Farmer writes hilarious dialgoue, but the humor of her story arises from situations and the people involved. After the widow of the late Hollywood icon is murdered, she also renews her acquaintance with policeman, Honnett. As Madeline tries to figure out the puzzle she meets old Grande Dames of both the silver screen and the small screen, gamblers, and hi-tech nouveau riche. It is found with only the ancient game tiles and no journal. Before Mad has a chance to satisfy her curiosity, the box is stolen. Wesley, in his other job of restoring houses, has come across a very old mah jongg set which was hidden in the wall of the house of a recently deceased movie star. She and her partner, Wesley, are planning to cater a mah jongg party, which in Hollywood has become a new fashion borrowed from the past. Jerrilyn Farmer may write like a dream, but her heroine Madeline Bean often faces nightmarish situations in her career as a Los Angeles event planner. Madeline Bean mysteries never disappoint, and they're not starting now. And as the various plot lines wind their way through the story and eventually come together at the end, it all adds up to a great read with an unexpected climax and very satisfying conclusion. This is a very well researched book and Ms Farmer's expertise in cooking and the kitchen, mah jongg, the ways of Hollywood and the Chinese New Year celebrations adds real credibility to the story. Her writing is delicious, full of descriptive laugh out loud scenes and marvelous dialogue and her cast of quirky characters add to the fun. Jerrilyn Farmer has written a light, witty whodunit that gives you a birds eye view of life in L.A., from the old Hollywood screen mavens to the hip nouveau riche. Her instincts tell her there's a lot more going on than meets the eye and she can't let it rest until she knows the whole truth. The police chalk it up to an unfortunate accident probably caused by too much partying, but Madeline isn't so sure. Later that evening, Quita is found dead from an apparent fall down the stairs. The game is found a few blocks away in a trash can, but the book is missing. Wes has decided to give Quita the set, but before he can deliver it, it's stolen. Along with the beautiful hand carved tiles, there's also a red leather-bound book of what he figures are game instructions, that belonged to the previous owner, the now deceased Hollywood movie legend, Dickey McBride, and his last wife, Quita, will be at the party tonight. It just so happens that earlier that very day, Wes found an antique Chinese mah jongg set in the old house he's renovating. Madeline Bean is back and along with her partner, Wesley Wescott, planning a marvelous Chinese New Year party for the Sweet and Sour Mah Jongg Club.
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