Jan 09, Lynx rated it really liked it Shelves: Still working for Fairbanks Studios and still getting herself mixed up in murder. When Barbara Petrovitch's husband Joe is killed and the murderer seemingly vanishes into thin air, the police are at a loss for suspects. Luckily for Barbara, her fellow coworker Jessie has a history of solving difficult cases. Jessie knows, where there's a murder, there's a motive. Putting her sleuthing skills to work, with the help of a few almost famous friends, Jessie begins to put together a l Jessie's back!

Putting her sleuthing skills to work, with the help of a few almost famous friends, Jessie begins to put together a list of suspects. But the killer has a list of their own.. I absolutely adore this series. Mary Miley delivers everything I want in a historical mystery. Delightful characters, rich, descriptive prose, an intriguing case to solve and just the right mix of fact and fiction. She never fails to suck me into the story, teach me something new and leave me with a smile on my face.

The only problem is having to wait for the next one!


  1. KNUCKLES BALONEY!
  2. Murder Mystery Party Guest Information.
  3. Hockey Canadas Learn All About Hockey: Color and Activity (Rule 1, Sports Color and Activity Books)?

I'm going to be heartbroken the day Jessie solves her last case. Highly recommend the whole series to historical mystery fans, especially if you love Old Hollywood as much as I do! Jul 01, Cindy Burnett rated it it was amazing Shelves: In Murder in Disguise, Jessie tackles the murder of a movie projectionist. The man murdered is the spouse of a fellow employee at the Pickford-Fairbanks Studio, and his wife engages Jessie to solve the crime. Jessie works as a script girl for the studio during the day but continues to pursue her interest in solving mysteries on the side.

Her search for the murdere 4. Her search for the murderer sends Jessie on a surprising path that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story line was creative and original which made the book very enjoyable. Miley also incorporates fascinating vaudeville trivia including that Helen Keller performed with her interpreter for a few years on a circuit and that Adele Astaire was more famous than her brother Fred during their lifetimes even though he is the only one remembered today.

My next project is to track down that movie and watch it after reading about its creation. This is an intriguing subject that I knew very little about before watching the documentary and was excited to see the subject matter addressed again in Murder in Disguise. I continue to absolutely love this series, and Murder in Disguise is a fabulous addition.

I am already anxiously awaiting the next installment. My one hope for the next book is that Jessie will resolve her love life; I am much more partial to one of her love interests than the other and am rooting for him.

Silent Murders

Jul 31, Holly rated it really liked it Shelves: She's such a likable character that I can't help wanting to know what's happening in her life. These books bring two of my favorite things together, or actually three: This time around, Jessie is asked to investigate the murder of a film projectionist--Joe Petrovitch. As always, names like Fairbanks, Pickford, Loy, Astaire So does Carl and David. Two possible love interests. She's with one but you know the other would like to be romantically linked to Jessie.

The mystery in this installment was a strong one, better I think than the last book. It was somewhat more complicated for Jessie but she handles herself well. I continue to love these books and I'm looking forward to what happens next. Some new developments in Jessie's life should make things more interesting for her in the future. Jul 05, Betty rated it it was amazing Shelves: The fourth in this historical series, set against a background of the Roaring Twenties. A new author for and one I will read again. It works alright as a stand-A-Lone as the story was completed.

The backstory caught my attention and my TBR like is now larger. Jesse Beckett is an orphan and grew up in vaudeville. In order survive she did what was necessary. In this story, her boyfriend is arrested for murder, prohibitions problems, and tax evasion. She has been hired by the Pickford-Fairbanks' st The fourth in this historical series, set against a background of the Roaring Twenties. She has been hired by the Pickford-Fairbanks' studio as a script girl. Jessie is rooming with 5 other girls in a house.

There she meets a woman whose niece, Kit Riley is death and dumb. Lot is the same age as Jesse when Jesse mother died. A member of the studio husband is dun down at his work. The police have no clues as to what happens. His widow asked Jessie to find his killer. The story takes several twists and turns before Jessie finds the answer. The historical information is informative of the time period. I recommend this book. I received a free copy from Severn House through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book.

The opinions expressed are my own. View all 3 comments. Jessie Beckett is working at the PickFair Studio in and is asked to investigate the death of Joe Petrovitch, the husband of a co-worker, bue to her success in previous murder investigations. But how could this killer, a man in a red coat, who fired three shots at Petrovitch leave a crowded theatre without being noticed. Although this is the fourth in the series I didn't find it was necessary to read the previous books. I found the story entertaining and a good mystery, and some good rounded Jessie Beckett is working at the PickFair Studio in and is asked to investigate the death of Joe Petrovitch, the husband of a co-worker, bue to her success in previous murder investigations.

