Publisher's Weekly Review
In McKevett's disappointing 19th mystery featuring Southern California PI Savannah Reid (after 2013's Killer Honeymoon), tall, handsome, well-built movie star Jason Tyrone has it all: fame, fortune, and a rumored relationship with the gorgeous leading lady in his latest superhero film. Soon after Savannah attends the film's premiere with her new husband, Det. Sgt. Dirk Coulter, Jason turns up dead in his room at the Island View Hotel. Pursuing lines of inquiry with Jason's associates-an unstable former lover, a financially challenged chauffeur, and a dodgy gym owner-leads to repercussions for Savannah's immediate circle. The lack of a sufficient array of suspects, slapstick humor that jars with the case's serious issues, the tendency to provide key information late rather than with proper foreshadowing, and the focus on Dirk's reunion with his birth parents at the expense of the investigation may leave some readers feeling cheated. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
A private eye passes the time before meeting her new in-laws by probing a death even the medical examiner thinks is the result of natural causes. Having started her road to wedded bliss with the honeymoon from hell (Killer Honeymoon, 2013), private detective Savannah Reid waits anxiously for the arrival of her new husband's parents. To pass the time, Savannah takes up her old friends Ryan Stone and John Gibson's offer to attend the Hollywood premiere of their friend Jason Tyrone's latest movie. Although McKevett never reveals exactly how the friends know the hunky actor, the two are crushed to find him dead the next morning in his hotel room. San Carmelita's medical examiner, Dr. Liu, peers down from atop her stilettos long enough to rule the death accidental. Certainly Tyrone's body bears the marks of massive steroid use. But Savannah refuses to believe that such a healthy young man could have done fatal damage to his body in such a short time. So she and Dirk begin to question those closest to Tyrone: his co-star, Alanna Cleary; his ex-lover Thomas Owen; even his limo driver, Leland Porter. Is Savannah on the trail of a killer? Or is she just putting off the drudgery of getting the house ready for the impending visit of Dirk's parents? Like Savannah, McKevett seems a mite distracted, and her untidy 19th Moonlight Magnolia entry shows it.]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Newlywed PI Savannah Reid is still getting used to sharing a bathroom with husband Dirk, forcing them to learn to compromise while solving the murder of a high-profile actor. Complicating matters, Dirk recently discovered his biological parents, and they are coming to stay with the new couple, causing extra stress on top of the investigation. The murder victim, Jason Tyrone, a rising Hollywood star known for his muscles, was found dead in his hotel room, though the medical examiner has not been able to determine how he died. Dirk and Savannah quickly learn that Jason took steroids to fuel his unhealthy obsession with bodybuilding. His disgruntled ex-partner also dishes gossip, but proving that Jason was murdered is almost as hard as discovering who did it. The mystery is intriguing, with its theme of body-image issues, but the real strength of this one is the perceptive portrayal of the newlyweds and the funny yet realistic visit from the in-laws. McKevett fans may also enjoy Laura Levine's similarly comic mysteries.--Alessio, Amy Copyright 2014 Booklist
