Book Review: Hollywood Assassin: A Psychological Suspense Thriller Book 1 by M.Z. Kelly
As I dove into Hollywood Assassin, the first entry in the Hollywood Alphabet Series by M.Z. Kelly, I was immediately drawn in by the unconventional premise. A struggling LAPD detective with a cheeky canine sidekick and a chaotic life? Count me in! With its blend of suspense and humor, this book promised to be an intriguing escape, and it certainly delivered.
At the heart of Hollywood Assassin is LAPD Detective Kate Sexton, whose life seems more like a dark comedy than a gritty police procedural. The opening scene, where Kate stops her captain from shooting a grocery-laden Detective Jack Bautista, sets the tone perfectly. It’s a whirlwind of tension, humor, and sheer chaos that hooks you from the first line. Kate is not just up against a killer; she’s contending with a personal life that feels like a reality TV show gone wrong—an ex-husband’s infidelity, a quirky, foul-mouthed British friend named Natalie, and even a dog named Bernie whose sexual escapades might make a sailor blush.
What I found particularly fascinating was how Kelly deftly navigates these comedic elements while weaving in a dark and riveting murder mystery that spans three decades. It’s a fine balance of laughs and thrills, and I often found myself chuckling at the absurdity of Kate’s situation while also biting my nails over the cold case she’s trying to crack. The author’s background in law enforcement provides a certain authenticity to the plot, lending weight to the character dynamics and police procedures I suspect only someone with firsthand experience would get right.
The character development shines brightly, especially Kate, who stands out as a deeply relatable figure juggling professional pressures and personal turmoil. Her interactions with Bernie, her canine partner, often elicited a giggle, while her bond with Natalie—who has a propensity for vulgarity—keeps things lively. Perhaps the dialogue, laced with adult humor and sarcasm, is what I enjoyed the most. It feels real and raw, and it truly captures the chaotic backdrop of Hollywood.
The pacing was generally fast, but I will admit there were moments where I felt the plot hit a bit of a slow patch. Yet, this lull provided me an opportunity to appreciate the developing relationships and explore the complexities of Kate’s world. And just when I thought I had things figured out, Kelly threw in a curveball that turned everything upside down.
One unforgettable quote from the book that resonated with me was, “In Hollywood, the only thing more unpredictable than the weather is a serial killer’s choice of victims.” It captures the essence of both the city and the story—a blend of glamour, danger, and the absurdity of life.
I wholeheartedly recommend Hollywood Assassin to readers who enjoy a mix of humor and suspense, especially fans of female-led detective stories. If you appreciate a sharp-witted protagonist and laugh-out-loud moments mingled with nail-biting tension, this book is for you. It’s an entertaining start to a series that promises to keep unfolding more of Hollywood’s dark and comedic secrets. Personally, it left me eagerly anticipating what twists and turns await in the next installment.
So, grab your copy, buckle in for a thrilling ride, and prepare for a rollercoaster of laughter and suspense that you won’t soon forget!