Set in 1932, Heyes's (Children of the Swastika: The Hitler Youth) sprightly mystery kicks off a series of three tales starring an 11-year-old movie actor, Billy O'Dwyer, who spends most of his time living in New York City with his abusive agent, Maureen, occasionally visiting his British-born parents in Massachusetts. Soon after Billy meets Virginia Grady, his young co-star on a forthcoming film, an actress who works for their studio is murdered in the Coney Island apartment owned by the studio head. When a policeman (a former studio employee) finds the body, hovering over the cadaver is another actor, Roscoe Muldoon, a kind man who has befriended Billy. The police arrest Muldoon, yet Billy believes his pal is innocent and teams up with Virginia to find the real killer. Though readers aren't likely to harbor any doubts that the determined sleuths will triumph, Heyes interjects several red herrings. Credible period details and dialogue, as well as the affecting depiction of Billy's close rapport with his father, adds to the caper's appeal. With their likable personalities and sassy repartee, Billy and Virginia prove to be worthy of the spotlight—and of an encore performance. Ages 9-12. (Apr.)
