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Hollywood Buzz: A Pucci Lewis Mystery    by Margit Liesche Amazon.com order for
Hollywood Buzz
by Margit Liesche
Order:  USA  Can
Poisoned Pen, 2009 (2009)
Hardcover
* *   Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth

Hollywood Buzz, second in Margit Liesche'a Pucci Lewis series, is a welcome addition to the mystery genre. If you've read the first in this exciting series, (Lipstick and Lies) - and if not, why not? - you have already met Pucci, who is a member of the WASPS (women pilots who ferried planes for the Army Air Force during World War II).

Pucci is called upon by Jackie Cochran, head of the Women's Air Force Service Pilots, to fill in for another young pilot who barely survived a puzzling crash. The crash appears not to be accidental and is being investigated. In the meantime, Pucci is called upon to do some serious flying for a short film on the women's service. Rumors abound that it is not safe for Pucci to fly, as a possible saboteur may still be operating.

I was a little kid during World War II, but I do remember the WASPS, who were not recognized for their service to their country with disability and other benefits until 1979. The research into the WASPS and the film industry is more than fascinating with a brief visit with Bela Lugosi and his cohorts. When a big name director is murdered, Pucci gets more involved and she and readers become wary and suspicious of almost everyone. The plot moves along at a brisk pace as the action picks up.

Fly along with Pucci in a Staggerwing Biplane and ride in a Packard Darrin Victoria. How classy can one get? Popular movie stars of the times are mentioned and add to the authenticity of the story. Becoming a female pilot in those days was a good deal more difficult than today, although today it's no romp in the park. One has to admire Pucci who stands up for what she believes in and is willing to go the extra mile.

Hollywood Buzz is a good book. I look forward to more in this series, and I shall give my copy of this novel to my friend's daughter who is a pilot for United Airlines.

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