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Death of a Movie Star
StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in madcap competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants.
So it seems odd that respected Hollywood A-lister Cassandra "Casmo" Moreaux would become a contestant. But her motivation is simple: revenge against the program's producer, Lenora Danmore, the legendary movie star who blacklisted Casmo's mother during the McCarthy era.
Casmo plans to use StarBash to confront and embarrass Lenora in front of the entire country--but what Casmo doesn't know could kill her.
Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show's wry host--Lenora's illegitimate son--the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.
Featuring sarcastic celebrities, murderous androids, and off-the-wall humor from beginning to end, Death of a Movie Star masterfully pulls Hollywood culture apart at the seams. It's a Tinseltown romp that's part mystery, part suspense, and two parts roller derby!
Rating: This story does not contain any graphic violence, language, or sexual encounters. Its rating would be similar to PG-13 movie.
So it seems odd that respected Hollywood A-lister Cassandra "Casmo" Moreaux would become a contestant. But her motivation is simple: revenge against the program's producer, Lenora Danmore, the legendary movie star who blacklisted Casmo's mother during the McCarthy era.
Casmo plans to use StarBash to confront and embarrass Lenora in front of the entire country--but what Casmo doesn't know could kill her.
Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show's wry host--Lenora's illegitimate son--the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.
Featuring sarcastic celebrities, murderous androids, and off-the-wall humor from beginning to end, Death of a Movie Star masterfully pulls Hollywood culture apart at the seams. It's a Tinseltown romp that's part mystery, part suspense, and two parts roller derby!
Rating: This story does not contain any graphic violence, language, or sexual encounters. Its rating would be similar to PG-13 movie.
- GenresMystery
242 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2018
About the author
Timothy Patrick
3 books9 followersTim Patrick learned at an early age about living on both sides of the tracks. His family scraped to pay the rent but he received his primary education at a private boarding school, the result of smooth talking parents and a generous scholarship. On visiting day Tim watched the parents of his schoolmates arrive in limousines and Lamborghinis. His parents arrived in a utility van that said "Patrick's TV Repair" on the sides.
In Tea Cups & Tiger Claws, his first novel, Patrick continues with this childhood theme as he introduces forbidden mountaintop palaces and the characters who try to sneak into them. It's a family saga that spans three generations and takes you on a wild ride from one side of the tracks to the other.
In Death of Movie Star, the author’s second novel, he takes you backstage to meet the types of film stars that the whole world loves and hates—sometimes simultaneously. There are the ambitious divas, the wisecracking sidekicks, and the really frightening ones who just might be playing themselves.
In Ollie Come Free, Patrick unites his fondness for the American family saga with the fascinating phenomenon of acquired savantism, where a person can get bonked on the head and wake up with a new and amazing talent…and the brain damage that always accompanies it.
Tim is a graduate of UCLA. He and his wife live in California and are the parents of two grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys aviation, bicycling, and experimenting in the kitchen.
In Tea Cups & Tiger Claws, his first novel, Patrick continues with this childhood theme as he introduces forbidden mountaintop palaces and the characters who try to sneak into them. It's a family saga that spans three generations and takes you on a wild ride from one side of the tracks to the other.
In Death of Movie Star, the author’s second novel, he takes you backstage to meet the types of film stars that the whole world loves and hates—sometimes simultaneously. There are the ambitious divas, the wisecracking sidekicks, and the really frightening ones who just might be playing themselves.
In Ollie Come Free, Patrick unites his fondness for the American family saga with the fascinating phenomenon of acquired savantism, where a person can get bonked on the head and wake up with a new and amazing talent…and the brain damage that always accompanies it.
Tim is a graduate of UCLA. He and his wife live in California and are the parents of two grown children. In his spare time, he enjoys aviation, bicycling, and experimenting in the kitchen.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 23, 2018
“There are two ways for you to make it to StarBash: scandal or drama, and scandal isn’t your strength, Brandi.”
California author Timothy Patrick earned his degree form UCLA and to date has published two books – TEA CUPS & TIGER CLAWS and now DEATH OF A MOVIE STAR.
Timothy’s style of writing is just the right bland of mystery and humor and satire and this book - a parody of how Hollywood functions and why we are all seemingly obsessed by its products – is proof that he knows the territory.
He opens his novel with mise-en-scène that seduces us into his book - ‘Everyone gets a free murder. It’s like a savings bond given to a newborn baby. The only catch is that it takes eighty years to mature. At that age, or anytime thereafter, you are free to commit the murder of your choice. And then, faster than you can say, “rip-roaring-rigor-mortis,” your special privileges begin accruing. At arraignment your advanced age and various medical conditions are noted. The judge looks at you, and your oxygen tank, and says something benignly humorous about your flight-risk probability. You are then released on personal recognizance. The district attorney isn’t terribly excited because convicting frail, elderly murderers doesn’t seem to impress voters as much as convicting young, menacing ones. Better for everyone if you and your crime just quietly fade away. Your numerous continuance requests, therefore, are met with less than vigorous resistance, and your trial is postponed four, five, or even six years. During this time you live peacefully in your own home, which, given an average life expectancy of seventy-eight years, is also where you will die long before the lethargic arm of justice ever comes to gather you up. Eighty-seven-year-old Lenora Danmore had been willing to exercise this privilege. It was true, the initial scandal might have damaged her reputation, and that of her museum, but over time, the pall of murder would have most likely fallen away and left nothing but a captivating dark passion to her life story, a touch of infamy adorning a remarkable fame, and her reputation would have recovered. But then a chubby Italian actress by the name of Brandi Bonacore came along, and Lenora realized that while a free murder is all fine and good, a perfect murder is even better. This was the reason Lenora had traveled the sixty miles from her ranch in the foothills above Ventura, California, to a strip-mall diner in Studio City on a blustery day in January 2020. She wore a cream-colored Ralph Lauren pinstriped skirt suit with an upturned collar and matching gloves. The booth where she sat smelled like ketchup. She touched as little as possible…etc’ So he has our attention secured.
