Murder at the Academy Awards (R): A Red Carpet Murder Mystery

by Joan Rivers

  Even though the idea to write these mysteries was right under my nose, it took acclaimed film producer and mastermind book packager, Larry Thompson, to bring it to my attention. Before he even finished pitching me the idea of the Red Carpet Murder Mysteries, I said, “Oh, yeah. I’m in. There are so many people in show biz that I would love to kill.” I am so grateful to Larry not only for his ideas and creative talents but also for his passion and belief in me. He’s drop-dead smart and a real keeper.

  After Larry lit the match, he and his most efficient head of development, Robert G. Endara II, discovered the mystery-writing talents of my cowriter, bestselling novelist, and new friend, Jerrilyn Farmer. Her Madeline Bean mystery series has been at number one on the L.A. Times bestseller list multiple times, won a host of awards including two Lefties, given to the Funniest Mystery Novel of the Year, and spent weeks on Amazon’s Hot 100 list. Jerrilyn is also a TV writer who has written comedy for Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz and now teaches mystery writing at UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. With the good taste and encouragement of Jerrilyn’s son, Nick, and the help of her ace literary agent, Evan Marshall, our partnership clicked. The two of us are like the mystery/comedy dream team—I like to kill audiences and she likes to kill fictional characters that remind her oh so much of the people who bug her in real life. We’ve laughed together. We’ve walked down Madison Avenue together. We’ve hung out in L.A. together. We’ve puzzled over what makes people tick together. Thank you so much, Jerrilyn.

  Next, the literary agency Dupree-Miller & Associates joined our team. They deserve a big kiss. Jan Miller, a star maker and superstar herself, with her ever-vigilant and enthusiastic paisan, Nena Madonia, went immediately to Simon & Schuster and threatened, “We have an offer you can’t refuse.”

  And then it was real.

  With much enthusiasm, I want to thank everyone at Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster who rolled out the red carpet for me. First, my love, love, love goes to my glorious and talented editor, Mitchell Ivers, who listened to Larry and me at lunch, got it, laughed, and has escorted us every step of the way down the publishing red carpet. Also at Pocket Books and Simon & Schuster, big hugs and no small thanks to Deputy Publisher Anthony Ziccardi, and Publisher Louise Burke, who at that lovefest lunch also laughed and said yes. I think they all ordered the salmon.

  I hasten to say thanks to my constant traveling companion, personal manager, and cheerleader, Billy Sammeth; my theatrical agent, Joel Dean; my entertainment lawyer, Kenneth Browning; my business manager, Michael Karlin; my indefatigable personal assistant, Jocelyn Pickett; and my longtime publicist, Judy Katz. With that payroll, you know why I work my ass off.

  On a serious note, I would like to thank the Academy (I’ve always wanted to say that), especially, my pussycats, Gil Cates, the quintessential producer of the Academy Awards telecasts, and Sid Ganis, who is president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, for granting us permission to use the Academy’s registered trademarks Academy Awards® and Oscars® in our title and first book of our series. I am so appreciative. They love me…they really love me.

  I also want to thank every star I have ever interviewed on the red carpet. Whether you won that night or lost, you are all winners to me.

  And lastly, a huge thank-you to my one and only, darling daughter, Melissa, and her adorable son, Cooper, for allowing me to embark on yet another creative effort that robs us of our precious time together. To Melissa, who calls me by the most beautiful name in the world, Mom, and to my grandson, Cooper, who refers to me after each of my beauty enhancements as Nana New Face, I want to say, “Thank you for everything, and I love you very much. You both really do ‘complete me.’”

  So, enjoy Murder at the Academy Awards® and the sequels that will be coming soon. And since I won’t be asking you my proverbial red carpet question, “Who are you wearing?” but instead, “Whodunit?” feel free to wear anything you wish while helping Max solve these mysteries, knowing that I will not comment to the media on your appearance or sense of fashion. In fact, simply having you read while lounging comfortably in flannel pajamas adorned with delicious chocolate ice-cream stains will make me appreciate and love you even more.

  From Jerrilyn Farmer

  This book was a joy to work on, and with deep gratitude I wish to thank the following for their help and encouragement:

  My friendship with Lee Goldberg has seen us through some excellent times, sitting side by side at so many book signings in our mystery-writing community, but I will always owe him a debt of gratitude for introducing me to Larry Thompson, one of the most brilliant and enthusiastic book packagers and film producers I’ve had the pleasure to work with. In turn, I must thank Larry for bringing me into this lovely partnership and introducing me to a woman I so admire for her talent, graciousness, and legendary wit—Joan Rivers.

  Thanks most warmly go to Joan, the shining star with her daughter, Melissa, of this and every red carpet, whose friendship means so much, for sharing her incredible life and point of view, and so generously throwing herself fully into this project.

  I’m also beholden to our fabulous editor, Mitchell Ivers, whose devilish wit rose to every occasion, and my dear literary agent, Evan Marshall, who again saw me happily through another wonderful endeavor. I owe much to others as well.

  I must thank Michelle Dewey and the impressive writing students I work with from the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. Thanks to the wonderful Robert G. Endara II and the incredible Jocelyn Pickett for helping facilitate the complex logistics of a merry troupe who worked together on this book on several continents, most notably our wonderful Joan, who seemed never to be in the same city for two nights in a row.

  My sweetest thanks go to my dear family, who have always cheered me on as I embark on each new journey. In particular, my talented son, Nick, who urged me to find time for this project, amid a sea of plans and school forms that had passed their deadlines. With the help of my darling husband, Chris, and my wonderfully capable oldest son, Sam, our world made room for a project I truly loved taking on.

  Not everyone gets the chance to wear the fur coat of a superstar and walk a mile in her Manolos. Thanks to the brilliant Joan Rivers, I got that chance. It was like a Fantasy Camp for Fashionistas. Thank you, again, Joan for welcoming me into your world.