I found the story entertaining and a good mystery, and some good rounded characters. Sep 07, Sarah Zama rated it liked it. It is competingly written, with a strong, coherent plot comprised of two mysteries a main one and a supporting one and a personal thread centred on the main character, Jessie. The ending was interesting enough and a bit unconventional, which is good. It also had a twist at the end, but I found this one to be more contrived. I have a feeling that this thread will spill on future novels.

This is an overarching story that started in the first novel and is evolving as new stories come out. It involves Jessie in a romantic way, interwoven with historic elements about Prohibition that are less known to the general public. Should be interesting, no? Honestly, I could never get into it. I just know that every time Jessie lingered on this part of plot, I hitched to go back to the actual mystery. But all in all is a story that will amuse the mystery lover and will please the historical reader. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This series is fabulous. She manages to add in so many period details without ever bogging down the story. Little things - like how much it cost to have a telephone, sending telegrams, and stores having "ready to wear" sections. Miley's main character Jessie is all-American street-wise sass, and she is the epitome of the independent woman. Raised on the I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Raised on the Vaudeville Circuit and orphaned at an early age, Jessie has learned how to put on her stage face and tackle any challenge.

For Jessie, the answer to any challenge can be found in Vaudeville rules. Being a lawyer myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the legal aspects of this book. I love seeing glimpses of the legal world of the Golden Age and how much things have changed. I highly recommend this series for any historical fiction fans, fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood, and anyone who loves a girl with grit. Jul 20, Susan rated it it was amazing Shelves: How did I miss this series? This is the fourth entry and it's just my kind of book, a historical mystery with a strong female character. Set in the Roaring Twenties, Hollywood, Prohibition, movies and their stars, this book has added to my must be read list as I now need to read the previous three in the series.

The history of Vaudeville and Hollywood alone are draws, the mystery of how the projectionist was murdered is a satisfying addition. A very well crafted mystery. My thanks to Severn House How did I miss this series? My thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Sep 17, Debbie rated it really liked it.

The fun part is reading about early movie making and vaudeville in s America. Jessie is a likable character and has two interesting men interested in her. This could be the female equivalent of Betty or Veronica. I'm on the side of the reliable policeman rather than the reformed?

Jun 13, Crittermom rated it it was amazing. Murder in Disguise captivates the reader in the same way that early Hollywood first enthralled its viewers. There is glamour, suspense and action, with a lead whose checkered past only adds to her attraction. I enjoy historical mysteries in general, but Murder in Disguise exceeded my expectations. It gives readers a taste of early Hollywood during prohibition, and has many a tantalizing reference to early stars such as Myrna Loy, Fred Astaire, and Douglas Fairbanks. Readers feel like studio insi Murder in Disguise captivates the reader in the same way that early Hollywood first enthralled its viewers.

Readers feel like studio insiders. Jessie Beckett, former vaudeville performer, is a script girl with a talent for solving murders. Her help has proven invaluable to the police on several occasions though only a couple would admit to it. When a projectionist is murdered, the widow another employee at PickFair asks Jessie to look into it.

The murderer, a man in a red coat with a bushy beard and glasses, disappeared in plain sight moments after the killing. His drugstores with their legal alcohol are cutting into the business of bootleggers in control of the city, making him a threat. As Jessie investigates, she discovers more murders linked to the first - each with a killer who is skilled at vanishing. It will take all her skills and contacts to find the truth. Hollywood in the s is the perfect setting for a mystery.

Women are becoming more independent - and Hollywood is at the forefront. When you add in a heroine with an interesting backstory and a wide range of contacts, you have the foundation for a winning series. The plot was well done, and I particularly liked how communication across distances was depicted - so true to the time period. But Douglas Fairbanks and his wife Mary Pickford would like to see the murders solved, and Jessie seems to have a nose for that sort of thing.

Trouble is, it puts her squarely in the midst of danger. Well written, well researched, this books is an easy read, highly entertaining, and it is most gratifying to run across some familiar names. I really liked the first book a lot, but this one Jessie's a great character, vividly brought to life by Tavia Gilbert's narration.

Beyond that, however, the story seemed mostly to be a vehicle to insert a fictitious character into the world of silent film stars, too much consciously so for me. I understand there are a couple more books in the series in the works, so here's hoping they branch out a bit more into new territory. If you haven't read the first one, do so.

Murder in Disguise

This one st I really liked the first book a lot, but this one This one stands alone well enough I'd think, but there's a lot of backstory, including one character who re-appears here; his own part in Jessie's life is explained away for the benefit of new readers well enough, but not really completely. Oct 18, David Monroe rated it really liked it Shelves: It's a little more 'cozy' than my regular mystery reads, but enjoyable. Feb 18, Christine Zibas rated it liked it. Following on from her debut, award-winning novel, "The Impersonator," Author Mary Miley has taken her main character, a Vaudville actress, to Hollywood in her second book.

Here again, Jessie Beckett finds herself reinventing her life in "Silent Murders.


  • Double Cross Of Time.
  • Your costume suggestion.
  • Choice, Pathways and Transitions Post-16: New Youth, New Economies in the Global City (Studies in Inclusive Education Series).
  • About you...!

    • She's soon invited by a Hollywood silent pictures tycoon to one of his studio parties, where along with Fairbank Following on from her debut, award-winning novel, "The Impersonator," Author Mary Miley has taken her main character, a Vaudville actress, to Hollywood in her second book. She's soon invited by a Hollywood silent pictures tycoon to one of his studio parties, where along with Fairbanks and Pickford, readers are introduced to a wide range of other real-life Hollywood icons of the s. Despite the enjoyment had by Jessie and her roommate Myrna Williams newly renamed Loy , the next morning, not one but two murders are uncovered that are linked to the party.

    The murders don't stop there, but in an effort to help limit any scandal for the studio, Jessie finds herself playing detective to uncover just who committed these murders and why these murders occurred. She soon finds herself putting some of her acting skills to work to uncover key clues, but also discovers this places her in a great deal of danger as well. For those who enjoy historical mysteries, Author Mary Miley has infused a great deal of fascinating Hollywood detail in her novel, yet never taking away from the basic plotline. Perhaps the most distracting aspect of the novel is Miley's tendency to repeat details as characters tell one another what's happening.

    Otherwise, this is a very enjoyable look at the early history and personalities of the s silent movie era. Review first appeared on ReviewingtheEvidence. Jun 20, Rhonda rated it really liked it Recommended to Rhonda by: This was a very good book and though it is a fiction, Mary Miley also put a few actual historic facts through out the entire book, which I enjoy greatly. It's a fast read with a little over pages. Would make a great read on a plane flight across country. Sep 26, Kathleen Mix rated it it was amazing.

    Silent Murders is a mystery set in Hollywood in the days when Douglas Fairbanks was starring in silent films. The mystery kept me turning pages, and the characters were wonderfully real. Grab a copy and settle in for a great read. Aug 14, K. The case wasn't particularly as thrilling as I thought it'd be. Nov 30, Becky Tatar rated it it was amazing.

    Jessie Beckett is back! She has left northern California, her new found family, and is in Hollywood, working as a script girl in training at a studio. Along the way, you meet a young Myrna Williams - wonder what became of her? And a young Gary Cooper, who just happened to grow up down the street from Myrn Jessie Beckett is back!

    Oh, and there is murder and mayhem, when a famous director, a young starlet, a waitress and an actor are all killed within days of each other. Jessie, with encouragement from Fairbanks and Pickford, embarks on an investigation into all the crimes. Calling on her years in vaudeville, and a cohort from her time in northern California and Oregon, she discerns that there are two sets of murders - the director and the waitress, and the starlet and actor. The big question is, who did it? Lots of twists and turns in this one. Can't wait to start the next one in the series.

    Dec 03, Mary Garrett rated it it was amazing. Murders, scandal, jealousy, drugs, beautiful homes, the Hollywood sign, and insights into movie-making — almost too much fun with stellar writing that flows like honey. Beach Read This was a fun read; something to pass the time while sitting on a beach or recovering from an illness. Which is not to denigrate it. It's full of fun characters and is mixed with real people Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and fictional characters Jessie Beckett , as well as real and fictional places in Los Angeles.

    The mystery is convoluted enough to keep you guessing for a while until Jessie figures it out once and for all. Not much romance, but Jessie has two admirers: I'm looking forward to the next installment and Jessie's next adventure. Sep 24, Ian rated it it was amazing Shelves: The second book in Mary Miley's captivating Roaring Twenties series.

    The glamorous setting of Hollywood in the 's silent movie era and the scandals of the time, with bribery, corruption Well written and plotted, with a great cast of characters, real and fictitious. The mystery has plenty of twists and turns. This mystery is a page turner from start to finish. A most enjoyable read. If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, vis The second book in Mary Miley's captivating Roaring Twenties series. If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.

    Oct 27, Richard Becker rated it it was amazing. This is a classic historical mystery set in hollywood in the 20s. It has facets that draw in many kinds of readers: The main character's 2nd mystery to solve, this lets us know more about her and brings some real history into the story. Can't wait for the next one. Oct 09, Una rated it it was amazing. My first book from this author and it certainly will not be my last. I felt the story moved right along, was completely plausible, kept historically accurate, and held my interest throughout.