The plot is well described in his synopsis – ‘StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in absurd competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants. So it seems odd that respected Hollywood A-lister Cassandra "Casmo" Moreaux would become a contestant. But her motivation is simple: revenge against the program’s producer, Lenora Danmore—an old starlet who had Casmo’s mother blacklisted from show business during the McCarthy era. Casmo plans to use StarBash to confront and embarrass Lenora in front of the entire country—but what Casmo doesn’t know could kill her. Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show’s wry host—who also happens to be Lenora’s illegitimate son—the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.’
First class parody, this, and it seems as though there are seeds now planted for future equally satisfying novels. Timothy shows a fine polish for a writer at the onset of his career.
California author Timothy Patrick earned his degree form UCLA and to date has published two books – TEA CUPS & TIGER CLAWS and now DEATH OF A MOVIE STAR.
Timothy’s style of writing is just the right bland of mystery and humor and satire and this book - a parody of how Hollywood functions and why we are all seemingly obsessed by its products – is proof that he knows the territory.
He opens his novel with mise-en-scène that seduces us into his book - ‘Everyone gets a free murder. It’s like a savings bond given to a newborn baby. The only catch is that it takes eighty years to mature. At that age, or anytime thereafter, you are free to commit the murder of your choice. And then, faster than you can say, “rip-roaring-rigor-mortis,” your special privileges begin accruing. At arraignment your advanced age and various medical conditions are noted. The judge looks at you, and your oxygen tank, and says something benignly humorous about your flight-risk probability. You are then released on personal recognizance. The district attorney isn’t terribly excited because convicting frail, elderly murderers doesn’t seem to impress voters as much as convicting young, menacing ones. Better for everyone if you and your crime just quietly fade away. Your numerous continuance requests, therefore, are met with less than vigorous resistance, and your trial is postponed four, five, or even six years. During this time you live peacefully in your own home, which, given an average life expectancy of seventy-eight years, is also where you will die long before the lethargic arm of justice ever comes to gather you up. Eighty-seven-year-old Lenora Danmore had been willing to exercise this privilege. It was true, the initial scandal might have damaged her reputation, and that of her museum, but over time, the pall of murder would have most likely fallen away and left nothing but a captivating dark passion to her life story, a touch of infamy adorning a remarkable fame, and her reputation would have recovered. But then a chubby Italian actress by the name of Brandi Bonacore came along, and Lenora realized that while a free murder is all fine and good, a perfect murder is even better. This was the reason Lenora had traveled the sixty miles from her ranch in the foothills above Ventura, California, to a strip-mall diner in Studio City on a blustery day in January 2020. She wore a cream-colored Ralph Lauren pinstriped skirt suit with an upturned collar and matching gloves. The booth where she sat smelled like ketchup. She touched as little as possible…etc’ So he has our attention secured.
The plot is well described in his synopsis – ‘StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in absurd competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants. So it seems odd that respected Hollywood A-lister Cassandra "Casmo" Moreaux would become a contestant. But her motivation is simple: revenge against the program’s producer, Lenora Danmore—an old starlet who had Casmo’s mother blacklisted from show business during the McCarthy era. Casmo plans to use StarBash to confront and embarrass Lenora in front of the entire country—but what Casmo doesn’t know could kill her. Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show’s wry host—who also happens to be Lenora’s illegitimate son—the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.’
First class parody, this, and it seems as though there are seeds now planted for future equally satisfying novels. Timothy shows a fine polish for a writer at the onset of his career.
March 26, 2018
Death of a Movie Star I was contacted by the author requesting that I review his book, sending me a free copy. After reading the story, I am pleased to state that the book is a good read.
The story starts with the comment that if you are over 80 years old, you can commit a murder, just one murder, and get away with it because it would be too much money to try you and put you in jail. Because at 80 you are knocking on death's door and it would be wasted money. I didn't really like the thought of that as we are seeing more people live to their 90's and 100's. But I wasn't willing to leave the book at that point, I wanted to see how this would progress.
Lenora is an aging film actress who hunts up another has-been actress and asks her who she would love to get rid of forever. The name that jumps to her lips is Cassandra aka Casmo. A young actress who has become a thorn in the sides of both women. Lenora has a plan. She wants to get rid of Casmo and wants someone else to take the blame.
She runs a television show with her business manager, Micah Bailey. Micah is the host of "Starbash 2020" and he hates Hollywood and all the trappings. So much so that he states that he never watches tv or movies. He hides in the garage at Lenora's and works on cars and trashes the Hollywood elite.
16 actors and actresses with known problems with temper, alcohol or drugs come on the show to go from the top to the bottom and show that they can become human. Along the way, you see the changes in Casmo and you see that she has an ax of her own to grind. One that goes back to when Lenora and her own mother were sharing an apartment and competing for acting jobs. It seems that Lenora is suspected of turning Cassandra's mother into the FBI during the 1950's witchhunt for Socialists.
This did have a definite story and you could see people emerging from the face that they present to the world. I do recommend this story.
The story starts with the comment that if you are over 80 years old, you can commit a murder, just one murder, and get away with it because it would be too much money to try you and put you in jail. Because at 80 you are knocking on death's door and it would be wasted money. I didn't really like the thought of that as we are seeing more people live to their 90's and 100's. But I wasn't willing to leave the book at that point, I wanted to see how this would progress.
Lenora is an aging film actress who hunts up another has-been actress and asks her who she would love to get rid of forever. The name that jumps to her lips is Cassandra aka Casmo. A young actress who has become a thorn in the sides of both women. Lenora has a plan. She wants to get rid of Casmo and wants someone else to take the blame.
