This is a surprisingly detailed collection of old Hollywood murders and deaths. I learned many facts that were completely new to me and I've read a few books on this subject. I even used to live in L.A. for a while and had no idea where the name "Doheny" came from. You'll find out in this book. And the house owned by Manson victim Jay Sebring? It was built by Paul Bern, husband of Jean Harlow, who died in there of a gunshot wound. A house owned by two different murder victims? I don't think there are two houses like that even in Hollywood.
The book is excellently written. Smooth to read, engrossing. I highly recommend it.
Cecilia Brown
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 31 Aug 2021
"This book was quite interesting. My father grew up in the 30s and I spent my childhood in the 70s and teen years listening to his stories about the scandals and people mentioned in this book. It was interesting to get more in-depth looks into the stories I heard when I was younger."—Norma Carroll, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 31 Aug 2021
"This was a great collection of classic Hollywood true stories.
The golden era of Hollywood and the studio system.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book."—K.M. Kenyon, consumer reviewer
NetGalley review: 4 stars
Last updated on 01 Sep 2021
"4.5 big stars!
This is a serious and well-researched look at the history of Hollywood. It chronicles the growth of the town from the 1880s, its film studios and the development of the star system, the growth and involvement of organized crime, and major scandals and murders featuring some of its major players. It describes the development of the Hays Code in the 1930s in the attempt to make movie content more wholesome and behind the scenes work of the studios to cover up any news of scandals that would bring the glamour of Holywood into public disrepute.
Despite the grim subject matter, author Andrea Van Landingham writes in a clear, interesting, entertaining, and well-organized manner. The book contains photos, some of early silent screen movie stars and directors, and I was wishing for more. I read this volume with my Kindle in one hand and iPad in the other googling for extra pictures.
Forget the numerous tabloid-style books out there, that contain almost identical stories and text. This thoughtfully written and researched book is the one to read if you are interested in this type of subject matter. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley and Rowman & Littlefield for the ARC. Reviewed on Goodreads and will be reviewed on Amazon on publication date in November."—Carolyn Walsh, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 4 stars
Last updated on 04 Sep 2021
"This is a group of stories about the other side of Hollywood, telling the genuine story of those who worked and played there. It goes back to the earliest days of Tinseltown and covers many famous scandals and mysterious deaths that are still questioned by current readers. Many were handled by Hollywood fixers who would sanitize the scene of the crime before police were called, removing anything scandal worthy. Bribes were routinely given to officials to make stories and legal problems disappear. Most are well known stories but there are some that are less common. Those I liked the most, as I’ve read the others multiple times through the years. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Andrea Van Landingham, and the publisher."—Valerie Shampine, consumer reviewer
NetGalley Review: 5 stars
Last updated on 06 Sep 2021
"Thank you to Rowman and Littlefield, Lyons Publishing and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book was so interesting! The author gives the reader details about some of the scandals that have occurred in Hollywood throughout the years. I had heard of some of these scandals, but it was fun to learn more. The author's writing style was attention-grabbing and kept me hooked right from the beginning. You will enjoy this book if you like to learn about Hollywood history. Highly recommend!"—Sharon Brewer, consumer reviewer
