The Long Silence

Set in Hollywood in 1922, this outstanding series launch from O’Donovan (Dublin Dead) puts a fictional spin on the real-life murder of film director William Desmond Taylor. Querulous movie producer Mack Sennett (of Keystone Cops fame) hires transplanted Irishman Tom Collins, a former New York City cop, to prove that Mabel Normand, Mack’s star and former paramour, is innocent of shooting Taylor. But Mack is not the only one putting pressure on Tom; the death of a mid-level dope dealer brings him to the attention of a burgeoning gangster. Tom visits glamorous nightclubs and opulent restaurants, as well as dives and dope dens—all depicted with an acute eye for detail—along the way to the breathtaking and satisfying conclusion. O’Donovan skillfully portrays an evolving city that is shaped and indeed ruled by the movie industry. The characters, too, are drawn with precision, be they society dames, hop heads, movie stars, or studio executives. Readers will hope this marks the start of a long-running series. Agent: Broo Doherty, David Headley Literary Agency (U.K.). (May)