What happens when you combine 1930's-era Hollywood with a murder mystery? You get Dash and Eli, the most chaotically adorable amateur detectives and romantic partners in this witty and entertaining tale. Dash is the playboy son of a movie studio mogul and Eli is his ever-loyal (and ever-suffering) bodyguard...or at least that's what they tell Dash's father and the society pages. In reality, the two are deeply devoted and passionate lovers who must hide their relationship due to society's conservative standards. Their relationship is challenged when Dash's friend, a prominent Hollywood starlet, is accused of murder, and they're asked to help prove her innocence so she can make her next big movie. What follows is a series of hijinks and banter that feels very evocative of the noir films and detective stories the era made so famous. There are plenty of tongue-in-cheek references to old Hollywood overall the writing and dialogue are quick and full of witty banter. But, the heart of the book is really the relationship between Dash and Eli. Despite having to live in secret, the two find the most touching ways to express their love for one another when in private, and the dangerous situations they find themselves in are an ever-persistent reminder that their double life comes with a very heavy price.
I hope this is the first of many books in an ongoing series, as I would love to see more adventures with Dash and Eli and their network of Hollywood friends.
A big thank you to GRR for the ARC to this title.