She runs a television show with her business manager, Micah Bailey. Micah is the host of "Starbash 2020" and he hates Hollywood and all the trappings. So much so that he states that he never watches tv or movies. He hides in the garage at Lenora's and works on cars and trashes the Hollywood elite.
16 actors and actresses with known problems with temper, alcohol or drugs come on the show to go from the top to the bottom and show that they can become human. Along the way, you see the changes in Casmo and you see that she has an ax of her own to grind. One that goes back to when Lenora and her own mother were sharing an apartment and competing for acting jobs. It seems that Lenora is suspected of turning Cassandra's mother into the FBI during the 1950's witchhunt for Socialists.
This did have a definite story and you could see people emerging from the face that they present to the world. I do recommend this story.
February 5, 2018
A cruel reality show that delights in humiliating its contestants has become the highest-rating programme on television. Fifty-three million people gleefully tune in for each episode to watch Hollywood's descending stars exposed in all their ignominy. Yet there is no shortage of hopeful participants when the four-month run and $10 million movie deal prize can rescue even the most shredded of careers. Micah Bailey, the merciless ringmaster of StarBash, hates actors and their phoney ways, and for good reason. For twenty-five years, he has endured working for Lenora Danmore, super-star actress, and still formidable queen bitch of Tinseltown. The fifteen contestants of StarBash's fourth season include some surprise entries and two actresses whose epic feud promises to top the vicious-spat charts. Meanwhile Lenore herself has a long-standing debt to settle.
I was blown away by the inventiveness and novelty of the plot. To say that it was like watching the whole thing on TV would be an understatement. The omniscient narrator carries the reader deep inside each set, behind the scenes, and even deeper in the hearts and minds of the main characters. There are no absolute heroes, only flawed human beings pitted against one another in a fight for survival. All the players made tough choices and acted selfishly, however, their humanity carries the day, and the inspiring message is that forgiveness can be a game changer.
There is great balance between a fast-moving, fresh plot and character-driven action. Very interesting also the notion that entertainers serve a social role in distracting us from the harsh reality of everyday life. I loved the museum and all of its complex creation. The romance aspect is very lightly hinted at, but serves its purpose. I found the ending surprising – in a good way. A fascinating story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that held my interest till the very end.
I was blown away by the inventiveness and novelty of the plot. To say that it was like watching the whole thing on TV would be an understatement. The omniscient narrator carries the reader deep inside each set, behind the scenes, and even deeper in the hearts and minds of the main characters. There are no absolute heroes, only flawed human beings pitted against one another in a fight for survival. All the players made tough choices and acted selfishly, however, their humanity carries the day, and the inspiring message is that forgiveness can be a game changer.
There is great balance between a fast-moving, fresh plot and character-driven action. Very interesting also the notion that entertainers serve a social role in distracting us from the harsh reality of everyday life. I loved the museum and all of its complex creation. The romance aspect is very lightly hinted at, but serves its purpose. I found the ending surprising – in a good way. A fascinating story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns that held my interest till the very end.
January 13, 2018
Lenora Danmore is aging Hollywood actress. She lives on a ranch eighty miles outside of Hollywood. On her property, she has built a museum of her works. There is also a studio, where she and her illegitimate son tape StarBash, the latest Reality TV show. StarBash is where actors go when their careers are in the tank, and they need a little push to get back into the Hollywood scene.
One such actress, Brandi Bonacore, was looking to get her career back on track and auditioned for the show. Lenora approaches Brandi at the diner where she is working and asks her who she would most like to see go down in flames if she could have her pick of anyone in Hollywood. Brandi names Cassandra Moreaux. Casmo (a nickname given for Cassandra) was the one who ruined Brandi’s career. Casmo, against her agent’s advice, has also auditioned for the show. She has a vendetta against Lenora and wants to bring her down.
During the show taping, Casmo falls in love with Micah, Lenora’s illegitimate son. I won’t go into too many details of the book because it will give away the ending. Suffice it to say there is a shooting, a Hollywood death, and a reboot of someone’s career.
The book is entertaining to read. The characters are well-developed, and one quickly understands the personalities of each of them. This book will have appeal to those who enjoy Reality TV or celebrity gossip. While the ending of the book left me a bit dazed and confused, I would recommend this book to others.
One such actress, Brandi Bonacore, was looking to get her career back on track and auditioned for the show. Lenora approaches Brandi at the diner where she is working and asks her who she would most like to see go down in flames if she could have her pick of anyone in Hollywood. Brandi names Cassandra Moreaux. Casmo (a nickname given for Cassandra) was the one who ruined Brandi’s career. Casmo, against her agent’s advice, has also auditioned for the show. She has a vendetta against Lenora and wants to bring her down.
During the show taping, Casmo falls in love with Micah, Lenora’s illegitimate son. I won’t go into too many details of the book because it will give away the ending. Suffice it to say there is a shooting, a Hollywood death, and a reboot of someone’s career.
The book is entertaining to read. The characters are well-developed, and one quickly understands the personalities of each of them. This book will have appeal to those who enjoy Reality TV or celebrity gossip. While the ending of the book left me a bit dazed and confused, I would recommend this book to others.
March 25, 2018
"Reality bites"
I hate reality TV - but I loved the book.
This is Tinseltown stripped raw. No matter how extreme the game show elements become you can still find them credible.
This book is written in an easy to read style, with a vivid imagination. The characters are grotesque, but you can easily find a Hollywood name that fits their persona. There were more twists than in a pretzel, more laughs than in a day out at Disneyland.
It may not be the best book I'll read in 2018, but it's in the top one at present.
Disclosure: I received a free advance reviewer’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I hate reality TV - but I loved the book.
This is Tinseltown stripped raw. No matter how extreme the game show elements become you can still find them credible.
This book is written in an easy to read style, with a vivid imagination. The characters are grotesque, but you can easily find a Hollywood name that fits their persona. There were more twists than in a pretzel, more laughs than in a day out at Disneyland.
