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The Fame Thief

August 14, 2013 by Elizabeth

5M4B disclosure

fame thiefJunior Bender is a thief who’s never been caught, and he’s proud of that fact. But when 93-year-old Irwin Dressler, a former mob boss and one of the creators of the old Hollywood, summons him to his presence and gives him a job, Bender can’t refuse.

The job is kind of odd. Dolores La Marr was rated the most beautiful woman in the world by Life magazine in 1950. Her life up to that point had followed a familiar trajectory–almost abducted by her star-struck mother at 13 and pimped out to the Hollywood moguls, she first had small parts, then small speaking roles, and was just graduating to real stardom. But she is struck down–framed decisively as a gangster’s moll, with ties to Big Crime, her career was ruined and now she spends her days alone in a palatial flat in Los Angeles, obese and forgotten. Irwin Dressler wants to find out who was  behind her downfall, since it’s clear she was specifically targeted. Bender’s pretty sure everyone involved with the case is long dead, and he thinks Dressler is crazy to be worried about it now, but he’s in for a surprise.

The Fame Thief is the 3rd in the series, although it can be read alone. I haven’t read the other 2 yet, but I’m going to. Author Timothy Hallinan writes in a style reminiscent of the classic 40s noir, channeling Chandler as it were, but his wry asides and humourous descriptions keep the plot moving. It’s really well done and lots of fun, with hilarious details. Bender moves from one seamy motel to another, and his current place of residence, Valentine Schmalentine, more than lives up to the name, simultaneously specializing in cheese and sleaze. He keeps up with his ex-wife and 14 year old daughter, who is level-headed and mature for her age, and uses her to not only do some of his background research for him, via Google, but also to protect his ex from her latest boyfriend, a scheming realtor.

Although The Fame Thief is funny, the plot has a poignant twist. There’s a certain depth here, as the reader is left reflecting on old grudges that grow stronger with age, on fleeting beauty, and how being very beautiful makes one vulnerable to both admiration and deep hatred. I felt echos of Hollywood tragedies through the book, from Marilyn Monroe onward.

The Fame Thief is a great read, really enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

I’m glad that the publisher has offered one of you a giveaway copy of The Fame Thief . Just leave a comment below if you’d like to win. The giveaway is closed.

  • The winner of The Stockholm Octavo is #3 Ellie.
  • The winner of Hopelifter is #7 Angie.

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Filed Under: Elizabeth, Fiction, Mystery/Suspense

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Comments

  1. Anne says

    August 14, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Your wonderful review of this book captivated my interest. It sounds unique and love the era feel of the novel.

  2. diane says

    August 14, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    This is a great book which is a perfect escape into another time and place. Very interesting.

  3. Marjorie R. says

    August 14, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    This book sounds like a great read, very good storyline and intrigue.
    I would definitely love to win and read it.

  4. Jessica Tan says

    August 14, 2013 at 5:58 pm

    Love winning books – allows me to try a book I may not have otherwise picked up!

  5. pearl says

    August 14, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    Just the ideal book for this summer. Thanks for this chance.

    • Jennifer says

      August 27, 2013 at 5:30 pm

      You won! Please reply to this email with your shipping info.

  6. Carol Wong says

    August 15, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Food,quirky characters and diners!!!! You can’t beat that! I have so many memories of great diner food.

    Thank you for this giveaway!

    • Carol Wong says

      August 15, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      I have egg on my face! I was, I thought replying to a different giveaway but I still want to read this book. I love, love, humor.

      Thank you for this giveaway! I am a little red faced!

  7. Carol M says

    August 15, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    I\’ve heard that this author is really good! I would love to read this book! It sounds like one I would really enjoy! Thank you for the giveaway!

  8. Nicole Sender says

    August 17, 2013 at 12:58 am

    i’d love to read this book. I’m a fan of Chandler and so this book sounds good to me.

  9. Anita Yancey says

    August 19, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    Sounds like a wonderful story. I really like that it talks about Hollywood. I would enjoy this book. Thanks for having this giveaway.

  10. Beth C says

    August 23, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    I’m anxious to read this book! Thanks!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

  11. Cindi says

    August 25, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    This is right down my alley!
    Many thanks, Cindi

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