This may be the most challenging of Logan’s cases. When former child star and America’s Sweetheart Bonnie Lynne is kidnapped off a Western film set, a producer hires Logan to take on the case. However, complications soon arise, and he’s now not only searching for a kidnapper but a crazed murderer as well.

The suspects are plentiful, and the twists are daunting as Logan weaves his way through a mystery teeming with deceit, jealousy, and greed. It’s soon high noon for Logan as he faces the killer in a finale reminiscent of a classic Western showdown.

We have our protagonist, a private eye named Tom Logan, hired to locate a kidnapped film star. However, the job becomes more complicated than that as the different characters in the story (each of whom I would characterize as both colorful, diverse, and worthy of suspicion) become potential and questionable leads for Private Eye Logan to keep an eye on. One ends up dead, which only complicates the detective’s case, but he is fortunate to have assistance from several other characters in the story. Along with being misled, ambushed and attacked, he must also protect his wife, who is expecting their first child but seems unconcerned by the dangers lurking nearby.

Concise Review:

I understand that this is not the first Tom Logan book the author has written, but remember that you do not need to have read the prior ones to enjoy this one as a stand-alone. I enjoyed this one so much, however, that I intend to read the others. It is extremely well written, and the fast-paced excitement drew me in quickly. Things progressed rapidly from one page to the next until the final and unexpected conclusion.

General thoughts on the Novel:

I like novels that contain mystery, suspense, and interesting characters; this one checked all those boxes. I consider a novel a great read if I can’t put it down to eat my next meal; this is exactly the reaction I had. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommended this novel and the author’s enjoyable writing style.

Winner Five Star Award.

A Murder, Well-Scripted by Tony Piazza

Tom Logan, a detective for hire, finds himself on a Hollywood movie set when an untimely explosion reveals a dead body. It’s easy to be distracted by the famous actors surrounding him, but he immediately goes to work to solve the mystery. More is revealed as he meets with his friend, Inspector ‘Red’ Clancy of the Homicide Division. Though a kidnapped star has a seemingly odd connection to the body, Logan must follow the trail according to the partial truths he’s given. Unfortunately, Logan finds himself in harm’s way. With his knowledge of Hollywood and the scripts they must follow, he realizes that the killer has been following a self-created script which may include Logan’s murder if he doesn’t figure out the plot in time.

“A Murder, Well-Scripted” is reminiscent of a classic old Hollywood murder mystery. Comments like “Welcome to the factory that creates dreams. If it doesn’t grow here, then Hollywood will supply it.” create the authentic atmosphere that makes this story alluring. Every character has traits that are believable and contribute to the overall vibe. Mr. Piazza knows the value of timeliness of revealed truths, which mystery readers will appreciate in this well-crafted story. Readers will enjoy the ease of Logan’s personality rather than a stereotypical, over-characterized, arrogant detective. His personal story is engaging and relatable. This engaging whodunit deserves high praise for providing a little bit of everything—a killer on the loose, movie stars, quirky characters, kidnapping, and a few dead bodies—what’s not to like?

Five stars- Winner of the Crowned Heart Award