Lone Star by Edward Ifkovic
Published by Poisoned Pen Press, April, 2009

Hollywood in 1956 comes alive as you turn the pages of Lone Star.  Edna Ferber arrives in Hollywood for the filming of her novel Giant.    Edna renews old acquaintances and meets new ones on the set of Giant.  Edna senses that there is something going on behind the scenes and when she finally uncovers the truth she finds herself plunged into a murder investigation.

A bit player that had been removed from the production of Giant is sending threatening letters to the studio making accusations against James Dean, the new idol of the fans.  Edna soon realizes that there is something in Dean’s personality that she cannot resist.  She begins to understand why Dean has fans that imitate him and fight for his attention.

When Carisa Krausse, the author of the threatening letters, is murdered, James Dean goes to the top of the lists of suspects.  Edna’s instincts tell her that Dean is innocent.  Edna enlists Mercedes McCambridge’s help in proving Dean’s innocence.

If you are a movie fan, you will be fascinated with the inner workings of the movie world.  If you are not a fan of the movies you will still be fascinated with the mystery presented in Lone Star.  I know I had a list of suspects but the ending came as a shock to me. 

Lone Star is the first novel in the Edna Ferber Mystery series.  I know I look forward to what the future brings for this series and Edna’s investigations.

Reviewed by Patricia E. Reid