It may not be the best book I'll read in 2018, but it's in the top one at present.
Disclosure: I received a free advance reviewer’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
August 30, 2018
This was definitely different. It’s satire, poking fun at both Hollywood and the cult of celebrity as well as at reality TV in general. The characters, at least on the surface, fit various Hollywood clichés, yet (just like with most clichés) are a bit deeper and unique than the cliché would lead you to believe. It’s a fun read with a little of a futuristic feel, a bit of a mystery, and a whole lot of laugh and head shake inducing scenes.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
July 6, 2018
Appreciate Patrick's social and philosophical asides.
In a book... as an artist-in-retirement, I look for wisdom gained by running the hurdles of the whole human experience. I've done so for 70 years and now, it's fun to compare. Author Tim Patrick has created quotable pearls of wisdom throughout the book but I'm drawn to Chapter 12 where seasoned film actress Cassandra "Cass" Moreaux has been presented this question (paraphrasing now): Would Hollywood be a better place if those from the lower strata of society -- the peasants, so to speak -- were banned from participation?
As soon as Cass read the question, three words popped into her head: 'whole human experience.' And she knew the answer. It all boiled down to three words, words that represented the noblest contribution that Hollywood has ever or would ever make to the world: its relentless pursuit of the 'whole human experience'. Like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, the pursuit of this prize never ended because the whole human experience never stopped changing, but that didn't matter in the least. The pursuit itself was the prize. And it belonged to everyone, paid out everytime we went to the movies and got carried away because we saw some part of ourselves in that movie. And the reason we saw ourselves was because we are part of the 'whole human experience' that Hollywood faithfully captured and added to its dynamic catalog. Hollywood also benefited from this endeavor because it meant that instead of a handful of potential stories to tell, it had millions, including the story of you, of me and of the villager half a world away who lived a fascinating existence that would never be shared if not for Hollywood's honorable passion.
But how could Hollywood ever hope to capture the 'whole human experience' if it pretended that vast segments of the human experience didn't even exist? Such myopic exclusion didn't amount to anything 'whole.' It amounted to a skewed sampling that insidiously chipped away, little by little, at the humanity that made movies so magical. If left uncorrected, eventually every production ran the risk of at least a slight taint, not necessarily because of malice but simply because it had been generated from a system that had replaced the 'whole human experience' with an ideological imposter. The results might be artistic but wouldn't be pure, just as propaganda can be artistic but will always be tilted in a way that favors ideology over purity. Cass saw it clearer than ever. Hollywood needed ... sophisticates and potato farmers, intellectuals and factory workers, bog hoppers and subway riders. It needed everyone.
And, to that end, the community of actors and the voices telling the stories must be just as diverse as society itself.
Timothy Patrick writes with an uncanny omniscience regarding the inner workings of Hollywood and the people who make it what it is. As for the infighting, jealousies, cattiness, power struggles and megalomania... we all know that aspect only too well. It has been documented in every grocery store tabloid and fan magazine -- and in movies -- for 100 years. Personally I could do without it but it's essential to the story. And, Mr. Patrick seems to relish telling us every little sordid detail.
Other reviewers have presented a rehash of the plot. I'll just say, I had some difficulty navigating the first two chapters perhaps because of my unfamiliarity with the subject. The rest of the book was highly entertaining. I appreciate Patrick's social and philosophical asides most of all.
Gerald MacLennon
In a book... as an artist-in-retirement, I look for wisdom gained by running the hurdles of the whole human experience. I've done so for 70 years and now, it's fun to compare. Author Tim Patrick has created quotable pearls of wisdom throughout the book but I'm drawn to Chapter 12 where seasoned film actress Cassandra "Cass" Moreaux has been presented this question (paraphrasing now): Would Hollywood be a better place if those from the lower strata of society -- the peasants, so to speak -- were banned from participation?
As soon as Cass read the question, three words popped into her head: 'whole human experience.' And she knew the answer. It all boiled down to three words, words that represented the noblest contribution that Hollywood has ever or would ever make to the world: its relentless pursuit of the 'whole human experience'. Like painting the Golden Gate Bridge, the pursuit of this prize never ended because the whole human experience never stopped changing, but that didn't matter in the least. The pursuit itself was the prize. And it belonged to everyone, paid out everytime we went to the movies and got carried away because we saw some part of ourselves in that movie. And the reason we saw ourselves was because we are part of the 'whole human experience' that Hollywood faithfully captured and added to its dynamic catalog. Hollywood also benefited from this endeavor because it meant that instead of a handful of potential stories to tell, it had millions, including the story of you, of me and of the villager half a world away who lived a fascinating existence that would never be shared if not for Hollywood's honorable passion.
But how could Hollywood ever hope to capture the 'whole human experience' if it pretended that vast segments of the human experience didn't even exist? Such myopic exclusion didn't amount to anything 'whole.' It amounted to a skewed sampling that insidiously chipped away, little by little, at the humanity that made movies so magical. If left uncorrected, eventually every production ran the risk of at least a slight taint, not necessarily because of malice but simply because it had been generated from a system that had replaced the 'whole human experience' with an ideological imposter. The results might be artistic but wouldn't be pure, just as propaganda can be artistic but will always be tilted in a way that favors ideology over purity. Cass saw it clearer than ever. Hollywood needed ... sophisticates and potato farmers, intellectuals and factory workers, bog hoppers and subway riders. It needed everyone.
And, to that end, the community of actors and the voices telling the stories must be just as diverse as society itself.
Timothy Patrick writes with an uncanny omniscience regarding the inner workings of Hollywood and the people who make it what it is. As for the infighting, jealousies, cattiness, power struggles and megalomania... we all know that aspect only too well. It has been documented in every grocery store tabloid and fan magazine -- and in movies -- for 100 years. Personally I could do without it but it's essential to the story. And, Mr. Patrick seems to relish telling us every little sordid detail.
