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Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles: A Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery
Asta, the dog from the popular Thin Man series, has vanished, and production for his next film is pending. MGM Studios offers a huge reward, and that’s exactly what young private detectives Babs Norman and Guy Brandt need for their struggling business to survive. Celebrity dognapping now a growing trend, when the police and city pound ridicule Basil Rathbone and ask, “Sherlock Holmes has lost his dog?” Basil also hires the B. Norman Agency to find his missing Cocker Spaniel.The three concoct a plan for Basil to assume his on-screen persona and round up possible suspects, including Myrna Loy and William Powell; Dashiell Hammett, creator of The Thin Man; Nigel Bruce, Basil’s on-screen Doctor Watson; Hollywood-newcomer, German philanthropist and film financier Countess Velma von Rache, and the top animal trainers in Tinseltown. Yet everyone will be in for a shock when the real reason behind the canine disappearances is even more sinister than imagined.Jump into Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles, Book One of the Babs Norman Golden Age of Hollywood Mystery series, Finalist in the Killer Nashville Claymore Awards for Comedy and First Prize winner in the Chanticleer Review’s Mark Twain Awards for Comedy and Satire. Get ready for its sequel, Bye, Bye, Blackbird, featuring Humphrey Bogart and the cast of The Maltese Falcon.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2024
About the author
Elizabeth Crowens
9 books202 followersElizabeth Crowens has worn many hats in the entertainment industry, contributed stories to Black Belt, Black Gate, Sherlock Holmes Mystery Magazines, Hell’s Heart, and the Bram Stoker-nominated A New York State of Fright, and has a popular Caption Contest on Facebook.
Awards include: Leo B. Burstein Scholarship from the MWA-NY Chapter, NYFA grant to publish New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst, Eric Hoffer Award, Glimmer Train Awards Honorable Mention, two Grand prize, and five First prize Chanticleer Awards. Crowens writes multi-genre alternate history. Her Hollywood mystery Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles will be released in March 2024.
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Awards include: Leo B. Burstein Scholarship from the MWA-NY Chapter, NYFA grant to publish New York: Give Me Your Best or Your Worst, Eric Hoffer Award, Glimmer Train Awards Honorable Mention, two Grand prize, and five First prize Chanticleer Awards. Crowens writes multi-genre alternate history. Her Hollywood mystery Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles will be released in March 2024.
FREE EBOOKs if you sign up for my monthly newsletter at https://www.elizabethcrowens.com/mail...
Follow on Instagram: Instagram.com/ElizabethCrowens
x.com/ECrowens
facebook.com/thereel.elizabeth.crowens
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 17, 2024
This is the first book in a new historical cozy series, and I had a lot of fun as it's witty and fast paced. There's a lot of historical details and I learned a lot about Golden Age Hollywood, the main stars, and the lifestyle.
Sherlock Holmes aka Basil Rathbone dog disappeared and Asta, the Twin Man dog, is missing too. Big rewards are offered for anyone who find them.
Enter Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, a couple of private detectives who badly need money, who will start investigating and trying to find clue about the dogs’ whereabouts. They will discover secrets and something more sinister than a dog missing.
This is a good mystery, unusual and entertaining.
The plot is a bit too complex at times and it alternates very fast parts with some slower and these issues made the storytelling less effective.
As it's the first in a series I'm sure the next one will surely be a very intriguing and the storytelling excellent
Cannot wait to read the next one as this one is compelling, witty and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Level Books, Partners in Crime Tours, and Elizabeth Crowens this ARC, all opinions are mine
Sherlock Holmes aka Basil Rathbone dog disappeared and Asta, the Twin Man dog, is missing too. Big rewards are offered for anyone who find them.
Enter Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, a couple of private detectives who badly need money, who will start investigating and trying to find clue about the dogs’ whereabouts. They will discover secrets and something more sinister than a dog missing.
This is a good mystery, unusual and entertaining.
The plot is a bit too complex at times and it alternates very fast parts with some slower and these issues made the storytelling less effective.
