Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine.
This week’s Can’t-Wait offering – One Extra Corpse – Book 2 of the Silver Screen Historical Mystery series by Barbara Hambly – release date 7th March, 2023
#murder mystery #1920s era #Hollywood setting
BLURB: Hollywood intrigue, glamor . . . and murder: Enter the roaring twenties in this thrilling Silver Screen historical mystery, starring two very different female sleuths.
May, 1924. It’s been seven months since young British widow Emma Blackstone arrived in Hollywood to serve as companion to Kitty Flint: her beautiful, silent-movie star sister-in-law. Kitty is generous, kind-hearted . . . and a truly terrible actress. Not that Emma minds; she’s too busy making her academic parents turn in their graves with her new job writing painfully historically inaccurate scenarios for Foremost Studios, in between wrangling their leading lady out of the arms of her army of amorous suitors.
So when one of Kitty’s old flames, renowned film director Ernst Zapolya, calls Emma and tells her it’s imperative he meet with Kitty that morning, she’s not surprised. Until, that is, he adds that lives depend on it. Ernest sounds frightened. But what can have scared him so badly – and what on earth does cheerful, flighty Kitty have to do with it?
Only Ernest can provide the answers, and Kitty and Emma travel to the set of his extravagant new movie to find them. But the shocking discovery they make there only raises further questions . . . including: will they stay alive long enough to solve the murderous puzzle?
I haven’t yet read the first book in this series – though I plan to before tucking into this one. But I do know the author’s work, as I’ve listened to the first four books in her marvellous Benjamin January series, which are beautifully written and very well researched. So I’m really looking forward to having more Hambly goodness in my life – especially as this is a favourite era of mine. Has anyone else got an arc for this one?
Brainfluff 
This sounds very intriguing. I would give it a read.
Thank you, Deanne – yes – I think it will have a widespread appeal.
I hadn’t heard of this before, but I do have some Barbara Hambly books on my shelf. I’ll be curious to hear how you like both books😁
Thank you, Tammy. I am looking forward to tucking into them:).
This sounds great. I love a good roaring twenties setting, and the fact that this takes place in Hollywood has me even more intrigued. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
You’re welcome, Ashley. Happy reading:).
My first impression when seeing this cover was “ooooh! 😍” it’s really beautiful and I do love a book set in the roaring 20s. Sounds very good!
Thank you, Stephanie – I love the cover, too! But this time around, it was the author’s name that was a main draw for me. She’s become a firm favourite!
Oooh, I like the sound of this one. And that cover 😀 Great choice!
My Waiting on Wednesday post.
Thank you, Majanka:)).
How have I never read anything by Barbara Hambly? This one sounds like a treat. Off to add it to my TBR!
I hope you really enjoy it, Lisa:)).
I hope you enjoy this one when you get a chance to read it.
Thank you, Cindy!
Mysteries set in the 1920’s are such fun! I haven’t read any of Barbara Hambly’s books, but I would like to. I hope you enjoy this one!
Thank you, Wendy – I’m sure I will. Her writing is excellent and it’s a treat to discover more of her work.
I always love a good mystery. I hope you love this one and get to read the first book as well. Thanks for always linking up!
The Roaring Twenties and murder sounds like the perfect recipe! 😉
Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Maddalena – I’m really looking forward to getting to this one:).
I love the idea for the series: Silver Screen Mysteries. Barbara Hambly wrote a 4 book series under a different pen name that took place in early America. I loved those books so perhaps it’s time to read her under the Hambly name.
I was aware that she had another pen name, but I don’t think I’ve read anything she’s written – it’s Barbara Hamilton, isn’t it? But I do highly recommend her Benjamin January books.
This book definitely interests me, Sarah. I will have to see if I can find the first in the series. Great choice to share.
I love reading about the 1920s so this book definitely appeals to me. That cover is gorgeous too!
This looks good! I love this era of Hollywood and this looks like it’ll be a great read!