Other reviewers have presented a rehash of the plot. I'll just say, I had some difficulty navigating the first two chapters perhaps because of my unfamiliarity with the subject. The rest of the book was highly entertaining. I appreciate Patrick's social and philosophical asides most of all.
Gerald MacLennon
September 25, 2018
A well-written, well-conceived novel is a thing of beauty. Hollywood. Tinseltown. Glitter capital of the world. And, through film, video tape, and digital recording, the denizens of Hollywood are forever immortalized. I have to say that this probably isn't a book I would pick up every day of the week, but it does have the word 'death' in the title. (For a long time, when asked if I watched such and such a show, my response was inevitably negative with the caveat that I only watch shows with dead bodies.) I figured it to be a murder mystery. You know, a dead body where it shouldn't be. But, what if the death is less blood and guts and more the psychology of dog eat dog with no thought beyond being number one? So many clichés apply. Public opinion is everything, and ratings rule.
I am not one to read People Magazine or The National Enquirer or any other publication generally found at the supermarket check-out line. I enjoy television and movies, but I really have no interest in who is dating who or worse. I don't do spoilers. I believe that a reviewer's job is to make you want to read a book (or not) based on his or her ability to share the underlying, visceral reactions to what was read. So I am having a hard time here telling you why I thought this was a great book, one that will put readers through the emotional gamut, without telling you the story. It will make you laugh and cry and shake your head in bewilderment.
There are several really thought provoking scenes sprinkled throughout the book that could almost be there to emphasize today's political American landscape. They are fleeting, but they do rather jump off the page. Are they intentional? I'd like to think so for the simple reason that there seems to be nothing extraneous to the plot. Either that or I see everything through my own day to day lens of 24-hour news cycles that appear to be unending.
Here we have a tale of the beautiful people, in which their interior shallowness, and even ugliness, is laid bare for all to see. Watch them calculate every move, every word, as they claw their way to success. The yardstick is notched with movies made, awards won, dollars paid, and ratings, ratings, ratings. Speaking of ratings, there is a PG 13 rating at the end of the Amazon blurb. I would concur.
Read and be amazed!
I am not one to read People Magazine or The National Enquirer or any other publication generally found at the supermarket check-out line. I enjoy television and movies, but I really have no interest in who is dating who or worse. I don't do spoilers. I believe that a reviewer's job is to make you want to read a book (or not) based on his or her ability to share the underlying, visceral reactions to what was read. So I am having a hard time here telling you why I thought this was a great book, one that will put readers through the emotional gamut, without telling you the story. It will make you laugh and cry and shake your head in bewilderment.
There are several really thought provoking scenes sprinkled throughout the book that could almost be there to emphasize today's political American landscape. They are fleeting, but they do rather jump off the page. Are they intentional? I'd like to think so for the simple reason that there seems to be nothing extraneous to the plot. Either that or I see everything through my own day to day lens of 24-hour news cycles that appear to be unending.
Here we have a tale of the beautiful people, in which their interior shallowness, and even ugliness, is laid bare for all to see. Watch them calculate every move, every word, as they claw their way to success. The yardstick is notched with movies made, awards won, dollars paid, and ratings, ratings, ratings. Speaking of ratings, there is a PG 13 rating at the end of the Amazon blurb. I would concur.
Read and be amazed!
May 5, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘Death of a Movie Star’ by Timothy Patrick
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Finished on April 28, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $18.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in madcap competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants.
The show doesn’t seem to be a smart career move for Hollywood A-Lister Cassandra “Casmo” Moreaux to join the StarBash cast, but it makes perfect sense to Cassandra. She has a simple motivation -- revenge.
The show’s producer, Lenora Danmore, blacklisted Cassandra’s mother during the McCarthy era. It affected not only her mother’s life, but Cassandra’s, too, and Cassandra wants Lenora to pay.
Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show's wry host--Lenora's illegitimate son--the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a fan of reality TV, you’ll probably really enjoy this book, but I am not. I don’t dislike it, but it’s just not my thing. If it is your thing, this book gets right into the thick of it immediately.
‘Death of a Movie Star’ felt, to me, like more of a portrait of Hollywood life rather than focusing on the characters involved. I tend to enjoy character-driven stories the most, and while this is an interesting tale, it didn’t hit me in the right spots. I felt like the characters were not very well-developed. They felt like more of a means to an end to fuel the study of stardom.
The sci-fi element is a little odd, I think, but when it comes to reality television, nothing is really surprising.
That being said, this is not a bad read. It’s easy to get absorbed in with good pacing. I would say this is a fun weekend read, especially for those who are into reality television.
‘Death of a Movie Star’ by Timothy Patrick
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Finished on April 28, 2018
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$4.99 on Kindle | $18.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
StarBash is the hottest thing on TV. Featuring desperate actors facing off in madcap competitions to win a movie deal, the reality show is famous for making fools of its fame-starved participants.
The show doesn’t seem to be a smart career move for Hollywood A-Lister Cassandra “Casmo” Moreaux to join the StarBash cast, but it makes perfect sense to Cassandra. She has a simple motivation -- revenge.
The show’s producer, Lenora Danmore, blacklisted Cassandra’s mother during the McCarthy era. It affected not only her mother’s life, but Cassandra’s, too, and Cassandra wants Lenora to pay.
Vindictive and wicked, Lenora is determined to set a trap for the upstart movie star. But when Casmo unexpectedly falls in love with the show's wry host--Lenora's illegitimate son--the murder plot bubbles over with unforeseen complications.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re a fan of reality TV, you’ll probably really enjoy this book, but I am not. I don’t dislike it, but it’s just not my thing. If it is your thing, this book gets right into the thick of it immediately.
‘Death of a Movie Star’ felt, to me, like more of a portrait of Hollywood life rather than focusing on the characters involved. I tend to enjoy character-driven stories the most, and while this is an interesting tale, it didn’t hit me in the right spots. I felt like the characters were not very well-developed. They felt like more of a means to an end to fuel the study of stardom.
The sci-fi element is a little odd, I think, but when it comes to reality television, nothing is really surprising.
That being said, this is not a bad read. It’s easy to get absorbed in with good pacing. I would say this is a fun weekend read, especially for those who are into reality television.
March 10, 2018
For all of its elegant veneer, Hollywood is a nest of vipers. The queen of the vipers is none other than Lenora Danmore, an eighty-seven year old diva of the first water intent on remaining forever young and beloved. To accomplish this, Lenora is ready to put the finishing touches on her interactive museum. But museums cost money. So Lenora became the principal investor of a reality show call Starbash - where has-been actors face off in absurd competitions to win a ten million dollar movie deal. The show is known for making its once famous contestants appear foolish; some have even had the remnants of their reputations destroyed.
Hollywood A-Lister Cassandra Moreaux doesn't need to expose herself on Starbash but she is seeking revenge against Lenora Danmore who had Cass's mother blacklisted back in the 1950s. Lenora has deep dark secrets to protect and has an ingenious plan wherein Cass will become a murder vicitim. Secondary character Brandi Bonacore - her own reputation ruined because of Cassandra, is an enemy to be reckoned with while Micah Bailey, host of Starbash and Lenora's manager/illegitimate son, provides an erstwhile romantic interest for Cass.
Set in the year 2020, Death of a Movie Star exposes the machinations of Hollywood with humor and pathos. A real page-turner; you won't look at reality-tv the same way. A terrific commentary on the entertainment industry.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Hollywood A-Lister Cassandra Moreaux doesn't need to expose herself on Starbash but she is seeking revenge against Lenora Danmore who had Cass's mother blacklisted back in the 1950s. Lenora has deep dark secrets to protect and has an ingenious plan wherein Cass will become a murder vicitim. Secondary character Brandi Bonacore - her own reputation ruined because of Cassandra, is an enemy to be reckoned with while Micah Bailey, host of Starbash and Lenora's manager/illegitimate son, provides an erstwhile romantic interest for Cass.
Set in the year 2020, Death of a Movie Star exposes the machinations of Hollywood with humor and pathos. A real page-turner; you won't look at reality-tv the same way. A terrific commentary on the entertainment industry.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 16, 2018
So, I feel kind of awkward writing a review for this book because there is a lot to like about it but if you don’t like reality television or the silliness that comes with it, then this book is probably going to be hit or miss for you.
I really liked the dark humor and the behind-the-scenes work for Hollywood films that you get to see throughout this book. It really did feel like I’d taken a trip to LA and got an exclusive sneak-peek into the movie star lifestyle. The opening was very strong, it pulled me in right away. I got through the book rather quickly and found the ending to be surprisingly pleasant.
My only complaints about the story were that sometimes it felt oddly familiar to the Hunger Games series, and not in a good way since I did not enjoy any of those books. I also did not find the characters to be very enjoyable. They were all insanely one-sided and lacked a lot of development. I just wish their personalities wouldn’t have been so simple, there was a lot of opportunity for them to grow and develop but I feel like they were flat and often annoyed me.
I won’t say this book is ‘bad’ because it certainly has good points of entertainment and is written quite well. But I realized its just not a genre I enjoy. If I had more of an interest in petty drama and simple characters based in a Hollywood style story, then I might have enjoyed it more. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend this to others; it is 100% worth a shot.
I really liked the dark humor and the behind-the-scenes work for Hollywood films that you get to see throughout this book. It really did feel like I’d taken a trip to LA and got an exclusive sneak-peek into the movie star lifestyle. The opening was very strong, it pulled me in right away. I got through the book rather quickly and found the ending to be surprisingly pleasant.
My only complaints about the story were that sometimes it felt oddly familiar to the Hunger Games series, and not in a good way since I did not enjoy any of those books. I also did not find the characters to be very enjoyable. They were all insanely one-sided and lacked a lot of development. I just wish their personalities wouldn’t have been so simple, there was a lot of opportunity for them to grow and develop but I feel like they were flat and often annoyed me.
I won’t say this book is ‘bad’ because it certainly has good points of entertainment and is written quite well. But I realized its just not a genre I enjoy. If I had more of an interest in petty drama and simple characters based in a Hollywood style story, then I might have enjoyed it more. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend this to others; it is 100% worth a shot.
May 20, 2018
This novel has more plot twists than Carter’s got little liver pills (do we still say that in Appalachia?)…but in a good way.
StarBash is the highest rated reality show. The celebrity who lasts longest wins a $10 million movie deal. Lasting the longest is also sort of humiliating; they descend from an initial luxurious dinner from at a penthouse to washing dishes. I guess reality TV audiences enjoy seeing Hollywood stars lose their glitter. Jaws drop when an superstar Cassandra Moreaux agrees to ditch the dirt, secretly planning to embarrass producer Lenora Danmore, who blacklisted Moreaux’s mother during the McCarthy era.
Tim Patrick’s research on Hollywood processes and fascinating lingo is flawless. Moreover, he captured this uninitiated reader’s imagination from page one and made me feel like an expert observer at every turn. Ironically, using the at times intricate Hollywood slang might prove to be a little too much for the unmotivated reader. I must confess I was highly motivated to find out the ins and outs.
The reader will definitely enjoy Patrick’s superb talent in the mechanics of the novel, from character development to the flowing tempo which will tempt the reader to forego sleep and take in the next plot twist. The suspense is nail-biting and the sporadic humor will make you giggle.
It’s certainly a page turner. Five Tinseltown Stars!
StarBash is the highest rated reality show. The celebrity who lasts longest wins a $10 million movie deal. Lasting the longest is also sort of humiliating; they descend from an initial luxurious dinner from at a penthouse to washing dishes. I guess reality TV audiences enjoy seeing Hollywood stars lose their glitter. Jaws drop when an superstar Cassandra Moreaux agrees to ditch the dirt, secretly planning to embarrass producer Lenora Danmore, who blacklisted Moreaux’s mother during the McCarthy era.