As it's the first in a series I'm sure the next one will surely be a very intriguing and the storytelling excellent
Cannot wait to read the next one as this one is compelling, witty and entertaining.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Level Books, Partners in Crime Tours, and Elizabeth Crowens this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 9, 2024
HOUNDS OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASKERVILLES by Elizabeth Crowens
The First Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery
Having left the world of acting and an abusive husband Babs Norman is trying to make it as a Hollywood PI. When she discovers that Basil Rathbone's dog, Leo, has gone missing Babs persuades the star that she is just the woman to find his canine friend. She and her business partner soon learn that Leo isn't the only Hollywood pup to pull a disappearing act. Asta, famed co-star of the Thin Man movies, is also missing and the studio is desperate to get him back. With the help of various film stars and studio workers Babs and Guy try to figure out who is behind the dognapping and why! Will they be able to catch a thief or will this case put them out of business?
I love dogs and many of the films of the 1930s and 40s so I was excited to see a mystery set around these themes. It was fun seeing memorable actors involved in a new fictional mystery, especially the sleuths, Sherlock Holmes and Nick and Nora Charles…well, their “real life” counterparts. Despite having tremendous backstory, somehow the characters seemed flat. Though interesting they came off as two-dimensional.
The pace was slow and Babs and Guy weren’t making much headway in their investigation. That is until the final showdown aboard the Queen Mary. Everything came together perfectly with fast paced action, laugh out loud scenes, and some shocking revelations. I'm still laughing at the play on that famous Marx Brothers scene in A Night at the Opera!
Missing dogs, Hollywood stars, and a woman PI, oh my! HOUNDS OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASKERVILLES brings together Hollywood legends and a new detective in a 1940s era mystery.
The First Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery
Having left the world of acting and an abusive husband Babs Norman is trying to make it as a Hollywood PI. When she discovers that Basil Rathbone's dog, Leo, has gone missing Babs persuades the star that she is just the woman to find his canine friend. She and her business partner soon learn that Leo isn't the only Hollywood pup to pull a disappearing act. Asta, famed co-star of the Thin Man movies, is also missing and the studio is desperate to get him back. With the help of various film stars and studio workers Babs and Guy try to figure out who is behind the dognapping and why! Will they be able to catch a thief or will this case put them out of business?
I love dogs and many of the films of the 1930s and 40s so I was excited to see a mystery set around these themes. It was fun seeing memorable actors involved in a new fictional mystery, especially the sleuths, Sherlock Holmes and Nick and Nora Charles…well, their “real life” counterparts. Despite having tremendous backstory, somehow the characters seemed flat. Though interesting they came off as two-dimensional.
The pace was slow and Babs and Guy weren’t making much headway in their investigation. That is until the final showdown aboard the Queen Mary. Everything came together perfectly with fast paced action, laugh out loud scenes, and some shocking revelations. I'm still laughing at the play on that famous Marx Brothers scene in A Night at the Opera!
Missing dogs, Hollywood stars, and a woman PI, oh my! HOUNDS OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASKERVILLES brings together Hollywood legends and a new detective in a 1940s era mystery.
February 7, 2024
I love reading about old Hollywood and the characters in the book were more than familiar to me. And I loved the take on the Sherlock Holmes story "Hound of the Baskervilles" to provide the plotline. However, I am sorry to say that this one just did not engage with me. I could not get into the character of "Babs" and there was just too many "names dropped" to make this an even enjoyable read for me. As I mentioned in previous reviews of books from this author - the cramped narrative trips over itself. I will not be pursuing the next in the series.
March 30, 2024
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is a comedic, cozy mystery. Babs Norman is a Hollywood stunner, but instead of gracing the silver screen, she’s gumshoeing it through the star-studded streets. Hollywood’s movers and shakers are reeling as canine stars and faithful companions alike are disappearing. Babs must mingle with Tinseltown’s elite to find the hand that holds the leash.
Bottom line: Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is for you if you like cozy-styled mysteries and fun-filled romps through the golden age of Hollywood.
Strengths of the story. One of the shining stars (ha!) of the story was the 1940 Hollywood setting. Crowens took us into the glitz and glamour of the parties, the mansions, and the sets. It was one of the most unique and detailed settings I think I have ever read. The depth of Crowens imagination is a remarkable as she brings a lost world back to life.
The characters surrounding the mystery are just as creatively detailed. Basil Rathbone of Sherlock Holmes fame and his Watson, Nigel Bruce. Myrna Loy and William Powell. Crowens takes what could have been cardboard cut outs of the icons and gives them family, relationship troubles, friends, and secrets – just like normal people. I don’t know how much research Crowens did or if the result was pure imagination, but it was a sweet result.
