Frames A Valentino Mystery [Paperback]

Enter Valentino, a mild-mannered UCLA film archivist. In the surreal world of Hollywood filmdom, truth is often stranger than celluloid fiction. When Valentino buys a decrepit movie palace and uncovers a skeleton in the secret Prohibition basement, he's not really surprised. But he's staggered by a second discovery: long-lost, priceless reels of film: Erich von Stroheim's infamousGreed.

The LAPD wants to take the reels as evidence, jeopardizing the precious old film. If Valentino wants to save his find, he has only one choice: solve the murder within 72 hours with the help of his mentor, the noted film scholar Broadhead, and Fanta, a feisty if slightly flaky young law student.

Between a budding romance with a beautiful forensics investigator and visions of Von Stroheim's ghost, Valentino's madcap race to save the flick is as fast and frenetic as a classic screwball comedy. A quirky cast of characters, smart dialogue and a touch of romance makeFramesEstleman's most engaging and accessible novel to date.

LOREN D. ESTLEMAN has written more than sixty novels, includingAmerican Detective,The Adventures of Johnny Vermillion, andNicotine Kiss. His work has earned him four Shamus Awards, five Golden Spur Awards, and three Western Heritage Awards. He lives in Michigan with his wife, author Deborah Morgan.When mild-mannered UCLA film archivist Valentino buys a decrepit movie palace, he uncovers a skeleton and long-lost, priceless, reels of film: Erich von Stroheim's infamousGreed. Now, if Valentino wants to save keep the film, he has to solve the murder within 72 hours.

Estleman marvelously mixes movies and mayhem in a way sure to please film buffs and mystery fans alike.Framesis another winner from a master. John Jakes, New York Times bestselling author

Estleman has laid claim to a fresh new franchise and the turf is all his. My hat's off to him. Sue Grafton, New York Times bestsellinl#+