Tim Patrick’s research on Hollywood processes and fascinating lingo is flawless. Moreover, he captured this uninitiated reader’s imagination from page one and made me feel like an expert observer at every turn. Ironically, using the at times intricate Hollywood slang might prove to be a little too much for the unmotivated reader. I must confess I was highly motivated to find out the ins and outs.
The reader will definitely enjoy Patrick’s superb talent in the mechanics of the novel, from character development to the flowing tempo which will tempt the reader to forego sleep and take in the next plot twist. The suspense is nail-biting and the sporadic humor will make you giggle.
It’s certainly a page turner. Five Tinseltown Stars!
April 2, 2018
“Everyone gets a free murder. It is like a savings bond given to a new baby.”
I thankfully received a free ‘advanced reviewers copy’ of Death of a Movie Star
from the author Timothy Patrick in exchange for an honest review.
Hollywood fans and those who enjoy Reality shows will love this new work by Timothy Patrick. Once you begin it will not let you go, it is a compelling page-turner.
The book centres on the reality show StarBash. The cast consists of Lenora Danmore an elderly star trying to cover up her past and in the meanwhile planning a devious future. Can Lenora be trusted?
Also casting Cassandra Moreaux a top of the line actress who has everyone wondering what she is doing in a show like StarBash. Everyone knows she can do better but she is a woman with a plan. Wait and see where her devotion lies as she tries to get along with the host Micah Bailey and a late addition to the show Brandy Bonacore, taken from a low profile job to join the team. How did she get there and what is the ulterior motive behind this placement.
You will find out as you read this book Congrats Timothy Patrick on a well-done job, as we await your next book
This book comes highly recommended!
I thankfully received a free ‘advanced reviewers copy’ of Death of a Movie Star
from the author Timothy Patrick in exchange for an honest review.
Hollywood fans and those who enjoy Reality shows will love this new work by Timothy Patrick. Once you begin it will not let you go, it is a compelling page-turner.
The book centres on the reality show StarBash. The cast consists of Lenora Danmore an elderly star trying to cover up her past and in the meanwhile planning a devious future. Can Lenora be trusted?
Also casting Cassandra Moreaux a top of the line actress who has everyone wondering what she is doing in a show like StarBash. Everyone knows she can do better but she is a woman with a plan. Wait and see where her devotion lies as she tries to get along with the host Micah Bailey and a late addition to the show Brandy Bonacore, taken from a low profile job to join the team. How did she get there and what is the ulterior motive behind this placement.
You will find out as you read this book Congrats Timothy Patrick on a well-done job, as we await your next book
This book comes highly recommended!
April 30, 2018
This story is set slightly in the future, just enough for some special effects. The background is primarily the filming of a reality show called StarBash. Micah Bailey, the gameshow host, comes across as the scoundrel on stage, but between shootings, he has some redeeming qualities.
This reality show is where movie stars go to boost their careers. That’s why Brandi Bonacore was there. She’d been blackballed by Cassandra Moreaux and StarBash was the only job she could find. She wouldn’t have had that opportunity without the help of Lenora Danmore, an aging star of movies who was building a museum of her greatest roles and was sponsoring the show.
Cassandra Moreaux wanted to be on the show for one reason. And, she didn’t plan to stay long. She hoped to get voted off after the first week, and even offered money to the other contestants. Her reason for being there was to destroy Lenora Danmore by exposing her past to the public.
That’s all I can tell you without ruining the fun of reading the book. And, it was fun. Having spent several years on stage, I enjoyed the industry lingo used by the author. The book was well-written with characters you will love or hate.
This reality show is where movie stars go to boost their careers. That’s why Brandi Bonacore was there. She’d been blackballed by Cassandra Moreaux and StarBash was the only job she could find. She wouldn’t have had that opportunity without the help of Lenora Danmore, an aging star of movies who was building a museum of her greatest roles and was sponsoring the show.
Cassandra Moreaux wanted to be on the show for one reason. And, she didn’t plan to stay long. She hoped to get voted off after the first week, and even offered money to the other contestants. Her reason for being there was to destroy Lenora Danmore by exposing her past to the public.
That’s all I can tell you without ruining the fun of reading the book. And, it was fun. Having spent several years on stage, I enjoyed the industry lingo used by the author. The book was well-written with characters you will love or hate.
February 23, 2018
Starbash! A reality TV show! The author is brilliant in the opening scenes bringing his readers into the audience of the newest reality show in New York. I was immediately drawn into the suspense and Intrigue of how it was going to unfold and couldn't wait to be part of the process to see who would win the leading role and the million dollars. Micah Bailey - The Host I could feel and see his enthusiasm and concerns. The author immediately introduces characters as they blended and their lives overlapped in both TV and in their personal lives. It was quite clear that the dynamics were explosive, emotional and unsettling. Lenora, the director, Cass and Brandi all opportunists with scores to settle. Everyone was in it for their own reason even to get revenge for destroying of lives that tied them in knots of twisted truths. Fascinating! Anyone who wants to know what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood and how clueless we are as viewers and fans, this book is for you. And the author makes it very clear that no matter what The Show Must Go On!
August 9, 2018
I am actually having a little trouble reviewing this book. I liked so many things about it and yet there were enough things that I didn't like that it has me questioning how I really feel. Let's see how I feel by the end of this post.
I think that a lot of how a person would feel about this book depends on their appreciation for reality television. If you're not a fan of reality tv then you probably won't love this book. I guess I'm kind f in the middle. I like some reality tv and then there's some that I really, really don't like.
A lot of the characters were a bit unbelievable to me. Maybe a little too vindictive and mean. It made an interesting story but they just weren't likable.
