"The Corpse with the Steely Gaze" By Cathy Ace: Review/Giveaway

Review by Cynthia Chow

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

If you’ve recently seen a movie or television series that’s set in New York, Chicago, or even Alaska, chances are that it was actually filmed somewhere in Canada. So that’s why it was only a matter of time before University of Vancouver professor of criminal psychology Cait Morgan and her recently retired policeman husband Bud found themselves in the middle of murder on a movie set. Or to be more precise, initially in a fellow professor’s office with a young cleaner standing over the body of Jayson Flyntt, a former American soap opera actor about to take a starring role in a big-budget science fiction movie being filmed on campus. Evidence seems to point to Jayson’s death being the result of his own fentanyl overdose, but too many clues and actions by the film crew have all of Cait’s instincts and knowledge alerting her to it being something else. 

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Image Source Four Tails Publishing Ltd.

Before the future of the film is determined, Cait has access to the film set and all of its unique, very job-specific crew. The director’s assistant – not the assistant to the director, that’s a whole other designation – basically runs the director’s schedule and controls all access to Brian Keogh. Costumers, makeup artists, and set designers all prove to be fascinating sources of information for Cait, who is as fascinating to them as they are to her. What she learns is that despite a tragic car accident at the start of his career and a reputation for hard partying, Jayson (formerly Jason Flynn) eventually left that lifestyle to marry his hairdresser and work on the soap opera for nearly 20 years. His becoming a co-producer on his own movie was a new step in his career, and Cait is soon led down a path towards many suspects but with just as many dead ends. On a set the cast and crew become their own community, but as close as bonds and relationships may become during filming, once the shoot ends they depart to resume their “normal” lives.

This 16th in the series will delight fans of those interested in the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the movie-making world, which is filled with quirky, creative, and often ruthless characters. There are almost too many motives for the murder of Jayson Flyntt, a former Vancouver native who never entirely escaped his past. Cait tracks down enough rumors of illegitimate children to make it worthy of a soap opera of its own, but in a business where changing names and histories is nearly a requirement, finding the truth will be a challenge. 

Middle-aged newlyweds, Cait and Bud still adorably call one another “Husband” and “Wife” whether making repairs on their home or putting together the clues of a murder. Movie lore, family secrets, and a rather devastating gathering-of-the-suspects along with a twist of an ending, make this a mystery fit for the big screen, streaming service, or of course a book that should be in everyone’s hands. 

To enter to win a copy of an ebook copy of The Corpse with the Steely Gaze, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "steely,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 26, 2026. You must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. 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!

You can click here to purchase this book.

 

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.

  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.