Alive!

Read Alive! Storyline:

Bela Lugosi’s Frankenstein screen test puts Valentino in the picture for murderBela Lugosi's Frankenstein screen test puts Valentino in the picture for murderEveryone knows the Frankenstein monster was played by Boris Karloff. His portrayal is so famous that the play Arsenic and Old Lace was filled with Karloff/monster jokes-even when the part of the monstrously deformed villain was played by another actor. But before Karloff's memorable portrayal, another famous 1930s Hollywood icon, Bela Lugosi, tested for the part of the monster.The screen test footage was lost for decades, until Valentino, that never-say-die film archivist, gets a hot tip about the whereabouts of the incriminating (for really bad, heavily accented acting) footage. But it comes with a price far greater than the money he'll have to pay. Someone would kill to get that reel of film, and that makes Valentino a mortal obstacle who would rather not die for art. People have already been murdered for the film, and Val doesn't want to push his luck…but boy, that reel is too good to let go…. Enter a crew of steampunk fans. Loving the arcane strangeness that is Valentino's life-not to mention the completely glam prospect of seeing the original filmic Count Dracula as the Frankenstein monster-they will find a way to save Valentino and Lugosi's infamous screen test. Or if they can't do that, have a great party anyway. Val just hopes it's not a wake.…In Alive!, Loren D. Estleman delivers a mystery that only he can.LOREN D. ESTLEMAN has written two previous Valentino, film detective murder mysteries, and almost seventy books all told. Winner of four Shamus Awards, five Spur Awards, and three Western Heritage Awards, he lives in Central Michigan."Shamus-winner Estleman's captivating second mystery to feature L.A. film detective Valentino. Readers will eagerly turn the pages."-Publishers Weekly, starred review on Alone"Frames melds Estleman's love of movies with his gift for swift, satisfying storytelling."-San Francisco Chronicle"Great cast, great subject, flawless delivery from a real pro."-Booklist starred review on Frames"Frames is gripping entertainment. If you love movies, you'll love this mystery."-Lawrence Kasdan, Oscar Award-nominee "Estleman has scripted yet another wacky comedic mystery. His snappy dialog, feisty characters, Hollywood lore, and gentle romance make this his funniest to date."-Library Journal on Frames"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 #1 bestselling author on Frames