On a good note, I think this book would make a great movie!! It could be a dark comedy or something! I think it would do great!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I think that a lot of how a person would feel about this book depends on their appreciation for reality television. If you're not a fan of reality tv then you probably won't love this book. I guess I'm kind f in the middle. I like some reality tv and then there's some that I really, really don't like.
A lot of the characters were a bit unbelievable to me. Maybe a little too vindictive and mean. It made an interesting story but they just weren't likable.
On a good note, I think this book would make a great movie!! It could be a dark comedy or something! I think it would do great!
*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2018
This satirical novella about Hollywood and the people who frequent this icon provides biting comments on the falseness and meanness of those "Hollywood" people. The book ends in a quasi-redemption, but a little too late. The format of this story bumps around in dialogue and setting and character development pass quickly away. I read authors that create intriguing stories rich in setting and character personality. After reading Death of a Movie Star, no character remains in my conscious awareness. The old starlet, Lenora Danmore reminds me Norma Desmond, in Sunset Boulevard; and as any can see, the names are very similar. Both Lenora and Norma need to acknowledge that their prime time has ended and now must fade to the side line. Received a free advance reviewers copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 18, 2019
Quirky but a very easy read. A very intriguing plot that finished up nicely.
The book is based on the set of a theoretical Hollywood reality TV show. This genre has been used before by other authors, but this was different being set in 2020 with a bit of futuristic gimmickry to add to the fun. It was, however, highly believable.
There were three central female characters, a couple of which I felt like jumping into the book and giving a kick too. Micah was an interesting balance to the overall plot.
The author had built up their respective personalities and idiosyncrasies very well, I thought a couple of the chapters dragged out a bit, particularly the scene in the end of Chapter 16 but it was probably needed to set the scene for what followed.
All in all, a well-crafted book. It is not a long book so very easy to read.
The book is based on the set of a theoretical Hollywood reality TV show. This genre has been used before by other authors, but this was different being set in 2020 with a bit of futuristic gimmickry to add to the fun. It was, however, highly believable.
There were three central female characters, a couple of which I felt like jumping into the book and giving a kick too. Micah was an interesting balance to the overall plot.
The author had built up their respective personalities and idiosyncrasies very well, I thought a couple of the chapters dragged out a bit, particularly the scene in the end of Chapter 16 but it was probably needed to set the scene for what followed.
All in all, a well-crafted book. It is not a long book so very easy to read.
December 28, 2019
This book is absolutely engaging! Revenge, intrigue, and more all set against the backdrop of a reality show. In a town where everybody has a motive, the lives of several collide on a reality show set, with everybody vying for their own agenda, this is a well written book that you won't want to put down. I know I did not want to. The various side plots all add depth to the book, especially with characters that while starting out as almost caricatures, they become complex and get depth as we get to learn more about them through their actions and dialogue. Cass and Micah are excellent examples of this. All around, a page-turner. Excellent book and I highly recommend it.
I was given a free copy of this book.
I was given a free copy of this book.
May 18, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Captivating! It surprised me. it is very well written, and I love how the story lines intertwine and feed off each other. It is funny, slightly shocking at times, and mostly enjoyable. I couldn't give it a five star for there are parts in the middle that were shortened up, where I really wanted to hear more details of the story line then. Having said that, the dialogues were spot on, and the Hollywood backdrop was the perfect venue for the entire story. Barring a sudden shift, because of how unique the story is in itself, I can very easily see this being on the top ten reads of 2018.
July 5, 2018
I was intrigued by the write-up for Death of a Movie Star by Timothy Patrick which promised an “Explosive…Stellar and polished…A compelling and engaging tale of revenge, suspense, and romance.” Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. The storyline was far from compelling but unique enough to keep my attention. Instead of finding irony and humor, I found the plot to be heavy and trite except for the museum concept.
Though the book was not what I expected, it flowed steadily and presented a good side to the shallowness of many Hollywood egos. I recommend the book to those who like intrigue and happy endings.
Though the book was not what I expected, it flowed steadily and presented a good side to the shallowness of many Hollywood egos. I recommend the book to those who like intrigue and happy endings.
March 13, 2018
Death of a Movie Star by Timothy Patrick is a thought provoking story about interconnected lives. This is a story that explores a life spent without regard for anyone but one's self; while another life is spent searching for a relationship that might or might not ever happen. The story is both entertaining and different, and is full of interesting personalities and the choices they made to do good or otherwise. A five star read!
April 11, 2018
Different
This is a story of a reality show in 2020. Very interesting , it will hold your attention and you will meet several types of characters, all flawed in their own way. One actress blacklisted because of her beliefs certainly rings true today. The museum, as a shrine to the elderly old actress who owns it, is amazing. Throw in a love story and it all ties in very well. I can recommend this book.
This is a story of a reality show in 2020. Very interesting , it will hold your attention and you will meet several types of characters, all flawed in their own way. One actress blacklisted because of her beliefs certainly rings true today. The museum, as a shrine to the elderly old actress who owns it, is amazing. Throw in a love story and it all ties in very well. I can recommend this book.
March 29, 2018
I thought this was a very good book. I appreciated it’s humor, satire and concise ability to tell a very complicated story in a manner followable with very little effort! I also really enjoyed the growing humanness of key characters and the opportunity for their redemption.
March 31, 2018
Interesting reality show. This takes place in 2020, so a little sci-fi is involved. Not far fetched, just not in general use now. Fun addition to the tale. Loved the car/ movie parts. Mostly all involved were movie stars, so which one is going to die? Intriguing resolution!
Read
September 24, 2018Review available at Foreword Reviews.
May 18, 2023
I love this author!
What a fascinating story. I enjoyed every page. And I loved the message of good versus evil as well as acceptance of others with a different opinion.
What a fascinating story. I enjoyed every page. And I loved the message of good versus evil as well as acceptance of others with a different opinion.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews