A Soap Opera Mystery ~ Book Three

Alexis Peterson, star of the daily soap "The Bare and the Brazen" and her hairdresser, George, are attending Hugh Hefner's annual Halloween party at the Playboy Mansion, courtesy of an acquaintance of Alex's, Shana Stern. Shana and Alex have never been close, so Alex is wondering why Shana is suddenly so friendly. It seems Shana needs Alex's detecting skills as the lady fears for her life, but Shana is called away for a photo shoot before she can explain. The next time Alex sees Shana, she is in the House of Horrors with her throat slit.

LAPD Detective Frank Jakes, Alex's boyfriend, and his partner are first on the scene. Alex tells him that Shana had a stalker that was thrown out right before Shana was called away. Jakes knows that Alex won't stay out of the investigation, so he uses her contacts in show business to help with the case. What they find leads them to Las Vegas where Alex and other soap stars are having a fan appreciation get together.

The mystery deepens when a Vegas plastic surgeon to the stars disappears after learning that the police want to question him. Alex and Jakes are suspicious when they learn that two more of this doctor's clients have been killed, and interview two patients who are looking a lot older than younger. Then, out of the blue Shana's stalker gives Alex a letter he dug out of Shana's trash that leads the authorities to a firm that is doing clinical trials on a new drug with disastrous side effects. The next thing you know someone is trying to kill Alex and George.

Emmy nominated Eileen Davidson gets better and better with her Soap Opera Mystery series, which is fun to read and gives the reader a lot of behind-the-scenes insight. Alex's ex, Randy, is back and wants custody rights to their daughter, Sarah. Alex is ready to bring Jakes into her family circle, which includes her mom and Sarah. Randy's return might put a crimp in her relationship with Jakes, especially where Sarah is concerned. Ms. Davidson has done a fantastic job with her narrative and story lines and brings them all together with verve and humor. The author has also created richly drawn characters with warts and all. There is plenty of intrigue, romance and mystery in this clever story, which is a must read for fans of this genre.