Novel about lost manuscript, a dark mystery, perhaps with elements of a roman à clef, set in LA

[Maxine]

In the 80s or 90s I read a mystery novel whose plot hinged on a lost manuscript, clearly based on Capote's "Answered Prayers." I think it takes place in LA. It was the type of novel Dominick Dunne might have written, but don't think it was his.

Does anyone know this book?

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Can you give more details? Explain what "Answered Prayers" was about. Is it a murder mystery, or solely about a lost manuscript? How is the manuscript lost? Is it found? Etc.

[Maxine]

Thanks for responding. "Answered Prayers" was Capote's unfinished novel, which was eventually published. The book I'm looking for doesn't mention Capote, per se, but it is a dark mystery, perhaps with elements of a roman à clef, set in LA, and ultimately involves (if I remember correctly) a gay underground scene and a lost manuscript that is obviously a reference to Capote's.

[Angela]

Argh, I think I saw this on my initial search, but I discarded it because there was no mention of the gay underground scene in the original post. Let me retrace my steps...

[Maxine]

Sorry, but trying to recall a book I read decades ago.

[Angela]

Ok, I think I found it again! Could it be The Book of Lies by Felice Picano?

[Maxine]

This looks quite interesting, but alas, not the book I'm looking for. The one I'm trying to find was more for a mainstream audience and not about gay issues at all. in fact, what i'm remembering as gay might actually have been hinted at rather than explicit. It might even have been a best-selling paperback for a short time. Wish I could recall more.