The character of Babs Norman and her partner Guy Brandt are a good, functional team. They were witty and engaging, but largely played the straight role to the Hollywood icons. I do look to see how much a detective drives the story. In the first half of the book, Babs goes about traditional Q&A which doesn’t yield much success. Then she decides to take a risk, grabbing control of the story and getting it moving forward.
This story has been classified as a cozy, won awards as a comedy, and listed as a historical. The steady pacing and clean storytelling style is a real treat.
Where the story fell short of ideal: When it came to the motive behind the dognappings, it was as solid as it was creative. But inside of that, there were elements that felt underplayed or inconsistent. The number of dogs missing and their fame increases but there is no outcry, it isn’t picked up in the press, etc. It was believable when it was two dogs, but as it grew, I felt like the story didn’t grow with it.
While it is critical that the detective drives their story, the logic of the actions also matters. There was a point where Babs had earned her big break in the case, and then the story took a doglegged turn. She abandoned her first success for a half-heard reference. I had issues with the sudden redirection that seemed to fly in the face of the evidence.
In the category of personal preference, I struggled with the breakdown of the chapters. There are 38 chapters, most of which are seven to ten pages. Then three of the last four chapters were over 20 pages each with subsections. It confused me as I read as I was conditioned to expect the short, quick hitting chapters.
All in all, this was a clean, fun read.
Bottom line: Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is for you if you like cozy-styled mysteries and fun-filled romps through the golden age of Hollywood.
Strengths of the story. One of the shining stars (ha!) of the story was the 1940 Hollywood setting. Crowens took us into the glitz and glamour of the parties, the mansions, and the sets. It was one of the most unique and detailed settings I think I have ever read. The depth of Crowens imagination is a remarkable as she brings a lost world back to life.
The characters surrounding the mystery are just as creatively detailed. Basil Rathbone of Sherlock Holmes fame and his Watson, Nigel Bruce. Myrna Loy and William Powell. Crowens takes what could have been cardboard cut outs of the icons and gives them family, relationship troubles, friends, and secrets – just like normal people. I don’t know how much research Crowens did or if the result was pure imagination, but it was a sweet result.
The character of Babs Norman and her partner Guy Brandt are a good, functional team. They were witty and engaging, but largely played the straight role to the Hollywood icons. I do look to see how much a detective drives the story. In the first half of the book, Babs goes about traditional Q&A which doesn’t yield much success. Then she decides to take a risk, grabbing control of the story and getting it moving forward.
This story has been classified as a cozy, won awards as a comedy, and listed as a historical. The steady pacing and clean storytelling style is a real treat.
Where the story fell short of ideal: When it came to the motive behind the dognappings, it was as solid as it was creative. But inside of that, there were elements that felt underplayed or inconsistent. The number of dogs missing and their fame increases but there is no outcry, it isn’t picked up in the press, etc. It was believable when it was two dogs, but as it grew, I felt like the story didn’t grow with it.
While it is critical that the detective drives their story, the logic of the actions also matters. There was a point where Babs had earned her big break in the case, and then the story took a doglegged turn. She abandoned her first success for a half-heard reference. I had issues with the sudden redirection that seemed to fly in the face of the evidence.
In the category of personal preference, I struggled with the breakdown of the chapters. There are 38 chapters, most of which are seven to ten pages. Then three of the last four chapters were over 20 pages each with subsections. It confused me as I read as I was conditioned to expect the short, quick hitting chapters.
All in all, this was a clean, fun read.
March 28, 2024
When famous actor Basil Rathbone loses his dog, he brings in Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, young private detectives, to find it. But things are more than they seem in Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles by Elizabeth Crowens.
Babs and Guy are struggling in their business. But when Basil Rathbone asks for their help to find his dog, their fortunes seem to turn. As they investigate the dog’s disappearance, they discover other disappeared dogs, including Asta, the star of The Thin Man series. The more they discover, the more questions are raised, and a deeper plot comes to the surface.
I realized early on that while this book advertises itself as a “Humorous Mystery,” it was very much a Cozy Mystery, but I was ready to give it a chance as I enjoy an old Hollywood setting. My reservations quickly became deep concerns as the book continued. It felt like the author was a huge fan of old Hollywood and wanted to flaunt her knowledge by bringing in everyone working in Hollywood at that time.
The story went in a million different directions, and multiple sections felt utterly disconnected and unnecessary to the plot. Not only that, but the plot went from zero to sixty in one chapter flat. We go from dog kidnappings to Nazis and a hostage situation. It didn’t make sense.
The characters were classic, cozy characters. The main character, Babs, is beautiful without even trying. All the men are attracted to her. She is the cleverest person, and even if she does something that would leave most people considering her a horrible person, it all works out in her favor, and everyone loves her. What bothered me most was how the author wrote Ouida Rathbone. Like most of the characters in this book, Ouida was an actual person, and the way Crowens wrote her was downright disrespectful. She wrote her as a jealous, rude witch who didn’t deserve Basil and who treated Babs horribly because of her own insecurities. If an author wants to create their own character like that, fine. I don’t think it is a good way to demonstrate women supporting women, but that is the author’s prerogative. But to take a real person and disrespect them in that manner was unforgivable.
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is a callback to Hollywood’s “golden age” and a classic cozy mystery that fans of the genre may enjoy.
Babs and Guy are struggling in their business. But when Basil Rathbone asks for their help to find his dog, their fortunes seem to turn. As they investigate the dog’s disappearance, they discover other disappeared dogs, including Asta, the star of The Thin Man series. The more they discover, the more questions are raised, and a deeper plot comes to the surface.
I realized early on that while this book advertises itself as a “Humorous Mystery,” it was very much a Cozy Mystery, but I was ready to give it a chance as I enjoy an old Hollywood setting. My reservations quickly became deep concerns as the book continued. It felt like the author was a huge fan of old Hollywood and wanted to flaunt her knowledge by bringing in everyone working in Hollywood at that time.
The story went in a million different directions, and multiple sections felt utterly disconnected and unnecessary to the plot. Not only that, but the plot went from zero to sixty in one chapter flat. We go from dog kidnappings to Nazis and a hostage situation. It didn’t make sense.
The characters were classic, cozy characters. The main character, Babs, is beautiful without even trying. All the men are attracted to her. She is the cleverest person, and even if she does something that would leave most people considering her a horrible person, it all works out in her favor, and everyone loves her. What bothered me most was how the author wrote Ouida Rathbone. Like most of the characters in this book, Ouida was an actual person, and the way Crowens wrote her was downright disrespectful. She wrote her as a jealous, rude witch who didn’t deserve Basil and who treated Babs horribly because of her own insecurities. If an author wants to create their own character like that, fine. I don’t think it is a good way to demonstrate women supporting women, but that is the author’s prerogative. But to take a real person and disrespect them in that manner was unforgivable.
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is a callback to Hollywood’s “golden age” and a classic cozy mystery that fans of the genre may enjoy.
March 2, 2024
When Hollywood went to the dogs…
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is the premiere novel in author Elizabeth Crowens’s new historical cozy mystery series, the Babs Norman Hollywood Mysteries. Set in 1940 Hollywood, the story is a smorgasbord of actors from the Golden Age of Film as two novice detectives search for the missing dogs of silver screen royalty.
Babs Norman is the principal partner in a new detective agency with her best friend and aspiring actor, Guy Brandt. She’s serious and assertive in her efforts to make good as a PI in Tinseltown after her own attempts as an actor fell short. I liked how when Babs overhears Basil Rathbone talking about his missing cocker spaniel, Leo, she is confident and bold enough to approach the film legend and sell her agency’s services. She parlays that success into getting the job of finding Asta, of The Thin Man fame, who has coincidentally also gone missing at around the same time.The plot moves quickly from Babs gaining the jobs to following every lead that comes their way. Famous faces and historic Hollywood locations make appearances, with a lot of film trivia and biographical tidbits about the various stars finding their way into the story. Both actors Basil Rathbone and William Powell, known for their portrayals of fictional screen detectives, consult on the mysterious disappearances early on.
While I enjoyed the cameos, film lore, and historical settings, the story got a tad convoluted, the dialogue was occasionally uneven, and there were a few continuity issues. However, none of this was enough to prevent this book from being a good time. I was very impressed at the amount of research the author had to have done in crafting the story, including so many well-known personalities, the social mores of the era, and fitting it all within the framework of the world political situation of the times.I recommend HOUNDS OF THE HOLLYWOOD BASKERVILLES to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a historical setting, especially that of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
March 11, 2024
Fan of old classic movies? Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is a fun, cozy mystery with cameos from some of 1940’s biggest Hollywood stars. It’s nostalgic, humorous, and full of twists. There’re a lot of cute famous dogs too!
