Synopsis: In "Platinum Widow: Who Killed Jean Harlow's Husband?", prodigal private investigator Porter Down, takes a perilously deep dive into one of the most notorious unsolved Hollywood mystery of all time!
A work of fiction based on an historical incident, in Platinum Widow", author Gregory William Mank takes the reader on a wild and wicked time machine ride back to Golden Age Hollywood, and the events surrounding the shocking death of MGM producer Paul Bern, 65 days (and nights) after his marriage to Platinum Blonde Bombshell, Jean Harlow.
Was it suicide? Was it murder? This fascinating novel weaves exhaustive research with fictional flourishes, including a deadly female pornographer/blackmailer. Cameo appearances from such Big Screen luminaries as Clark Gable, Joan Crawford, Fredric March, Lionel Atwill, Louis B. Mayer, and Irving Thalberg abound.
And what part might the notorious real-life mobster/Harlow's previous paramour and protector "Longie" Zwillman, have played in the events surrounding Bern's death?
Critique: Ultimately (and based on the real-life events of 91-years-ago) "Platinum Widow: Who Killed Jean Harlow's Husband?" offers a fictional (but quite credible) solution to Bern's demise,. A sordid yet heart-breaking saga, "Platinum widow is the second novel in Gregory Mank's 'Porter Down Hollywood Mysteries' series (following the acclaimed "Frankenstein's Witch: St. Lizzie, Pray for Us"), and includes photographs relevant to the case and suspects. While particularly recommended as a popular addition to community library Historical Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Platinum Widow" is also available in a paperback edition (9798887711690, $33.00).
Mary Cowper, Reviewer
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf