Murder in Hollywood: 1930s Gold Age Mystery from Millicent Binks

Last Updated on April 22, 2026

Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the glitz, the glamor, and the occasional gunfire of 1930s Tinseltown, as seen through the eyes of Opal Laplume, one of the most delightful amateur sleuths to ever don a feathered hat.

Murder in Hollywood, the second book in Millicent Binks’ Opal Laplume Mystery Series, is a cozy mystery that sparkles with the energy of the Golden Age of Hollywood, complete with all the style, scandal, and snappy dialogue you could wish for.

A solid historical cozy, the story opens with Opal Laplume, a talented English hat designer who has landed a dream job as milliner for a prominent Hollywood studio.

The only problem is that, as she arrived late, the job has gone to somebody else. Instead, she must now assist in the costume department, making costumes for Jane Margeaux, Hollywood’s reigning talkie queen.

The setting is pure catnip for anyone who loves vintage glamour. Picture endless rows of gleaming cars, dazzling designer gowns trailing across studio lots, and the intoxicating buzz of a film industry discovering its own voice.

Millicent Binks has a real knack for evoking the era. The descriptions of costumes are lush and meticulous, making you want to reach through the page and run your fingers over the beaded fringe and silk satin.

The cars, the sets, the endless parade of studio bigwigs and starlets, every detail feels like it’s been plucked from a sepia-toned photograph and dusted off just for you.

Murder on Set

But, as any true cozy mystery fan knows, where there’s glamor, there’s usually a corpse not far behind.

The plot kicks into high gear when Jane Margeaux is fatally shot on set by what should have been a harmless prop gun.

Suddenly, the studio is in chaos, and Augusto, the well-meaning security guard, finds himself in the crosshairs when a bullet goes missing from his pistol.

Opal, loyal to her new friend and blessed (or cursed) with an insatiable curiosity, can’t help but get involved.

The suspects line up faster than extras at a casting call. There’s Betty, the co-star with a jealousy problem; Virginia, the overworked and underpaid assistant; and Carey, Jane’s husband, whose interest in his wife’s Sunset Boulevard mansion seems a bit too keen.

Each has their own motive, and Opal’s investigation takes her from the sound stages of Hollywood to the sun-baked California desert, where another body turns up—this time a crew member clutching a briefcase full of movie scripts.

Can Opal unravel the mystery, find the real killer, and save Augusto from a lifetime behind bars?

A Heroine for the Ages

Opal herself is a joy to follow. She’s clever, observant, and just mischievous enough to keep things interesting.

Raised by creative and adventurous parents, Opal is ahead of her time. She is resourceful, quick-witted, and unafraid to challenge the expectations of both Hollywood and her own upbringing.

She’s the kind of protagonist you want to root for, whether she’s dodging studio executives or piecing together clues from a director’s cut.

What makes Opal particularly engaging is her eye for detail. She spots things others miss, whether it’s a stray thread on a costume or a secret message hidden in a reel of film.

And thankfully, she’s no fool. Author Millicent Binks wisely avoids the tired trope of the clueless heroine; instead, she gives us a leading lady in Opal who is sharp, perceptive, and refreshingly immune to the usual pitfalls of naivety and gullibility.

From that perspective, she was a joy to follow on the adventure.

Hollywood Intrigue

Given that the author was inspired by the 1930s Golden Age of Hollywood, the supporting characters are equally vivid.

Jane Margeaux, though quickly dispatched, leaves a long shadow, and her life and secrets are the fuel that keeps the plot burning.

Betty, Virginia, and Carey each get their moment in the spotlight, and Binks does a fine job of giving them enough depth to keep you guessing about their motives.

There’s also a healthy dose of Hollywood intrigue: secret affairs, hidden fortunes, and the ever-present threat of scandal.

The studio system is depicted with both affection and a knowing wink that there’s plenty of backstabbing, but also a sense of camaraderie among the crew and cast that feels authentic.

A Long Build-Up, Then a Quick Curtain Call

Now, let’s talk pacing, as this book is a bit of a paradox. It’s a cozy mystery that sometimes feels like it’s taking its sweet time to get to the heart of the matter.

The investigation meanders through red herrings, studio politics, and costume fittings, which is delightful if you’re here for the atmosphere but may test your patience if you’re eager for the big reveal.

Then, just as you’re settling in for a leisurely unveiling of whodunit, the ending arrives in a rush.

All the threads are tied up quickly, almost too quickly, given the leisurely pace of the rest of the book. It’s as if the director suddenly shouted “Wrap!” and everyone scrambled to finish their scenes.

While all the questions are answered, you might wish for a little more breathing room to savor the resolution.

Why This Cozy Mystery Works

Despite the slightly uneven pacing, Murder in Hollywood is a satisfying read for fans of the genre.

It delivers all the essentials: a likable sleuth, a cast of colorful suspects, a richly drawn setting, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.

The book doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is exactly what you want from a cozy set in the land of make-believe.

The attention to period detail is a real treat. Whether you’re a fan of old Hollywood, vintage fashion (Coco Chanel also guest stars!), or classic whodunits, there’s something here to tickle your fancy.

A Fun Escape to Tinseltown

If you’re looking for a clever, charming escape to a bygone era, one where the biggest danger is a murderer lurking behind the klieg lights, then Murder in Hollywood is well worth your time.

So pour yourself a martini, settle into your favorite armchair, and let Opal guide you through the shadows and spotlights of 1930s Hollywood.

Just keep your wits about you, because in this town, everyone has something to hide, and the truth is always just one clever observation away.

Lights, camera, murder – now that’s entertainment.