After an abusive marriage & dreams of being an actress fizzled, Babs Norman started her own detective agency with her friend Guy Brandt. When she meets Basil Rathbone star of the Sherlock Holmes movies offering a reward for his missing dog, she begs to be put on the case. But, Basil’s dog isn’t the only one missing, Astra from the famous Thin Man movies, Toto from the Wizard of Oz, and others have been dog napped too. It’s up to Babs, Guy, and Basil, taking on his Sherlock Holmes role, to find the suspects.
This book was really quite unique. I love old movies and so it was fun to see so many stars from that era in the story including Myrna Loy, William Powell, Nigel Bruce, Errol Flynn, the Marx Brothers, and even Humphrey Bogart. The author did a fantastic job capturing their on and off screen personalities.
The mystery is far deeper than a simple dog napping. At times, it was a bit confusing with all the storylines going on at once. There are a host of suspects and red herrings. It all comes down to a nail biting conclusion on the Queen Mary.
Definitely a fun, unique start to a new cozy mystery series. It’ll be fun to see what Elizabeth Crowens comes up with next. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author via Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 3-3.5 stars
CW: Mild, infrequent swearing & innuendo.
After an abusive marriage & dreams of being an actress fizzled, Babs Norman started her own detective agency with her friend Guy Brandt. When she meets Basil Rathbone star of the Sherlock Holmes movies offering a reward for his missing dog, she begs to be put on the case. But, Basil’s dog isn’t the only one missing, Astra from the famous Thin Man movies, Toto from the Wizard of Oz, and others have been dog napped too. It’s up to Babs, Guy, and Basil, taking on his Sherlock Holmes role, to find the suspects.
This book was really quite unique. I love old movies and so it was fun to see so many stars from that era in the story including Myrna Loy, William Powell, Nigel Bruce, Errol Flynn, the Marx Brothers, and even Humphrey Bogart. The author did a fantastic job capturing their on and off screen personalities.
The mystery is far deeper than a simple dog napping. At times, it was a bit confusing with all the storylines going on at once. There are a host of suspects and red herrings. It all comes down to a nail biting conclusion on the Queen Mary.
Definitely a fun, unique start to a new cozy mystery series. It’ll be fun to see what Elizabeth Crowens comes up with next. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author via Partners in Crime Tours. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. 3-3.5 stars
CW: Mild, infrequent swearing & innuendo.
March 7, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Elizabeth Crowens and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is the first in the Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery series. I love a good cozy mystery and old Hollywood and was drawn to the premise of this book. In this book, Asta, the dog from the popular Thin Man series, has vanished without a trace and his production on his next film is pending. MGM needs to find Asta, NOW! They offer a huge reward. Insert Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, owners of a sinking private investigation business who need this money to save their business. Celebrity dognapping is a growing trend. After being mocked by the police and city pound, Basil hires the B. Norman Agency to find his missing cocker spaniel.
I love dogs and love that this book’s main character is a dog. The characters are also cleverly written with each personality playing well off the others. The scenes are well written and kept me engaged from start to finish. The antics are hilarious and had me laughing throughout. I also loved the Hollywood glam style and era. The author does an excellent job of building suspense while keeping the reader laughing out loud.
I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing how the characters develop. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery and dog lovers!
Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles is the first in the Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery series. I love a good cozy mystery and old Hollywood and was drawn to the premise of this book. In this book, Asta, the dog from the popular Thin Man series, has vanished without a trace and his production on his next film is pending. MGM needs to find Asta, NOW! They offer a huge reward. Insert Babs Norman and Guy Brandt, owners of a sinking private investigation business who need this money to save their business. Celebrity dognapping is a growing trend. After being mocked by the police and city pound, Basil hires the B. Norman Agency to find his missing cocker spaniel.
I love dogs and love that this book’s main character is a dog. The characters are also cleverly written with each personality playing well off the others. The scenes are well written and kept me engaged from start to finish. The antics are hilarious and had me laughing throughout. I also loved the Hollywood glam style and era. The author does an excellent job of building suspense while keeping the reader laughing out loud.
I look forward to reading more of this series and seeing how the characters develop. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery and dog lovers!
