Zac Bissonnette’s debut mystery, A Killing in Costumes, is whimsical, nostalgic, and a little bittersweet at times. He introduces a character duo who can take on the world together, a sympathetic pair that the reader wants to see succeed, whether they’re operating a movie memorabilia store or trying to solve a murder when they’re the primary suspects. Meet Jay Allan and Cindy Cooper.

At one time, Jay and Cindy were a hot young married couple who sang together on a popular soap opera, playing a hot young married couple. But two years into their successful run, they came out as gay, divorced, and watched the press attack them as they lost their TV gigs. Cindy became a financial advisor and married, while Jay went on to front a musical trio in Las Vegas. Through Cindy’s ten year marriage and the death of her wife, and Jay’s career, they still remained best friends. They’re now business partners in Hooray for Hollywood Movie Memorabilia in Palm Springs, California. They may be partners, but Cindy doesn’t have the heart to tell Jay they’re bleeding money in the business.

They’re both excited when they receive a call that actress Yana Tosh, a ninety-year-old diva who once played minor villains in the movies of the ’50s and ’60s, has an unbelievable collection of movie memorabilia that she wants them to see, and possibly sell for her. They both enjoy their time with Yana, and love to hear and share the stories behind her costumes and collectibles. But, they’re not so happy when they learn they have a competitor, Dylan Redman from Cypress Auctions, a large auction house. They’re certainly not happy when Redman offers them a meager deal to work with him. But, neither Jay nor Cindy were angry or needy enough to kill the man.

When Detective Simon Fletcher from the Palm Springs Police Department shows up to question them about Redman’s death, Cindy sees possibilities for Jay’s love life with the hunky detective. However, neither of them expected to be at the top of the suspect list. As they seem to sink deeper into trouble, and see the possibilities for success sink, Jay finally says they have to solve the case because neither they nor the store have time to wait around for the police.

A Killing in Costumes is an entertaining debut with two sparkling leads. In fact, there’s a terrific supporting cast with the older fan who works for them and has her own creative project, the detective, and an unusual gossip reporter. But, Jay and Cindy are the ones who shine. They have a synergy that just works in their business and as amateur sleuths; Cindy with her business smarts, and Jay with his knack with people. As I said, they’re sympathetic characters, and I wanted to see them succeed in their business. Why not? The stories of Hollywood, the songs from their past, add the perfect nostalgic elements to the mystery.

And, the mystery itself? I never saw that ending coming. It’s a solid debut that bodes well for the future. “Hooray for Hollywood”, and Cindy and Jay.

Zac Bissonnette’s website is http://zacbissonnette.com/

A Killing in Costumes by Zac Bissonnette. Crooked Lane Books, 2022. ISBN 9781639100866 (hardcover), 320p.

Don’t forget! I have a special giveaway. Zac has offered one lucky reader an original Murder, She Wrote script, signed by Tom Sawyer, head writer and show runner of the show. So, this will go hand-in-hand with my regular weekly giveaways. Email me at Lesa.Holstine@gmail.com. Your subject line should read “Win Murder, She Wrote.” Please include your name and mailing address, and I’ll send the winner’s information to Zac on Thursday night. That means this giveaway will end Thursday, Aug. 11 at 5 PM CT. Good luck!

FTC Full Disclosure – I received an ARC from the publisher, with no promises I would review it.