    It gave great insight as to what life was probably like in the waning days of the silent movies in Hollywood. I don't remember how I came across this book, but I loved it. It felt similar to the Royal series by Rhys Bowen. It's a clever s murder mystery. It contained a little history and some great characters. Well read by narrator. May 29, Julie rated it liked it.

    This story is interesting with the vaudeville history and the famous names and a mystery. Jun 13, Courtney Chambers rated it it was amazing. I didn't realize this was a series. Found it at the library. The series is a great concept I lost interest about mid-way through though. Oct 15, Marlene rated it liked it. Not as convincing as the first in the series.

    Aug 12, Frank rated it really liked it.

    Get A Copy

    Sep 01, Laraf rated it liked it. I enjoy the setting which helped me finish the book. The mystery was difficult to care for. In the The Impersonator , Leah Randall aka Jessie Beckett, took on the biggest role of her life impersonating a dead cousin and working to solve the mystery of her disappearance. The novel was filled with bits of information about what it was like to be in Vaudeville and compared it to the lifestyle her cousin would have had as a young heiress. Leah has now officially taken on the name Jessie Beckett and is working in In the The Impersonator , Leah Randall aka Jessie Beckett, took on the biggest role of her life impersonating a dead cousin and working to solve the mystery of her disappearance.

    Leah has now officially taken on the name Jessie Beckett and is working in Hollywood as an assistant script girl on the set of a Douglas Fairbanks movie, "Don Q: This is the end of the era of the Silent Movies and Talkies are just around the bend.

    Silver Mountain Station Restaurant | murder mystery

    Mary comes to Douglas Fairbanks attention while she's working on the set of his movie and he asks her to become his personal assistant while his usual one is in Texas comforting her dying father. So it is in this role that Mary first becomes friends with him and Mary Pickford.

    Jessie ends up investigating a murder at Douglas Fairbanks request and becomes good friends with a policeman named Carl in the process. Jessie is indeed put in the path of a murderer and danger will touch her more than once as the number of murders mounts. The Roaring 20s is a fun time to read about. And the film industry with some of the big names in Hollywood as characters just makes it more alluring.

    She works for Douglas Fairbanks who is married to Mary Pickford.

    See a Problem?

    Her best friend and roommate is Myrna Loy whose close acquaintance happens to be Gary Cooper. David from The Impersonator also makes an appearance as Jessie tries to solve the mysteries before someone else gets hurt. It's not necessary to read book one to enjoy his appearance. Enough is explained to make it interesting. While Silent Murders is second in a series, it can be read as a stand alone book. The mysteries were intriguing. Since it is told mostly from Jessie's point of view, we find out everything as she does and it allows the reader to guess along with her as to who is the murderer.

    If you like novels set in the s or in Silent Movie era Hollywood, then you will probably enjoy this mystery. I am already looking forward to a third novel in the series. I love the character of Jessie and that her complexities and ties to both Vaudeville and the movies help her to solve the mystery.

    I give this novel 4 stars out of 5 for the quality of writing and for the quality of the mystery. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. Jun 21, Elspeth G. The reader is reacquainted with the intrepid anti-heroine Leah Randall who has traded in her borrowed pearls and furs of a lost heiress for a clipboard, the modest earnings of civilian life as a script girl for the booming silent film industry and a new name to accompany her new straight-arrow life.

    Taking the moniker of Jessie Beckett, our narrator leads the reader behind the scenes of the alluring sets of silent film and rubs elbows with some of the biggest names of the era including Hollywood Royalty couple Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. But this new world is not all glitz and glamour as Jessie soon is pulled into Hollywood's sordid underbelly and the secrets of stars are slowly exposed that the eager papers are just waiting to embellish and throw over facts for juicy speculation. It is up to the reinvented Jessie Beckett to use her special sets of skills that she has perfected from years as a Vaudeville actress to somehow redirect the limelight of guilt onto the culprit of a series of murders and accidents that could easily destroy those she respects and admirers.

    So get ready for a look back at the sets and studios of Old Hollywood, gals feel free to grab your cloche hats, fellas your derbies and get your autograph books opened because Ms. In the end, I have to be honest I was disappointed as I finished. What charmed in The Impersonator seemed to be missing the mark in Silent Murders. I wasn't expecting anything particular with this sequel, at first I thought this was a completely different series and it can be read by itself if the reader has not read the prequel to this novel but the narrator lacked that believable spark this time.

    The pluck and moxie were still there but it seemed Silent Murders tended to outshine itself with the historical details and lost its narrator along the way.