensure that it will be one of my favorite reads of the year, showcasing timely topics as well as the fascinating details of the film industry. With Matt’s relationship with Poppy’s daughter hitting the skids, it’s up to Poppy and Violet to take the lead in their own, more mature, romantic pursuits. That doesn’t mean that theirs are any less fraught with miscommunication, anticipation, or vulnerability, making their romances relatable for all. The humor in these books is always a standout, with much of it a result of the banter between the three Desert Flower friends. Poppy continues to be a compelling character, one who appreciates her past career as a well-known actress but has learned to move on and excel in her new one as an investigator. Sensitive topics are handled delicately and balanced out with lighter moments within the Agency, although what is ultimately at stakes is never forgotten. A health scare accelerates Poppy’s path towards a committed relationship, one which only needed a nudge to move forward. The entertainment business has never been so deadly, nor so much fun, as in this delightful romp of a mystery.

To enter to win a copy of Poppy Harmon and the Pillow Talk Killer, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "pillow,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 1, 2021. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. BE AWARE THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT CRISIS THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN SHIPPING THE WINNING BOOK. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).
 Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

Comments

  1. This looks like a book that I would enjoy reading.

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  2. Sounds interesting! Count me in!

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  3. This sounds like a wonderful story. Thanks for the review and the contest. I can't wait to read it.

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  4. Sounds like a fun read, I'd love to have a copy. Thanks! crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

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  5. I really liked the description of the book. Adding to my TBR list.

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  6. Sounds like a fun read, thanks for the opportunity! tWarner419(at)aol(dot)com

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  7. This sounds like a fun read. I did backstage stuff in H.S. so I sort of get the feel of this book. I'd love to add it to my home library.

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