March 13, 2024
This is a mystery steeped in the 1940s world of Hollywood. Many of the stars of the day make an appearance and there are many references to movies of the time. Babs is an unusual PI, getting into all kinds of trouble trying to find the missing dogs. She manages to alienate her partner then get him back. She is relentless in her bumbling investigation, however, leading to a suspenseful final confrontation.
The plot contains many layers as more than one mystery is included. The story line wanders a bit between the missing dogs and other possible nefarious deeds of war so the narrative becomes a bit confusing. Readers learn some about animals in movies and how they are trained along with many interesting facts about movies and the books upon which they are based.
Crowens' writing style requires concentration as the dialogue is frequently a bit unusual and the plot movement is sometimes fragmented. I often wondered how a scene fit in to the overall movement of the action. I was impressed with the amount of research that must have done to provide all the references to period people, movies and events.
This is a novel for readers who appreciate an unusual mystery set in the golden time of Hollywood movies. Readers of Sherlock Holmes will also like this historical romp.
I received a complimentary egalley through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The plot contains many layers as more than one mystery is included. The story line wanders a bit between the missing dogs and other possible nefarious deeds of war so the narrative becomes a bit confusing. Readers learn some about animals in movies and how they are trained along with many interesting facts about movies and the books upon which they are based.
Crowens' writing style requires concentration as the dialogue is frequently a bit unusual and the plot movement is sometimes fragmented. I often wondered how a scene fit in to the overall movement of the action. I was impressed with the amount of research that must have done to provide all the references to period people, movies and events.
This is a novel for readers who appreciate an unusual mystery set in the golden time of Hollywood movies. Readers of Sherlock Holmes will also like this historical romp.
I received a complimentary egalley through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 17, 2024
This was a great mystery read y’all! A little different from my normal modern mysteries, this one was set in the 1940’s and was centered around dogs and finding missing famous dogs. There are two characters that are the main characters in this book, one is Babs, our female MC who is a female PI. She has a partner named Guy and they try to solve mysterious and Hollywood centered cases.
The writing was fantastic and kept me engaged as a reader. I loved the authentic way that the author took time in learning how to have her characters talk and behave for the 1940’s in Hollywood. One of my favorite time periods in history is from the 1940’s-1960’s in America and especially Hollywood.
The story was engaging from the first page to the end of the book where you find out who was kidnapping the dogs and also there is another surprise thrown in! I, of course, will not spoil the book so you need to read it and find out yourselves!
I highly recommend this to all mystery readers
with an emphasis on the older days in Hollywood!
The writing was fantastic and kept me engaged as a reader. I loved the authentic way that the author took time in learning how to have her characters talk and behave for the 1940’s in Hollywood. One of my favorite time periods in history is from the 1940’s-1960’s in America and especially Hollywood.
The story was engaging from the first page to the end of the book where you find out who was kidnapping the dogs and also there is another surprise thrown in! I, of course, will not spoil the book so you need to read it and find out yourselves!
I highly recommend this to all mystery readers
with an emphasis on the older days in Hollywood!
February 25, 2024
This was a fun read about a female detective and her partner trying to make it in Hollywood as private detectives. There is an insidious plot seemingly going on of someone kidnapping famous dogs. So they leap into the investigation as they partner up with Basil Rathbone of the Sherlock Holmes movies and William Powell of the Thin Man movies. There is a lot of witty banter and references to other stars of 1940. By the end, lots of stars have made their appearances including the Marx Brothers and Errol Flynn.
The plot gets a bit convoluted and becomes a bit farcical, but I still enjoyed the story and setting and would happily read a second entry in this new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
The plot gets a bit convoluted and becomes a bit farcical, but I still enjoyed the story and setting and would happily read a second entry in this new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
April 1, 2024
I really enjoyed most of this book and was going to rate it a solid 4 stars until they got on the boat. Then the scenes and plot got terribly disjointed.
The female detective Babs and her side-kick Guy are very likable and believable and I appreciated all the movie film references and the research done in writing the book. But the author started to cram too much into the latter part of the book. It was hard to follow how the detectives determined the subsequent facts and it seemed all chance and confusion. The author was trying too hard to be funny - the famous Marx brothers sketch only works visually in the movies!
Maybe the author's second book in this series will be better! I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
The female detective Babs and her side-kick Guy are very likable and believable and I appreciated all the movie film references and the research done in writing the book. But the author started to cram too much into the latter part of the book. It was hard to follow how the detectives determined the subsequent facts and it seemed all chance and confusion. The author was trying too hard to be funny - the famous Marx brothers sketch only works visually in the movies!
Maybe the author's second book in this series will be better! I obtained an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
February 28, 2024
Hounds of Hollywood Baskervilles by Elizabeth Crowens is a fantastic read! It is full of drama, fun, and mystery. Private detectives barely doing well until a celebrity contact them about a missing dog. There are plenty of suspects. Each with a possible motive. I love the dark mysterious atmosphere and the hunt for the truth from the detectives. I also enjoyed the Hollywood drama perspective. Readers who love exciting, yet suspenseful stories will enjoy this novel as much as I have. The plus side is it is a historical cozy mystery. Historical mysteries are always the best. The whodunnit is huge in this read.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
January 25, 2024
This was an interesting premise, but the author attempted to add too many different plot swings and twists that left it confusing and hurried. The main storyline would have interesting by itself, without adding the other lines. I also found the inclusion of so many Hollywood stars and some of the byplay they engaged in, led to confusion and unnecessary side stories, Overall, it was disappointing, but some may find it enjoyable.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 8, 2024
Asta, the dog from the Thin Man movies is missing and Babs Norman is hired to solve the case. But, being a female private eye in the 1940s isn't easy. Police laugh at her. Suspects are dubious. However, Babs is determined to find Asta. Along the way, she discovers the Asta has been dognapped by a dognapping ring. Also missing is Toto, Basil Rathbone's personal dog, and many more. There is a who's who of Hollywood stars making appearances in the story. This was a delightfully fun read. HIGHLYRECOMMENDED. I can't wait for the sequel.
February 9, 2024
Thanks to Elizabeth Crowens, Level Best Books and Netgalley for access to the advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fun story which involves Hollywood celebrities of the early 1940’s in a mystery involving stolen dogs. Definite vibe similar to the Thin Man books and movies and I was also reminded of Stuart M. Kaminsky’s many books. I enjoyed the story and the involvement of people from classical Hollywood.
#HoundsoftheHollywoodBaskervilles
Fun story which involves Hollywood celebrities of the early 1940’s in a mystery involving stolen dogs. Definite vibe similar to the Thin Man books and movies and I was also reminded of Stuart M. Kaminsky’s many books. I enjoyed the story and the involvement of people from classical Hollywood.
#HoundsoftheHollywoodBaskervilles
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February 12, 2024I thoroughly enjoyed how fun and exciting this book was. I thought the comedy along with the Hollywood glam style of this story was truly entertaining. This story definitely took me back to childhood memories of Sherlock Holmes and fun mysteries. I definitely think people should read this if they want a good laugh and a cozy read.
Thank you Level Best Books for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Level Best Books for sending me this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
Hollywood 1940's
A delightful start to a new series full of movie stars galore and an engaging premise!
B Norman Agency is struggling for business and Babs and Guy are happy to help find a couple of missing Hollywood dogs! What could be easier?
Entertaining and fun with the name drops, Looking forward to more in this series!
A delightful start to a new series full of movie stars galore and an engaging premise!
B Norman Agency is struggling for business and Babs and Guy are happy to help find a couple of missing Hollywood dogs! What could be easier?
Entertaining and fun with the name drops, Looking forward to more in this series!
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March 12, 2024“I never suspected the reason why the dogs were being taken until it was revealed.” – The Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles: A Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery on The Mystery Review Crew
See our full review of Hounds of the Hollywood Baskervilles: A Babs Norman Hollywood Mystery on The Mystery Review Crew
April 5, 2024
A delightful romp through Old Hollywood, a sort of screwball mystery. If you're tickled by the idea of a pair of PIs helping Basil Rathbone, famous for playing Sherlock Holmes, recover his kidnapped dog, meanwhile discovering that the dog who plays Asta in The Thin Man series has also been taken, then this is the book for you.
February 20, 2024
Cute story with a missing dog and a lot (A LOT) of famous Hollywood names dropped into it. May be easier to follow if you recognize the actors mentioned and know something about them. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
March 30, 2024
I felt like this book was trying to do too many things at once and It didn't really work for me or maybe it just wasn't to my taste.
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