ARC Review: Final Cut by Marjorie McCown

Final Cut
Author: Marjorie McCown
Series: A Hollywood Mystery
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (June 6, 2023)

Description: Perfect for fans of Elle Cosimano and Nita Prose, when Hollywood costumer Joey Jessop stumbles across a dead body near the set of a big budget movie, she must find ways to protect her career—and herself—before it's too late.

Joey Jessop enjoys working behind the scenes. As key costumer for the next epic superhero movie, her role is to make others look good while staying out of the spotlight. That means making sure to be professional around Eli Logan, her ex and the First Assistant Director, and Courtney Lisle, Eli's newest love interest and the Second Assistant Director. But this isn't a problem for Joey—especially when the movie is shooting at a gorgeous Malibu location.

All of that changes when Joey finds Courtney's dead body on the first day of principal photography and she soon becomes the primary suspect. When the press takes hold of the story and social media begins to run with it, Joey watches her well-ordered life behind the scenes become front and center for all to see. But that isn't even the worst of it. In the midst of this newfound and unfortunate stardom, she must also contend with the reckless behavior of the movie's predatory director and producer, Marcus Pray, who seems driven to continue his practice of making another blockbuster hit while making sure his crew endures a toxic and potentially lethal work environment. As a result, Joey finds herself embattled both personally and professionally.

With tensions building on set and a murder investigation looming over her life and future, Joey takes it upon herself to clear her name. Will she be able to expose the truth before it's a wrap?

My Thoughts: This mystery introduces costumer Joey Jessup as she stumbles onto the body of one the Assistant Directors on the beach the first day of filming for the latest superhero blockbuster. She had been trying to contact the AD all day in order to smooth out their working relationship. The AD was currently dating Joey's ex and seemed to think Joey wanted him back. 

This is just one of the bad things that are happening on the movie set. One of the set electricians is almost electrocuted in an accident. And tensions are generally high because the director is a high-maintenance kind of guy who wants to be surrounded by beautiful models and doesn't hesitate to hit on any woman who catches his eye. Everyone knows that he is harassing women, but no one is brave enough to take him on and have their career derailed or be blacklisted as a result of his spite. 

Joey is trying to keep her head down but wants to know who murdered the AD since she has fallen under police suspicion. She is also being victimized by text messages that quote bible verses that are unnerving her. She also has some vandalism done to her car which the police think is self-inflicted as a way to gain herself some publicity. This police attitude is why she doesn't go to them as the dangers pile up.

I enjoyed this story which gave an interesting look at the production of movies from the viewpoint of an important member of the crew. The #metoo movement plot provided a good red herring for the story and made the story timely. 

Favorite Quote:

"Everyone knows you show's got big problems, along with the rumors flying about that pig of a director. He makes Donald Trump look like a pussycat." The librarian pursed her lips. "Pun intended."

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.