Who Killed the Pinup Queen?
 by Toni L. P. Kelner
(Prime Crime, $6.99, NV) ISBN 978-0-425-23205-7
***
Freelance entertainment reporter Tilda Harper is facing tough times in the current economy like everyone else. The stars of a 1950’s television show Cowtown approach Tilda’s biggest client, Entertain Me! magazine about doing a series about the old show, focusing on former guest stars to help generate excitement for the western resort the two stars of the show, brothers Hoyt and Tucker Ambrose want to build in Massachusetts.  And Tilda is the magazine’s obvious choice for the assignment as she is an expert on old-time television programs. 

When editor Jillian offers to make Tilda’s “Where Are They Now?” column a regular feature and to hire Tilda full time, she’s not sure how to respond since so far things are going well being a freelancer. First though, Tilda is finishing up an interview series with former pinup girl Sandra Sechrest, who was known in the 50’s as Sandy Sea Chest.  Sandy has set up a business selling items from her heyday to supplement her income and has some things from her career that people would die—or kill—to get their hands on. 

Going back after leaving her camera at Sandy’s house, Tilda finds Sandy dead, obviously murdered, and doesn’t find the last batch of photos that Sandy showed her of a famous pirate shoot. Naturally curious and afraid she will be considered a suspect, Tilda begins looking into Sandy’s life to see who from her present or past might have wanted to kill her for those pictures. 

At the same time, Tilda continues her Cowtown story and before she knows it, the two stories have intersected in a way that Tilda never saw coming, but in a way that may just explain the former pinup girl’s death…if Tilda lives long enough to grab the exclusive.  

Who Killed the Pinup Queen? is a fun look at old-time cowboy shows through a modern day journalist’s eyes. Tilda is an independent woman who enjoys having fun and has managed to turn her interests in writing and old-time television into a lucrative profession that allows her to work for herself.  She and buddy Cooper, who works full-time for Entertain Me! prove to be a good pair, always looking out for one another. 

Tilda is a little too curious for her own good sometimes, but she is very clever and tenacious and doesn’t stop until she uncovers the truth. The plot is well-laid out, though readers are likely to guess the murderer and the motive before Tilda has all the pieces in place.  Who Killed the Pinup Queen? is a fast-paced read that fans of television nostalgia will quickly add to their must-read lists.                                                  

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry

@ Please tell us what you think! back Back Home