Stardusted

by Deb McCaskey

Review by R. Burkey

Fabulous Mystery of a Bygone Era!

Author Deb McCaskey creates a fun story about an actress, Frankie Franklin, making movies during the depression. Frankie is a beloved bright spot in American films. The details of Frankie and her environment pull the listener (and I imagine the reader) into this wildly exciting crime Frankie commits using a prop gun during filming at a major Hollywood studio sound stage. 

This unique story takes one inside Hollywood in the 1930s. Here failing stars, studio manipulators, and even the cops become possible suspects for planting a live round that Frankie shoots into a co-actor. 

The voice of Frankie, my favorite character, on the set kept me listening on the edge of my seat.

As I crouched there in my flesh-colored bathing suit, Sam’s bloody hand in mine, the horror remained, now joined by surprisingly fierce anger. Damnit, this was just a picture, with costumes and made-up things to say. With blood that was just glycerin and chocolate syrup. No one was supposed to really be shot. I felt ill. I wanted Sam to be unshot. And I wanted to strangle whoever was responsible. 

The writing is vivid and comes across clearly in the narration, where people, places, and things are quickly painted in one’s imagination. The details like the fountain pen and gumshoe squarely identified this story as well-researched and spot-on for the times. I felt like I was walking among the stars, trying to find out who was to blame.

The well-developed characters and scenes make this original storyline even better. As Frankie moves from clue to clue overcoming crazy obstacles compelled me to keep listening. Mary Castillo provides fantastic voice narration, with a great pace from start to finish. Her voice is part of why I am now a fan of Frankie. The quality of the audio is excellent, making the tension loud and clear during every minute. I highly recommend you give this story a listen. I cannot wait for Author Deb McCaskey to release the next Frankie Franklin Mystery.  

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.