Alone, A Valentino Mystery by Loren D. Estleman; 2009; 268 pages; Forge Books; New York, NY;978-0-7653-1576-2; Provided by Publisher in exchange for review; 12/18-12/19

Film Archivist Valentino returns.  A clever mystery that spans the decades from when Greta Garbo was acting until now.  A murder, missing letters, forged letters and resentment of some ones’ dead wife all come together in this colorful mystery.  I like my mysteries with a touch of humor and Estleman delivers, with a deft touch and a large dose of movie history.  I finished this so quick cause I couldn’t put it down.  I have never read any of Mr. Estlemans’ book, but there are some that I will be picking up.

As Valentino is working on restoring the former movie palace, the Oracle, to it’s former elegance he is thrust into a murder mystery.  When a wealthy benefactor tells him that he will donate an unseen Garbo film to the UCLA film archives, Valentinos’ day job, if Valentino will help him dig up some dirt on an associate things get interesting.  Particularly when the associate turns up dead the next day.  There are enough twists here to satisfy anyone who likes roller coaster rides.  All the characters are great and the situations realistic, no twist seems out of place.  And as in real life there are several subplots involved.  Really looking forward to reading more.  RRRR